Foal care
In McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 8th Edition on “Neonatology of foals” (Bassert, 04/2013, pp. 797-809), states that foal care does not just start when the foal hits the ground after birth but instead starts after conception in the mare takes place. Throughout the reading it stresses the importance of history taking and through examinations. Any and all abnormal findings should be written down as it may help diagnose or treat any illnesses that may arise in the foal or mare. Further reading, gives a deeper insight into the perinatal period, neonatal periods between normal and sick foals, and continues with the nutrition of neonatal foals. Regular veterinary checks during the perinatal period will ultimately …show more content…
A normal healthy foal goes through a multitude of changes within the first 24 hours from standing to walking and from suckling to urinating and defecating. During this time observation of the foal’s behavior without human interaction should be bright, alert, and responsive. Upon physical examination temperature, pulse and respirations (TPR) should be taken and be within normal limits. A foal should be urinating for the first time within 12 hours of birth and they should defecate or pass the first poop otherwise known as meconium a few hours after birth. If defecation is difficult an enema is generally given to help ease the passing of the meconium. A healthy foal will use its suckling reflex to take in its very first milk called colostrum. This is very important and should be a top priority for a foal when it is born because during the first 12-24 hours the foals gastrointestinal tract allows them absorb the important antibodies in the first milk giving them a healthy immune system. A sick or weak foal can quickly deteriorate. Foals may become sick if they are unable to nurse or have a weak suckle reflex. Foals can be born with infections that they have picked up in utero or be born with orthopedic problems rendering them unable to walk or stand. Premature foals are at high risk of becoming ill due to their low birth weight and under development. A foal who is unable to
In McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 8th Edition on “Neonatology of foals” (Bassert, 04/2013, pp. 797-809), states that foal care does not just start when the foal hits the ground after birth but instead starts after conception in the mare takes place. Throughout the reading it stresses the importance of history taking and through examinations. Any and all abnormal findings should be written down as it may help diagnose or treat any illnesses that may arise in the foal or mare. Further reading, gives a deeper insight into the perinatal period, neonatal periods between normal and sick foals, and continues with the nutrition of neonatal foals. Regular veterinary checks during the perinatal period will ultimately …show more content…
A normal healthy foal goes through a multitude of changes within the first 24 hours from standing to walking and from suckling to urinating and defecating. During this time observation of the foal’s behavior without human interaction should be bright, alert, and responsive. Upon physical examination temperature, pulse and respirations (TPR) should be taken and be within normal limits. A foal should be urinating for the first time within 12 hours of birth and they should defecate or pass the first poop otherwise known as meconium a few hours after birth. If defecation is difficult an enema is generally given to help ease the passing of the meconium. A healthy foal will use its suckling reflex to take in its very first milk called colostrum. This is very important and should be a top priority for a foal when it is born because during the first 12-24 hours the foals gastrointestinal tract allows them absorb the important antibodies in the first milk giving them a healthy immune system. A sick or weak foal can quickly deteriorate. Foals may become sick if they are unable to nurse or have a weak suckle reflex. Foals can be born with infections that they have picked up in utero or be born with orthopedic problems rendering them unable to walk or stand. Premature foals are at high risk of becoming ill due to their low birth weight and under development. A foal who is unable to