There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a new foal on the farm! But did you know those first 24 hours of life are some of the most important for setting your foal up for a healthy future?
A newborn foal exam helps ensure everything is off to a great start. During the visit we will:
Check the foal’s heart, lungs, eyes, joints, and umbilicus
Make sure the foal is nursing well and receiving enough colostrum
Screen for congenital issues or signs of infection
Ensure the mare is recovering normally post-foaling
One of the most important parts of the newborn exam is the IgG test, which measures the foal’s antibody levels.
Foals are born without antibodies and rely on colostrum (the mare’s first milk) to get the immune protection they need.
If the IgG level is too low, the foal is at higher risk for infections!
In those cases, we may recommend a plasma transfusion, which safely provides the antibodies a foal needs to fight off disease and stay healthy.
Even if your foal looks bright and bouncy, subtle issues can go unnoticed, and early exams help us catch them before they become serious.
Tip: Schedule your foal’s first vet check within 12–24 hours of birth. It’s the best way to make sure your newest member of the family gets the strongest start possible!
If you’re expecting a foal this season, give us a call to get on the schedule. We can’t wait to meet your newest addition!