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. ANIMALS: Six Thoroughbred foals. METHODS: Each foal received 2 dosages of fenoldopam (low dose, 0.04 microg/kg/min; high dose, 0.4 microg/kg/min) and a control administration of saline, in a masked, placebo-controlled study. RESULTS: High-dosage fenoldopam had no effect on renal function but caused a significant increase in heart rate and decrease in mean, systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure compared with saline. Low-dosage fenoldopam had no effects on systemic hemodynamics, significantly increased urine output, and had no significant effect on creatinine clearance or the fractional excretions of sodium, potassium, or chloride compared with saline. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These data suggest that high-dosage fenoldopam increases heart rate, decreases arterial blood pressure, and has no significant effects on renal function, whereas low-dosage fenoldopam has no significant effects on systemic hemodynamics while increasing urine output. This contrast is unique to this species and warrants further investigation.     

Effects of norepinephrine and a combined norepinephrine and dobutamine infusion on systemic hemodynamics and indices of renal function in normotensive neonatal thoroughbred foals

BACKGROUND: Norepinephrine is a potent vasopressor that increases arterial blood pressure but may have adverse effects on renal blood flow. The combination of norepinephrine and dobutamine may lead to improved renal perfusion compared to an infusion of norepinephrine alone. The effects of these drugs in the normotensive neonatal foal have not been reported. HYPOTHESIS: Norepinephrine increases arterial blood pressure. Adding dobutamine to a norepinephrine infusion will change the renal profile during the infusions without changing the arterial blood pressure. ANIMALS: Eight conscious Thoroughbred foals were used in this study. METHODS: Each foal received norepinephrine (0.1 microg/kg/min), combined norepinephrine (0.1 microg/kg/min) and dobutamine (5 microg/kg/min), and a control dose of saline in a masked, placebo-controlled study. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure (direct), and cardiac output (lithium dilution) were measured, and systemic vascular resistance, stroke volume, cardiac index, and stroke volume index were calculated. Urine output, creatinine clearance, and fractional excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride were measured. RESULTS: Norepinephrine and a combined norepinephrine and dobutamine infusion increased arterial blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance and decreased heart rate and cardiac index as compared to saline. The combination resulted in higher arterial pressure than norepinephrine alone. There was no significant difference in urine output, creatinine clearance, or fractional excretion of electrolytes with either infusion as compared to saline. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These data suggest that norepinephrine and a combined norepinephrine and dobutamine infusion cause unique hemodynamic effects without affecting indices of renal function, and this effect warrants further investigation.     

The cardiopulmonary effects of dobutamine and norepinephrine in isoflurane-anesthetized foals

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of norepinephrine (NE) and dobutamine (DB) in isoflurane-anesthetized foals. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective laboratory study. METHODS: Norepinephrine (0.05, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.40 microg kg(-1) minute(-1)) and dobutamine (2.5, 5.0, and 10 microg kg(-1) minute(-1)) were alternately administered to seven healthy, 1- to 2-week-old isoflurane-anesthetized foals. Arterial and pulmonary arterial blood pressure, right atrial pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, heart rate, body temperature, cardiac output, arterial and mixed venous blood pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, partial pressure of oxygen [arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)) and mixed venous partial pressure of oxygen (PvO(2))], and packed cell volume were measured. Standard base excess, bicarbonate concentration, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, cardiac index (CI), stroke volume, left and right stroke work indices, oxygen delivery (DO(2)), consumption, and extraction were calculated. Results Norepinephrine infusion resulted in significant increases in arterial and pulmonary arterial pressure, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance indices, and PaO(2); heart rate was decreased. Dobutamine infusion resulted in significant increases in heart rate, stroke volume index, CI, and arterial and pulmonary arterial blood pressure. Systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance indices were decreased while the ventricular stroke work indices increased. The PaO(2) decreased while DO(2) and oxygen consumption increased. Oxygen extraction decreased and PvO(2) increased. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Norepinephrine primarily augments arterial blood pressure while decreasing CI. Dobutamine primarily augments CI with only modest increases in arterial blood pressure. Both NE and DB could be useful in the hemodynamic management of anesthetized foals.     

