Oxygen Deprivation in Newborn Foals

most important is making sure the foal is properly nourished beginning with an adequate supply of colostrum in the first few hours after birth. If the foal cant nurse colostrum can be given by nasogastric tube. After its first 6 to 12 hours the foal can no longer absorb the antibodies contained in colostrum so this is an immediate concern for foals that have trouble nursing. Following this period foals may need to have mares milk or a milk replacer delivered in small amounts every few hours until they are able to nurse. Intravenous feeding is indicated in some cases.
A second goal is recovery of damaged nerve cells. Veterinary treatment may involve drugs to control seizures antioxidants such as vitamin E to aid nerve function and medications to limit swelling of brain tissue.
Administration of oxygen may be necessary either at the farm or in a veterinary clinic. A recent addition to the list of available treatments is hyperbaric therapy in which the foal is placed in a pressurized chamber where oxygen is forced into the tissues.
A third priority is keeping foals from developing other health problems. Pressure sores infections and loss of body heat must be prevented while the foal builds up strength and recovers neurologic function.
In many cases of oxygen deprivation affected foals make a complete recovery in the first days or weeks after birth. Prognosis depends on the severity of the condition and the promptness with which treatment is begun.
The best outcome depends on paying careful attention to the newborn foals condition and getting immediate veterinary attention if abnormal signs are noticed.
Main Article Photo Susan Meilleur Watch carefully during foaling for any signs that may lead to oxygen deprivation such as a red bag delivery lack of tearing in the membrane that surrounds the foal after birth or lack of breathing in the foal after birth.