Concentrations of ionized and total magnesium and calcium in healthy horses: effects of age, pregnancy, lactation, pH and sample type.
Abstract: Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) are the main divalent cations in the body. The free ionized fraction is the physiologically active form of both Mg and Ca. As ion-selective-electrode (ISE) analyzers are becoming widely used in veterinary practice it will be useful to establish reference intervals for horses. In the present study, reference intervals were established for ionized, total and the ratio of the ionized to total Mg and Ca concentrations in four horse groups: adults, neonatal foals, and pregnant and lactating mares, as well as in three sample types, whole blood, plasma and serum, using an ISE-analyzer. Sample pH effect was assessed. Concentration differences in both total and ionized cations were recorded for some measures between horse groups and different sample types. The most significant differences were recorded between neonatal foals and other groups. These results demonstrate the need to use specific reference intervals for horses of different physiologic status and in specific sample types.
Publication Date: 2008-05-07 PubMed ID: 18467135DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.03.014Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research focused on analyzing the levels of ionized and total magnesium and calcium in healthy horses, with a specific focus on the impact of factors such as age, pregnancy, lactation, pH, and the type of sample used. The study found that these factors significantly influenced magnesium and calcium levels in horse groups, emphasizing the need for unique reference intervals for horses under different physiological conditions.
Research Context and Methodology
- Magnesium and calcium, key divalent cations in the body, mainly exist in their free ionized form. These ions play a crucial role in various physiological processes.
- With the widespread use of Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) analyzers in veterinary practices, the study aimed to devise reference intervals for horses concerning ionized and total magnesium and calcium levels.
- The research involved four different horse groups: adult horses, neonates (newborn foals), pregnant mares, and lactating mares. Three different types of samples (whole blood, plasma, and serum) were used for testing.
Results and Findings
- The research found notable differences in both the total and ionized cation concentrations across the varied groups and sample types.
- The most significant variations were observed between neonatal foals and the other groups, reflecting that unique physiological stages can significantly influence these cation levels.
- Notably, the study also considered the effect of sample pH. Changing the pH of a sample can modify the proportion of ionized to total magnesium and calcium, thus impacting the accuracy of measurements.
Implications of the Study
- The findings underscore the importance of using group-specific reference intervals when assessing ionized and total magnesium and calcium levels in horses.
- Veterinary practices can benefit from this research, as it would inform decisions regarding treatment strategies, particularly when dealing with neonate horses, pregnant mares, and lactating horses.
- The study advances knowledge in equine health, contributing to more precise and tailored veterinary interventions for horses under different physiological conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
Berlin D, Aroch I.
(2008).
Concentrations of ionized and total magnesium and calcium in healthy horses: effects of age, pregnancy, lactation, pH and sample type.
Vet J, 181(3), 305-311.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.03.014 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel. berlin@agri.huji.ac.il
MeSH Terms
- Aging / physiology
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Calcium / blood
- Female
- Horses / blood
- Horses / physiology
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Lactation / physiology
- Magnesium / blood
- Male
- Pregnancy
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Katsoulos PD, Athanasiou LV, Dedousi A, Polizopoulou Z. Prediction of ionized calcium concentration based on total calcium and protein levels in cattle and sheep.. Vet Res Forum 2022;13(4):475-480.
- Sanmartí J, Armengou L, Troya-Portillo L, Robles-Guirado JÁ, Bassols A, Ríos J, Jose-Cunilleras E. Plasma-Ionized Magnesium in Hospitalized Horses with Gastrointestinal Disorders and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jun 7;12(12).
- Fradinho MJ, Mateus L, Bernardes N, Bessa RJB, Caldeira RM, Ferreira-Dias G. Growth patterns, metabolic indicators and osteoarticular status in the Lusitano horse: A longitudinal study.. PLoS One 2019;14(7):e0219900.
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