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Thermoregulation in sick foals aged less than one week.
J C Ousey1, A J McArthur, P D Rossdale
1Beaufort Cottage Stables, High Street, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8JS, UK.
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Sick foals exhibit significantly lower metabolic rates and body temperatures, especially premature newborns. These findings highlight the critical need for effective thermoregulation strategies in neonatal equine care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Equine veterinary medicine
- Thermoregulation in animals
Background:
- Sick foals often experience compromised thermoregulation.
- Understanding metabolic rate and body temperature is crucial for neonatal foal survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess metabolic rate, rectal temperature, and respiratory quotient in sick foals.
- To compare physiological parameters across different categories of neonatal illness in foals.
Main Methods:
- Determined metabolic rate, rectal temperature (Tr), and respiratory quotient (RQ) in 16 sick foals (0-182 h old).
- Categorized foals into premature, dysmature, and neonatal maladjustment syndrome groups.
- Measured physiological parameters across a range of ambient air temperatures (Ta).
Main Results:
- Mean metabolic rate was significantly lower in premature foals (71 W m(-2)) compared to other groups.
- Overall mean metabolic rate for sick foals was 82 W m(-2), approximately 25% below healthy foals.
- Rectal temperatures were often below 38°C in the first 4 hours postpartum, with wide fluctuations thereafter.
- Lower critical temperature for sick foals was estimated at 24°C.
Conclusions:
- Sick foals, particularly premature ones, have reduced metabolic rates and impaired thermoregulation.
- Neonatal maladjustment syndrome and prematurity significantly impact foal physiology.
- Effective methods to prevent heat loss in sick foals are essential for improved outcomes.