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u When you are expecting a foal it is important to know
the signs of a normal healthy foal and a sick foal. Being
able to quickly identify that a foal is unwell and treating
it correctly, can be the difference between life and death.
If possible, the delivery of the foal should be watched
to ensure that all goes smoothly. Ideally the foal will
be born within a normal gestational range of 330-360
days. The labour and delivery should be uneventful
with an active labour period lasting around 20 minutes.
A healthy foal will have a heart rate of 80-120 beats per
minute and respiratory rate of 30-40 breaths per minute.
A foal should become instinctively attached and looking
for their mother. They should be able to stand within
1-2 hours and be able to nurse from the mare within
2-3 hours. The foal should pass the meconium within
4 hours and urinate within 8 hours.
Foals should be closely monitored over the first few
days of life, even if they have appeared normal at birth.
Some signs to watch for include:
e Changes in behaviour including lethargy, depression,
not feeding, or increased periods of sleeping
e Distended or swollen stomach
e Failure to urinate within the first 8 hours
e Failure to pass meconium and/or straining,
or pain when trying to defecate or diarrhoea
e Lameness and/or joint swelling
e High temperature
e Jaundice (ie. yellow colouration to eyes and/or gums)
e Swelling or discharge from the navel stump
The first few days and months of a foal's life can
determine the future growth, development and health
of the horse, so good health practices are essential.
If you ever have any concerns about the health of your
foal always contact a veterinarian immediately to discuss.
foal
HEALTH
