Effect of altrenogest-treatment of mares in late gestation on adrenocortical function, blood count and plasma electrolytes in their foals.
BACKGROUND
Mares with compromised pregnancies are often treated with altrenogest to prevent abortion. However, there is only limited information about effects on the foal when altrenogest treatment is continued during final maturation of the fetus.


OBJECTIVE
To determine effects of altrenogest treatment during late gestation in mares on maturity, haematology changes, adrenocortical function and serum electrolytes in their newborn foals.


METHODS
Six mares were treated with altrenogest (0.088 mg/kg bwt) once daily from Day 280 of pregnancy until foaling and 7 mares served as controls.


RESULTS
Foals born to altrenogest-treated mares had a significantly lower neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio on the first day after birth than control foals (P<0.05). Basal plasma cortisol concentrations immediately after birth were higher in foals of altrenogest-treated mares than in control foals (P<0.05). Cortisol release in response to exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)--except for higher values 15 min after ACTH injection in foals of altrenogest-treated mares on Day 1--revealed no differences in adrenocortical function between the groups of foals. Plasma potassium concentration in foals from altrenogest-treated mares compared to control foals was significantly lower immediately after birth (P<0.05) and plasma ionised calcium concentration was significantly lower 3 h after birth (P = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Altrenogest treatment of pregnant mares prolonged labour had no major effects on adrenocortical function in foals. A reduced neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in these foals may suggest either immunomodulatory effects of altrenogest or dysmaturity of the foals.
Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Section for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
S
S
Neuhauser
F
F
Palm
F
F
Ambuehl
E
E
Möstl
I
I
Schwendenwein
C
C
Aurich
D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011372:Progestins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014204:Trenbolone Acetate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology
D004573:Electrolytes; D011372:Progestins; C023445:altrenogest; D014204:Trenbolone Acetate; D006854:Hydrocortisone