Foals 101 - When to Call the Vet

by Laurie Metcalfe, DVM

Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital

Unfortunately, foals are not just tiny horses. Early intervention is critical in the prognosis of many conditions, but oftentimes veterinarians cannot make a diagnosis and start treatment unless owners bring certain changes/observations to their attention. Here are some things foal owners can look for:

FEVER

The single most effective, inexpensive diagnostic tool that owners and farm managers have, literally at their fingertips, is a rectal thermometer. Normal temperature for a foal is 99-102 degrees F. Anything over 102 is considered a fever, and if consistent, should be investigated by a veterinarian. Temperatures can run warmer when ambient temperature is high, or the foal has been active or out in the sun, but if it’s still running high inside a cool barn, this may indicate a problem (specifically, an infection). Often, this will be the first clinical sign of impending disease, even if the foal seems otherwise normal. Taking the temperature of your foal at least once a day for the first few months is an important way to identify problems early.

NURSING

Newborn foals should nurse the mare within 2-4 hours of birth and never look back. Mare’s milk is the perfect food for foals and their instinct and desire to nurse should always be very strong. Foals typically nurse every 20 minutes or so, consistently emptying the mare’s udder. If a mare’s udder ever becomes tight or starts dripping, or even spraying milk, it is an indication to call your veterinarian. Conditions that may lead to a foal going “off the bag” include GI diseases such as colic, gastric ulcers, and imminent diarrhea, as well as orthopedic conditions preventing the foal from ambulating well enough to nurse. In young foals, failure to nurse can also indicate neurologic conditions such as maladjusted foal syndrome (affectionately known more commonly as “dummy” foal syndrome). General malaise secondary to other infectious diseases can also cause a foal to quit nursing. The younger the foal, the more of an emergency this is, as milk is the only source of glucose/energy and fluid for neonates. Foals will become weak and dehydrated rapidly if not supported. This is especially concerning when diarrhea accompanies a slowdown in nursing, and fluid loss is even more profound.

RESPIRATORY CHANGES

Foals are very good at disguising respiratory disease, so when they show any signs, you should always take note and enlist the help of your veterinarian. Signs to monitor are coughing, increased respiratory rate and effort, nasal discharge, milk coming from nostrils, and any pharyngeal noise/tracheal rattle. Normal respiratory rate for foals is 20-40 breaths per minute. Foals with respiratory disease may have rates upwards of 60-80 breaths per minute, however, some may have normal rates and still have severe disease. With or without a fever, all these signs could indicate potential bacterial/ viral pneumonia or upper respiratory tract disease. Your veterinarian will listen to the lungs and upper airway, check for abnormalities in blood work, and possibly use ultrasound or an endoscope to diagnose any issues.

LAMENESS

Lameness in young foals is difficult to diagnose because the potential causes range from benign hoof bruising to potentially lifethreatening septic joints. It is always best to call your veterinarian for any foal lameness, but more importantly, if accompanied by a fever or significant swelling or effusion (fluid in joint). Lameness is often difficult to discern in young foals as they have a somewhat awkward gait while they figure out what to do with their long legs. Your veterinarian will assist in diagnosing the cause of the lameness using a physical examination as well as radiograph and ultrasound tools.

Countless things can go wrong in those first few weeks and months of life, and the signs in foals are often very subtle and require diligent observational skills to catch as many potential issues as soon as possible. Knowing when to call a veterinarian is crucial for the health and well-being of the foal! 

For more information: roodandriddle.com