b"SAVE THAT FOALso the veterinarian can better fine-tuneis definitely improving in recent years, treatment.she says. Were getting better at pickingSerum amyloid A (SAA, a proteinup early signs but, also, technology is ad-produced in response to inflammatory in- vancing. We understand disease processes sults) readings on blood can differentiatemore, and we have better information bacterial infections from other kinds ofabout bacteria so we can choose the most illnesses, says Rose Nolen-Walston, DVM,effective antibiotics. Equine hospitals also Dipl. ACVIM, associate professor of medi- have more advanced therapy equipment cine at the University of Pennsylvaniasfor an improved overall nursing compo-New Bolton Center School of Veterinarynent. This allows us to determine exactly SHELLEY PAULSONMedicine, in Kennett Square.what each patient needs and tailor the Recent data suggest that SAA can becare to enhance outcomes.used in foals even at young ages as an indicator of infectious or inflammatoryTake-Home MessageAn abnormal temperature, pulse, or respiration processes, especially given that its quickerrate should raise serious concern. While most foals are born healthy, rise allows abnormalities to be identifiedsome enter the world already ill, and oth-in the first few days of life, she says. Oneinfection or inflammation. ers develop disease within hours or days. exception, though, is R. equi. Current Fibrinogen levels suggest moreWithout rapid treatment, a sick foals con-data suggest SAA is not a good screen- chronic inflammation, she says. Highdition can go downhill fast. To give your ing tool for Rhodococcus equi, Nolen-fibrinogen in a newborn suggests therebaby the best chance for a healthy start Walston says. Nobody really knows why.has been inflammation in utero, which isto life, understand the red flagsand the Another important biomarker to checkimportant to know. green lightsso you can be prepared to is fibrinogen, adds Gough, which is aAdvancing technology and research aremake that critical call to your vet to en-soluble protein clotting factor in theopening doors for even better understand- sure your foal has a fighting chance to be blood, elevated levels of which indicateing of foal diseases, says Gough. Survivalthe active little equid hes meant to be.hNow available in ALL of North America-Canada, United States, and Mexico Plasvacc USA's donors are negative for Equine Parvovirus Canada: vkhvetservice@bellnet.cawww.plasvaccusa.comMexico: www.chivali.com TheHorse.com|The HorseFebruary 202015SaveThatFoal V2.indd 15 1/3/20 11:38 AM"