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  Discussion on 2 mo old filly and UFP?
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New Member:
jhyrick

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 - 12:23 pm:

I noticed a strange movement with my 2 month old filly on Monday. Extending, and then dragging the toe on her hoof, before getting it into correct position. It seemed to effect one leg, but a little on the other. By the time I called the barn manager down and we put the Mare and the foal in the indoor arena for better observation, there were no signs.
The vet was palpating the mare yesterday for ovulation, and noticed this herself. She feels it is UFP. She told me to research this in the meantime, and she'll try to locate a recent article she recalled seeing later.
I am absolutely sick about this. Most of what I read here seems to apply to older horses. The filly comes from a long line of good performance horses, and now I'm concerned for her future.
I've suggested that perhaps the barn managers put the mare and foal in the arena at night to encourage more exercise. Buffalo area is just beginning to thaw and where there is not ice, there is mud.
Is there nutritional supplements that may be provided to the foal? Any articles or information that I can reference pertaining to the condition with foals? I am really stressing about this one. Joni
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 - 7:30 pm:

No, UFP is often a problem of growing horses Joni though in one this young this may be a temporary blip but if not this is a very treatable problem so ease on the stressing.

There are not any nutritional supplements but a good idea is to evaluate the foal's condition for signs of over or under nutrition. In my opinion you really like to keep foals a touch on the ribby side and avoid rapid changes in nutrient levels. A 5 on the Henneke scale is a good mark to shoot for. Of course with heavily nursing foals you control the nutrient levels the foal gets by controlling the condition and nutrient level of the mare. It may be a bit late to make much change there. Start with an evaluation of the foals condition, for more see Horse Care » Routine Horse Care » Estimating Weight, Height, and Body Condition Scoring.
DrO
New Member:
jhyrick

Posted on Thursday, Mar 15, 2007 - 9:43 am:

Thank you Dr. Oglesby for your prompt reply. I was able to sleep last night! This Arabian filly is growing very fast. She is not fed separately, but shares her Mom's feed bin. Her Mom is 18 years old and actually the foal seems to be taking a lot out of her. I purchased her already bred, and with Buffalo, NY weather the way it is, would never breed for a January foal. The foaling stall they are in is at least 25 x 25'. The foal is let out into the arena after the training horses are done for the day, and has been able to be outside for a few of the nicer days when it was soft snow. Now it's more mud city outside. The barn owners don't like the idea of turning them into the arena at night, but have indicated they will make certain to get her out of the stall a number of times during the day until they can go outside consistently. I've said my prayers hoping this is a temporary condition while the body changes and develops. Joni
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Mar 15, 2007 - 5:28 pm:

I see, regular exercise would certainly be a important first step in this case.
DrO
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