How to Treat a Foal With Contracted Tendons

Foals are delicate creatures. For animals that grow into such large, strong beasts, the foal can be a host for numerous problems and illnesses. One common issue foals encounter are problems with their leg alignment. Most of these problems are minor and will fix themselves with minimal intervention from people, but if your foal has contracted tendons, you may need to intervene.

Things You'll Need

  • Separation paddock
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Instructions

    • 1

      Separate the mare and foal from all other horses and place them in a well-lighted stall or pen. The mare must be haltered and tied while her foal is examined.

    • 2

      Identify how serious the problem is. Contact your veterinarian and have her examine the foal. In most cases, the case will be mild, and the vet will not need to have the foal brought into the hospital.

    • 3

      Follow the veterinarians advice to the letter. In most cases, simple exercise over the first few days and weeks will gently stretch the tendons and correct the problem.

    • 4

      Wrap the legs for support if recommended by the vet. The foal will still be encouraged to move out, even with the bandages on. Movement is essential for the foal's recovery.

    • 5

      Undertake surgery in extreme cases. Your vet will tell you if this option is best, and the prognosis is actually quite good in most cases. The tendons will be cut for the legs to be released. Healing will take time, and movement will be limited for the first several weeks.