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Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2002; (34); 402-407; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05456.x

Physiological measurements and upper and lower respiratory tract evaluation in French Standardbred Trotters during a standardised exercise test on the treadmill.

Abstract: There are a variety of reasons for poor performance in racehorses. Exercise intolerance has often been associated with subclinical respiratory abnormalities, and diagnostic aids are therefore used to enhance clinical detection. Physiological variables can also be measured in order to evaluate the metabolic reponse to exercise. This study evaluated the relationship between physiological measurements and upper airway videoendoscopy during a standardised treadmill exercise test and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology in control horses (good racing performance, n = 14) and poor performers (n = 27). The poor performers were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 = both upper and lower respiratory airway abnormal findings (n = 10); Group 2 = lower respiratory airway abnormal findings (n = 17). Horses in Group 2 were divided into 3 categories: Group 2A = exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH ; n = 5); Group 2B = small airway inflammation (SAI +/- EIPH; n = 7) and Group 2C = other (n = 5). During exercise, the poor performers had significantly lower arterial PaO2 and higher HR and blood lactate concentrations compared to controls. Total nucleated cell count of BAL fluid collected from poor racing performers was significantly higher than in controls; also, epithelial cells and haemosiderophage percentage collected from poor racing performers were significantly higher than in controls. Eight horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate also had cytological evidence of lower respiratory airway disease. The results of this study suggest that there is a significantly different metabolic response (HR, blood lactate, PaO2) to exercise in poor compared to good performers. As both upper and/or lower respiratory problems can be associated with poor racing performance, a detailed examination of the upper and lower respiratory tracts at rest, during and after exercise is advised.
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Publication Date: 2002-10-31 PubMed ID: 12405724DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05456.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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.

This research study investigates the correlation between physiological measurements, upper airway videoendoscopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage cytology in racehorses with differing performance levels. The findings suggest a significant variation in metabolic response to exercise in poor performers versus good ones, prompting a detailed examination of the horses’ upper and lower respiratory tracts during various stages.

Objective of the Study

  • The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physiological measurements, upper airway videoendoscopy during a treadmill exercise test, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology in racehorses with varying performance levels.

Study Design and Groups

  • The horses were divided into groups based on their performance (control or good performers> (n=14) and poor performers (n=27)).
  • Poor performers were further split into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) based on respiratory abnormalities.
  • Group 1 consisted of horses with both upper and lower respiratory airway abnormalities (n=10), while Group 2 had only lower respiratory airway abnormalities (n=17).
  • Group 2 was then further divided into three subgroups – Group 2A, Group 2B and Group 2C – based on reasons for lower respiratory issues such as exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH), small airway inflammation (SAI +/- EIPH) or other reasons (n=5 for each subgroup).

Key Findings

  • During exercise, the poor performers showed significantly lower arterial PaO2 and higher heart rates (HR) and blood lactate concentrations compared to the control group or good performers.
  • The total nucleated cell count of BAL fluid collected from horses with poor racing performance was significantly higher than in control horses.
  • Furthermore, epithelial cells and haemosiderophage percentage in the poor racers were significantly higher than in controls.
  • Eight horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate also had cytological evidence of lower respiratory airway disease.

Conclusions

  • The results of the study indicate a considerable difference in metabolic response to exercise in poor performers versus good performers.
  • The study suggests that underlying issues in both the upper and/or lower respiratory tract might be linked with poor racehorse performance.
  • Therefore, the research recommends a detailed examination of the horses’ upper and lower respiratory tracts at different stages – at rest, during exercise, and post-exercise for improved understanding and management.

Cite This Article

APA
Couroucé-Malblanc A, Pronost S, Fortier G, Corde R, Rossignol F. (2002). Physiological measurements and upper and lower respiratory tract evaluation in French Standardbred Trotters during a standardised exercise test on the treadmill. Equine Vet J Suppl(34), 402-407. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05456.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 34
Pages: 402-407

Researcher Affiliations

Couroucé-Malblanc, A
  • Pégase-Mayenne, Medicine du Sport, CH de Laval, France.
Pronost, S
    Fortier, G
      Corde, R
        Rossignol, F

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Blood Gas Analysis / veterinary
          • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / cytology
          • Exercise Test / veterinary
          • Female
          • Heart Rate / physiology
          • Hemorrhage / diagnosis
          • Hemorrhage / physiopathology
          • Hemorrhage / veterinary
          • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
          • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
          • Horses / physiology
          • Lactates / blood
          • Male
          • Partial Pressure
          • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
          • Respiratory Tract Diseases / diagnosis
          • Respiratory Tract Diseases / physiopathology
          • Respiratory Tract Diseases / veterinary
          • Thoracoscopy / veterinary
          • Video Recording

          Citations

          This article has been cited 14 times.
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