HELP! Pigeon toed baby

[MSRminis]

Our second foal was born-silver bay colt-will post pics on appropriate page...He is less than 12 hours old and noticed his front legs were very pigeon toed and touching at the knee. This is my 5th foal ever and can't say I remember the others ever doing this. Vet is coming tomorrow for something else so I will DEFINETLY have it checked out...but I am worried...any suggestions??

Thanks

 

[Mona]

That is not pigeon-toed...it is knock-kneed. Many foals are born with some degree of this, and get better as they begin to strengthen with age. Some a few days, others can take up to a few months.

 

[MSRminis]

Thank you-I read my trusty "The Complete Book of Foaling" and I feel better know-I think the sleep depravation is finally getting to me!

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

Dont worry at all sometimes foals are born a bit funky alot of times due to the fact they may have been sitting in the womb a bit odd.

I even had one foal that was windswept I have never since or before seen that in a mini foal but then again he was huge and way leggy .

I am sure even by tomorrow you will see a difference

:

CONGRATS on your new baby!

 

[Joyce]

Congratulations and I can't add anything to what the others have already said. I'm sure you will see a big change soon.

Joyce

 

[Jessica_06]

Oh yeah every day he'll get stronger. 2years ago I had a realllllllllyyyyyyy!!!!!! Leggy filly born and one of her front legs was wrapped around her head so we had to put the leg in the right position to come out and long story short after I about threw up :smileypuke: because I was worried about mare and baby not coming out alive. That filly's legs were so messed up and in a week I'm not kidding you they were perfect so I wouldn't worry but I know how you feel my first one that was like that I almost had the vet out and everything. Congrats on your new baby!!

 

[WeeOkie]

Another thing you might want to try (we all think we need to do something

: ) is give a vitamin AD&E shot. Then you can give another one in a week, if you need to. I think it does help their legs strengthen a little faster. I've done the shots a few times on some that I think are a little worse than normal.

Rita

btw, Congrats!

 

[Becky]

Rita is right on the AD & E. It does seem to really help. We've been using an oral version made by Progressive Nutrition. It's called Rejuvenaide and you can start foals on it at a week of age. It comes in a liquid, paste and powder versions. We've found it very helpful for angular limb deformities.

We've also found that keeping the foals somewhat confined for the first 1 - 2 weeks is helpful. It gives the foals joints, tendons and ligaments a chance to strengthen. Good luck!

 

[HGFarm]

I agree, dont worry! I have seen foals over the years at various places, including a couple of mine, born with some odd leg things going on. They all straightened up and were just fine!

 

[RJRMINIS]

IF I get a chance I will pull up some photo's of a baby donkey I had born, her legs where really bad........I have pics of her at birth a few days and then her legs at 8 months, and you wouldn't believe the difference, it just takes time.......our vet said she had laxed tendons, it is where the soft tissue are weak and it makes them turn out with weight, but given time they straighten up on their own. They just need time.

 

[MSRminis]

Just wanted to say Thanks to everyone for their support and suggestions. He seems to be getting straighter everyday! :aktion033: Since I am not very accomplished on my shot giving technique I would rather not use Warrior as a pin cushion so I have opted for the paste form of the vitamins. I have spoken to one of the nutritionalists at Progressive Nutrition and he will start on Friday. I will keep you posted on his progress!