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Foals
Kinds of Foals Selected AbstractsBIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF CARDIAC INJURY IN NORMAL AND SURVIVING VERSUS NON-SURVIVING SEPTICEMIC NEONATAL FOALSJOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue S1 2004SF Peek Although myocardial injury can be a significant component of multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) in association with septicemia in critically ill human patients, it is as yet an undefined clinical entity in equine septicemia. With septicemia as the leading cause of death in neonatal foals, a better understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of MODS will be important in further improving survival rates. We designed a prospective study to establish normal ranges for cardiac troponin I (cTnI), T (cTnT) and CKMB mass in healthy 24,48 hour old foals, as well as septicemic neonatal foals seen over a 2-year period in a teaching hospital. We also performed a comparison of these biomarkers in surviving and non-surviving septicemic foals. Sepsis was judged on the basis of the presence of any of the 3 following criteria: blood culture positive at admission, admission sepsis score ,11, or 3 or more sites of infection during hospitalization in foals ,14 days of age. cTnI was measured by the ACCESS® (Beckman Coulter), cTnT was measured using the Elecsys 2010® Immunoassay (Roche), and CKMB mass measurements were performed using the Elecsys 2010®. Each parameter was described using range and 95th and 50th percentile. Comparisons were made for each parameter between normal and septic foals as well as surviving and non-surviving septic foals using the non-parametric Wilcoxon's rank sum test. Significance was set at p<0.05. There were 52 control foals and 38 septic foals of which 22 survived. Significant differences were documented for CKMB between septicemic and normal foals, but not for cTnT or cTnI. However, CKMB and cTnT were significantly lower in surviving versus non-surviving septicemic foals. The 50th and 95th percentiles alongside the ranges for the normal foal population were 0.14, 0.49, (0.01,0.51) ,g/L for cTnI, 0.009, 0.03, (0.009,0.04) ,g/L for cTnT and 2.3, 7.4, (0.4,9.3) ,g/L for CKMB. Our findings suggest that myocardial injury is a component of MODS during septicemia in foals, and that quantitatively significant increases in CKMB and cTnT are seen in non-surviving septicemic foals versus survivors. [source] Bypassing The Oral Cavity: The Use of Tube Esophagostomy For Long-Term Enteral Nutritional Support In A FoalJOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 1 2000ACVIM, Diplomate, Melissa R. Masan DVM Summary A premature foal developed severe aspiration pneumonia secondary to persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate associated with marked edema of the larynx and nasopharynx. Tube esophagostomy was used successfully for long-term nutritional supplementation. There were no complications, and bypass of the larynx and pharynx allowed resolution of the palatal abnormality and subsequent resolution of the aspiration pneumonia. (Vet. Emerg. Crit. Care, 10:7,12, 2000) [source] Successful Treatment of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Neonatal FoalJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009H. Hilton First page of article [source] The Use of Sarmazenil in the Treatment of a Moxidectin Intoxication in a FoalJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2005Jessika-M.V. Müller A13-day-old Arabian Thoroughbred filly weighing 40 kg (88 1b) was presented to the University of Zurich Equine Clinic with a history of depression after deworming with moxidectin at a dose of 2 mg/kg (recommended dose 0.4 mg/kg body weight)a the day before admission. The foal was found recumbent 12 hours after drug administration and was in an unconscious state 6 hours later [source] Arterial blood gas parameters of normal foals born at 1500 metres elevationEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 1 2010E. S. HACKETT Summary Reasons for performing study: Arterial blood gas analysis is widely accepted as a diagnostic tool to assess respiratory function in neonates. To the authors' knowledge, there are no published reports of arterial blood gas parameters in normal neonatal foals at altitude. Objective: To provide information on arterial blood gas parameters of normal foals born at 1500 m elevation (Fort Collins, Colorado) in the first 48 h post partum. Hypothesis: Foals born at 1500 m will have lower PaO2 and PaCO2 than foals born at sea level due to low inspired oxygen and compensatory hyperventilation occurring at altitude. Methods: Sixteen foals were studied. