Haematological, biochemical and physiological changes in horses and ponies during the cross country stage of driving trial competitions.

The research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the physiological, haematological, and biochemical alterations in horses and ponies following participation in the cross-country stage of driving trial competitions.

Context and Objectives

• The research aimed to study the changes in horses and ponies participating in various categories of driving trial competitions, including singles, pairs, tandems, and teams. The main stages of analysis were five, five-section events, and two, three-section events.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted continuous monitoring of heart rates which were observed to cross 200 beats per minute at times.
• Rectal temperatures were measured, with the highest recorded temperatures observed after the most severe competitions. Some animals showed temperatures exceeding 41 degrees Celsius.
• Respiratory rates were also documented, but these were found to significantly vary across the subjects.
• Blood samples were taken five minutes post the cross-country stage to assess haematological and biochemical changes.

Findings

• The blood analysis showed a significant increase in haematocrit levels and a leucocytosis. The total plasma protein concentration also went up by approximately 9%, but the concentrations of plasma electrolytes changed minimally.
• The study noticed a variable increase in the concentrations of plasma lactate. This increase was associated with the severity of the event. In certain instances, the plasma lactate concentration went beyond 10 mmol/litre. Plasma glucose levels also observed an increase.
• The cross-country stage led to a mild increase in the activities of plasma creative kinase and aspartate aminotransferase.

Implications

• These findings provide insights into the physiological demands and stressors of driving trial competitions on equine athletes. They serve as vital information for vets and trainers for better understanding and managing the health and performance of these animals during such strenuous sports events.