PERINATAL ASPHYXIA IN FOALS

Perinatal asphyxia is increasingly recognized in equine neonatal units . The incidence is hard to estimate because many foalings are unattend ed and the disease is often complicated by other conditions. Perinatal asphyxia is a significant cause of equine neonatal morbidity and mort ality. The condition occurs in a wide variety of clinical settings tha t result in decreased umbilical blood flow, uteroplacental perfusion, or tissue oxygenation. Fetal factors, placental abnormalities, dystoci a, or maternal illness can be involved. Associated fetal factors inclu de twinning, congenital malformations of foals, and meconium aspiratio n syndrome. Maternal factors that can be involved include conditions t hat contribute to hypotension or impaired tissue oxygenation (e.g., en dotoxemia, hemorrhage, anemia, or severe respiratory disease). Foals w ith perinatal asphyxia are usually presented with weakness, mental dep ression, decreased urine output, low blood pressure, and some degree o f gastrointestinal disease. In affected foals, therapy should address the multisystemic nature of the disease. High-quality nursing care is essential and includes monitoring of blood gases, renal function, card iac function, and nutritional status. Early recognition and aggressive intervention are vital components of successful treatment.