As the new foaling season begins, horse owners should be aware that navel (umbilical) infections are a significant health risk to newborn foals. In the first hours after birth, and before the umbilical cord dries up naturally, bacteria can easily enter blood vessels and spread throughout the body.
Preventing navel infections in foals
As the new foaling season begins, horse owners should be aware that navel infections are a significant health risk to newborn foals.
© 2012 by April Raine
According to Dr. Judy Marteniuk, Equine Extension Veterinarian at Michigan State University, current research shows that bacteria can enter the body through the digestive tract prior to colostrum ingestion, as well. In the foal, these infections can localize in certain tissues creating a life-threatening situation. Major body organs such as the liver, lung, and kidneys may become infected.
Other common sites of localized infections are the foal’s joints, often called “joint ill.” These infections can potentially cause irreversible damage to the cartilage and joint capsules.
Foals are at a disadvantage in fighting these types of infections, because their immune systems although competent have not experienced these organisms. Immediate and aggressive treatment is necessary to fight these infections. Long-term antibiotic treatment and joint lavage may be needed.
Most foals with joint infections can survive when aggressively treated, but may suffer from chronic lameness problems due to joint damage. The quicker the problem is recognized and aggressive treatment (joint lavage) is started, the better the outcome.
To prevent navel infections in foals, they should be born in as clean an environment as possible, the navel should be dipped in diluted chlorhexidine, and the foal should consume plenty of colostrum within the first six hours after birth.
If the horse owner has any concerns about the health of a foal, a veterinarian should be consulted to make a diagnosis and treat infections before they can affect the health of the foal.
Read more about Joint Ill in Foals