Equine common neonatal pathologies

Question 1

Define premature

Answer 1

Foal born at less than 320 days that display immature physical characteristics

Question 2

Main cause of death for premature foals

Answer 2

Incomplete maturation of hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal axis. Affects organ maturation

Question 3

Placental problems of premature foals

Answer 3

Twins, placentitis, premature placental seperation

Question 4

Fetal problems of premature foals

Answer 4

Fetal sepsis, malformation, hydroallantois

Question 5

Iatrogenic problems of premature foals

Answer 5

Early induction
Early C section

Question 6

Treatment for incomplete ossification of the cuboidal bones

Answer 6

Grade 1-4
Reduce time standing and activity
Full limb bandages

Question 7

Prognosis of premature foals without sepsis

Answer 7

80-85% survival

Question 8

3 common neonatal foal problems

Answer 8

1. Failure of passive transfer
2. Dummy foal syndrome
3. Sepsis

Question 9

Normal level of igG >12hrs

Answer 9

> 800mg/dl

Question 10

Partial and complete failure of passive transfer

Answer 10

Partial: 400-800
Complete FPT: <400

Question 11

Why foals need colustrum more than other species

Answer 11

igG molecules cannot pass through placenta

Question 12

Treatment for premature foal <12 hr

Answer 12

1.5l colustrum in first 6 hours

Question 13

Treatment for premature foal >12 hr

Answer 13

IV transfusion equine plasma
1-4l of plasma based on blood level igG

Question 13

When is the best time to check foal igG

Answer 13

6-12 hrs of age if has not been drinking
18-24 hrs

Question 13

What is a common reason for failure of passive transfer

Answer 13

Mare has placentitis

Question 14

What is dummy foal syndrome

Answer 14

Perinatal asphyxia syndrome
Combination of biochemical and physiologic events

Question 15

Clinical signs of dummy foal syndrome

Answer 15

‘Dumb’ behaviour
Inappropriate nursing behaviour
Loss of recognition
Seizures

Question 16

Treatment for dummy foal syndrome

Answer 16

Supportive/Address multiple organ system
Severe case require intensive care

Question 17

Why bottle feeding foal is not advised

Answer 17

Aspiration pneumonia

Question 18

Outline nutrition for foals

Answer 18

Gradually increase to provide 20% of body weight per day
Feed by NGT/Bucket
Frequent feeds every 1 hr

Question 19

Prognosis of dummy foal

Answer 19

70-75%
Recover normally usually

Question 20

What is the madigan foal squeeze

Answer 20

Mimics neural reflex that occurs transition at parurition
May help with ‘turning off’ Pregnenolone

Question 21

Number 1 cause of death in foals

Answer 21

Sepsis

Question 22

Sepsis is most commonly caused by gram neg and pos?

Answer 22

Mostly gram neg

Question 23

Clinical signs of sepsis

Answer 23

Fever/hypo or hypethermic
Petechia, ecchymoses
Dehydrated
Hypoglycaemic
Corneal ulcer etc

Question 24

Diagnosis of sepsis

Answer 24

History: Risk factors
Clinical signs
Lab: Blood culture, CBC, IgG
System specific samples
Ultrasound

Question 25

How does sepsis score work

Answer 25

score of 12 or higher predicts sepsis 93%

Question 26

Treatment for sepsis

Answer 26

Hospital setting recommended
Antibiotics, broad spectrum, IV
Iv fluids
IgG
Oxygen
Nutrition

Question 27

How to determine if foal is hypovolaemic

Answer 27

Not nursing >4hrs assume hypov

Question 28

Infusion therapy foal rate

Answer 28

100ml/kg/day