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| ==Pathogenesis== | | ==Pathogenesis== |
| ===Feline neonatal isoerythrolysis=== | | ===Feline neonatal isoerythrolysis=== |
− | Although feline neonatal isoerythrolysis (FNA) is rare, the mortality associated with it is high. FNI develops when type B blood mothers mate with type A tomcats. Type B cats have naturally occurring anti-A antibodies without prior exposure. FNI affects the A, or AB blood type kitten, born from a B blood type mother by receiving anti-A antibodies when it ingests maternal colostrum. | + | Although feline neonatal isoerythrolysis (FNA) is rare, the mortality associated with it is high. FNI develops when type B blood mothers mate with type A tomcats. Type B cats have naturally occurring anti-A antibodies without prior exposure. FNI affects the A, or AB blood type kitten, born from a B blood type mother by receiving anti-A antibodies when it ingests maternal colostrum. |
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| ===Equine neonatal isoerythrolysis=== | | ===Equine neonatal isoerythrolysis=== |
| + | In foals, the condition results when a mare develops antibodies against the foal's red blood cells. This occurs when the foal inherits red blood cell antigens from its sireThe foal is unaffected during pregnancy because no blood or antibodies are able to cross the placenta. However at birth the foal ingests large numbers of antibodies in the colostrum, leading to severe haemolytic disease. |
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| ==Clinical signs== | | ==Clinical signs== |
| ===Horses=== | | ===Horses=== |
− | Affected foals appear clinicall normal at birth. | + | Affected foals appear clinically normal at birth, and clinical signs develop from several hours up to a week after ingestion of colostrum. Foals with NI usually become progressively weak, lethargic and depressed develop icterus, tachycardia and tachypnoea. Although the signs are not pathognomonic for NI, a foal displaying haemoglobinuria and icterus born to a multiparous mare should be strongly suspected to have the disease. If the foal becomes severely hypoxic, seizures may occur. Death usually occurs if NI is not diagnosed and treated promptly. |
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| ===Cats=== | | ===Cats=== |
| In a similar way to affected foals, kittens are born and nurse normally and clinical signs develop within a few hours or days. Clinical signs may include dark red/brown urine, icterus, weakness, anaemia. | | In a similar way to affected foals, kittens are born and nurse normally and clinical signs develop within a few hours or days. Clinical signs may include dark red/brown urine, icterus, weakness, anaemia. |
− | ==Neonatal Isoerytholysis (NI)== | + | |
| + | ==Diagnosis== |
| + | In horses, a minor cross-match is performed using the foal's red blood cells and the mare's serum. A positive agglutination indicates a diagnosis of NI. |
| + | ==Treatment== |
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| * When the foal's intestines are no longer able to absorb maternal antibody (approximately 30 hours post partum) it is safe to return the foal to the mare. | | * When the foal's intestines are no longer able to absorb maternal antibody (approximately 30 hours post partum) it is safe to return the foal to the mare. |
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| + | ==Prevention== |
| + | The disease in horses is prevented by ensuring that mares are blood-typed before being mated. Mares who are negative for the blood antigens known for causing disease (primarily Aa, Qa, Qc and Ua) can be matched to stallions who are also negative. |
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| ==References== | | ==References== |