Perinatal foreign body aspiration in a Thoroughbred foal

Summary A newborn Thoroughbred colt was referred after dystocia delivery and with clinical signs compatible with neonatal encephalopathy secondary to acute perinatal asphyxia. Appropriate treatment was started. Although this was followed by gradual and significant clinical improvement, persistent signs of upper respiratory disease warranted further diagnostic investigation. Upper respiratory tract endoscopic examination revealed the presence of an aspirated foreign body (believed to be a fragment of fetal membranes).