Avoiding the catastrophic effects of joint ill

Avoiding the catastrophic effects of joint ill


The term “joint ill” may not adequately convey the severity of a syndrome that can devastate young foals.

Septic arthritis refers to any blood-borne infection that settles in the joint. When the process involves very young foals, it’s called joint ill. Most affected animals haven’t ingested enough colostrum [cō-LAH-strŭm], which is the antibody-rich fluid that a mare produces just after foaling. Without enough antibodies, foals can’t fight off bacteria that enter their body, usually through the umbilical cord.

Joints in affected foals are swollen and very painful, causing severe lameness. Animals showing these signs need veterinary treatment immediately to prevent lasting damage, or worse. Even with aggressive treatment, only 40 to 80 percent of foals will survive. That means time is of the essence.

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