The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
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Sepsis and septic shock represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in equine neonates and in all species. Early recognition of the condition is important, but definitive examination and laboratory variables to predict equine neonatal sepsis are lacking. Early and aggressive treatment should include broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage, source control, and hemodynamic support. Field practitioners and intensive care clinicians work together in the management of this condition because the recognition and initial treatment should begin as early as possible.
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Interstitial pneumonias encompass a wide variety of acute and chronic respiratory diseases and include the specific diseases equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis and acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress. These diseases have been diagnosed in all age groups of horses, and numerous agents have been identified as potential causes of interstitial pneumonia. ⋯ This article reviews the causal agents that have been associated with the development of interstitial pneumonia in horses. Pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment options are discussed.
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Fluid therapy is a cornerstone of emergency medicine, but equine practitioners should be aware of recent developments that have modified previous recommendations. First, new emphasis on the avoidance of hyperchloremia suggests that crystalloids with a lower chloride concentration may be more appropriate for use. ⋯ In addition, the negative effects of fluid overload on morbidity and mortality are becoming increasingly recognized. Although more specific research in horses is needed, these principles are likely to apply across all species.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Equine Pract. · Aug 2014
ReviewUpdate on the management of neonatal sepsis in horses.
Despite advances in neonatal intensive care sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock remain the biggest killers of neonatal foals. Management of this severe syndrome remains difficult, requiring intensive intervention. ⋯ In cases with severe sepsis or septic shock, hemodynamic support with fluids, vasoactive agents, and respiratory support insuring oxygen delivery to vital organs is important. Nutritional support is important, but close monitoring is needed to avoid hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Equine Pract. · Aug 2014
ReviewCPR in the neonatal foal: has RECOVER changed our approach?
RECOVER was created to optimize survival of small animal patients from cardiopulmonary arrest. Several findings from this study are applicable to cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the neonatal foal. In particular, chest compressions should be a priority with no pauses and a "push hard, push fast" approach. The importance of ventilation is minimized with short, infrequent breaths at a rate of 10 to 20 per minute recommended.