Neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) is a highly fatal haemolytic disease of newborn horse and mule foals. When the blood types of the mare and stallion are different, if the foal inherits the sensitizing red blood cell type from the stallion, they are at risk of NI from nursing from the mare. This is because sometimes the mare produces antibodies against the foal's red blood cells, and transfers these antibodies to the foal when nursing.
Development of liver failure, kernicterus, and complications related to bacterial sepsis are the most common causes of death in foals with NI. Foals administered a large volume of blood products are at greater risk for developing liver failure.
Success depends on rapid identification of sick foals and seperating it from the dam to prevent suckling for 48-72 hours, until the mare no longer produces colostrum and the foal's GI tract is closed.
Attention! This is a potentially life-threatening condition for your horse. Time is of the essence, contact your veterinarian immediately.Find a Vet
