Client education:

	The foal probably suffered a traumatic injury, navel ill, or some other event that resulted in infection of the lower cannon bone.  This infection then spread into the fetlock joint.  We will treat the animal with antibiotics to kill the bacteria.  We would also like to surgically lavage the joint in order to remove more bacteria.  This would require general anesthesia and hospitalization.  The surgery and medication will cost several hundred dollars and it is possible that the foal will required extended treatments.  
  	Once the foal returns to the farm, it will need to be rested for several weeks.  It should be placed on a low stress exercise regimen to aid in recovery.  The foal may survive the infection however the future prognosis for performance is poor.  It may develop arthritis in the future which will limit its ability to remain sound.