Principle Investigator

Rosemary Bayless

Description

The Bayless Lab at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is enrolling healthy mare/foal pairs to evaluate neutrophil function from time of birth through 6 months of age. The study will consist of physical examination and blood collection from the foal and mare when the foal is 24 hours, 72 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months old. At least one board-certified specialist in large animal internal medicine will oversee each examination and blood collection on the farm (no transportation of foal/mare to NCSU required). The goal is to investigate the capacity of foal neutrophils to release extracellular traps (an important function for protection against pathogens) in comparison to adult horses to identify possible risk factors in development of neonatal sepsis and related complications in foals.

Testing Requirements

All study procedures (physical examination, blood collection) will be performed at the location where the mare and foal are usually housed (no trailering needed).

At the first study visit (when the foal is approximately 24 hours old), we will examine the foal and mare to ensure that they appear to be clinically healthy. We will then collect a small volume of blood from the foal and mare. We will use some of the foal’s blood to perform a complete blood count (CBC) and IgG measurement to confirm that there is no evidence of inflammation or failure of transfer of passive immunity.

We will contact the client and their regular veterinarian with results from the CBC and IgG measurement within 1 business day of the first study visit.

Additional study visits will be conducted when the foal is 72 hours; 1, 2, and 4 weeks; and 3 and 6 months old. Physical examinations and blood collections from foal and mare will be repeated at each study visit.

Enrollment Start

05/08/2025

Enrollment Finish

09/30/2025

Eligibility

Healthy foals between 18-30 hours of age that weigh at least 65 pounds (estimated body weight)

Willingness of owner to allow for routine blood draws of both the foal and mare at the following timepoints: 24 hours, 72 hours, 1, 2, and 4 weeks, and 3 and 6 months of age/postpartum

Contact

Rosemary Bayless [email protected]