How to help a mare whose foal needs to be euthanized?

[flyracing]

If you are at all thinking you may want to save this filly for breeding, give this vet a call before you euthanize: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=812392422190297&id=119581104804769&_rdr

That foal had fractured and displaced the femoral neck and fractured the pelvic side of the hip (acetabulum) as well. He was non-weight bearing prior to surgery and walking nearly sound immediately after surgery. I’ve known of two cases this was done with and both were very successful.

I’m very sorry to hear about your special foal! Best wishes to you and the mare!

[bornfreenowexpensive]

I lost a foal this year…breach birth. They did everything they could (she was born with a heart beat but never took a breath).

Every mare is different. The breeding farm left the foal with her for little while…then took it away. She nickered for a few times. It is heart breaking. She was a bit depressed but perked up when she saw me and took treats. I took her home a few days later (she was dealing with a bit of retained placenta) and put her out with her buddies.

It is really really hard when you lose a foal. In my case, I was just happy we didn’t also lose the mare. I had been so excited for this cross…and the foal was exactly what I hoped for…but not meant to be.

Your mare will recover…probably faster than you. So sorry for your little foal and the hard decisions you face.

[Didi]

I have no anecdotes to offer, just my sincere condolences. I can only imagine the pain you are going through. Jingles for comfort for you, your mare, and the precious filly.

[ShadowsMom]

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and condolences. Each of your stories of loss touch my heart, and I too am so sorry for your losses.
Our vet came out at noon and recommended euthanizing her in the stall and then leaving Mom with her for 3 hours or so. I watched her on our foaling cameras and she just basically stood over the filly for at least an hour and a half and then started knocking on the stall door to go out. She had been confined for almost 3 days, and was impatient to get out. We put her out with a buddy from the herd and she waited a bit and then started calling for her foal. We put the rest of the herd out with her and as long as she could see us she called. But once we were out of sight she circled the entire field, called a couple more times and then started eating.
The vet said afterwards that we made the best decision possible, that the bone in her hip had broken off and twisted so it was splintered inside and she was building up more and more fluid in her leg and then into her abdomen. I’m just glad she isn’t suffering anymore and hopefully her Mom will settle in soon.
Thank you again for all the kind words and thoughts…hopefully none of us will ever experience another foal death…

[Cindy_s_Warmbloods]

I also had a foal born with no eyes we euthanized a number of years ago as well as I lost a foal to Clostridium this year. Both cases we left the foal with the mare after it was euthanized or had died for about 3hrs. The mares seem to accept their foal had died after a few hours and the mares were returned to their friends for comfort. Though they seemed to pine for a little bit (whinnied once in a while and was watching pretty hard for the next day or so) once their udder started to go down at 48hrs they seemed to be pretty well over it.

[beowulf]

[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;8221316]
I lost a foal this year…breach birth. They did everything they could (she was born with a heart beat but never took a breath).

Every mare is different. The breeding farm left the foal with her for little while…then took it away. She nickered for a few times. It is heart breaking. She was a bit depressed but perked up when she saw me and took treats. I took her home a few days later (she was dealing with a bit of retained placenta) and put her out with her buddies.

It is really really hard when you lose a foal. In my case, I was just happy we didn’t also lose the mare. I had been so excited for this cross…and the foal was exactly what I hoped for…but not meant to be.

Your mare will recover…probably faster than you. So sorry for your little foal and the hard decisions you face.[/QUOTE]

Oh no… this is not the FG filly is it? So sorry BFNE… glad your mare is okay…

OP, I am terribly sorry for your loss as well… how heartbreaking. (hugs)

[bornfreenowexpensive]

[QUOTE=beowulf;8221809]
Oh no… this is not the FG filly is it? So sorry BFNE… glad your mare is okay…

OP, I am terribly sorry for your loss as well… how heartbreaking. (hugs)[/QUOTE]

Yes…it was the FG one…she was a dark bay filly just like I wanted. I will re-breed to him next spring. Knowing my mare…she will produce a lovely chestnut next time But the mare is doing well so far so you move on.

Sorry for your loss OP…it is the heartbreak of breeding.

[beowulf]

[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;8221818]
Yes…it was the FG one…she was a dark bay filly just like I wanted. I will re-breed to him next spring. Knowing my mare…she will produce a lovely chestnut next time But the mare is doing well so far so you move on.

Sorry for your loss OP…it is the heartbreak of breeding.[/QUOTE]

I am so sorry… condolences… so glad you are repeating the cross - there is something about FG that really catches my eye.

[paintjumper63]

OP-So sorry:(

[sid]

OP, I’m glad the foal was let go, before there was too much suffering – and that your “plan” today has worked out for the dam.

Your post brought back an old wound from my first foal that will probably never be healed, despite so many others born later.

And to the others that have faced this terrible situation, my hearts go out to you as well.

This is definitely the downside of breeding. 11 months of waiting, doing everything “right”, delivery a little cutie pie – then something like this.

Hugs,

Susan

[catherines]

No anecdotes or advice to offer , just sympathy . Glad the deed is done and both you and your mare can start the healing process. She will have an easier time than you I’m thinking. You did the best and kindest thing possible under horrible circumstances .

[Manni01]

so so sorry for you These are really the hardest moments

[TullyMars]

I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss.

[elsbet]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your young foal…hugs to you and your mare.

[Foxtrot_s]

The way you handled it is a lesson for all of us - so sad, and yet it sounds if the mare needed time with the foal and then became reconciled.