Earlier this month I had a first time dam give birth at Day 315. No mistake on the day. She was bred AI and we know exactly when she ovulated. The filly is very small, but otherwise had a great IgG and health check. She behaving like any other foal I have ever had.
Anyone had experience with a premature foal? I am curious about what to expect or if there was anything I should look out for. I am figuring she is not going to be tall, but otherwise is there anything else I should be looking for.
Our earliest was 325 days, born with two fractured ribs but otherwise well. She spent a week in a stall before being turned out, that was the only concession we made (and it was mostly for the ribs.) She was always healthy and grew as big as we would have expected based on her breeding. Probably not much help. Best of luck with your filly!
I had one at 311 days and another at 314 days. Both had good IgGs and appeared healthy, but small. We took rads of hocks and knees to make sure the cuboidal bones were fully ossified. In both cases they were normal and the foals matured to expected size. I found my dysmature foals were more likely to stay smaller than expected.
Congrats on your filly! 
I had one born at 318. She was redbag and dummy and had lots of issues initially. However, she’s now a precocious, healthy and correct 4yo and is starting her under saddle career. She is smaller than I expected, but the stallion seems to be hit or miss on the size of his offspring, so I’m attributing her size to him, not her rough start.
Definitely don’t turnout until you’re sure joints are ready.
Thanks for the assuring stories. The filly is developing nicely and seems to thrive. She is the first foal for this mare so I will not be surprised about her mature size. I have a foal born 18 days earlier out of a full sister to this filly’s dam. Same sire. The size difference is striking and not just explained by the age difference IMO. I’m thinking she is going to be a driving pony rather than a riding pony. As a breeder, that is the least of the problems I could have had and I am so grateful.
I have had 318, 320, and 322. All healthy but on the smaller side, and all out of maidens. The first did have poor IgG, but with plasma was fine. Now I make sure to check early.
Glad your foal is doing well!
My trainer had a maiden mare deliver around 320 days this spring. The only issue the foal has is hind flexor tendon laxity.
We had one born on Day 317 last year. I bred her myself and confirmed ovulation so know that the number of days is correct. I nearly had heart failure and just assumed we were in for trouble. IgG was through the roof and the filly was up quickly and bouncing around. She is honestly the hardiest and healthiest foal we’ve ever had. We did keep her confined for a few days to ensure we were not putting any unnecessary stress on her bones and joints.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
