L9: Preventative Health Care for the Neonatal Foal (Mallicote)

Question 1

normal foal behaviors post-partum

Answer 1

2 min: sternal recumbency
30 min: suckling reflex
60 min: standing
120 min: nursing from mare

Question 2

1-2-3 rule

Answer 2

1 hr to stand
2 hrs to nurse
3 hrs to pass placenta

Question 3

when should neonate PE be performed?

Answer 3

w/n first 12-24hrs of life

Question 4

foal temp

Answer 4

normal = 99-102

poor ability to regulate temp when sick or in very hot climates

Question 5

cardiac auscultation of foal

Answer 5

• 40-80 –> 100-120 post partum

- first wk of life: 80-100 BPM

Question 6

foal murmurs

Answer 6

PDA (NOT common!)
innocent flow murmurs
ventricular septal defect
most common = grade 2-3 systolic basilar murmur that usually goes away

Question 7

foal RR/auscultation

Answer 7

• normal 30-40 bpm, should hear easily
• transition from fluid-filled to air-filled lung
• inc. in minute ventilation (rate x tidal volume)
• 80 –> 30 breaths/min
• insp. and expiratory crackles: dependent atelectasis

Question 8

umbilical care

Answer 8

• use chlorhexidine, not iodine

- dip more often in sick foal

Question 9

enema

Answer 9

• give in first few hours of life
• not necessary
• fleet enemas (store bought)
• warm soapy water
• repetitive enemas shouldn’t be given by client

Question 10

colostrum

Answer 10

• critical for foal to receive to provide Abx
• need 2L in first 24hrs
• first 2 hrs. of life most critical
• gut closure quickens once suckling begins
• not ideal to force feed (risk of aspiration)

Question 11

Immunoglobulin (IgG)

Answer 11

• measure at 12-24hrs of age
• if <400, definitely transfuse
• if low, may try to supplement colostrum

Question 12

when is tetanus antitoxin indicated in foals

Answer 12

if mare not properly vaccinated

Question 13

when is antimicrobial therapy indicated in foals

Answer 13

• if non-observed birth that you think was dystocia - risk of sepsis
• hx of problems on the farm
• otherwise not necessary!

Question 14

check list for foal

Answer 14

1-2-3 rule
dip umbilicus
give enema
DVM exam <24hrs of age
IgG check b/w 8-24hrs of age
\+/- vaccinate/antimicrobials