Blessed Are the Foals [Hardcover]

M. Phyllis Lose (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1987

Complete with line drawings, charts, and a glossary of medical terms, Dr. Lose provides essential information necessary to evaluate the delivery and a foal's health, and devotes a special chapter to hereditary and congenital problems.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Maintaining that congenital deformities and easy contagion in foals are often the effects of human interventionselective breeding, inbreeding and overcrowded living conditionsveterinarian Lose suggests that nature, therefore, requires human assistance to give the foal a fair chanceat survival. A knowledgeable owner, says Lose, can improve the foal's prospects by paying close attention to the animal's appearance and behavior, because sudden onset of illness in a newborn is not unusual. The key is to assist, not replace, natural processes. For example, she discourages tying off the foal's umbilical cord, which if left to rupture naturally can provide the animal with nourishment and oxygen for half an hour after birth. The volume features careful descriptions of diseases and deformities, as well as clear instructions on when to seek routine or emergency veterinary treatment. Lose provides vaccination schedules, a full section on nutrition, detailed, practical advice on common equine parasites and instructions for husbandry. Lose wrote Blessed Are the Brood Mares, etc. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

Blessed Are the Foals has been revised and updated to give those who care for the young equine from birth through its first year of life the information they need to make that critical period successful. Once again, Dr. M. Phyllis Lose draws on her decades of experience in equine veterinary practice to explain how to evaluate the foal's health and to recognize when professional help is needed. Profusely illustrated with photographs taken in her practice, Dr. Lose describes in simple, easy-to-understand language for owners, foaling attendants and caregivers what is normal or typical and how to troubleshoot situations that depart from the norm. Beginning with the delivery, emergencies such as failure to breathe, to rise and to nurse are addressed along with such problems as infections and congenital, hereditary and developmental conditions. Other topics include medication and diet—with the emphasis on foal nutrition to meet the changing needs of the newborn—exercise and the special needs of the premature, twin, orphaned and rejected foal. In addition, Dr. Lose discusses current veterinary and husbandry practices and gives candid judgments about their efficacy. Blessed Are the Foals is, in effect, the companion volume to Dr. Lose's Blessed Are the Brood Mares—the acknowledged classic on the breeding and care of mares through gestation. Yet again Dr. Lose's expertise, compassion and loving regard for all horses is apparent, along with her desire to offer support to all who would look after them. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Pub Co (August 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0025752308
• ISBN-13: 978-0025752306
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,013,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book with it's own opinions, February 1, 2000

By 

L. Peasley (California USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blessed Are The Foals (Howell reference books) (Hardcover)

This book focuses almost exclusively on the foal. Dr. Lose has written another book, Blessed are the Brood mares, to cover the mare half of foaling. I enjoyed this book, but found it a bit spare on the actually foaling procedure. It extensively covers diseases and illnesses ... something that occurs, but not to all of us. I would have preferred more time spent on how to keep the foal healthy and happy. I'll call the vets over if my foal gets sick and I'll trust their opinion the best. Dr. Lose covers a long length of time in the foal's life, examining vaccinations during the first year, handling the foal (limited), turning the mare and foal out (some good tips there), and feeds. She is an advocate of early weaning of the foal at 3 months of age. This is a debatable practice, but if you are interested in it, she seems to have her reasoning explained.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have, July 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Blessed Are the Foals (Hardcover)

A must have book for anyone considering breeding a mare or buying a foal. It picks up where Blessed are the Brood Mares, another must have, leaves off. It is very informative, but doesn't doesn't go above your head.

1.0 out of 5 stars UNSATISFIED!!!, January 4, 2011

By 

horselover - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Blessed Are The Foals (Howell reference books) (Hardcover)

I ordered this item well before christmas, Thanksgiving day actually, and I didnt receive my package until well after christmas. I tried to contact the seller many many times and there was no response. Once I got the book, which was after New Years, it was in good condition-- However, the lack of accountability and respect will make me more cautious!!