How to Care for a Foal Down on its Fetlocks
The birth of a foal is a wonderful and awe inspiring thing. Whether you are privileged enough to witness the event, or come across the happy surprise one morning, you will want to do some observation on mother and baby. Quite commonly, foals are born with what appear to be deformities in the legs, or appear to have weak fetlocks as they begin to walk around.
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Instructions
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Stay calm and notify your vet. Your vet will probably want to check how extensive the fetlock buckling is, and will have some recommendations. In the meantime approach the foal, preferably before it has time to get too tired from constant attempts at standing. Staying calm is extremely important, as you are now dealing with not only the foal, but the mare as well. You don't want to alarm the animals, or upset or provoke the mare.
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Gently ease the foal into a prone position, so it is laying on its side. The foal will probably try to struggle, so restrain it gently. This is best done with at least two people. Remember to allow the mare plenty of access to the foal while you are doing this. Move slowly and gently, and speak in a low, soft tone.
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Brace the foal's legs. If you do not already have leg braces, your vet can supply them for you. Apply the braces along the sides of the foal's legs. Typically the braces will reach from elbow to hoof. When you are doing this, make sure you have the foal's hoof extended in the same position as if it were standing on an even surface.
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Apply the wraps or ace bandage. To secure the brace, you will need to wrap it thoroughly with a cloth wrap, or ace bandage in a pinch. Make sure you aren't wrapping it too tightly, but keep it snug so the brace stays in place. Roll the wrap starting at the elbow, working your way down to the hoof. Secure the wraps with clips.
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Observe your foal often. The foal may need assistance with laying down and standing back up, and may even need help nursing. Keep the bandages clean, and take them off to check the progress of the fetlock straightening each day. The daily check in on the fetlocks will also help you avoid any discomfort to the foal if the brace is rubbing awkwardly and will let you change the wraps if they become dirty.
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Keep in constant contact with your vet. If the foal isn't progressing well enough, more invasive measures such as corrective farriery and surgery may be necessary. Your vet will be able to recommend what procedures are necessary. Keep mare and foal in an area segregated from other horses or animals, as the foal can inadvertently be injured in its weakened state.
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Tips & Warnings
Always consult your vet for recommendations.
