• Horses
• Broodmare Care
• Young Foal Care
• Wellness/Preventative
• Physical Exams
• Vaccinations
• Fecal Testing/Deworming
• Oral/Dental
• Special Exams/Tests
• Hoof Care

Newborn Foal Care

A healthy start to life helps ensure a healthy young horse. The first few hours to days are critical to the wellbeing of your new foal. Dr. Ridlen is available to help in the delivery of your new foal. Please call with any concerns or worries. If he is not present when the foal is born, a farm visit immediately after the delivery is a wonderful idea.

At that time, Dr. Ridlen will perform a complete physical examination, examine the foal for congenital problems, and rule out any problems of the limbs, sensory organs, and gastrointestinal, cardiac, and respiratory systems. He will ascertain the limb strength of the foal and make sure the youngster is standing and moving correctly, in a timely manner. Additionally, he will make sure that the foal is suckling properly, assure that colostrum has been taken by the foal, and if necessary, make sure that the colostrum contains adequate antibodies. He will make sure the naval is clean and dip it, if necessary. Any questions will be completely answered. Dr. Ridlen usually administers tetanus antitoxin immediately after birth.

Young Foal Care

Young foals require veterinary services to maintain their vitality and to grow properly. First, the foals need routine vaccines and dewormings. Dr. Ridlen can help devise a routine worming schedule for your new foal. Most foals receive their first deworming at one month of age. They are then dewormed periodically for the rest of their lives.

Foals whose mothers have received proper vaccinations start their vaccines at approximately five months, receiving Eastern (EEE), Western (WEE), and Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis (VEE), tetanus toxoid, rabies, influenza, rhinopneumonitis (Equine Herpes), West Nile disease (WNV), and strangles (Streptococcus equi). These vaccines are boostered at six months of age. Some foals may require a third booster vaccine. Foals born from mares without proper immunizations may need to start vaccinations slightly earlier. Additionally, at the time of vaccination, any problems or questions concerning separation of the foal from the mare and weaning can be handled.

Additionally, Dr. Ridlen will check that the foal is growing properly and that limbs are developing straight and strong. He will listen to the chest and abdomen. Any development issues will be promptly discussed and handled.

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