Apgar Score, Clinical, Hemato-Biochemical, and Venous Blood Gas Parameters in a Cohort of Newborn Mule Foals: Preliminary Data.

The research examines the Apgar scores and various health variables of newborn mules within the first 48 hours of life, identifying unique characteristics in mules when compared to horses and donkeys, emphasizing the need for specific reference ranges for newborn mules.

Objective and Methodology

• The objective of the study was to evaluate and gather data on Apgar scores (a quick assessment of newborn health) as well as clinical, hemato-biochemical, and venous blood gas details of newborn mule foals in their first 48 hours of life.
• Several parameters such as the Apgar scores, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), body weight (BW), time taken to assume sternal recumbency, stand, nurse, and pass meconium were recorded across a cohort of seven mules.
• Blood samples were collected at specified time intervals – birth, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours.
• An initial examination of data distribution was conducted, followed by an assessment of the variance in laboratory results over time.

Findings

• Out of the seven mules, three had an Apgar score of 7/8, three scored 8/8, and one had a score of 6/8 which led to its exclusion from the statistical analysis.
• All mule foals demonstrated a suckling reflex and lifted their heads within 20 minutes and 1 minute respectively, while six achieved sternal recumbency within 2 minutes.
• The mean times to stand and nurse were 38.7 ± 13.4 and 72.3 ± 30.5 minutes, respectively.
• Five foals passed meconium without assistance in approximately 416.3 ± 401.8 minutes.
• Certain hemato-biochemical parameters like cretinine and lactate levels decreased from birth to 48 hours, while glucose levels increased after 12 hours, and Mg levels rose from 12 to 24 hours after birth.
• The mean values for heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature were recorded as 92 ± 16.1 beats per minute, 50.2 ± 5.9 breaths per minute, and 37.6 ± 0.3°C, respectively.

Comparison with Horses and Donkeys

• When compared to horses and donkeys, mules exhibited an intermediate body weight, a shorter time to stand and nurse, a longer time to pass meconium, an intermediate heart rate and a lower respiratory rate.
• Mules also had a lower body temperature compared to donkeys.
• There were notable differences in laboratory parameters between mules and their parent species (horses and donkeys).
• The study underscores the need for establishing and utilizing mule-specific reference ranges for accurate evaluations of newborn mules, in light of these distinctive characteristics.