Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Foal or Newborn, Spastic Motions with Head
Summary
I sometimes receive calls from people new to breeding and foaling, who are concerned that their newborn foal is making spastic motions with its head (jerking head movements). This is normal newborn behavior that gradually lessens over weeks to months. Handling may cause this to be really obvious.
Rarely, congenital neurologic conditions in newborns can cause exaggerated head jerking and head tremors. Foals afflicted with these conditions in most cases, are expected to show other signs of a problem, like wobbliness or weakness.
Rarely, congenital neurologic conditions in newborns can cause exaggerated head jerking and head tremors. Foals afflicted with these conditions in most cases, are expected to show other signs of a problem, like wobbliness or weakness.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- If the foal appears otherwise normal, i.e. is active and nursing normally.
your role
What To Do
Assess the overall health of the foal, paying particular attention to their nursing behavior and movement. Young foals should always nurse vigorously and be bright and alert. Share your vet with your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
By evaluating the foal, or even a video of the foal's behavior, your vet will likely know whether there is cause for concern.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Was the delivery normal?
- How old is the foal?
- How much experience do you have with the foaling process?
- Did the foal stand and nurse normally after foaling?
- Does the foal appear healthy otherwise?
- What are the results of the foal exam?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health