Season’s Effects on Some Clinical, Hematological Parameters and Blood Cortisol Level in Sedated Arabian Horses With Xylazine.

The research explores the effects of seasonal changes on various physiological parameters and cortisol levels in Arabian horses that have been sedated with xylazine. The study indicates that seasonality significantly impacts heart and respiratory rates, arterial blood gases, and cortisol levels in sedated horses.

Research Objectives and Methodology

• The aim of the study was to assess the influence of seasonal variations on clinical, hematological parameters and blood cortisol levels in Arabian horses under the effect of xylazine, a type of tranquilizer. Understanding these effects could potentially provide useful insight for administering sedation to horses effectively in different seasons.
• The study involved seven Arabian horses whose heart and respiratory rates, capillary refill time, and serum cortisol levels were recorded before and at intervals postsedation. Also, venous samples were collected before and three hours after sedation for hematological analysis, and arterial blood samples were collected before and one hour postsedation for arterial blood gas and electrolyte analysis.

Findings and Conclusions

• The study found significant decreases in heart and respiratory rates at various intervals postsedation in summer, whereas in winter, the decrease was only notable five minutes postsedation.
• Arterial oxygen pressure and arterial carbon dioxide pressure exhibited significant fluctuation one hour postsedation in both summer and winter, indicating the effects of heat or cold stress on sedated horses.
• Notably, the serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in summer than winter at various intervals postsedation. In the summer, the cortisol concentrations didn’t significantly change post-sedation compared to their pre-sedation values. However, during winter, the cortisol concentration decreased significantly at different time intervals postsedation.
• Based on the findings, the research concludes that seasonal effects on sedated Arabian horses should be taken into account when using xylazine. This could potentially lead to better sedation strategies that take into account the effects of seasonal changes on horses under sedation.