Joint Infections in Young Foals

Joint infections remain a common skeletal ailment of young foals. Many foals that develop such infections suffer from failure of passive transfer (FPT).

“Most foals with joint infections typically did not receive adequate colostrum, which contains infection-fighting antibodies, including immunoglobulin G,” explained Laura Petroski, B.V.M.S, a Kentucky Equine Research veterinarian. Colostrum is the first milk the mare yields following foaling, and it contains more antibodies than milk she will produce during the remainder of lactation.

As a result of inadequate immunity, harmful bacteria proliferates throughout the body, frequently localizing in joints. Affected joints become swollen and painful, often contributing to profound lameness.

“This process is in contrast to joint infections that occur in adult horses. In older animals, trauma to the joint or iatrogenic introduction of bacteria into a joint during medication, for example, typically cause infections,” Petroski added.

Foals with swollen joints require immediate veterinary attention, especially if other infections such as respiratory or umbilical infections occur concurrently.

“Aggressive treatment involving repeated lavage of the affected joints and administration of appropriate antibiotics can help resolve the infection. Treatment costs can be prohibitive, most notably if more than one type of infection exists. Outcome will depend on whether the growth plate or associated bones also become infected,” Petroski added.

Ensuring adequate transfer of immunoglobulins through colostrum within the first few hours of life will minimize the chances of joint infections, umbilical infections, pneumonia, and other health issues that occur in foals with FPT. Owners are encouraged to witness foals nursing from their dams shortly after birth, and to measure immunoglobulin levels in blood within 24 hours of parturition.

“Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those provided in EO-3, offered to mares during pregnancy have proven benefits on colostrum quality and foal health,” shared Petroski.

*Glass, K., and A.E. Watts. 2017. Septic arthritis, physitis, and osteomyelitis in foals. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice 33(2):299-314.