Staging and Prediction of Parturition in the Mare

Due to the relatively explosive nature of an equine delivery and the associated severe consequences, it is imperative that immediate assistance can be provided when complications occur. To be able to supply a certain level of care, it is important to be prepared and therefore to have a full understanding of the physiology and pathology of parturition. This article describes the three stages and physiology of parturition in addition to a variety of instruments that can be used to predict foaling in the mare. Different monitoring systems will be discussed as well as diagnostic tools and their applicability under physiological and pathological circumstances.