OVERVIEW - EQUINE NEONATAL SEPTICEMIA

Septicemia is an important disease of neonatal (less than 14 days of age) foals. Thirty-three percent of neonatal deaths can be attributed to septicemia. In one study of 160 neonatal foals hospitalized for various reasons, septicemia was the second most common problem diagnosed. It was surpassed only by the problem of inadequate transfer of maternal antibodies from the dam's colostrum.

The foal can be exposed to bacteria in many ways. The exposure may take place while the foal is still in the mare's uterus. This is generally a consequence of the mare developing an infection of the placenta near the end of her pregnancy. Infection can also come through the blood of the mare to the fetus if the mare is severely ill before birth or parturition. The foal can also get infected when exiting the birth canal. Infections that occur after the foal is born are commonly promoted by failure of the foal to get antibodies from the mare. The bacteria gain entry to the foal by inhalation, ingestion and contamination of the umbilical stump and through wounds.

The clinical signs of septicemia are variable. They range the full spectrum from mild depression to shock and death. It is often difficult to identify the foal in the beginning of the illness. Early identification is essential in the prevention of the progression of the problem into irreversible shock. These are some of the signs to look for:

• Foals start out with mild to moderate depression
• Decreased suckling frequency
• Sleepiness
• Loss of energy or weakness
• Foal lying down more than normal
• Mare's udder is distended with milk

Some of the body systems that are most affected include the following:

• Respiratory System - Pneumonia is one of the most common signs of infection with approximately 50 percent of the septic foals presenting with respiratory signs.
• Gastrointestinal System - Enteritis/diarrhea is the second most common manifestation of sepsis.
• Musculoskeletal System. Bone and joint infection occur when the bacteria invade the growth plate of the bone or the lining of the joint.
• Nervous System - Meningitis (infection of the meninges of the brain) has a very poor prognosis for life.
• Umbilical Structures - Infection of the umbilical structures are often not apparent from the exterior of the body.

TREATMENT: Once septicemia is suspected then treatment should start immediately. Care can be quite intensive and may require that the foal be sent to a hospital that has the ability to monitor the foal 24 hours a day. The general treatment of a septic foal should include:

1. Immunologic Support - Foals with failure of passive transfer of maternal antibodies need to be provided with some protective antibodies. This is usually accomplished through a plasma transfusion.
2. Antibiotic Support - Antibiotics are used to help kill the bacteria that are causing the signs of septicemia. Any number of bacteria in the foal's environment can cause septicemia. Because you can't delay treatment until you identify causative bacteria, your veterinarian will place the foal on a antibiotic combination of antibiotics that will kill the majority of bacteria involved.
3. Shock Treatment - Foals that are already in shock will need intravenous fluids to support their circulation.
4. Nutritional Support - Many septic foals are too depressed and sick to eat. Your veterinarian may need to feed the foal hourly or every two hours through a nasogastric tube.

Next to prevention, early recognition of septicemia is the next best thing that owners can do. The first sign of a bacterial infection in a foal may be that he is not as active as other foals. You may see him lying down more than he should. The mare's udder may be distended indicating that he is not drinking as much milk as he should. If you have any concerns about the health or behavior of the foal, insist that your veterinarian check the foal out as soon as possible. Septicemia is an emergency.

YOUR SOURCE FOR EQUINE PROTECTION AND FARM AND RANCH INSURANCE

For More Information Call:

C. Jarvis Insurance Agency
33755 Station Street
Solon, Ohio 44139
Tel:(440) 248-5330 Fax: (440) 248-8737
info@jarvisinsurance.com or visit us at http://www.jarvisinsurance.com

A SPECIAL THANKS TO TEX KAM FOR THE USE OF HIS PHOTOGRAPHY - FOR MORE INFORMATION : WWW.TEXKAM.COM

Jarvis Newsletter prepared by Margie Turner. Information contained in this newsletter was obtained from Dr. Mary Rose Paradis' article from PetPlace.com, on t he subject of Equine Neonatal Septicemia; The Kentucky Disease Quarterly Newsletter and other internet sources.The information contained in this newsletter is provided to you for informational use only. For questions or concerns always consult your veterinarian.