FoalScore

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by researchers at The Ohio State University, FoalScore is a clinical assessment tool for equine neonates. The interface facilitates the entry of a foal's vital signs and relevant laboratory data based on admission findings. The system then calculates the probability of survival and likelihood of sepsis by leveraging two distinct, published scoring models. The application architecture permits the storage and electronic sharing of calculated scores to support clinical record-keeping and communication between veterinary professionals.

Evidence & Research Context

• A validation study of the underlying survival score (N=283 hospitalized foals) demonstrated robust predictive performance with 96% sensitivity, 71% specificity, and a 91% positive predictive value.
• An evaluation study (N=273 ill foals) confirmed the integrated sepsis score is significantly elevated in septic neonates compared to sick-nonseptic and healthy controls.
• The development and validation of the survival score was conducted in a multi-site hospital setting, with authors noting the need for further evaluation in field conditions.

Intended Use & Scope

FoalScore is intended for veterinarians as a clinical decision-support tool to rapidly assess prognosis in critically ill newborn foals. Its primary utility is to quantify risk and facilitate objective communication with owners regarding medical management. The system is not a substitute for comprehensive clinical judgment and should be used as an adjunct to a full diagnostic evaluation.