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
Newborn Foal, Born Solid White in Color
Summary
Lethal White Syndrome (LWS), is a condition in which white foals are born with a fatal intestinal malformation. The gene for this condition is most common in American Paint Horses but can be found in other breeds too. The genetic basis for LWS is now clear and identifiable with genetic testing.
Historically, there was confusion over this syndrome, and normal healthy all white foals were euthanized because they were thought to have LWS. This is not the case.
Historically, there was confusion over this syndrome, and normal healthy all white foals were euthanized because they were thought to have LWS. This is not the case.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If the foal fails to stand in 2 hours and nurse in 3 hours, along with this sign.
- If the foal is not as bright as normal or not nursing normally.
- If the foal is showing signs of colic pain along with this sign.
- If the foal is straining to pass it's first manure (meconium).
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If the foal appears otherwise normal, i.e. is active and nursing normally.
your role
What To Do
If a foal appears otherwise normal but is solid white in color, do not euthanize it. Contact your vet instead. The foal could be normal and healthy. Even if your foal is experiencing abdominal pain (colic) within the first 12 hours of life, the underlying condition may be treatable.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will assess the foal and perform diagnostics to determine whether the foal has LWS, and treat other unrelated illness, if needed.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What breed is the horse?
- Is the horse an American Paint or a Pinto?
- Is the foal showing any signs of abdominal pain (colic)?
- Will a veterinarian perform a post-partum exam on mare, foal, placenta?
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)
Very Common
