Topic:Blood Analysis
Blood analysis in horses involves the examination of blood samples to assess various physiological and pathological conditions. This process provides insights into the health status of horses by evaluating components such as red and white blood cells, platelets, and various biochemical parameters. Blood analysis can help identify infections, anemia, metabolic disorders, and other health issues. Common tests include complete blood counts (CBC) and blood chemistry panels, which measure electrolytes, enzymes, and other substances. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore methodologies, findings, and implications of blood analysis in equine veterinary medicine.
Changes in plasma leptin concentration during different types of exercises performed by horses. Leptin is a tissue-derivative adipokine that regulates appetite, food intake and energy expenditure. It is still not clear how exercise affects plasma leptin concentration in horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of exercise intensity and duration on plasma leptin levels in working horses. A total of 38 horses were prospectively included in the study and grouped according to the type of exercise they performed: dressage (six stallions, group D), jumping (12 stallions, group J), race (12 Thoroughbred horses, six stallions and six mares, group R) and harness (10 light draft...
Progression of plasma D-dimer concentration and coagulopathies during hospitalization in horses with colic. To assess the progression of plasma D-dimer concentrations and coagulation status in horses with different types of colic. Methods: Prospective clinical observational study performed between March 2004 and September 2008. Methods: Veterinary university teaching hospital. Methods: Horses admitted and treated for colic and hospitalized for >48 hours were considered. Animals were classified by diagnosis into medical obstructive conditions (MO), surgical obstructive conditions (SO), inflammatory conditions, and ischemic lesions (IS). Methods: Three blood samples were obtained from each horse (a...
Endogenous concentrations, pharmacokinetics, and selected pharmacodynamic effects of a single dose of exogenous GABA in horses. The anti-anxiety and calming effects following activation of the GABA receptor have been exploited in performance horses by administering products containing GABA. The primary goal of the study reported here was to describe endogenous concentrations of GABA in horses and the pharmacokinetics, selected pharmacodynamic effects, and CSF concentrations following administration of a GABA-containing product. The mean (±SD) endogenous GABA level was 36.4 ± 12.5 ng/mL (n = 147). Sixteen of these horses received a single intravenous and oral dose of GABA (1650 mg). Blood, urine, and cerebrospin...
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous dexmedetomidine in the horse. The aim of the study was to describe the pharmacokinetics and selected pharmacodynamics of intravenous dexmedetomidine in horses. Eight adult horses received 5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine IV. Blood samples were collected before and for 10 h after drug administration to determine dexmedetomidine plasma concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. Data from one outlier were excluded from the statistical summary. Behavioral and physiological responses were recorded before and for 6 h after dexmedetomidine administration. Dexmedetomidine concentrations dec...
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of xylazine administered by the intravenous or intra-osseous route in adult horses. In certain situations, an alternate route for parenteral drug administration in horses may be useful. The intra-osseous (IO) route may provide a safe alternative to the intravenous (i.v.) route for administration of sedatives to horses when the i.v. route is inaccessible or undesirable. Six adult horses were administered xylazine i.v. or IO in a block-randomized crossover design. For the i.v. trial, both jugular veins were catheterized, and one was used for xylazine administration, while the other was used for blood collection. For the IO trial, one jugular vein was catheterized for blood coll...
Physiological adjustments of haematological profile during the last trimester of pregnancy and the early post partum period in mares. The aim of the study was to assess changes in some haematological parameters of periparturient mares from the last three months of pregnancy until the third week after foaling. The study was carried out on 15 healthy pregnant mares (Group A) and 7 healthy non-pregnant non-lactating mares (Group B). Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture into EDTA tubes and tested for Haematocrit (Hct), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb), Platelets (Plt) and White Blood Cell (WBC). Peripheral blood smears were also performed to assess changes in the leucocyte differential count. Group A showed...
Cardiac troponin I concentrations in horses with colic. To determine prevalence of myocardial injury in horses with colic on the basis of high concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), frequency of cardiac arrhythmias within the first 24 to 48 hours after hospital admission or surgery because of colic, and associations between high cTnI concentrations and cardiac arrhythmias, clinical course, and outcome (survival to discharge from hospital vs nonsurvival [death or euthanasia]). Methods: Prospective observational study. Methods: 111 horses with colic. Methods: Blood was drawn at admission and 12 and 24 hours after admission if horses were treate...
