Specialized Reproductive Care for Mares and Foals
Homestead Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive reproductive services for mares across St. Clair, Franklin County, Washington, Union, Sullivan, and surrounding Missouri communities.
Whether you are breeding a performance mare, expanding a broodmare herd, or preparing for the safe arrival of a foal, our veterinarians offer the experience, technology, and hands-on support needed for successful breeding outcomes. We combine advanced diagnostic tools with practical, real-world breeding management to help ensure healthy pregnancies and strong, thriving foals.
Breeding Soundness Exams
A breeding soundness exam allows us to evaluate a mare’s overall reproductive health and identify any conditions that may affect conception or foaling.
These exams can be performed for established broodmares or as part of a pre-purchase evaluation for mares intended for breeding. Exams may include palpation, ultrasound, culture and cytology, and speculum examination.
After the assessment, we provide clear recommendations and a plan tailored to your mare’s needs.
Cycle Management and Artificial Insemination
We routinely monitor mares throughout their heat cycle to determine the optimal timing for breeding. Our team works closely with stallion managers to coordinate fresh, cooled, or frozen semen shipments.
Timing is critical for successful conception, and our veterinarians use ultrasound and hormone management to ensure insemination occurs at the ideal moment. Frozen semen storage is also available for clients needing long-term preservation options.
Foaling Examinations and Newborn Care
Once a foal arrives, early evaluation is essential. Our veterinarians perform thorough newborn exams to check for congenital abnormalities, limb laxity, hernias, rib fractures, and overall vitality. A key component of foal care is ensuring the foal receives adequate colostrum within the first hours of life.
We strongly recommend IgG testing to assess passive immunity. Quick results allow early intervention when immunoglobulin levels are low, helping prevent infections, joint ill, pneumonia, and other serious conditions.
Recognizing Foal Health Concerns
Prompt attention is critical if a newborn foal shows signs of illness or distress.
Common warning signs include:
- Not nursing or showing weak nursing reflexes
- Distended abdomen or signs of colic
- Urination from the umbilicus
- Milk coming from the nostrils after nursing
- Difficulty standing or failing to stand shortly after birth
If any of these signs occur, owners should contact our team immediately.
Monitoring Mares After Foaling
Post-foaling mare care is equally important. We evaluate the mare for adequate milk production, postpartum complications, and injuries that may affect her recovery or ability to care for the foal.
Dedicated Support for Every Stage of Breeding
With safe on-farm handling facilities, in-camera foaling stalls for hospitalized mares, and round-the-clock support, Homestead Veterinary Hospital provides reliable reproductive care from pre-breeding evaluations through foal delivery and newborn wellness.
Our goal is to help ensure successful conception, healthy pregnancies, safe foaling, and strong starts for the next generation of horses.
Schedule Care for Your Horse
Whether you need routine wellness, diagnostics, or urgent support, our team is here to help.