Equine Internal Medicine Q&A 09

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A 12-hour-old foal is presented as weak and lethargic. The heart rate is 96bpm, and the mucous membranes are pale and jaundiced. Laboratory evaluation reveals a haematocrit of 10%, a haemoglobin concentration of 34g/l and a total protein of 52g/l.

Question	Answer		Article
What is the most likely diagnosis?	Neonatal isoerythrolysis.		Link to Article
What are the three potential clinical entities that could lead to the death of this foal?	Three potential clinical entities that could lead to the death of this foal are: Hypovolaemic shock secondary to the rapid lysis of red blood cells and their functional masses as vascular expanders. Loss of oxygen carrying capacity from the lysed red blood cells. The development of kernicterus. The increasingly elevated levels of bilirubin within the bloodstream can cross the immature blood–brain barrier in the foal and result in chemical toxicity to the brain. The brain damage can be permanent and be represented by persistent seizures or maladjustment.		Link to Article