Equine neonatal care Flashcards
How are foals different to horses?
Low fat reserves prone to hypoglycemia prone to hypothermia Body water content high susceptible to septicaemia
What should be included in the foal crash trolley?
Syringes needles blood tubes stomach tube defibrillator oxygen Glucose monitor Hibi scrub/ spirit catheter kit feeding tube fluids clippers
What is normal for a foal post parturition?
Sternal 2-3 minutes suckle reflex 30 minutes standing 60 minutes standing and suckling 2 hours active/playful, 6-7 hours
Normal TPR for a foal
Temperature; 37.2-38.9
Respiratory 30-40 bpm
Heart rate: 40-80 first born
80-100 within the first week of life
What should you include in the neonatal physical exam?
Suckle reflex present?
Umbilical cord wound (discharge/infection)
Eyes
MM, coronary bands pinnae ears (colour changes)
Oral cavity (cleft palate, white patches, Jaw abnormalities)
Nostrils (milk)
Thorax (presence rib fractures)
Abdomen (distension hernias, gut sounds)
Joints and limbs (Swelling normal ROM)
Extremities (pulse temperature)
Urine (output)
Meconium ( has it passed)
Genitals
What are the signs of an abnormal foal?
Lower head carriage droopy ears sleeping standing milk splashes on face wet patches on coat
What are the common conditions seen within the foal?
Sepsis
Neonatal maladjustment syndrome
lac of appropriate maturity
What is the definition for foal prematurity?
Born 320 days before gestation
What is the definition of dysmature foals?
intra-uterine growth retardation
What are post-mature foals?
experienced poor placental function
acceptable birth weight
but are thin and lanky
What does nursing care of the foal include?
Monitoring parameters Fluid therapy respiratory support maintenance body temperature nutritional support
What are the most important point to consider in the recumbent foal?
Pressure sores turn every 2 hours Padding Keep in sternal Physio Bedding well padded and dry Keep warm encourage to stand
What should be monitored regularly in the foal?
MM, TPR, gut sounds< CRT Faecal and urine output IV catheter Blood pressure Second opinion
What can happen in foals undergoing fluid therapy?
Hypovolaemia Hypoglycemia Electrolyte disturbance Monitor rates urine out put pcv ts
Why may foals require oxygen therapy and how should it be monitored?
septicaemia neonatal maladjustment syndrome premature pneumonia cardiac abnormalities (all predispose foal to hypoxia) Blood gas intranasal canula humidifier 2-10L/min
What is the daily resting energy requirement for a foal?
45kcal/kg/day
What should you check before entral feeding a foal?
Gastric reflux
intestinal sounds
abdominal distention
quantity of faeces
How is parental nutrition achieved in the foal?
5% glucose spiked in isotonic fluids Total parental nutrition Partial parental nutrition Aseptic constant glucose monitoring
What are the signs of a neurological foal?
No suckling reflex ataxic disinterest in mare apnea seizures
What are the signs of seizures in teh foal?
Star gazing stiffness stretching muscle tremors head wandering hypersensitive to light/sound facial grimacing convulsions
What is failure of passive transfer?
Do not receive enough antibodies through mares colostrum
IgG<4 IgG should be above 8g/L
What are the causes of failure of passive transfer?
Production failure
quality failure
ingestion/absorption failure
assess for the first 24 hours
How is failure of passive transfer treated?
NG tube colostrum within 2-6 hours of birth
intravenous plasma 12 to 18 hours old
What should be monitored whilst administering plasma in the foal?
Tachypnoea Tachycardia Fever Muscle tremors Hives
What are the signs of meconium impaction?
Abdominal discomfort decreased suckling depression posturing to defecate straining rolling usually occurs first few hours of life
What is the nursing care fro meconium impaction?
Enema (warm soapy water or retention enema)
What equipment do you need to collect for a foal enema?
Warm water
foley catheter
mild detergent
lubrication
When are foals most at risk of needing CPR?
Dystocia C-section Premature delivery Premature placental separation septick shock
