Arterial blood gas parameters of normal foals born at 1500 metres elevation.

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.