d+ foals

What are the key historical questions to ask when approaching diarrhoea in neonates?

How old is the neonate, how long has the diarrhoea lasted, any progression, and are they eating/drinking milk?

What risk factors are associated with diarrhoea in neonates?

Pre-existing disease, failure of passive transfer (FPT), poor hygiene, high stocking density, antimicrobial administration, milk replacer therapy made incorrectly.

What is the primary focus of management for diarrhoea in neonates?

Treat the underlying cause and the consequences of diarrhoea including fluid/electrolyte loss, bacterial translocation, and albumin loss.

What are the consequences of diarrhoea that need to be managed in neonates?

Fluid/electrolyte loss, bacterial translocation, albumin loss.

What is IVFT used for in the management of neonatal diarrhoea?

To address fluid and electrolyte loss.

What are the common infectious causes of diarrhoea in neonates aged 0-10 days?

Viral infections (rotavirus, coronavirus), bacterial infections (Clostridium, E. coli, Salmonella), fungal infections (candidiasis), and protozoal infections (cryptosporidium).

What non-infectious causes of diarrhoea may occur in neonates aged 0-10 days?

Foal heat diarrhoea, meconium impaction, errors in feeding, gastroduodenal ulceration, sand enterocolitis, systemic disease like sepsis, and congenital lactose intolerance.

What additional causes of diarrhoea are specific to neonates aged 10 days to 6 weeks?

Parasitic infections (Strongyloides westerii, Strongylus vulgaris, Parascaris equorum) along with previously mentioned infectious and non-infectious causes.

What supportive nutrition might be considered for neonates with diarrhoea?

Parenteral nutrition to give the intestinal villi a rest period.

What treatment is used to reduce the risk of secondary infections during diarrhoea management?

Antibiotics to reduce bacterial translocation and secondary infections.

Why is referral considered in cases of neonatal diarrhoea?

Due to the potential severity and complexity of the condition that may require specialized care.

What is foal heat diarrhoea?

A common non-infectious cause of diarrhoea in neonates, typically occurring around 7-14 days of age.

What effect can errors in feeding have on neonates?

They can lead to diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal issues.

What is the importance of assessing the duration of diarrhoea in neonates?

Different durations can indicate varying underlying causes and urgency of treatment.