Adrenal Gland Ultrasonographic Measurements and Plasma Hormone Concentrations in Clinically Healthy Newborn Thoroughbred and Standardbred Foals

Adrenal hormones, ACTH plasma concentrations and the ultrasonographic evaluation of adrenal glands are considered complementary in clinical evaluations hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function several species. In dogs, age, size weight have a significant effect on glands. neonatal foals, measurements been demonstrated to be reliable; however, individual variables features has not investigated, usefulness gland ultrasonography is still known. The aims this study were: (i) provide compare ultrasound healthy newborn Thoroughbred Standardbred assess any sex them; (ii) steroid hormone foals two breeds. Venous blood samples images were collected from 10 foals. Ultrasonographic obtained adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), progesterone (P4) aldosterone assessed. ACTH/cortisol, ACTH/progesterone, ACTH/aldosterone, ACTH/DHEA cortisol/DHEA ratios calculated. A positive correlation was found between height right foal’s weight; width left medulla significantly lower Thoroughbreds than Standardbreds. Cortisol higher lower, respectively, compared with ratio Thoroughbreds. This provides reference ranges for suggests presence breed-related differences measurements, plasmatic cortisol concentrations. detected could suggest different response environmental stimulation