By Paulick Report
For many foals born on farms too remote to easily access an equine hospital with ventilators and round-the-clock care, the inability to catch their breath can spell big trouble.
The Horse reports that a group of Australian veterinarians have recently modified a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help foals breathe better. This machine could allow veterinarians to provide respiratory support in the field, without sending the neonatal foal to a hospital.
At the 2015 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, Rosemary McKean, BVetBio/BVSc (Hons. 1), explained the system’s design, which utilizes a human sleep apnea machine attached to an equine anesthesia mask. The machine uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open, which can help prevent airway collapse, decrease the effort needed to take a breath, increase oxygenation and reduce lung inflammation.
The Horse reports that the CPAP research team determined that:
- The system was effective and had no adverse effects on the foals’ heart rates, blood pressure, or other measurements
- Treatment improved foals’ oxygen extraction and increased their oxygen usage
- Foals’ respiratory rates remained lower when treated with CPAP compared to traditional nasal oxygen (it slowed their breathing rates)
At this time, the machine is not available in the United States. There are a few issues that still need to be worked out, which include carbon dioxide retention in the foal’s system.