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
Newborn Foal, Soft, Feathery Tissue on Feet
Summary
Soft, rubbery tissue on the bottom of a newborn's hooves is normal. During late gestation, a soft cushion of deciduous (transient) hoof capsule develops. This padding is thought to protect the mare's uterus from damage during late-term pregnancy and foaling. After a foal is born and begins walking, this tissue wears off quickly on the ground.
Various names have been given to this tissue including fairy slippers, golden hooves, foal slipper, leaves, gills, and fingers.
Various names have been given to this tissue including fairy slippers, golden hooves, foal slipper, leaves, gills, and fingers.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- For a routine post-partum examination of foal, mare and placentae.
your role
What To Do
Assess the foal's general attitude, appetite and the appearance of the limbs and feet otherwise, as you would with any normal newborn. As long as the foal seems normal otherwise, you need not do anything.However, if you have other concerns about a newborn foal, always contact your vet immediately. I recommend a veterinary newborn foal exam for every new foal. Your vet sees things you might not. That exam is an opportunity to catch things early.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Your vet will examine the newborn foal, mare and placenta and be sure that all is as it should be.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Will a veterinarian perform a post-partum exam on mare, foal, placenta?
- Does the foal appear bright, alert and responsive?
- When do you think the foal was born?
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