Prerace venous blood acid-base values in standardbred horses.
Abstract: The administration of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or 'milk shakes' to Standardbred horses before racing is widespread. This study analysed nonrace day (CTL) and prerace venous acid-base values from Standardbred horses racing in Pennsylvania (PA) and New Jersey (NJ). Mean +/- s.d. CTL bicarbonate (HCO3) and base excess (BE) values, for a group of horses stabled during the 1993 racing season at Pocono Downs, Pennsylvania, were 28.6 +/- 1.9 and 2.6 +/- 1.7 mmol/l, respectively. In the same population of horses, mean +/- s.d. values for prerace HCO3- and BE values were 33.1 +/- 2.8 and 7.0 +/- 2.3 mmol/l, respectively, for horses administered frusemide (F) 4 h before race time and 31.5 +/- 2.4 and 5.5 +/- 2.0 mmol/l for the horses not administered frusemide (NF). There were differences (P or = 10 mmol/l for NF and > or = 12 mmol/l for F was adopted as a single index for the disqualification of horses from a race. The results of this study indicate that the use of a single index and, in this case BE, has curtailed the prerace administration of NaHCO3 to horses.
Publication Date: 1996-09-01 PubMed ID: 8894537DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb03110.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Multicenter Study
- 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.
The research explores the use of sodium bicarbonate, also known as ‘milk shakes’, in Standardbred horses before racing. The study analyses the changes in venous acid-base values from these horses, concluding that the use of such substances resulted in changes in these values. The research also suggests the use of a single index, base excess value, as a criterion for disqualification to curb the administration of sodium bicarbonate to horses.
Research Context and Methodology
- The study revolves around the practice of administering sodium bicarbonate or ‘milk shakes’ to Standardbred horses before racing, common in Pennsylvania (PA) and New Jersey (NJ). This procedure is believed to impact the horse’s performance.
- The acid-base values in the horse’s blood were monitored both on nonrace days (CTL) and prerace days. The horses were stabled at Pocono Downs, Pennsylvania, during the 1993 racing season.
- The study also considered horses administered frusemide (F) 4 hours before the race and horses not administered frusemide (NF), exploring variations in both groups’ acid-base values.
Research Findings
- The results showed differences in acid-base values between CTL and prerace samples, especially in pHv, PvCO2, HCO3-, and BE. The acid-base values for CTL horses were found to be normally distributed, while prerace values were not. This abnormal distribution indicates potential changes caused due to the administration of alkalising substances or other race day manipulations.
- Changes were noticed in all acid-base values in the following 1994 racing season and when horses were secured in a stable 8 hours before the race.
- The study pointed out that some racing jurisdictions disqualified horses based on certain elevations in HCO3-, Na+, and pH. However, the correlation between these 3 acid-base values was found to be weak.
Research Implications and Recommendations
- To discourage the administration of sodium bicarbonate before a race, the research suggested using a base excess (BE) value as an index. A BE value of >= 10 mmol/l for NF and >= 12 mmol/l for F was proposed as a cut-off for disqualifying horses.
- According to the study’s outcomes, the introduction of this single index, specifically the BE, effectively curbed the prerace administration of sodium bicarbonate to horses. This method could provide a simple and effective way to ensure fair competitive conditions in horse racing.
Cite This Article
APA
Soma LR, Uboh CE, Nann L, Gerber AL.
(1996).
Prerace venous blood acid-base values in standardbred horses.
Equine Vet J, 28(5), 390-396.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb03110.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348-1692, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Acid-Base Equilibrium
- Animals
- Bicarbonates / blood
- Breeding
- Carbon Dioxide / blood
- Diuretics / administration & dosage
- Doping in Sports
- Furosemide / administration & dosage
- Horses / blood
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Jugular Veins
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Sodium Bicarbonate / administration & dosage
- Sports
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
