Plasmapheresis Effect on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Athletic Horses Subjected to Exercise.

The research paper investigates how plasmapheresis – the process of filtering the blood – influences the clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters of athletic horses following physical exercise. The researchers found significant changes in these parameters, suggesting that plasmapheresis can effectively alter the physiology of a horse post-workout, affecting both blood hematobiochemical parameters and the horse’s overall state of health.

Methods and Participants

• The study was conducted on two groups each consisting of six jumping horses. The first group underwent plasmapheresis after three consecutive days of graded physical exercise, while the second group (the control group) only went through the exercise routine.
• During plasmapheresis, 17 milliliters of plasma per kilogram of body weight was taken from each horse in the first group. The procedure was reported to be well-tolerated by the horses.

Findings

• Plasmapheresis led to a significant increase in the hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymphocytes counts.
• There was also a significant decline in the levels of albumin, globulin, and total protein following plasmapheresis. However, these levels were restored 24 hours later.
• A parallel significant rise was noted in sodium levels, along with decreases in potassium and calcium levels. Despite these changes, several other biochemical variables remained stable.
• The process also resulted in a substantial decrease in lactate levels, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase levels. These substances typically increase following physical exercise, thus the reduction indicates a relevant impact of plasmapheresis on the recovery of horses post-exercise.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that post-exercise plasmapheresis can significantly modify physiological parameters in athletic horses. These include changes in the horse’s hematology and blood biochemistry, especially for parameters which are usually affected by physical exertion.
• The authors suggest further research to explore the potential practical applications of these findings, particularly in enhancing the post-exercise recovery of performance horses.