approach to new foal

Normal function

·    Standing by 1hr

·    Suckle reflex present by 30m-2hr

·    Nursing by 2hr (should nurse 5-6x hour)

·    Urinate/defecate by 4h – pass meconium

Treat umbilicus

·    Within 4h

·    Using 0.5% chlorhex or 2% iodine (ensure umbilicus completely submerged)

Clinical exam

At 12-24h post-birth:

·    Check umbilicus – hernia?

·    Nursing – are they latching on? Any milk coming out of nasal passages?

·    Check palate – under/overshot? Cleft palate?

·    Anus – is there one? Evidence of meconium passage?

·    Eyes – any entropion? Haemorrhage?

·    Chest – auscultate heart and lungs

·    Flexural/angular limb deformities?

Investigations

·    Take blood sample – assess IgG

·    If issues passing meconium – give enema

·    Give tetanus antitoxin IM

·    Check placenta – is it all present? Any evidence of placentitis – thicking, discharge

Nutritional support

·    If not nursed for 2-3h, or unable to nurse

·    If foal cannot sit in sternal, or has ileus – requires parental nutrition

Treatment of FPT

·    Plasma transfusion, monitor for transfusion rection