Equine neonatal clostridiosis: Treatment and prevention

In foals less than 2 weeks of age, clostridiosis is a sporadic cause of ent erocolitis. Clostridiosis may be caused by Clostridium perfringens type A o r C or Clostridium difficile. Typically, affected animals are full-term and have received normal passive transfer from their dams. Clinical signs are often sudden in onset and include obtundation, inappetence, discolored muco us membranes, colic, abdominal enlargement, and bloody diarrhea. Radiograph y or ultrasonography may reveal peritoneal effusion and/or pneumatosis inte stinalis. Treatment must be intensive and should include supportive care, a ntimicrobial therapy, and C. perfringens antitoxin. Despite treatment, most foals die. Because multiple cases may occur on the same premises, a preven tive plan should be devised. This program may include immunization against C. perfringens, administration of preventive antimicrobials or probiotics, and changes in perinatal management practices.