READING: The weak neonatal foal Flashcards
What diseases can result in a weak foal? 6
Sepsis Neonatal encephalopathy/NE Prematurity/dysmaturity Neontal isoeryhtrolysis/NI Uroperitoneum MSK abnormalities (e.g. tendon contracture)
What may precocious lactation suggest? 2
placentitis or twinning
puts foal at risk of FPT
How heavy is an abnormal placenta?
> 11% foal body weight –> suggests placentitis –> may lead to NE or foal sepsis
When might crackles be normally heard in foals?
if foal has been laterally recumbent for several hours, crackles may be audible over the dependent lung, associated with inflation of the atelectatic lung
When does foal first urinate?
usually within first 12 hours of birth (very dilute, due to diet, should have a USG >1.0.20.
When should meconium be passed?
within first few hours, enemas not routine (some foals sometimes strain)
Another name for Neontal encephalopathy = ?
hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy.
initially hyperreactivity
can progress to depression and possibly seizures (focal or generalised)
When might bradycardia occur?
severe septic shock
hypothermia
hypoglycaemia
hyperkalaemia (e.g. ruptured bladder)
What heart murmurs are abnormal?
murmurs that are grade 5-6/6, that are bilateral or are accompanied by clinical signs such as cyanosis may suggest a congenital heart anomaly
What might poor pulse quality suggest? 2
hypotension as a result of septic or hypovolaemic shock
T/F: neonatal foals rarely develop a cough or nasal discharge in conjunction with lower respiratory tract disease
True
When should you treat suspected hypovolaemia?
If cool extremities, poor peripheral pulses, prolonged CRT, tachycardia, depression
‘On the farm’ treatment - suspected hypovolaemia
polyionic, crystalloid fluids (Hartmann’s, Lactated Ringers or Normosol-R)
‘On the farm’ treatment - suspected sepsis
BS parenteral ABs (e.g. cephalosporins, penicillin/ aminoglycoside combination)
Plasma - use in septic foals even if normal IgG at 24 hours. Septic foal will ‘use up’ immunoglobulins (generally each L of plasma with increase the IgG concentration by 2g/L
True/false: drug uptake from muscle may be compromised in hypovolaemic/septic foals
True
What should be assessed in foals treated with aminoglycosides?
renal function
How should you treat hypoglycaemic foals (blood glucose < 3mmol/l)?
5% or 50% glucose solutions
Using 50% glucose, add 10-20ml to each litre of resuscitation fluid. In hospitals, give as continuous infusions (to avoid hyperglycacemia, glucosuria and possible electrolyte derangements associated with rapid infusion)
When should you refer a weak neonatal foal? 10
IF: seizuring no response to initial fluid boluses GI dysfunction --> inability to nurse Ruptured bladder Suspected septic arthritis Respiratory distress Severe diarrhoea Recumbent foal Suspect NI Prematurity
How to treat seizuring foal?
Diazepam. (repeated doses can lead to respiratory depression)
What is indicated if a foal still shows signs of hypotension/hypovolaemia despite fluid resuscitation?
that the foal is suffering from severe hypovolaemic/ septic shock and will likely need further support (e.g. dobutamine)
What is seen on abdominal ultrasound when a foal has a ruptured bladder?
large volumes of anechoic peritoneal fluid
bladder may still be visible, especially if tear is dorsal
Initial treatment - ruptured bladder
0.9% NaCL (classically hyponatraemic and hypochloraemic, may be hyperkalaemic if HR is lower than expected)
Treatment -severe diarrhoea
IV fluids, plasma and AMs
not difficult to administer but is time intensive so often requires hospital management
For a blood transfusion to a foal, when can you use the mare’s serum?
after the mare’s RBCs have been washed
