Preventative Health Care for the Neonatal Foal

Question 1

What is normal behavior of the neonate?

Answer 1

• sternal recumbecy within 2 min of birth
• suckle reflex within 30 min
• standing within 60 min
• nursing from mare within 120 min

Question 2

What is the 1-2-3 rule of neonatal care?

Answer 2

• One hour to stand
• Two hours to nurse
• Three hours to pass the placenta

Question 3

What is a normal temperature for neonates? Heart rate? Resp rate?

Answer 3

• Temp: 99-102 degrees F
• HR:
  
  • 40-80 bpm immediately post-partum
  • incr to 100-120 bpm
  • 80-100 bpm during week 1
• RR: 80 initially, then 30-40 breaths/min

Question 4

What might a murmur in a neonate signify?

Answer 4

• PDA
• Innocent flow murmurs
• Ventricular septal defect

Question 5

When should an enema be given to neonates?

Answer 5

• in the first few hours of life
  
  • fleet enemas or warm soapy water

Question 6

How much colostrum does a neonate needs in the first 24 hours?

Answer 6

2 liters, prior to gut closure

Question 7

IgG levels are measured at 12-24 hours of age in a neonate - at what values should you consider a blood transfusion?

Answer 7

• < 800, consider transfusion
• < 400, definite transfusion

Question 8

What vaccinations should be given to neonates?

Answer 8

• Tetanus antitoxins - if the mare was not properly vaccinated
• Antimicrobial therapy
  
  • non-observed birth –> risk of sepsis
  • hx of problems on the farm

Question 9

What should you check list be for a neonate?

Answer 9

• 1-2-3 rule
• Dip umbilicus
• Give enema
• DVM exam <24 hrs of age
• IgG check b/t 8-24 hrs of age
• +/- vaccinate/antimicrobials