Foal speed ahead: Caring for the newborn horse

Pregnancy Placentitis twins abnormal length
To check for normal foal behavior Delvescovo applies the one two three rule Foals should be standing within one hour. Within two hours the foal should be nursing and the mare passing the placenta. Foals should be passing meconium their first feces within around three hours. Colts should urinate within the first six hours while fillies should urinate in the next 1012.
Nursing is a vital step in the foals health and survival so owners should observe closely to make sure its happening correctly.
Nursing
Nursing is a vital step in the foals health and survival so owners should observe closely to make sure its happening correctly They should observe the foals tongue sealing around the nipple see the foal actively suckling and swallowing. Some foals will not successfully latch or have trouble swallowing known as dysphagia which can show up as milk coming up through the nostrils. When the foal is done nursing owners should check the mares udder to see if it has been emptied.
Owners must also look for the first meconium. If the foal does not defecate within the first several hours there may be an impaction. Signs include restlessness tail switching and straining to defecate.
Umbilical cord care is another key component of postfoaling management. If the cord does not break on its own after some time people can gently twist and break it off manually but should never cut it to avoid bleeding. Owners may treat the umbilical stump with antiseptic solutions and monitor it closely or the first few days to watch for infection hernias or other issues.
Foals that are lethargic and unwilling to stand or nurse or dont become curious and explore their surroundings should be evaluated. Some foals may have interest in getting up but have mechanical issues with their limbs. This is a case of contracted tendons and the vet needs to immediately assess this because a foal that cannot get up is a foal that cannot nurse and that can lead to very big problems says Delvescovo.
For the foals first 612 weeks they rely on their mothers antibodies to protect them from pathogens while their own bodies build up an innate immune system.
Transfer of immunity
For the foals first 612 weeks they rely on their mothers antibodies to protect them from pathogens while their own bodies build up an innate immune system. This transfer comes from the mares colostrum the first milk that is produced after birth. Owners should check the quality of the colostrum using a Brix refractometer which will show the percentage of immunoglobin antibodies in the colostrum. Above 30 percent is excellent below 20 is not enough. As mentioned above owners should also make sure the foal is able to access and nurse to receive the colostrum shortly after birth.
To make sure immunity transfer has taken place the veterinarian will take a blood sample during the first 24 hours of life to
assess the foals immunoglobin antibodies IgG.
Foals can only absorb IgG during their first 18 to 24 hours of life. Its very important that you get the foal colostrum during this time says Delvescovo. If the foal has low IgG levels they can receive donated or supplemental colostrum. If the foal is beyond the 24hour window IV plasma delivery of immunoglobins is an option.
Owners must be able to recognize abnormal mothering behaviors. 
Mothering behavior
Owners must be able to recognize abnormal mothering behaviors primarily
Absence of bonding
Fear of the newborn foal
Overprotection
Reluctance of nursing
True foal rejection
Delvescovo stresses the importance of checking the mares udder to see if it has been emptied recently which will indicate whether the foal is able or getting the chance to nurse regularly.
Overall she says owners should call a veterinarian in three scenarios
If you notice any abnormal behavior from mare or foal
If the foaling was unassisted
Always within the first 1224 hours for a check up
When the veterinarian comes for the first checkup they will give a physical exam check the IgG levels sometimes provide a vitamin ESelenium shot and check the mare and the placenta to ensure no remnants of the afterbirth remain in the mother.
The most common and lifethreatening pathologies that affect the neonatal foal are
Neonatal septicemia
Prematurity
Fractured ribs
Dummy foal syndrome or neonatal encephalopathy
Meconium retentionimpaction
Neonatal isoerythrolysis
Ruptured bladder
Pneumonia
Diarrhea
Delvescovo stresses the importance of checking the mares udder to see if it has been emptied recently which will indicate whether the foal is able or getting the chance to nurse regularly.
In the hospital
Some of these problems like prematurity neonatal septicemia and dummy foal syndrome often require hospitalization. When this happens foals are usually put into intensive care which might include IV fluids and drugs to maintain blood pressure urinary support with hydration electrolyte correction and urinary catheters gastric protectants oral or IV nutrition immune protection oxygen and ventilation antibiotics and lots of nursing care.
Its a lot of work to have a neonate that is sick in the hospital says Delvescovo. Therefore prevention and early interventions are key for success. From the time when the mare is pregnant to the parturition to immediately after birth and in the moments afterwards and even later in the weeks afterwards its very very important.