Blood viscosity in horses with colic.

The study investigates the whole blood viscosity (WBV) in horses suffering from colic and draws conclusions on the potential of WBV as a prognostic measure.

Research Methodology

The researchers conducted their experiments using a sample population of sixteen horses. These included six healthy horses, to act as the control group, and ten horses that were presented for colic surgery. The ten horses that had colic were further split into two categories. Group 1 comprised five horses that either died or were euthanized, while Group 2 consisted of five horses that were discharged after surgery and subsequent medical therapy.

All of these horses had their WBV determined using a Wells-Brookfield cone-and-plate microviscometer at a speed of 6 rpm. In order to achieve more accurate results, the researchers adjusted the WBV for packed cell volume (PCV).

Data Analysis

To make meaningful deductions from the data collected, the researchers compared the mean WBV of the three groups using analysis of variance. This was then followed by the use of Duncan multiple-range tests. Special attention was paid to groups 1 and 2 (horses suffering from colic), and their results were compared to that of the control group of healthy horses.

Research Findings

The average WBV of the healthy horses and group 2 (those that recovered) was found to be considerably lower than that of group 1 (horses that died or were euthanized). This considerable difference supported the assertion that horses that die or are euthanized have a significantly higher WBV.

It’s important to mention that these differences could be due to other factors that affect WBV, such as fibrinogen, rouleaux formation, red blood cell deformability, PaO2, or the concentration of intracellular calcium ions. Consequently, increased WBV in horses suffering from colic might signify severely compromised regional perfusion potentially leading to tissue damage.

Conclusions Derived From The Study

The primary finding of this study is that WBV might be useful as a prognostic tool for horses with colic. Notably, horses that died or had to be euthanized had a significantly higher WBV than those that survived. As such, this gives an indication that horses with higher blood viscosity are at a higher risk of death or euthanasia.