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.
Circulating fatty acid profiles in response to three levels of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in horses. Fatty acids of the n-3 type confer health benefits to humans and other species. Their importance to equine physiology could include improved exercise tolerance, decreased inflammation, and improved reproductive function. The circulating fatty acid profile and the acquisition and washout of fatty acids in response to n-3 supplementation were determined for horses in the current study. A fatty acid supplement high in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid was fed to deliver EPA plus DHA at 0 (control), 10, 20, or 40 g/d to 16 mares (n = 4/group) for 28 d. Plasma was collected at -...
Pharmacokinetics of tramadol in horses after intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration. Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic drug that has been used clinically for the last two decades to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in humans. The present study investigated tramadol administration in horses by intravenous, intramuscular, oral as immediate-release and oral as sustained-release dosage-form routes. Seven horses were used in a four-way crossover study design in which racemic tramadol was administered at 2 mg/kg by each route of administration. Altogether, 23 blood samples were collected between 0 and 2880 min. The concentration of tramadol and its M1 metabolite were ...
Effects of long-term oral administration of levothyroxine sodium on serum thyroid hormone concentrations, clinicopathologic variables, and echocardiographic measurements in healthy adult horses. To determine the effects of long-term oral levothyroxine sodium (L-T(4)) administration on serum thyroid hormone concentrations, thyroid gland function, clinicopathologic variables, and echocardiographic examination measurements in adult euthyroid horses. Methods: 6 healthy adult mares. Methods: Horses received L-T(4) (48 mg/d) orally for 48 weeks. Every 4 weeks, physical examinations were performed; blood samples were collected for CBC, plasma biochemical analyses, and assessments of serum total triiodothyronine (tT(3)) and thyroxine (tT(4)) concentrations. Plasma creatine kinase MB activity ...
Hypertension and insulin resistance in a mixed-breed population of ponies predisposed to laminitis. To determine the metabolic phenotype of a group of laminitis-prone ponies when at pasture in summer, compared with when at pasture in winter. Methods: 40 ponies of various breeds predisposed to recurrent pasture-associated laminitis and 40 unaffected control ponies. Methods: Body condition score and size of the crest of the neck were assessed, blood samples obtained, and blood pressure measured by use of an indirect oscillometric technique, while ponies were kept on winter pasture (last week of November or beginning of December) and again on summer pasture (June). Serum insulin concentration a...
Seroprevalence of equine babesiosis in the Black Sea region of Turkey. The prevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi was determined in equid blood samples in five provinces of the Black Sea region of Turkey by using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Of 153 samples, 53 (34.6%) and 33 (21.5%) were seropositive to B. caballi and T. equi, respectively. In addition, 8 (5.2%) of samples were seropositive to both T. equi and B. caballi. Anti T. equi and B. caballi antibodies were detected in all five regions. The prevalence of B. caballi was higher than T. equi in all counties. Antibodies to T. equi and B. caballi were detected in horses of all ages,...
Apoptosis and antioxidant status are influenced by age and exercise training in horses. Eight mature (12 +/- 2 yr; MAT) and 5 older (22 +/- 2 yr; OLD) Standardbred mares were used to test the hypothesis that aging and exercise training would alter apoptosis in white blood cells and antioxidant status. The horses were housed indoors overnight (16 h/d) in 3 m x 3 m stalls and were turned out in a drylot during the day. They were fed a diet consisting of total mixed ration, hay cubes fed ad libitum or an equine senior diet plus grass hay. Horses were trained for 20 to 30 min/d, 3 to 5 d/wk for 8 wk at a submaximal work intensity between 60 to 70% of maximal heart rate. A graded exer...
Effect of repeated administration of oxytocin during diestrus on duration of function of corpora lutea in mares. To determine whether IM administration of exogenous oxytocin twice daily on days 7 to 14 after ovulation blocks luteolysis and causes prolonged function of corpora lutea (CL) in mares. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: 12 mares. Methods: Beginning on the day of ovulation (day 0), jugular blood samples were collected every other day until day 40 for determination of progesterone concentration. On day 7, mares (n = 6/group) were treated with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control group) or oxytocin. Beginning on day 7, control mares received 3 mL of sterile saline solution every 12 hours, IM, a...
