Horse Care Topics

Dummy Foal Nursing After Madigan Squeeze Procedure

By Dr. Lisanne Gallant Neonatal maladjustment syndrome (aka dummy foal syndrome) is a common disorder of foals that have mystified equine veterinarians for decades. Foals affected by this disorder seem detached from the world, often wondering aimlessly with no affinity for their mum. The most problematic symptom of this disorder is these foals’ lack of

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Horse Care Topics

Equine Reproduction: Foal Conformation

BY Dr. Paddy Todhunter Specialist Equine Surgeon. What is normal conformation and what are we looking at in assessing conformation? Conformation is essentially how the legs of a horse are put together and the alignment of the legs. It plays an important role in a horse’s soundness and athletic ability. To assess a foals conformation,

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Horse Care Topics

Equine Reproduction: Foal Neonatal Care

BY Dr. Lisanne Gallent Medicine Specialist. It’s that time of year! As exciting as foaling season can be, what do you do when your new arrival gets sick or isn’t thriving as you’d expect? Here at NEC we offer everything in neonatal foal care ranging from healthy foal checks to intensive and critical care under

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Horse Care Topics

Equine Reproduction: Parturition

As we get close to foaling time breeders should refresh their knowledge of a normal foaling and when to call the vet.  The majority of foalings will occur without complication, however approximately 1 in 20 foals will experience some difficulty and it is imperative for both the mare and foal’s survival that assistance is provided

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Horse Care Topics

Equine Reproduction: Prenatal Care

By Dr. Morgan Webber BVSC (Hons) MANZCVS (Equine Medicine)   The sometimes hard task of getting your mare in foal is now accomplished – now what!? It will be very important to monitor your mare closely as she progresses throughout different stages of pregnancy as her needs will change as her pregnancy progresses. It will

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Horse Care Topics

Foaling Advice

Normal foaling: Stage I Labor:  1-6 hrs (mare heating up) Stage II Labor:  15-30 minutes (from time water breaks to foal on ground) Stage III Labor:  Placenta must be passed within 3 hrs of foaling.  Ensure placenta is intact. After foaling: Foal standing within 1 hr Foal suckling within 2-3 hr (Call vet if foal has

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Horse Care Topics

Newborn Foal Care

It is important to know what is normal in the newborn foal so any problems can be easily identified and promptly treated. After birth, a foal should: Be standing within the first hour and becoming more active and alert over time Have a strong suckle reflex within 30 minutes and once standing should be seeking

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Horse Care Topics

Pre-mature Foal

What is a premature foal? A premature foal is a foal that is immature and born before term, generally considered to be if they are born at less than 330 days gestation. However, length of pregnancy varies between mares, so the definition of a premature foal is not based solely on gestational age but also

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Horse Care Topics

Rattles In Foals

Rattles is a serious lung disease of foals that causes pneumonia and abscess formation in the lungs causing affected foals to develop respiratory signs. Rattles is caused by the bacteria Rhododcoccus equi which can be found within the soil in widespread areas. Foals ingest or inhale the bacteria from the soil, so disease seen commonly

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Foal Care

When should I vaccinate my foal?

A vaccination program is essential for your foal to provide protection for severe and potentially fatal diseases. While vaccinations can be administered at any age, vaccinating your foal too early will not be successful in mounting an immune response because the mare’s antibodies will interfere. It is therefore recommended to start a vaccination protocol from 12 weeks

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Horse Care Topics

When To Call A Vet – Colic Edition

Are you worried your horse is colicking? When to call a vet: If your horse hasn’t eaten its breakfast or dinner If your horse is laying down more than usual If your horse is constantly looking at its flank, pawing and possibly rolling If your horse hasn’t passed any manure in a 12 hour period

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Horse Care Topics

When to call a vet – Hoof Edition

Generally, if there is an issue with your horse’s feet you call your farrier, right? However, do you know what issues or signs would warrant veterinary assistance? Excessive recumbency / laying down for extended periods of time Shifting weight between limbs continuously, or holding a limb out in front, or avoiding placing weight through one

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