A foal needs lots of care in its first few days of life.If you have a mare that has recently given birth, you might be wondering what to do.There are a lot of things to do after a foal is born.With special attention to the foal's diet and general health, you can help to ensure that it grows up strong and healthy.
Step 1: Check to see if the foal is breathing immediately after birth.
Within a few seconds after being born, a foal should start breathing on its own.Try rubbing its nostrils with hay or a towel to get it to breathe if it doesn't start breathing right away.Pick up the foal and throw it off the ground if this doesn't work.The amniotic sac should not be in the foal's nostrils.As if you were squeezing toothpaste from a tube, run your index finger and thumb down the sides of the foal's muzzle.It will help to remove excess fluid.If the amniotic sac is still covering the foals mouth and nostrils, then you may need to break it.If you have to, press your thumb into theamniotic sac.It is normal for a foal to have some fluid and mucus after birth.If the foal isn't breathing, call a vet.
Step 2: The severed cord should be dipped in a solution of 1 to 2% iui.
Don't cut the cord for the foal!The foal can have circulatory problems if the cord is cut too early.The foal can break it on its own.The foal will pull the cord on its own.Don't use scissors to cut the cord, you can break it apart with your fingers.The end of the umbilical cord should be dipped into a solution of 1 to 2% iodine.The easiest way to dip the cord is to fill a shallow dish with iodine and raise it under the foal while it is standing.If you wait until the foal is asleep, you can pour iodine over the cord.For the next 2 days, the foal should be protected against an umbilical stump infection by repeating the iodine dip 3 times daily.The umbilical stump needs to be checked daily for the next few days after the baby is born.The stump should be dry.If it appears to be wet, it could be leaking urine and need veterinary treatment to fix it.There are signs of infections, such as swelling, heat, and discharge.You can buy it at a drug store or grocery store.
Step 3: If the foal is struggling, help it find its mother's teat.
Within 2 hours of being born, the foal should stand up and start nursing.If the foal cannot find the teat, don't intervene.If this happens, you can milk the mare and let the foal suck the colostrum off of your finger.Take your finger away and guide the mares teat into the foals mouth.If the mare won't allow the foal to nurse, it may need to be tranquilized for a few days.In this case, contact your doctor.
Step 4: If the ground is slippery, place extra hay or bedding around the foal.
Within 10 minutes of being born, the foal should get up on its own.Don't try to help it stand if it struggles to do soIf you try to make the foal stand before it's ready, you can permanently damage it.Extra hay or bedding material can be thrown under the foal to help it get its footing.Ensuring that the floor is not slippery is important as the foal should try to walk or run within 90 minutes or be born.
Step 5: The foal needs to be checked by your vet within 1 day of birth.
As soon as the foal is born, make an appointment with your doctor to make sure it is in good health.It's important to watch for important milestones within the first 2 hours after birth, since your doctor may ask about them.5 minutes, Lift its head, attempt to get up, defecate, vocalize, and stand up are some of the important post-birth milestones that your doctor may ask you about.
Step 6: Allow the foal to nurse from its mother as often as it pleases.
During their first few days, foals need to be nursed about once every 1 to 2 hours.Since it's important for your mare and foal to bond, don't try to interfere with the process.If the mare has rejected the foal or is unable to nurse it for another reason, then call your doctor.Let them know about the situation and ask if you can give the foal some colostrum.Colostrum protects the foal and provides it with early nutrition.
Step 7: If the mare is unwilling to nurse her foal, locate a nurse mare.
You will need to locate a nurse mare as soon as possible if the mare is unwilling or unable to nurse the foal.Since the foal requires feedings every 1 to 2 hours, finding a nurse mare can be more difficult than bottle-feeding an orphan foal.If you don't know of a nurse mare nearby, consult your horse's vet to find one.If you need to bottle-feed the foal, your vet can teach you how to do it.
Step 8: Provide hay for the foal.
Foals may be interested in eating hay as early as 10 days.Some people may not be interested in hay until around 8 to 10 weeks.The foal should have access to high-quality hay and be allowed to start eating it when it is ready.The foal may be allowed to run in the pasture with its mother.
Step 9: The foal should be fed a high-quality grain feed at 4 to 6 months.
Every day, the foal will need about 1 pound of food for every 100 pounds of body weight, or about one pound per month of its age.The daily amount should be divided into 2 to 3 portions.The foal's stall should always be emptied of un eaten grain feed.
Step 10: The foal is expected to develop a stomach bug around 1 to 2 weeks of age.
If you notice the foal starts to defecate liquid or have looser stools than normal, it may be due to scurvy.It is very common for foals to develop what is known as "foal heat diarrhea." This is caused by the foal eating feces and should be resolved on its own within a few days.The foal needs to be monitored to make sure it is healthy.As long as the foal continues to nurse and alert, there is nothing to worry about.If the foal stops nursing or becomes dehydrated, call your vet.
Step 11: Take note of any limb weakness.
It is common for foals to have problems with their limbs after birth.The issues may be fixed once the foal starts getting more exercise.If you notice anything unusual, tell your vet so they can check your foal.You might notice that your foal's fetlocks are at an odd angle and that they touch the ground when it is standing.As the foal gets stronger, you should tell your doctor about it.
Step 12: There are hernias near the naval and scrotal area.
If you see bulges in the foal's scrotal area, tell your doctor.These could be hernias.They may go away on their own with time if they are on the small side.Large hernias are likely to need surgery.If you have hernias, your vet can advise on the best course of action.
Step 13: Look at the foal's eyes to detect entropion.
The foal's eyes are turned inward towards the eyeball.You can turn the eyelid and lashes if the foal will let you.If they are against you when you try to do this, contact your vet.It only causes mild pain and tearing for the foal.You may be able to get your doctor to prescribe an over the counter remedy.