Coprophay is that repulsive habit that all equine
dose Banamine or Dipyrone for pain management and as a fever reducer. Unfortunately, there is a high mortality rate for foals
diagnosed with either salmonella or clostridia, making prevention even more important. Clinical signs can be sudden and severe and will include high fever, reduction in nursing, lethargy, diarrhea and lameness if the infection has reached the foal’s joints or bones.
OTHER CAUSES OF DIARRHEA Other causes of gastrointestinal problems in foals can include overzealous enema administration, inappropriate food intake and parasites. In most cases, foals will begin to eat some of the mare’s
grain and hay during the first two weeks, which could also be the cause of diarrhea, or mild colic, as they are not able to process these foods just yet. Placing feed buck- ets out of reach from foals and feeding hay up off the ground can be solutions to this short-term problem. In some situations, foals will eat sand or shavings in an effort to decrease stomach pain, which can cause more serious issues, including colic. Careful observation during turnout is the best way to determine if you foal is eating sand. Also, foals from four to fourteen days often develop
diarrhea that seems to correspond with the mare’s first estrous cycle post-foaling, deeming the appropriate label “foal-heat diarrhea.” Interestingly enough, foal-heat diar- rhea, which is mild and self-limiting is also observed in orphan foals, eliminating the connection between the mare’s hormonal levels and the foal’s digestive problems. It is more likely that during this time changes are occur- ring in the foal’s microbial flora, causing proper digestion to be compromised. One potential parasitic source of foal diarrhea is Stron- gyloides westeri (equine threadworm), which can be transmitted via the dam’s milk. To help prevent this, it is advised to deworm the mare, 24 hours post-foaling, with Ivermectin. This, coupled with proper parasite manage- ment during pregnancy, will reduce the foal’s exposure to parasites from nursing as well as coprophagy.
babies tend to have of eating their mom’s manure. It is important to note that foals will mostly eat fresh manure and that parasites have an incubation period before they become infective, so fresh stool is unlikely a direct cause of parasites. In fact, coprophagy has a role in intes- tinal development. Turns out, as nature would have it, this behavior provides for an important process in the development of the foal’s GI tract. Coprophagy is mostly observed during the first few weeks of life as the foal receives microorganisms necessary to establish micro flora of the gut. Foals also receive additional nutrients, vitamins and minerals they may otherwise be lacking through ingesting manure. Finally, it introduces deoxy- cholic acid to the foal’s gastrointestinal system. Deoxy- cholic acid is a bile acid that increases immunocompe- tence (normal immune response) of the gut and is funda- mental in the development and function of the nervous system. To the untrained eye, this behavior can cause concern but it is actually an essential part of the foal’s intestinal development and is, in fact, very normal, natural behavior.
IN CONCLUSION Diarrhea is one of the main symptoms of gastrointestinal issues and, if left untreated, can easily be life-threatening. Rapid dehydration can be managed with fluid replace- ment, but if the cause of the diarrhea is not determined, your foal’s life may be at risk. When in doubt, call your veterinarian! If you are worried about your foal and have a medical question, always seek advice. And it is impor- tant to build a relationship with a local vet you trust, as equine emergencies can never be predicted. In cases where the diarrhea is not severe, the foal is
bright, alert and active with a normal appetite and all vital signs are normal, treatment may only include continued monitoring until it resolves on its own, ensuring the foal’s condition does not deteriorate. As an option, breeders, who have concerns, both about the birthing process and that first week the foal is on the ground, can send their mare to a foaling barn. This allows a professional to foal the mare and monitor them for the first five to seven days. These equine service providers are trained to spot any symptoms of irregularity with mom and baby and can generally administer medi- cal treatment quickly and effectively.
Part two of this article, coming in May/June 2015, will address other types of GI conditions in foals.
Warmbloods Today 47
Laura McCormick
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