Retrospective analysis of factors associated with umbilical diseases in foals.
Authors: Perina F, Mariella J, Ellero N, Freccero F, Castagnetti C, Lanci A
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Umbilical Disease Risk Factors in Neonatal Foals Umbilical remnant disease affects approximately one in five hospitalised neonatal foals and can manifest as patent urachus, omphalo-arteritis, infection, or abscess formation—often in combination. Perina and colleagues conducted a five-year retrospective analysis of 183 foals to identify management, historical and clinical factors predisposing to these conditions, stratifying cases into those with documented umbilical disease (40 foals, 21.9%) and those with normal remnants (143 foals, 78.1%). Several perinatal factors significantly increased risk: foals born via dystocia with traction assistance, those requiring stage II labour exceeding 19 minutes, and those with lower APGAR scores (mean 8±1.72 versus 9±0.86) were substantially more likely to develop umbilical pathology, as were recumbent foals and those hospitalised rather than born on-farm. Physical indicators—excessive umbilical stump swelling, abnormal cord rupture patterns, cord coiling anomalies and haemorrhage—distinguished affected foals, whilst concurrent conditions including sepsis, neonatal encephalopathy and meconium retention frequently accompanied umbilical disease. The findings underscore the importance of close post-parturient monitoring in at-risk cohorts: difficult deliveries, foals with compromised vitality scores and those remaining recumbent warrant vigilant umbilical assessment to enable early detection and treatment, whilst encouraging early paddock access where clinically appropriate may offer protective benefit.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Closely monitor umbilical remnants in foals with birth complications (dystocia, traction, low APGAR scores) and neonatal conditions (sepsis, encephalopathy, meconium retention) as these are major risk factors for umbilical disease
- •Foals hospitalized after birth face higher umbilical disease risk than those born at the facility; extra vigilance is warranted for umbilical abnormalities including excessive stump swelling, unusual rupture patterns, or bleeding
- •Early paddock access before 3 days of life appears protective against umbilical disease, while recumbency significantly increases risk—encourage standing and movement when clinically appropriate
Key Findings
- •21.9% of foals (40/183) developed umbilical remnant diseases, with patent urachus (60%) and omphalo-arteritis (40%) being most common
- •Foals hospitalized after birth had significantly higher URD incidence than those born at hospital (37% vs 17%, P=0.0068)
- •Dystocia, prolonged stage II parturition (19±20.51 min vs 13±6.41 min), traction during delivery, and lower APGAR scores were significant predisposing factors (P≤0.0063)
- •Umbilical cord coiling, abnormal rupture, hemorrhage, and increased stump volume were significantly more frequent in URD cases (P≤0.0007)