Principles and Problems with the newborn

Question 1

Which antibodies are in colostrum

Answer 1

65-85% IgG
Some IgM and IgE
(1x10(5)-1x10(6) lymphocytes/ml)

Question 2

How soon is colostrum needed

Answer 2

within 12 hours- after this point it is unlikely any immunity will be taken up through the GI tract

Question 3

Why must vaccines not be given too early

Answer 3

They can ‘use up’ colostral antibodies without appropriately stimulating the immune response necessary to acquire immunity
Potential gap in immunity between decrease of maternal immunity and development of own immunity
Results in an increased risk of infection in this period
There is an immunity gap between maternal antibody protection and the neonate producing their own antibodies

Question 4

2 causes of FPT

Answer 4

Poor colostrum quality
Poor intake

Question 5

Consequence of FPT

Answer 5

Increased likelihood of infection

Question 6

What is Hypogammaglobulinaemia and when would you see it

Answer 6

failure to synthesize own immunoglobulins until much later than normal neonatally
Manifests after maternal immunity has waned

Question 7

What is SCID

Answer 7

Severe combined immune deficiency
characterized by a complete lack of functional T and B cells, which are critical components of the immune system
most commonly seen in Arabian horses and some dog breeds, such as Jack Russell Terriers and Basset Hounds

Question 8

What is CID

Answer 8

Combined Immunodeficiency disease
affect the development and function of T and B cells, but to a lesser extent than SCID
Treatment for CID may include antibiotics and immunomodulatory drugs to help manage infections and boost the immune system

Question 9

Approach to sick neonate

Answer 9

Don’t ignore mild clinical abnormalities
they often go from slightly off to very ill in a short space of time
Assume sick foal has SIRS until proven otherwise
Key to success:
Early recognition of a problem
Rapid, aggressive treatment of problem
Repeated major body system assessment and adaptation of therapy based upon clinical examination findings, urine output and USG, treatment of low MABP and high blood glucose
Know the limits of yourself and the practice
Very time consuming and labour intensive
If in doubt refer and do the best for your client and the foal

Question 10

What is perinatal asphyxia syndrome

Answer 10

Neonate receives insufficient oxygenation in utero or spends too long in the birth canal ->hypoxia
Often seen with prematurity
Often results in FPT/ sepsis