Response to oxygen administration in foals: Effect of age, duration and method of administration on arterial blood gas values

Abstract

The effect of oxygen administration on blood gas values was examined in six newborn foals from birth to seven days old. Three variables were studied: the effect of increasing age on the ability to elevate arterial oxygen tension (Pao2), the effect of duration of oxygen delivery on Pao2 and the effect of method of administration. The results demonstrated a significant effect of age on the ability to increase Pao2 values, with the highest Pao2 values being found at seven days old. The duration of oxygen administration caused little change in Pao2 values; peak values were reached after 2 mins of oxygen inhalation and changed little throughout the 20 min administration. No significant differences were found in Pao2 when oxygen was administered via a face mask, compared to administration at 10 litres/min via an intranasal tube. The clinical importance of these findings is discussed, along with the factors which may be involved in the inability to elevate Pao2 in the early post natal period.