Use the navigation bar above to access articles and more discussions on this topic.
| Author |
Message |
    
Amy Lacy
Member
Username: Amylacy
Post Number: 13
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 2:00 pm: |   |
Hello, DrO, my vet hospital has been struggling to save the life of my new mini foal, born on Sunday afternoon. She had a very difficult birth, she was delivered at the hospital and my mare was under a general anesthesia. The filly was born unresponsive, but they were able to revive her. Just as your article describes, she looked pretty darned good at 24 hours, but went downhill quite rapidly at around 34-36 hours.
{quote} Anti-inflammatories
Complicated cases may involve more severe damage to the brain or prepresent post traumatic swelling. Anti-inflammatories, Banamine and corticosteroids, along with the use of osmotic diuretics, like mannitol, may be indicated in these cases to try and minimize swelling of the brain. Their use can result in complications so their use must be monitored carefully to prevent them from becoming serious. {/quote}
My filly is receiving all of this treatment. What I would like to know is what are the potential complications caused by the Mannitol?
{quote} Seizures
Seizures are a complication of the damage done to the central nervous system and can be exacerbated by blood chemistry abnormalities. Diazepam (5-10 mg / 45 kg IV slowly) is the drug used for immediate control followed by phenobarbital if more than two or three seizures occur. {/quote}
My vets put my filly under a drug-induced coma with the phenobarbital, to keep her at a sub-seizure level of brain activity. She has now gone through about 20 hours without any major seizure activity and they are starting to bring her back up. Is there anything else you might suggest that I ask about?
In the article you mention that if a foal has not come out of it by 72 hours, the prognosis is very poor. Is that 72 hours from the commencement of intensive treatment, or 72 hours of life?
Thanks for any insight, this has been a harrowing experience to say the least. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 12879
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 6:42 am: | |
1) Mannitol is a osmotic diuretic so the big concern with its use is that you create dehydration. Because the mannitol accumulates slowly in the tissue, rapidly discontinuing its use can result is a rebound swelling as it rapidly leaves the blood.
2) I think you need a plan in place in case the foal starts seizuring.
3) 72 hours after the commencement of clinical signs but I would not expect nomalicy, what you should be looking for is improvement. As long as there is improvement there is hope.
We will be hoping for the best Amy.
DrO |
Amy Lacy
Member
Username: Amylacy
Post Number: 14
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 5:58 pm: | |
Thanks, DrO. Unfortunately, my little Luna lost her fight at 6:00 this morning. I guess that is the way it goes sometimes, but it is very hard to sit here with a $5000+ bill and no beautiful baby to play with. I have sure had a cruddy year with my horses. 
Thankfully, my mare is in fine condition, and we will look for a better outcome next time.
Amy |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 804
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 6:29 pm: | |
Oh Amy, I'm so very sorry...many, many ((((hugs))) to you!! |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 12891
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 8:47 am: | |
My deepest condolences Amy and look forward to hearing about that foal next year.
DrO |
Liselotte F. Bradford
Member
Username: Lilo
Post Number: 161
Registered: 4-2000
| | Posted on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 4:06 pm: | |
So sorry to hear about your little foal. Best of luck for the next time.
Lilo |
LL
Member
Username: Frances
Post Number: 107
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 6:04 am: | |
What a shame, Amy, that's so sad. Glad your mare is doing well. |
