🐴 CPR in Foals: Emergency Newborn Resuscitation for 2025 🆘💓

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

In human medicine, CPR is a life-saving standard. In horses, it’s rarely possible for adults due to their massive size—but in newborn foals, CPR can make the difference between life and death. In 2025, understanding how and when to perform CPR in foals is crucial for anyone involved in equine reproduction. 🧠🐎

⚠️ When Is CPR in Foals Needed?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is indicated when a foal:

• 🛑 Is not breathing at birth
• 🩺 Has no detectable heartbeat
• 📉 Has a respiratory rate or heart rate less than 1 per second

This situation is more likely in foals born under high-risk circumstances. 🚨

🔍 Common Risk Factors for Compromised Foals:

• 🤰 Mares with placentitis or uterine infection
• ⏳ Prolonged or difficult labor
• 🩺 Premature birth
• 🔪 Caesarean section deliveries

Any foal born under these conditions should be monitored closely from the first second. ⏱️

🧠 What Does a Healthy Foal Look Like at Birth?

• 💨 Breathing: 1 breath per second (60 breaths/min)
• 💓 Heart rate: 60+ beats per minute, regular rhythm
• 🎯 Active suckling reflex within minutes

Anything slower or irregular is a red flag and could indicate need for intervention. 📉

🔧 Initial Steps at Birth

If a foal is born unresponsive or weak:

1. 🧼 Immediately dry the foal with towels
2. 💧 Clear fluid from nostrils and mouth
3. ⬇️ Position the foal’s head slightly lower to help drainage (but do not suspend by hind limbs)

💨 Establishing Breathing

If the foal is not breathing:

• 📞 Call your veterinarian immediately
• 🧪 The safest method is intubation—passing a sterile tube through the nose into the trachea
• 💨 Provide gentle breaths via a resuscitation bag (Ambu bag)

This method requires training and is ideally done by or under direction of a veterinarian. 💉

⚠️ Note:

• ❌ Avoid mouth-to-nose unless it’s a true emergency and no equipment is available

❤️ Restoring a Heartbeat

If there’s no heartbeat or it is faint:

• 🤲 Place foal on right side with left side up
• 💥 Compress the chest with both hands over the ribcage (just behind the elbow)
• 🧠 Perform 80–100 compressions per minute

Continue compressions while another person provides breaths if possible. CPR is tiring—rotate roles if help is available. 🔁

📋 When to Stop CPR

• ⏱️ After 10–15 minutes without response
• 📉 If pupils are fixed and dilated
• 💔 If foal does not develop any spontaneous rhythm

CPR can save lives—but it’s most successful when done early and with preparation. 🧠

📲 Ask A Vet for Foaling Emergency Prep

Expecting a foal soon? Visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App for CPR checklists, foaling support, and newborn health planning. 📱🐴

Dr Duncan Houston and the team can help you prepare emergency kits, train staff, and review your foal response plan. 💬🧬

🏁 Final Thoughts

In 2025, foal CPR is a skill every breeder and barn manager should be familiar with. While not every case can be saved, early intervention dramatically improves outcomes. Don't wait—prepare your team and equipment now. 🍼🐎

Need a foaling emergency kit or CPR plan? Visit AskAVet.com to download one today 🐴🆘