Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and are essential for various physiological functions in horses. These minerals include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, among others. Electrolytes are involved in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction, and acid-base balance in equine bodies. Imbalances or deficiencies in electrolytes can occur due to factors such as exercise, diet, or illness, affecting a horse's performance and health. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the role, regulation, and impact of electrolytes on equine physiology and performance.
Magalhaes HB, Colombo I, Spencer KM, Podico G, Canisso IF.Accurate prediction of parturition is paramount to ensuring monitoring of delivery and preventing complications. Assessing the pH and electrolytes of the mammary gland secretions (MGS) helps detect impending parturition. As conductivity is related to electrolyte concentrations and pH, it could be a useful alternative for predicting impending parturition; however, this hypothesis warrants a critical assessment. Objective: To assess the ability of conductivity, pH, and Brix in the MGS to predict parturition and to investigate their associations. Methods: Field study. Methods: The MGS of peripart...
Lapsina S, Stirn M, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Schoster A, Riond B.Acidification of equine urine to promote dissociation of ion complexes is a common practice for urine ion concentration measurements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of acidification and storage after acidification on calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphate (P) concentrations and on fractional excretion (FE) of these electrolytes. Thirty-two fresh equine urine samples were analysed between December 2016 and July 2020. Complete urinalysis (stick and sediment) was performed on all samples. Ca, Mg, P and creatinine concentrations were measured in supernatant of centrifug...
Ferlini Agne G, Kapusniak AE, Wooldridge AA, Jung SW.In this case report, a high dose of torsemide (6mg/kg, every 12 hours for 3 days followed by 12mg/kg, every 12 hours for 4 days) was administered orally to a horse with congestive heart failure (CHF) and atrial fibrillation. Blood samples for measurement of plasma torsemide concentrations were obtained one hour after each drug administration. Pharmacodynamic effects of oral torsemide were evaluated by daily physical examination, electrocardiography, and serum biochemistry. The horse tolerated administration of torsemide. A decrease in ventral oedema and venous congestion was subjectively noted...
Nogueira WA, Ferreira Padilha FG, Angelo Luiz M, da Silva Salomão N, Monteiro Fonseca AB, Reis Ferreira AM.This study aimed to analyze effect of physical exercise in hemogasometric and electrolytic profiles of young Mangalarga Marchador horses beginning training for gait competitions. Six Mangalarga Marchador gaited horses with 6 months of training were evaluated. The ages ranged from three and a half to five years and included four stallions and two mares, with mean (±S.D.) body weight of 435±30Kg. Venous blood samples were collected from the horses, rectal temperature and HR were measured before and immediately after the gait test, and blood samples were used for hemogasometric and laboratory a...
Fielding CL, Deane EL, Major DS, Mayer JR, Love JC, Peralez MS, Magdesian KG.The addition of calcium to resuscitation fluids is a common practice in horses, but studies evaluating the effects of calcium supplementation are limited. In healthy horses, decreases in heart rate and changes in serum electrolyte concentrations have been reported. Objective: Calcium gluconate administration at a rate of 0.4 mg/kg/min to eliminated endurance horses with metabolic problems will affect heart rate, gastrointestinal sounds, and serum electrolyte concentrations. Methods: Endurance horses eliminated from the Tevis Cup 100-mile (160 km) endurance ride for metabolic problems and req...
Ake AS, Ayo JO, Aluwong T, Mohammed A.Melatonin is a hormone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may alleviate the effects of stress on hematologic and biochemical analytes in working donkeys that pack (load-carry). Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin administration on hematologic and biochemical responses in donkeys subjected to packing during the hot-dry season. We also examined its effects on circadian rhythms. Methods: Ten male Nubian pack donkeys with (Packing + Melatonin; P + M) and without melatonin (Packing-Melatonin; P-M) administration were included. Blood samples were colle...
Ayo JO, Ake AS, Abimbola AA.The study aimed to evaluate effects of packing (load-carrying) and trekking on hematological and biochemical parameters in donkeys during the hot-dry season. Ten pack donkeys, aged 2-3 years, weighing 93 ± 2.7 kg were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into two groups of five animals each. Group 1 donkeys were subjected to packing + trekking while group 2 trekked only. All the donkeys trekked 20 km thrice, 1-day apart. Blood was collected before and after packing or trekking for hematological evaluation; and serum analyzed for electrolyte concentrations, and aspartate aminotransfera...
