Volume dilution of sodium thiocyanate as a measure of extracellular fluid volume in the horse.

The research investigated the effectiveness of using sodium thiocyanate volume dilution as a method for measuring extracellular fluid volume in horses and ponies. The findings demonstrated this method not only yielded highly reproducible results but also showed a significant correlation between thiocyanate space and body weight.

Research Methodology

• The researchers studied a sample group of 24 adult horses and 4 ponies, all of normal health.
• Sodium thiocyanate was used in a method of volume dilution to determine the extracellular fluid volume in each subject.

Outcomes

• The studies found that the method used yielded highly reproducible results. This means that when the experiment was repeated in the same individual horse, the results remained consistent.
• A significant correlation was found between the volume of sodium thiocyanate space (thyocyanate being a marker for the extracellular fluid volume) and the body weight of the horse.
• This correlation was so significant, with a probability value of less than .001, that it suggests sodium thiocyanate volume dilution can be a reliable method for measuring extracellular fluid volume in horses.

Implications

• These findings have implications for veterinary science and physiology, particularly for methods of hydration and fluid balance assessment in horses.
• As the results are highly reproducible, the method could be used reliably in a clinical or research setting where accurate measurements of extracellular fluid volume are necessary.