Quantificação do Dímero-D plasmático em potros hígidos

Abstract

D-dimer is a product of clot fibrinolysis and is widely used in human medicine as a marker of procoagulant disorders. In equine medicine, its use has been investigated in inflammatory diseases; however, standard values in healthy animals have not yet been established, nor has the influence of variables such as age and breed been evaluated. This study aimed to identify plasma D-dimer levels in healthy Quarter Horse and Mangalarga Marchador foals. A total of 94 foals from the Triângulo Mineiro region were evaluated between October 2025 and February 2026, undergoing clinical screening, complete blood count, and biochemical analyses (creatinine, urea, AST, GGT, albumin, and CK), as well as D-dimer measurement by immunoturbidimetry. After exclusions due to clinical or laboratory abnormalities, 90 animals remained in the study. The foals were allocated into four groups according to breed and age: G1MM (0–30 days, Mangalarga Marchador; n = 22), G2MM (>30 days–1 year, Mangalarga Marchador; n = 24), G1QM (0–30 days, Quarter Horse; n = 23), and G2QM (>30 days–1 year, Quarter Horse; n = 21), and into two age-based groups: G1 (0–30 days) and G2 (>30 days–1 year). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, along with the Shapiro–Wilk test and Mann–Whitney comparisons (p < 0.05). Marked individual variability, an asymmetric distribution, and the absence of statistically significant differences between breeds or age ranges were observed, with broad overlap of interquartile ranges among groups. Hypotheses that may explain these findings include a possible greater variability in D-dimer concentration in animals up to 30 days of age as a sign of system immaturity, rather than a standardized increase or decrease in this group. In addition, any differences in neonates may be restricted to the first days of life and diluted by the inclusion of these animals in a broader group (0–30 days), suggesting rapid system development.