Foal cases

Question 1

What should be checked with the mare, post foaling?

Answer 1

• Assess Placenta, vulva, udder, temperament + demeanour

Question 2

What should you check with the foal? new foal

Answer 2

• TPR, eyes, palate/nostrils, neuro status, umbilicus, limbs, anus
• Urine / meconium - more impaction in colts (enema)
• Ability to nurse
• Measure IgG
• Provide tetanus cover
• Provide enema

Question 3

1 day old foal, unobserved birth, fine yesterday
* Today = flat, unable to stand….
What are the Ddx? What is initial Tx?

Answer 3

• Hypovolaemia
• Hypothermia
• Hypoglycaemia
• Hypoxia
• Agammaglobulinaemia (lack of colostrum)
• First = bolus isotonic crystalloids (hartmann’s) - 20ml/kg bolus

Question 4

How do you assess placenta?

Answer 4

• Lay out like an ‘F’ on floor
• Pregnant horn = much bigger
• Always check tip of non pregnant horn - bit that might not come out
• Thicker, heavier/ discharge if evidence of placentitis / infection

Question 5

3 day old filly, normal birth + now quiet demeanour
* Yellow mucous membranes, what is likely to be the cause?

Answer 5

• Neonatal isoerytholysis (haemolysis)

Question 6

How would you decide if neonatal isoerytholysis needs treatment?

Answer 6

• Evidence of hypoxia - High HR + RR, high lactate + low PO2
• PCV monitoring

Question 7

• 2 month old colt
• Sudden onset Right hock swelling
• 3/10 lame
• Fine otherwise
  What would you do next?

Answer 7

• Synoviocentesis of the tarsocrural joint
• Radiograph the hock

Question 8

How can you prevent neonatal isoerytholysis if mare is bred again?

Answer 8

• Use different stallion
• Withhold foal from nursing for 24 hours - as mare has Abs against red blood cells

Question 9

How would you treat synovial sepsis in a foal?

Answer 9

• Most likely to be from haematogenous spread in foal - compared to trauma in adults
• Check if problem elsewhere in the body
• flush under GA + systemic antimicrobials + directly into the joint