2005/10/15 by Ashley G. Boyle, K. Gary Magdesian, Rebecca E. Ruby
paper · doi:10.2460/javma.2005.227.1276
Abstract Objective —To assess data regarding clinical features, clinicopathologic and blood gas variables, and outcome from horse and mule foals with confirmed neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI). Design —Retrospective case series. Animals —17 horse and 1 mule foals. Procedure —Medical records of foals ( Results —Data from 17 horse foals and 1 mule foal with NI (mean age, 71 hours) were evaluated. Many foals had high serum indirect and direct bilirubin concentrations and sorbitol dehydrogenase activity. Whole blood immunoglobulin concentrations were Conclusions and Clinical Relevance —Data suggest that blood factor Dg may be associated with NI in foals. Liver disease may be concurrent with NI in foals, and NI can develop in foals with inadequate passive transfer of colostral antibodies. Whole blood transfusions were successful at increasing oxygencarrying capacity and improving peripheral tissue oxygenation in NI-affected foals. With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for foals with NI is good. ( J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;227:1276–1283)