Management of the sick equine neonate in the field

What is it about?

The sick foal provides a variety of challenges in ambulatory practice. A problem-based approach allows for the management of multifactorial conditions and the identification of those that require immediate hospitalisation. Diseases that present from birth include congenital abnormalities (atresia of the colon, cleft palate, ventricular septal defects), disorders acquired in-utero (meconium aspiration, pneumonia), those related to gestational age (prematurity and dysmaturity) and those associated with parturition (asphyxia, rib fractures). Disorders that develop in foals that were normal at birth include neonatal maladjustment, sepsis, meconium impactions, neonatal isoeyrthrolysis, bladder rupture, omphalophlebitis and musculoskeletal disorders. Protocols for diagnosis and management applicable to a field setting are described.

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Photo by Annika Treial on Unsplash

Photo by Annika Treial on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This article brings together a range of resources into an accessible, easy to read review that outlines the key diseases and concepts of foal disease management that are applicable to first opinion and ambulatory vets. It describes the treatment and management of a range of different diseases and, importantly, identifies when hospitalisation is required.

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