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The Newborn Foal by Charlotte Willoughby BVSc, MRCVS.


S


o, you’ve patiently waited 11 months and the big day is finally here.


Your foal’s first 24-hours are vital in their transition into the world, and there are several targets they need to meet along the way.


It’s essential that your foal: • sits up within 5 minutes • has a suck reflex within 2-10 minutes • stands within 2 hours • suckles from the mare within 4 hours, and then frequently aſter that (oſten every 20-30 minutes)


• passes meconium within 4 hours • urinates within 8.5 hours • has a temperature of 37.2-38.6°C (99-101.5°F) • has a respiratory rate of 60-80 breaths per minute shortly aſter foaling, which reduces to 30-40 breaths per minute when they’re 1-12 hours old


The foal’s navel should be dipped in 0.5% (very dilute) chlorhexidine (e.g. ‘Hibiscrub®’) as soon as possible aſter birth, to help limit the risk of infection.


Once you are confident that your foal is happy and healthy, it is important to allow the mare and foal some time undisturbed to bond.


Don’t forget mum!


Sitting in sternal 5 mins Suck Reflex 5-10 mins


Time to stand 0-1 hrs Time to suck 0-2 hrs


Sitting in sternal 5-10 mins Suck Reflex 10-15 mins


Newborn Foal Parameters


Time to stand 1-2 hrs Time to suck 3-4 hrs


Time to stand >2 hrs Time to suck >4 hrs


Foal Parameters


• Check her vulva for signs of damage that may need repairing once the swelling has reduced. - Check the placenta (aſterbirth) and ask your vet to confirm that it is complete. If the placenta has not passed within 4 hours, it is considered to be ‘retained’, which is a severe condition in horses that can lead to endotoxemia and laminitis.


Optimising immunity


Sitting in sternal >10 mins Suck Reflex > 15 mins


In all the excitement of meeting your new foal, it is easy to overlook mum, but lots of clues for the foal’s health will be gained from the mare: • Check her udder for signs of mastitis (infection and inflammation) or oedema (swelling caused by excessive watery fluid within tissues). If her udder is full, the foal may not be nursing; if the udder is empty, the mare may have low milk production, or the foal may just be nursing well!


12 THE SUMMER SPECIAL 2020 For the latest news visit www.centralhorsenews.co.uk


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