Your brand new foal has just hit the ground and it’s time to take care of its belly button (umbilicus). Most foals have no problems with their umbilicus. However, there are several things that can go awry – infections, bleeding, hernias or abnormal urination, to name a few.

To prevent umbilical infections after the foal is born, it should have its umbilicus dipped in an antiseptic solution two or three times the first day of its life, and then daily for its first three days. The best antiseptic solutions to use are 2 percent iodine or 0.5 percent chlorhexidine. These solutions help to dry the umbilicus gently and kill bacteria on its surface.

Signs of an infection of the umbilicus (omphalophlebitis) include swelling, heat, pain, or drainage, especially pus. The foal may become depressed and run a fever greater than 102 degrees.

An ultrasound of the umbilicus would show that the structures are enlarged and often filled with pus. This must be treated with antibiotics; if the infection is extensive, surgical removal may be necessary.

Delayed treatment can result in blood infections (septicemia), abdominal infections (peritonitis), liver infections and joint infections (septic arthritis). All of these infections are life threatening.

Bleeding from the umbilicus occurs on rare occasions when the mare breaks the umbilical cord in the wrong way or the cord is abnormal. It is a good idea to have umbilical tape ready at foaling in case this happens and you need to tie off a bleeding umbilical stump prior to your veterinarian arriving.

Hernias of the umbilicus are fairly common. These are holes in the body wall around the point at which the umbilicus comes out of the abdomen. Small holes, less than two fingers wide, usually close on their own. Larger holes require surgical closure of the abdominal wall.

Larger hernias range in size and shape from a golf ball to the size of an orange at the umbilicus, and should be soft, cool, and not painful. These hernias must be closed to prevent intestines from slipping inside and getting strangled.

Strangulated intestines cause severe colic and a hard, painful swelling over the umbilicus. This is a surgical emergency. Furthermore, colic surgery in foals can lead to a higher risk of chronic colic throughout the foal’s life, so it is best to prevent it whenever possible.

Urination from the umbilicus is never normal. This is called a patent urachus and is caused when the connection between the foal’s bladder and umbilicus does not close after birth, or it reopens after birth. If present at birth, a patent urachus can be managed medically by cauterizing it to help it close. A patent urachus that develops several days after birth in sick foals requires surgical closure. In both situations, foals need antibiotics to prevent umbilicus and bladder infections.

It is a good idea to check your foal’s belly button regularly from birth through the first three months of life. This will help you identify problems early and intervene before life-threatening complications ensue. Call your veterinarian if you have any questions about your foal’s umbilical health.

Dr. Leslie Griffith, D.V.M., of Bend Equine Medical Center, can be reached at 541-388-4006.