Gastro-Intestinal Conditions in Foals: The Diarrhea Dilemma
Part One of a Two-part Series By Laura McCormick with Carolin von Rosenberg, DVM
Some of the most common health issues facing a newborn foal involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI issues in foals manifest them- selves mainly as diarrhea or colic. In this first article we will discuss the many causes of foal diarrhea and, most importantly, how to differ- entiate between mild diarrhea and the serious “call-your-veterinarian-now” variety.
C
olic and abdominal distention in the early neonate period are often caused by meconium impaction, but can also be due to ‘dummy
belly,’ ruptured bladder, intestinal torsion and ulcers. These will be discussed in part two of this series, coming in the next issue. Remember, colic and abdominal distention in foals always fall under the category of “call-your-vet-now.”
NORMAL NEWBORN PROTOCOL After a foal is born, it is essential that he or she receive adequate amounts of colostrum from the mare, certainly in the first 12 hours but preferably even earlier than that. In the first 24 hours of life, the foal’s gut is still open, allowing for maximum absorp- tion of antibodies from the mare’s colostrum. After that, his ability to absorb necessary antibodies dimin- ishes. However, if the foal ingests bacteria during this time, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and become a serious problem. It is very important that foal- ing areas be kept clean and disinfected, and that the mare’s udders and tail area are cleaned with warm water both before and after foaling.
After birth, in a conventional foaling situation, the foal
will begin nursing within the first hour. Even before this, however, an enema is usually administered to the foal in order to assist in passing his meconium. (Meconium is the hardened fecal matter that forms in the foal’s rectum during pregnancy.) Although consuming colostrum will help the foal pass meconium naturally, the enema is normally given to make the foal more comfortable before nursing for the first time and to eliminate any blockage problems. Veterinarian Carolin von Rosenberg, an equine repro-
ductive specialist based in Ocala, Florida, recommends giving only one enema post-foaling and then observing the foal carefully to make sure he is defecating and urinat- ing normally. You should watch to make sure the foal is passing soft manure within the first 12 hours, she says, adding that you can expect the foal’s manure to remain soft until he or she begins consuming solid foods.
WATCH FOR SIGNS Early diagnosis, appropriate treat- ment and proper farm manage- ment can make all the difference when addressing GI issues in foals. Some of the symptoms you should look out for are decreased nursing, fever, depression, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal distension, strain- ing to defecate, increased time lying down, tail swishing, excessive rolling and overall discomfort. Check the mare’s bag to deter- mine whether or not the foal has been nursing. If not, call your vet. However, if the foal is nursing, sleeping normally and is otherwise
active and alert but has soft stool, it is most likely self- limiting (i.e. it resolves on its own) and can be managed without veterinary attention—or at most with some intra- venous fluids to get him back on track.
Warmbloods Today 45
Laura McCormick
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