References
Neurological disease in neonatal foals: beyond dummy foal syndrome
Abstract
Neonatal encephalopathy (dummy foal syndrome) is the most common cause of neurological signs in neonatal foals. However, there are a wide variety of other causes that may be overlooked, including infections, traumatic, metabolic and congenital causes. There is much overlap between the clinical signs for many of these conditions, highlighting the need for thorough history taking, physical examination, laboratory testing and, in some cases, diagnostic imaging. In most cases, prompt treatment is required if there is to be any chance of survival, further highlighting the need for an accurate diagnosis. The prognosis of these conditions varies from rapidly correctable with appropriate treatment, to euthanasia being the only humane option.
Weakness and abnormal behaviour are common presenting clinical signs in unwell neonatal foals. This may be the result of a primary neurological disorder, or numerous other conditions. Acquiring a thorough history, including events during gestation, foaling and post-foaling, as well as investigating all body systems, is warranted for any case.
Neonatal encephalopathy (dummy foal syndrome) is a condition that equine veterinarians who see foals will be familiar with. Dummy foal syndrome generally affects foals in the first 48–72 hours of life (although it can be up to 7 days before clinical signs develop) and causes a range of neurological clinical signs from loss of affinity to the mare, to grand mal seizures. Dummy foal disease was extensievly covered in the Novemeber 2020 issue of UK-Vet Equine, so this review focuses on the other neurological conditions that can cause clinical signs in neonatal foals (Table 1). For the purpose of this review, neonatal foals less than 30 days of age will be considered.
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