Clinical and biochemical abnormalities in endurance horses eliminated from competition for medical complications and requiring emergency medical treatment: 30 cases (2005-2006).

The research study focuses on understanding the clinical and biochemical issues in endurance horses that are eliminated from competition due to medical complications. By collecting data from 30 such cases during 2005-2006, the researchers observed that conditions like colic, esophageal obstruction, poor cardiovascular recovery, myopathy, and synchronous diaphragmatic flutter were present among these horses. The findings reveal that the prognosis for horses needing emergency veterinary treatment after being removed from endurance competition tends to be good if specific withdrawal criteria are followed.

Study Methodology

• The researchers carried out a retrospective study across a span of two years (2005-2006).
• The setup involved a temporary equine emergency field hospital where all horses eliminated from endurance competition and treated for a metabolic abnormality were studied.
• The horses were treated with intravenous fluids and painkillers.
• Monitoring of the horses involved lab work, which included packed cell volume (PCV), total protein, and electrolyte levels. They were also physically examined on multiple occasions.
• Data collected was analyzed using various statistical methods including ANOVA, Friedman’s test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Findings

• The researchers identified clinical diagnoses including colic, esophageal obstruction, poor cardiovascular recovery, myopathy, and synchronous diaphragmatic flutter in these horses.
• The horses in poor health had lower plasma chloride and potassium but had higher total plasma protein concentrations compared to ten healthy horses that successfully managed the ride.
• Horses with colic showed a lower PCV compared to horses with poor recovery and those with synchronous diaphragmatic flutter.

Conclusions

• The study concludes that horses requiring emergency veterinary treatment after being removed from endurance competition tend to have a good prognosis, provided they are withdrawn under the same criteria used in the study.
• The biochemical abnormalities were mild and did not significantly contribute in distinguishing the sick horses from the ones that succeeded in completing the endurance competition.
• None of the horses with gastrointestinal disease required abdominal surgery. All horses were taken care of medically and were returned to their owners upon discharge.