Product Description

Be a foaling expert! This book explains everything, from prenatal care of the mare to the foal's first weeks, with special emphasis on the foaling process. It is based on highly proficient knowledge and the most current scientific data. It is graphically illustrated and very easy to read. Whether you are a breeder, a foaling attendant, or a beginner, your questions will be properly answered. 1

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #905655 in Books
• Published on: 1996-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 332 pages

Western Horseman, April 1997
Theresa Jones is an experienced professional foaling attendant who draws on many years' experience in writing the Complete Foaling Manual. In addition, equine veterinarian Steven Miller and other professionals served as consultants and editors, all to the reader's benefit. A how-to reference that offers step-by-step procedures and information, Complete Foaling Manual takes the reader through the entire birthing process, from pre-foaling preparations to postpartum and neonatal care. However, because foaling isn't always an exact science that occurs in a textbook-perfect manner, Jones also presents the downside of the process-delivery problems, postpartum complications, foal abnormalities. Throughout, the book is an easy read; the horseman isn't overwhelmed by incomprehensible medicalese. Plenty of subheads and good organization ensure that the reader can reference the material easily, and black and white photos and illustrations allow the reader to see what happens before, during, and after foaling. Eight case studies are valuable in that the review of each considers what can go wrong during foaling, why certain decisions were made in handling each situation, and how those decisions affected the outcome. Checklists, a foaling time line, and a foaling record form are included, along with glossary and index. An excellent reference, Complete Foaling Manual gives the first-timer a good idea of what to expect throughout the normal foaling process and, more important, a better understanding of what constitutes a real problem requiring professional assistance. Those more experienced at foaling will appreciate having this thorough and easily referenced book on the shelf.

Anne Loiselle in Hoof Beats, January 1997
There may be no such thing as a complete foaling book but the Complete Foaling Manual may be as close as possible without actually experiencing foaling firsthand. For anyone not intimately familiar with equine births, this book is an excellent guide and reference, and well worth the price. In an easy-to-understand manner, author Teresa Jones explains the normal birthing process and post-partum care, as well as common birthing problems. Throughout the book, she shares examples from 11 years of experience as a professional foaling attendant. Jones focuses on using common sense in delivering and caring for broodmares and foals, and the soundest advice she gives is to never hesitate to call the veterinarian if there's a question. To familiarize readers with the birthing process, the author uses simple terminology to explain a normal birth from beginning to end. By putting this section first, Jones prepares the reader for the upcoming sections on birthing difficulties. Also in the first chapter, she points out the realities of being a foaling assistant and what responsibilities assistants should expect to bear. Although admittedly not a veterinarian, Jones gives an excellent explanation of pregnant mare care and birthing preparations, touching on important issues like determining the due date; vaccinating, feeding, and exercising the mare; and preparing a foaling kit. Check lists and detailed diagrams, such as a vaccination schedule and diagram of a normal, pregnant mare's uterus and its parts, accompany the text throughout the book. These lists and pictures reinforce the most important aspects of the text. The book flows logically from delivery preparation to the three stages of labor and delivery, then to normal post-partum care for the mare and foal. Jones does an outstanding job outlining such things as how to check vital signs of the mare and foal, and checking for a sucking reflex. The need for colostrum and passing of the meconium-the foal's first manure-are emphasized as well. Common post-partum questions are answered, as are questions on turn-out, handling, and preventive health care for the foal. Once the author has established what a normal birth is, she follows by fully describing complications in delivery and post-partum complications in the mare and foal. Performing a vaginal exam is detailed to help the foaling assistant determine a foal's presenting position. The author also talks in a straightforward manner about what can be done to correct a variety of position problems in the foal, as well as signs and symptoms of such mare problems as a retained placenta, uterine tears, and foaling paralysis. Jones also explains what should be done about "dummy" foals and problems like septicemia and colic. Among the book's most valuable features are its case studies. The author relates eight foaling problems she dealt with firsthand, sharing the outcome and what she learned from each experience. In one case study, Jones describes the time she first saw a red-bag birth, in which the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely. In another case study, she relates a foaling in which she questioned a vet's diagnosis and followed her instincts to ask for another vet's opinion, knowing that the first vet would be angered by what she did. She ended up likely saving the foal's life. This book is a valuable reference for a breeding operation of any size, and is particularly well suited for the first-time breeder.

From the Inside Flap
This book covers everything from prenatal care through the foal's first few weeks, concentrating on the time around delivery. It explains the foaling process and what the attendant can do to ensure success. It describes everything from how to watch the mare as she approaches her due date, how to prepare the stall and turnout area, and what items to include in the foaling kit. It walks you through each stage of labor, explaining what is happening and how to help. It also includes essential information like caring for the newborn foal-disinfecting the navel, administering an enema, and helping the foal to nurse. This fully-illustrated manual is essential for all owners, breeders, and foaling attendants. And, it is an excellent companion to the book Breeding Management & Foal Development published by Equine Research, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Foaling Manual - Excellent book
This book is fabulous. We are expecting our first ever foal in October 08 and I have read this book from cover to cover. It is a must in my opinion for anyone who wishes to breed horses. It is a comprehensive manual easy to read in a logical sequence for easy reference. This will be placed in my foaling kit when the time arrives for my new baby to be born. I highly recommend this book, well done.

Very informative and easy to read.
Foaling horses is definetly a very long process especially if you intend on being there for the whole delivery. This book explains what to look for and what will happen during the foaling process. It also tells what to expect and the musts for after delivery. It was very easy to read and understand by real people. I drag it out for each foaling I attend even though I have read and re-read it more than once.

Clear, reassuring information.
When my mare was near term this was the one book that I had with me at all times. Where other authors of foaling books tend to emphasize foaling horrors and disasters, Theresa Jones emphasizes what is normal. She makes you very aware of what can go wrong, and gives ample instruction on how to recognize an emergency or abnormal situation, but she does it in a way that helps you remain confident rather than helpless.