Foals are not just mini horses

This chapter begins with a discussion on the unique aspects of foal pharmacology. Neonatal foal physiology is unique, and there exist important physiological differences between foals and mature horses that have clinical implications in terms of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and/or elimination. The chapter discusses some generalized observations and recommendations regarding pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in foals. It further talks about the clinical pharmacology for neonatal diseases. Neonatal foals are susceptible to a number of gastrointestinal disorders, including enterocolitis and colic. Ulcer prophylaxis in neonatal foals currently is controversial in equine neonatology, because of concerns of an increased susceptibility to bacterial enteric infections associated with the loss of gastric acidity. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common respiratory disease in foals. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the treatment of hypoventilation in neonatal foals and seizure control.