Miniature donkey foal Noah makes a surprise appearance

Ironically, little Noah was born while his owner, Mikki Evans, was away at a horse show. Evans was alerted of the unscheduled birth by her pet sitter who had noticed the little addition in the paddock. 

Having bred horses, Evans, from Maidens, Virginia, had figured out that Fiona may be pregnant, but as a maiden miniature donkey jenny she gave no indication of the impending birth. 

Noah was referred to the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (EMC) in Leesburg by veterinarian Katie Huffman from Little Hawk Equine in Crozier, Virginia, for emergency evaluation of suspected failure of transfer of passive immunity and blunt neck soft tissue trauma. 

The night before arrival at the EMC, Huffman evaluated Noah and found that he could stand but was dull and listless and had serum leaking from both sides of the crest of his neck. The suspicion was that Murphy, a jack that shared the field with Fiona may have bitten the newborn colt during a territorial moment. 

Noah arrived at the Equine Medical Center (EMC) for emergency evaluation on March 22, weighing in at a hefty 22 pounds, and just 48 hours old, he was accompanied by his mom Fiona. 

Failure of passive immunity occurs when a foal receives insufficient antibodies from their dam’s colostrum (first milk) shortly after birth. This can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and other health issues in the foal. Prompt recognition and intervention is imperative to ensure the foal’s survival and long-term health. 

When mom and baby arrived at the EMC, Noah was standing quietly on the trailer but was not comfortable enough to walk unaided. The EMC emergency team carried Noah into the hospital where locum equine veterinarian Emily Burrell checked his vital signs. She discovered that his peripheral pulses were weak and his extremities hypothermic. Noah was losing heat faster than his little body could produce it. 

In addition, cardiothoracic auscultation revealed a grade 3/6 holosystolic heart murmur, but thankfully no arrhythmia or abnormal lung sounds. Noah had adequate gastrointestinal sounds, and his umbilicus palpated within normal limits. Burrell turned her attention to the wound on his neck. She noted bruising and swelling, and a thickening on the skin in that area but no active discharge.  

During the initial evaluation, an over-the-wire catheter was placed and an electrolyte solution as well as dextrose was administered to Noah. The EMC laboratory completed comprehensive testing, which revealed Noah was at high risk of developing neonatal sepsis. 

Thoracic and abdominal ultrasound were performed to ensure that Noah’s lungs, internal organs and intestines were functioning correctly.  Cervical radiographs were performed to evaluate for orthopedic trauma in the neck and no bone abnormalities were present.  Minor issues in the lungs and kidneys were noted and a treatment plan was then finalized. 

Noah was administered a plasma transfusion and started on broad-spectrum antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and 24-hour supportive care. Noah remained quiet, but comfortable with no fever. The following day hydration support with a balanced electrolyte solution was added due to elevated lactate concentration levels indicating inadequate perfusion. 

During hospitalization Noah had intermittent diarrhea. After testing, Clostridium difficile antigens and toxins were identified, which can cause diarrhea and lead to intestinal inflammation, otherwise known as colitis. This is a common occurrence in the gastrointestinal tract of a newborn foal and may have been transferred to Noah during the foaling process.  

Noah was discharged from the hospital on March 29, as a bright and happy little colt. At home, he will need continued care under quarantine with strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of Clostridium. Before sharing a field with others, he must have a negative Clostridial PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test. 

“I have nothing but positive things to say about the Equine Medical Center,” said Evans. “I’ve used them once before for a baby colt I had. Their communication skills are excellent, calling when they said they would call, and the staff are super friendly. I know that my four-legged friends are in good hands!”

What does the future hold for Noah? 

“After weaning Noah will be winging his way down south to Dover, Florida. His new barn family is ready and waiting for him!” said Mikki