Effect of Diarrhea on Hematocrit and Serum Biochemical Profile in Foals

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of diarrhea on hematocrit and various serum biochemical parameters (serum electrolytes, trace and ultra-trace elements) in foals. A total of 105 diarrheic foals (n = 35 horse foals, n = 35 donkey foals, and n = 35 mule foals) were selected regardless of their etiologies. Additionally, 12 healthy foals (n = 4 horse foals, n = 4 donkey foals, and n = 4 mule foals) as control animals were selected for this study. Packed cell volume (PCV) and serum electrolytes, trace and ultra-trace elements were measured in both groups (diarrheic and healthy). The results showed significant (p < 0.05) increase of PCV% in diarrheic foals of all species. The sodium, calcium, copper, iron and lithium concentrations significantly (p < 0.05) decreased while the potassium concentration significantly (p < 0.05) increased in diarrheic foals. Hence, this can be concluded that diarrhea in foals have significant correlation with PCV, serum electrolytes, and trace and ultra-trace elements.