Measurement of plasma colloid osmotic pressure in normal thoroughbred neonatal foals

A normal plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) interval was established for foals and compared to values for adult horses. Plasma samples were obtained from 38 Thoroughbred foals that had normal findings on postfoaling examination and 10 healthy Thoroughbred adult horses. Samples were analyzed using a commercially available colloid osmometer. Fifty samples were obtained from 38 foals. Twelve foals had 2 samples taken, 1 during the 1st 24 hours of life and the 2nd between 24 and 72 hours of life. For foals with 2 samples, only 1 randomly selected value was used in group analysis. Total plasma protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were measured on all samples from foals. The mean measured plasma COP for foals was 18.8 +/- 1.9 mm Hg for the 38 samples analyzed. Measured plasma COP did not differ significantly over the time period examined for either the 12 paired samples (P = .13) or with regression analysis of the 38 samples (P = .13). Calculation of mean COP, based on previously published quadratic equations using total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations, underestimated mean measured foal COP values except for when total protein measured by refractometer was used in the Landis-Pappenheimer equation. In conclusion, the plasma COP interval (95% CI: 15.0 mm Hg, 22.6 mm Hg) obtained for healthy foals in this study was found to be lower than that of healthy adult Thoroughbreds (20.6 +/- 0.7 mm Hg, P = .006).     

Accuracy of indirect measurement of blood pressure in neonatal foals

The objectives of this study were to assess, in anesthetized neonatal foals, the accuracy of 2 automated indirect oscillometric monitors for measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP), to determine the optimal site of cuff placement for MAP monitoring, and to determine the relationship between arterial blood pressure and cardiac output. Ten neonatal foals were anesthetized and instrumented with a catheter in the metatarsal artery for direct MAP monitoring and measurement of cardiac output by lithium dilution. Concurrent MAP measurements were obtained with Cardell and Dinamap oscillometric monitors with cuffs placed at 3 different sites (coccygeal, metatarsal, and median arteries). Blood pressure was manipulated by varying the depth of anesthesia and by administration of dobutamine or phenylephrine. A statistically significant (P = .025) interaction was found between the type of monitor and cuff placement site. With the Cardell monitor, placement of the cuff over the coccygeal artery resulted in a significantly lower bias than placement over the median or dorsal metatarsal artery (P < .0001 and P = .0149, respectively). No significant difference in bias was found with cuff placement site when using the Dinamap monitor. The correlation coefficient (r) between MAP and cardiac output was 0.47. Indirect oscillometry with a cuff placed over the coccygeal artery or dorsal metatarsal artery is an acceptable method for measuring MAP in foals. Blood pressure does not correlate well with cardiac output in anesthetized foals.     

Effects of dobutamine, norepinephrine, and vasopressin on cardiovascular function in anesthetized neonatal foals with induced hypotension

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of dobutamine, norepinephrine, and vasopressin on cardiovascular function and gastric mucosal perfusion in anesthetized foals during isoflurane-induced hypotension. ANIMALS: 6 foals that were 1 to 5 days of age. PROCEDURES: 6 foals received 3 vasoactive drugs with at least 24 hours between treatments. Treatments consisted of dobutamine (4 and 8 Sang/kg/min), norepinephrine (0.3 and 1.0 Sang/kg/min), and vasopressin (0.3 and 1.0 mU/kg/min) administered IV. Foals were maintained at a steady hypotensive state induced by a deep level of isoflurane anesthesia for 30 minutes, and baseline cardiorespiratory variables were recorded. Vasoactive drugs were administered at the low infusion rate for 15 minutes, and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded. Drugs were then administered at the high infusion rate for 15 minutes, and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded a third time. Gastric mucosal perfusion was measured by tonometry at the same time points. RESULTS: Dobutamine and norepinephrine administration improved cardiac index. Vascular resistance was increased by norepinephrine and vasopressin administration but decreased by dobutamine at the high infusion rate. Blood pressure was increased by all treatments but was significantly higher during the high infusion rate of norepinephrine. Oxygen delivery was significantly increased by norepinephrine and dobutamine administration; O2 consumption decreased with dobutamine. The O2 extraction ratio was decreased following norepinephrine and dobutamine treatments. The gastric to arterial CO2 gap was significantly increased during administration of vasopressin at the high infusion rate. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Norepinephrine and dobutamine are better alternatives than vasopressin for restoring cardiovascular function and maintaining splanchnic circulation during isoflurane-induced hypotension in neonatal foals.     

