Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Hypoxemic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Synonyms: Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome, Dummy Foal Syndrome Barker Foal, Convulsive Foal, Wanderer, Perinatal Asphyxia
Summary
Hypoxemic-ischemic encephalopathy, well known as "Dummy Foal Syndrome" is is usually caused by a period of reduced brain oxygenation associated with a difficult birthing process (dystocia). This is often associated with premature placental separation, red-bag delivery.
Signs can vary from mild to very severe and are usually seen within 2 days of birth. Generally, foals with this syndrome are slow to rise and nurse, seem confused or disoriented, or aimlessly wander.
Mild cases may respond slowly to field treatments. Severely affected foals that experience seizures, or are are comatose or semi-comatose need to be transported to an equine neonatal intensive care unit for care.
Signs can vary from mild to very severe and are usually seen within 2 days of birth. Generally, foals with this syndrome are slow to rise and nurse, seem confused or disoriented, or aimlessly wander.
Mild cases may respond slowly to field treatments. Severely affected foals that experience seizures, or are are comatose or semi-comatose need to be transported to an equine neonatal intensive care unit for care.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Fair to good, depending on severity and effectiveness of treatment. It is important to seek out veterinary treatment immediately.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Newborn Foal, Fails to Stand or Nurse
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Newborn Foal, Not Nursing or Depressed
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Newborn Foal, Seems Disoriented or Dazed
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Foal or Newborn, Seizure or Convulsion
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Foal or Newborn, Milk Draining out Nostrils
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Foaling Difficulty, Dystocia
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Seems Dazed or Confused
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Lying Down & Paddling
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Foaling, Red Sac Shown, Red Bag Delivery
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Newborn Foal, Seems Weak, Gasping for Breath
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Staring Into Space, Seems Unresponsive
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Newborn Foal, Heart Rate Abnormally Slow, Less Than 40 BPM
Less Common
Rare
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What are the chances that the foal will recover and lead a normal life?
Prevention
Monitor foaling mares or have them foal at an equine hospital to reduce likelihood of a difficult labor that can cause this problem. Have your vet perform a post-partum exam.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
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