title: Hematological and biochemical features of postpartum fever in the heavy draft mare.
abstract: Heavy draft mares potentially have a higher risk of suffering from postpartum fever (PF) than light breed mares. The purpose of this study was to compare hematological and biochemical features between clinically healthy mares (n=40) and PF-affected mares (n=16). Mares were classified as having PF when their rectal temperature rose to >38.5°C within 96 hr of foaling. The numbers of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils and the serum magnesium level were significantly lower in PF-affected mares. The serum SAA and NEFA levels were significantly higher in PF-affected mares. Strong inflammation responses, fat mobilization associated with negative energy balance and possibly endotoxin participate in hematological and biochemical features of PF in heavy draft mares.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
authors.forename: Takahiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aoki
authors.affiliation: United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
authors.forename: Yuki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kimura
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Oya
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
authors.forename: Akiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chiba
authors.affiliation: Ishii Veterinary Support Services Inc., Hokkaido 080-0011, Japan.
authors.forename: Mitsuo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ishii
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
authors.forename: Yasuo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nambo
keywords: biochemistry; heavy draft horse; hematology; postpartum fever