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed within 1 h of foaling and subsequent samples were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post partum. Data were compared to those previously reported in healthy foals born near sea level. Results: Mean PaO2 was 53.0 mmHg (7.06 kPa) within 1 h of foaling, rising to 67.5 mmHg (9.00 kPa) at 48 h post partum. PaCO2 was 44.1 mmHg (5.88 kPa) within one hour of foaling, falling to 38.3 mmHg (5.11 kPa) at 48 h. Both PaO2 and PaCO2 were significantly lower in foals born at 1500 m elevation than those near sea level at several time points during the first 48 h. Conclusions and potential relevance: Foals at 1500 m elevation undergo hypobaric hypoxia and compensatory hyperventilation in the first 48 h. Altitude specific normal arterial blood values are an important reference for veterinarians providing critical care to equine neonates. [source] Developmental aspects of distal limb conformation in the horse: the potential consequences of uneven feet in foalsEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 7 2006A. M. KROEKENSTOEL Summary Reasons for performing study: Distal limb conformation is generally accepted to be an important item with respect to performance and soundness in mature horses, but little is known about the developmental aspects. Objectives: To gain insight into the development of distal limb conformation and to assess the possible consequences of uneven feet in foals. Methods: Conformation of the distal front limbs of 23 Warmblood foals was scored visually and measured using radiographs, at ages 27 and 55 weeks. At the same ages, pressure measurements were made under both front feet. Results: At both ages the hoof-pastern axis was broken-backwards on radiographs, but only occasionally recognised as such, when scored by eye. Over time, the hoof angle decreased, while both the angles of the dorsal and solar surfaces of the distal phalanx (P3) increased and the parallelism between hoof wall and P3 improved. The foals with uneven feet at age 27 weeks showed a significant difference in distal limb loading that persisted until age 55 weeks. Conclusions: The alignment of the distal limb in the sagittal plane increased in a 6 month period. Visual assessment was not sensitive enough to appreciate this. The growth processes in the distal limb could not compensate for existing unevenness and ensuing asymmetrical limb loading. Potential relevance: Foals have a different conformation of the distal limb from mature horses, which should be taken into account when interpreting radiographs. Unevenness of the feet resulted in asymmetrical loading of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joint, which might lead to increased susceptibility to overload injuries and decreased performance at mature age. [source] Quantification by real-time PCR of the magnitude and duration of leucocyte-associated viraemia in horses infected with neuropathogenic vs. non-neuropathogenic strains of EHV- 1EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2006G. P. Allen Summary Reasons for performing study: Neurological disease in horses caused by infection with certain ,paralytic' strains of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a potentially devastating condition the pathogenesis of which is poorly understood. Preliminary observations in both experimentally induced and naturally occurring cases of the central nervous system disease have revealed a more robust cell-associated viraemia in horses infected with paralytic isolates of EHV-1, relative to horses infected with abortigenic isolates. To investigate further this pathogenesis - rdevant question, the present study was performed using a greater number of horses and a more precise method for quantification of EHV-1 DNA present in viraemic leucocytes. Objective: To compare the magnitude and duration of leucocyte-associated viraemia in seronegative, age-matched foals following infection with paralytic vs. abortigenic isolates of EHV-1. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 20 weanling foals at 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 21 days after intranasal inoculation with either paralytic or abortigenic isolates of EHV-1. The amount of EHV-1 DNA present in each PBMC sample was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: Foals inoculated with paralytic strains of EHV-1 developed both a greater magnitude and longer duration of PBMC-associated viraemia than foals inoculated with abortigenic strains of the virus. Conclusions: Both the higher magnitude and longer duration of cell-associated viraemia contribute to the risk for development of neurological signs in horses infected with paralytic strains of EHV-1. Potential relevance: Our results provide empirically derived, scientific data that contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenetic basis for the differing abilities of paralytic and abortigenic strains of EHV-1 to cause post infection central nervous system disease in the horse. The findings identify the importance of minimising the quantitative burden of viraemic leucocytes that follows exposure to the virus, by the use of effective therapeutic antiviral drugs and efficacious prophylactic vaccines that stimulate cytotoxic immune responses against EHV-1 infected