Umbilical Stump Infection in Horses

Infection of the umbilical cord, also called navel ill, can occur within two to three days after birth, but foals can be susceptible up to a month after being born. The death rate can be as high as 75 percent, so the condition needs to be treated seriously.

  1. Symptoms

    • Newborn foals are very active within hours after being born, so any signs of depression or sluggishness need to be addressed immediately. Pay attention to the umbilical site and note if it becomes red, swollen or overly warm. Also watch for the foal to nurse. If a foal is not nursing, this is generally a sign that it is ill and the foal's temperature needs to be taken to determine if it is running a fever; 99.4 to 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit is considered to be in the normal range.

    Prevention

    • After the foal is born, clean the umbilical cord area with antibacterial solution and every day thereafter to prevent any infection from forming around or on the umbilical cord. It is also very important to keep the stall clean and dry, so be sure the hay or shavings used for bedding is fresh. If there is reason for concern, have a veterinarian on call to address any issues that may arise.

    Treatment

    • It is critical for treatment to be given immediately to prevent the infection from spreading and affecting joints and organs. Symptoms will be treated such as intravenous fluids to combat dehydration and a course of antibiotics to rid the body of infection. If the foal is older, the umbilical structure, found internally, may be surgically removed as a preventive procedure.