Effect of a 24-hour infusion of an isotonic electrolyte replacement fluid on the renal clearance of electrolytes in healthy neonatal foals

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a 24-hour infusion of an isotonic electrolyte replacement fluid (IERF) on weight, serum and urine electrolyte concentrations, and other clinicopathologic variables in healthy neonatal foals. ANIMALS: 4 healthy 4-day-old foals. DESIGN: Prospective study. PROCEDURE: An IERF was administered to each foal at an estimated rate of 80 mL/kg/d (36.4 mL/lb/d) for 24 hours. Body weight was measured before and after the infusion period. Urine was collected via catheter during 4-hour periods; blood samples were collected at 4-hour intervals. Variables including urine production; urine and serum osmolalities; sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations in urine and serum; urine and serum creatinine concentrations; urine osmolality-to-serum osmolality ratio (OsmR); transtubular potassium gradient (TTKG); and percentage creatinine clearance (Cr(cl)) of electrolytes were recorded at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours during the infusion period. Immediately after the study period, net fluid and whole-body electrolyte changes from baseline values were calculated. RESULTS: Compared with baseline values, urine and serum sodium and chloride serum concentrations, urine and serum osmolalities, OsmR, and percentage Cr(cl) of sodium and chloride were significantly increased at various time points during the infusion; urine production did not change significantly. After 24 hours, weight, TTKG, serum creatinine concentration, and whole-body potassium had significantly decreased from baseline values. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that administration of an IERF containing a physiologic concentration of sodium may not be appropriate for use in neonatal foals that require maintenance fluid therapy.     

Effects of dobutamine on cardiovascular function and oxygen delivery in standing horses

Dobutamine is routinely used to improve cardiovascular function in anaesthetized horses. However, dobutamine in conscious horses is insufficiently investigated. Ten research horses that were already instrumented for a preceding trial were included into the study. Cardiovascular variables were recorded and blood samples taken after instrumentation (Baseline), before starting dobutamine and after 10 min of dobutamine infusion (2 µg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹). A significant increase in systemic blood pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure and right atrial pressure, and a decrease in heart rate were observed with dobutamine compared with baseline measurements. Arterial and mixed venous haemoglobin and oxygen content, as well as mixed venous partial pressure of oxygen increased. No significant changes in cardiac output, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, arterial partial pressure of oxygen, or oxygen consumption, delivery and extraction ratio were detected. Concluding, dobutamine increased systemic blood pressure without detectable changes in stroke volume, cardiac output or systemic vascular resistance in conscious horses.     

Comparison of continuous infusion with intermittent bolus administration of cefotaxime on blood and cavity fluid drug concentrations in neonatal foals

Hewson, J., Johnson, R., Arroyo, L. G., Diaz‐Mendez, A., Ruiz‐López, J. A., Gu, Y., del Castillo, J. R. E. Comparison of continuous infusion with intermittent bolus administration of cefotaxime on blood and cavity fluid drug concentrations in neonatal foals. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.  36 , 68–77. Healthy neonatal foals were treated with cefotaxime by bolus (40 mg/kg IV q6h for 12 doses; n = 10) or by infusion (loading dose of 40 mg/kg IV followed by continuous infusion of a total daily dose of 160 mg/kg per 24 h for 3 days; n = 5). Population pharmacokinetics was determined, and concentrations in cavity fluids were measured at steady state (72 h). Highest measured serum drug concentration in the bolus group was 88.09 μg/mL and minimum drug concentration (C_min) was 0.78 μg/mL at 6‐h postadministration (immediately before each next dose), whereas infusion resulted in a steady‐state concentration of 16.10 μg/mL in the infusion group. Mean cefotaxime concentration in joint fluid at 72 h was higher (P = 0.051) in the infusion group (5.02 μg/mL) compared to the bolus group (0.78 μg/mL). Drug concentration in CSF at 72 h was not different between groups (P = 0.243) and was substantially lower than serum concentrations in either group. Insufficient data on pulmonary epithelial lining fluid were available to compare the methods of administration for cefotaxime in this cavity fluid. Results support continuous drug infusion over bolus dosing in the treatment for neonatal foal septicemia to optimize time that cefotaxime concentration exceeds the minimum inhibitory concentration of common equine pathogens.     

Guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and management of systemic hypertension in dogs and cats

Consensus Statements of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) provide veterinarians with guidelines regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, or treatment of animal diseases. The foundation of the Consensus Statement is evidence-based medicine, but if such evidence is conflicting or lacking, the panel provides interpretive recommendations on the basis of their collective expertise. The Consensus Statement is intended to be a guide for veterinarians, but it is not a statement of standard of care or a substitute for clinical judgment. Topics of statements and panel members to draft the statements are selected by the Board of Regents with input from the general membership. A draft prepared and input from Diplomates is solicited at the ACVIM Forum and via the ACVIM Web site and incorporated in a final version. This Consensus Statement was approved by the Board of Regents of the ACVIM before publication.     

Preliminary evaluation of hemostasis in neonatal foals using a viscoelastic coagulation and platelet function analyzer

Objectives – To compare coagulation and platelet function parameters measured using a viscoelastic analyzer in 3 groups: foals presenting to a neonatal intensive care unit with presumed sepsis, normal foals, and adult horses. Design – Preliminary prospective trial. Setting – Veterinary teaching hospital. Animals – Ten clinically healthy foals, 13 clinically healthy adult horses, and 17 foals sequentially admitted for suspected sepsis. Intervention – A single citrated (3.8%) blood sample collected at admission was submitted for coagulation evaluation using a viscoelastic analyzer. Measurements and Main Results – Time to initial clot formation (ACT), clot rate (CR), platelet function, and time to peak parameters were collected from the signature generated with the associated software. Peak clot strength was collected manually from signature tracings. Signalment, presenting complaint, blood culture results, clinical progression, and outcome were collected from the medical record. Kruskal‐Wallis testing was used to determine differences in coagulation parameters between groups, as well as to identify any associations between coagulation variables, foal variables, and outcome. Normal foals were more likely to have increased platelet function (P=0.04) compared with normal adult horses. Prolonged ACT (P=0.004) and decreased CR (P=0.03) were associated with foals with positive blood culture. There was a trend toward prolonged ACT and increased likelihood of death (P=0.06). Conclusions – Healthy foals differ in values measured by the viscoelastic coagulation and platelet function analyzer compared with healthy adult horses. ACT and CR abnormalities were more likely to be observed in foals with positive blood cultures. The viscoelastic coagulation and platelet function analyzer may be useful in identifying early hemostasic and platelet dysfunction in critically ill foals, particularly those that are septic.     

Detection and effects on platelet function of anti-platelet antibody in mule foals with experimentally induced neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia

Horse mares carrying mule foals were immunized during the last trimester of pregnancy with whole acid-citrate-dextrose-anticoagulated donkey blood to experimentally induce neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia occurred in the neonatal mule foals born to immunized horse mares within 24 hours after ingestion of their dams' colostrum. Mule foals born to mares not immunized with donkey blood did not develop thrombocytopenia. These findings suggest that antibodies may have been directed against a donkey platelet antigen present in the mule foals but not present in their dams. The objectives of this study were to determine whether anti-platelet antibody could be detected in mule foals with experimentally induced neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, to identify any platelet proteins recognized by serum antibody in these foals, and to determine if platelet function was altered by sera from these mule foals. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated significantly higher absorption at 1:200 of platelet-bindable immunoglobulin G in serum from thrombocytopenic mule foals, compared with nonthrombocytopenic mule foals. Sera from thrombocytopenic and nonthrombocytopenic mule foals produced similar binding patterns in western immunoblots with donkey platelet proteins separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels. Maximal platelet aggregation and relative slope of aggregation in response to collagen were significantly inhibited after incubation with sera from thrombocytopenic mule foals. These results suggest that mule foals with induced alloimmune thrombocytopenia have serum antibodies that bind to platelets and may compete with collagen binding sites to impair platelet aggregation.     

