Haematological changes in the neonatal period of normal and induced premature foals
Jeffcott, L.B.; Rossdale, P.D.; Leadon, D.P.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement 32: 537-544
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0449-3087 PMID: 6962894 Document Number: 182982
The haematological findings in 46 induced premature foals were compared with those in spontaneously delivered Thoroughbreds (N = 20) and ponies (N = 17) and a group of field cases (N = 5) of prematurity or dysmaturity. Parturition was induced with oxytocin and/or fluprostenol from 160 to 347 days gestation. The induced foals were divided into four groups according to the duration of their survival: Group A foals (N = 16) survived 90 min, Group B > 10 h (N = 13), Group C > 48 h (N = 7), and Group D > 7 days (N = 10). The red cell values (RBC, PCV and Hb) and erythrocyte size (MCV) at birth gave an estimate of fetal maturity. There was a gradual fall in these values in all groups of foals over the first 36 h of life. The white blood cell picture (WBC and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) gave an indication of the foal's readiness for birth and when monitored during the neonatal period could be used to predict the chance of survival. The results obtained from the field cases of prematurity and dysmaturity most closely resembled those of Group D and were about midway between the values for spontaneously delivered normal foals and those for non-surviving induced foals, Groups A-C.