ECC SDL

Question 1

What investigations are done in initial triage of a foal with suspected failure of passive transfer?

Answer 1

Catheter placement, bloods for culture/haematology/biochemistry/IgG, ultrasound, and urine specific gravity (USG).

Question 2

What IgG level indicates failure of passive transfer (FPT) in a foal

Answer 2

< 400mg/L

Question 3

What is a normal USG for a 1-day old foal?

Answer 3

1.008 - 1.012

Question 4

What is meconium and when should it be passed?

Answer 4

The foal’s first faeces, normally passed within 24 hours of birth.

Question 5

How can you assess if a foal is premature?

Answer 5

Radiography of carpal/tarsal bones (ossification) and lung assessment.

Question 6

What are the first stabilisation steps for a neonatal foal with weakness and low IgG?

Answer 6

A: IV Hartmann’s (20ml/kg) with added glucose, followed by 1L hyperimmune plasma.

Question 7

What blood abnormalities are commonly seen in septic or premature foals?

Answer 7

A: High PCV, low WBC with neutropenia, high triglycerides, and high lactate.

Question 8

What combined diagnosis fits a premature foal with sepsis and failure of passive transfer?

Answer 8

Prematurity, neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS), FPT, and neonatal sepsis.

Question 9

What fluid therapy plan is used for sick neonatal foals?

Answer 9

500ml Hartmann’s bolus, followed by IV fluids at 4ml/kg/hr with IV glucose at 5kcal/kg/day.

Question 10

What supportive treatments may be added for weak foals with retained meconium?

Answer 10

Feeding tube with mare’s milk and phosphate enema.

Question 11

What blood test helps assess oxygenation in foals with high respiratory rate?

Answer 11

Arterial blood gas.

Question 12

What immediate treatment can improve hypoxaemia and reduce respiratory rate in foals?

Answer 12

Nasal oxygen therapy.