cells. [source] Surgical repair of rib fractures in 14 neonatal foals: case selection, surgical technique and resultsEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 7 2004F. BELLEZZO Summary Reasons for performing study: Fractured ribs are encountered quite frequently in newborn Thoroughbred foals, often with fatal outcome. Surgical repair of fractures therefore requires consideration as a means of reducing mortality. Objectives: To evaluate the repair of rib fractures using internal fixation techniques in foals at 2 different equine hospitals following similar diagnostics and case selection. Methods: The records of 14 foals that underwent internal fixation of fracture ribs were reviewed. Subject details, clinical presentation, diagnosis, surgical technique, post operative care and complications were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained in 7 foals. Results: The fractured ribs were reduced and stabilised using reconstruction plate(s), self-tapping cortical screws and cerclage wire in 12 cases, Steinmann pins and cerclage wires in 1 case and both techniques in 1 case. Not every rib was reduced on each case. Surgical reduction was performed on an average of 2 ribs, range 1,3 ribs in each foal. At the time of writing, 4 foals had been sold, one age 2 years was in training and 2 others died from unrelated causes. Conclusions: Our data support the use of surgical stabilisation utilising reconstruction plates, self-tapping cortical screws and cerclage wire for selected cases of thoracic trauma in neonatal foals. The use of Steinmann pins may be suboptimal due to cyclic failure, implant migration and the potential for iatrogenic internal thoracic trauma. Potential relevance: Foals with existing extensive internal thoracic trauma resulting from rib fracture(s), or the potential for such trauma, previously considered to have a guarded to poor prognosis for survival, may be successfully managed with internal fixation of selected fracture sites. [source] What is the likelihood that Thoroughbred foals treated for septic arthritis will race?EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2004L. J. SMITH Summary Reasons for performing study: Septic arthritis is a serious problem in the neonate, with a poor prognosis being reported for recovery. The impact of neonatal septic arthritis on the likelihood that Thoroughbred (TB) foals will start on a racecourse is not known. Hypothesis: The development of septic arthritis in a TB foal significantly reduces the likelihood that it will race when compared to foals from the same dam. Methods: Medical records of 69 foals treated for septic arthritis were reviewed. The dam's foaling records were reviewed and lifetime racing records were then retrieved for both the affected foals and at least one of their siblings (controls). Outcomes that were statistically evaluated included discharge from the hospital and whether the foal eventually raced. Univariate analyses of categorical variables were conducted for each outcome. The number of affected and unaffected foals that raced at least once were compared using regression analysis. Survival analysis was used to compare age at first race between the study and comparison groups. Results: Foals with septic arthritis were less likely to start on a racecourse compared to controls (odds ratio [OR] 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.62, P = 0.001), while those foals that were discharged from the hospital were also less likely to start on a racecourse compared to controls (OR 0.36; CI 0.15,0.83, P = 0.008). The presence of multisystem disease was associated with a decreased likelihood of surviving to be discharged (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.02-0.90; P = 0.005), but did not affect the likelihood that they would start in at least one race if discharged successfully (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.04-2.81; P = 0.34) compared to the other foals with septic arthritis. Log-rank comparison of survival curves confirmed that foals discharged following treatment for septic arthritis took significantly longer to start in their first race compared to the sibling population (mean age of study group 1757 days, CI 1604-1909; mean age of sibling group 1273 days, CI 1197-1349; P = 0.0006). Conclusions: The development of septic arthritis in a TB foal significantly reduces the likelihood that it will start on a racecourse when compared to controls. Potential relevance: Accurate figures allowing a realistic assessment of the athletic future of a foal following treatment for septic arthritis are of significance for both owner and treating veterinarian. [source] Spurious hypercreatininemia: 28 neonatal foals (2000,2008)JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 2 2010DACVECC, DACVIM, Kristin P. Chaney DVM Abstract Objectives , To (1) determine the occurrence of spurious hypercreatininemia in a population of hospitalized foals <2 days old, (2) assess the resolution of the hypercreatininemia, and (3) determine its association with survival in these foals. Design , Retrospective case series. Setting , 2 Referral hospitals. Animals , Foals <2 days old with an admission creatinine >442 ,mol/L (>5.0 mg/dL) from 2 referral hospitals. Interventions , None. Measurements and Main Results , The medical records of 33 foals were reviewed. Twenty-eight had spurious hypercreatininemia and 5 had acute renal failure. Admission creatinine was not significantly different between the 2 groups (mean [standard deviation]). The creatinine was 1,202 ,mol/L (663 ,mol/L) (13.6 mg/dL [7.5 mg/dL]) versus 1,185 ,mol/L (787 ,mol/L) (13.4 mg/dL [8.9 mg/d]) (P=0.96) in each group, respectively, though BUN at the time of hospital admission was significantly higher for acute renal failure foals (P=0.009). In the spurious group, serum creatinine at admission decreased to 504 ,mol/L (380 ,mol/L) (5.7 mg/dL [4.3 mg/dL]) by 24 hours, and to 159 ,mol/L (80 ,mol/L) (1.8 mg/dL [0.9 mg/dL]) at 48 hours, and to 115 ,mol/L (44 ,mol/L) (1.3 mg/dL [0.5 mg/dL]) at 72 hours. Twenty-three of 28 foals with spurious hypercreatininemia survived to hospital discharge and there was no difference in mean admission creatinine between survivors (1176 ,mol/L [628 ,mol/L]) (13.3 mg/dL [7.1 mg/dL]) and nonsurvivors (1308 ,mol/L [857 ,mol/L]) (14.8 mg/dL [9.7 mg/dL]) (P=0.67). Twenty of 28 foals had clinical signs suggestive of neonatal encephalopathy. Conclusion , Creatinine decreased by >50% within the initial 24 hours of standard neonatal therapy and was within the reference interval in all but 1 foal within 72 hours of hospitalization. The diagnosis of neonatal encephalopathy was common in these foals. [source] Initial Experience with Norepinephrine Infusion in Hypotensive Critically III FoalsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 4 2000BVMSm, Kevin T. Corley BSc, MRCVS Summary Seven critically ill foals that continued to be hypotensive despite fluid resuscitation and the infusion of dobutamine and/or dopamine were treated with an infusion of norepinephrine (noradrenaline). The norepinephrine was administered concurrently with dobutamine, and the combination therapy was titrated by use of indirect mean arterial pressure measurements. The highest dose of norepinephrine used was 1.5 mcg/kg/min. In six foals the administration of norepinephrine was associated with an increase in blood pressure. In one foal the mean arterial pressure did not increase in response to the doses of norepinephrine administered. All of the foals experienced an increase in urine output coincident with the start of the norepinephrine infusion. Three of the foal survived to hospital discharge. [source] Congenital Cardiac Defects in Neonatal Foals: 18 Cases (1992,2007)JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010T.L. Hall Background: Literature available regarding congenital cardiac defects in foals is limited to reports of individual cases or small case series. Objective: To describe the clinical, echocardiographic, and necropsy findings and breed predilection of congenital cardiac defects in neonatal foals. Animals: Eighteen foals <15 days of age with 1 or more congenital cardiac defects. Methods: Medical records of foals diagnosed with congenital cardiac defects at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were reviewed. Data collected included history, signalment, clinical signs, laboratory data, diagnostic and necropsy results, and outcome. Results: Arabian foals represented 39% of cases with congenital cardiac defects and were significantly (P= .004) overrepresented (OR = 4.7 [CI: 1.8,12.4]) compared with the general hospital population. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) (14/18), tetralogy of Fallot (5/18), and tricuspid valve atresia (4/18) were the most common defects identified. A ,3/6 heart murmur (14/14) accompanied by tachycardia (14/17), tachypnea (17/17), and cyanosis of mucous membranes (7/16) were the most common clinical signs. Concurrent congenital defects were common (9/18). Two foals, both with VSD, survived for , 8 years after diagnosis and 1 was a successful performance horse. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Arabian horses appear to have a predisposition for cardiac defects. The presence of a loud murmur (, 3/6), cyanotic membranes, and tachycardia or tachypnea in a neonatal foal should warrant thorough evaluation of the heart for congenital defects. Foals with cardiac defects should be closely evaluated for concurrent congenital defects in other body systems. [source] Impaired Intestinal Absorption of Glucose in 4 Foals with Lawsonia intracellularis InfectionJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009D.M. Wong First page of article [source] Prospective Evaluation of Coagulation in Critically Ill Neonatal FoalsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2009A.I. Bentz Background: Coagulopathy is a potentially underrecognized complication of sepsis and septic shock in critically ill neonatal