Foals

Question 1

Patent urachus

Answer 1

Urachus connects the fetal bladder to the allantoic sac via the umbilicus during gestation.

• normally the urachus closes in the first days after birth

Question 2

CS of patent urachus

Answer 2

dripping urine from both the umbilicus and the penis

• often associated with omphalophlebitis ( umbilical infection )

Question 3

Uncomplicated patent urachus tx :

Answer 3

• frequent umbilical disinfection
• monitoring
• +/- systemic antibiotics

Question 4

complicated patent urachus tx:

Answer 4

surgical tx

Question 5

Causes of patent urachus

Answer 5

• congenital
• often associated with EXCESSIVE HANDLING
• foals that spend a lot of time recumbent
• more common in foals treated in the ICU

Question 6

cause of equine neonatal maladjustment syndrome

Answer 6

= hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

** aka dummy foal, wanderer, barker

• causes by some degree of asphyxia during birth or in utero

–> leading to CNS tissue damage, reversion to fetal cortical state

** foal does not properly “wake up “ at birth

Question 7

treatment of dummy foal

Answer 7

• broad spectrum Abs

- supportive care prn depending on severity

Question 8

Prognosis of dummy foal

Answer 8

• excellent ( 80% for full recovery with supportive care and no other complicating comorbities )