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Changes in electrolyte concentrations and hydration status in endurance horses following transport and an overnight stay prior to competition.
Abstract: To evaluate changes in electrolyte concentrations and hydration status that take place in endurance horses prior to the start of a competition and determine whether these changes would be associated with elimination. Methods: 19 horses entered in the 2016 Tevis Cup 100-Miles (160 km) One-Day Western States Trail Ride. Methods: Heparinized blood samples were collected at 5 time points: prior to transport to the ride (T0), during check-in the day before the ride (T1), 1 to 2 hours before the start of the ride (T2), at the 15-km mark (T3), and at the 55-km mark (T4). Packed cell volume and plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, urea nitrogen, glucose, bicarbonate, and total protein concentrations were determined and compared across time points and between finishers and nonfinishers. Results: Signif icant differences were detected among plasma sodium, potassium, and urea nitrogen concentrations measured prior to the start of the ride (ie, T0, T1, and T2). For all variables except chloride and bicarbonate concentrations, significant differences were detected between values obtained prior to the start of the ride and values obtained during the ride (ie, T3 and T4). Only bicarbonate concentration at the 15-km mark of the ride was significantly associated with finishing status. Conclusions: Results suggested that significant changes in plasma sodium, potassium, and urea nitrogen concentrations can occur in endurance horses during transport to a competition and when horses are stabled overnight before an event. Additionally, a lower bicarbonate concentration following a steep climb early during the ride was associated with subsequent elimination.
Publication Date: 2021-11-26 PubMed ID: 34727066DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.20.11.0193Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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This study examines the impact of travel and an overnight stay on electrolyte concentrations and hydration in endurance horses before a competition, and explores any correlation between these changes and chances of elimination. The research was conducted on 19 horses participating in the 2016 Tevis Cup 100-Miles (160 km) One-Day Western States Trail Ride.
Methods
- Blood samples from the horses were collected at five different points in time: before transport to the venue (T0), at check-in the day before the event (T1), 1-2 hours before the start of the race (T2), at the 15-km mark (T3), and at the 55-km mark (T4).
- The research team evaluated several factors in these samples, which included the packed cell volume, plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, urea nitrogen, glucose, bicarbonate, and total protein concentrations.
- After analysis, the changes in these parameters across different time points and between finishers and non-finishers of the race were compared.
Results
- The study found significant differences in plasma sodium, potassium, and urea nitrogen levels before the race began (T0, T1, and T2).
- Differences were also noted in all variables excluding chloride and bicarbonate, in values taken before the race and those taken during the race (T3 and T4).
- The only measure that was found to have a significant link with the horse’s chances of finishing the race was the bicarbonate concentration at the 15-km mark. Horses with lower bicarbonate levels after a steep early climb were more likely to be eliminated from the race.
Conclusion
- The study suggests that significant changes in plasma sodium, potassium, and urea nitrogen levels can happen in endurance horses during transport to a competition and while the horses are stabled overnight before the event.
- Notably, lower bicarbonate levels post initial steep climb were found to be linked with a higher chance of a horse being eliminated from the event.
Cite This Article
APA
Fielding CL, Magdesian KG.
(2021).
Changes in electrolyte concentrations and hydration status in endurance horses following transport and an overnight stay prior to competition.
Am J Vet Res, 82(12), 1026-1031.
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.20.11.0193 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- From the Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center, Penryn, CA 95663 (Fielding); and Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616 (Magdesian).
- From the Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center, Penryn, CA 95663 (Fielding); and Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616 (Magdesian).
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Electrolytes
- Horses
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