Assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis function using a vasopressin stimulation test in neonatal foals.

Background: Bacterial sepsis is the leading cause of death in foals and is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPAA) dysfunction. HPAA function can be evaluated by an arginine-vasopressin (AVP) stimulation test.

Hypotheses/objectives: Administration of AVP will stimulate a dose-dependent rise in systemic adrenocorticotropin-releasing hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in neonatal foals.