Re: RC: RC: New born foals

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/24/00 10:57:16 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
dianne.martin@gte.net writes:

<< Well, it's been a long time since I was employed as a breeding manager, 
but we 
 used to give the foals a Tetanus Anti-toxin after foaling (along with 
dipping 
 the umbilical in iodine). That may no longer be standard practice, what do 
the 
 vets on the list say? >>

Provided the mare is properly immunized for tetanus, the colostrum is just as 
effective at preventing tetanus and eliminates the need to give an injection 
to the newborn--which always carries some risk (no matter how careful you 
are) of abcesses or other side effects.  Tetanus toxoid administered to the 
mare at least 30 days prior to foaling will help to ensure maximal antibodies 
to tetanus in the colostrum.  The one proviso to this is to at least monitor 
early nursing behavior and the mare's production of colostrum, and to check 
IgG levels in the foal if there is any room for doubt.  If IgG levels are not 
adequate, a tetanus antitoxin can be given any time within the first 48 hours 
of life to be protective.

Heidi