Equine umbilical study
Do you expect one or more foalings on your farm? If so, please consider participating in a WCVM research study that focuses on equine umbilical cords and their correlation with foal health outcomes.
A team of researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is searching for horse owners with expectant mares to participate in an equine umbilical study.
The study's aim is to look at the correlation between different features of the umbilical cord and foal health outcomes. In particular, the researchers want to learn more about:
- the length of the cord
- the number of twists
- the type of twisting
What do you have to do?
Participants must complete four brief surveys for data collection.
- Survey 1: you answer questions about your foaling mare.
- Survey 2: you provide details about the foaling, plus you measure the length of the umbilical cord and take one or more photos.
- Surveys 3 and 4: you provide follow-up information about the foal's health and any health issues at seven days and at 30 days after birth.
Participation is entirely voluntary and your horses' data can be withdrawn at any time by contacting the researchers.
For more information, visit the study website that includes more details about how to join the study. As well, click here to read a recent story that was published in the Spring 2022 issue of Horse Health Lines (publication for the WCVM Townsend Equine Health Research Fund).
Contact information
Dr. Madison Ricard, Graduate Student
Department of Veterinary Pathology, WCVM
madison.ricard@usask.ca