Prevalence of Setaria equina microfilaraemia in horses in Hungary. Peripheral blood samples were collected randomly from 195 horses in various parts of Hungary, and the presence of microfilariae was evaluated by the Knott technique. On the basis of morphological identification 18 of the horses (9.2 per cent) were infected with Setaria equina, and the infection was confirmed in 10 animals by pcr and sequencing. The level of microfilaraemia was between 1 and 1138 larvae in 2 ml of blood. There was no correlation between the time of sampling or the sex of the animals (stallions versus mares) and the prevalence of infection, but the prevalence decreased with age....
Effects of intramuscular administration of acepromazine on palmar digital blood flow, palmar digital arterial pressure, transverse facial arterial pressure, and packed cell volume in clinically healthy, conscious horses. To determine the magnitude and duration of effects of acepromazine administered intramuscularly (IM) on digital and systemic hemodynamic variables in clinically healthy horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Healthy adult horses (n=12). Methods- An ultrasonic Doppler flow probe was surgically implanted around the medial palmar digital artery before the study. Catheters were inserted in the transverse facial artery, lateral palmar digital artery, and jugular vein. A treatment group (n=6) was administered 0.04 mg/kg body weight of acepromazine IM; control horses (n=6) were administered an...
Changes in gas composition and acid-base values of venous blood samples stored under different conditions in 4 domestic species. The effect of storage temperature and time on blood gas and acid-base values has been investigated intensively in cattle and dogs; however, data are lacking in other species. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in gas composition and acid-base values in venous blood stored at different temperatures and for different times in 4 domestic species in Italy. Methods: Blood samples from Comisana sheep (n = 10), Maltese goats (n = 10), Ragusana donkeys (n = 10), and Thoroughbred horses (n = 10) were analyzed after storage at 23 degrees C (room temperature) for 15 minutes (group I)...
Diagnostic real-time PCR assay for the quantitative detection of Theileria equi from equine blood samples. We developed a TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the quantitative detection of Theileria equi from the in vitro-cultured parasite and field blood samples collected from horses living in Ghana and Brazil. The detection limit for the assay was determined to be 1.5 parasites/microl per sample, and the quantitative capacity was demonstrated using the in vitro-cultured parasite. For field applications, the real-time PCR assay was compared to a previously established nested PCR assay used as the gold standard for the real-time PCR assay. Of 65 field blood samples, 46 samples...
Assessment of exercise-induced alterations in neutrophil function in horses. To evaluate the effects of a standardized exercise test to exhaustion in horses on leukocyte function ex vivo. Methods: 6 Thoroughbred geldings. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from each horse before exercise; at exhaustion (termed failure); and at 2, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise to evaluate hematologic changes, rate of leukocyte apoptosis, and leukocyte production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) ex vivo. To assess leukocyte function, leukocyte ROS production in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, zymosan, and phorbol myristate acetate was evaluated....
Follicular and steroid hormone changes in Arabian mares in the postpartum period. In this study, the aim has been to characterize the profiles of progesterone, estradiol and follicular changes during postpartum period from parturition to first postpartum ovulation. Jugular venous blood was taken daily for progesterone and estradiol assay until first postpartum ovulation. The diameters of the follicles of the ovaries were recorded. The mean progesterone and estrogen concentrations markedly decreased (p<0.05) during the 48h after parturition. No correlation was observed between estradiol concentrations and the diameter of the largest follicle whereas a negative correlation wa...
Seroprevalence and risk factors for infection with West Nile virus in Saskatchewan horses, 2003. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) infection of horses in Saskatchewan in 2003 and to identify risk factors for the infection. Blood samples were collected in August and October from 212 horses in 20 herds in 5 geographic zones. After accounting for within-herd clustering, the proportion of horses that had been infected with WNV, as determined by IgG and IgM antibody response, was 55.7% (95% confidence interval, 44.9% to 65.8%). The proportion of antibody-positive horses differed among herds (0% to 100%) and across ecoregions (20%...
Blood glucose in horses with acute abdominal disease. Hyperglycemia in critically ill humans is associated with increased glucose production and insulin resistance and is associated with death. This might also be true in horses presenting with acute abdominal disease. Objective: Throughout hospitalization, hyperglycemia will be common in adult horses presenting with acute abdominal disease. Hyperglycemia will be associated with a worse prognosis for survival to hospital discharge. Methods: Two hundred sixty-nine adult horses with acute abdominal disease. Methods: Observational retrospective study. Records were reviewed for 269 horses that had glu...
