Increased serum nonesterified fatty acid and low ionised calcium concentrations are associated with post partum colic in mares.
Authors: Holcombe S J, Embertson R M, Kurtz K A, Roessner H A, Wismer S E, Geor R J, Kaneene J B
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Increased NEFA and Low Ionised Calcium Associated with Post Partum Colic in Mares Metabolic disturbances during the periparturient period may predispose mares to colic, mirroring pathophysiological changes documented in post partum dairy cattle; this longitudinal study examined whether fluctuations in serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), ionised calcium and magnesium correlated with colic incidence in the weeks surrounding foaling. Blood samples collected from mares on three Kentucky farms at 14 days pre-partum, within 4 days post-foaling, and at 14 and 28 days post-foaling were analysed alongside clinical health records provided by farm managers and veterinarians, with statistical modelling used to identify metabolic risk factors for colic development. Mares that subsequently developed colic exhibited significantly elevated serum NEFA concentrations both pre-partum (0.28 ± 0.12 mmol/l versus 0.19 ± 0.05, P = 0.04) and immediately post-partum (0.29 ± 0.20 versus 0.21 ± 0.14, P = 0.05), with each 0.1 mmol/l increase in NEFA raising colic risk by 38%; ionised calcium was also markedly lower in colicky mares 15–28 days post-foaling (1.50 ± 0.17 versus 1.60 ± 0.12 mmol/l, P = 0.02). For practitioners, these findings suggest that serum NEFA and ionised calcium measurement during the periparturient period could offer predictive markers for identifying high-risk
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Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor serum NEFA and ionised calcium concentrations in periparturient mares as part of postpartum metabolic assessment; elevated NEFA and low calcium warrant close observation for colic risk
- •Implement targeted preventive strategies for high-risk mares showing metabolic alterations (elevated NEFA, low iCa) in the pre- and immediate post-foaling period
- •Consider metabolic management protocols similar to those used in postpartum dairy cattle to reduce colic incidence in postpartum mares
Key Findings
- •Serum NEFA concentrations were significantly higher in mares developing colic at 14-1 days before foaling (0.28 vs 0.19 mmol/l, P=0.04) and 0-4 days after foaling (0.29 vs 0.21 mmol/l, P=0.05)
- •Ionised calcium was significantly lower in mares with postpartum colic at 15-28 days post foaling (1.50 vs 1.60 mmol/l, P=0.02)
- •Each 0.1 mmol/l increase in serum NEFA increased colic risk by 38% (OR=1.38, 95% CI 1.06-1.81, P=0.02)
- •Elevated NEFA and decreased ionised calcium precede postpartum colic episodes and may serve as predictive metabolic markers