Maternal Behavior
The mare's behavior is critical and must be closely monitored. A good dam will pay close attention to its foal, avoiding stepping or lying on it, protecting it from real or perceived threats, and facilitating the nursing process.
The mare and foal will be in close contact over the first few days of life, within 5 m of each other for more than 95% of the time. Signs of concern are mares that are ambivalent about the foal, avoid or fear their foal, do not allow the foal to nurse, demonstrate extreme protection (“foal proud”), or are outwardly aggressive toward the foal.7,8 Some mare behavior may be viewed as aggressive but may actually be normal. This may occur in response to excessive bumping of the udder or overly enthusiastic sucking. It has been reported that maiden mares, older mares, mares with a history of rejecting foals, and Arabian mares of Egyptian lineage are at greatest risk of rejecting their foals.9 The health of either the foal or mare can contribute to a failure to bond. For example, foals that are unable to stand or suck are less likely to form a normal bond, and mares with painful mammary glands or that are experiencing strong postpartum uterine contractions are less tolerant of foals trying to suck. The benzodiazepine drug alprazolam has been used to treat maternal aggression with apparent success.10 A dose rate of0. 035 mg/kg, PO, q8-12h has been recommended. Some cautions are recognized, including slight mare sedation at q8h dosing; the likelihood that the drug is passed in milk (although no foal sedation has been observed); and there may be increased risk of congenital defects when used in the first 10
trimester by pregnant women.10
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