Basic HTML Version
SPRING 2014 ISSUE
EQUINE MATTERS
10
FOAL D I SEASES
Aside from FPT, risk factors for development
of septicaemia include infection/
inflammation of the dam's placenta
(placentitis) and a dirty foaling environment.
The main portals of entry for bacteria into
the bloodstream are via the umbilicus,
intestines or lungs. Affected foals are likely
to be very sleepy, feed less frequently if
at all and their condition can rapidly
deteriorate. Where septicaemia is
suspected antimicrobial treatment should
be started immediately, as the prognosis
is much better with early treatment. Many
foals will require aggressive therapy, and
often hospitalisation with round the clock
nursing is necessary.
Septicaemia
Meconium is the name given to the first
faeces that newborn foals pass. It is made
up of intestinal secretions, swallowed
amniotic fluid and cell debris, and is
usually a dark brown colour of sticky paste
consistency. In a healthy foal meconium is
passed within the first 24 hours of life;
failure to do so can lead to impaction.
Early signs can be subtle and may only
be an increased amount of time spent lying
down and less time spent nursing. Other
signs that foals show of abdominal pain
include stretching out while laid down,
restlessness, flank biting/watching,
pawing, kicking at their abdomen and
frequent straining to defecate - a classical
sign for the latter being tail swishing. If the
impaction is not relieved then abdominal
distension will become evident.
Meconium impaction
Many diseases in the first few weeks of
life have the potential to be life-threatening
and individuals can deteriorate rapidly.
If you have any concerns during this time
you should contact your veterinary surgeon
immediately.
Conclusion
Neonatal Maladjustment
Syndrome (NMS)
NMS is a syndrome where foals exhibit
neurological and behavioural abnormalities -
the cause of which is not known. It is thought
to occur as a result of lack of oxygen before,
during and/or after birth. NMS may be
evident as soon as the foal is born, however
some animals appear normal for a few hours
up to a few days before showing clinical
signs. Clinical signs can be very variable,
ranging from mild signs such as an abnormal
suckle reflex, stargazing and facial spasms,
through to more severe signs such as being
unaware of the environment, blindness and
seizures. In milder cases foals can be nursed
at home and will recover over a period of
a few days, but more severe cases require
hospitalisation and the prognosis can be
more guarded.
Ruptured bladder
(Uroperitoneum)
A ruptured bladder can be a congenital
defect, or more commonly the result of
excessive pressure on a distended bladder
during birth. Affected foals will find it difficult
to pass urine, and dribbles of urine may be
seen along with frequent straining.
Surgical repair of the tear will be required in
these cases, but stabilisation of the foal prior
to surgery is critical.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is commonly seen in foals in
their first few months of life. The possible
causes of diarrhoea in the newborn include
NMS, foal heat diarrhoea, necrotising
enterocolitis, clostridial infection, rotavirus
and cryptosporidium. It may be necessary
to perform further diagnostic testing such
as blood sampling and faecal analysis to
determine the cause in individual cases.
All foals with diarrhoea will require
supportive care to ensure they do not
become dehydrated or undernourished.
Other therapies such as antimicrobials
and anti-inflammatories will be case
dependent. Until proven otherwise foals with
diarrhoea should be treated as potentially
infectious and appropriate biosecurity
measures implemented.
Rhodococcus equi infection
(Photos courtesy of Celia Marr, Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons)