A foal's birth marks the start of something exciting: a new partner to train, a clean slate with which to begin, and potential just waiting to be tapped. But something exciting can quickly turn to something disappointing if that foal isn't healthy.

At the 2014 Kentucky Breeders' Short Course, held Feb. 8 in Lexington, Bonnie Barr, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, an equine internal medicine specialist at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, also in Lexington, reviewed four common health problems newborn foals face. She also described what owners and breeding managers should watch for in each scenario and when to seek veterinary attention.

Predisposing Factors

It's often impossible to discern whether the foal about to pop out of a mare in labor will have a health problem. There are, however, a few predisposing factors that could indicate a potential problem.

"Most disorders of the newborn foal result from high-risk pregnancies," Barr explained. "Conditions that affect fetal development and maturity, delivery, or the peripartum period may result in severe neonatal illness