Rate of manual leukocyte differentials in dog, cat and horse blood samples using ADVIA 120 cytograms. Modern automated haematology instruments are capable of performing leukocyte differentials faster, cheaper and with a higher precision than the traditional 100-cell manual differential count. Thus, in human laboratories, criteria are defined for performing a manual review of the blood smear resulting in a marked reduction of manual differential counts. While common in human laboratories, this approach to reducing the number of manual differentials in veterinary laboratories is still not commonly performed. Thus, our aim was to determine the rate and causes of manual leukocyte differentials in ...
Diagnosis of subclinical equine theileriosis in center of Iran using parasitological and molecular methods. A total of 105 blood samples from healthy horses from different stables in Yazd province, center of Iran, were examined for the presence of Theileria equi infection using parasitological and molecular methods. Out of the 105 samples, the parasitological method detected T. equi infection in 5 (4.76%) cases while the PCR method gave 24 (22.86%) positive results. Age, gender and breed were not determined as risk factors for T. equi infection in this study. Since blood samples were taken from healthy animals, this implies that 22.86% of horses had subclinical theileriosis in the current study. In ...
Characterisation of the inflammatory cytokine response to anthelmintic treatment in ponies. Anthelmintic treatments have been associated with local inflammatory reactions. Since each class of anthelmintic has unique mechanisms of action affecting different subpopulations of parasites, we hypothesised that they will also induce characteristic proinflammatory responses. Objective: To determine the effect of anthelmintic class on the proinflammatory response post treatment. Methods: Ponies naturally infected with cyathostomins and other parasites after pasture grazing were left untreated or treated with representatives of 3 different classes of anthelmintics: fenbendazole (benzimidazole...
Surgical stress influences cytokine content in autologous conditioned serum. No recommendations have been made regarding the relative timing of blood collection for autologous conditioned serum (ACS) preparation and surgical procedures. Objective: 1) To identify effects of surgical stress on cytokine levels in ACS, 2) identify haematological markers for prediction of cytokine production in ACS and 3) investigate the necessity for specialised ACS containers when preparing a cytokine-rich serum. Methods: Experimental in vitro study. Methods: Blood was drawn from 15 stallions admitted for elective castration preoperatively and 22-24 h post operatively and incubated in A...
Prevalence and species of ticks on horses in central Oklahoma. Ticks are common on horses, but there is a dearth of contemporary data on infestation prevalence, predominant species, and tick-borne disease agents important in this host. To determine the species of ticks most common on horses and the prevalence of equine exposure to and infection with tick-borne disease agents, ticks and blood samples were collected from 73 horses during May, June, and July of 2010. Adult ticks were identified to species, and antibodies to Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi were identified using indirect fluorescence antibody assay, a commercial point-...
Inhibitory effect of triamcinolone acetonide on synthesis of inflammatory mediators in the equine. Glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) are widely used anti-inflammatory agents in veterinary medical practice. These drugs are considered doping agents because they mask pain and thus, increase injury potential in equine athletes. They exhibit anti-inflammatory property by binding to glucocorticoids receptor (GR) to control the transcription of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes involved in the synthesis of bioactive eicosanoids. To evaluate the role of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on concentrations of bioactive eicosanoids in equine plasma, TA (0.04 mg/kg) was intravenously administ...
Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling of intravenous buprenorphine in conscious horses. Describe the pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in horses and to relate the plasma buprenorphine concentration to the pharmacodynamic effects. Methods: Single phase non-blinded study. Methods: Six dedicated research horses, aged 3-10 years and weighing 480-515 kg. Methods: Thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds, heart and respiratory rates and locomotor activity were measured before and 15, 30, 45 & 60 minutes and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 & 24 hours post-administration of 10 μg kg(-1) buprenorphine IV. Intestinal motility was measured 1, 6, 12 & 24 hours af...
[Stress parameters and behaviour of horses in walkers with and without the use of electricity]. In order to investigate stress responses of horses in walkers with and without electricity, 12 horses were trained during 3 weeks in a horse walker with and without the use of electricity (3.7 kV). To evaluate the stress response, cortisol levels in the blood were measured, the heart rate was monitored using the Polar® system and the behaviour was evaluated. Neither the cortisol levels nor the heart rates showed any relevant statistically significant difference between horses moved in the horse walker with or without the use of electricity. The highest cortisol levels and heart rates were rec...
