Foals are born with a naive immune system and have not yet developed the necessary antibodies (proteins produced by the immune system, which help the body recognise infection) to fight off disease-causing organisms. The most important source of antibodies for the foal is from its mother’s colostrum (first milk). Therefore, to provide your foal with the best start in life, it is vital to make sure that: • the foal drinks an adequate amount of colostrum in the first 6 hours of life
• the mare is up-to-date with her vaccinations (including a tetanus booster 3-6 weeks before foaling)
• ideally, the mare should be at the location at which she is going to foal for at least a month before foaling, to enable her to develop antibodies to local pathogens
• tetanus antitoxin can be given to the foal shortly aſter birth, especially if the mare did not have a tetanus booster
• the foal should be blood tested at 24-48 hours old to assess the foal’s antibody level
• if the foal’s antibody level is inadequate, a plasma transfusion can be given to boost its antibody levels
The Straining Foal
to become impacted, especially in colt foals, which then strain or develop signs of colic. Your vet will administer an enema to help with their removal.
Another, less common, cause of straining in foals is a ruptured bladder. A ruptured bladder could be caused by incomplete development of the bladder, high pressures during foaling or infection. Foals may be seen to pass small volumes of urine but may be straining or have colic signs. As the condition develops, the foal’s abdomen may start to swell, and the foal may become dull, stop suckling the mare and have laboured breathing as the urine fills up the abdomen and puts pressure against the diaphragm. This condition is a medical emergency, and the foal should see a vet as soon as suspicion arises, although if treated promptly, complete recovery is usual.
The ‘Wonky’ Foal
A foal with flexural deformity (‘contracted tendons’)
Meconium
Milk Poo
When a foal is born, one of their first ‘milestones’ is to pass meconium, the dark, sticky faeces present in the gut at birth. The meconium should ideally be passed within 4 hours and should then be replaced by soſter, orange-coloured milk poo. It is not uncommon for meconium
The foal responded well to oxytetracycline, splinting and corrective farriery. Please mention Central Horse News What’s On when responding to advertisements THE SUMMER SPECIAL 2020 13
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