A professional newborn foal health assessment gives your foal the best possible start to life.
The Equine Centre Camden provides expert on‑farm newborn foal care, supporting horse owners, breeders and commercial operations across Camden, and wider NSW.
Our equine veterinarians assess foals shortly after birth, identifying early medical, developmental or congenital conditions and providing immediate guidance for ongoing care.
A newborn foal health assessment is a comprehensive veterinary examination performed shortly after birth to ensure the foal is healthy, adapting normally and receiving adequate immunity from the mare.
The assessment evaluates the foal’s physical condition, behaviour, immunity status and early disease risk during this critical period.
Many serious foal conditions show subtle or no early outward signs. Early veterinary assessment allows life‑threatening issues — such as infection or failure of passive transfer (FPT) — to be identified and treated before they rapidly worsen.
Prompt intervention significantly improves survival rates and long‑term outcomes.
We recommend newborn foals are examined within the first 12–24 hours after birth, even if the foal appears normal. Early checks confirm immunity, physical development and successful nursing.
Urgent veterinary assessment is required if a foal:
Our on‑farm foal assessments are thorough, structured and tailored to each foal and mare.
Assessment includes heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, limb conformation, strength, coordination and overall vitality.
Blood testing may be performed to confirm adequate passive transfer of antibodies, ensuring the foal has sufficient immune protection against infection.
The navel is examined for early signs of infection or delayed healing that may lead to systemic illness.
Bonding, nursing behaviour, milk supply and the mare’s health are assessed to support early foal development.
Failure of passive transfer occurs when a foal does not receive enough antibodies from colostrum. Early diagnosis allows prompt treatment to reduce infection risk.
Infections can progress rapidly in newborn foals. Early identification and treatment are critical for survival.
Angular limb deformities, tendon contracture or weakness may be identified early, allowing timely intervention.
To prepare for your visit:
Practical advice is provided on colostrum intake, milk supply and early nutrition.
Veterinarians explain normal foal behaviour and signs that require prompt review.
To prepare for your visit:
Book a newborn foal health assessment to support a strong and healthy start. Early veterinary examination helps identify risks, guide management, and promote optimal development. Contact our team to arrange a prompt appointment for routine care or urgent concerns.
Ideally within the first 12–24 hours after birth, even if the foal appears healthy.
The veterinarian examines the foal, assesses immunity, checks infection risks and observes mare–foal bonding.
It occurs when a foal does not receive enough antibodies from colostrum, increasing the risk of serious infection.
Standing, nursing and alert behaviour are good signs, but some conditions are only detected through veterinary assessment.
Yes. Early veterinary checks can detect serious issues before obvious symptoms develop.
