There’s nothing quite like watching a new foal struggle to stand on wobbly legs. But, colic can quickly spoil that joy. Because of the foal’s delicate gastrointestinal system, it is important to take signs of even mild colic seriously. It could progress to a life-threatening condition in a few hours.
Dr. Thomas Lenz reviews common causes for foal colic and gastrointestinal challenges. The article will make good content for blogs, newsletters and educational efforts.
Source: The American Quarter Horse Journal, September 6, 2016.
Symptoms of colic in foals include restlessness and straining to defecate, lying down and getting up frequently, teeth grinding and rolling on the back. As the condition worsens, symptoms might become more violent and frequent. Conditions that cause colic in foals during the first few weeks of life include bacteria- and virus-caused diarrhea, parasites, meconium impaction and ulcers.
Threadworms (Strongyloides westerni) or roundworms (Parascaris equorum) can produce clinical disease in foals during the first few weeks of life. Both disrupt the health of the foal’s intestinal tract and decrease the foal’s ability to absorb nutrients.