Dummy foals

The foal was born on Wed about 4pm. It was a perfect delivery but suffered a break in an umbilical artery. Not sure that makes it a dummy foal. Seems to be getting stronger but I have to say at this stage it hasn't made enough recovery for me (IMO) to hold out much hope. Such a shame as they really have not left its side.
 
He seems so much more active than when I last looked, but just has no interest in getting to his feet. Does anyone know when he should start standing up if this is going to end well? When would it be time for the owners to let him go?
I have everything crossed for him as he's so cute and they are taking such good care of him.
 
Each foal is different. I have had a few dummies that didn't stand for almost a week, others within a day.
 
HashRouge said:
Can anyone explain the way he nods his head a lot? Is that normal in a dummy foal?
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Yes - a lot of them do that! Some also 'bark' - a very harsh coughing sound - which is why they are also referred to as Barker foals.

The wierd thing about this syndrome is that it inevitably gets better after a week (assuming you've managed to keep them alive that long.) Mine was still poorly, not sucking, recumbent, floppy and sometimes almost lifeless at 6 days - and on day 7 he was rootling around looking for the milkbar!
 
I had one last year that sounds the same as rachi0 2nd one listed above, foaled 5 weeks early. I bottle fed her for 3 days then she started to suckle herself, within another week she was grand, she a fraction smaller than she should be but little ripper now!
 
Does anyone know what is going on , is the foal ok, the link would not work for a while and now it is back on but showing 4 screens and not in the stable?
 
So very sad for the owners, i did start to watch him the last few days and I did'nt see much of a change in him, the mare never left his side.
You just never know how nature will deal the cards
 
When a foal is born, they are born with certain natural 'instincts', to stand, to gallop, to aim for a "dark spot" and to suckle when they get there.

Dummy foals don't seem to have these natural instincts and just seem to sit there in a trance like state, they have to be helped to undertaken these simple tasks that should be natural urges in the wild. Most foals make a full recovery.

It's usually seen in tb foals.
 
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