Foal Diarrhoea: Causes, Management and Support

Foal diarrhoea is one of the most common health concerns faced by breeders during early spring foaling season. While many cases are mild and self-limiting, diarrhoea in young foals can quickly lead to dehydration, weakness and poor growth if not carefully managed. Understanding the causes, and knowing when to intervene, is essential for protecting foal health and development.

Why Diarrhoea Occurs in Young Foals

During the first weeks of life, the foal’s digestive system is immature and constantly adapting. Changes in milk intake, environmental exposure and microbial colonisation all influence gut stability. Cold, wet weather typical of early foaling months can increase stress and pathogen exposure, making digestive upset more likely.

Common causes of foal diarrhoea include:
•    Bacterial or viral infections
•    Sudden changes in milk intake
•    Environmental contamination
•    Stress or temperature fluctuations
•    Immature gut microbiome

Young foals have limited fluid reserves, so even mild diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. Careful monitoring of hydration, suckling behaviour and demeanour is therefore critical.

Foal Heat Diarrhoea Explained

One of the most frequently observed forms of diarrhoea occurs at 5–15 days of age and is often called foal heat diarrhoea. Despite the name, it is not directly caused by the mare’s reproductive cycle.

Instead, it it is believed to coincide with normal development of the foal’s digestive tract and microbial population. As the foal begins to nibble bedding, forage and its surroundings, the gut microbiome changes rapidly. This temporary imbalance leads to soft manure, but the foal usually remains bright, active and continues nursing normally.
Foal heat diarrhoea typically resolves within a few days without treatment, however, gut health support can be provided in the form of Plusvital Micro-Sponge. Hygiene management remains important to prevent secondary infection or skin scalding around the tail.

Managing Foal Diarrhoea

Management focuses on maintaining hydration, reducing gut irritation and supporting normal intestinal function:

•    Ensure the foal continues to nurse regularly
•    Monitor hydration and demeanour closely
•    Maintain clean, dry bedding
•    Protect skin from scalding
•    Seek veterinary advice if diarrhoea persists or fever, depression or reduced suckling occurs

Even mild diarrhoea can irritate the intestinal lining and reduce nutrient absorption, potentially impacting early growth.

Nutritional Gut Support

Supporting the digestive tract during diarrhoea can help stabilise gut function. Plusvital Micro-Sponge contains binding and protective ingredients designed to help manage digestive upset in young foals. By helping absorb excess fluid and supporting normal manure consistency, it can assist the foal through transient digestive disturbances such as foal heat diarrhoea.

Early digestive support helps maintain hydration, comfort and nutrient absorption while the foal’s gut matures and stabilises.

Protecting Early Development

Most cases of foal diarrhoea are manageable with prompt care and observation, but early action is key. Maintaining hygiene, monitoring behaviour and supporting gut health helps young foals stay bright and thriving during the vulnerable early weeks of life.
If diarrhoea persists, worsens, or the foal becomes dull or stops nursing, veterinary assessment should always be sought immediately.

Ask your veterinary surgeon about Plusvital Micro-Sponge today.