IgG test

[Becky]

I've been searching the internet and I'm having a hard time finding just when the optimum time frame is to run an IgG test. I can't remember off the top of my head!

 

[Jill]

Becky, my vet has told me in the past it needs to be at least 12hrs after the foal first nurses, and as soon there after as possible is good in case there is an issue.

 

[picasso]

What I've been told is the 12 hour test after birth gives you time to evaluate it before the closure of the gastrointestinal tract (you can correct the problem). A test at 24 hours after birth tells the final extent of passive antibody absorption. Harder to fix the problem (requires IV plasma, etc.) This is my understanding of it.

 

[Becky]

Thanks. I was thinking it needed to be at least 12 hours after the foal first nursed. Was thinking 16 or so was better? Appreciate your input!

 

[weebiscuit]

Thanks. I was thinking it needed to be at least 12 hours after the foal first nursed. Was thinking 16 or so was better? Appreciate your input!

For what it's worth, Becky, my vets won't do it until 15 hours have passed.

 

[Carolyn R]

Y'ep. After 12 hours (after nursing). If I have a foal born late at night or in the wee am hours, my vet comes out at the end of bussiness, after 5pm or later, whenever they are done their emergency appts. for the day. If the foal is born in the daylight hours (later morning or afternoon) the appt. is scheduled for the next morning.

If a foal is in the "lower" acceptable range, you can opt to have it restested closer to (or a bit over) the 24 hour mark and see how it fares at that point. The plasma does not have to be given in the first 24 hours, it can be given after 24 hours (of course, unless the foal is in the less than acceptable range/critical range from the start). Any foals I have had tested at the 12-15 hour range that seemed to be in the lower end of acceptable always restested at a much better read at 24-36 hours.

Hope this helps.

 

[drmatthewtaylor]

Y'ep. After 12 hours (after nursing). If I have a foal born late at night or in the wee am hours, my vet comes out at the end of bussiness, after 5pm or later, whenever they are done their emergency appts. for the day. If the foal is born in the daylight hours (later morning or afternoon) the appt. is scheduled for the next morning.

If a foal is in the "lower" acceptable range, you can opt to have it restested closer to (or a bit over) the 24 hour mark and see how it fares at that point. The plasma does not have to be given in the first 24 hours, it can be given after 24 hours (of course, unless the foal is in the less than acceptable range/critical range from the start). Any foals I have had tested at the 12-15 hour range that seemed to be in the lower end of acceptable always restested at a much better read at 24-36 hours.

Hope this helps.

Yes, the gut usually stays open to antibody absorption for closer to 48 hours, but it gradually starts closing soon after birth and is 22% closed at just 3 hours and is just 1% open at 20 hours. Also understand these numbers are averages as a stressed foal actually closes off its gut faster than a none stressed foal.

Also, a foal's risk of septicemia has as just one factor its passive immunity, virulence/dose of the bacteria and stress factors also contribute.

Dr Taylor

 

[Nathan Luszcz]

For what it's worth, Becky, my vets won't do it until 15 hours have passed.

There are two major schools of thought....

1) Give the foal enough time to get an "accurate" reading of the foal's status. If necessary, we'll give plasma.

2) If we test early enough, we can catch a problem early enough to give oral supplementation and follow with plasma if still low.

Which is better? Neither really. Its just a cost-benefit arguement. What is the vet's time worth? If YOU are running the test (which you can, btw, with the right kit) maybe do BOTH? That way, you can rest assured that more than likely everything is great after 12 hours, and if not, you can try to supplement as needed then retest. But for the vet to come out, its probably more efficient with option #1. Six or a half dozen, really.

 

[Nathan Luszcz]

One is called the SNAP test. Requires you know how to draw blood. I want to say its $25 or so per test, and you have to buy with a prescription. This website (just a random one I did a search for, I know nothing about that reseller) has some good info there. http://www.atozvetsupply.com/Snap-Foal-IgG-p/871-idxsf.htm

The other test is an add-on function of ARS's (arssales.com) Densimeter. If you already have one (they're $2000), you can add the IgG testing kit for $215 or so, then it just costs you $121 for 10 tests. I really really like the ARS system, but unless you are already handing semen shipping and such, $2400 is a big pill to swallow! ARS actually gives you a IgG number, whereas SNAP just says "pass, maybe, or fail".