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In this Episode:
Series 1 Episode Guide:
Super Vets
Mango was born at normal term. The foaling was unassisted and initially all seemed well, but he was not able to stand 3 to 4 hours later. Local vets were called in but Mango still could not get to his feet after initial treatment, and was referred to the Foal Unit at the Royal Veterinary College, arriving there 10 hours after birth.
Upon arrival at the Foal Unit, Mango was assessed. He was cold, unable to stand and had no interest in sucking. His face and skin had been traumatised when he had been unable to stand, and he had been stung by nettles on the hairless skin around his eyes, ears and muzzle.
Mango was diagnosed as suffering from Perinatal Asphyxia syndrome which occurs when a foal is briefly starved of oxygen during birth. The prognosis, with suitable and prompt treatment is very good - 89% of patients survive to be discharged from top referral hospitals when dedicated and experienced teams look after them. Not all hospitals do achieve this level of success. In the long-term (over two years’ racing life) athletic animals have been shown to have the same winnings as ‘normal’ foals.
Mango was started on oxygen supplementation on arrival. An oxygen (and later feeding) tube through his nose was taped in position with an elasticated tape that did not interfere with mouth movement or feeding. A catheter was placed in his jugular vein to permit fluid therapy, intravenous feeding and blood sampling. His blood pressure was also low, partly due to a lack of fluid in his blood vessels and partly due to reduced heart and blood vessel function.
Mango had not sucked the first milk which contains high levels of special proteins essential for immunity from disease. Once a foal is around six hours old its gut loses the ability to absorb these proteins. Mango was given a plasma transfusion in an effort to supply proteins enabling his immune system to function normally, and to boost his blood pressure. Despite this Mango also required an infusion of a drug (dobutamine) to maintain adequate blood pressure during his first few days.
The care of these foals is extremely intensive. For nine days staff and students stayed with Mango 24 hours a day. He was fed intravenously as he could not feed by mouth in his condition. To ensure that his blood glucose level was maintained at a normal level he also received insulin. The rate at which he produced urine was also measured. It is important that critically ill patients produce adequate urine, as it indicates normal kidney function.
Over the course of his first seven days other drugs given to Mango to assist his recovery included anti-ulcer medication and several types of antibiotics. Despite the two plasma infusions Mango did develop an infection, however this was quickly identified and treated; without the infusions this, or some other infection, could have proved fatal.
It was four days after admission before Mango could stand - and then only with assistance. On day five Mango started taking milk hourly via a feeding tube as he was still unable to suck, and on day six he finally stood unaided. On day eight in the Foal Unit Mango finally started to suck, although it was two further days before he started to take sufficient quantities of milk. His feeding tube was only removed when staff were confident Mango was capable of feeding himself properly.
On day eleven Mango trotted into the horse trailer with his Mum to go home. During Mango’s treatment his Mum was milked regularly to prevent mastitis (udder infection) and to ensure her milk supply continued. Mango was lucky that his Mum was still keen to mother him - not all mares are as easy to work with. Mango’s successful outcome was ultimately down to the skill, hard work and sleepless nights of a large team of vets, nurses and students.
Mango’s owner has answered some questions about caring for a foal. Click below to read her answers.
Mango's story...
