[Clinico-chemical blood parameters in foals in the first two months of life].

The research conducted examines the clinical and chemical parameters in the blood of healthy foals from birth to two months of age, focusing on several indicative ions and enzymes. Their attempt is to characterise the age-related changes that occur, and they caution that individual variations may influence single measurements.

Objective and Methodology

• The researchers focused on studying the changes in various clinical and biochemical parameters in the blood of young horses (foals) from birth until they reach two months of age.
• The study was conducted on 18 healthy foals, with blood samples taken at presuckle (before the foal has fed), 30 hours, and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 weeks of age.

Parameters Studied

• The parameters examined in this study were serum Phosphorus (P), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Chloride (Cl), Iron, Alkaline phosphatase (AP), Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), Creatine kinase (CK), Lipase, Urea, Creatinine, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, Uric acid, Protein and Fibrinogen.
• In addition, the researchers also investigated changes in the total solids in the foals’ plasma.

Results and Comparison with Adult Horses

• The goal of the research was to compare the observed values for these parameters in foals with the reference values found in adult horses and thereby identify any characteristic age-related changes.
• While the abstract does not provide specific findings, it suggests that the researchers identified age-related variations in several of the parameters studied.

Considerations for Interpretation

• The researchers caution that single measurements of these parameters in foals may not be entirely reliable due to potential individual variations.
• Therefore, while this research provides a foundation for understanding blood parameters in foals, it underlines the importance of considering individual differences when interpreting clinical and chemical data.