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Clinic Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 to 5:30
Sat. by appointment only
Location:
31310 Woodhaven Trail
Cannon Falls, MN 55009
Directions/Map
Click here for map
Phone Numbers:
651-258-4050 office
651-258-4051 fax
651-222-0885 Twin Cities
Email:
info@cannonvet.com
Website Map

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Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals
Foals acquire all their immunity from their mother’s colostrum (first milk) in the first 24 hours of life. This is why vaccinating your mare one month prior to foaling is so important. Once your mare delivers it is important to witness your new foal nurse. Schedule an appointment for a neonatal exam when the foal is between 12 to 24 hours of age. During this exam, Dr. Winter will perform an IgG test which indicates the level of antibodies your foal has absorbed. The levels as described below give us information on any further treatment that may be required.
IgG Level |
Interpretation |
< 200
mg/dl |
Complete failure of passive transfer |
< 400
mg/dl |
Failure
of passive transfer |
400-800
mg/dl |
Partial
failure of passive transfer |
> 800
mg/dl |
Adequate passive transfer of colostral antibodies |
A plasma transfusion is recommended for foals that test less than 400 mg/dl. Without the plasma transfusion, they may develop a life threatening bacterial infection. When foals test between 400 to 800 mg/dl a plasma transfusion is also recommended but not necessarily required. They have a decreased immunity and an increased chance of developing a disease, depending on their environment and exposure risk. If a foal tests above 800mg/dl, a complete passive transfer has occurred and no further testing or treatment is required.
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