Newborn foal care

The first few hours of a foal’s life are critical. Careful monitoring can help identify potential problems at an early stage, allowing veterinary treatment to begin promptly when required.

Care for the umbilical stump

The umbilical cord should be allowed to break naturally at its weakest point when the mare stands or turns to attend to her foal. Do not deliberately cut, pull or clamp the cord unless instructed to do so by your vet.

Once the cord has separated, the umbilical stump provides a potential route for bacteria to enter the foal’s abdomen and bloodstream. It should therefore be treated promptly using an appropriate antiseptic solution, such as dilute chlorhexidine, according to your vet’s instructions.

Continue to monitor the umbilicus closely. It should begin drying soon after birth and should normally be dry within approximately 24 hours.

Contact your vet if the umbilicus:

  • Continues to bleed

  • Remains wet or swollen

  • Produces discharge

  • Feels unusually warm or painful

  • Leaks urine

  • Develops an unpleasant smell

The 1-2-3 rule

The 1-2-3 rule provides a useful guide to the expected progress of the mare and foal:

  • The foal should stand within one hour.

  • The foal should suckle within two hours.

  • The mare should pass the placenta within three hours.

If any of these milestones are not met, contact your vet promptly.

Stage one: standing

Immediately after birth, the foal should begin breathing normally and move into a sternal position, sitting upright on its chest.

The foal should make repeated attempts to rise and should normally stand within one hour of birth. Once standing, it should be able to support its own weight and begin searching for the mare’s udder.

Some foals may be slightly unsteady initially, but persistent weakness, repeated collapse or an inability to stand requires urgent veterinary attention.

Stage two: suckling

The foal should locate the udder and begin suckling within two hours of birth.

The mare’s first milk, known as colostrum, is rich in antibodies that provide the newborn foal with essential early protection against infection. It is therefore vital that the foal receives sufficient good-quality colostrum as soon as possible.

Check that the foal is properly attached to the teat and actively swallowing. Simply standing beneath the mare or appearing to search for the udder does not confirm that it has consumed milk.

Contact your vet immediately if:

  • The foal has not suckled within two hours.

  • The mare will not allow the foal to nurse.

  • The foal cannot locate or attach to the teat.

  • Milk is seen coming from the foal’s nostrils.

  • The foal appears weak, sleepy or uninterested in feeding.

Milk coming from the nostrils may indicate a swallowing problem or abnormality of the palate and requires urgent veterinary assessment.

Passing meconium

Meconium is the foal’s first droppings. It is typically dark brown or black, firm and pellet-like.

The foal should begin passing meconium within the first few hours after birth. Colts may be more susceptible to retained meconium than fillies.

Signs that a foal may be struggling to pass meconium include:

·       Repeated straining

·       Raising or swishing the tail

·       Restlessness

·       Frequently lying down and getting up

·       Looking at the flanks

·       Reduced interest in suckling

·       Signs resembling colic

Contact your vet if no meconium has been seen within three to four hours, or sooner if the foal is straining or showing signs of discomfort. Do not administer an enema unless instructed by your vet.

Urination

The foal should normally urinate within approximately six to 12 hours of birth.

Observe carefully to confirm that:

·       Urine is passed in a full stream.

·       It comes from the urethra rather than the umbilicus.

·       The foal urinates without excessive straining or discomfort.

Contact your vet if the foal has not urinated, repeatedly strains, appears uncomfortable or if urine is leaking from the umbilicus.

When to call the vet

Contact your vet immediately if your foal:

  • Is not breathing normally.

  • Does not move into a sternal position.

  • Is unable to stand within one hour.

  • Repeatedly attempts to stand but collapses.

  • Has not suckled within two hours.

  • Has milk coming from its nostrils.

  • Is rejected by the mare or prevented from nursing.

  • Has not passed meconium within three to four hours.

  • Strains repeatedly or shows signs of colic.

  • Has not urinated within 12 hours.

  • Passes urine from the umbilicus.

  • Appears unusually quiet, weak or sleepy.

  • Has swollen joints, lameness or difficulty moving.

  • Has a swollen, bleeding, wet or painful umbilicus.

  • Is breathing rapidly or appears distressed.

Newborn foals can deteriorate very quickly. If you are uncertain whether your foal’s behaviour is normal, it is always safer to contact your vet.

The newborn foal check

Your vet should examine the mare and foal approximately 12–24 hours after foaling, even if the birth appeared straightforward and the foal seems healthy.

During the examination, your vet may:

  • Perform a full physical examination of the foal.

  • Check the heart, lungs, eyes, limbs, mouth and umbilicus.

  • Confirm that the foal has stood, suckled, urinated and passed meconium.

  • Assess the mare’s udder and milk production.

  • Take a blood sample to measure the foal’s IgG level.

  • Perform additional blood tests to look for signs of infection or inflammation.

  • Administer tetanus antitoxin if appropriate, based on the mare’s vaccination history and the foal’s individual risk.

  • Examine the mare and placenta.

Colostrum and passive transfer of immunity

Foals are born with an immature immune system and receive very little protective immunity before birth. They rely on antibodies contained within the mare’s colostrum to protect them during their first months of life.

The foal’s ability to absorb these antibodies through the intestine reduces rapidly during the first 24 hours. It is therefore essential that the foal receives enough good-quality colostrum as soon as possible after birth.

An IgG blood test measures the level of antibodies the foal has absorbed. This is known as the passive transfer of immunity.

If the IgG level is low, treatment will depend on the foal’s age, clinical condition and the degree of antibody deficiency. Options may include supplementary colostrum when identified early enough or an intravenous plasma transfusion.

Testing and treating the foal promptly can significantly reduce the risk of serious infections, including septicaemia.

This information provides general guidance and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Please contact us if you have any concerns about your mare or newborn foal.

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