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Systemic and pulmonary haemodynamics in normal neonatal foals
W P Thomas1, J E Madigan, K Q Backus
1Department of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement
|January 1, 1987
Summary
This study tracked cardiopulmonary function in newborn foals, revealing significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure during the first two weeks of life. These findings highlight the rapid cardiovascular adaptation in equine neonates.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neonatal Equine Medicine
Background:
- Neonatal foals undergo rapid physiological changes after birth.
- Understanding cardiopulmonary adaptation is crucial for neonatal care and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the changes in systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics in healthy, full-term foals from birth to 14 days of age.
- To assess the feasibility of using indwelling catheters for cardiovascular monitoring in neonatal foals.
Main Methods:
- Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics were recorded in 10 healthy, full-term foals using indwelling aortic and pulmonary artery catheters.
- Measurements included heart rate, pressures, cardiac output, and vascular resistances over the first 14 days of life.
Main Results:
- Body weight increased significantly, while heart rate and mean aortic pressure gradually rose.
- Mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance decreased, particularly within the first 24 hours.
- Cardiac output and stroke volume increased, while stroke volume index remained stable; systemic vascular resistance also decreased.
Conclusions:
- Healthy neonatal foals exhibit significant, gradual cardiopulmonary adaptations in the first two weeks of life.
- Pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary artery pressure decrease rapidly post-birth.
- Indwelling catheters are well-tolerated and suitable for studying cardiovascular function in equine neonates.