Premature Foals and Possible Problems

It’s nearing the best time of the year again–foaling season. Although most foals are born in the spring of the year, between February and June, sometimes we see foals in late December or early January. Often these tiny newborns delivered to our
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It’s nearing the best time of the year again–foaling season. Although most foals are born in the spring of the year, between February and June, sometimes we see foals in late December or early January. Often these tiny newborns delivered to our hospital around Christmas are preemies (premature foals), but of course, premature foals can be delivered at any time during the season. In the past, a premature foal was regarded as a lost cause with little chance of survival and less hope of being an athletic adult. However, prematurity is not a death sentence anymore, nor is it an automatic label of “non-athlete.” With the establishment of neonatal intensive care units in many university and private practice equine hospitals, the survival rates are increasing. Our knowledge and understanding of the problems associated with premature foals also are increasing, thus helping us treat these foals more effectively. Premature foals often require intensive care to survive, but with the proper treatment, many of them can and do survive.

So, what do you do if your foal is delivered early? How do you know if your foal is premature? What are the problems to be aware of? Why was the foal delivered prematurely in the first place? In this article, we will define what a premature foal is, describe the complications that occur with premature foals and their treatments, and also describe some of the reasons premature foals are delivered so early.

What Is A Premature Foal?

Normal gestation (pregnancy length) in a mare is anywhere from 320 to 365 days, with an average of 341 days. However, normal, healthy foals have been delivered anywhere from 305 to 365 days. Foals born before Day 300 usually are considered nonviable.

A foal is considered premature if delivered before Day 320 of gestation. Unfortunately, each individual mare will have a different gestational length. Knowing the previous gestational length of your mare can help you plan for delivery, as mares often carry subsequent foals for a similar gestational length. This is why knowing her breeding dates is so important–so that you can count back and determine the gestational age of your foal and not have to guess

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Written by:

Christina S. Cable, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, owns Early Winter Equine in Lansing, New York. The practice focuses on primary care of mares and foals and performance horse problems.

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