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Arterial blood gas parameters of normal foals born at 1500 metres elevation.
Abstract: Arterial blood gas analysis is widely accepted as a diagnostic tool to assess respiratory function in neonates. To the authors' knowledge, there are no published reports of arterial blood gas parameters in normal neonatal foals at altitude. Objective: To provide information on arterial blood gas parameters of normal foals born at 1500 m elevation (Fort Collins, Colorado) in the first 48 h post partum. Objective: Foals born at 1500 m will have lower PaO2 and PaCO2 than foals born at sea level due to low inspired oxygen and compensatory hyperventilation occurring at altitude. Methods: Sixteen foals were studied. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed within 1 h of foaling and subsequent samples were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post partum. Data were compared to those previously reported in healthy foals born near sea level. Results: Mean PaO2 was 53.0 mmHg (7.06 kPa) within 1 h of foaling, rising to 67.5 mmHg (9.00 kPa) at 48 h post partum. PaCO2 was 44.1 mmHg (5.88 kPa) within one hour of foaling, falling to 38.3 mmHg (5.11 kPa) at 48 h. Both PaO2 and PaCO2 were significantly lower in foals born at 1500 m elevation than those near sea level at several time points during the first 48 h. Conclusions: Foals at 1500 m elevation undergo hypobaric hypoxia and compensatory hyperventilation in the first 48 h. Altitude specific normal arterial blood values are an important reference for veterinarians providing critical care to equine neonates.
Publication Date: 2010-02-04 PubMed ID: 20121915DOI: 10.2746/042516409X475292Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research aims to give information on arterial blood gas parameters of normal foals born at an elevation of 1500 meters within their first 48 hours after birth. It was observed that these foals have lower PaO2 and PaCO2 than the ones born at sea level due to low inspired oxygen and compensatory hyperventilation caused by high altitude.
Research Objective
The main objective is to provide useful data on arterial blood gas parameters in typically developing foals born at a height of 1500 meters. The researchers hypothesize that these foals will have lower PaO2 and PaCO2 (parameters used to monitor the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood) than their counterparts born at sea level due to decreased oxygen inspiration and compensatory accelerated breathing induced by the altitude.
Methodology
- 16 foals were part of the study.
- Arterial blood gas analysis was carried out within one hour of their birth.
- Following samples were taken at intervals of 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after birth.
- The data gathered were then compared with previously published data on healthy foals born near sea level.
Results
- The mean PaO2 was 53.0 mmHg within one hour of birth. It increased to 67.5 mmHg 48 hours after birth.
- PaCO2 was at 44.1 mmHg within an hour of birth, decreasing to 38.3 mmHg at 48 hours.
- Both PaO2 and PaCO2 were significantly lower in foals born at a height of 1500 meters than those born near sea level at various time points within the first 48 hours.
Conclusions
Foals born at a height of 1500 meters experience hypobaric hypoxia (low oxygen conditions) and compensatory hyperventilation (increased breathing rate to get more oxygen into the bloodstream) within the first 48 hours of their life. The altitude-specific normal arterial blood values established from this study will aid veterinarians in providing critical care to newborn horses. This knowledge is fundamental as it helps ensure the newborn foals’ health and survival at higher altitudes.
Cite This Article
APA
Hackett ES, Traub-Dargatz JL, Knowles JE, Tarr SF, Dargatz DA.
(2010).
Arterial blood gas parameters of normal foals born at 1500 metres elevation.
Equine Vet J, 42(1), 59-62.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409X475292 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, 300 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Altitude
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn / blood
- Carbon Dioxide / blood
- Horses / blood
- Horses / physiology
- Oxygen / blood
- Partial Pressure
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Stefanik E, Drewnowska O, Lisowska B, Turek B. Causes, Effects and Methods of Monitoring Gas Exchange Disturbances during Equine General Anaesthesia. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jul 9;11(7).
- Mendoza FJ, Toribio RE. An Overview of Donkey Neonatology. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jul 6;15(13).
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