First of all, ALL SICK NEONATAL FOALS ARE SEPTIC UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE! Having said that, there are many conditions in the neonatal foal that are not due to sepsis. Many non-septic conditions of neonatal foals are related to birth asphyxia. Asphyxia results in hypoxic-ischemic injury to multiple organ systems. In the past, most emphasis has been placed on the neurologic abnormalities associated with the neonatal maladjustment syndrome, perhaps because the signs are more easily detected. Asphyxia can occur before, during, or after delivery. It is important to recognize conditions in the mare that would predispose to asphyxia of the foal. Conditions such as colic, agalactia, premature lactation, premature labor, or other illnesses could result in abnormalities in the placenta and in placental blood flow. Identification of these conditions allows early determination that a foal may be in the high-risk category (Table 1). High-risk pregnancies should receive prenatal monitoring with fetal ultrasound if possible. Other diagnostic aids would include fetal ECG and the milk electrolyte tests determination of "readiness-for-birth." Observation of delivery might also be indicated. A rapid and complete physical exam, including determination of normal post-natal development using a modified APGAR score, is helpful is early detection of problems.
展开▼