Waller AP, Lindinger MI.Oral electrolyte supplementation may influence acid-base state during exercise due to the intestinal absorption of administered water and electrolytes used to mitigating sweat losses. This study examined the effect of pre-exercise electrolyte supplementation (3 and 8 L) on plasma acid-base variables at rest, during moderate intensity exercise and during recovery. It was hypothesized that electrolyte supplementation will result in improved acid-base state compared to the alkalosis typical of prolonged exercise. In randomized crossover fashion, four horses were administered 3 L or 8 L of a hypot...
Lindinger MI.Horses that sweat for prolonged periods lose considerable amounts of water and electrolytes. Maintenance of hydration and prevention of dehydration requires that water and electrolytes are replaced. Dehydration is common in equine disciplines and can be avoided, thus promoting equine wellness, improved performance and enhanced horse and rider safety. Significant dehydration occurs through exercise or transport lasting one hour or more. Oral electrolyte supplementation is an effective strategy to replace water and electrolytes lost through sweating. The stomach and small intestine serve as a re...
Melo UP, Palhares MS, Ferreira C, Leme FOP, Gheller VA.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the total parenteral nutrition associated with glutamine, enteral fluid therapy with or without glutamine, and fluid therapy on the acid-base and electrolyte balance of horses starved after exploratory laparotomy. Sixteen healthy male and female adult horses of mixed breed, aged between 4 and 14 years, and having a mean body weight of 248.40 ± 2.28 kg and a body score index of 3-4 (scale of 1-5) were divided into four groups with four animals per group. After an adaptation period of 30 days, they were randomly divided into four experimental groups: ...
Enke N, Brinkmann L, Südekum KH, Tholen E, Gerken M.Horses lose high amounts of Na through excessive sweating. These fluid losses can often not be replaced completely by voluntary water intake, requiring saline solutions as rehydration therapy to regain electrolyte balance. The experiment aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and tolerance of Shetland ponies towards different Na concentrations in their drinking water and contained three phases: (1) control: only fresh water provided; (2) pairwise-preference test: choice between fresh water and saline solution with stepwise increasing sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1...
Fielding CL, Magdesian KG.To evaluate changes in electrolyte concentrations and hydration status that take place in endurance horses prior to the start of a competition and determine whether these changes would be associated with elimination. Methods: 19 horses entered in the 2016 Tevis Cup 100-Miles (160 km) One-Day Western States Trail Ride. Methods: Heparinized blood samples were collected at 5 time points: prior to transport to the ride (T0), during check-in the day before the ride (T1), 1 to 2 hours before the start of the ride (T2), at the 15-km mark (T3), and at the 55-km mark (T4). Packed cell volume and plasma...
Dias DCR, Ribeiro Filho JD, Viana RB, Bittencourt TCC, Dantas FTDR, Teixeira RBC, Di Filippo PA, Manso Filho HC, Alves SR, Santos PVM, Moreira NS.Continuous flow enteral fluid therapy with isotonic and hypotonic enteral electrolyte solutions are as safe and effective as intravenous fluid therapy. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative assessment between continuous flow enteral and intravenous (IV) fluid therapy in adult experimentally dehydrated horses. Six experimentally dehydrated adult mares were used in a study carried out in a 6 × 3 crossover design, which each animal received three different treatments (isotonic enteral fluid therapy-EsISO, hypotonic enteral fluid therapy-EsHYPO and intravenous fluid therapy with La...
Waller AP, Lindinger MI.Exercise results in rapid and large extracellular to intracellular fluid shifts, as well as significant sweating losses of water and ions. It is unknown whether ions within oral electrolyte supplements are taken up by muscle (and other soft tissues) and whether oral supplementation can effectively offset sweating losses. Pre-loading with 8 L of a balanced hypotonic electrolyte supplement attenuated extracellular fluid losses, increased exercise duration and increased sweating fluid and ion losses during submaximal exercise. Supplemented electrolytes appear in skeletal muscle within 1 h after...
Schumacher SA, Kamr AM, Lakritz J, Burns TA, Bertone AL, Toribio RE.Intravenous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is used in equine practice to treat hypomagnesemia, dysrhythmias, neurological disorders, and calcium dysregulation. MgSO4 is also used as a calming agent in equestrian events. Hypercalcemia affects calcium-regulating hormones, as well as plasma and urinary electrolytes; however, the effect of hypermagnesemia on these variables is unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of hypermagnesemia on blood parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT), ionized calcium (Ca2+), ionized magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-) ...
