The magnitude of hyperchloremia in horses is associated with diarrhea and renal function.

This research paper examines the link between high chloride levels in horses’ blood, known as hyperchloremia, and conditions such as diarrhea and renal function. Its findings highlight that horses with diarrhea or high creatinine levels, which can indicate kidney issues, are likely to have more pronounced hyperchloremia.

Study Design and Methodology

• The study retrospectively analyzed horses that had been found to have notably high chloride levels, over 108 mEq/L. The data used included their medical profile, diagnosis, treatments received, and specific lab test results.
• The research used statistical tools, namely descriptive statistics, and multiple linear regression analysis, to unearth potential relationships between the medical diagnosis, treatment, and lab variables, and the extent of hyperchloremia.

Results and Findings

• A total of 134 horses met the eligibility criteria for the study.
• Creatinine and diarrhea were significant predictors of increased chloride concentration. A unit increase in the creatinine resulted in a predicted increase of 1.36 units in the chloride concentration, while diarrheic horses showed a similar increase by 1.43 units.
• There was a strong correlation between sodium and chloride levels in all the analytical models used.
• The study also noted a mortality rate of 24% among the studied horses.

Interpretation

• The results indicate that horses suffering from diarrhea are likely more prone to experiencing severe hyperchloremia. There was also a positive correlation identified between increased creatinine and increased chloride levels.

Implications for Practice

• Equine practitioners, therefore, need to consider the potential development and risks of significant hyperchloremia when diagnosing and treating horses with diarrhea.
• Moreover, the observed link between higher creatinine values and rising chloride concentration warrants further research. However, it currently reinforces the existing notion of a relationship between hyperchloremia and acute kidney injury, already documented in other species.