Clinical and clinicopathological characteristics of the septicaemic neonatal foal: Review of 38 cases

Abstract

Summary In an effort to identify improved methods for diagnosis of infection in the neonatal foal, clinical records from 38 septicaemic foals of less than one week of age were examined for trends in history, physical examination and clinicopathological findings. The survival rate of septicaemic foals, 26 per cent, was markedly less than the rate for all other foal admissions. Blood cultures were valuable in diagnosis and treatment of septicaemia and identified a preponderance of Gram‐negative infection. Zinc sulphate turbidity test results were abnormally low in all septicaemic foals tested. The clinical course was often distinguished by severe complications and multiple organ dysfunction, leading to death. Conditions present in the mare pre‐partum resulted in weak or diseased foals; bacterial placentitis, vaginal discharge and premature lactation were most common. There was no single diagnostic criterion of the septicaemic foal. Fever was not a consistent finding. The most useful white blood cell parameters were neutropenia, the presence of band neutrophils (greater than 0.2 × 109/litre) and toxic changes in the neutrophil population. Hypoglycaemia, metabolic acidosis and hypoxaemia were also common findings.

Hematologic values of thoroughbred foals from birth to six months of age

“…This only occurs in healthy foals, and it is directly related to endogenous steroid production, maturity of the adrenocortical system and consequently the foal's maturity at birth 12 . Leukopenia is a common finding in septic and premature foals and an important parameter for early detection of at-risk foals 13 . We observed that the leukocyte number was still rising during the first week of life.…”

Primary diagnosis, survival and long-term outcome in young horses with problems in the neonatal period

“…Koterba and Brewer 1984, LeBlanc et al 1992, Sanchez 2005, diseases in the neonatal period are still a considerable threat for survival and well-being of foals after birth. No recent survey is available on neonatal diseases in foals and the situation in Austrian horse breeding has not been analysed so far.…”

Measurement of Serum IgG in Foals by Radial Immunodiffusion and Automated Turbidimetric Immunoassay

“…6 Foals that are immunodeficient because of FTPI are susceptible to many infections, especially septicemia, omphalophlebitis, septic arthritis, and respiratory infections. [1][2][3][4] Thus, a sensitive and specific diagnostic test to identify FTPI is valuable in the management of neonatal foals.…”

“…If a foal fails to suckle in the immediate postpartum period, there is a low to absent concentration of immunoglobulin, resulting in a high incidence of neonatal infectious disease. [1][2][3][4] Failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) can result from injury or illness in the neonate, inadequate immunoglobulin production by the dam, or failure of the neonate to absorb the ingested colostrum. 4,5 The incidence of FTPI in foals is estimated to be between 2.9 and 25%.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] Failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) can result from injury or illness in the neonate, inadequate immunoglobulin production by the dam, or failure of the neonate to absorb the ingested colostrum. 4,5 The incidence of FTPI in foals is estimated to be between 2.9 and 25%. 6 Foals that are immunodeficient because of FTPI are susceptible to many infections, especially septicemia, omphalophlebitis, septic arthritis, and respiratory infections.…”