Evaluating a Novel Adjunct Therapy for Septic Foals

Sepsis, a severe bacterial infection, is a leading cause of death in foals in their first weeks of life and new strategies are needed to help save these young patients. Researchers will study the effects of a novel adjunct therapeutic strategy coined “metabolic resuscitation” – a combination treatment of hydrocortisone, thiamin and vitamin C – and its potential to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for septic foals. Recent studies report nearly one-third less deaths when this treatment combination is administered to septic human patients in conjunction with standard-of-care treatment. Researchers will gather preliminary data to evaluate the metabolic resuscitation strategy and its potential to improve survival rates of septic foals.