Symptoms of anemia in neonatal foals
Symptoms of anemia in neonatal foals may be somewhat vague, including:
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Low energy and relaxation
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Not nursing, not nurses than usual
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Lethargic
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Increased heart rate or breathing rate
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Yellowish tan (icterus) of the eyes or mucous membranes
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Dark urine
Because foals have an immature immune system, the disease can quickly enter and cause a rapid decline. If you notice any of the above in a newborn foal, see your veterinarian immediately.
Causes of anemia in newborn foals
Neonatal Renal Disease (NI) is one of the most common causes of anemia A newborn foal that is usually diagnosed in the first few days of life.
Ni is caused by incompatibility of blood types in mares and foals. The mare produces antibodies to the foal’s blood cells, and is then ingested by the foal via colostrum (the first milk of the cow, with lots of antibodies) in the first 6-8 hours. These antibodies attack and rupture lesion in foals, causing severe anemia that can potentially be life-threatening.
Signs of NI begin within one week of life and begin after an average of 6 hours to 3 days after birth.
Ni is relatively rare and occurs only in 1-2% of all foals, but up to 10% of Mules. In horses, thoroughbreds appear to be the most affected breed. NI can occur in maidens (first pregnancy) mares, but it is at a higher risk for mares who previously received blood transfusions. Other risk factors include those who may be exposed to the fetal blood type before giving birth, such as in the event of placentaitis, infection, or difficult births. If a mare has once had a foal with the NI, this condition can become more common in additional pregnancy, especially if it is bred on the same stallion.
Other causes of anemia in neonatal foals include:
Diagnosis of anemia in neonatal foals
The easiest way to diagnose and prepare a foal NI is a screening test conducted two weeks before the mares’ due date. A small amount of blood is pulled and antibodies against other blood types are checked. If this is not done before birth and the foal begins to show signs of anemia, the veterinarian will perform multiple tests along with basic physical examinations, blood tests, and basic IgG antibody tests. These include:
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CBC with blood smears: Detects low PCV (packed cell volume), an indicator of anemia. Blood smears allow veterinarians to look at cells under a microscope and assess the signs of a erythrocyte failure.
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Cross Match Test: A simple test that can be done at the clinic or sent to the lab. This will check if red blood cells will be destroyed when the blood of the foal and mares are mixed. This test is commonly used before emergency blood transfusions to confirm the likelihood of a response.
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Bacterial culture, viral PCR, or blood samples If the above diagnosis is inconclusive, it will be sent to the lab depending on other suspected derivatives and history.
Treatment of anemia in neonatal foals
If your mares test positive for NI before giving birth, there are some precautions to take as soon as your foal is born.
It is important to follow the following guidelines and additional recommendations from your veterinarian:
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Do not allow foals to be nursed after birth. The foal’s muzzle is used immediately to prevent the foal from consuming harmful colostrum until further information is collected.
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Blood is drawn for the tan foal aggregation test (JFA) to determine whether the mare colostrum causes lysis of the foal red blood cells.
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Until the JFA results were entered, the foal was fed frozen colostrum from the Ni-negative mare, and then milk replacements began. Marley’s match.
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Foals are allowed to nursing as soon as JFA results are permitted or 48 hours after birth.
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In some cases, Ni-positive mares can start with a drug called Dom Peridon Before giving birth to promote early breast and milk production. After that, the mares must be milked frequently before the horse arrives at the nurses themselves. This ensures minimal possible antibody intake by the foal, allowing for naturally faster nursing.
If NI is confirmed in the newborn after clinical signs have begun in CBC and blood smears, treatment may include:
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Blood transfusion in cases of severe anemia
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Do not allow the foal to further care until colostrum is not produced or absorbed (this occurs when the intestine “closes” in about 48 hours).
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Depending on the severity of the symptoms, steroids, NSAIDs, oxygen therapy, or IV fluids, as needed for support
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Nutritional support with frozen milk ducts and milk replacements (feeding via buckets, bottles, or nasogastric tubes)
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Hospitalization undergoes repeated thorough monitoring and PCV and blood tests when necessary
Recovery and management of anemia in neonatal foals
If caught early and aggressive treatment begins immediately, a newborn foal suffering from anemia can lead a normal, healthy life. Sepsis, infection, and other secondary diseases can occur if the NI is severe or if other complications occur. It is essential that foals with signs are evaluated immediately by the veterinarian, as there can be fatal if there is a serious response to horse antibodies or if treatment is not set in time.
Newborn foal anemia FAQ
How common is anemia in newborn foals?
Anemia is relatively rare in foals, with NI affecting less than 2% of horse foals, but up to 10% in newborns.
How do you treat NI with a foal?
NI is treated by preventing foals from nursing, feeding them using frozen ducts and milk replacements, and preventing blood transfusions or other supportive care when necessary.
Can worms cause anemia in newborn foals?
There are few adult worms found in foals under two months of age, so it is unlikely that insects will cause anemia in newborns.
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reference
Jackie, Snyder. Haryard. Neonatal spherical lysis.
