Infections in foals

Is your foal lame, does it have a fever or have you noticed a swollen joint? Contact your vet or the clinic immediately, even at night. Any one of these signs is reason enough to seek urgent advice. Do not wait until several signs appear at once.

Drinking poorly, dullness or difficulty getting up are also warning signs. Moreover, a serious infection can be present without a fever.

Foals are particularly susceptible to infection, especially in the first weeks of life, and vigilance remains important in the months that follow. Bacteria can enter the body through the umbilicus, the airways or the gastrointestinal tract, among other routes. From there they can spread via the bloodstream to other sites, including joints, bones and growth plates.

The original infection does not always cause obvious signs. Sometimes lameness is the first visible sign, while the infection started elsewhere in the body. Because a foal’s tissues are still developing, serious and permanent damage can occur within a short time.

Rapid assessment and treatment are therefore essential. A few hours can make an important difference to your foal’s chances of survival, its recovery and its future as a sport horse.

Joint, bone and growth plate infections

Bacteria spreading through the bloodstream can settle in one or more joints, in bone or at a growth plate. A growth plate is the zone where a bone grows in length.

These infections can cause pain, lameness and swelling. Fever is possible but not always present, so even a foal that is only mildly lame should be examined promptly.

Treatment depends on the site and extent of the infection, and on any damage to cartilage or bone.

Joint infection

An infected joint usually needs thorough lavage to remove bacteria and inflammatory material. Depending on the situation, this is done with needles or arthroscopically. Several lavages are sometimes needed. Antibiotics can also be given locally.

Infection with cartilage or bone damage

When the cartilage or underlying bone is also affected, lavage alone may not be enough. Infected or dead tissue may then need to be removed surgically. Careful removal of affected bone is called curettage.

Growth plate infection

A growth plate infection calls for targeted treatment to fight the infection and limit damage to the growing bone as far as possible. Depending on the site and findings, a targeted, ultrasound-guided injection of antibiotics may be part of the treatment. Surgical removal of infected tissue is sometimes needed as well.

These local treatments are combined with systemic antibiotics, appropriate pain relief and regular check-ups. Treatment is often prolonged; its length and the further approach are tailored to your foal’s progress.

Umbilical infections

In an umbilical infection, both the external umbilical stump and the internal umbilical structures can be affected. The infection may remain local, but bacteria can also reach other parts of the body via the bloodstream.

How do you recognise an umbilical infection?

A thickened, warm or painful umbilicus, discharge or pus, fever or a less lively foal can point to an infection. An umbilicus that looks normal from the outside does not rule out an internal infection.

How do we examine and treat it?

With a clinical examination and ultrasonography, we assess which umbilical structures are affected and how extensive the infection is. We also look for signs of spread to other parts of the body.

Depending on the findings, we treat the infection with antibiotics and close monitoring. In case of extensive infection, abscess formation or insufficient improvement, it may be necessary to remove the infected umbilical structures surgically. This deals with the source of infection and limits the risk of further spread.

After surgery, appropriate antibiotic treatment and check-ups remain necessary.

Our approach: examining and treating the whole foal

During her training, Camille focused in particular on infections in foals and their treatment, including in her scientific publications. In a foal presented with lameness or an orthopaedic infection, we therefore also assess its general health and the possible origin of the infection.

We actively look for a source of infection, for example at the umbilicus, the lungs or the gastrointestinal tract. If we find an infection there, we include it in the treatment plan. That way we treat both the affected structures and the possible cause of further spread.

Depending on the findings, we take samples of joint fluid, blood and, where relevant, infected umbilical structures. Through bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, we try to identify the bacterium responsible and determine which antibiotics are suitable.

The necessary treatment is started straight away; we do not wait for the laboratory results. As soon as the results are available, we adjust the treatment if needed.

Clear communication about treatment, expectations and costs

We discuss with you what we have found, which treatments are possible and what can be expected for recovery and future use. Where different treatment options exist, we explain the differences in approach, expected outcomes, aftercare and costs.

We make clear agreements for every next step, and during treatment we keep you informed of progress and any changes to the treatment plan.

Unsure about the budget? Please contact us straight away anyway. We discuss which initial examinations and care are needed and how your foal can be assessed as quickly as possible. We then go through the further treatment options and costs with you step by step, so that uncertainty about the whole course of treatment does not delay the first assessment.