Free Colorado State University Veterinary Seminar Helps Horse Owners through Foaling, Caring for Foals

Colorado State University’s internationally recognized Equine Reproduction Laboratory will offer expert information to horse owners during a free seminar from 7-9 p.m. on April 7. The seminar on "Saving Foals: A Horse Owner’s Guide to Foaling and Foal Care," taught by Dr. Patrick McCue, director of the laboratory, is being offered in April because space is no longer available in a March session. The seminar will be held in Room 118/120 of the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 300 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins. Parking is free.

The seminar is ideal for all horse owners and breeding managers.  The interactive session will provide up-to-date information on foaling prediction, the foaling process and foal care. It also will detail how to recognize problems during foaling, when to call for professional assistance, how to prepare for a foaling emergency, and how to perform emergency "on-farm" resuscitation on a neonatal foal. Participants also will learn to effectively communicate with their regular veterinarian regarding foaling.

Veterinarians also will discuss what to stock in an emergency foaling kit, and demonstrate how to use those supplies along with routine foaling supplies and diagnostic tests.

"The ultimate measure of success in equine reproduction is birth of a live, healthy foal," McCue said. "Our goal is to help participants reach this goal through education and communication."

The seminar is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so reservations are required. All who are planning to attend should contact Kathie.Sexton@Colostate.edu or call (970) 297-1269 by April 3.

This seminar is part of a series for horse owners that will be offered by equine veterinarians at CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The hospital supports all equine athletes and companions by providing outstanding, comprehensive veterinary care; education for current and future veterinarians, horse owners and other equine professionals; and cutting-edge research to treat today’s equine concerns and lead to tomorrow’s cures.

McCue is the Iron Rose Ranch Professor of Equine Theriogenology in the Department of Clinical Sciences. He coordinates the clinical broodmare, foaling and embryo transfer services offered by CSU’s Equine Reproduction Laboratory. He also treats dystocias, high-risk pregnancies and other equine reproduction cases at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In addition, he writes a monthly column called "The Breeding Shed" for the American Quarter Horse Journal.

The Equine Reproduction Laboratory and Veterinary Teaching Hospital are part of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

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