24-hour renal clearance and excretion of endogenous substances in the mare.

The research investigates the 24-hour renal clearance and excretion rates of endogenous substances such as electrolytes and proteins in healthy mares. Urine samples were collected and analyzed, and the study provides valuable measurements and insights for the average excretion and clearance rates of various important substances.

Objective of the Study and Methodology

• The primary aim of this research was to study and understand the renal clearance and excretion levels of different endogenous substances, including electrolytes and protein, in healthy adult mares over a period of 24 hours.
• Detailed urine samples from 6 healthy adult mares were collected within a specified environment. The mares were acclimated within a stall environment for 2 days before the collection, where they were fed sweet feed and mixed grass hay, and were given unrestricted access to water and trace mineral salt.
• During the 24-hour urine collection period, the mares were crosstied within their stalls, within reach of hay, salt, and water. Urine was collected using indwelling Foley catheters, which allowed for constant flow and more accurate 24-hour urine production measurements.

Findings of the Study

• The 24-hour urine production was found to range between 7,649 to 11,904 ml/day, with a mean value of 9,212 ml/day. The urinary excretion and clearance of various substances were determined from pooled and mixed samples of this 24-hour urine.
• The mean values of urinary excretion and clearance of various electrolytes were determined. These included sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), and creatinine (Cr).
• Additionally, the study also determined the average fractional excretion of electrolytes, which is an indicator of how much portion of a substance filtered by the kidney is eventually excreted in the urine.
• The average clearances for sodium, potassium, chloride, and phosphorous were also calculated. The average endogenous Cr clearance, which is an important measure of how well the kidneys are filtering out waste products from the body, was also determined.

Significance of the Study

• This study provides valuable measurements and insights into the renal clearance and excretion rates of important endogenous substances in healthy adult mares.
• The study’s data can be used as a reference in veterinary healthcare and research, to understand normal renal function and to detect potential abnormalities or diseases in mares.