A clinical and hemogasometric survey of neonatal lambs

Abstract

In order to provide adequate medical assistance to neonates, the extent of vitality impairment has to be investigated through complementary exams, as well as clinical assessment. This investigation aimed to identify the physiological changes that occur during neonatal adaptation and to develop a clinical approach that can be performed during the first hour of life in neonatal lambs born through vaginal eutocic labor. The neonatal vitality of 14 Santa Ines lambs was verified using the Apgar system and rectal temperature at birth and after 5 and 60min after birth. From the total number of neonates, 7 lambs were randomly selected for blood gas analysis and glucose immediately at birth and 1h after birth. The lambs had hypoglycemia immediately after birth, as well as acidosis due to metabolic and respiratory causes. Given their hypoxemia at birth, lambs immediately exhibit tachycardia and tachypnea. However, neonatal lambs reached Apgar score superior than 7 after 5min of birth. Ovine neonates are relatively mature at birth, with adequate thermoregulation and active mechanisms to compensate for physiological acid–base imbalances. In conclusion, a systematic clinical examination of newborn sheep should include the implementation of the Apgar score coupled with the confirmation of any acid–base imbalances. Further research should evaluate neonatal adaptation to this critical period over a longer period of time.