Every year, septicemias takes a heavy toll of foals. Foals are exposed to any quantity of diseases, plenty of which can lead on to septicemia. The weak point of all foals is the leftover stump of the umbilical cord.
Care needs to be taken to keep the umbilical cord intact for a period of time after birth. When the cord is cut off too quickly , it deprives the foal of a large amount of blood. The most suitable option is to allow the cord to break off in natural course. The area should be sterilized as soon as that occurs. The most typical disinfectant used for this reason is iodine compound. This simple act of disinfecting the umbilical cord stump with this disinfectant is sufficient precaution for keeping the foal safe from diseases that may lead to septicemias, and so, it should not be delayed or skipped. Even when you are unable to get to the foal for hours after its birth, the very first thing you need to do is set about disinfecting its umbilical cord stump.
Typical infection causing bacteria include Salmonella abotivoquina, Salmonella typhimrium, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Clostridium perfringens and Actinobacillus equuili. Clostridium perfringens could cause inflammation of the foal\’s intestines.
You also should keep an eye out for some conditions that might render the foal at the mercy of septicemia if they exist in either the mare or the foal or both. It is not unusual to see these conditions common in foals that become a victim of septicemia. These conditions include:
- Dystocia
- Placentitis
- Induced parturition (work)
- Fever
- Early birth
- Unhealthy birth conditions
- Delayed suck reflex
- Inadequate colostral antibodies
- Poor ventilation.
Septicemia announces itself in a few initial symptoms, which include:
- Reduced appetite
- Mild dehydration
- Weak suck reflex
- General weakness
- (occasionally) fever.
As foaling season approaches there\’ll be a large amount of foal births that happen before temperatures increase. While most of these foals may not carry risk for septicemia, they do stand exposed to other conditions like pneumonia. Sadly, septicemia might be the ultimate result of such contagions. The presence of bacteria may comprise another risk, especially in a barn that\’s poorly ventilated. Foals are always exposed, but more so if born just before hotter spring temperatures set in. A close watch should be maintained on foals that appear to be in danger.
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Be Aware Of Septicemias in Foals
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