Equine Diarrhoea CAL

Question 1

How can one tell if a foal is not nursing?

Answer 1

Observe the foal
Check mares udder - udder would become full if not
Milk on the foals face

Question 2

Why is it important to sample IgG levels of sick foals?

Answer 2

Sick foals tend to use their IgG up quicker so may benefit from IgG supplementation

Question 3

If a foal is older than 24 hrs, what is the best way to ensure adequate colostrum and why?

Answer 3

Give plasma. The foal is too old to absorb the IgG through colostrum, although it may have a GI protective effect.

Question 4

What should be done straight away in horses with acute diarrhoea?

Answer 4

They should be placed in isolation for work up as they should be considered infectious.

Question 5

Which veins can be used for placement of IV catheters in horses?

Answer 5

Jugular vein. Cephalic and lateral thoracic veins can also be used

Question 6

How is a fluid plan for a horse assessed?

Answer 6

Mainly through estimation. >12% dehydration is close to death and <5% is unlikely to be seen clinically. Maintenance = 2-4ml/kg/hr so correct the deficit, maintain and estimate for ongoing losses

Question 7

What GI disease in horses is associated with NSAID toxicity?

Answer 7

Right dorsal colitis

Question 8

If a faecal sample comes back as negative for salmonella does this rule out salmonella? What is the next thing to do?

Answer 8

No as salmonella is shed intermittently in the faeces and is difficult to culture. Need to have 3-5 samples as negative to rule it out

Question 9

What causes peripheral oedema in horse with diarrhoea?

Answer 9

Protein losng enteropaths causes fluid to third space