Frączkowska K, Trzebuniak Z, Żak A, Siwińska N.The reference values of the serum and urine biochemical parameters have not been well-studied in donkeys. This study aimed to assess the normal values of the selected renal biomarkers, such as: serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, total protein (TP), electrolytes and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), urine protein concentration (UPC), urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR), the urine gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGTP)-to-creatinine ratio, serum creatinine-to-urine creatinine ratio (sCr/uCr), serum BUN-to-serum creatinine ratio (sBUN/sCr) and UPC-to-TP ratio, as well as the frac...
Loomes K.Aerosolized salbutamol has been associated with hypokalemia in horses undergoing colic surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerosolized salbutamol on arterial potassium concentration ([K +]) in healthy anaesthetized horses undergoing elective surgery. Anesthetic records were reviewed from healthy adult horses undergoing elective surgery over a 3-year period with two complete sets of arterial electrolyte (sodium [Na +], potassium [K +], chloride [Cl -], calcium [Ca 2+]) concentration measurements. Records were excluded if intra-operative electrolyte supplementation...
Magalhaes HB, Canuto LEF, Canisso IF.The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the usefulness of serial assessment of mammary gland electrolytes concentrations and correspondent pH to detect impending parturition in jennies; and (ii2) the associations between mammary gland secretions, and gestation length, foal sex, maternal, placental, and foal birth weights. Multiparous jennies (n = 37) were monitored daily from 350 to 355 days of gestation until parturition. The pH of mammary gland secretions was assessed daily with a hand-held device. Aliquots of mammary secretions were frozen daily and then retrospectively assesse...
Wellard L, Medyk K, Pearson W.Feed additives that accelerate gastrointestinal transit time may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic. Previous research has demonstrated significant stimulatory effect of a hemp-based nutraceutical product (Gs Formula; GF) on contractility of gastric smooth muscle and gastrin production in vitro. Objective: To quantify effects of GF on indicators of GIT transit time and tight junction proteins. Methods: Randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study. Methods: Eight Standardbreds were administered 200 plastic beads by nasogastric tube before (base...
Lindinger MI, Waller AP.What is the central question of this study? What are the mechanisms by which equine sweat glands transport sodium, potassium and water into sweat? What is the main finding and its importance? The flux of sodium into sweat does not have an active transport component, the flux of potassium into sweat is partially dependent on an active transport mechanism, and there is no evidence for paracellular transport. In two series of experiments, this study used radioactive sodium (Na ) and potassium (K ) to trace the net flux, and calculate the unidirectional fluxes, of these ions from extracellular flu...
Bernick A, Nieth J, Wehrend A.Uroperitoneum is a typical disease in newborn foals. An accumulation of urine develops in the abdominal cavity in consequence to a congenital or acquired leakage in the urinary tract. Colts are more frequently affected than fillies. The most common cause of uroperitoneum is a rupture of the dorsal urinary bladder wall. The urinary bladder is affected in 73.1 %, the urachus in 21.6 % and the ureter in 5.2 % of cases. Typical clinical signs occur 2-5 days postpartum, and encompass reduced general condition, abdominal distention, mild colic symptoms and unphysiologic micturition. Ultrasou...
Gomez DE, Buczinski S, Darby S, Palmisano M, Beatty SSK, Mackay RJ.Use of different analyzers to measure electrolytes in the same horse can lead to different interpretation of acid-base balance when using the simplified strong ion difference (sSID) approach. Objective: Investigate the level of agreement between 2 analyzers in determining electrolytes concentrations, sSID variables, and acid-base disorders in sick horses. Methods: One hundred twenty-four hospitalized horses. Methods: Retrospective study using paired samples. Electrolytes were measured using a Beckman Coulter AU480 Chemistry analyzer (PBMA) and a Nova Biomedical Stat Profile (WBGA), respectivel...