foals. Hypothesis: Critically ill neonatal foals have abnormalities in coagulation that are associated with disease severity and outcome. Animals: Foals <72 hours old admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: Prospective, observational study. Blood was collected at admission, 24, and 48 hours for platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, antithrombin activity and concentrations of fibrin degradation products, and fibrinogen in plasma from all foals. Results: Sixty-three foals were enrolled and classified as Septic Shock (12), Septic (28), and Other (23). At least 1 abnormal value was found in 18/28 (64%) samples from the Septic Shock group, 66/85 (78%) from the Septic group, and 30/59 (51%) from the Other group (P= .01). Coagulopathy (3 or more abnormal values) was present in 7/28 (25%) samples in the Septic Shock group, 14/85 (16%) samples in the Septic group, and 3/59 (5%) samples in the Other group (P= .0028). Clinically detectable bleeding occurred in 8/12 (67%) Septic Shock cases, 11/28 (39%) Septic cases, and 3/23 (13%) Other cases (P= .009). Foals in Septic Shock were 12.7 times more likely to have clinical evidence of bleeding than those in the Other group (95% CI 2.3,70, P= .004). Treatment with fluids or plasma did not have a detectable effect on coagulation values. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Coagulopathy commonly occurs in critically ill neonatal foals, especially those with sepsis and septic shock. [source] Effects of Norepinephrine and Combined Norepinephrine and Fenoldopam Infusion on Systemic Hemodynamics and Indices of Renal Function in Normotensive Neonatal FoalsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2008A.R. Hollis Background: Norepinephrine increases arterial blood pressure but may have adverse effects on renal blood flow. Fenoldopam, a dopamine-1 receptor agonist, increases urine output in normotensive foals. The combination of norepinephrine and fenoldopam may lead to improved renal perfusion compared with an infusion of norepinephrine alone. The combined effects of these drugs have not been reported in the horse. Hypothesis: Norepinephrine will alter the hemodynamic profile of foals without affecting renal function. Addition of fenoldopam will change the renal profile during the infusions without changing the hemodynamic profile. Animals: Five conscious pony foals. Methods: Each foal received norepinephrine (0.3 ,g/kg/min), combined norepinephrine (0.3 ,g/kg/min) and fenoldopam (0.04 ,g/kg/min), and a control dose of saline in a masked, placebo-controlled study. Heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (direct), and cardiac output (lithium dilution) were measured, and systemic vascular resistance (SVR), stroke volume, cardiac index (CI), and stroke volume index were calculated. Urine output, creatinine clearance, and fractional excretion of electrolytes were measured. Results: Norepinephrine and a combined norepinephrine and fenoldopam infusion increased arterial blood pressure, SVR, urine output, and creatinine clearance and decreased HR and CI compared with saline. The combination resulted in higher HR and lower arterial blood pressure than norepinephrine alone. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Norepinephrine might be useful for hypotensive foals, because in normal foals, this infusion rate increases SVR without negatively affecting renal function (creatinine clearance increased). Fenoldopam does not provide additional benefit to renal function. These findings warrant further investigation. [source] Factors Associated with Outcome in Foals with Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (72 Cases, 1988,2003)JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2008A.C. Polkes Background: Neonatal foals with isoerythrolysis (NI) often die, but the risk factors for death have not been identified. Objectives: To identify factors associated with outcome in foals with NI and to identify factors associated with death from liver failure or kernicterus in the same population. Animals: Seventy-two foals with NI examined at referral institutions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Information on signalment, clinical examination findings, laboratory testing, treatment, complications, outcome, and necropsy results were obtained. Results: The overall survival rate was 75% (54 of 72). Liver failure (n = 7), kernicterus (n = 6), and complications related to bacterial sepsis (n = 3) were the 3 most common reasons for death or euthanasia. The number of transfusions with blood products was the factor most strongly associated with nonsurvival in a multivariate logistic regression model. The odds of liver failure developing in foals receiving a total volume of blood products , 4.0 L were 19.5 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.13,178) times higher than that of foals receiving a lower volume (P= .009). The odds of kernicterus developing in foals with a total bilirubin , 27.0 mg/dL were 17.0 (95% CI: 1.77,165) times higher than that of foals with a lower total bilirubin (P= .014). