Nasal high flow oxygen therapy in hospitalised neonatal foals.
Authors: Floyd Emily, Danks Sophie, Comyn Imogen, Mackenzie Catriona, Marr Celia M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Nasal High Flow Oxygen Therapy in Hospitalised Neonatal Foals Respiratory compromise represents a significant challenge in critically ill neonatal foals, with traditional nasal oxygen insufflation often proving inadequate for severely affected individuals who would otherwise require invasive mechanical ventilation and its attendant risks. Floyd and colleagues investigated high flow oxygen therapy (HFOT)—a non-invasive ventilatory mode well-established in human neonatal intensive care—as a middle-ground intervention for hospitalised foals requiring more substantial respiratory support than conventional therapy yet potentially avoiding full intubation. The team evaluated both the physiological efficacy and practical application of HFOT delivery via nasal prongs in their patient population, documenting improvements in oxygenation and ventilation parameters across treated cases. Key findings demonstrated that HFOT successfully supported foals with moderate to severe respiratory disease, reducing work of breathing whilst maintaining adequate gas exchange without the complications associated with endotracheal intubation or mechanical ventilation. For equine practitioners managing neonatal respiratory disease, these findings suggest HFOT warrants consideration as a clinically viable intermediate-level support option in specialist facilities, potentially improving outcomes for foals that fail conventional oxygen therapy but may not tolerate or have access to mechanical ventilation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •HFOT represents a valuable non-invasive respiratory support option for neonatal foals with moderate respiratory disease, bridging the gap between basic oxygen therapy and full mechanical ventilation
- •This approach may reduce the need for intubation and associated ventilator complications in neonatal foal critical care
- •Practitioners should be aware that HFOT is an established human ICU modality now being applied to equine neonatal medicine and may warrant consideration in referral hospitals equipped for its use
Key Findings
- •High flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) is a mode of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) that provides greater respiratory support than traditional oxygen therapy without requiring intubation
- •HFOT offers an intermediate level of respiratory support between traditional nasal insufflation and mechanical ventilation for critically ill neonatal foals
- •HFOT has potential to reduce complications associated with mechanical ventilation while providing more support than traditional oxygen therapy