Determination of red blood cell potassium content in horses with diarrhoea: a practical approach for therapy.

This study investigated the concentration of potassium in the red blood cells of 15 horses suffering from severe diarrhea, and how it was used to determine proper therapy for their condition.

Objective and Methodology

• The research aimed to determine the concentration of potassium in the red blood cells (RBC) of 15 horses with severe diarrhea.
• The researchers used the RBC potassium content (RBCK+) measurements compared with levels from healthy horses to estimate each sick horse’s total body potassium deficit.

Research Findings

• The researchers found that compared with healthy horses, the RBCK+ was lower in horses with diarrhea.
• This decrease in RBCK+ allowed the researchers to estimate the total body potassium deficit in the sick horses.
• The calculated deficit was then used to determine the amount of orally administered potassium to give each horse, following each RBCK+ determination.

Application and Impact of Findings

• The results showed that in horses that recovered, the RBCK+ content returned to normal levels. Furthermore, any refill of the RBC with potassium only occurred gradually as long as the diarrhea persisted.
• The study revealed that oral loading of the horses with the calculated potassium deficit led to an improvement in their general condition without any observable side effects.
• The study, therefore, underscores the importance of using RBCK+ levels as a valuable diagnostic tool and parameter for the effective therapeutic management of horses with severe diarrhea.

Future Implications

• This research suggests potential implications for the management of other diseases and conditions that affect the potassium levels in horses and potentially other animals.