Korean Journal of Veterinary Research  2011;51(1):65-68

Neonatal isoerythrolysis in Thoroughbred foals.

Do Yeon KWON 1 ; Seong Kyoon CHOI ; Young Jae CHO ; Gil Jae CHO

Affiliations

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Keywords

blood type; neonatal isoerythrolysis; Thoroughbred foal

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Two 4-day-old Thoroughbred foals with acute clinical signs of depression, elevated pulse and respiratory rates, anemia, and jaundice were referred to the equine hospital of Korea Racing Authority. The foals were seemingly normal at birth, but showed clinical signs such as abnormal behavior, jaundice and anemia suddenly after ingestion of the mare's colostrum, followed by death at 4 days after birth. According to the results of the hematology, serum chemistry analysis, jaundice foal agglutination test, and blood groups test, the foals were diagnosed as neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) caused by the mare's antibodies. These results suggested that the pregnant mares have a potential for NI.