Effects of intravenous xylazine hydrochloride on blood glucose, plasma insulin and rectal temperature in neonatal foals

The effects of intravenous xylazine hydrochloride on blood glucose, plasma insulin and rectal temperature were investigated in six foals at 10 and 28 days of age. These variables were also measured in three foals at 19 days of age when saline alone was injected. Rectal temperature fell significantly after 30 mins in both groups of xylazine treated foals and was still depressed after 120 mins. Hypothermia did not occur in the saline control group. There was no significant change in blood glucose or plasma insulin concentrations during the 120 mins following either xylazine or saline administration and no significant differences between the three groups of foals. When foals were allowed to suckle after being away from their dams for 2 h, there was a significant (P less than 0.01) rise in plasma insulin levels in all the groups. Blood glucose showed a concomitant rise but this was only significant in the saline group. Unlike adults, intravenous xylazine (1.1 mg/kg) does not produce hypoinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia in foals. This study suggests that the inhibition of insulin release from pancreatic beta-cells by xylazine, which in adults is alpha 2-adrenoceptor mediated, is immature or absent in foals under one month of age.     

Effects of manipulating intrauterine growth on post natal adrenocortical development and other parameters of maturity in neonatal foals

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) impairs post natal adaptive responses and is associated with increased adrenocortical activity in many species. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a restricted or enhanced intrauterine environment affects neonatal adaptation and adrenocortical function in horses. METHODS: Embryos from large (577 kg) Thoroughbred (TB) mares were transferred to smaller (343 kg) pony (P) mares and vice versa, to create a restricted (TB-in-P, n = 11) or enhanced (P-in-TB, n = 8) intrauterine environment. Control groups (TB-in-TB, n = 8; P-in-P, n = 7) were also included. RESULTS: Thirty foals were born live at full term (range 314-348 days) and 4 (3 TB-in-P, 1 P-in-TB) were stillborn between 275 and 335 days. TB-in-P foals were significantly (P<0.05) lighter than TB-in-TB, but heavier than P-in-P foals. TB-in-P foals took longer to first stand and suck and some had fetlock hyperextension and low (<4 g/l) plasma immunoglobulin G concentrations. Other foal groups showed normal behavioural responses. Haematological parameters were normal in all 4 groups of foals. Plasma ACTH levels were high at birth and plasma cortisol concentrations increased after delivery and returned to baseline within 6 h post partum in all but the TB-in-P foals, which had elevated levels until 48 h post partum. Plasma cortisol concentrations increased in all groups following exogenous ACTH administered on Days 1 and 5 postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: The TB-in-P foals showed IUGR and impaired post natal adaptive responses with basal hypercortisolaemia. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Foals born following IUGR may require clinical assistance in the early post natal period, but appear mature with respect to adrenocortical function.     

Effects of dopamine infusion on cardiac and renal blood flows in dogs

In veterinary medicine, dopamine is currently being administered clinically by infusion for treatment of kidney disorders at low doses (< or = 3 microg/kg/min) and for assessment of hemodynamics at high doses (> or = 5 microg/kg/min). However, since high doses of dopamine cause peripheral vasoconstriction due to its effect on alpha adrenoceptors, high doses have no longer been recommended. The present study was conducted to explore possible regimens for the use of dopamine infusion in dogs. The regional (renal and cardiac) blood flow for 60 min was measured by using colored microspheres at three doses (3, 10 and 20 microg/kg/min) of dopamine infusion in healthy anesthetized mongrel dogs. The effects on kidney and peripheral hemodynamics at each dose and the resultant cardiac output, mean arterial blood pressure and total peripheral resistance were determined. Renal blood flow increased markedly at 3 microg/kg/min dopamine. Improvement in hemodynamics indicated by marked increase in cardiac blood flow, cardiac output and mean arterial blood pressure and decreased total peripheral resistance was observed at higher doses (10 and 20 microg/kg/min). At 10 microg/kg/min, in addition to the satisfactory increase in cardiac blood flow, there was also a stable satisfactory increase in renal blood flow. However, at 20 microg/kg/min, increased myocardial oxygen consumption (manifested by marked increased in cardiac output), arrythmia and irregular increase in renal blood flow were detected. This study suggests that the clinical use of dopamine infusion in dogs could be safely expanded to moderately higher doses.     

