Module 10 The Neonatal Foal The normal neonatal foal Common issues Premature/dysmature Dummy foals Failure of Passive Transfer Meconium Impacting High Risk Jaundice/Neonatal Isoerytholisis Conformational issues Management of complications
The Normal Neonatal Foal Sternally recumbent within two - five minutes Standing within one hour Suckle reflex approx. 20 minutes Drinking within two hours Meconium passed within two three hours Heart rate 80 120 bpm Breaths 30 40 bpm Temperature 38-39 Capillary refill 1 2 seconds The timeframes are intended as guidelines only. All times are subjective and each foal will be different
Premature Foals Causes: Foal doesn t go to full term <320 days gestation Signs: Weak, unable to stand and suckle Short silk coat especially on rump Smaller, different shaped heads Floppy ears, red tongue Lower body temperature Over extended fetlocks Problems: Can lead to respiratory and musculoskeletal issues Susceptible to infection Difficulty absorbing colostrum
Dummy Foals Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome Causes Unknown Signs Abnormal mental state Compulsive walking Stumbling Banging in to objects Pedalling when lying Slow to stand Stand wide, head down Look dead when sleeping Treatment Keep it warm Help it drink/feed it Call a vet Madison squeeze*
Failure of Passive Transfer Causes Foal premature/dysmature Delayed suckling (gut closes) Strength (failure to suckle) Mare running milk long periods before foaling Inadequate colostrum Signs Low IgG Sick foal Treatment Preventative (colostrum testing) IgG supplementation Plasma transfer
Meconium Impaction Causes Occurs when meconium (the first poo) is too hard Signs Lifting/arching tail Straining and no manure Colicky Treatment Can be given enema (e.g. Coloxyl, Fleet) Vaseline and glove to manually remove impaction May require a vet if the foal does not defecate for a long time (>4 hours)
Meconium
Neonatal Isoerythrolisis (High Risk Jaundice, NI, HRJ) Causes The mare s blood attacks foal s blood 24-48 hours post birth Signs Jaundice (mouth, eyes) Lethargy Off food Increased heart rate Anaemia Weakness Treatment Blood transfusion IgG monitoring Supportive care Antibiotic NI/HRJ foals ALWAYS need immediate vet attention
Conformation Issues Windswept legs Contracted tendons Relaxed tendons
Windswept
Relaxed Tendons
Treating Relaxed Tendons Box to reduce movement until correct 1 day for minor Up to a week for severe Ensure they are eating and drinking
Relaxed Tendons Before After Credit: Verity Kennard Used with permission
Contracted Tendons
Treating Contracted Tendons If severe, contact a vet Oxtetracycline Stretching Splints Bandaging Box to reduce movement until correct 1 day for minor Up to a week for severe Ensure they are eating and drinking Credit: Sarah Carey Used with permission
Treating Contracted Tendons Credit: Rood & Riddle in Saratoga Used with permission
Contracted Tendons Before After Credit: Rood & Riddle in Saratoga Used with permission Credit: Rood & Riddle in Saratoga Used with permission