Neonatal care Flashcards
What is meconium staining?
Foetus’ first faeces that has been passed into amniotic fluid before parturition
Presence indicates stressful birth
sticky, thick, dark green/brown
Why is it important to dry and keep warm in first 24hrs of life?
reduce risk of hypothermia
What are the important tasks to complete in the first 24hrs of life?
Colostrum management
Meconium staining
Dry and keep warm
Check for injuries/congenital problems
Check for breathing
When do different animals need their first colostrum?
Cattle + sheep - shortly after birth
Foals - within 6 hrs
Piglets - within 24 hrs
How do you rectify breathing problems in a neonatal calf, pig and foal?
Cattle, sheep - clear airways of mucous using bulb syringe
Pigs - clear airways using suction device
Foals - remove any obstructions
What common issues would a vet identify in neonates?
Cleft palate
Anal atresia
Heart murmurs
Contracted tendons
Neurological issues
Umbilical hernia
Why is it important that a neonatal foal gets colostrum within a few hours of birth?
gut epithelium has cells for absorption of IgG that close after 24 hrs
What would a ‘normal’ neonate piglet look and act like?
Palpable ribs but not prominent
smooth skin
eyes and nose free of discharge
dry umbilical cord
clean ears and tail
well-formed feet and legs
active
seeks sows teats
suckling reflex
alert
huddle together for warmth
Why is hygiene important for preventing infection in the neonatal calf?
Infections can get inside the umbilicus in the neonate
This infection may localise at that site (omphalitis) or track up the umbilical remnants to cause infection elsewhere in the body (often causing sepsis and joint ill).
