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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.

  • 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

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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.

your vet's role

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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?

further reading & resources

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP