NICU Step Down Program For Sick Foals
Image courtesy of Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center.
Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center announces a “Foal Jump Start” package for foals that are seriously but not critically ill. This package is designed for the neonatal foal that will benefit from hospitalization and care from our specialists, but does not require intensive care.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at New Bolton Center, under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Palmer, is recognized internationally for state-of-the-art care for critically ill newborn foals. The NICU also caters to the less-critical neonate. In these economically challenging times, owners of less critically ill foals may be reluctant to seek care. The Jump Start package is designed so that owners know the total cost for this level of care before sending their foal to the hospital.
Services included in the package:
- up to five days of hospitalization
- emergency admission and full examination
- blood work
- IV catheter
- antibiotics IV followed by oral
- One liter plasma transfusion, if necessary
- IV fluids for up to two days, if needed
- around-the-clock nursing, including assistance to rise and tube-feeding
Examples of foals that would benefit from this program are those with conditions including mild neonatal encephalopathy (dummy or maladjusted foal) who are able to stand on their own even though they may need help getting up; foals with infections that may be serious but not overwhelming and not involving bone; “slow starting” or weak foals; and any foal that will benefit from around-the-clock nursing care, tube-feeding of milk, limited intravenous fluids, and antibiotics for a few days to get on a road to recovery.
A three-day package priced at $2,300 covers the cost of care from our neonatologists to get “back on track” for further care at home. Two additional days are available with this package, priced at $250 per day.
If the foal becomes critically ill or if additional treatments might significantly benefit the foal, any extra costs will be discussed with the owner before implementation.
For information or to arrange admission of a foal, contact Dr. Palmer at 610-444-5800 or jepalmer@vet.upenn.edu.
For more information about New Bolton Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and services, visit our website: http://www.vet.upenn.edu/veterinary-hospitals/NBC-hospital/services/neonatal-intensive-care.
