[Correlation between the median inspiratory and expiratory airflow and the respiratory minute volume in the horse].

The research article explores a relationship between the average strength of a horse’s breath stream during inhalation and exhalation, and the total volume of breath per minute, observing a close correlation in healthy horses, and differences in those suffering from lung diseases.

Objective of the Research

• The main objective of this research was to determine the correlation between the breath stream strength, both during inhaling (inspiratory) and exhaling (expiratory), and the breath volume per minute (respiratory minute volume) in horses.
• This study also aimed to observe how lung diseases affect these parameters.

Research Methodology

• Two separate examination groups were used in the study. The first group comprised of 41 healthy horses, while the second group included 56 horses suffering from obstructive lung diseases.
• The researchers measured the inspiratory and expiratory airflow rates, as well as the respiratory minute volume in both groups in the breath volume range of 45-200 liters per minute.

Results of the Research

• The findings of the study revealed a close linear correlation between the breath stream strength and the breath volume per minute in healthy horses, in both inspiration and expiration phases, within the chosen breath volume range.
• In contrast, in horses with obstructive lung diseases, it was found that the expiratory breath stream strength was reduced, while the inspiratory breath stream strength compensated for this decrease and increased.
• These disease-induced changes led to a deviation in the previously established relationship between inspiratory/expiratory breath stream strengths and respiratory minute volume, resulting in different values when these parameters were related to the breath volume per minute.

Conclusion of the Research

• This research successfully establishes a relationship between the breath stream strength (both during inspiration and expiration) and the breath volume per minute in horses.
• Furthermore, it offers insights into how lung diseases can alter these parameters, emphasizing the need for understanding such effects for better management and treatment of respiratory conditions in horses.