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9
EQUINE MATTERS
FOAL D I SEASES
Foal diseases
Laura Morton BVSc MRCVS,
Calweton Veterinary Group
sufficient volumes of colostrum are at risk of
FPT. Foals that have ingested poor quality
colostrum. Dams that are not in good health
themselves or those that have run milk prior
to foaling may have sub-optimal quality
colostrum. In these cases donor colostrum
may be used to feed the foal.
FPT puts the foal at a hugely increased risk
of developing septicaemia or other infections
and diseases. A blood test can be used
12-18 hours after birth to check the IgG
status of the foal; this will allow assessment
of whether sufficient antibodies have been
absorbed by the foal, and if not then
treatment can be started to correct this.
Prematurity/Dysmaturity
Foals born before 320 days of gestation are
classed as premature. These foals are likely
to have a lower than normal birth weight and
show physical abnormalities such as a domed
head, floppy ears and a short, silky hair coat.
Survival rates are extremely poor even when
intensive care is undertaken. Dysmature foals
are born at full term but also show physical
abnormalities such as those described; due
to inadequate maturation they too are unlikely
to survive.
Failure of passive transfer
Most newborn foals will develop their suckling
reflex within 20 minutes, be standing in
around 1 hour and starting to nurse from the
mare by the time they are 2 hours old. Early
nursing is particularly important as the cells
that absorb colostrum within the foal's gut
have a lifespan of just 24 hours, and
maximum absorption occurs within the first
6-8 hours of life. Whilst the foal is in utero
it does not receive any maternal antibodies
so transfer of these after birth via the colostrum
is essential. Failure of adequate transfer of
colostral antibodies is known as 'failure of
passive transfer' (FPT). Foals that do not intake
The time of foaling and the presence of a newborn foal around can be very
exciting, but it can also be a worrying time if things start to go wrong. Foals can
suffer from many diseases and are particularly susceptible to infection at the start
of their life. Diseases can progress quickly, and many are life-threatening if left
untreated. Starting treatment when the foal is still bright carries a better prognosis
than waiting until he/she is flat and recumbent before medical help is sought.
Clinical signs can be very subtle in the early stages of disease; for this reason
routine
post partum
check of the mare and foal by a vet can be a good way of
detecting abnormalities early.
This article will concentrate on diseases affecting foals in their first
few weeks of life.
Failure of passive transfer puts the foal at
greater risk of other infections or diseases
Veterinary Surgeon
Laura Morton
XLVets Equine Practice
Calweton Veterinary
Group