21 Reasons To Contact Your Veterinarian This Foaling Season

21 Reasons To Contact Your Veterinarian This Foaling Season

Posted by Scone Equine Hospital on 11th Apr 2019

Just like human children, foals can deteriorate rapidly if early stages of illness aren’t detected. Taking note of subtle changes or behaviours in your newborn can be vital in knowing what normal and abnormal foal behaviour entails. Below are 21 signs or symptoms that may indicate that it is time to call your veterinarian for further consultation.

1. Milk coming from the nostrils

2. Orange coloured fluid coming from nose or staining the coat

3. Depressed, sleepy and non-responsive

4. Very wet in tail and down hind legs

5. Changes in behaviour such as wandering in circles, lack of bond for the mare

6. Seizures

7. Milk staining all over face

8. Abnormally coloured gums or mucous membranes (Red, yellow, pale, blue or grey)

9. Eyes sunken in head

10. Thin velvety hair coat and/or the tips of ears curling back

11. Rapid shallow breathing or respiration (flared nostrils)

12. Swollen, moist, leaking umbilical cord

13. Poor suckle reflex

14. Swollen joints, lameness

15. Bloat, Colic or abdominal distension

16. Unable to stand

17. Abnormal body temperature – Fever or cold extremities

18. Straining to defecate or urinate

The mare can also provide indicators that a foal is becoming ill.

19. Full tight udder

20. Abnormal vulval discharge

21. Placenta noticed to be thickened or discoloured

EARLY recognition of abnormalities is critical as foals can go quickly from normal to ‘crashing’ within a very short period of time. Always phone for advice if uncertain and make a plan with your veterinarian, on how to manage the situation until they can arrive. Good observations, good management, and acting quickly with newborn foals should always put you in the best position for a positive outcome.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: *CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION* By purchasing any prescription product from the SEG Online store, you acknowledge and agree the following is true and accurate.

  1. I confirm that my horse was examined by a Scone Equine Group veterinarian who prescribed this medication for use in the horse’s treatment on the basis of their diagnosis of the horse’s condition.
  2. By confirming this order, I agree to use this prescription medication in the manner prescribed, on horses under my care and for which I have the authority to act under veterinary direction.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my horse’s condition changes or deteriorates in any way whilst being treated with this prescription medication.


NB: If there is a particular prescription product you need which is not on this list, please contact your SEH veterinarian directly.