The Foal That Couldn't Stand

When Trouper was born, his people at Family Orchards Farm did not witness the birth. But it was obvious that the foal wasn't right. The little guy, now named Trouper, couldn't stand and didn't know how to nurse. But the story has a happy ending.

He was the victim of Dummy Foal Syndrome, also known as Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome. One of its causes is the sedative neurosteroid that horse fetuses produce that keep them from kicking before birth. Something in the birth process cuts off the production of the neurosteroid so the foal can "wake up" and move like a horse. That crucial step didn't happen in this foal's case, so the vet had to "restage" the birthing process to stop the sedative properties. Some farmers have been known to use a vigorous massage on dummy foals. The other cause is a lack of adequate oxygen during a difficult birth, which may lead to permanent disability. See more of Trouper and his family at Instagram.