Physiologic effects of nasopharyngeal administration of supplemental oxygen at various flow rates in healthy neonatal foals.

This research investigates the effects of different flow rates of oxygen, administered through one or two nasal cannulae, on oxygen levels and other arterial blood gas variables in healthy newborn foals. The study found that supplemental oxygen given through nasal cannulae significantly elevated oxygen levels in these foals and could potentially be, a useful guide for treating newborn foals with low oxygen levels.

Research Methodology

• The research involved nine healthy neonatal foals, aged between three to four days old.
• In each foal, a nasal cannula was placed into each nostril and passed into the nasopharynx, level with the media canthus of each eye.
• Oxygen was administered at four different flow rates, either through one or both cannulae, resulting in eight treatments per foal.
• The concentration of oxygen inspired (FIO2), the end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the trachea, and arterial blood gas variables were measured before (baseline) and during the delivery of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mL of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute. This was done in both unilateral and bilateral nasal delivery platforms.

Research Findings

• No adverse reactions were detected with the administration of supplemental oxygen, except for agitation in the foals at the highest flow rate.
• ‘At individual flow rates, there were significant and dose-dependent increases in FIO2, arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), and oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SaO2) when compared to the baseline readings.
• There was no difference in the evaluated variables between unilateral and bilateral delivery of oxygen at similar cumulative flow rates.

Conclusion

• Administering supplemental oxygen to neonatal foals via nasal cannula effectively increases FIO2, PaO2, and SaO2 levels. This could potentially provide a useful reference for implementing an oxygen treatment plan for neonatal foals with low oxygen levels (hypoxemic).