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RE: [RC] mare for hire/having a colt for a friend - Susan E. Garlinghouse, D.V.M.Along with what everyone else has said, be sure you understand all the vet costs for getting a mare through pregnancy, both normal and abnormal. Some are necessary (like rhino vaccinations at 5, 7 and 9 months gestation and boosters for EWT, WNV and other endemic diseases a month prior to foaling)(and please, let's not turn this into another argument against the evils of vaccines), other things are highly recommended (like a post-foaling check of mare and foal, including assays of IgG for immune status in the foal). Plus all the semi-optional things like checking the mare in foal and without a twin a couple weeks past breeding (manually or via ultrasound), and again a few weeks after that to confirm the little bugger is still there. If you're sending the mare to a stallion for live cover, the stallion owner often requires a clean pre-breeding uterine culture. If the mare is older, you might want/need a uterine biopsy. If you're transporting semen for AI, then count on several vet appointments for ultrasound assessment of developing follicles, one or two sessions inseminating the mare, and very probably some use of prostaglandins and/or gonadotropins to manipulate the estrus cycle to coincide with arrival of the semen. Some mares need supplementation with Regumate to help support the pregnancy for awhile until the placental production of progesterone kicks in sufficiently. Also, be very clear about who is responsible for what if the foal is born with problems. What if there's a difficult birth, the foal has a bit of maladjustment syndrome and needs supportive care in the hospital for awhile? You can count on $500-800 a day for plasma, fluids, DMSO and monitoring, although most foals can come home pretty quickly. What if there's an umbilical hernia requiring resection? Maybe another $500-1000. What if the foal is born with angular limb deformities that will straighten out with time, but require therapy to do so? Or a retained placenta in the mare? Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to sound like the voice of doom. MOST births go just fine without intervention or problems, but you really need to be prepared if something does go even slightly wrong. I can help you out with some ballpark vet costs if you want to email me privately. Hope everything goes well for you and without a hitch. Susan Garlinghouse, DVM, MS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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