Prenatal and Perinatal Indicators of Neonatal Viability

The intrauterine environment exerts profound effects on the prenatal development of the equine fetus and postnatal development of the foal through to adulthood. Perinatal events have also been shown to affect neonatal viability and subsequent development through to adulthood. Assessment of intrauterine and neonatal parameters can yield valuable information as to the prognosis for good health of the foal. This article emphasizes those concepts and parameters that are readily accessible to the practitioner.