Equine Neonatal Encephalopathy: Facts, Evidence, and Opinions

Ramiro E Toribio

doi:10.1016/j.cveq.2019.03.004

Equine Neonatal Encephalopathy: Facts, Evidence, and Opinions

Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2019 Aug;35(2):363-378. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2019.03.004. Epub 2019 May 11.

Author

Ramiro E Toribio¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 601 Vernon Tharp Street, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Electronic address: toribio.1@osu.edu.

PMID: 31088699
DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2019.03.004

Abstract

Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) and neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS) are terms used for newborn foals that develop noninfectious neurologic signs in the immediate postpartum period. Cerebral ischemia, hypoxia, and inflammation leading to neuronal and glial dysfunction and excitotoxicity are considered key mechanisms behind NE/NMS. Attention has been placed on endocrine and paracrine factors that alter brain cell function. Abnormal steroid concentrations (progestogens, neurosteroids) have been measured in critically ill and NE foals. In addition to supportive treatment, antimicrobials should be considered. Controversies regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of NE and NMS will remain until controlled mechanistic and therapeutic studies are conducted.

Keywords: Astrocyte; Dummy foals; Excitotoxicity; Foal; Hypoxia; Maladjustment syndrome; Neuroactive steroids; Neurosteroids; Progestogens.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Animals, Newborn
Brain Diseases / diagnosis
Brain Diseases / therapy
Brain Diseases / veterinary*
Horse Diseases / diagnosis*
Horse Diseases / therapy
Horses