Evaluation of serum osteocalcin and CTX-I in Ardenner horses with special reference to juvenile interphalangeal joint disease. The first aim of this study was to establish a profile of age-related normal serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) in Ardenner horses. For this first part, blood samples from 49 healthy Ardenner horses were collected. The second aim was to study two biochemical markers of bone metabolism, OC and a carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), in 30 young Ardenner horses during 1 year. Amongst them, 17 showed lesions of juvenile degenerative joint disease in the distal forelimbs. A specific radioimmunoassay for equine OC was used to measure the serum concentration of...
Passive transfer of Theileria equi antibodies to neonate foals of immune tolerant mares. Equine babesiosis, a tick transmitted haemoprotozoan disease caused by Theileria equi is globally distributed and responsible for heavy economic losses to the equine husbandry. Equids reared in endemic areas usually pick up infection at an early age and become immune tolerant throughout their life span. We studied the level of passively transferred antibodies in neonate foals born from pre-immuned mares. Latently T. equi infected pre-immuned pony and donkey mares (three each) were selected and T. equi antibody titres in neonates was monitored till 90 days post foaling (DPF) by applying Dot-ELI...
Pharmacokinetics of gallium maltolate after intragastric administration in neonatal foals. To determine the pharmacokinetics of gallium maltolate (GaM) after intragastric administration in healthy foals. Methods: 6 healthy neonatal foals. Methods: Each foal received GaM (20 mg/kg) by intragastric administration. Blood samples were obtained before (time 0) and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after GaM administration for determination of serum gallium concentrations by use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Results: Mean +/- SD pharmacokinetic variables were as follows: peak serum gallium concentration, 1,079 +/- 311 ng/mL; time to peak serum concentra...
Flow cytometric probing of mitochondrial function in equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The morphopathological picture of a subset of equine myopathies is compatible with a primary mitochondrial disease, but functional confirmation in vivo is still pending. The cationic dye JC-1 exhibits potential-dependent accumulation in mitochondria that is detectable by a fluorescence shift from green to orange. As a consequence, mitochondrial membrane potential can be optically measured by the orange/green fluorescence intensity ratio. A flow cytometric standardized analytic procedure of the mitochondrial function of equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells is proposed along with a critical...
Short-term effects of energy changes on plasma leptin concentrations and glucose tolerance in healthy ponies. To determine whether plasma leptin concentrations and glucose tolerance are affected by changes in energy balance, nine healthy Shetland ponies were fed at 140% followed by 75% of their maintenance requirements for 13 days in each of the two periods. Bodyweight was recorded every three days. Blood samples were taken every two days and analysed for leptin and cortisol. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on day 7 of each period. Serial blood samples were analysed for glucose and insulin. Although bodyweight was not affected, plasma leptin concentrations increased (P<0.001) initially...
Evaluation of a turbidimetric immunoassay for measurement of plasma IgG concentration in foals. To validate a turbidimetric immunoassay (TIA) for measurement of plasma IgG concentrations in foals. Methods: 36 foals. Methods: Blood samples were collected from foals before suckling and at 12 and 24 to 36 hours after birth. Plasma IgG concentrations were determined via a commercial single radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay. By use of goat anti-equine IgG antiserum and a spectrophotometer, a TIA was developed to measure plasma and serum IgG concentrations; the percentage light transmission was calibrated against RID assay-determined IgG concentrations. Assay repeatability and effects of seri...
Rapid phase adjustment of melatonin and core body temperature rhythms following a 6-h advance of the light/dark cycle in the horse. Rapid displacement across multiple time zones results in a conflict between the new cycle of light and dark and the previously entrained program of the internal circadian clock, a phenomenon known as jet lag. In humans, jet lag is often characterized by malaise, appetite loss, fatigue, disturbed sleep and performance deficit, the consequences of which are of particular concern to athletes hoping to perform optimally at an international destination. As a species renowned for its capacity for athletic performance, the consequences of jet lag are also relevant for the horse. However, the duration...
Lack of systemic absorption of lidocaine from 5% patches placed on horses. To measure concentrations of lidocaine serum after application of two 5% patches on horses. Methods: Prospective experimental trial Methods: Six client-owned, systemically healthy horses. Methods: The hair was clipped on the medial aspect above the carpus of both fore limbs and 2 patches of 5% lidocaine were applied within 30 minutes of jugular catheter placement and the area was then bandaged. Venous blood was drawn from a jugular vein catheter that was inserted using lidocaine as a local block. Samples were drawn immediately before and at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours after patch application. The...