Del Prete C, Lanci A, Cocchia N, Freccero F, Di Maio C, Castagnetti C, Mariella J, Micieli F.Blood collection by indwelling intravenous catheter (IVC) avoids repeated venipuncture, which could cause thrombophlebitis risk, anxiety and pain in patients. Objective: To compare blood gas parameters, electrolytes, glucose, lactate and haematocrit concentration obtained from venous blood samples collected via a jugular IVC by push-pull (PP) technique to those obtained by venipuncture in hospitalised foals, at the time of catheter placement (T0) and 24 hours after the beginning of intravenous therapy (T24). Methods: Prospective observational study. Methods: Paired blood samples were drawn fr...
Kopper JJ, Bolger ME, Kogan CJ et al. Outcome and complications in horses administered sterile or non-sterile fluids intravenously. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33: 2739–2745 DIE INTRAVENöSE VERABREICHUNG VON LöSUNGEN DIENT ZUR ERHALTUNG ODER WIEDERHERSTELLUNG DES FLüSSIGKEITSVOLUMENS IN DEN GEFäßEN UND DER GEWEBEDURCHBLUTUNG. SIE IST ENTSCHEIDEND BEI DER BEHANDLUNG VON PFERDEN MIT ERKRANKUNGEN, DIE EINE HYPOVOLäMIE ZUR FOLGE HABEN. ZU DEN TYPISCHEN INDIKATIONEN GEHöREN EIN HOHER GASTROINTESTINALER WASSERVERLUST, EINE EINGESTELLTE WASSERAUFNAHME BZW. EINE NICHT TOLERIERTE ENTERALE FLüSSIGK...
Schumacher SA, Toribio RE, Scansen B, Lakritz J, Bertone AL.The objectives of this study were to describe pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes as a result of a single intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO ) to healthy horses. MgSO is a magnesium salt that has been used to calm horses in equestrian competition and is difficult to regulate because magnesium is an essential constituent of all mammals. Six healthy adult female horses were administered a single intravenous dose of MgSO at 60 mg/kg of body weight over 5 min. Blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected, and cardiovascular parameters were monitor...
Changoor A, Garon M, Quenneville E, Bull SB, Gordon K, Savard P, Buschmann MD, Hurtig MB.We aimed to demonstrate that electroarthrography (EAG) measures streaming potentials originating in the cartilage extracellular matrix during load bearing through electrodes adhered to skin surrounding an articular joint. Equine metacarpophalangeal joints were subjected to simulated physiological loads while (1) replacing synovial fluid with immersion buffers of different electrolyte concentrations and (2) directly degrading cartilage with trypsin. An inverse relationship between ionic strength and EAG coefficient was detected. Compared to native synovial fluid, EAG coefficients increased ( &l...
Lundström T, Lingström P, Wattle O, Carlén A, Birkhed D.The role of saliva composition and dietary sugar in development of infundibular caries in equine cheek teeth is not fully understood. This study analysed electrolyte and urea concentrations in saliva in relation to different forage and measured pH changes after sucrose application in vivo in sound and carious cheek teeth. Results: Forage type had no effect on the equine saliva electrolyte concentrations, which varied considerably both intra- and inter-individually. Chewing resulted in increased values for all electrolytes except bicarbonate. Compared with stimulated human saliva, horse saliva ...
Freeman DE, Mooney A, Giguère S, Claire J, Evetts C, Diskant P.Measurements of water consumed by fed healthy horses might not apply to horses that are unwilling or unable to drink or are not fed for any reason. Objective: To examine the effects of feed deprivation on voluntary water consumption compared with fed conditions. Methods: In vivo experiment. Methods: Eight healthy adult Thoroughbred geldings were used in a randomised crossover design so that each horse served as its own control for fed vs feed-deprived conditions. Water intake, bodyweight, physical findings and vital signs were measured during 4 days of feeding and 4 days of feed deprivation....
Kirsch K, Sandersen C.Early recognition and management of acid-base, fluid, and electrolyte disorders are crucial for the maintenance of health and performance in equine athletes. Objective: To analyze changes in acid-base and electrolyte status associated with exercise during cross-country competitions at different levels using traditional and quantitative approaches. Methods: Thirty-eight eventing horses. Methods: Prospective observational study. Jugular venous blood samples were collected before and after the cross-country test of 25 international eventing competitions ranging from 2-star (formerly 1-star) to 5-...
Duncan NB, Johnson PJ, Crosby MJ, Meyer AM.Limited research has characterized blood chemistry in healthy stock-type foals. Our objectives were to determine foal serum chemistry and hematology changes during the first 72 hours postnatal and compare these with adult horse reference ranges. Over 3 foaling seasons, serum chemistry and hematology were determined for 16 healthy stock-type foals born to similarly managed mares. Blood was collected at 0 hours (before nursing but after standing, within 85 minutes of birth) and 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after initial sampling. Data were analyzed with sampling hour, year, and their interact...
