Hematological changes observed in Andalusian horses with laminitis.

This study examines the changes in blood chemistry in Andalusian horses suffering from laminitis within the first 24 hours of the disease. The analysis reveals significant differences in neutrophils, lymphocytes, and certain enzymes, implying muscle and liver problems, and increases in glucose, proteins, and potassium, which may result from carbohydrate overconsumption and decreased plasma volume.

Hematological Analysis

• The research investigated the changes in blood chemistry of 13 Andalusian horses suffering from laminitis, a disease characterized by inflammation of the ligamentous apparatus of the hoof leading to severe pain and disability in horses.
• The blood samples were collected within the first 24 hours of the onset of the disease characterised as Obel grade 3, which indicates a severe stage of laminitis where a horse is reluctant or refuses to move. This timing was before any kind of treatment was administered.
• Hematological parameters such as red and white blood cells were compared with those from 10 healthy horses used as the control group.

Significant Findings

• Contrary to expectations, there were no significant differences noted in the number of red and white blood cells between the horses affected with laminitis and healthy ones.
• However, there was a significant decrease in the number of neutrophils, which are an important part of the immune system and a first-line defense against infections.
• There was also a significant increase in the number of lymphocytes, another type of immune cells, possibly suggesting an active immune response.
• Besides, the blood samples from the laminitis-affected horses showed a substantial increase in the enzymatic activity of Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST). High levels of these enzymes often indicate muscle and liver damage.

Possible Consequences and Causes

• There was also an increase in the K ion (potassium), which could result in a mild form of acidosis, a condition caused by an excessive acidity in the body’s fluids and tissues.
• Increased levels of glucose and total proteins were observed in the blood samples. The increase in glucose could be due to excessive carbohydrate intake leading to hyperglycemia, while the increase in proteins may be a result of decreased plasma volume, indicating problems with fluid balance and the sweating process.
• These hematochemical imbalances may be related to the underlying causes of laminitis, such as poor diet and dehydration, or they could be the result of the body’s response to the disease.