FEEDING OF THE PREMATURE FOAL

The premature foal suffers from a variety of problems impeding adequat e nutrition, such as inability to suck or increased energy demands due to intrauterine starvation or septic conditions. If tolerated, entera l feeding via bottle stomach tube is the ideal route of energy supply. Complications include starvation and gastrointestinal disorders. Addi tional parenteral feeding is necessary if energy intake is less than 4 00kJ/kg/day, but careful monitoring is necessary to prevent hyperglyce mia and electrolyte disorders. The risk for secondary infections and t hrombophlebitis is high in these patients.