01/22/2026
Itโs foaling season. Here is an informative article about diarrheaโฆ. Yep, I said diarrhea.
๐จ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐
๐จ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ก๐๐: ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ, ๐๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ฌ, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ
Foal diarrhea, commonly called scours, is one of the most frequently seen conditions in neonatal and young foals. While mild diarrhea can sometimes occur as the gastrointestinal tract matures, scours may also be an early sign of infectious disease, dehydration, or systemic illness. Because foals can decline quickly, early recognition and veterinary evaluation are essential.
๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ญ?
Scours can result from both infectious and non-infectious causes. Common infectious agents include rotavirus, Clostridium perfringens, and Salmonella, which can range from mild to life-threatening in severity. Non-infectious causes may include normal intestinal adaptation often referred to as โfoal heat,โ sudden dietary or environmental changes, or overall gastrointestinal immaturity in newborn foals.
๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ:
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of disease but often focuses on fluid and electrolyte support to prevent dehydration. Foals with inadequate immune protection may benefit from plasma transfusion to support antibody levels. When bacterial infection is suspected, antimicrobial therapy may be indicated, along with additional supportive care such as gastrointestinal protectants and probiotics.
๐ก๏ธ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ:
โพEnsure good colostrum intake after birth
โพKeep stalls clean and dry
โพIsolate any sick or incoming mares and foals
โพConsider rotavirus vaccines for broodmares, or running plasma to foals within the first 24 hours of their life.
Diarrhea in foals should never be ignored. Even mild cases can escalate quickly, so early veterinary evaluation is key. With prompt care and good management, most foals recover well and continue to grow into healthy horses. If you notice any signs of scours in your foal, donโt wait, call your veterinarian!
๐ธ: Zoetis Equine
www.sehtx.com | ๐ฑ 254-968-7898