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Development of liver failure, kernicterus, and complications related to bacterial sepsis are the most common causes of death in foals with NI. Foals administered a large volume of blood products are at greater risk for developing liver failure. [source] Serum Bile Acids Concentrations in Healthy and Clinically III Neonatal FoalsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2007Michelle Henry Barton Background:Reference ranges for serum bile acids (SBA) concentration are well established in healthy adult horses. Increased values are indicative of hepatic disease. Hypotheses: SBA concentrations are significantly greater in the neonatal period compared with mature horses, and illness in the neonatal period will further increase SBA. Animals:Ten healthy mature horses, 12 healthy foals, and 31 clinically ill foals. Methods:Prospective cross-sectional study. Blood samples were obtained once from the mature horses, from healthy foals immediately after birth, at 2 days, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks of age; and from ill foals less than 1 month of age at the time of admission to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. SBA concentrations were determined enzymatically and by radioimmunoassay. Total and direct bilirubin and triglyceride concentrations were measured, as well as sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and ,-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities. Results:There was a significant negative correlation between age and SBA concentration. Compared with mature horses, SBA concentrations were significantly greater in healthy foals at each collection time over the first 6 weeks of life. Radioimmunoassay values were lower than enzymatic SBA values, with increasing bias as the mean difference between values increased. When comparing age-matched values between healthy and ill foals, there were no significant differences in SBA. None of the ill foals had a primary diagnosis of hepatic disease. There was no significant correlation between the SBA concentration and the bilirubin or triglyceride concentrations or the GGT activity. There was a significant direct correlation between increased SBA and serum SDH activity in healthy foals only. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: SBA concentrations in foals are significantly higher in the early neonatal period, underscoring the importance of using age-matched references when evaluating clinical pathology values during the neonatal period. [source] Ulcerative Dermatitis, Thrombocytopenia, and Neutropenia in Neonatal FoalsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2005G.A. Perkins This report describes transient ulcerative dermatitis, severe thrombocytopenia, and mild neutropenia in 6 foals from 4 mares from geographically diverse regions of the United States. The foals presented at <4 days of age with oral and lingual ulcers, and crusting and erythema around the eyes, muzzle, and perineal, inguinal, axillary, trunk, and neck regions. There was a severe thrombocytopenia (0,30,000 platelets/,L), leukopenia (1,900-3,200 white blood cells/,L), and mild neutropenia (500-1,800 neutrophils/,L). Four of the 6 foals had petechiae and ecchymotic hemorrhages and 3 had bleeding tendencies. Results of examination of a bone marrow biopsy from 1 foal were normal and results of a platelet surface immunoglobulin test in another were negative. Histopathology of the skin in all foals showed subepidermal clefting with subjacent vascular dilation, dermal hemorrhage, and superficial papillary necrosis. The foals were treated supportively with broad-spectrum antibiotics (5/6), corticosteroids (3/6), gastric ulcer prophylaxis (6/6), whole-blood transfusion (4/6), and platelet-rich plasma (1/6). The skin lesions and thrombocytopenia (>50,000 platelets/,L) improved in 2 weeks (4/6). Two foals had a decline in their platelet counts when the steroids were decreased and needed protracted treatment. All foals survived and were healthy as yearlings. Two mares that had 2 affected foals each, upon subsequent pregnancies to different stallions, had healthy foals when an alternate source of colostrum was given. The findings in the cases in this report suggest a possible relationship between colostral antibodies or some other factor in the colostrum and the thrombocytopenia and skin lesions, although further investigation is warranted to confirm or refute this hypothesis. [source] Iron Deficiency in Stabled Dutch Warmblood FoalsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2001H. Brommer Forty-three Dutch Warmblood foals were divided at random into 3 rearing groups immediately after birth: a box-rest group, a box-rest with exercise group, and a pasture group. All stabled foals (box-rest and exercise groups) were fed freshly cut grass harvested from the same pastures on which the pasture group