Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Foal with air under the skin after birth - what to know
By Marble, S L et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1996·Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Subcutaneous emphysema in a neonatal foal.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 16-hour-old foal was seen by a veterinarian because it had air trapped under its skin, which started about three hours after it was born. The vet found no injuries or trauma to explain why the air was there, and blood tests showed everything was normal. However, X-rays revealed some serious issues in the chest, including air pockets that were likely causing the problem. To help the foal breathe better and release the trapped air, a special tube was placed in its windpipe, and the foal received supportive care. Thankfully, the foal's condition improved over the next eight days.
Abstract
A 16-hour-old foal was examined because of subcutaneous emphysema, which began developing 3 hours after a routine delivery. Physical examination did not reveal soft-tissue or musculoskeletal trauma, and there were no skin injuries to explain the subcutaneous accumulation of air. Results of CBC and serum biochemical analysis were within reference limits, and findings on endoscopy of the pharyngeal area, trachea, and esophagus were within normal limits other than observation of dorsal pharyngeal compression. A pulmonary bulla, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax were detected on thoracic radiography. Because of the apparent association of the subcutaneous emphysema and thoracic abnormalities, a diagnosis of primary subcutaneous emphysema was made. A tracheostomy tube was placed to facilitate ventilation and to provide an exit point for the trapped air. Supportive care was provided. The foal's condition resolved over the subsequent 8 days.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8682714/