Follow-up evaluation of horses after neonatal intensive care

A follow-up study was conducted on 131 foals that were less than 7 days old when admitted to the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 1981 and 1983. Of the 71 foals (54%) that survived to be discharged, 39 (55%) were alive at follow-up evaluation, 19 (27%) could not be located, and 13 (18%) had died. The owners of surviving foals were sent questionnaires and 72% responded. The horses were visited and examined, if geographically possible, and an age-matched stablemate or a sibling also was evaluated and used as a control. Thirteen foals (10% of total admitted) died 1 day to 2 years after discharge. Four (8%) died from suspected sequelae of their neonatal illness. Three other foals appeared stunted as yearlings, but by 2 years of age equaled or passed their stablemates and/or siblings in physical development. The owners' estimated value of the survivors averaged +29,812. The actual selling price of horses that went through sales ranged from +7,000 to +210,000. Most of the horses became useful, athletic adults; several have won major stakes races. All living foals appeared unaffected by the physiologic disorders and treatments they encountered as neonates and compared favorably with stablemates and siblings.