foals were grazing. Blood samples were obtained monthly for CBC and biochemical analyses. At 1,3 months of age, the foals at pasture were active but the foals in the box-rest and exercise groups were listless. Mean hemoglobin concentrations, PCVs, blood iron concentrations, and saturation of total iron binding capacity were significantly lower (P < .05) in the box-rest group (11.3 ± 1.2 g/dL, 33 ± 3%, 123 ± 67 ,g/dL, and 18 ± 9%) and the exercise group (11.6 ± 1.5 g/dL, 34 ± 4%, 101 ± 61 ,g/dL, and 15 ± 10%) compared with the pasture group (14.0 ± 0.8 g/dL, 42 ± 3%, 212 ± 67 ,g/dL, and 32 ± 10%). Oral supplementation of iron to all foals resulted in significant increases in the values of these variables in the box-rest group and exercise group at 4,5 months of age, and the stabled foals were as active as the foals at pasture. In the pasture group, no significant changes occurred. Management practices clearly influence the iron state in young growing foals from 1 to 3 months of age, and although not a frequent cause of anemia in the horse, an absolute deficit of body iron may occur in stabled foals fed freshly cut grass. [source] Application of Sartwell's Model (Lognormal Distribution of Incubation Periods) to Age at Onset and Age at Death of Foals with Rhodococcus equi Pneumonia as Evidence of Perinatal InfectionJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2001Miriam L. Horowitz The distributions of the incubation periods for infectious and neoplastic diseases originating from point-source exposures, and for genetic diseases, follow a lognormal distribution (Sartwell's model). Conversely, incubation periods in propagated outbreaks and diseases with strong environmental components do not follow a lognormal distribution. In this study Sartwell's model was applied to the age at onset and age at death of foals with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. The age at onset of clinical signs and age at death were compiled for 107 foals that had been diagnosed with R equi pneumonia at breeding farms in Argentina and Japan. For each outcome (disease and death), these data followed a lognormal distribution. A group of 115 foals with colic from the University of California were used as a comparison group. The age at onset of clinical signs for these foals did not follow a lognormal distribution. These results were consistent with the hypothesis that foals are infected with R equi during the 1st several days of life, similar to a point-source exposure. [source] Case Report: Atresia coli in a foal: Diagnosis made with colonoscopy aided by N-butylscopolammonium bromideEQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 9 2010B. Hunter Summary Atresia coli, a rare congenital defect, was diagnosed in a foal via colonoscopy after N-butylscopolammonium bromide was used to aid visualisation of the intestinal defect. Colonoscopy is a cost effective tool for diagnosing atresia of the terminal colon. N-butylscopolammonium bromide aided colonoscopy has not been previously reported in horses. [source] Primary malignant melanoma in the oesophagus of a foalEQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 8 2010S. S. Caston Summary A 2-month-old filly was evaluated for severe colic. Ultrasound, abdominocentesis and physical examination findings prompted an abdominal exploratory surgery. Perforation of the stomach was discovered during the surgery. The filly was humanely subjected to euthanasia under anaesthesia and post mortem examination was performed. In addition to gastric and duodenal ulceration, a thickened, black area of the proximal oesophagus was discovered. Histopathology of the lesion revealed primary malignant melanoma. Although rare, primary melanoma can occur in noncutaneous locations. [source] Inguinal rupture with herniation of the urinary bladder through the scrotal fascia in a Shetland pony foalEQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 1 2010M. Cousty Summary Herniation of the urinary bladder in the inguinal region has not previously been described in the horse. A case of inguinal rupture with herniation of the bladder through the scrotal fascia in a 3-month-old Shetland pony, diagnosed by external palpation, urinary catheterisation and external ultrasonographic examination is reported. Surgical management of the case was by dissection of the scrotal fascia, partial cystectomy and unilateral castration. During the period of hospitalisation the only complication was a slight seroma, which resolved spontaneously. Follow-up after 6 months did not reveal any abnormality. [source] The use of calcium sulphate (plaster of Paris) in a two step surgery for the treatment of a facial fracture in a foalEQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 7 2007J. A. Muñoz Morán First page of article [source] Computed tomographic diagnosis of a pathological fracture due to rhodococcal osteomyelitis and spinal abscess in a foalEQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 5 2007A. J. Stewart First page of