Starting Out Right: Foal Umbilical Care
The umbilical cord is the foal's lifeline in the uterus. Unfortunately, it can also be a great way for bacteria to enter the foal's body after birth. Infection of a neonatal foal's umbilicus can result in local infection at the site, a patent urachus (an open communication between the umbilicus and the bladder, resulting in urination through the umbilicus), abscessation of the umbilicus (which can extend all the way to the liver or back to the bladder) or sepsis (bloodstream infection). Fatal disease from an umbilical infection is not uncommon. Therefore, it's obvious that we need to try to reduce the risk of bacteria entering the umbilicus and causing infection.
Everyone that has foals should know about proper umbilical care. If umbilical care is neglected altogether or done improperly, the foal may be at serious (and unnecessary) risk of infection. Improper umbilical care, especially the use of irritating substances, can damage the delicate tissues, and may in fact do more harm than good. Here are some important points about proper care of the umbilicus for foals:
Ideally, the umbilicus should be inspected and treated within 30 minutes of foaling (see picture right: normal umbilicus 20 minutes post-foaling).- The umbilicus should be dipped with a 0.5% chlorhexidine solution (NOT a tincture, which contains alcohol). This is preferred to iodine-based products. If iodine is used, milder forms (i.e. povidone iodine) should always be used, and they should be diluted properly prior to use. Stronger is not better - high concentrations of iodine can be very irritating and cause severe skin damage.
- The entire umbilicus should be treated, but care should taken to prevent soaking areas around the umbilicus.
- Umbilical treatment should be repeated every 6-8 hours for the first 24 hours of life, but do not over-treat the umbilicus - it is crucial that the tissues ultimately dry out. The umbilicus should not be kept moist all the time, as this makes it easier for bacteria to invade the tissues.
- Avoid touching the umbilicus directly with your hands. If this is necessary, hands should be washed thoroughly first or gloves should be worn. Always wash your hands thoroughly after.
- Any problems with the umbilicus (e.g. bleeding, urine coming out, large size, hot and painful, chronically moist) should be reported promptly to your veterinarian.
- Suturing, tying or other forms of closing off the umbilicus should be avoided if at all possible.
