foal rolling ideas/ help?

[TPs flat rock acres]

Ok my filly who is about 1 1/2 months old has been laying down and will roll then will get up lay down again and roll. I am guessing belly ache/colic her mom was not an easy keeper and would get belly achs when she was younger. Is there anything I should do. I called the vet and of course I can't count on that he will be out there. Whats somethign I can do to make sure she will be ok

thanks

 

[Riverrose28]

Check around has she passed stool? Is she holding her tail up as if she has gas? Try walking her around with mom, does she try to lay down while walking? Is she laying on her back, feet in the air? Befor the vet gets there take her temp. Put them in a stall no feed. If no stool you can give her a baby enema, or mix some mineral oil in a syringe with jello, use the jello so the baby can taste the mineral oil as it has no taste, Only put a tiny amount in the side of her mouth at a time, so she can swallow and not asperate it into her lungs. If no mineral oil you can use Phillips Milk of Magnesum. If dirreaha you can give a small amount of bepto until the vet gets there. Write down all of your observations so you don't forget anything when the vet arrives, some times we all get nervous and forget to tell them things that seem small but are important. Hope the vet gets there soon, try not to worry, and good luck.

 

[kaykay]

Check the dams udder and see if she has been nursing. It will be rock hard if she quit.

We have had in the past 2 foals colic from ingesting hair from their dam.

If the dams udder is hard I would sure get a vet out to oil her etc.

Sending prayers

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

She has passed stool as I saw her poop. She does roll. Vets office said to give a very little banamine. Mares utter is a little hard. I have them in a stall to watch them. should I wait to see if she nurses?

She will roll and then legs in the air. I gave a little banamine and will wait to see what will happen. I tried rubbing her belly. She doesn't want to walk. Tried putting the halter on her and she will rear up and land on her back so not pushing that. Won't walk with the mare. I will see what happens in the stall.

 

[Sandy B]

I hope the banamine kicks in fast. Poor baby, breaks my heart. How long ago did you see her poop? was it hard, real sticky thick, or runny? If it was hard or sticky thick, I would probably give her the enema that River Rose suggested. Prayers that your vet gets there soon. I hope he gives her fluids when he oils her.

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

It was a little runny but not loose. I can't count on the vet any thoughts?

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

poop passing about 1 hr ago maybe a little less

 

[stormy]

I hate to say it but if Mom has had similar issues in the past you could be seeing ulcers, prime age for that as they start eating more solid food.

 

[Sandy B]

In my opinion, it would not hurt to give her that enema. A Fleet enema works great, but I would only give her half of an adult one. If she is getting more comfie after the Banamine I would try to get her moving around some. Maybe take momma for a walk and get her to follow. Make sure she has no access to hay or any food besides moms milk.

 

[drmatthewtaylor]

Call the Vet again if signs have continued. Minor colics are far less common in foals than they are in older horses. Colicky foals should have Vet attention if signs do not abate.

Dr Taylor

 

[Riverrose28]

I'm so glad the vet advised you to give her a touch of banimine. If she has really lose stools put the mares water bucket up out of reach of the foal. Has it been excessively hot there in the last day or two? Do a skin pinch test and see if foal is dehydrated. If you see the foal drinking excessive amounts of water make sure she has no more and must nurse. There is a rare condition were foals will drink too much water and get a belly ache with really lose stools progressing to volitile explosive dirreah. If you need more info on this problem refer to page 113 in Blessed are the brood mares, I remember you saying you have that book. I don't remember who told you to check the udder, but they are so right on, make sure foal is nursing and not just going back there looking and doing nothing sometimes they just posture.

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

Ok vet said to give pepto mismo ? She is acting better. I am guessing she is going to be like her mother. is this Genetic? darn I hated that about her mom and I don't know about her lines and enough about minis to know if it could be genetic or not. I gave an enema and she bascially gased it all out. she isn't laying down now and did nurse a little thanks everyone you guys are THE BEST!!!! Lov ya all!

 

[Riverrose28]

I am sorry I had to leave you in your time of need, had a client come here from China to see horses, was supposed to be here at 12, was just three hours late. Even if she is feeling better I would still have the vet check her, as Dr. Taylor said foals have a serious reason for colic and it should be addressed so as not to progress. Did you do the pinch test? It is important in foals with lose stools, please keep checking her and keep us posted. Thanks, Good Luck

 

[kaykay]

I agree with the others if she keeps it up your vet really needs to have a look at her. Foals go down very quickly.

I know ours took an entire IV and two enemas to finally get a big hair ball out.

Bad thing is foals are like babies and put everything and anything in their mouth.

Keep an eye on that mares udder. If she stops nursing get your vet out. The bad thing is the weekend is almost here where it about doubles to have a vet out so I would do it today if possible.

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

He didn't want to come out he said to see how she does. As long as she was responding to banimine he didn't need to come out. God hope she will be ok.

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

He didn't want to come out he said to see how she does. As long as she was responding to banimine he didn't need to come out. God hope she will be ok.

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

did the pinch test and that is fine. She is eating her moms poo. Is that normal? Checked moms utter and its soft so much be nursing. Now that is something I will always check. Live and learn

 

[Riverrose28]

Sometimes eating moms poo can cause lose stools. I don't mean to sound like a bad person, but I think you should look into getting a new vet. A concerned equine vet. should respond to a foal problem, even after hours or in the wee hours of the morning. Foals can and do go down quickly, delaying vetrinary care is not being responsible on your vet's part. Ok I think some of you will flame me, go ahead!

 

[Kelsey - Vandy's Farm]

I agree. You seriously need a new vet!

I would kill my vet if he didn't "want" to come. You've got to be kidding me, that's his job.

My vet comes whenever we need them if there is a problem. Especially a foal! Foals can turn bad so quickly.

 

[Sandy B]

100% agree! The Banamine was to just make her comfie for now, a vet still needs to come and check her. The Banamine will make her feel better and nurse and eat mom's poo (and yes it is normal for foals to eat moms poo. It gets the bacteria in their tummies going to be able to digest food). Not sure the poo is a good thing right now, especially if she is blocked. Foals can go down hill quickly, especially minis. If your vet is not willing to come out, find one who will and then keep that vet for future calls.