Very 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, Crooked Limbs or Legs, Viewed from Front
Summary
Crooked limbs may be present at birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired). Newborn foals may be born with legs that appear very crooked when viewed from the front. In most cases, these will straighten rapidly with a little time and no treatment.
Importantly, however, certain types and degrees of deviation may not resolve on their own and veterinary treatment may be necessary. It is vitally important to recognize the difference between these groups early because there is a limited window of time to correct certain defects.
Importantly, however, certain types and degrees of deviation may not resolve on their own and veterinary treatment may be necessary. It is vitally important to recognize the difference between these groups early because there is a limited window of time to correct certain defects.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours
your role
What To Do
If you notice that a newborn or growing foal has a crooked limb, contact your vet promptly. Try to stand the foal on a hard, flat surface and as squarely as possible and take a photo of the affected limb(s). Send the photo to your vet along with the foal's birth date and any other pertinent history.Place the mare and foal in a small stall (24' x 12' or smaller) until your vet examines the foal. Confinement in a small stall reduces the load placed on a questionable limb and will favor straightening compared to unrestricted exercise in a larger area.
I find it extremely discouraging when I am notified of a problem too late to help the animal, and this is common with these foals. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that all foal's limbs will straighten on their own. Yes, a "windswept foal" with two very crooked front limbs may straighten beautifully and miraculously in a few days.
On the other hand, a mildly pigeon toed front limb in a two week old foal may only worsen. By the time the owner realizes that it is not improving on its own (several months later) the bones have fused, making treatment impossible or impractical.
What Not To Do
Do not take a "wait and see" approach. Talk to your vet immediately, even if the angulations appear mild.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Less Common
your vet's role
Your vet understands the anatomy, function and development of the foal's limbs. They will assess a particular abnormal limb conformation using physical exam and x-ray. Taking into account the foal's age, and the specific abnormality and its severity, they will be able to define options for treatment.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When was the foal born?
- Have you tried to treat the problem?
- Can you send a photo?
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.
Very Common
Less Common
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