Prevalence and risk factors for hyperinsulinaemia in ponies in Queensland, Australia. To determine the prevalence of hyperinsulinaemia in a population of ponies in Queensland, Australia, and identify associated factors. Methods: Breeders or traders of ponies within a 100 km radius of Gatton, Queensland, were recruited for study using an internet database. Clinical and management details were obtained, including body condition score, fat deposition and history or evidence of laminitis. Blood samples were analysed for serum insulin and triglyceride concentrations and plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and leptin concentrations following short-term removal from pasture and...
Recovery of insulin sensitivity in mature horses after a 3 week course of dexamethasone therapy. Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory drug commonly used in equine medicine. Insulin sensitivity decreases with prolonged dexamethasone administration, but little information is available about the duration of this side effect after long-term treatment ends. Objective: To determine how long it takes for blood glucose, insulin and markers of insulin sensitivity to return to normal ranges after extended dexamethasone treatment has ceased. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Eight healthy, mature, mixed-breed horses received 0.04 mg/kg bwt/day oral dexamethasone for 21 days. Blood samples wer...
A pharmacokinetic/clinical approach to postulate a local action of intra-articular xylazine administration in the horse: a preliminary study. The study aims to evaluate whether the analgesic effect of intra-articular (IA) route of xylazine administered to horses following arthroscopic surgery is due to a local or a systemic action. Two connected studies were performed. In the first, 1 mg/kg b.w. of xylazine was injected IA, and blood samples were taken to assess drug systemic absorption. In addition, systemic effects of the drug (sedation, ataxia or reduction of respiratory and cardiac rate) were registered. Control horses injected with saline IA were included in the study to exclude the influence of anaesthesia in the occurrence o...
Detection and pharmacokinetics of three formulations of firocoxib following multiple administrations to horses. The use of firocoxib in horses and its ability to affect performance and potential to allow a horse to compete when it otherwise should not, necessitates establishing appropriate withdrawal time guidelines prior to performance. Objective: To describe plasma concentrations and characterise the pharmacokinetics of 3 firocoxib formulations following multiple administrations of the label dose, with respect to recommended plasma thresholds for performance horses. Methods: Balanced 3-way crossover prospective study. Methods: Nine healthy mature horses were administered firocoxib injectable solution ...
Detection of endogenous cortisol in equine tears and blood at rest and after simulated stress. To determine whether cortisol is present in equine tears at rest and during simulated stress and compare tear cortisol to serum free and total cortisol. Methods: Fourteen healthy adult horses were included. Paired tear total cortisol and serum total and free cortisol concentrations were measured with ELISA, chemiluminescent immunoassay, and ultrafiltration methodology, respectively, in 10 horses at rest once daily for five consecutive days. In an additional four horses, paired tear and serum samples were collected for cortisol measurement before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) sti...
Comparison of paired serum and lithium heparin plasma samples for the measurement of serum amyloid A in horses using an automated turbidimetric immunoassay. This study aimed to evaluate whether equine serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations could be reliably measured in plasma with a turbidimetric immunoassay previously validated for equine SAA concentrations in serum. Paired serum and lithium-heparin samples obtained from 40 horses were evaluated. No difference was found in SAA concentrations between serum and plasma using a paired t test (P=0.48). The correlation between paired samples was 0.97 (Spearman's rank P<0.0001; 95% confidence interval 0.95-0.99). Passing-Bablok regression analyses revealed no differences between paired samples. Bland-A...
Comparison of transverse facial venous sinus and jugular blood values in healthy and critically ill horses. The transverse facial venous sinus (TFVS) can be used for blood collection in horses, but information on the validity of blood values from this site is limited. Objective: To determine if packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS) and blood lactate concentrations in blood drawn simultaneously from a TFVS and jugular vein of critically ill horses are correlated and determine the effect of serial TFVS sampling on the same parameters in healthy horses. Methods: Prospective observational study. Methods: Critically ill horses had simultaneous blood samples drawn from a TFVS and jugular vein. Blood...
