Determination of the acid-base status in 50 horses admitted with colic between December 1998 and May 1999.

This research investigates the acid-base status and levels of organic acids in horses suffering from different types of colic, and it shows that most of these cases are not in severe metabolic acidosis.

Objective of the Research

• The primary aim of the study was to ascertain the acid-base balance and the concentration of organic acids in the blood of horses suffering from various colic disorders.

Methodology

• Blood samples were collected from 50 horses with colic and compared with 20 control subjects. None of these subjects was administered intravenous fluids prior to sample collection.
• The colic was caused by various disorders in the horses, such as gastric ulceration, small intestinal volvulus, cecal intussusception, cecal rupture, colonic impaction, left dorsal colon displacement, right dorsal colon displacement, colonic volvulus, colitis, peritonitis, and uterine torsion.

Result of the Research

• Out of the 50 horses affected by colic, 37 recovered after receiving treatment, 8 had to be euthanized, while 5 died.
• The study discovered that most incidences did not result in severe metabolic acidosis, which is a compelling result contradicting previous researches. Earlier studies had shown that most horses brought in for colic diagnosis and treatment were typically in a state of metabolic acidosis and shock.