Jump-Starting the Dummy Foal

The term “dummy foal” is being used less and less. A more accurate term for the foal exhibiting behavioral or neurologic abnormalities that are not related to infectious or toxic conditions, congenital or developmental abnormalities, or metabolic disorders is hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Sometimes the term “neonatal maladjustment syndrome” is used.
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In his presentation "Jump Starting the Dummy Foal" at the 2003 American Association of Equine Practitioners' convention, Bill Bernard, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., began by saying that the term "dummy foal" is being used less and less. A more accurate term for the foal exhibiting behavioral or neurologic abnormalities that are not related to infectious or toxic conditions, congenital or developmental abnormalities, or metabolic disorders is hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Sometimes the term "neonatal maladjustment syndrome" is used. These foals exhibit central nervous system (CNS) signs within the first few days of life after suffering a lack of oxygen delivery to the brain, either from a lack of blood flow (ischemia) or a lack of oxygen in the blood that is going to the brain (hypoxemia) before, during, or immediately after birth.

Cause and Clinical Signs

Bernard said that based on a study of cases admitted to Rood and Riddle, there are several risk factors associated with HIE. In 30% of cases, premature placental separation was the cause, while in another 30% of cases, placental insufficiency (any situation where the foal demands more oxygen and nutrition than the uterus is capable of) contributed to HIE. Obstruction of umbilical blood flow, decreased uterine blood flow, colic, or other medical problems of the mare during pregnancy, and prolonged or shortened gestational length can also result in the disease. Foals born after a dystocia (difficult delivery) and those delivered by Caesarean section should be monitored for signs of HIE.

Bernard noted that during a normal delivery, there is a brief time when the fetus does not receive oxygen; the healthy foal is able to compensate for this, while the compromised foal might not be able to. A cycle of events takes place that results in HIE; these events include intracellular swelling, increased cerebral (of or pertaining to the cerebrum of the brain) tissue pressure, focally decreased blood flow, generalized brain swelling, decreased cerebral blood flow, and cerebral necrosis (death)

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Written by:

Sarah Evers Conrad has a bachelor’s of arts in journalism and equine science from Western Kentucky University. As a lifelong horse lover and equestrian, Conrad started her career at The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care magazine. She has also worked for the United States Equestrian Federation as the managing editor of Equestrian magazine and director of e-communications and served as content manager/travel writer for a Caribbean travel agency. When she isn’t freelancing, Conrad spends her free time enjoying her family, reading, practicing photography, traveling, crocheting, and being around animals in her Lexington, Kentucky, home.

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