Before long, however, these gangly, uncoordinated newborns turn into graceful foals with an abundance of energy, frolicking and playing with their mothers and herdmates. But when they are sick, these joyful scenes can quickly turn to sadness. Foal's require immediate veterinary attention from trained specialists if tragedy is to be avoided. They can become critically ill within hours and often require intensive treatment. Foals are the major focus of the unit, but llama and alpaca crias, and the occasional deer fawn or zebra foal have also comprised the patient list.
Neonatal foals are unique within themselves and quite fragile.
It is very difficult to keep their body systems in balance. Any slight deviation can tip them off kilter and set them up for more serious problems. Unlike adult horses which have large physiological reserves, foals can deteriorate very rapidly if the post-partum events do not proceed as expected. The urine contains toxins which affect the heart and other vital structures. The urine needed to be drained manually until surgery could be performed to correct the rupture.