Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Decubitus ulcers and friction burns
Prolonged recumbency risks placing added pressure on bony protuberances , such as stifles , lateral hocks and elbows , especially in a foal that thrashes or shows signs of hyperaesthesia . Premature foals with thin and delicate skin are particularly susceptible to decubitus ulcers .
Affected areas of skin become dry and inelastic , eventually sloughing and becoming ulcerated . Prolonged hypoxia can also contribute to poor healing of skin tissue , especially on the distal limbs . The recumbent foal ' s overall skin integrity must be monitored at every critical care check throughout the day .
When a foal ' s delicate skin rubs against fixed surfaces , especially rubber floors , friction burns can develop ( Figure 4 ). These can lead to open wounds that may require dressing and bandaging to prevent infection from become established .
Figure 2 . A combination of a fleece veterinary bed , a foil emergency blanket and self-heating blankets are used to warm a neonate post surgery .
To pre-empt this , the distal limbs may need to be bandaged if the foal continually struggles and attempts to rise . Additionally , keeping the foal clean and dry , on mats with fleece bedding with moisturewicking properties , will help prevent macerated skin becoming ulcerated .
Figure 3 . A sick foal being kept warm in a fleece-covered nest on a mat raised off the floor , covered by a self-warming blanket .
Figure 4 . Friction burns can form in areas of the body with bony prominences .
Volume 39 ( 2 ) • April 2024
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