Equine Health

Foal's First Visit

Foals should first be examined by the doctor within the first 24 hours of birth. This is extremely important and can identify failure of passive transfer (not enough colostrum and antibodies against disease), retained placental membranes in the mare (remember to save that placenta), herniations, and other potentially life threatening situations for both mare and foal. The next pediatric visit should occur at 4 weeks of age. This is when the foal’s lower limb bone growth plates will start to close and any lower limb deformities will need to be addressed at this time before the window for correction disappears at 6 weeks. At 3 months of age the foal will get its third visit to begin vaccinations.