Influence of induction of parturition on the neonatal acute phase response in foals.

This study examines whether inducing labour (parturition) in horses (mares) at term with a hormone called oxytocin affects the incidence of complications during or after birth, or inflammatory responses in the newborn foals. It found that while no significant effects on the inflammation marker in the normal foal were observed, the procedure could produce complications during the birth process if not closely monitored.

Research Objectives

• This research aimed to investigate whether the use of low doses of oxytocin to induce labour in pregnant horses near full term would influence complications during or after birth or impact inflammatory responses in the newborn foals.

Methodology

• The study was conducted on 26 mares, out of which labour was induced in 11 mares using low doses of oxytocin (a hormone that triggers labour). The remaining 15 mares gave birth naturally.
• The researchers measured serum concentrations of an acute phase protein called amyloid A (AA) for up to 72 hours after birth in 18 of the newborn foals. High levels of AA indicate an inflammatory response in the body.

Findings

• The study found a higher incidence of dystocia (difficult birth) and premature placental separation in mares where labour was induced compared to those that birthed naturally. On the other hand, retained fetal membranes were more common in spontaneous births.
• There was no significant difference in the levels of AA in the foals of induced versus spontaneous parturition. This suggests that the induction of labour did not affect the inflammatory response in normal foals.
• However, the initial AA concentrations were lower in foals born from induced labour.

Conclusions

• The researchers concluded that using low doses of oxytocin to induce labour in mares at term did not significantly affect the temporal dynamics of serum AA concentrations, indicating no significant impact on inflammatory response in the newborn foals during the first 72 hours of life.
• However, the procedure could potentially lead to complications during childbirth. If these complications are not promptly detected and managed, they could result in the development of an inflammatory response in the newborn.