The High Risk Foal Foals are delicate creatures. Once they are sick, treatment is often expensive, time consuming, and frequently unsuccessful. There are several risk factors, however, which, when identified, help identify foals that are of high risk of developing medical problems. Preventive steps can then be undertaken. Risk factors can be either associated with the dam's pregnancy, the foaling period, or the foal itself.
Dirty stalls are also a risk factor.
Prior to foaling, several tests can be performed in high risk mares to help determine the health of the pregnancy. Blood tests can be performed to measure hormone levels and screen for infection. Ultrasound can detect signs of fetal distress and assess the integrity of the placenta. Your veterinarian may recommend these tests if the pregnancy appears to be at risk. It is especially important to monitor high risk pregnancies so that foaling can be attended and the foal assessed for signs of illness right away.