Urinary and hepatic disorders in neonatal foals

Urinary tract dysfunction, such as acute renal failure, ruptured urinary tract, placental dysfunction (non-renal azotemia), candida cystitis, and infected/patent urachus, is commonly seen in neonatal foals. The diagnosis and management relies upon the clinical signs, measurement of serum chemistries, urinalysis, and ultrasonographic examination of the urinary tract and umbilical structures. Treatment of acute renal failure with crystalloids, colloids, vasopressors, furosemide, mannitol, and dialysis is discussed. An indwelling urinary catheter is placed to monitor urine output and prevent rupture of the bladder. Nephrotoxic drugs should be used only in euvolemic foals that are producing an adequate amount of urine. Guidelines for the prevention of nephrotoxic acute renal failure are provided.