( ADVICE FROM THE VET )
CARE OF THE NEW BORN FOAL
By Dr. Stephanie Barnett BVMedSci BVM BVS (hons) MRCVS of Spring Paddocks Equine Vets - Registered BEVA AI Centre
First Steps:
The first few hours of your newborn foal’s life are critical. Mares and foals should initially be monitored quietly with minimal intervention, this encourages an essential bond between mare and foal.
A healthy newborn foal should be standing within one hour of delivery and nursing within two hours. If your foal doesn’t meet these milestones or seems too weak to stand and nurse, contact your vet immediately.
The first milk (colostrum) contains essential components for foal immunity (antibodies). The small intestine can only absorb the vital antibodies for a limited time so it is vital that if the foal has not nursed within the first 2 hours of life veterinary assistance is provided. A blood test (IgG) can be taken when foals are over 12 hours old to check for this transfer of immunity.
If IgG is low a plasma transfusion can be given to boost immunity.
Foals first droppings (meconium) should be pasty/pelleted and dark brown in colour. Your foal should have passed its meconium within 12-24 hours of delivery and the next droppings should be soſt and light beige.
The most common cause of colic in new- born foals is due to impacted meconium. If you haven’t seen your foal pass droppings or if you see any signs of colic (straining/dis- comfort) this is an emergency and must be seen by a Vet.
Urination should also be observed during the first 8 hours of life.
Environmental bacteria can cause infection within the umbilicus or in extreme cases can cause a severe widespread infection of the abdomen, called peritonitis.
Dip the umbilicus within the first 30 minutes aſter delivery with an antiseptic such as 0.5% chlorhexidine (“Hibicrub”) then every 6 hours for first 24 hours of life. This will keep the cord clean and encourage it to close and dry.
It can take 2-3 days for the cord to com- pletely close and dry out so monitor the area closely for any signs of swelling and discharge. If you have any concerns then discuss these with your Vet.
Normal Foal Behaviour:
Most foals are inquisitive and will interact with humans and the mare
Under developed (‘dummy’) foals are oſten born with domed heads, are small, weak and may have a silky coat- if you have any concerns over your foals development your Vet will be able to advise you on the best next steps.
Oſten the first signs of a sick foal is lethargy and a decrease in nursing. Monitor your foal’s breathing rate and effort, body temperature, nursing behaviour and manure
An immunity blood test can be taken from the foal, the umbilicus will be checked and depending on the mare’s vaccination status a tetanus antitoxin injection may be given to provide short term protection from tetanus.
Vaccination:
Generally vaccination against equine influenza and tetanus start when foals are 5-6 months old.
Vaccination is the best way to protect your foal from infectious and contagious diseases.
Worming:
Foals are particularly vulnerable to worms due to their immature immune system.
A strong natural immunity is developed over the first few months by being exposed to low levels of parasites from their mothers and other co-grazing horses.
Broodmares: Mares should follow a normal
routine worm control program until her 10th month of pregnancy.
Umbilical Care:
The umbilicus/navel needs careful care to prevent infection.
24 MAY/JUNE 2019
During the last month of pregnancy a faecal worm egg count (FWEC) should be done and the mare should be treated if required.
Repeat the FWEC around 3-4 weeks aſter foaling.
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consistency closely over the first few weeks of life.
First Vet Check:
We encourage all owners to have their mares and newborn foals checked within the first 24 hours of life.
We will check that the mare has sufficient milk, she has not sustained trauma during the birth and that the whole placenta has been delivered (please save it!)
Mares which have been previously had a Caslick operation will need to be re-sutured to ensure the best chance of continuing fer- tility.
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