mare gestation

Question
Hi,
I have a big stout 7 year old tobiano paint mare that is due in April, her first.  I haven't had a foal since I was a teenager and now I am 50.  I'm so excited and trying to read everything I can. I have read the foaling primer which is excellent but would love some advise on more books about gestation and early foal care.  I would especially love to see or read about the developing foal in utero but can't find anything. There are tons of books about human development in utero.  I am a medical professional and my curiosity about "what's going on in there" is just killing me!!
thanks a lot for any help.

Answer
Hi Susan,

I totally understand your anticipation and wanting to be ready for the big event!

One book that I purchased years ago that is wonderful to read and to keep on hand for foaling is "The Complete Book of Foaling" by Karen E.N Hayes DMV.  This book covers everything from how to take care of the mare during the different trimesters of pregnancy, through the stages of labor and delivery on to early foal care.  It will even prepare you on what to look for to determine whether or not there are any complications during foaling and what procedures to follow.

As for any literature on foal development in utero, I have not been able to find a thing in all these years.  But there are a few charts that you can find on the internet that will illustrate the development of the foal.  None of them are actual photos like you can find on human gestation but it will at least give you an idea of how large the fetus is at the different stages and will tell you what development is taking place.    Here is a link for you  http://www.krugerranch.com/files/photofoaltimeline.htm

This explanation of development is about the only one I have ever been able to find anywhere.  I hope some day someone will come out with one that is similar to what you can find on human gestation.

Happy foaling!
Sandy