Foals

Foal ICU

A foal that is less than 30 days of age and presents with / exhibits no signs of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to another patient or person.
Setup and management
- Stall will be identified as “Foal ICU”
- Boots, gloves, and gowns are required PPE
- These patients are not on Restriction so the PPE can be reused.
- Purpose of PPE is to protect the foal from inadvertent transmission of an infectious disease to the foal.

Direct admission or transfer of a neonatal or young foal with diarrhea to isolation poses logistical problems. Intensive care management in isolation poses a safety risk to hospital personnel and the foal.
A foal less than 30 days of age with diarrhea will be admitted to the ICU on Restriction. Both the foal and its dam will be handled as restricted patients. Fecal samples will be submitted for Salmonella culture from the foal and the dam on intake and following the EFAVC Biosecurity Surveillance Program Policy to be considered cleared.
- Stall will be identified as “Restriction” with posted PPE required for entry
- Boots, gloves, and tyvek suit are required PPE
A foal greater than 30 days of age with diarrhea will be admitted following standard testing & housing requirements outlined in Restriction and Isolation protocols for all other equids.
Any foal developing diarrhea being overseen by another service will be referred for consult with the Equine Medicine service.