Ventilatory support of the critically ill foal.

Critically ill foals often have respiratory failure and benefit from respiratory support. Conventional mechanical ventilation using modem mechanical ventilators is easily adapted to foals. Establish-ing ventilator settings is a dynamic process aided by constant monitoring of blood gas values, end-tidal carbon dioxide, airway pressures, respiratory volumes, airway resistance, and respiratory compliance. Early weaning is as important as timely initiation of ventilation.