FOAL HEALTH
Should you
REFER that foal? Look for the flags and trust your instincts
Images courtesy of Dr. Emily Floyd
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A neonatal foal can take a turn for the worst quickly in the field, and knowing when to refer them to a fully outfitted clinic can make all the difference. “You cannot monitor a foal too closely,” said Emily Floyd, BVSc, DACVIM, MRCVS, at the 2023 BEVA Congress in Liverpool. “If you’re not sure, examine them again, and then examine them again. But don’t be afraid to ask for advice.” But how can a veterinarian be sure when the foal needs more treatment options than what’s available on the truck? As with everything else in life, just make a note of the red flags. Sorting the flags
To begin the decision process, it’s nice to rule out the low-hanging fruit. Conditions like moderate-
Issue 11/2022 | ModernEquineVet.com
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to-severe sepsis/SIRS, severe colic or diarrhea, or orthopedic abnormalities that prevent the foal from standing are most likely going to require a facility with more resources. However, foals with early or mild signs of those conditions could be successfully managed in the field, provided the signs don’t become too serious. “When we think about identifying the need for referral, I think it helps to be logical,” said Dr. Floyd, clinical director at Rossdales Equine Hospital in Newmarket, UK. “Going through a list in a logical fashion will help you pick up the red flags when they’re there.” 1. CAN I MAINTAIN tissue perfusion? 2. CAN I PROVIDE nutritional support? 3. CAN I TREAT or prevent sepsis? 4. CAN I TREAT the primary disease?
