Radiographs of the foal's carpal and tarsal bones can tell the veterinarian if the bones are fully developed. Another complication associated with premature foals is the high probability of respiratory problems. Many premature foals require surfactant and oxygen supplementation to overcome these problems and allow normal oxygen levels in the blood. Oxygen is often delivered through a small tube placed within the nostril. Some foals might need to be placed on a respirator if lung dysfunction is severe.
Treatment involves aggressive antibiotic therapy, if the pneumonia is caused by bacteria.
Premature foals can survive. Even foals born before Day 300 of gestation have been reported to survive and thrive with aggressive intensive care. However, whether or not a premature foal will survive often depends on several factors. The first of these factors is why the foal was born premature. Research on premature foals has revealed that foals born as a result of cesarean section or induction of labor have a far lower chance of survival than foals born to mares with chronic uterine infection.