Effects of inflammation-associated acute-phase response on hepatic and renal indices in the horse

Objectives To determine the effect of an acute soft tissue inflammatory response on biochemical and haematological indices of hepatic and renal function in the Thoroughbred horse.
Procedure Soft tissue inflammation was induced in four Thoroughbred horses by intramuscular injections of Freunds complete adjuvant. The horses were clinically examined and blood and urine samples were collected before and after the adjuvant injections. Biochemical and haematological indices were measured in samples collected and used to determine the onset of the acute-phase response and to assess hepatic and renal function at this time.
Results After adjuvant injection, significant increases (P< 0.01) in total white (13.1 ± 1.4 times 10⁹/L) and neutrophil (10.2 ± 1.2 times109/L) cell counts, rectal temperature (39.7 ± 0.5A°C) and various plasma protein concentrations, including fibrinogen (6.6 ± 1.2 g/L), haptoglobin (1.3 ± 0.1 g/L) and total protein (88.1 ± 2.7 g/L), indicated the induction of an acute-phase response. This corresponded with significant reductions (P< 0.01) in the plasma elimination half-lives (t½β) sodium bromo-sulphthalein (3.13 ± 0.05 to 2.82 ± 0.07 min) and sodium sulphanilate (38.29 ± 4.04 to 19.60 ± 5.68 min) and reductions in the plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase, gluta-mate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase; the urinary creatinine clearance ratios of sodium, chloride and potassium; and the urinary gamma glutamyl transferase-to-creatinine clearance ratios. (All values mean ± SD.)
Conclusions The effects of the acute-phase response on indices of hepatic and renal function in the horse suggest that the disposition of pharmacological agents administered at this time may be altered and that indices of acute inflammation should be interpreted cautiously.     

日粮中果寡糖对奶山羊血清生化指标、抗氧化指标及免疫机能的影响

为研究奶山羊日粮中果寡糖添加水平对血清主要生化指标、抗氧化指标及免疫机能的影响,试验选用体况良好、体重相近的8月龄崂山奶山羊4只,采用4×4拉丁方试验设计。对照组饲喂基础饲粮;Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组为试验组,分别添加含0.8%、1.2%及1.6%(以有效含量计)不同水平果寡糖的试验日粮。试验共分为4期,每期35 d,其中预试期7 d,正试期28 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,试验Ⅱ组血清中总蛋白及高密度脂蛋白的含量分别提高9.46%(P0.05)和8.15%(P0.05),尿素氮和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量分别降低6.15%和13.33%(P0.05),1.6%果寡糖组尿素氮和总胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量分别降低5.69%(P0.05)、23.12%(P0.05)、16%(P0.05),但各试验组对球蛋白、白蛋白、甘油三酯、谷草转氨酶及谷丙转氨酶无显著影响。试验Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组丙二醛含量在14 d与28 d与对照组差异均显著(P0.05)。试验28 d时,试验Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性分别比对照组提高12.71%(P0.05),13.72%(P0.05)。果寡糖能显著提高山羊血清碱性磷酸酶及IgA、IgG含量(P0.05),对溶菌酶及IgM无显著影响。结果提示,饲料中添加果寡糖能在不损伤机体肝脏和心脏的前提下起到良好的降血脂作用,促进机体蛋白质和氨基酸的合成,促进血清IgA、IgG和IgM的分泌,其中以1.2%的添加量为最佳。