Estimation of heritability and genetic correlation for behavioural responses by Gibbs sampling in the Thoroughbred racehorse. Genetic variation of the behaviour of racehorses is one of the major concerns for racehorse breeders. In this study, the heritabilities of behavioural responses to the inspections of conjunctiva, auscultation and blood sampling and the genetic correlations among them were estimated in the Thoroughbred racehorse. The estimation was done with Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling based on the univariate or bivariate threshold animal models. The behavioural responses were scored with four categories at the first entrance quarantine in Miho Training Center of Japan Racing Association from 1993 to ...
Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of ketamine and norketamine after racemic ketamine or S-ketamine administration in Shetland ponies sedated with xylazine. The pharmacokinetics of ketamine and norketamine enantiomers after administration of intravenous (IV) racemic ketamine (R-/S-ketamine; 2.2 mg/kg) or S-ketamine (1.1 mg/kg) to five ponies sedated with IV xylazine (1.1mg/kg) were compared. The time intervals to assume sternal and standing positions were recorded. Arterial blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 13 min after ketamine administration. Arterial blood gases were evaluated 5 min after ketamine injection. Plasma concentrations of ketamine and norketamine enantiomers were determined by capillary electrophoresis and wer...
Effects of syringe type and storage temperature on results of blood gas analysis in arterial blood of horses. Results of arterial blood gas analysis can be biased by pre-analytical factors, such as time to analysis, syringe type, and temperature during storage. However, the acceptable delay between time of collection and analysis for equine arterial blood gas remains unknown. Objective: Dedicated plastic syringes provide better stability of arterial blood gases than multipurpose plastic syringes. Methods: Eight mares, 1 stallion, and 1 gelding, ages 3 to 10 years old. Methods: Arterial blood samples were collected in a glass syringe, a plastic syringe designated for blood gas collection, and a multipu...
Serum bile acids concentrations in healthy and clinically ill neonatal foals. Reference ranges for serum bile acids (SBA) concentration are well established in healthy adult horses. Increased values are indicative of hepatic disease. Objective: SBA concentrations are significantly greater in the neonatal period compared with mature horses, and illness in the neonatal period will further increase SBA. Methods: Ten healthy mature horses, 12 healthy foals, and 31 clinically ill foals. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study. Blood samples were obtained once from the mature horses, from healthy foals immediately after birth, at 2 days, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks of a...
Glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to mechanical or thermal processed barley in horses. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different barley processing techniques on the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses in horses. It was hypothesized that the changes in pre-caecal starch digestibility caused by barley processing would affect metabolic responses. Six horses were fed in random order: whole (WB), finely ground (FGB), steamed (SB), steam-flaked (SFB) and popped barley (PB). The total barley intake was adjusted to 630 g starch/horse/day (1.2-1.5 g starch/kg BW/day). During a 10-day stabilization period, the horses also received 6 kg grass hay/horse/day. On the bloo...
Synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation tests in healthy neonatal foals. Cosyntropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH]) stimulation tests are used to evaluate adrenal function. Low-dose ACTH stimulation tests are the most accurate method for diagnosing relative adrenal insufficiency in critically ill humans but have not been evaluated in foals. Objective: Peak serum cortisol concentrations in healthy foals will not be significantly different after intravenous administration of 1, 10, 100, and 250 microg of cosyntropin. Methods: 14 healthy neonatal foals, 3-4 days of age. Methods: A randomized cross-over model was used in which cosyntropin (1, 10, 100, or 250 micr...
Changes in arterial, mixed venous and intraerythrocytic concentrations of ions in supramaximally exercising horses. Horses experience major perturbations in acid-base balance during supramaximal exercise. Ion movement in and out of erythrocytes (RBCs) is believed to be important in maintaining acid-base balance but it is unclear as to the extent to which this happens, nor how it affects single measurements of ion concentrations in arterial and venous blood. Objective: To clarify the role RBCs play in mitigating perturbations in acid-base balance during high speed exercise in horses, and to describe associated differences in arterial (a) and mixed venous (v) concentrations of key ions. Methods: Six exercise-...