🐴 Newborn Foal Examination: Critical First-Day Checks in 2025 🩺🍼

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

The first 12–24 hours of a foal’s life are crucial. In 2025, equine veterinary care focuses on immunity, gut function, early signs of illness, and neurological readiness. A proper newborn exam sets the foundation for long-term health and performance. 🧠🐎

🧪 1. Check Immunoglobulin Levels (IgG)

Foals are born with zero immunity. They rely entirely on colostrum from the mare within the first 12 hours to absorb immunoglobulins for protection against disease. 🛡️

📅 Timing:

• 🕛 12 hours post-birth is the ideal testing window
• 🩸 Blood test measures IgG (immunoglobulin G) concentration

If IgG is low:

• 🥣 Supplement with high-quality colostrum or
• 💉 Administer IV plasma transfusion if absorption window has closed

Testing helps make informed, timely decisions—don't skip it. ✅

💉 2. Tetanus Consideration

It was once common to give tetanus antitoxin to all foals. In 2025, this is only recommended if the mare wasn’t vaccinated 4–6 weeks prior to foaling. 💉

➡️ If the mare was vaccinated: the foal receives protection through the colostrum. 🧬

🚼 3. Umbilical and Inguinal Hernia Check

Your vet should inspect the newborn at around 12 hours of life to detect:

• 🔍 Umbilical hernias (swelling at the naval)
• 🔍 Inguinal hernias (in males especially)

Early detection allows for monitoring or intervention before complications arise. 🩺

🚽 4. Enema to Pass Meconium

Meconium (the foal’s first stool) must pass within 12–24 hours. If not, it can cause colic or constipation. Common protocols include:

• 💧 Sodium phosphate enema (Fleet)
• 🧼 Dish soap mixed with warm water

This is a routine part of foal care immediately after birth. ✅

💊 5. Antibiotics? Only for At-Risk Farms

Some breeders give prophylactic antibiotics in the first 72 hours, but this is controversial.

• 💉 Only consider if your farm has a history of neonatal bacterial infections
• 🧠 Discuss with your veterinarian based on risk assessment

Overuse can promote resistance—use only when truly needed. 🧬

🧠 6. When to Use the Madigan Foal Squeeze

Foals that appear disoriented, weak, or “not quite right” may be experiencing neonatal maladjustment syndrome—also known as “dummy foal syndrome.”

Solution: The Madigan Squeeze

• 🪢 Uses rope tied around the chest and torso in a specific pattern
• 🕒 Applied for 20 minutes to simulate the pressure of birth
• 💡 May help “reboot” the foal’s neurological system

Watch tutorials before trying, or consult your vet. It’s low risk and often effective. 🧠✅

📲 Ask A Vet for Newborn Foal Support

Need a complete newborn care plan or help interpreting IgG results? Visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App to book a post-foaling exam or set up first-week care. 📱🐴

Dr Duncan Houston and the team offer foal immunity tracking, neonatal diagnostics, and step-by-step guidance through the critical first 24 hours. 💬🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts

In 2025, we prioritize precision from the moment the foal hits the ground. Checking colostrum immunity, addressing hernias, and using tools like the Madigan squeeze give your foal the strongest start possible. 🍼🐴

Book a newborn exam or download your first-foal checklist at AskAVet.com today 🐴🩺