Fecal culturesfromaffected horses can be performed, but again, this can take a long time. Treatment must start immediately if the animal is to survive. Treatment Horses affected by the botulism toxin are very weak and have difficulty eating or drinking, so supportive care is imperative. Most foals will need to be treated in a neonatal intensive care facility, as their care usually requires someone present 24 hours a day. Intravenous fluids are very important to keep the foal hydrated, as is a feeding tube for foals which have lost the ability to swallow.
Aspiration pneumonia is a common complication of botulism.
If the foal is severely affected, then a ventilator might be necessary to breathe for him. Urinary catheters also could be necessary as these foals lose the ability to empty their bladders. The treatment of choice to destroy the botulism organism present in the body is intravenous penicillin. However, penicillin has no effect on the neurotoxin that is causing the clinical signs. An antitoxin is available for administration to horses and foals.