Lindholm A, Piehl K.LINDHOLM, ARNE and KARIN PIEHL: Acta vet. scand. 1974, , 287–309. — Measurements of metabolites, electrolytes, water, RNA and protein concentrations, the activity of certain muscle enzymes (SDH and PFK) and muscle fibre composition were made on biopsy specimens from the gluteus medius muscle of 68 standardbred horses, ½ to 8 years old. The muscle fibres were classified in 3 major categories, slow twitch (ST), fast twitch and high oxidative (FTH) and fast twitch (FT) fibres. The percentage of FTH fibres was higher after the age of 4 years, averaging 54 %. ST fibres comprised 24 % and this...
Shaw SD, Stämpfli H.Acute, infectious, diarrhea in adult horses is a major cause of morbidity and is associated with numerous complications. Common causes include salmonellosis, clostridiosis, Coronavirus, and infection with Neorickettsia risticii (Potomac horse fever). Treatment is empirical and supportive until results of specific diagnostic tests are available. Supportive care is aimed at restoring hydration, correcting electrolyte imbalances, and limiting the systemic inflammatory response. The mainstays of therapy are intravenous fluid therapy, electrolyte supplementation where necessary, nonsteroidal anti-i...
Peiró JR, Borges AS, Gonçalves RC, Mendes LC.To compare results reported for blood gas partial pressures, electrolyte concentrations, and Hct in venous blood samples collected from cattle, horses, and sheep and analyzed by use of a portable clinical analyzer (PCA) and reference analyzer (RA). Methods: Clinically normal animals (24 cattle, 22 horses, and 22 sheep). Methods: pH; Pco(2); Po(2); total carbon dioxide concentration; oxygen saturation; base excess; concentrations of HCO(3)(-), Na(+), K(+), and ionized calcium; Hct; and hemoglobin concentration were determined with a PCA. Results were compared with those obtained for the same bl...
Jansson A, Dahlborn K.The effect of feeding frequency and voluntary sodium intake (VSI) on fluid shifts and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were studied at rest and after exercise in six athletic horses. The horses were fed twice a day (2TD) and six times a day (6TD) for 25 days for each protocol, according to a changeover design. VSI was measured by weighing each horse's salt block daily. Feeding 2TD or 6TD caused no major alterations in fluid shifts, but in the 2TD treatment there was a postprandial increase in plasma protein concentration and osmolality that lasted <1 h. PAC and VSI were not affected b...
Toribio RE, Kohn CW, Hardy J, Rosol TJ.Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia are common in horses with sepsis and endotoxemia. We hypothesize that endotoxemia triggers a systemic inflammatory response that results in hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) administration to healthy horses on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), ionized calcium (Ca2+) and total calcium (tCa), ionized magnesium (Mg2+) and total magnesium (tMg), phosphate (Pi), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), and insulin concentrations, and on the urinary excretion of these electro...
Robert C, Goachet AG, Fraipont A, Votion DM, Van Erck E, Leclerc JL.Limited information exists about the physiological training-induced changes in electrolyte balance of horses competing in long distance endurance races. Objective: To determine the effects of endurance training and racing on hydration and electrolyte balance in horses. Methods: Blood and urine were sampled at rest in 8 endurance horses before training and after two 11 week training periods (T1 and T2). Each training was followed by a 120 km endurance ride and horses were sampled before, during and 2 h after the rides. Blood was analysed for packed cell volume (PCV), total protein (TP), urea, c...
Lopes MA, White NA, Crisman MV, Ward DL.To assess changes in systemic hydration, concentrations of plasma electrolytes, hydration and physical properties of colonic contents and feces, and gastrointestinal transit in horses with access to large amounts of grain. Methods: 6 horses with right dorsal colon (RDC) fistulas. Methods: In a crossover design, horses were alternately fed 1 of 3 diets: orchard grass hay ad libitum after being adapted to this diet for at least 5 days, orchard grass hay ad libitum and 4.55 kg of grain offered every 12 hours after being adapted to orchard grass hay ad libitum for at least 5 days, or orchard grass...
