Neonatal isoerythrolysis in mule foals
Traub-Dargatz, J.L.; McClure, J.J.; Koch, C.; Schlipf, J.W.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 206(1): 67-70
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 7744666 Document Number: 445153
Four mule foals received anti-RBC antibody from their dam's colostrum. Two foals developed anaemia, 1 developed severe thrombocytopenia, and 1 did not develop and clinical or laboratory abnormalities. All foals had the same donkey sire. Seven mares, including the dams of foals 1 to 4, bred to the donkey sire produced anti-RBC antibody. Two mares produced anti-RBC antibody to the donkey RBC on the first mating. The donkey sire and 18 of its offspring were found to have an RBC antigen unique to mules and donkeys. Thus, all matings of this donkey to horse mares were incompatible. The reason for the high rate of sensitization of mares bred to this donkey is unknown.