Equine Neonatal Care in Palm City, FL
The first hours and days of a foal’s life are critical to their long-term health. At Harbour Ridge Equine, our veterinarians support you from foaling through the newborn period with foaling assistance, post-foaling exams for both mare and foal, and prompt diagnosis and treatment of common neonatal problems.
request an appointmentOur Neonatal Care Services
- Foaling assistance
- Mare and foal post-foaling examination
- Neonatal management
- Diagnosis of “failure of passive transfer”
- Hyperimmune plasma
The Post-Foaling Exam
A thorough examination of the mare and foal shortly after birth helps us catch problems early. For the foal, we assess heart and lung function, eyes, umbilicus, limbs, nursing behavior, and overall vitality. For the mare, we check for a complete placenta, tears or injury, and udder health. Your veterinarian can also recommend a vaccination schedule for your foal through our preventative medicine services.
Failure of Passive Transfer
Foals are born without a functioning immune system and depend on the antibodies in their mother’s colostrum. When a foal does not receive or absorb enough colostrum, it is called failure of passive transfer, and it leaves the foal vulnerable to serious infection. A simple blood test can diagnose the problem, and hyperimmune plasma can provide the antibodies the foal needs.
Signs a Newborn Foal Needs Help
Call us right away if your foal is not standing within about two hours or nursing within about three hours of birth, appears weak or depressed, has diarrhea, strains to pass manure, or if the mare has not passed her placenta within three hours.
Support From Breeding to Birth
Our neonatal services are part of our full equine reproduction program, which also includes mare management, embryo transfer, and stallion services. Helpful foal information is also listed on our Links page.
Neonatal Care FAQs
When should my foal stand and nurse?
Most healthy foals stand within about one to two hours and nurse within about two to three hours of birth. Call us if your foal has not reached these milestones.
How soon after birth should my foal be examined?
We recommend a post-foaling exam of the mare and foal within the first day of life.
What is hyperimmune plasma?
Hyperimmune plasma is plasma from donor horses that contains high levels of antibodies. It is given to foals with failure of passive transfer to help protect them from infection.
How do you test for failure of passive transfer?
A simple blood test measures the level of antibodies in the foal’s blood, usually performed within the first day of life.
Can you assist with foaling?
Yes. Our veterinarians provide foaling assistance, and our team is available for emergencies for established clients.
When should my foal start vaccinations?
Vaccination timing depends on the mare’s vaccination history and local disease risks. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule at the foal’s exam.
Protect Your Newborn Foal
Expecting a foal this season? Call Harbour Ridge Equine at (561) 744-9026 to plan foaling support and your foal’s first exam.