Topic:Blood Gas Analysis
Blood gas analysis in horses involves the measurement of gases and pH levels in blood to assess respiratory and metabolic function. This diagnostic tool provides information on oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as acid-base balance, which are critical for evaluating the respiratory efficiency and metabolic state of equine patients. Blood gas parameters commonly measured include partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3-), and blood pH. These measurements aid in the diagnosis and management of respiratory disorders, metabolic imbalances, and conditions affecting the horse's overall health. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodology, interpretation, and clinical applications of blood gas analysis in equine medicine.
Influence of the neuroleptanalgesic combination of etorphine and acepromazine on the horse: blood gases and acid-base balance. Respiratory function and acid-base variables were studied in Welsh Mountain ponies before and at predetermined times after the intravenous injection of Immobilon and Revivon.A marked depression of respiratory rate was accompanied by large reductions in arterial blood oxygen tension and saturation and the development of a mild respiratory acidosis following the injection of Immobilon. It was concluded that at least three factors contributed to the hypoxic hypoxia produced by Immobilon; the posture of lateral recumbency, the decrease in respiratory rate and the laboured character of the respirat...
Ventilation and cardiovascular studies during mechanical control of ventilation in horses. Eleven out of 12 horses were underventilating while breathing spontaneously during halothane anaesthesia with high arterial carbon dioxide tensions. In addition, large alveolar to arterial oxygen tension gradients were found to be present. Mechanically, controlled ventilation with an intermittent positive pressure of 20-30 cm H2O reduced arterial carbon dioxide levels to normal. The alveolar to arterial oxygen gradients did not increase and in some cases decreased. These (A - a) Po2 gradients were due mainly to true shunt of the order of 30 per cent and not to ventilation perfusion inequality....