Blood gas analysis, hematology, biochemistry and Apgar score during the first 24 hours of life of Mangalarga Marchador foals

Background

Advancements in equine neonatology enable continuous monitoring of mares throughout pregnancy. However, reference values for oxygenation and biochemical parameters in newborn foals remain limited.

Aims/objectives

This study aimed to assess the oxygenation status of healthy Mangalarga Marchador foals from birth to 24 h postpartum by evaluating blood gas analysis, Apgar scores, and biochemical and hematological parameters.

Methods

Thirty healthy Mangalarga Marchador foals were evaluated. Blood samples were collected from the umbilical artery at birth (T0) and from the dorsal metatarsal artery at 15 min, 2 h, 12 h, and 24 h post-birth for blood gas, hematological, and biochemical analysis. Apgar scores were recorded at T0, 5 min, and 15 min.

Results

Blood gas analysis showed lower means for pH, arterial oxygen partial pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, and arterial oxygen content at T0, with a progressive increase over 24 h. Conversely, arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure, total arterial carbon dioxide, and arterial l-lactate concentration were highest at birth and decreased over time. Hematological variables, including sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, urea, creatinine, and hematocrit, were initially elevated but decreased within 24 h, whereas glucose, total plasma proteins, and globulins were low at birth and increased over time. Plasma albumin remained stable. No significant differences were found in mean Apgar scores.

Conclusion

These findings provide reference values for assessing the health of Mangalarga Marchador neonates and may aid in early identification of abnormalities in compromised foals, facilitating timely intervention.