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Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Newborn Foal, Fetlocks Sagging Excessively
Summary
Anatomically, the fetlock joint is not really the horse's ankle at all. It is the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the forelimb, the equivalent of your middle (upper) knuckle joint. (The hind limb fetlock is the equivalent of the middle metatarso-phalangeal joint at the front of your foot.)
The fetlock is an extremely dynamic and sensitive joint, a very high-motion, critical component of the intricate mechanism of the lower limb of the horse.
Some newborn foals have weak flexor tendons, most commonly on the hind limbs. This results in the fetlocks sagging, and the pasterns coming close to parallel to the ground. In many cases, the toe of the hoof lifts off the ground.
In more severe cases, the entire hoof raised off the ground and the foal appears to be "walking on their pasterns."
Lax flexor tendons are common in premature and dysmature foals, who tend to suffer from other problems. But it can also be seen in foals that are full-term and otherwise seem normal and healthy. In most cases, this condition resolves over the first week of life. In more severe cases, however, some therapeutic treatment may be needed.
The fetlock is an extremely dynamic and sensitive joint, a very high-motion, critical component of the intricate mechanism of the lower limb of the horse.
Some newborn foals have weak flexor tendons, most commonly on the hind limbs. This results in the fetlocks sagging, and the pasterns coming close to parallel to the ground. In many cases, the toe of the hoof lifts off the ground.
In more severe cases, the entire hoof raised off the ground and the foal appears to be "walking on their pasterns."
Lax flexor tendons are common in premature and dysmature foals, who tend to suffer from other problems. But it can also be seen in foals that are full-term and otherwise seem normal and healthy. In most cases, this condition resolves over the first week of life. In more severe cases, however, some therapeutic treatment may be needed.
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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
When in doubt, confine the mare and foal to a small stall or paddock (at most 20'x20') and contact your vet.What Not To Do
Do not bandage or splint the limbs without consulting your vet. Splinting and casting can actually inhibit the strengthening of the flexor tendons, prolonging the problem. In addition, poorly applied splints and casts can severely injure foals.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will evaluate the foal's general health and the severity of the condition to determine whether treatment is necessary.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How old is the foal?
- How is the foal's appetite and attitude?
- Can you send a photo of the problem?
- 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)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health