Horse Death due to Birth - Writers Forum

elizabeth_472 · 01-12-2006, 05:37 PM

I'm writing a story and in it, a horse almost dies when she gives birth to a foal. I don't know a lot about horses and not much about how mothers can die when they give birth, so I was wondering if anyone here could give me some background knowledge. Thanks in advance!

AdrienneW · 01-12-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elizabeth_472

I'm writing a story and in it, a horse almost dies when she gives birth to a foal. I don't know a lot about horses and not much about how mothers can die when they give birth, so I was wondering if anyone here could give me some background knowledge. Thanks in advance!

I can't help you with horses, but I can help you with dogs, goats, cats, etc.

Its pretty much for the same reasons. Sometimes when an animal is birthing, the baby gets turned wrong, and they stress and push. If there is no one there to assist, such as a c-section for a dog or cat, they can die of shock. Also they can get an infection. Retained placentas, retained fetuses.
In the actual birthing process, if the placenta becomes detatched too soon there can be abnormal amounts of blood. If there is not enough hormone the pelvic bone will not dialate and the baby can't be pushed out. Shock caused by pain. Vaginal tearing can meen lots of blood loss. You can even have vitamin deficiency that can occur shortly after birth. There is Diabetes brought on by the pregnancy. You have toximia from bacterial infections or diabetese.
Dogs, cats, goats, can all suffer major heart failure from the load on the animal's body when they are carrying a litter or kids (in the case of goats) especially if there are a lot of them or they are abnormally large.
If you need more information let me know.

mammamaia · 01-13-2006, 03:34 AM

you can also google for it... a mini-second google of 'causes of mare death in foaling' turned up 76,700 hits!

elizabeth_472 · 01-13-2006, 04:43 PM

Okay. That's good. Thanks. I want to write about it, but I don't want to go into so much detail. Do they always know why the mares die or can they find out beforehand if a mare is having problems and be able to help her?

Mike C · 01-13-2006, 04:53 PM

Or ask a vet.

mammamaia · 01-13-2006, 08:03 PM

Do they always know why the mares die

...not always, but almost...

or can they find out beforehand if a mare is having problems and be able to help her?

...of course!... all you had to do was google like i said, and you'd have the answers to those questions...

elizabeth_472 · 01-14-2006, 02:38 PM

Actually, Google doesn't have any of the answers. I try to type in the right key words, but all I get is a bunch of crap that has nothing to do with anything. That's why I'd rather ask here.

Stewart · 01-14-2006, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elizabeth_472

Actually, Google doesn't have any of the answers.

I would disagree with that.

I'm working on a short story, the first draft was posted here, where I wanted to know all about the practice of shoeing a horse, especially historically. I didn't get the information directly from Google but near the top of the results there was a discussion forum for farriers which I joined and asked all the relevant questions. I think the results I got and put to prose were rather believable.

So, find a forum (horselovers or veterinary) and join it. Explain what you are doing and ask the relevant questions. The people with knowledge are always happy to share it.

Just don't expect Google to give you every detail; its a means to an end, not the answer itself.

mammamaia · 01-14-2006, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Actually, Google doesn't have any of the answers. I try to type in the right key words, but all I get is a bunch of crap that has nothing to do with anything. That's why I'd rather ask here.

did you type in what i told you to?... if you had, you'd have found the answers to all your questions right on the first page of that 76,000+ hits...

elizabeth_472 · 01-15-2006, 05:26 PM

As a matter of fact, I did. Thanks for the advice, anyways.

Stewart · 01-15-2006, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elizabeth_472

Thanks for the advice, anyways.

Is the anyways indicative of the fact you didn't bother looking hard and didn't get what you wanted?

mammamaia · 01-16-2006, 09:33 PM

good guess, connor... i'm wondering the same... sure sounds like teenage petulance t'me... and a somewhat less than fully heartfelt expression of gratitude... oh, well..............

[as a mom of 7 grown kids, it's not like i haven't been here before!

]

elizabeth_472 · 01-18-2006, 07:36 PM

Fine. I'm a "no-good teenager." Sorry. I just was thinking that I would like personal advice and I didn't like being pushed to do otherwise. Again, I fully apologize for my rude demeanor.

Kira the wanderer · 01-18-2006, 08:13 PM

I think it would be the same for any creature. While humans can die while giving birth I suppose the same circumstances can be for a horse. It depends on what angle you're going for I suppose. Google helps though.

mammamaia · 01-18-2006, 08:21 PM

apology accepted... but just remember part of the 'job' of writing is doing the requisite research... and trying to get others to do it for you isn't a very adult or professional approach...

learn to google and you won't have to waste your time or anyone else's, asking so many questions... the answers will be yours in mere seconds... or, minutes, if you have to look a bit further...

love and hugs, maia