The effects of ergot alkaloids on the breeding stallion reproductive system. Ergot alkaloids cause a range of pathological conditions in mares. There is no evaluation of the effects of ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue on the stallion breeding soundness examination spermiogram. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue on the stallion's reproductive functions. Methods: Crossover toxicology experiment. Methods: Six stallions were fed either toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue seed or a nontoxic endophyte tall fescue seed (Flecha AR-542, MaxQ). The fescue seed content was...
Changes in salivary and plasma cortisol levels in Purebred Arabian horses during race training session. Physical activity and stress both cause an increase in cortisol release ratio. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of saliva samples for the determination of cortisol concentrations indicating the work-load level in horses during race training. Twelve Purebred Arabian horses aged 3-5 years were studied during the routine training session. After the warm-up, the horses galloped on the 800 m sand track at a speed of 12.8 m/s. Three saliva samples, and three blood samples were collected from each horse. Both types of samples were taken at rest, immediately after return from the trac...
Hematologic and biochemical profiles in Standardbred mares during peripartum. The purposes of this study were to determine physiological changes occurring in hematologic and biochemical parameters in mares between the last month of gestation and the first week after parturition. If a significant change was observed with respect to the reference interval of an adult horse, a further aim of the study was to establish different reference intervals. Blood samples were collected from 62 healthy pregnant Standardbred mares. Seventeen nonpregnant and nonlactating mares were used as a control group. In pregnant mares, blood sampling was conducted every three days from 1 month b...
Training-induced changes in clotting parameters of athletic horses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of training on prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen (Fb) concentrations in horses to assess potential adaptive response to training. Fifteen clinically healthy horses were enrolled in the present study and equally divided into three groups. Group A completed an intense training program, group B participated in a light training program, and group C included sedentary horses. After 5 weeks, group B was subjected to the same training program completed by group A and renamed group B1. Blood samples were col...
Effects of three antagonists on selected pharmacodynamic effects of sublingually administered detomidine in the horse. To describe the effects of alpha2 -adrenergic receptor antagonists on the pharmacodynamics of sublingual (SL) detomidine in the horse. Methods: Randomized crossover design. Methods: Nine healthy adult horses with an average age of 7.6 ± 6.5 years. Methods: Four treatment groups were studied: 1) 0.04 mg kg(-1) detomidine SL; 2) 0.04 mg kg(-1) detomidine SL followed 1 hour later by 0.075 mg kg(-1) yohimbine intravenously (IV); 3) 0.04 mg kg(-1) detomidine SL followed 1 hour later by 4 mg kg(-1) tolazoline IV; and 4) 0.04 mg kg(-1) detomidine SL followed 1 hour later by 0.12 m...
Pharmacokinetics and safety of firocoxib after oral administration of repeated consecutive doses to neonatal foals. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of firocoxib in neonatal foals. Seven healthy foals were administered 0.1 mg/kg firocoxib orally q24 h for nine consecutive days, commencing at 36 h of age. Blood was collected for firocoxib analysis using high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection at 0 (dose #1 only), 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after doses 1, 5, and 9. For all other doses (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8), blood was collected immediately prior to the next dose (24 h trough). Elimination samples (36, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 1...
Comparison of components of biological variation between 3 equine thromboelastography assays. There is a paucity of information about the analytical performance of thromboelastography (TEG) in horses, specifically concerning components of variation among different analytical methods. Such data may be obtained by nested analysis of repetitive standardized sampling of healthy individuals. Objective: The objectives were (1) to assess the relative susceptibility to sources of preanalytical variation in a highly standardized setting, (2) to directly compare and evaluate the observed analytical variation, and (3) to assess the applicability of population-based reference intervals. Methods: B...
Serial viscoelastic and traditional coagulation testing in horses with gastrointestinal disease. Objectives of this study were to compare the ability of serial thromboelastography, Sonoclot, and traditional coagulation panels to detect coagulopathies associated with disease category, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), complications, and nonsurvival in horses with gastrointestinal disease. Methods: Prospective clinical evaluation. Methods: University referral hospital. Methods: One hundred twenty-one horses admitted as emergencies for gastrointestinal disease and 28 healthy adult horses. Methods: Blood samples were collected ≤4 times from emergency horses (admission and if s...