Alterations in blood viscosity in horses competing in cross country jumping.
Abstract: Packed cell volume and plasma total protein (TP), serum albumin (Alb) and globulin (Glb), and plasma ionized calcium (PCa) concentrations, blood viscosity (BV), and plasma viscosity (PV) were measured in 42 horses at rest and after the cross country jumping phase of a horse trial competition. The BV and PV were determined at 6 shear rates (230, 115, 46, 23, 11.5, 5.75 s-1), using a digital rotational cone and plate microviscometer. A paired t-test was used to determine differences between PCV, TP, Alb, Glb and PCa values at rest and after exercise. The PCV, TP, Alb, and Glb values increased (P < 0.05) in horses after exercise. The PCa concentration decreased (P < 0.05) in horses after exercise. Mean BV and PV in the 42 horses at rest and after exercise were fitted to an asymptotic function. Significant (P < 0.05) correlation at all shear rates was seen between BV at rest and PCV, TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa values at rest; and between BV after exercise and PCV, TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa values after exercise. Significant correlation was not seen between PV at rest and TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa at rest, or between PV after exercise and TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa concentrations after exercise at any shear rate.
Publication Date: 1994-03-01 PubMed ID: 8192264
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research study shows that there are significant changes in blood viscosity, protein levels and ionized calcium concentrations in horses after cross-country jumping. These physiological alterations could influence performance and health of the animals.
Research Design and Methodology
- The study involved 42 horses that were subjected to cross-country jumping.
- The researchers measured packed cell volume (PCV), plasma total protein (TP), serum albumin (Alb) and globulin (Glb), plasma ionized calcium (PCa) concentrations, blood viscosity (BV), and plasma viscosity (PV) in these horses at rest and after the competition.
- The blood viscosity was determined at six different shear rates using a microviscometer.
- A paired t-test was utilized to identify differences in the values of PCV, TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa at rest and after exercise.
Key Findings
- The values of PCV, TP, Alb, and Glb increased significantly in the horses after exercising. This implies that cross-country jumping led to cellular changes in the blood composition.
- The concentration of plasma ionized calcium (PCa) decreased significantly in the horses after exercising, indicating changes in minerals and electrolytes due to exercise.
- A significant correlation was seen between blood viscosity at rest and PCV, TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa values at rest; and also between blood viscosity after exercise and these same parameters after exercise. This suggests an association between blood density and blood components.
- However, no significant correlation was found between plasma viscosity and TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa both at rest and after exercise. This reveals that blood and plasma viscosity may not be influenced by the same factors.
Conclusion
- The study’s findings demonstrate significant changes in blood viscosity and composition in horses after exercise.
- Understanding these physiological changes can play a key role in developing effective training programs and maintaining equine health.
Cite This Article
APA
Sommardahl CS, Andrews FM, Saxton AM, Geiser DR, Maykuth PL.
(1994).
Alterations in blood viscosity in horses competing in cross country jumping.
Am J Vet Res, 55(3), 389-394.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Rural Practice, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37901-1071.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Blood Proteins / metabolism
- Blood Viscosity
- Blood Volume
- Calcium / blood
- Female
- Horses / blood
- Male
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Rest
- Serum Albumin / metabolism
- Serum Globulins / metabolism
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