Latest Test in Company’s Vcheck Equine Line Checks Immune Level of
Neonatal Foals Quickly
BIG LAKE, MINN. (November 8, 2023) — Bionote USA, manufacturer of quantitative, point-of-care veterinary analyzers and biomarker tests, has developed a new foal immunoglobulin G (IgG) test as part of its Vcheck product line’s expansion into equine care.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a protein used by the immune system to neutralize pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Neonatal foals do not begin to produce this important defense themselves until after they have been exposed to antigens, and protective concentrations may not be reached until they are two months old. As foals depend on transfer of IgG through ingestion of mare’s colostrum, foals that do not consume an adequate amount of IgG through a mare’s colostrum within the first 24 hours of its life are vulnerable to severe infections such as septicemia or those in the respiratory tract.
Although there are several screening tests for foals in the marketplace, they can take up to 24 hours to process. This new Vcheck screening test allows for immediate intervention with administration of antibodies, plasma or commercial products if IgG levels are found to be insufficient. In just 5 minutes, the Vcheck foal IgG test can analyze a 10 µl sample of whole blood or 5 µl sample of serum or plasma to provide quantitative results on a foal’s IgG counts. This can be used to assess a foal’s immune level and monitor it serially, as well as evaluating the quality of a mare’s colostrum after foaling.
“IgG testing is crucial during the most vulnerable time in a horse’s life,” says Randy Knick, president of Bionote USA. “We are excited to provide this option to help deliver immediate results to equine veterinarians for their best quality of care.”
This new quantitative biomarker test joins the Vcheck line of in-clinic, quantitative analyzers and tests, including the newly added equine SAA and equine progesterone tests to further enhance horse care.
Bionote’s line of quantitative diagnostic products, including the foal IgG test, are currently available in the U.S. and Canada.
Bionote will exhibit at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Annual Convention in San Diego, November 29 – December 3, 2023. To learn more about Bionote USA and the Vcheck line of analyzers and tests, or to place an order, contact Bionote sales through the company website www.bionote.com.