{"id":4796,"date":"2023-08-28T19:07:27","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T19:07:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plasvaccusa.com\/?p=4796"},"modified":"2023-08-28T22:53:43","modified_gmt":"2023-08-28T22:53:43","slug":"failure-of-passive-transfer-in-foals-a-comprehensive-look","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plasvacc.com\/uk\/failure-of-passive-transfer-in-foals-a-comprehensive-look\/","title":{"rendered":"Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals: A Comprehensive Look"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veterinary professionals working with horses know just how devastating Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) in foals can be. A serious condition that places newborn foals at risk of developing life-threatening complications, FPT can occur in 10-20% of foals.<\/span><\/p>\n

At Veterinary Immunogenics we\u2019ve worked hard to develop HYPERMUNE\u2122, a line of proven plasma products with the goal of eliminating the risks associated with FPT by ensuring newborn foals receive superior immune protection, regardless of circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT IS FAILURE OF PASSIVE TRANSFER?<\/span><\/h6>\n

Unlike in humans, foals enter the world without the benefit of antibodies provided by their mothers. Instead, mares transfer vital antibodies passively after birth via colostrum, a special form of milk produced in the final weeks of gestation. This places great importance both on a foal\u2019s ability to nurse immediately after birth, as well as the mother\u2019s ability to provide the foal with quality and sufficient colostrum.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMares produce colostrum only during the last 1 to 2 weeks of gestation as antibodies are actively transported from their blood and concentrated in the mammary gland. After nursing the colostrum, specialized cells that line the small intestine of the newborn foal absorb the antibodies and transfer them into the foal\u2019s blood. Absorption of antibodies by these specialized cells is greatest during the first 6 to 8 hours after birth and stops by 24 to 36 hours of age.\u201d (McCue, 2009)<\/span><\/p>\n

If, after 24 hours of age a foal\u2019s circulating antibody (also known as immunoglobulins, or IgG) levels are less than 400mg\/dl then they are considered to have failure of passive transfer. Partial failure of passive transfer (PFPT) can also occur, and is classified by IgG levels of 400-800 mg\/dl while successful passive transfer is defined by a blood IgG concentration greater than 800mg\/dl.<\/span><\/p>\n

The potential causes of FPT are many, but all are dangerous in that they prevent a newborn foal from receiving vital immune defences, putting them at a much higher risk of complications from infection and disease. Studies show that actively treating FPT can reduce the subsequent incidence of severe disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Potential Causes of FPT<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n