Picandet V, Léguillette R, Lavoie JP.Corticosteroids are currently the most effective drugs for the control of 'heaves' in horses. However, there is limited information concerning the comparative efficacy and tolerability of the various corticosteroids when used for treatment. Objective: To compare the therapeutic and side effects of isoflupredone acetate to those of dexamethasone. Methods: A parallel design to compare the effects of 2 corticosteroids by evaluating lung function, serum cortisol and electrolyte concentrations, response to ACTH stimulation and haematology sequentially during a 14 day control period (no treatment), ...
Shivaram A, Bose S, Bandyopadhyay A.The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the extent of mechanical degradation on TiO2 nanotubes on Ti with and without nano-particulate silver coating using two different lengths of TiO2 nanotubes-300nm and ~1µm, which were fabricated on commercially pure Titanium (cp-Ti) rods using anodization method using two different electrolytic mediums-(1) deionized (DI) water with 1% HF, and (2) ethylene glycol with 1% HF, 0.5wt% NH4F and 10% DI water. Nanotubes fabricated rods were implanted into equine cadaver bone to evaluate mechanical damage at the surface. Silver was electrochemical...
The Journal of physiologyJune 1, 1966
Volume 184, Issue 3 646-656 doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1966.sp007937
Alexander F.1. Saliva flowed from the horse's parotid duct only during mastication.2. The surface-active local anaesthetic administered by mouth inhibited salivary secretion.3. Salivary secretion was stimulated by pilocarpine and inhibited by atropine.4. The volume and composition of saliva secreted in 24 hr from one parotid duct was determined.5. The concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and bicarbonate depended upon the rate of flow. The highest concentrations of these electrolytes were observed during periods of high flow rates.6. Horse parotid saliva contained a high concentration of c...
Vivrette S, Cowgill LD, Pascoe J, Suter C, Becker T.Acute renal failure in a 4-day-old foal secondary to oxytetracycline toxicosis was treated by hemodialysis. Oxytetracycline had been administrered as treatment for forelimb flexor tendon contracture. Conservtive treatment with fluids, furosemide, and dopamine partially alleviated serum electrolyte concentration imbalances, but was ineffective in promoting diuresis or decreasing azotemia. Three hemodialysis treatments over 4 days were administered, after which the clinical appearance of the foal improved, and biochemical and electrolyte values returned to within reference ranges. The nephrotoxi...
Ferraz GC, Soares OA, Foz NS, Pereira MC, Queiroz-Neto A.This study was designed to consider the complexity of the physical effort inherent to horses in polo competitions and the absence of reports in the literature on the effort, intensity and electrolyte changes resulting from a collective team training session aimed at preparing for a polo championship. Objective: To determine the effort and ion changes caused by an outdoor polo training match for a 25 goal handicap (elite) based on physiological variables including acid-base status (venous pH, PCO(2) and HCO(3)(-)), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), lactate, glucose, sodium, chloride a...
Toribio RE, Kohn CW, Rourke KM, Levine AL, Rosol TJ.To determine effects of experimentally induced hypercalcemia on serum concentrations and urinary excretion of electrolytes, especially ionized magnesium (iMg), in healthy horses. Methods: 21 clinically normal mares. Methods: Horses were assigned to 5 experimental protocols (1, hypercalcemia induced with calcium gluconate; 2, hypercalcemia induced with calcium chloride; 3, infusion with dextrose solution; 4, infusion with sodium gluconate; and 5, infusion with saline [0.9% NaCl] solution). Hypercalcemia was induced for 2 hours. Dextrose, sodium gluconate, and saline solution were infused for 2 ...
Viu J, Jose-Cunilleras E, Armengou L, Cesarini C, Tarancón I, Rios J, Monreal L.Acid-base disturbances are traditionally assessed using the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. The simplified strong ion approach describes more accurately the complex acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities present in endurance horses. Objective: To describe acid-base and electrolytes changes in fit horses competing in a FEI*** 120 km endurance race and to compare the traditional vs. strong ion approaches. Methods: Thirty horses were initially enrolled in the study. Venous blood samples were obtained before the race (n = 25), at the second (n = 29; 65.4 km) and third vet-gates (n = 23, 97.4 km) a...
