The Foal

Text Box: FROM THE CHAPTER ON THE FOAL MECONIUM RETENTION or IMPACTION The meconium is the first dung and normally starts to pass within 4 hours of birth and is cleared through completely by about the 4th day. If the meconium is retained the foal will show symptoms of colic often within the period between birth and the third day. The cause of this is not known but the symptoms are easily spotted. These include straining, lying in odd positions and abdominal pain. Affected foals do not seem that ill and will continue to suck. Suitable remedies Dose every 1-2 hours until the meconium is passed With straining Nux vom 30c With weakness Gelsemium 30c Protracted cases no straining try Opium 200c To ease pain try Colocynthis 30c NEONATAL MALADJUSTMENT SYNDROME (NMS) WANDERERS BARKERS DUMMIES, DUMMY FOALS CONVULSIVE FOALS This condition is most often seen in thoroughbred foals and develops within the first 24 hours of life with many foals appearing normal initially. In some cases NMS may appear in as little time as 1 hour after birth. The exact cause is uncertain but basically is thought to stem from either a haemorrhage within the brain or from swelling (oedema) around the cells of the brain. Fluctuations in blood pressure and low oxygen concentrations in the blood (hypoxia) are also thought to be involved, resulting from a difficult birth or from damage to the chest area interfering with the heart and circulation. The signs are variable and may include all or some of the following:

Text Box: Homeopathic remedies are safe to use on foals

Text Box: Opium (Papaver somniferum) can be used to meconium retention