Diseases in New Born Foals

Most diseases that afflict newborn foals are caused by bacterial infections. Foals can't produce antibodies during their first two weeks of life, relying on the antibodies within the mare's colostrum, a thick, yellow liquid they ingest during nursing for protection against infection. Early diagnosis of foal diseases is crucial, as foals with many neonatal diseases don't exhibit obvious symptoms until the disease has become life-threatening.

  1. Eastern Equine Encephalitis

    • Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a viral disease that's transmitted to foals through mosquito bites. EEE outbreaks occur most frequently close to the wetlands on America's east coast. EEE is almost always fatal, inflicting violent seizures upon foals that begin within 48 to 72 hours after the disease's onset. Vaccination is the only method of EEE prevention and annual booster shots are required after the foal's initial vaccination.

    Foal Septicaemia

    • Foal septicaemia is most commonly known as sleepy foal disease and is caused by a bacterial infection that can begin in utero or shortly after birth. Afflicted foals initially appear healthy and by the time they exhibit symptoms, they're in grave danger of death. Foals with foal septicaemia first exhibit weakness and have difficulty nursing. As the disease progresses, tachycardia and respiratory distress set in. Treatment typically involves IV fluid administration, oxygen therapy and administration of the mare's milk through a feeding tube.

    Neonatal Isoerythrolysis

    • Neonatal isoerythrolysis occurs in otherwise healthy foals who become anemic after ingesting their mother's colostrum. The antibodies the foal acquires from the mare react to antigens inherited from their father to cause the onset of isoerythrolysis. Initial symptoms are weakness and lethargy, and as the disease progresses, the reduced oxygen carrying capacity of the foal's anemic blood creates respiratory distress. Tachycardia, shock and convulsions follow, precipitating the foal's death. Treatment typically includes anti-microbial therapy and administration of oxygen and IV fluids.

    Pneumonia

    • Pneumonia in foals is most often the result of bacterial infections or inhalation of mother's milk. Viral pneumonia is much more rare than bacterial pneumonia and is almost always fatal. Broad spectrum antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapies are the standard treatment for foals afflicted with bacterial pneumonia. Anti-inflammatories reduce the foal's lung inflammation and improve breathing, while the antibiotics kill the infectious bacteria.

    Septic Arthritis

    • Septic arthritis is usually caused by bacteria passed through the umbilical cord while the foal's in the womb. It's the most common cause of lameness in newborn foals, often mistakenly attributed by the foal's owner to having been stepped on by the mare. Foals with septic arthritis exhibit swollen joints and slight fevers. A veterinarian can diagnose the disease from a fluid sample extracted from the swollen joint, and will typically prescribe antibiotic and joint therapy as treatment.