Abstract :
In order to provide adequate medical assistance to neonates, the extent of vitality impairment
has to be investigated through complementary exams, as well as clinical assessment.
This investigation aimed to identify the physiological changes that occur during neonatal
adaptation and to develop a clinical approach that can be performed during the first hour
of life in neonatal lambs born through vaginal eutocic labor. The neonatal vitality of 14
Santa Ines lambs was verified using the Apgar system and rectal temperature at birth and
after 5 and 60 min after birth. From the total number of neonates, 7 lambs were randomly
selected for blood gas analysis and glucose immediately at birth and 1 h after birth. The
lambs had hypoglycemia immediately after birth, as well as acidosis due to metabolic and
respiratory causes. Given their hypoxemia at birth, lambs immediately exhibit tachycardia
and tachypnea. However, neonatal lambs reached Apgar score superior than 7 after 5 min
of birth. Ovine neonates are relatively mature at birth, with adequate thermoregulation and
active mechanisms to compensate for physiological acid–base imbalances. In conclusion,
a systematic clinical examination of newborn sheep should include the implementation
of the Apgar score coupled with the confirmation of any acid–base imbalances. Further
research should evaluate neonatal adaptation to this critical period over a longer period of
time.
