These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Horses Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

What should I do if my mare will not eat the day after she foaled?

Last Updated: June 18, 2009

View as web page


If your mare is not eating after foaling, you need to have your veterinarian examine her. A number of problems can be related to foaling that can make her not want to eat. Some of the common concerns that need to be ruled out are impaction colic, uterine or vaginal damage with potential infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis), excessive bleeding and anemia, damage to the rectum/small colon causing peritonitis, retained placenta, and uterine infection. The prognosis and treatment will depend on the cause of the loss of appetite.

Also, the foal will likely need to be given some supplemental milk. If the mare is not eating and drinking, she is likely not milking enough to support the foal adequately.

Sometimes, mares are really sore, and eating something watered down is helpful. It may be helpful to give wet hay and small amounts of grain (if the mare has been on grain) that is wet enough to be a mash.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horses, nutrition, reproduction, foalingproblems


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.