Keep an eye out for congenital defects

Keep an eye out for congenital defects


Congenital defects are problems an animal is born with, either as an inherited trait or the result of development gone awry. For example, congenital eye defects can show up in foals within days of being born.

Cataracts, or central cloudiness in the eyes, are the most common congenital eye defects in foals. In other cases, the colored part of the eye may be thinner than normal, causing affected foals to squint in bright light. Sometimes the eyes can be deviated in one direction or another. And one of the oddest congenital defects is a dermoid, which is when normal tissue grows in an abnormal site on or around the eyes.

While congenital eye defects can significantly impair your foal’s vision or simply cause irritation, many can be treated successfully if caught early enough. You just need to keep an eye out for the signs.

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