Biological variation of routine haematology and biochemistry measurands in the horse.
Abstract: Clinical pathology results are typically interpreted by referring to population-based reference intervals. The use of individualised (subject-based) reference intervals is more appropriate for measurands with a high degree of variation between individuals. Objective: To determine the biological variation of routinely analysed equine haematology and biochemistry measurands and calculate indices of individuality and reference change values which enable production of individualised reference intervals, in a group of healthy, privately owned horses. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, thirty-nine privately owned horses were sampled by jugular venipuncture for analysis of haematology and biochemistry measurands at weekly intervals for 6 weeks. Methods: Haematology was analysed on the day of collection. Serum was frozen and biochemistry analyses performed on thawed samples. Duplicate results were obtained and the coefficient of variation was calculated for analytical variation, within-subject variation and between-subject variation. The index of individuality and reference change value were derived for each measurand. Results: Haematology (red blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean cell volume) and biochemistry measurands (total protein, globulins, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase) demonstrated high individuality, indicating that individualised reference intervals are more appropriate for evaluation of these measurands. Two haematology (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and platelets) and three biochemistry measurands (chloride, glucose and sodium) had low individuality, indicating that the use of traditional population-based reference intervals is appropriate for these measurands. Remaining measurands had intermediate individuality suggesting interpretation of the reference change value should occur with consideration of the population-based reference interval. Conclusions: The use of privately owned horses, variable management and environmental factors. Conclusions: The use of individualised reference intervals is justified for many measurands in horses, supporting the use of serial sampling, consideration of biological variation and application of reference change values for improved clinical decision making and patient management in equine practice.
© 2018 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2018-10-17 PubMed ID: 30194868DOI: 10.1111/evj.13017Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research paper investigates the biological variation of routine tests carried out on healthy horses over a period of six weeks. The study focuses on individual differences rather than comparing to a standard population, in order to provide a more accurate interpretation of these tests for veterinary care.
Research Methods
- The study was conducted on a group of thirty-nine privately owned horses in a prospective cohort study design.
- Regular blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of these horses every week for a period of six weeks.
- Various tests were carried out on haematology and biochemistry measurands. For haematology, the tests were done on the day of sample collection, while for biochemistry, the serum was frozen and analyzed at a later time.
- To ensure accuracy, all tests were conducted in duplicates and different types of variation, including within subject, between subjects, and analytical variation, were calculated.
- The index of individuality and reference change value for each measurand were also calculated to determine the appropriateness of using individualized reference intervals.
Results
- The study found that for several measurands such as red blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean cell volume, total protein, globulins, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, individualized reference intervals are more appropriate for evaluation.
- However, for some measurands, including mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, platelets, chloride, glucose, and sodium, the traditional method of using population-based reference was more suitable.
- For the rest of the measurands, the research suggested an in-between approach, indicating that reference change values should be interpreted with consideration of population-based reference interval.
Conclusion
- The variable management and environmental factors of privately owned horses justify the use of individualized reference intervals for many measurands.
- Therefore, it supports the use of serial sampling, consideration of biological variation, and application of reference change values for improved clinical decision making and patient management in equine practice.
Cite This Article
APA
Wright ME, Croser EL, Raidal S, Baral RM, Robinson W, Lievaart J, Freeman KP.
(2018).
Biological variation of routine haematology and biochemistry measurands in the horse.
Equine Vet J, 51(3), 384-390.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13017 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
- Paddington Cat Hospital, Paddington, New South Wales, Australia.
- Quantitative Consulting Unit, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
- Rynachulaig Farm, Killin, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Blood Chemical Analysis / standards
- Blood Chemical Analysis / veterinary
- Cohort Studies
- Female
- Horses / blood
- Male
- Prospective Studies
- Reference Values
- Reproducibility of Results
Grant Funding
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Charles Sturt University
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Bonsembiante F, Guglielmini C, Berlanda M, Fiocco P, Biancani B, Genovese C, Bedin S, Gelain ME. Biological Variation and Reference Change Value of Routine Hematology Measurands in a Population of Managed Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).. Animals (Basel) 2023 Apr 11;13(8).
- Poškienė I, Gruodytė R, Autukaitė J, Juozaitienė V, Antanaitis R. Speed and Blood Parameters Differ between Arabian and Žemaitukai Horses during Endurance Racing.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Apr 1;11(4).
- Alamaary M, Ali A. Abortion and uterine prolapse in a Thoroughbred mare with twin pregnancy: Clinical and laboratory findings and treatment approach.. J Equine Sci 2020;31(4):95-99.
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