References
Don't forget the foal: the nursing requirements of hospitalised foals when the mare is the primary patient
Abstract
In the postpartum period, there are a range of factors that could result in the hospitalisation of the mare. To minimise the long-term impact that the hospitalisation period has on the physical and behavioural development of the foal, veterinary practices should have a protocol in place to care for a foal even though the mare is the primary patient. When mares are admitted, detailed information should be gathered from the owner about both the mare and the foal. This provides valuable information needed to plan appropriate nursing care. Important factors that need to be considered when planning care include the nutritional needs of the foal, the development of the selective bond between the mare and the foal, and the handling of them as patients. Where possible the owner should be encouraged to participate in the care of their mare and the foal during the hospitalisation period. This will help the owner feel more involved in the provision of care and give them a better understanding of the mare and foal's care requirements after discharge. This is a technique used in human paediatric nursing and is known as parent participation in care.
It is common for mares to show mild colic signs immediately postpartum and this is caused by the contraction of the uterus. However, severe or persistent colic is an indicator that there may be a serious underlying issue. As discussed by Livesey et al (2008) intestinal disease including caecal rupture, large colon displacement and diaphragmatic hernia are likely causes of more severe postpartum colic. Other conditions that may result in postpartum hospitalisation of a mare include haemorrhage, retained fetal membranes and rectal prolapse for example (Frazer, 2002a,b).
Hospitalising a mare with a foal at foot presents a wide range of challenges to the veterinary team as there is a large variety of care needs among horses/mares. The care needs of the foal will vary depending on the developmental stage.
Admitting a mare for treatment at an equine hospital when she has a foal at foot is not comparable to admitting an adult horse with a companion. The foal, even though it is not the primary patient, has very specific and complex care needs.
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