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Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome
also known as Dummy or Barker Foal Syndrome
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From: reshan@deyr.ultranet.com (C.M.Newell)
Newsgroups: rec.equestrian
Subject: Re: Dummy or Barker foal syndrome
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 1995 14:22:22 GMT
>From: lizannhill@aol.com (Lizannhill)
>My mare foaled last night at the breeding farm and the vet called this AM
>to say that they think the foal is a "dummy foal"-he walks blindly into
>walls and has not stood and nursed without assistance. One pupil is fixed
>and dilated, the other constricted, neither responsive. He feels the
>prognosis is poor. I need information on this condition-what causes it,
>and if any treatment is available. Any ideas about probable outcome would
>also be appreciated.
>Liz Hillebrand Lizannhill@aol.com
Dummy foal or neonatal maladjustment syndrome can be associated with several
conditions--septicemia, premature birth, hypoxia during delivery, CNS
hemmorhage.
Treatment depends on inciting cause.. Antibiotics if septic, fluid and
electrolyte therapy, tube feeding, etc. I would definitely do IgG, CBC,
profile, blood culture, and go with IV DMSO treatment, as this seems to
reduce cerebral edema secondary to hypoxia. If you can get this foal
to a neonatal ICU, that would be your best shot at treatment. Round the clock
nursing care is essential in these cases.
Prognosis is guarded; if no improvement within 4 days, probably poor. If
your DVM feels this foal is highly unlikely to make it, you may want to
consider euthanasia, crass as it may sound. The care required in a
critically ill neonate is very expensive, and if the prognosis is poor, you
may end up with a dead foal and a huge bill. If you decide in favor of
trying to save this baby, you have my sincere wishes for the best.
Good luck--
--C.M.Newell, DVM
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