27. Neonatal disorders (septicaemia, diarrhoea, respiratory distress)

What is neonatal sepsis?

Bacterial infection entering the bloodstream in a newborn

How can bacteria enter the bloodstream in neonates leading to sepsis?

Through the umbilicus, inhalation, or ingestion

What are the potential consequences of neonatal sepsis?

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)

What is the prognosis for a neonate in septic shock?

No treatment is typically effective

What are the criteria for diagnosing Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) in neonates?

Presence of 2 or more of: hyperthermia or hypothermia, heart rate >120 bpm, respiratory rate >20/min, leukocytosis or leukopenia, and elevated immature neutrophils

What percentage of immature neutrophils is significant for SIRS in dogs?

More than 3%

What percentage of immature neutrophils is significant for SIRS in cats?

More than 5%

Which organ system is primarily affected in cats with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) due to sepsis?

Lungs

What is the treatment for neonatal sepsis?

Supportive care (isotonic crystalloids IV slowly) and antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin)

Why is diarrhoea particularly dangerous for newborns?

It can quickly lead to dehydration and hypothermia

What are the two main categories of causes of diarrhoea in neonates?

Non-infectious and infectious

What are some non-infectious causes of diarrhoea in neonates?

Diet, ingestion of garbage/toxins, foreign body, stress colitis (cats)

What are some infectious causes of diarrhoea in neonates?

Salmonella, E. coli, rotavirus, parvovirus, FIV, FIP, FeLV, parasites

What signs indicate that neonatal diarrhoea is an emergency?

Black or odd-coloured faeces, duration over 24 hours, accompanied by vomiting, fever, and lethargy

What is non-inflammatory respiratory distress (RD) in neonates usually caused by?

Alveolar collapse due to lack of surfactant

When does surfactant typically develop in puppies?

Around day 56-58 of gestation

What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in neonates?

Respiratory distress secondary to an inflammatory disease

What are some causes of ARDS in neonates?

Sepsis, pneumonia, aspiration (meconium, milk), chest trauma, fluid in airways

What is the pathophysiology of ARDS in neonates?

Damage to lung endothelium leading to oedema, alveolar collapse, lack of oxygen, hypoxic tissue damage, and potentially death

What is the treatment for ARDS in neonates?

Treating the underlying cause and supporting lung function with oxygen and mechanical ventilation if needed

What is the primary goal of treating neonatal diarrhoea?

Preventing and correcting dehydration and hypothermia.

Why is the colour of faeces important in assessing neonatal diarrhoea?

Unusual colours can indicate specific underlying issues.

What is the critical difference between non-inflammatory RD and ARDS in neonates?

Non-inflammatory RD is usually due to surfactant deficiency, while ARDS is secondary to an inflammatory process.

Why is aspiration of meconium or milk a significant cause of ARDS in neonates?

It can cause direct lung injury and inflammation.