Diarrhoea in foals

Abstract

Diarrhoea is one of the most common clinical complaints in foals and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation can vary from mild, transient diarrhoea through to severe enterocolitis with significant systemic complications. There are numerous infectious and non-infectious aetiologies, the prevalence of which varies between age groups. Supportive care for foals with diarrhoea includes fluid therapy, antimicrobials, ulcer protection and analgesia. It is important that treatment is initiated promptly and re-evaluated frequently in response to clinical progression, particularly in neonates that are susceptible to rapid deterioration. Many causes of diarrhoea in foals are contagious and strict biosecurity protocols should be implemented to try and control the spread of disease.