Evaluation of the hematological profile of pregnant and non-pregnant mares seen at the HVU-BJ/CPCE in Bom Jesus-PI

Abstract

The blood count is a widely used test in equine medical clinics, being of great importance in the institution of an efficient diagnosis. During pregnancy, physiological adaptations occur such as increased blood volume, uterine expansion, proteins and other nutrients are higher due to fetal development and formation of maternal structure such as placenta, mammary glands and blood. Therefore, it is essential to know the alterations in the hematological constituents in pregnant mares. The objective of this study was to characterize the hematological profile and evaluate possible hematological alterations between pregnant mares and non-pregnant mares. The research was carried out from March 2019 to June 2019, where blood samples were collected from 20 clinically healthy mares that were referred for pregnancy diagnostic examination, these were attended at the large animal outpatient clinic of HVU-BJ/UFPI, at Haras do Hélio Rosa and Haras do Bispo, the last two being private properties, all of them are located in the municipality of Bom Jesus/PI. Of the alterations found, anemia found in high prevalence, leukocytosis, eusinophilia found in low prevalence in both groups, and lymphopenia found in an animal in the non-pregnant group stand out. Therefore, mares that were in the gestation period between 60 and 90 days presented a picture of normocytic normochromic anemia, justified by blood hemodilution, characterizing the stage of gestation that requires more attention.