A tricky start

Health problems in the first phases of life require prompt attention. Equine nurse Samantha Feighery RVN discusses common disorders in newborn foals

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NEWBORN foals in their first hours to days of life are vulnerable to illness and injury. This susceptibility is increased in incidences where the mare has been unwell during her pregnancy, for example with conditions such placentitis (infection in the placenta). Other risk factors that play a part in foals’ general health are:

• if the foal is born prematurely

• when there is a prolonged or difficult birth

• if the foal is delivered by caesarean section

This article will give a brief overview of some common conditions that can affect a neonatal foal.

FAILURE OF PASSIVE TRANSFER

FOALS are born without a fully developed immune system. The mare's colostrum (first milk) is full of important antibodies to provide the foal with immunity against infectious pathogens. If a foal does not ingest enough good quality colostrum in the first 12 hours after birth, it will not be protected from bacteria and viruses and is at an increased risk of developing serious medical conditions.

Failure of passive transfer (FPT) is the name of the condition when a foal has not received an adequate amount of colostrum, or has received low-quality colostrum. Reasons why either of these might happen include:

• the mare did not produce enough good quality colostrum

• she may have been running milk before her due date

• the foal may not be able to stand up and nurse due to weakness

To attempt to prevent FPT it is important to monitor the mare and the mare's udder closely before her due date for milk running, and to ensure that the foal stands and nurses within the first three to six hours of birth. If the foal is unable to stand, nurse or both, colostrum can be provided with care by bottle if the suckle reflex is strong.