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Neonatal Isoerytholysis (NI)
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From: ngard@klondike.winternet.com (Nick Gardner)
Subject: NI Disease in foals
Date: 6 Aug 95 08:12:11 GMT
Neonatal isoerytholysis{NI} Also termed hemolytic disease of the newborn,is
caused by antibodies in the mares colostrum,which destroys the newborns red
blood cells. Foals are born with a immature immune system,and need its dams
NORMAL colostrum to help guard against disease until its own immune system
can respond to natrual and vaccination challenges.
In cases of NI late in pregnancy, some of the foals red blood cells leak
in to the mares body, most likely through the placenta. The mares immune
system sees this as a foreign substance and creates antibodies against it,
the colostrum that generates antibodies to the foals red blood cells is
obviously detrimental to the foal, usually fatal.
NI does not occur in the mares first foaling. During the first pregnancy,
she doesn't generate a strong immune response to the foals red blood cells.
In subsequent pregnancy, if breed to the same stallion or one with the
same blood type as the first stallion she was breed to, she will produce a
strong immune response, which will in turn generate NI producing antibodies.
Once a mare has begun producing NI causing antibodies she is likly to do
so throughout her life. Foals from her should not ingest her colostrum, so
another mares colostrum should be given to protect the foal. 34 blood
factors have been identified for horses. Finding two with the same blood
type is uncommon. Fortunately, most factors do not usually stimulate
antibodies that cause NI. Factors "Aa"and"Qa" are responsible for 95% of all
cases of NI.
I suggest if one is planing to breed ones mare they should have her typed
as well as the stallion too. In hopes that it will help to avoid this
dreadful disease.
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