Preliminary report: the development of an intraosseous infusion technique for neonatal foals

Six normal foals between the ages of 2 and 7 days were used in this study to develop a technique for intraosseous infusion in equine neonates. A 14-gauge 1/2-inch needle was placed intraosseously in the right proximal medial one-third aspect of the radius and tibia of each foal. A maximum of 1 L of isotonic fluids was administered intraosseously at these sites. Radiographs were taken at the time of intraosseous needle placement, and at days 10, 30, and 60 following the procedure. The mean time for needle placement was 33 seconds for the tibia and 63 seconds for the radius. The mean fluid flow rates for the tibia were 47 mL/min and for the radius 27 mL/min. Minimal technical difficulties were encountered with the intraosseous site in the tibia, but subperiosteal and/or subcutaneous fluid leakage and needle displacement or occlusion were commonly seen in the radius. The local soft tissue swellings and periosteal reactions seen following the procedure had resolved by 2 months. Intraosseous infusion offers a safe, practical, and effective alternative to vascular access for fluid administration in neonatal foals.