When blood types differ between the mare & stallion, the mare creates antibodies against the antigens in the blood of the stallion. These antibodies become concentrated within the colostrum and when the foal drinks the colostrum, the antibodies attack the foals RBCs which causes . Donkeys, mules, thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, quarter horses, paints are the most affected breeds due to their blood types. If the mare and foals blood mixes when in utero, this can also predispose the foal to anemia. The combination of blood types A and Q are the most lethal. Foals are lethargic, weak, suffer from tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, pale mucus membranes, icterus and discharge reddish coloured urine. They will suffer liver and kidney damage. and feed a replacement. IV fluids will be required to prevent dehydration and a blood transfusion to ensure adequate RBC count. Diagnosis is a blood test to get a PCV count. Treatment is to withhold
Prevention is to test the mares blood prior to foaling to ensure it is compatible for the foal.
Prognosis is good with a 75% survival rate.
Neonatal Encephalopathy
Neonatal encephalopathy is also known as neonatal maladjustment syndrome, commonly called “ ”. This is a non-infectious condition of the central nervous system.
Dummy foal syndrome is caused by a lack of oxygen during foaling, known as perinatal asphyxia.
If the foal suffers from ischemia &/or hypoxia during pregnancy &/or delivery, this can lead to neuronal cell death. Conditions such as red bag birth, placentitis, anemia or hemorrhage in the mare, dystocia, foal sepsis or twinning can all be considered predisposing factors. Signs & symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, mental depression, blindness, inappropriate behaviour, muscle tremors, seizures, proprioceptive deficits, loss of suckle reflux, tongue , abnormal vocalization as well as signs characteristic of respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic and cardiac conditions.
Diagnosis is case history, clinical presentation and differential diagnosis.
Treatment is primarily supportive. This includes IV fluids, nasogastric tube, anticonvulsants, DMSO, magnesium sulfate and oxygen.
Prognosis is good with a 75% survival rate.
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