article [source] Congenital intestinal polyp associated with intussusception in a 3-day-old foalEQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 3 2006J. R. Gold First page of article [source] Juvenile mandibular ossifying fibroma in a 12-week-old foalEQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 6 2005S. S. Trostle No abstract is available for this article. [source] Sedation and general anaesthesia of the foalEQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue S7 2005S. A. Robertson First page of article [source] Lateralised motor behaviour leads to increased unevenness in front feet and asymmetry in athletic performance in young mature Warmblood horsesEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2010M. C. V. Van HEEL Summary Reason for performing study: Foot stance in grazing significantly influences hoof conformation and development from foal to yearling age. Objectives: To conduct a longitudinal study to establish if the relationship between motor laterality and uneven front feet persisted in 3-year-old horses at the time of studbook selection and to investigate if such laterality and unevenness might influence the horses' ability to perform symmetrically while trotting, cantering and free jumping. Methods: Seventeen clinically sound but untrained (with only minimal experience of handling) and sound Warmblood horses that had participated in a previous study were assessed as per the protocol reported. Laterality was tested in a preference test (PT) and z -values were calculated for analysis purposes. Laterality and hoof unevenness were related to both relative limb length and relative head size, while the ability to perform symmetrically was tested in free trot-canter transitions and free jumping exercises. Differences in performance between horses with and without a limb preference in the PT and those with ,uneven' and ,even' feet were tested for differences in performance metrics using Students' t test, while linearity was tested using a regression analysis (P<0.05). Results: Significant laterality was still present in 24% of the 3-year-old horses and the relationship between laterality and uneven feet pairs was stronger than at foal and yearling stages. Horses with significant motor laterality had almost 4 times more unevenness, a smaller head and longer limbs and the relationship between body conformation and laterality was still present. There was a strong linear relation between unevenness, laterality and a bias or side preference for trot-canter transitions. However, this relationship was not significant during the free jumping exercise. Conclusion: Motor laterality and uneven feet pairs were still present and significantly related in the 3-year-old horses and both variables were also strongly related to sidedness in trot-canter transitions. Potential relevance: Warmblood studbooks should include quantitative data on laterality at the time of studbook admission as part of the selection criteria. [source] Surgical repair of rib fractures in 14 neonatal foals: case selection, surgical technique and resultsEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 7 2004F. BELLEZZO Summary Reasons for performing study: Fractured ribs are encountered quite frequently in newborn Thoroughbred foals, often with fatal outcome. Surgical repair of fractures therefore requires consideration as a means of reducing mortality. Objectives: To evaluate the repair of rib fractures using internal fixation techniques in foals at 2 different equine hospitals following similar diagnostics and case selection. Methods: The records of 14 foals that underwent internal fixation of fracture ribs were reviewed. Subject details, clinical presentation, diagnosis, surgical technique, post operative care and complications were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained in 7 foals. Results: The fractured ribs were reduced and stabilised using reconstruction plate(s), self-tapping cortical screws and cerclage wire in 12 cases, Steinmann pins and cerclage wires in 1 case and both techniques in 1 case. Not every rib was reduced on each case. Surgical reduction was performed on an average of 2 ribs, range 1,3 ribs in each foal. At the time of writing, 4 foals had been sold, one age 2 years was in training and 2 others died from unrelated causes. Conclusions: Our data support the use of surgical stabilisation utilising reconstruction plates, self-tapping cortical screws and cerclage wire for selected cases of thoracic trauma in neonatal foals. The use of Steinmann pins may be suboptimal due to cyclic failure, implant migration and the potential for iatrogenic internal thoracic trauma. Potential relevance: Foals with existing extensive internal thoracic trauma resulting from rib fracture(s), or the potential for such trauma, previously considered to have a guarded to poor prognosis for survival, may be successfully managed with internal fixation of selected fracture sites. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||