Aggression to a foal after 4 months of nursing

A 4-month-old male Arabian foal was examined because of a kicking trauma to the right frontal region. The foal had been kicked by its dam when it was seeking the udder the previous day. Radiographic inspection of head and neck showed no defect or bone fracture. Treatment consisting of intravenous administration of hypertonic solution, dexamethasone, and furosemide improved the clinical signs temporarily; however, second head trauma due to falling of the standing foal resulted in deterioration of clinical condition and finally death. At necropsy, epidural, subdural, and subarachnoid hemorrhages, a hematoma at cerebrocerebellar fissure and cerebellar herniation were observed. Continuous assessment of foal rejection-related signs in susceptible mares should be considered until foal weaning.