Indices of renal function: reference values in normal horses.
Abstract: Urine and blood samples were taken at the same time from normal adult horses presented for routine investigations to establish reference values for a variety of parameters reported to be useful in the clinical evaluation of renal function. Blood biochemical values were consistent with previous studies and had well-defined normal ranges. Parameters representing urine concentration and electrolyte excretion however, varied widely reflecting the ability of the healthy kidney to change the composition of urine in response to differences in environment and management. Percent creatinine clearance ratios for potassium in particular were lower than those reported in normal horses in previous studies. Rational interpretation of these latter measurements should accept a wide range of normal values and management conditions must be considered in this interpretation.
Publication Date: 1989-02-01 PubMed ID: 2712771DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1989.tb03018.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research study involves collecting urine and blood samples from healthy adult horses to establish reference points for evaluating renal function. The results demonstrated consistency with prior studies in blood biochemical values but showed wide variability in urine concentration and electrolyte excretion.
Research Methodology
- The research was performed on normal adult horses that were part of routine investigations. This ensured that the subjects of the study were representative for the generation of reference values.
- Blood and urine samples were taken simultaneously. Such an approach was designed to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of renal function in the subjects, by comparing biochemical components of both fluids.
Blood Biochemical Values
- Blood biochemical values obtained in the study were consistent with previous studies, confirming these values have well-defined normal ranges.
- This consistency validates the reference values established in earlier research. The consistency of blood biochemical values across different studies implies their usefulness in evaluating renal function in horses.
Urine Concentration and Electrolyte Excretion
- The study found that parameters representing urine concentration and electrolyte excretion varied widely, showcasing how healthy kidneys can adapt urine compositions based on changes in the environment and management.
- The variable nature of these parameters makes them less definitive as reference values, but it reveals the kidney’s ability to regulate bodily fluids effectively under various conditions.
Creatinine Clearance
- Note that the percent creatinine clearance ratios for potassium were lower than previous studies conducted on normal horses.
- This suggests that a broader range of normal values should be accepted when interpreting these measurements, given that this study involves normal, healthy horses.
- Furthermore, the management conditions of the horses should be taken into consideration while interpreting these values, as the environment and care arrangements can significantly impact renal function.
To summarize, the study presented new findings regarding urine concentration and electrolyte excretion, while validating existing knowledge about blood biochemical values. Additionally, it suggested a more flexible approach to interpreting creatinine clearance ratios based on environmental and management conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
Edwards DJ, Brownlow MA, Hutchins DR.
(1989).
Indices of renal function: reference values in normal horses.
Aust Vet J, 66(2), 60-63.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1989.tb03018.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Sydney Rural Veterinary Centre, Camden, New South Wales.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Blood Chemical Analysis / veterinary
- Creatinine / blood
- Creatinine / urine
- Electrolytes / urine
- Horses / blood
- Horses / physiology
- Horses / urine
- Kidney / physiology
- Kidney Function Tests / veterinary
- Metabolic Clearance Rate
- Reference Values
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Hurst EA, Homer NZ, Mellanby RJ. Vitamin D Metabolism and Profiling in Veterinary Species. Metabolites 2020 Sep 15;10(9).
- Scarpa P, Di Fabio V, Ramirez C, Baggiani L, Ferro E. Proteinuria, GGT index and fractional clearance of electrolytes in exercising athletic horses. Vet Res Commun 2007 Aug;31 Suppl 1:339-42.
- Arosalo BM, Raekallio M, Rajamäki M, Holopainen E, Kastevaara T, Salonen H, Sankari S. Detecting early kidney damage in horses with colic by measuring matrix metalloproteinase -9 and -2, other enzymes, urinary glucose and total proteins. Acta Vet Scand 2007 Jan 23;49(1):4.
- Kovarikova S, Blahova J, Steffenova V, Vaskova N, Jahn P. Exploratory Study of the Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio in Apparently Healthy Horses. Vet Sci 2025 Aug 21;12(8).
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