CHAPTER 188 Assays for Evaluation of Transfer of Passive Immunity
Rapid and accurate evaluation of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations is a necessary tool for the equine practitioner. Foals acquire a substantial quantity of immunoglobulin from the dam immediately after birth, and failure of this passive transfer has a substantial impact on morbidity and survival of the neonatal foal. The critical period for this transfer is the first 24 hours of life, and there are many variables that can affect the efficiency of immunoglobulin absorption from the intestine. Initially the specialized enterocytes lining the gastrointestinal tract of the foal are highly permissive for absorption, but as the foal’s oral intake increases during the first 12 hours of life, these enterocytes lose the ability to absorb immunoglobulin. Prematurity, sepsis, and other factors may also affect the absorption of colostral antibodies, necessitating administration of plasma to provide the foal with adequate immunoglobulins early in life.
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