Metabolic and clinical traits in horses undergoing feed deprivation for elective orthopaedic surgery.

The research study investigates the impact of a short-term pre-surgery fasting period on the metabolic and clinical characteristics of horses set for orthopaedic surgery. The majority of these impacts were limited and temporary, and the horses’ bodily functions were mostly undisturbed by the fasting.

Research Methodology

The researchers selected 20 horses that were scheduled to undergo elective orthopaedic surgery. To examine the effects of fasting on their physiological functions, the horses were kept without food from 12 hours before the surgery up until 4 hours after surgery.

Measurements and Observation

• The horses’ serum free amino acids, glucose levels, free fatty acids (FFA), white blood cell counts, creatine kinase (CK), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were all determined at four different periods: 24 hours before surgery, 2 hours after anaesthesia, and then 24 and 72 hours after the surgery.
• Other observations made included studying the horses’ abdominal sounds, appetite, faecal quality and body temperature.

Results

• There were no consistent changes in serum free amino acids. Concentrations either increased or decreased.
• Levels of plasma glucose and FFA were observed to rise after surgery but returned to pre-surgery levels 72 hours post-surgery.
• A substantial increase in the count of segmented granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, occurred 24 hours after surgery. However, all other counts remained within a normal range.
• AST sensations peaked 24 hours after surgery, while CK activities were highest at 2 hours after surgery.
• Abdominal rhythms reduced significantly until 24 hours after the surgery, but appetite remained unchanged.
• Body temperatures stayed within the normal ranges, and faecal quality returned to normal post-surgery.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that the short-term fasting around the surgical period did have significant impacts on metabolic traits in horses, although their effects on other physiological functions were minor. Further research is suggested, focusing on the possible effects of larger surgical procedures on horses.