Failure of Passive Transfer in neonatal foals - a review.

Early IgG assessment and prompt intervention are essential to prevent life-threatening infections in neonatal foals.

Failure of passive transfer (FPT) represents one of the most clinically significant conditions affecting neonatal foals, with substantial impact on morbidity and mortality globally. This review comprehensively addresses the physiology of passive immunization in foals, emphasizing that adequate ingestion and intestinal absorption of colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) within the first 12-24 hours of life are critical, as the intestinal epithelium's capacity for macromolecular absorption closes rapidly after birth. FPT predisposes neonates to life-threatening infections including septicemia, diarrhea, and pneumonia. The authors outline key risk factors for inadequate IgG absorption, including poor colostrum quality, delayed nursing, premature lactation, and dysmaturity. Diagnostic approaches discussed span field-applicable methods such as the stall-side refractometry and SNAP tests, to laboratory gold-standard techniques including radial immunodiffusion (RID). Therapeutic interventions range from oral colostrum supplementation in early cases to intravenous plasma transfusion in foals with confirmed FPT or clinical signs of infection. Evidence-based preventive strategies include routine colostrum quality assessment, colostrum banking, and timely monitoring of serum IgG concentrations at 18-24 hours post-birth. The review underscores that consistent management protocols, early immune status evaluation, and prompt intervention are essential to reducing neonatal disease burden, improving survival rates, and supporting optimal long-term athletic performance in horses.

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