Masri MD, Merritt AM, Gronwall R, Burrows CF.Developmental changes of the gastrointestinal tract were probably responsible for the changes in faecal composition during the first week of the foals' life, which resembled small intestinal ingesta of adult horses, suggesting a minimal colonic modification. Faecal composition at the time of foal heat diarrhoea was suggestive of a secretory-type diarrhoea, in that the electrolyte concentration accounted for most of faecal osmolality and the faecal pH was alkaline. After foal heat diarrhoea faecal composition slowly approached that of adult horses. These data suggest that foal heat diarrhoea is...
Flaminio MJ, Rush BR.In horses, fluid losses of 10L to 15L per hour can occur during endurance exercise under hot environmental conditions. The horse's sweat is hypertonic with respect to plasma, and large amounts of sodium, chloride and potassium are lost during prolonged exercise. Horses that reach exhaustive syndrome often show pronounced increases in plasma protein concentration. This could be an indication of failure of the compensatory fluid shift from the intracellular compartment caused by severe dehydration. Thorough physical examination by the ride veterinarian allows early recognition of dehydration and...
Kirsch K, Detilleux J, Serteyn D, Sandersen C.Portable blood gas analyzers are used to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to disturbances of acid-base and electrolyte balance in the ambulatory care of equine patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether 2 portable analyzers produce results in agreement with a stationary analyzer. Blood samples from 23 horses hospitalized for various medical reasons were included in this prospective study. Blood gas analysis and electrolyte concentrations measured by the portable analyzers VetStat and epoc were compared to those produced by the cobas b 123 analyzer via conco...
Lester GD, Merritt AM, Kuck HV, Burrow JA.Intravenous (IV) and intragastric (IG) administration of fluid therapy are commonly used in equine practice, but there are limited data on the systemic, renal, and enteric effects. Objective: IV fluid administration will increase intestinal and fecal hydration in a rate-dependent manner after hypertonic dehydration, but will be associated with significant urinary water and electrolyte loss. Equivalent volumes of IG plain water will result in comparatively greater intestinal hydration with less renal loss. Methods: Six Thoroughbred geldings. Methods: Experimental study. 6 by 6 Latin square desi...
Antosiewicz J, Porschke D.Hemoglobins from normal human cells, from sickle cells, and from horse were investigated by electrooptical methods in their oxy and deoxy forms. The reduced linear dichroism measured as a function of the electric field strength demonstrates the existence of permanent dipole moments in the range of 250-400 Debye units. The reduced limiting dichroism is relatively small (< or = 0.1); it is negative for hemoglobin from sickle cells and positive for the hemoglobins from normal human cells and from horse. The dichroism decay time constants are in the range from about 55 to 90 ns. Calculations of th...
Azarpeykan S, Dittmer KE, Gee EK, Marshall JC, Elder P, Acke E, Thompson KG.A study was conducted to determine the circadian rhythms and trends of vitamin D metabolites including 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 , 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 , 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone, in addition to serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in horses over 48 h on the shortest and longest days of the year in 2013. Five healthy adult horses (Equus caballus) were on a constant pasture feeding regimen, and blood samples were collected from each horse every 3 h over a 48-h period, starting at 07:00 PM on day one and finishing at 07:00 PM on day three, for the measurem...
Navarro M, Monreal L, Segura D, Armengou L, Añor S.The purpose of this study was to compare traditional and quantitative approaches in analysis of the acid-base and electrolyte imbalances in horses with acute gastrointestinal disorders. Venous blood samples were collected from 115 colic horses, and from 45 control animals. Horses with colic were grouped according to the clinical diagnosis into 4 categories: obstructive, ischemic, inflammatory, and diarrheic problems. Plasma electrolytes, total protein, albumin, pH, pCO2, tCO2, HCO3-, base excess, anion gap, measured strong ion difference (SIDm), nonvolatile weak buffers (A(tot)), and strong io...
Agar C, Gemmill R, Hollands T, Freeman SL.The aim of the study was to determine which types of nutritional supplements were used in dressage and eventing horses, and the reasons that owners used supplements. An online questionnaire was distributed through British Eventing and Dressage websites, to collect data on demographics of owners and their horses, supplements used and their opinion on health and performance problems. Data were evaluated using descriptive analysis, Sign and Fisher's exact tests for quantitative data, and categorisation of qualitative data. In total, 599 responses met the inclusion criteria (441 dressage and 158 e...
