Clinically relevant physiology of the neonate.
During the 4- to 6-week neonatal period (birth to weaning), the physiology of canine and feline neonates undergoes dramatic change. Despite the neonate having the appearance of a miniature adult, their unique physiology has a significant impact on physical examination and laboratory test interpretation and may limit diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic options. In this article, the most striking physiologic differences between neonatal and adult body systems are discussed with respect to the resulting clinical implications.
Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Room 1114 Tupper Hall, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA. sagrundy@ucdavis.edu
Sophie A
SA
Grundy
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000502:physiology*; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D002415:Cats / Q000502:physiology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D006410:Hematopoiesis; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D014553:Urinary Tract Physiological Phenomena