Client education


	Systemic antibiotics for your foal were started immediately.  The combination 
used was amikacin and ceftiofur.  Continue only the ceftiofur given in the muscle for 2 
weeks.

	The foal must also receive anti-inflammatory drugs for pain management so that 
he can remain on all four legs, and prevent laminitis or stress injuries to the other three 
legs.  Continue the phenylbutazone administration that was started in the hospital by 
giving a half a gram of bute paste once a day.

	Because the foal spent an extended amount of time in the hospital, exclusive stall 
rest will not be necessary.  However, it is important to gradually introduce exercise by 
handwalking and turn out in a small paddock, away from other horses.  If the foal is 
showing signs of stiffness, perform range of motion exercises on the affected joint.  
These involve moving the fetlock within a comfortable range.

	Because only one joint was affected, your foal has a better prognosis than if more 
were affected.  However, prognosis is still guarded due to growth plate involvement.  
Depending on the amount of damage to the growth plate, developmental disorders may 
result.