Neonatal encephalopathy and perinatal asphyxia syndrome in neonatal foals also known as a ‘dummy foal’ has a wide clinical spectrum of symptoms associated with the syndrome.
These signs include;
· Mild depression with loss of suckle reflex
· Foal appears sleepy and fatigued
· Confusion/ disorientation – wandering around without purpose
· Lying down for excessive long periods of time
· Irregular respiratory pattern
· Grand mal seizures/ convulsions.
Most dummy foal appear normal at birth but usually show signs of nervous system disease within the first 24 hours. These foals can have abnormalities of other systems including gastrointestinal, kidneys, cardiovascular and even endocrine systems.
The cause of the condition is believed to be related to a difficult or traumatic birth and potential premature separation of the placenta at foaling. Some foals may have an unexplained decrease in oxygen levels even before foaling. These foals are very difficult to treat on farm and should really be in an intensive care hospital.
The control of seizures is critical as is supporting and correcting circulation and metabolic abnormalities. Most of these therapies involve close monitoring of bloodwork and continual intravenous treatment. Some of these foals can develop fluid build-up (oedema) in the brain and special treatment to decrease the swelling and avoid further brain damage is required.
Some foals will require fluid support and blood transfusions which need to be monitored closely as giving too many fluids can lead to other problems. Some foals require a feeding tube or even intravenous feeding as without nutrition many of these foals will become weak and succumb to death. If you have a foal that is showing and nervous system signs, the foal may be a dummy foal and required immediate intensive treatment to survive.
If you have any questions about your foal please give our helpful team a call on 07 4982 2552 or visit our common conditions page on our website for more information.