YOU ARE OBSERVING
Newborn Foal, Not Nursing or Depressed
Summary
When a foal does not nurse, the mare's udder becomes engorged with milk, and ultimately it streams or steadily drips. A sick foal often approaches and nuzzles the udder but does not latch and nurse. The foal's face may become glazed with dried milk. A young foal that is not regularly nursing can become severely dehydrated in just a few hours.
Any time a newborn foal stops nursing or seems depressed, something must be done immediately. The younger the foal, the more urgent the situation.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
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What To Do
Quickly assess the foal and call your vet immediately with your findings and concerns.What Not To Do
Do not take a wait and see approach when you make this observation. Simply call your vet.![icon](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/Combined_Shape.png)
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
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- When was the foal born?
- When did you first notice this?
- Did the foal stand and nurse normally after foaling?
- Do you notice other signs?
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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.
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Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
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Neonatal Isoerythrolysis in Newborn Foal
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Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency, GBED
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Botulism
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Foal or Newborn, Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, EGUS
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Foal or Newborn, Lethal White Syndrome
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Fescue Toxicosis
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Foal or Newborn, Fractured or Broken Ribs
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Foal Heat Diarrhea (1-2 Weeks of Age)
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Congenital Heart Problems
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Meningo-Encephalitis, Meningitis
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Iron Toxicosis
![icon](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/icons/bottle.png)
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
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Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health