Smudge's Foaling Page

[Julia and Smudge]

I'm located in Ontario Canada. It's pretty cool here, but maybe he'll shed out come summer time when it's warmer?

As for the raspy noise, it seems to only occur when he gets worked up. More from is upper respiratory system, not so much his lungs. My vet wasn't concerned, but just said to watch him. Do you temp your babies? What is a normal temperature for them to have?

[dcwolcott]

I would bet he just inhaled a little fluid from the sack during birth. Normal rectal temp is 99.5 to 101.5, depending when it's taken after birth, but you'll have to convert to Celsius (37.5 to 38.6 I think). Tends to be a bit lower nearer the birth as foals have a bit of trouble regulating their temperature in the first day or so.

Just watch for any change or worsening of the sound, as foals can go downhill very quickly, and you want to be sure he comes through this just fine!

Can't wait to see more pictures!

[Julia and Smudge]

I took his temp last night (and I learned foal temps in F!) and it was 101.4. I'm going out to temp him again now and will let you know what it is today. I'm pretty worried about him so we watch him very closely and have left the camera running to monitor him while we're not in the barn.

[Ryan]

Normal temp is between 37.7 degrees Celsius and 38.8 degrees Celsius.  New borns under a month of age  is usually 37.5-38.6 degrees Celsius.

Only if there seemed to be an issue would the vet take the temp. Years ago when I was more involved with the racing Industry , all new borns had there temp done by a vet, though I think this was more a routine by the stud farm.

Hope his respiratory problem/raspy noise clears up quickly , hes a lovely boy so glad that smudge is being the perfect Mum 

[dcwolcott]

Thanks Ryan. Not to bad for someone who hasn't done Celsius in decades......

Thank goodness someone knows better! 😉

[Julia and Smudge]

I worked at an appaloosa breeding farm in Florida for a summer and it was just routine to temp our babies. Since foaling out my own I just kept the practice for peace of mind! I just decided to monitor his temperature because of the rasp. But I do hope it clears up!!

[Julia and Smudge]

100.9 tonight. His raspy breathing seems to be improving!

[dcwolcott]

Great news!!!! 

[Ryan]

Good to hear that his raspy breathing seems to be on the improve 

[Holly]

Glad to hear he is better!!

[Julia and Smudge]

Temp is up today to 102.2 and he has an increased respiration rate. Vet is coming out

[dcwolcott]

You are doing a fantastic job keeping watch over him.  Please keep us posted, and we're praying he returns to health asap!!

[Holly]

Sending good wishes, yes, please let us know what the Dr says... sure hope he is ok!

[dcwolcott]

Yes, looking for an update on this special little one, and praying all is fine with him!!!!   

[Julia and Smudge]

He seems to be doing a bit better today. Temp has gone down again, but his respiration rate is still pretty high. My vet listened to his lungs and can confidently say that his lungs are clear. At this point, we're not 100% sure what's causing the rasp but she thinks it may be his trachea. She just said to keep a close eye on him and to notify her instantly is he gets worse. So we're not out of the woods yet, but getting closer!