Haematology of foals up to one year old.
Abstract: Packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte counts, erythrocyte indices, serum iron, iron binding capacities, total and differential leucocyte counts, platelet counts, total plasma protein, fibrinogen, haptoglobin and icterus index values were determined at 14 different ages in eight Thoroughbred and 14 Quarterhorse foals during the first year of life. Absolute neutrophil numbers in blood decreased and lymphocyte numbers increased during the first months. Absolute eosinophil numbers tended to increase until three months old. Haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume decreased significantly during the first two weeks and generally stayed in the lower portion of adult horse normal ranges during the remainder of the first year. Mean cell volume decreased to minimum values at approximately four months and then gradually increased. Serum iron was high at birth and decreased rapidly to a minimum at three days old. Total iron-binding capacity increased to a maximum at one month. Serum haptoglobin was generally within the adult normal range at birth. A moderate, but significant, decrease occurred at one week old. Fibrinogen concentration increased to a maximum at five months. Icterus index values decreased rapidly during the first two weeks of life. Minor changes occurred in other parameters measured. Possible causes for the various changes in haematological parameters are discussed.
Publication Date: 1984-07-01 PubMed ID: 6479131DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1984.tb01940.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research study looks into the haematological components and their variations in Thoroughbred and Quarterhorse foals during their first year of life, detailing the patterns of change in these components over time and discussing potential causes for these observed changes.
Objective of the Study
- The main objective of the study was to analyze and document the changing levels of various blood components in foals during their first year, including packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte counts, serum iron, total and differential leucocyte counts, platelet counts, total plasma protein, fibrinogen, haptoglobin and icterus index levels. This was done by conducting tests at 14 different age intervals and comparing these findings to the normal adult horse range.
Key Findings
- The study reveals significant fluctuations in a number of blood components over the course of the first year. For instance, absolute neutrophil numbers in blood decreased and lymphocyte numbers increased during the first months, while eosinophil figures tended to increase until three months old.
- Haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume noted a significant drop during the first two weeks, then maintained within the lower end of the normal adult horse range throughout the remainder of the year.
- The mean cell volume showed a decrease to its minimum at around four months and later gradually increased. Meanwhile, serum iron which was high at birth noted a rapid decline to reach its minimum at three days old. Total iron-binding capacity showed a surge till it reached maximum at one month.
- Haptoglobin in serum, which was generally within the adult normal range at birth, showed a moderate but significant decrease at one week old. The fibrinogen concentration exhibited an increase to maximum at five months. Icterus index values decreased swiftly during the first two weeks of life.
Conclusions and Implications
- The study concludes by discussing the potential reasons behind these changes in the haematological parameters. Being the first extensive study of its kind to document these variations within the specific breed of horses, it offers a valuable benchmark for future researchers and practitioners working with the health of Thoroughbred and Quarterhorse foals.
- This comprehensive data set of the normal seasonal variations in the haematological components in foals up to one year old also aids in the early detection of potential health issues, thus contributing to the improved wellness and performance outcomes in these breeds.
Cite This Article
APA
Harvey JW, Asquith RL, McNulty PK, Kivipelto J, Bauer JE.
(1984).
Haematology of foals up to one year old.
Equine Vet J, 16(4), 347-353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1984.tb01940.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn / blood
- Animals, Newborn / growth & development
- Blood Proteins / analysis
- Erythrocyte Count / veterinary
- Erythrocyte Indices / veterinary
- Female
- Hematocrit / veterinary
- Hemoglobins / analysis
- Horses / blood
- Horses / growth & development
- Iron / blood
- Leukocyte Count / veterinary
- Male
- Reference Values
Citations
This article has been cited 11 times.- Palmisano M, Javsicas L, McNaughten J, Gamsjäger L, Renaud DL, Gomez DE. Effect of plasma transfusion on serum amyloid A concentration in healthy neonatal foals and foals with failure of transfer of passive immunity. J Vet Intern Med 2023 Mar;37(2):697-702.
- Idoko IS, Edeh RE, Adamu AM, Machunga-Mambula S, Okubanjo OO, Balogun EO, Adamu S, Johnson W, Kappmeyer L, Mousel M, Ueti MW. Molecular and Serological Detection of Piroplasms in Horses from Nigeria. Pathogens 2021 Apr 23;10(5).
- Vieira GS, Paludo GR, Ramos AF, Pivato I, de Oliveira RA. Fetal development and blood hematological-biochemical parameters in Campeiro and Pantaneiro foals. Anim Reprod 2018 Aug 16;15(1):39-44.
- Furr M, McKenzie H 3rd. Factors associated with the risk of positive blood culture in neonatal foals presented to a referral center (2000-2014). J Vet Intern Med 2020 Nov;34(6):2738-2750.
- Junkkari R, Simojoki H, Heiskanen ML, Pelkonen S, Sankari S, Tulamo RM, Mykkänen A. A comparison of unheated loose housing with stables on the respiratory health of weaned-foals in cold winter conditions: an observational field-study. Acta Vet Scand 2017 Oct 26;59(1):73.
- Zabrecky KA, Slovis NM, Constable PD, Taylor SD. Plasma C-reactive protein and haptoglobin concentrations in critically ill neonatal foals. J Vet Intern Med 2015 Mar-Apr;29(2):673-7.
- Tajik J, Nazifi S, Heidari M, Babazadeh M. Serum concentrations of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with abomasal ulcer. Vet Res Forum 2012 Summer;3(3):209-12.
- Cohen ND, Bourquin JR, Bordin AI, Kuskie KR, Brake CN, Weaver KB, Liu M, Felippe MJ, Kogut MH. Intramuscular administration of a synthetic CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide modulates functional responses of neutrophils of neonatal foals. PLoS One 2014;9(10):e109865.
- Sutton GA, Viel L, Carman PS, Boag BL. Pathogenesis and clinical signs of equine herpesvirus-1 in experimentally infected ponies in vivo. Can J Vet Res 1998 Jan;62(1):49-55.
- Sutton GA, Viel L, Carman PS, Boag BL. Study of the duration and distribution of equine influenza virus subtype 2 (H3N8) antigens in experimentally infected ponies in vivo. Can J Vet Res 1997 Apr;61(2):113-20.
- Mendoza FJ, Toribio RE. An Overview of Donkey Neonatology. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jul 6;15(13).
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