Triglyceride Concentrations in Healthy,
Suckling Foals
Emily H. Berryhill, DVM*;
K. Gary Magdesian, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, DACVCP; and
Judy M. Edman, SRA
Healthy, suckling neonatal foals have higher serum triglyceride concentrations than adult horses. These
were highest at 1–2 days of age, but still higher than adults at 10 –12 days of age. Authors’ address-
es: William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, (Berryhill); and Department of Medicine and
Epidemiology; School of Veterinary Medicine, (Magdesian, Edman) University of California, Davis, CA 95616;
email: ehberryhill@gmail.com. *Corresponding and presenting author. © 2015 AAEP.
1. Introduction
Anecdotal reports exist of neonates with transient hy- perlipidemia; however, little research is available to
substantiate this and evaluate effects of age on serial
serum triglyceride concentrations. The hypotheses of
this study were: 1) healthy foals 1–2 days old would
have higher serum triglycerides compared with foals
immediately post-parturition, foals 10 –12 days old,
and postpartum mares; and 2) serial measurement of
triglycerides would demonstrate wide variability.
2. Materials and Methods
This was a prospective study in which serial serum
samples were obtained from seven foals and mares
post-parturition at 1–2 days of age and at 10 –12 days
of age. Triglyceride concentrations were measured
by enzymatic colorimetric assay and compared among
groups.
3. Results
Serum triglyceride concentrations in foals immedi-
ately postpartum were not different than those in
mares (median 28 and 20 mg/dL, respectively). Foals
1–2 and 10 –12 days of age had higher serum triglyc-
erides compared with the immediate postpartum pe-
riod and their dams (P \4.001). Foals 1–2 days of age had higher concentrations than foals 10 –12 days (me-
dian, 89 and 60 mg/dL, respectively;
P\4 .001). High-
est concentrations occurred at 1–2 days of age.
4. Discussion
Foals can be hyperlipidemic relative to adult horses
and have triglyceride variability within the neonatal
period. A milk diet may contribute to hyperlipidemia
given that neonatal triglyceride concentrations were
similar to their dams just after parturition and in-
creased progressively as foals nursed.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the Center for Equine
Health, University of California, Davis, with funds
from the Oak Tree Racing Association, the State of
California pari-mutuel wagering fund and contribu-
tions from private donors and the Roberta A. and
Carla Henry Endowed Chair in Emergency Medicine
and Critical Care.
Declaration of Ethics The Authors declare that they have adhered to the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA.
Conflict of Interest The Authors declare no conflicts of interest.
30 2015fiVol. 61fiAAEP PROCEEDINGS
NEONATOLOGY
Research Abstractfi
for more information, contact the corresponding author
NOTES