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, Grunting As It Breathes, Acts in Pain
Summary
Newborn foals that are having difficulty breathing may have fractured ribs as a consequence of birth trauma. Foals that lose the rigidity of their chest wall due to rib fracture are commonly called "flail chest." In this case, you might actually see the ribs moving in a disjointed, abnormal appearing way.
Foals that are born very ill or with poor lung function may also grunt with each breath. Foals in this state would be expected to be down and unable to rise. In most cases, their gums color is dull and capillary refill time is slow.
Foals that are born very ill or with poor lung function may also grunt with each breath. Foals in this state would be expected to be down and unable to rise. In most cases, their gums color is dull and capillary refill time is slow.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
Regardless, call your vet immediately. Most foals with this finding may need intensive treatment. In some cases, their best chance for survival will be transportation to a hospital for intensive care.Talk to your vet about whether you should position the foal on its chest. But be very careful when you do this. Rough handling of the foal could cause ribs to displace, or worsen respiratory function.
What Not To Do
Do not attempt to lift, handle or carry your foal by the abdomen or chest, because this may cause a fractured rib to puncture a lung.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet evaluates the foal's general health and determines the reason for the signs. Once this is better understood, a treatment direction can be determined. Supplemental oxygen can be very helpful in this situation.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Was the foal's birth normal?
- What exactly do you see?
- What are the results of the newborn foal exam?
- Is the foal active and nursing?
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)
Very Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health