Changes in blood constituents accompanying exercise in polo horses.

The research study investigated the biochemical changes in blood samples taken from 18 polo horses before, immediately after, and following a short rest period after intense exercise. The findings concluded that these changes are similar to those observed in racehorses and horses performing prolonged exercise, with the high plasma lactic acid and alkalemia presence, which suggests that polo horses can be used as models for further study of this condition.

Introduction

• The study indicates that while there have been several studies conducted on biochemical changes in horses performing intense or prolonged exercise, the changes occuring in polo horses have not been well documented.
• The objective of this research was to analyze the blood components with respect to lactic acid, proteins, various mineral ions, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and pH in the sampled polo horses both before and after engaging in exercise.

Methods

• A total of 18 polo horses were involved in the study. Blood samples from these horses were obtained at rest, immediately after playing 2 chukkers, equating to periods of polo, and following a 15-minute rest period.
• These samples were further analyzed for the aforementioned blood components.

Results

• Investigations revealed that samples taken immediately after polo playing indicated key increases in components such as lactic acid, protein, sodium, hemoglobin, and pH, while reductions were seen in chloride, calcium, PCO2, and HCO-3 concentrations.
• Furthermore, it was noticed that following the 15-minute rest period, a significant decrease in potassium was observed.
• Physiological responses like pulse rate and respiration rate were also significantly increased in the samples taken immediately post-exercise.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that these changes resemble those reported in intense exercise performing horses, like racehorses, and also in some aspects parallel to those reported for horses performing prolonged or endurance exercises.
• Importantly, it was highlighted that polo horses, facing high plasma lactic acid levels but with alkalemia, could be utilized as model subjects for future studies regarding this condition.