Foal paralysis

The foals paralysis , better than Fohlenseptikämie or Fohlenpyämie ( Pyosepticaemia pullorum neonatorum hereinafter), peracute to a subacute infectious disease of the suction foal . The German common name "foal paralysis" refers to the frequent inflammation of the joints ( polyarthritis ). However, septicemic disease can be fatal without any previous symptoms.

The infection occurs either in the womb, during birth or in the first few weeks of life. In the case of prenatal infection, the first symptoms usually appear 12 to 36 hours after birth. Delayed or insufficient colostrum intake is a contributing factor. Infections during childbirth are mainly caused by streptococci , staphylococci , E. coli , Klebsiella or Chlamydophila psittaci . Here clinical symptoms usually appear after 24 to 48 hours, the absorption of maternal antibodies with the colostrum usually comes too late for this infection. Infections after birth are due to a germ-contaminated environment and insufficient colostrum intake.

Sick foals show fever, severely disturbed general health and reluctance to suckle. In the further course symptoms of pneumonia , diarrhea , neurological symptoms as a result of meningitis and later painful and swollen joints can occur. In the case of infections after birth, the foal's early development is usually undisturbed until the vitality suddenly declines and the same symptoms occur.

The treatment is carried out with broad spectrum antibiotics , possibly paired with plasma or whole blood.

literature

• Olof Dietz: Handbook horse practice . Georg Thieme Verlag, 2006, ISBN 9783830410287 , pp. 156–158.

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !