Preliminary investigation of alterations in blood viscosity, cellular composition, and electrophoresis plasma protein fraction profile after competitive racing activity in Thoroughbred horses.

This research article investigates how competitive racing affects the blood viscosity, cellular composition, and plasma protein profile in Thoroughbred horses. The study observed changes in hematologic variables following acute running exercise and recognized significant alterations in these metrics, proving exercise-induced changes in the horse’s blood properties.

Subject and Methodology

• The study focused on ten Thoroughbred horses that were subjected to competitive acute running exercise. These horses were made to run sprints over a distance of 1.25 miles.
• Post-exercise, several hematologic variables potentially influencing blood viscosity were evaluated.

Findings

• Following the running exercise, researchers noted mean percent increases in some elements such as PCV (Packed Cell Volume), RBC (Red Blood Cell count), and the rouleaux index. Each of these increases contributes to the overall blood viscosity – the thickness and stickiness of blood, which is crucial to health.
• There were simultaneous increases in total plasma protein and in specific types, including serum albumin, alpha 1-globulin, alpha 2-globulin, beta 1-globulin, beta 2-globulin, gamma 1-globulin, gamma 2-globulin, and plasma fibrinogen. An increase in these proteins can affect the colloid osmotic pressure and subsequently the viscosity of blood.
• Consistent decreases were recorded in the albumin: globulin ratio, suggesting a possible change in balance or production of these proteins post-exercise
• These changes in the hematologic values after acute exercise were associated with increased serum, plasma, and blood viscosity, possibly reflecting physiological adaptations in horses as a response to running exercise.

Implications

• This research provides a preliminary understanding of the short-term hematologic changes post-intense exercise in Thoroughbred horses. This knowledge can be valuable for assessing horse health in racehorse industries and developing suitable athletic training and recovery regimes for these horses.
• It might also contribute to equine medicine by offering insights into conditions related to blood viscosity such as cardiovascular diseases.