Feeding Of The Premature Foal

The premature foal suffers from a variety of problems impeding adequate nutrition, such as inability to suck or increased energy demands due to intrauterine starvation or septic conditions. If tolerated, enteral feeding via bottle stomach tube is the ideal route of energy supply. Complications include starvation and gastrointestinal disorders. Additional parenteral feeding is necessary if energy intake is less than 400kJ/kg/day, but careful monitoring is necessary to prevent hyperglycemia and electrolyte disorders. The risk for secondary infections and thrombophlebitis is high in these patients.