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Cindy Davidson
New Member
Username: cindy333
Post Number: 1
Registered: 4-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 8:12 pm: |   |
We had a new foal last night, second foal for the mare. It was due on the 10th, The birth was normal, no distress, however when we pulled back the sack the foal was covered in brownish (looked like excrement) no odor, fluids. The foal was up and nursing in 30 minutes with help to stand, It is long legged, and a bit wobbly, it is not getting up on its own 12 hours since birth, but we are helping him up and he is nursing and walking around once he is up, seems alert, knows where to find his dinner, our concern, have you ever heard of a foal being born with the sack filled with yukky
colored fluid? Should we be on the look out for any issues the foal may develop not knowing what caused this or how long it was in this bath of brown fluid prior to birth. Is there a possibility that this happend during birth process? and that the foal deficated during the birthing and if so, should we be concerned? We are taking the temp on the mare and foal, currently normal, 9:15 pm tonite it will be 24 hours old. Thanks! |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro
Post Number: 20437
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 9:40 pm: | |
Welcom Cindy,
I believe you have it right. What you saw was most likely meconium, sometimes the foal defecates prior to birth. Sometimes meconium contamination of the fluids causes an aspiration pneumonia: does respiration seem normal? Note the pneumonia starts out sterile but in time secondary infection starts. If you see any such problems you are going to need professional help.
The inability to stand on his own at 12 hours is a huge red flag, does he seem to be getting stronger?
DrO |
Cindy Davidson
New Member
Username: cindy333
Post Number: 2
Registered: 4-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, Apr 10, 2008 - 10:33 am: | |
He is getting stronger, he has been up by himself, at 4:30am, for the first time. Once he is up, he navigates very well, he is alert, and aggressively feeding. This morning I went down to help him up, as he was struggling a bit, just can't seem to figure out where to put his legs and pop up each time. Once up he stays up for an hour or so, His respiration seems normal, We are crossing our fingers for him. He looks and feels good, and once up, very mobile, and coordinated. Its just the getting up thing he has not mastered, his footing in the stall may be less than desirable, We bed with sawdust and then straw over that, so along with getting up, he might be in a more slipery spot, sometimes. We have been foaling for years and each year never fails to bring a new experience, this being a first. I wonder does this happen often, and is there a specific term for this type of birth. Thanks. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro
Post Number: 20454
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Friday, Apr 11, 2008 - 8:24 am: | |
Cindy I don't know if you referring to the problems rising (which could be from many causes that result in weakness and/or incoordination) or the meconium contamination. I don't if it has a term but whatever it is my second daughter did it too and that did lead to some interesting nick names.
DrO |
Cindy Davidson
New Member
Username: cindy333
Post Number: 3
Registered: 4-2008
| | Posted on Friday, Apr 11, 2008 - 9:51 am: | |
Update-foal is doing really well, up on his own approximately every 45 minutes to nurse, then bouncing around the stall, driving his mother nuts. I was wondering if there was a technical name for what happened, The foal covered in fecal matter when born? I too can think of a number of interesting nick names, In fact he may have one of them for his real name if he keeps his antics up, like S--- Head, might work. Just kidding. Best regards, Cindy |
