Hypogammaglobulinaemia in foals: prevalence on Victorian studs and simple methods for detection and correction in the field.

This research discusses the study of Hypogammaglobulinaemia prevalence in foals (young horses), the conditions affecting these foals, simple methods to detect it, and a procedure to correct their immunoglobulin levels.

Prevalence of Hypogammaglobulinaemia in Foals

• Hypogammaglobulinaemia, which relates to abnormally low levels of immunoglobulins in the blood, was examined in 82 young foals.
• Among these, twelve foals were found to be clinically abnormal at birth, and ten among them died within weeks. All these foals had been diagnosed with hypogammaglobulinaemia.
• Despite appearing normal and having suckled normally, seven (10%) out of the remaining 70 foals were also diagnosed with hypogammaglobulinaemia.
• Out of the seven, three foals developed significant diseases, and one died within a month.

Detection of Hypogammaglobulinaemia

• Rapid detection of foals with low serum immunoglobulin levels was achieved by adapting a well-known test – the zinc sulphate turbidity test – to partially evacuated blood collection tubes.
• This adaptation facilitated conducting tests either on the stud (location where horses are bred) or in a local veterinary laboratory, making it a feasible and localized solution.

Correction of Immunoglobulin Levels

• The research also trialed a method to supplement the immunoglobulin levels of the foals.
• A freeze-thaw technique was employed to concentrate plasma intravenously in two colostrum-deprived foals.
• Thanks to the simplicity of the concentration procedure, there was no need for laboratory preparation of equine immunoglobulin.

In conclusion, this research highlights the prevalence of hypogammaglobulinaemia in foals and provides simple yet effective methodologies for early detection and treatment. With these techniques, it may be possible to prevent high mortality rates and consequent diseases in foals caused by this condition.