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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice1985; 1(1); 151-168; doi: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30774-5

Gastrointestinal diseases of foals.

Abstract: Few foals escape gastrointestinal disease during the first weeks of life. Diarrhea is an extremely common problem; fortunately, however, it is usually mild and self-limiting. When it is not, the underlying cause is often an infectious agent, such as rotavirus or Salmonella spp. Our understanding of many of the infectious agents causing neonatal diarrhea is far from complete. Gastric and duodenal ulcers are a less common disease of neonatal foals. There has been an apparent increase in the incidence of ulcer disease in foals during the past few years. The most effective way of decreasing serious gastrointestinal disease in foals is through the use of good management practices. Environmental and dietary stress must be minimized, and good hygienic practices should be followed. Unfortunately, the needs of the neonate are often ignored, while attention is focused on the mare during the breeding season.
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Publication Date: 1985-04-01 PubMed ID: 3907766PubMed Central: PMC7135462DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30774-5Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the common occurrence of gastrointestinal diseases in foals and provides insights on the importance of good management practices to reduce these health issues. The article particularly focuses on diarrhea and gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Common Gastrointestinal Diseases in Foals

The research begins by focusing on some of the most common gastrointestinal diseases that affect foals in the first weeks of their lives:

  • The article states that diarrhea is an extremely common problem for foals. It’s usually mild and self-limiting, but in some cases can become severe. In these instances, the diarrhea is often caused by infectious agents, specifically rotavirus or Salmonella spp. The study highlights that our understanding of many of these infectious agents is still incomplete.
  • Gastric and duodenal ulcers are less common but still significant. The study notes that there has been an apparent increase in the incidence of these diseases over recent years.

Prevention Through Good Management Practices

Furthering the discussion, the article dives into the preventative approaches to tackle these common health issues in foals:

  • The authors stress the significance of employing good management practices as the best approach to mitigating severe gastrointestinal diseases in foals.
  • Management factors that contribute to the prevention of these conditions include minimizing environmental and dietary stress and adhering to good hygienic practices. Proper hygiene can help limit exposure to infectious agents such as rotavirus or Salmonella spp.
  • The article highlights that the health needs of neonate foals are often overlooked while breeders focus their attention on the mares during the breeding season. The authors call for a balanced attention that equally emphasizes the health of both the mares and their offspring.

Conclusion

The article concludes by emphasizing the role of good management practices in minimizing the occurrence of gastrointestinal diseases in foals. The researchers suggest more comprehensive research on infectious agents causing neonatal diarrhea to improve prevention and treatment methods, and a more balanced care approach during the breeding season to ensure the overall health of both mares and foals.

Cite This Article

APA
Palmer JE. (1985). Gastrointestinal diseases of foals. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 1(1), 151-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30774-5

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 0749-0739
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 1
Issue: 1
Pages: 151-168

Researcher Affiliations

Palmer, J E

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Animals, Newborn
    • Antacids / therapeutic use
    • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
    • Anti-Ulcer Agents / therapeutic use
    • Diarrhea / drug therapy
    • Diarrhea / microbiology
    • Diarrhea / parasitology
    • Diarrhea / veterinary
    • Duodenal Ulcer / drug therapy
    • Duodenal Ulcer / veterinary
    • Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis
    • Gastrointestinal Diseases / drug therapy
    • Gastrointestinal Diseases / veterinary
    • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
    • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
    • Horses
    • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / drug therapy
    • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / veterinary
    • Rotavirus Infections / veterinary
    • Stomach Ulcer / drug therapy
    • Stomach Ulcer / veterinary

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    This article has been cited 7 times.
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