Stämpfli HR, Schoster A, Constable PD.Profiles from serum biochemical analyzers include the concentration of strong electrolytes (including l-lactate), total carbon dioxide (tCO2 ), and total protein. These variables are associated with changes in acid-base balance. Application of physicochemical principles may allow predicting acid-base balance from serum biochemistry without measuring whole blood pH and pCO2 . Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine if the acid-base status of critically ill horses could be accurately predicted using variables included in standard serum biochemical profiles. Methods: Two jugular veno...
Kablack KA, Embertson RM, Bernard WV, Bramlage LR, Hance S, Reimer JM, Barton MH.Historical, physical and diagnostic data were reviewed retrospectively in 31 equine neonates with uroperitoneum. Gender predilection was not observed, and classic electrolyte abnormalities were seen in less than 50% of the cases. Aetiologies for uroperitoneum have been well described, but this review found that septicaemia/severe illness played a crucial role the outcome of uroperitoneum. Approximately half the individuals with uroperitoneum had positive sepsis scores. Foals receiving fluid therapy were more likely to be septic and to have normal electrolyte concentrations. Ultrasonographic fi...
Lopes MA, White NA, Donaldson L, Crisman MV, Ward DL.To assess changes in systemic hydration, concentrations of electrolytes in plasma, hydration of colonic contents and feces, and gastrointestinal transit in horses treated with IV fluid therapy or enteral administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), sodium sulfate (NaSO4), water, or a balanced electrolyte solution. Methods: 7 horses with fistulas in the right dorsal colon (RDC). Methods: In a crossover design, horses alternately received 1 of 6 treatments: no treatment (control); IV fluid therapy with lactated Ringer's solution; or enteral administration of MgSO4, Na2SO4, water, or a balanced e...
Pantaleon LG, Furr MO, McKenzie HC, Donaldson L.Small-volume resuscitation (SVR) has been advocated in place of large-volume isotonic resuscitation for the treatment of endotoxemia in horses. The effects of this type of therapy during experimental endotoxemia on electrolytes and coagulation have not been evaluated in the horse. As part of a larger project, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of SVR (hypertonic saline solution [HSS] plus hetastarch [HES]) on coagulation and serum electrolytes concentration, and to compare SVR with large- and small-volume isotonic resuscitation during experimental endotoxemia in anestheti...
Freeman DE, Mooney A, Giguère S, Claire J, Evetts C, Diskant P.Measurements of water consumed by fed healthy horses might not apply to horses that are unwilling or unable to drink or are not fed for any reason. Objective: To examine the effects of feed deprivation on voluntary water consumption compared with fed conditions. Methods: In vivo experiment. Methods: Eight healthy adult Thoroughbred geldings were used in a randomised crossover design so that each horse served as its own control for fed vs feed-deprived conditions. Water intake, bodyweight, physical findings and vital signs were measured during 4 days of feeding and 4 days of feed deprivation....
Kohn CW, Hinchcliff KW, McKeever KH.To determine whether body temperature of horses exercised in hot, humid conditions and then repetitively washed with cold water will decrease more rapidly than that of horses that are not washed, and to determine whether washing with cold water has deleterious effects on horses. Methods: 5 physically fit Thoroughbred mares, 3 to 10 years old. Methods: Horses were exercised on a high-speed treadmill in hot (31.1+/-0.3 C), humid (relative humidity, 77.7+/-2%) conditions. Exercise was terminated when pulmonary artery temperature reached 41.5 C. Values for pulmonary artery, rectal, and left glutea...
Dabareiner RM, White NA.The cecum is an important site of water and electrolyte absorption, as well as microbial digestion of soluble and insoluble carbohydrates. These functions of the cecum and ascending colon require that ingesta be mixed constantly and retained long enough to complete the digestion of cellulose. Parasites, changes in regional blood flow, diet, and various pharmacologic agents are associated with alterations in normal cecal motility patterns.
Ecke P, Hodgson DR, Rose RJ.Sodium, potassium and water balance, and measurements of acid-base status, haematocrit, packed cell volume and plasma total protein, were studied in four adult standardbred geldings following castor oil induced diarrhoea. Castor oil (2 mL kg-1) administration resulted in signs consistent with mild to moderate acute colitis. The total (combined faecal and urinary losses) losses of sodium and potassium ions were 2169 and 2864 mmol, respectively. Faeces constituted the major route for sodium loss, while urine was the major route for potassium loss at all times. Faecal dry matter potassium concent...
