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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2011; 27(1); 129-147; doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.12.010

Disorders of calcium and phosphate metabolism in horses.

Abstract: Calcium and phosphate have structural and nonstructural functions, and their concentrations in the extracellular compartment are affected by the physiologic status of the animal as well as diseases. Important progress in understanding calcium and phosphorus metabolism in healthy and diseased horses and foals has been made in recent years. For example, several studies have confirmed that hypocalcemia is frequent in horses with gastrointestinal disease and that calcium endocrine dysregulation is associated with survival in foals. One critical point in the homeostasis of these minerals is their interaction and interdependence with other ions, including potassium and magnesium. In this review, the author provides a clinical overview on disorders of calcium and phosphate in the horse.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2011-03-12 PubMed ID: 21392658DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.12.010Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study discusses the factors affecting calcium and phosphate regulation in horses and recent discoveries concerning calcium and phosphorus metabolism in both healthy and unwell horses. The focus is set on their interaction with other significant ions, providing a clinical view on disorders of these essential elements.

Introduction

The research article begins by emphasizing the fundamental roles that calcium and phosphate play in the physiological functioning of horses. They carry out both structural (e.g., bone formation) and non-structural functions (e.g., cellular signaling). Their extracellular concentrations are influenced by various factors like the general physiological status of the animal and specific diseases.

Findings on Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism

  • The research paper elaborates on the significant advancements in the understanding of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in horses. These advancements have resulted from several studies conducted on both healthy and sick horses and foals.
  • A key finding noted is the frequent occurrence of hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, in horses with gastrointestinal disease. This demonstrates the link and impact that certain diseases can have on calcium metabolism.

Role of Endocrine Dysregulation

  • Another critical observation from the studies was that endocrine regulation of calcium played a significant role in the survival rates of foals. Essentially, imbalances in the horse’s endocrine system, which regulates hormone distribution, can gravely affect calcium levels and subsequently the health and survival of young horses.

Interactions with Other Ions

  • The research also examines the interactions between calcium and phosphate with other ions. This interdependence is considered key to the homeostasis (stable equilibrium) of these minerals in the horse’s body. The ions mentioned specifically in this regard include potassium and magnesium, implying that any metabolic disturbances of these could impact calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

Clinical Overview

The author concludes the research article by providing a clinical overview of disorders related to calcium and phosphate in horses. This provides an important practical angle, linking the underlying biochemistry and metabolism to observable clinical manifestations.

Cite This Article

APA
Toribio RE. (2011). Disorders of calcium and phosphate metabolism in horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 27(1), 129-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2010.12.010

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 1558-4224
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 27
Issue: 1
Pages: 129-147

Researcher Affiliations

Toribio, Ramiro E
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 601 Vernon Tharp Street, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. toribio.1@osu.edu

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Calcium / administration & dosage
  • Calcium / deficiency
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Female
  • Homeostasis / physiology
  • Horse Diseases / metabolism
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Phosphates / administration & dosage
  • Phosphates / deficiency
  • Phosphates / metabolism

Citations

This article has been cited 18 times.
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