Use of volumetric capnography to identify pulmonary dysfunction in horses with and without clinically apparent recurrent airway obstruction.
Abstract: To investigate whether volumetric capnography indices could be used to differentiate between horses without recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and horses with RAO that were in clinical remission or that had clinically apparent RAO. Methods: 70 adult Swiss Warmblood horses (20 used for pleasure riding and 50 used for dressage or show jumping). Methods: Horses were allocated to 4 groups on the basis of history, clinical signs, results of endoscopy, and cytologic findings (group 1, 21 healthy horses; group 2, 22 horses with RAO that were in remission; group 3, 16 horses with mild RAO; group 4, 11 horses with exacerbated RAO). Expiratory volume and CO2 curves were recorded by use of a computerized ultrasonic spirometer. Volumetric capnograms were plotted, and derived indices were calculated. Results: Dead-space volume (VD) was calculated by use of the Bohr equation (VD(Bohr)) and for physiologic VD (VD(phys)). Ratios for VD(Bohr) to expiratory tidal volume (VT) and VD(phys) to V(T) as well as an index of effective CO2 elimination were significantly different among groups of horses. Age and use of the horses also significantly affected volumetric capnography indices. Conclusions: Ratios of VD(Bohr) to VT and VD(phys) to VT as well as an index of effective CO2 elimination were sufficiently sensitive measures to distinguish between healthy horses and horses with RAO in remission. To optimize the ability of volumetric capnography indices to differentiate among horses in heterogeneous populations, it is important to account for effects of age and specific use of the horses.
Publication Date: 2003-03-29 PubMed ID: 12661875DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2003.64.338Google 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.
- Clinical Trial
- Journal Article
- Age Factors
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Signs
- Clinical Study
- Cytology
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Treatment
- Endoscopy
- Equine Health
- Exercise Physiology
- Horses
- Lung Health
- Pathophysiology
- Recurrent Airway Obstruction
- Respiratory Disease
- Respiratory Health
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
- Warmblood Horses
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 investigates the use of volumetric capnography in identifying lung dysfunction in horses, specifically recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), and how it differs between horses exhibiting no symptoms, horses in RAO remission, and horses with mild and severe RAO.
Methodology
- The study involved 70 adult Swiss Warmblood horses, with 20 used for pleasure riding and 50 for dressage or show jumping.
- The horses were divided into four groups based on their health status: healthy horses, horses with RAO in remission, horses with mild RAO, and horses with exacerbated RAO.
- The categorization of the horses was based on their medical history, clinical signs, endoscopy results, and cytologic findings.
- By utilizing a computerized ultrasonic spirometer, the researchers recorded expiratory volume and CO2 curves.
- Volumetric capnograms were plotted, and derived indices were calculated.
Analysis and Results
- By using the Bohr equation, the researchers calculated the dead-space volume (VD).
- The researchers evaluated several indices, including the ratios for VD to expiratory tidal volume (VT) and an index of effective CO2 elimination.
- The results showed significant differences in these measurements among different horse groups.
- It was further observed that the horses’ age and utilization significantly affected the volumetric capnography indices.
Conclusions
- The ratios of VD to VT and an index of effective CO2 elimination could effectively distinguish between healthy horses and horses with RAO in remission.
- For volumetric capnography indices to accurately differentiate among horses in diverse populations, it is crucial to consider the effects of age and the specific use of the horses.
Overall, the study concludes that volumetric capnography is a potentially effective method for identifying and distinguishing between various degrees of recurrent airway obstruction in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Herholz CP, Gerber V, Tschudi P, Straub R, Imhof A, Busato A.
(2003).
Use of volumetric capnography to identify pulmonary dysfunction in horses with and without clinically apparent recurrent airway obstruction.
Am J Vet Res, 64(3), 338-345.
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2003.64.338 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Berne, Länggasstr 124, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Aging
- Airway Obstruction / complications
- Airway Obstruction / diagnosis
- Airway Obstruction / veterinary
- Animals
- Capnography / methods
- Capnography / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Lung Diseases / complications
- Lung Diseases / diagnosis
- Lung Diseases / veterinary
- Male
- Predictive Value of Tests
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Lo Feudo CM, Ferrucci F, Bizzotto D, Dellacà R, Lavoie JP, Stucchi L. Differences in pulmonary function measured by oscillometry between horses with mild-moderate equine asthma and healthy controls. Equine Vet J 2025 May;57(3):619-628.
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
