If your new foal develops a disease or medical problem that requires surgery, then time is of the essence. In his AAEP Convention presentation "Surgical Disease of the Neonate," Rolf Embertson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., discussed a few abdominal and upper respiratory problems that might require surgery and gave veterinarians tips on how to perform some of the surgeries.

Abdominal Problems

"Duration of abdominal abnormalities usually plays a large role in the outcome," Embertson said. The time from recognition of abdominal pain to arrival of the foal at the clinic, to evaluation for surgery, to surgery preparation and execution could affect the prognosis dramatically.

Embertson said that the foal will be taken into surgery in the best possible condition. Intravenous fluids might need to be given, and electrolyte imbalances and acid-base abnormalities might need to be corrected before surgery. The foal might be given antibiotics and flunixin meglumine (Banamine), and a nasogastric tube will need to be put in place so that the stomach can be decompressed before anesthesia