Update on Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (Last Updated: 8-Dec-2001)

C. Snook

New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.

Neonatal isoerythrolysis, an immunologic disorder causing red blood cell destruction, seen in newborn horse and mule foals and other species, infrequently occurs in the equine population. It is preventable with an understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, allowing the veterinarian and foal manager to modify breeding and management practices in order to decrease clinical significance of the disease. Clinical signs present in affected foals are due to anemia and are dependent upon the severity of that anemia.