Endocrine dysregulation in critically ill foals and horses

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Endocrinology
• Equine Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Critical illness severely challenges homeostatic systems in horses and foals.
• Endocrine responses are crucial for survival during critical illness, involving autonomic, metabolic, cardiovascular, and immunomodulatory systems.
• Equine intensive care units primarily manage gastrointestinal disease in adult horses and septic conditions in foals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of endocrine responses to critical illness in horses and foals.
• To present comparative endocrine information across different critical conditions in equids.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing endocrine research in critically ill horses and foals.
• Analysis of endocrine adaptations related to energy and electrolyte metabolism, cardiovascular function, and immunomodulation.

Main Results:

• Critical illness triggers complex endocrine adaptations to mobilize and conserve energy and electrolytes.
• Cardiovascular adjustments are essential for maintaining organ perfusion under stress.
• Immunomodulatory responses are critical for combating infection and inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Understanding equine endocrine responses to critical illness is vital for improving treatment strategies.
• Further research comparing endocrine profiles in various critical conditions can enhance clinical management.
• Endocrine support may play a significant role in the prognosis of critically ill horses and foals.