Septicemia normally occurs within three to four days after birth, but some infections develop in utero. The infection can spread to the lungs, intestinal tract, bones, joints, liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Be aware of clinical signs that are often subtle, but progress rapidly. The foal may be critically sick by the time you notice signs. For foal survival, learn to recognize and treat septicemia before life-threatening signs occur.
Symptoms are depression, weakened suckle activity, diarrhea and excessive sleeping or resting.
Foals may not nurse. If the mare has a full, hot udder, it's a good sign the foal is too sick to nurse. Foals may have rapid, labored breathing, a cough and nasal discharge. Foals can become dehydrated, but fever occurs in fewer than 50 percent of the cases. Joints may be painful, hot and swollen, with foals reluctant to move.