question on Newborn fillies legs

[TPs flat rock acres]

As I am still learning how long does it take for foals to "unfold" ? I have a filly that was born 2 days ago her one leg is fine but the other seems like the joint is big. I have attached a photo please let me know if this is normal and if something should be done with the leg. thank you

 

[drmatthewtaylor]

2dys old is pretty young and time can do wonders.

With that being said, I'm afraid that leg looks like a problem. I would encourage you to contact your Vet. Sometimes we use splints or glue on shoes to help. Other times we perform a surgery (pretty minor and easy) at about 4 months old.

Good luck!

Dr. Taylor

 

[Sandi J.]

I'm not a breeder...but her leg looks windswept...google it...you should call your vet right away for professional advise...

JMO...

Sandi

 

[disneyhorse]

If its not a bilaterally symmetrical problem I'd be a little worried and have a good vet check it out.

 

[Marty]

No that is not normal and looks like you do have a problem. Best take her to a vet or a universary vet. She looks so very pretty too! I hope you can get her fixed up. The sooner the better.

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

problem is I am not sure if the vets around here will even do anything. I am in such a remote area so that is why I wanted advise. If the vet cant do anything what can I do myself. She was born afternoon of the 25th of june so wasn't sure how they straighten out in the legs how many days they need. thanks

 

[AnnaC]

We have had a filly with much worse legs than that - both legs - and she fully recovered without help. Just give her plenty or outside space and time and I think you will see an improvement. IMO splinting or wrapping is never a good idea and, as Dr Taylor said, if things dont seem to be naturally resolving themselves then perhaps the surgery at around 4 months will help.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Miniv]

I would agree to give her time and plenty of space to move. So often folks lock a foal and dam up in a stall and that can cause more harm than good in most cases.

Our vet from a few years ago, before we moved, was an equine performance specialist. He told us to watch a foal with questionable legs for two weeks, giving them a chance to exercise before deciding to get medically involved. In each case, we always saw improvement within those two weeks.

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

I know her other leg seemed a little odd at birth but got better in the 2 days so hoping this one will she runs around like theres no problem

she was up on her feet really quick too

 

[Tab]

Are they both that way? Romeo was very windswept at birth and is quite straight now. Sometimes they lay wrong/develop strangely in utero. Rome was/is very leggy and his mother was a first timer. But if only one leg has now straightened and the other is still crooked you probably need the vet out to look at it. She is cute!

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

I will try to get a straight on photo she was kind of leaning thank you

 

[wildoak]

The only intervention I do on my own is to nip or rasp their toes a bit once they are a few days old. Mini foals weigh so little, they don't wear their feet down and often have points on their front feet causing them to break over off center. Squaring the toe a little and keeping the foot level helps correct the break over.

I would want a vet to take a look at your filly if you can get someone there...

Jan

 

[rabbitsfizz]

Both legs would not worry me too much but one leg on it's own- sorry you have a problem. Get a farrier to take a look...

 

[Supercilious]

I had a foal born once that both front legs curved the same direction, what is called "windswept" I had the mare at the vet to get her vaccinated & checked to make sure everything was OK after foaling the day before....Vet said foal was the crookedest he had ever seen.....I just let him grow & be a colt, showed him in halter at age 3 months and he won 2nd place, at 6 months he won 1st place & grand champion...Needless to say he straightened up great lol

Not saying yours will, they are all different. Vet didn't even make any suggestions, just made that comment as he was treating the mare......