04/04/2026
🐴 Foaling Season Has Begun! 🐴
This week, we had the pleasure of caring for our first foal of the season. Thanks to engaged and educated breeder, we were asked to assess the newborn’s immunological status to ensure the foal is properly protected and prepared for a healthy start in life.
Why is this so important? 🤔
Foals are born without circulating antibodies, leaving them highly vulnerable to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses present in their environment. Their early immune protection depends entirely on antibodies absorbed from their mare’s colostrum (first milk). However, these antibodies can only pass through the intestinal barrier into the bloodstream during the first 24 hours of life (the possibility decreases to ca. 20-30% 12h after birth).
If this critical window is missed, administering additional colostrum orally will no longer be effective. In such cases, immunoglobulin levels can only be corrected through intravenous plasma transfusion.
Our recommendation 🚑
We strongly recommend performing an IgG SNAP test 12–24 hours after birth to evaluate the success of passive transfer. This timing allows sufficient absorption of antibodies from colostrum while ensuring that foals with inadequate immunity are identified and treated promptly.
When intervention is needed 🚨
For foals diagnosed with partial or complete failure of passive transfer, plasma transfusion provides an effective solution. After treatment, IgG levels are rechecked within 12–24 hours to confirm adequate immune protection. Some foals may require more than one transfusion to achieve optimal levels.
A critical reminder‼️
There is no substitute for properly assessing a foal’s immunological status. Even foals that appear bright and healthy can deteriorate rapidly and develop life-threatening conditions such as sepsis! Early testing and intervention are essential—and well worth it.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email. Let us know if You would like to read more about foal care!
Vi önskar er en Glad Påsk! 🐣
