A longitudinal study of the faecal microbiome and metabolome of periparturient mares.

Background: Periparturient mares are at increased risk of colic including large colon volvulus, which has a high mortality rate. Alterations in colonic microbiota related to either physiological or management changes, or both, that occur at this time have been suggested as potential causes for increased colic risk in this population of horses. Although the effect of management changes on the horse faecal microbiota has been investigated, limited work has been conducted to investigate changes in faecal microbiota structure and function in the periparturient period.

Effects of fenoldopam mesylate on systemic hemodynamics and indices of renal function in normotensive neonatal foals.

Background: Fenoldopam mesylate, a dopamine-1 receptor agonist, has dose- and species-dependent effects on hemodynamics and renal function. The effects of this drug in normotensive neonatal foals have not been reported.

Hypothesis: Two doses of fenoldopam would result in distinct changes in the systemic circulation, urine output, and creatinine clearance of neonatal foals.