Page 30 - CFAN_Mar2014

CONGRATULATIONS

ON YOUR FOAL!

YOU HAVE WAITED about a year for your foal,

make sure you get him off to a healthy start! The first
few hours of a foal’s life have a major influence on the

animal’s future health. Whether this is your first foal
or you’re a foal veteran, plan to have your veterinar-

ian perform a thorough physical exam on both the

mare and foal the day the foal is born. Make sure to
save the placenta in a bucket or bag for the veterinar-

ian to inspect. If the mare does not pass her entire PCAA
placenta within 12-24 hours, she can become sick and

develop laminitis.
A foal should stand within one hour and nurse

within two hours of life. Once he can stand, you need Trade Show and
to make sure the foal is actually suckling from the

mare. He can fool you if you don’t take a close look. Ranch Rodeo

Foals feed frequently and should have received one to The Polk County Cattlemen’s
two pints of quality colostrum within six to 12 hours
Association and UF/IFAS Extension
of birth. Colostrum is essential for the transference
of maternal antibodies to the foal in order to provide hosted their Ninth Annual Trade
Show and Seventh Annual Ranch
protection against disease. It is highly recommended
that your veterinarian check the foal through a Rodeo at the Bartow Horse Arena and

simple blood test to determine if he has received the Agri-Civic Center on February 15.
appropriate amount of antibodies from the mare.
Exhibitors showed off the latest and

The umbilical stump should be dipped twice per greatest in the livestock industry, while

day with dilute chlorhexidine/iodine solution for two the ranch rodeo featured traditional
to three days, until the stump is dry. Gently check the and favorite events, such as calf

area daily with clean hands for signs of heat/swelling.
branding and wild cow milking!
In the first 24 hours, meconium (first feces)
Photos by CAITLIN HALL
should be passed. These feces are a dark brown/black
color and may be pelleted or a paste consistency.

Feces after this should be light brown and soft. If the
foal appears uncomfortable, straining to defecate or

hasn’t passed feces within 12 hours, talk with your
veterinarian about giving an enema.

Monitor your foal closely in the first few weeks

of life and keep him in an area with plenty of
shade. Young foals cannot regulate their body

temperature and can get overheated and die.
If you have any questions or

concerns, please contact
your veterinarian.

Useful Links:

www.thehorse.com

www.aaep.org

by DR. KATIE HENNESSY

BIO: Dr. Katie Hennessy graduated from the University of Illinois College
of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 with a degree in large animal health and
equine medicine. After completing an advanced internship and working as
an Associate Veterinarian, she is currently practicing at Polk Equine, LLC.
Her expertise ranges from small and exotic creatures to large animals,
specializing in equine medicine.

30 | CFAN
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