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Serum biochemical indicators of liver function in neonatal foals
J E Bauer1, R L Asquith, J Kivipelto
1Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
Insights
Liver function tests in foals show significant changes in the first two weeks of life, with elevated enzymes and bilirubin. These neonatal biochemical indicators differ from adult horses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Understanding foal physiology is crucial for early disease detection.
- Establishing reference ranges for neonatal foals is essential for accurate health assessments.
- Liver function changes during early development are not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference ranges for key serum biochemical indicators of liver function in foals.
- To compare neonatal foal liver function with adult horses.
- To track changes in liver enzymes, bilirubin, and protein concentrations during the first 270 days of life.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples collected from healthy foals at birth and up to 270 days of age.
- Analysis of serum alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, L-iditol dehydrogenase, cholesterol, triglyceride, and bilirubin.
- Comparison of foal values with those from healthy adult horses.
Main Results:
- Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and L-iditol dehydrogenase activities in the first two weeks.
- Peak concentrations of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and bilirubin during the first two weeks.
- Low globulin concentrations and high albumin/globulin ratios in the early neonatal period.
- Significant individual variation in analyte values observed.
Conclusions:
- Foal liver function indicators exhibit distinct patterns in early life compared to adults.
- Neonatal period shows transient increases in specific liver enzymes and bilirubin.
- Reference ranges for foals change significantly during the first few weeks of life.
Abstract:
Serum biochemical indicators of liver function were determined in healthy, age-matched foals during the first 270 days of life. Values were compared with those of healthy adult horses and with those determined on the day of birth (less than 12 hours old). Serum alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and L-iditol dehydrogenase activities were increased during the first 2 weeks of life. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and total and unconjugated bilirubin concentrations peaked during this same period. During the early neonatal period (less than 12 hours old), globulin concentrations (mainly beta 2 and gamma fractions) were low and albumin/globulin ratios were high. However, individual values for all analytes were varied.