Interpretation of Specialty Exams: CBC: The bloodwork seems to reflect a small epinephrine response, poor handling, and some iron deficiency anemia (either from iron sequestration in disease or primary deficiency). The decreased hematocrit in the face of a normal RBC count suggests that the RBCÕs are small in size. The lack of iron in hematopoiesis leads to a longer time required to reach the proper hemoglobin concentration and an extra division in development, thus smaller cells (indicated by the low MCV). The decreased hemoglobin relates to the decreased iron available. The increased MCHC is an artifact of improper handling of the sample, probably causing some hemolysis in the tube. An epinephrine response from handling the foal causes release of platelets and RBCs following splenic contraction, thus explaining the increased platelet count and normal RBC count despite the slightly anemic state of the animal. Milk is low in iron, so even though the foal is suckling normally, the iron deficiency could be diet-related. If the anemia is of chronic disease (sequestering iron from bacteria), the condition will resolve when the disease is corrected. Joint Fluid Analysis: Mononuclear cells and normal mucin clot indicate a normal or non- inflammatory state, probably because the contamination of the joint capsule is early. Culture and Sensitivity: The pure growth of Kleibsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium typically found in the mare genital tract, suggests that the foal was infected in utero. Radiographs: Lysis of bone with indistinct margins adjacent to the distal physis of metatarsal III. The infection probably started here, since the joint appears radiographically unaffected as of yet.