References
Equine neonates and infection control
Abstract
Providing nursing care to equine neonates requires the veterinary nurse to have specific skills, clinical experience and a comprehensive understanding of infection control. There are many factors that should be considered when a neonate is hospitalised, such as the ability to separate the foal from the mare and the proximity of the accommodation to other inpatients.
When considering the development of new biosecurity protocols for equine neonatal nursing there are several lessons that could be learned from studies in the human nursing field. Reflecting on veterinary nursing care is essential as it facilitates progress and improves the quality of patient care.
The equine neonatal period is considered to be the first 4 weeks postpartum (Adams et al, 2011). During this neonatal period equine patients require specific and intensive nursing care which, although tiring and time consuming, is extremely rewarding when successful.
Equine neonatal care has progressed over the last 30 years which has led to a decrease in mortality and an increase in specialist facilities available worldwide (Austin, 2013). To provide nursing care to an equine neonate it is essential that veterinary nurses have specific knowledge, clinical experience and a comprehensive understanding of infection control.
The foal's immune system develops during fetal life so they are born immunogenically competent, but as the equine placenta does not allow transfer of immunoglobulins to the fetus, foals are born without circulating antibodies (Giguere and Polkes, 2005). The foal is born into an environment with countless pathogens so it is essential that they receive passive immunity from the colostrum (Giguere and Polkes, 2005).
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