Orthopedic disorders in neonatal foals.

The first month of life is a vulnerable time for foals. They must adjust to their environment while they are still compromised immunologically, and their musculoskeletal system is rapidly growing and adjusting to stresses from an increasing amount of exercise. Therefore, if a foal is born with or acquires an abnormality or disease related to the musculoskeletal system, rapid adjustments must be made to allow the foal to grow and respond so that future athletic performance will not be compromised. Problems must be identified early, which requires thorough examinations. This article summarizes treatment options for orthopedic disorders that present or become clinically evident within the first month of life.