Management and treatment of the sick equine neonate in ambulatory practice

The ambulatory practitioner is usually the first to evaluate the equine neonate and must assess the foal and determine its health status. If one or more abnormalities are identified, the practitioner must initiate appropriate treatment and determine whether the foal can be managed successfully on the farm or referred to a specialty centre. This article describes the basic requirements that should be met and the limitations involved in treating compromised neonates on the farm. Treatments for common foal disorders are discussed.