ABSTRACT
Blood samples were collected from 16 Thoroughbred horses before, during and after the second day of a 3-day event. Plasma osmolality, concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine, glucose, bilirubin, iron, total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, calcium, inorganic phosphate, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids were measured. Significant differences from pre-event values were found in all parameters with the greatest changes being found after the cross-country phase. Most parameters showed significant rises following exercise, except calcium and chloride, which decreased. It was deduced from the changes in biochemistry that dehydration, reduced glomerular filtration rate, increased glycogenolysis and increased lipid metabolism, were a result of this form of competitive exercise.
Subject(s)
Horses/metabolism , Physical Exertion , Animals , Chlorides/metabolism , Creatine Kinase/metabolism , Glucose/metabolism , Potassium/metabolism , Sodium/metabolism , Transaminases/metabolismABSTRACT
The electrocardiograms of 22 horses competing in a 3-day event were recorded before and after the event. In addition, blood samples were taken for determination of packed cell volume and total plasma protein before, during and after the speed and endurance phases (Day 2). The electrocardiograms of 13 horses showed various abnormalities before the event, most of which were T wave changes. As a result of competition in the event, there was a significant increase in the number of leads showing T wave abnormalities when the electrocardiograms taken before and after the event were compared. At all times measurements were taken there were significant increases in packed cell volume and total plasma protein over values obtained prior to the event.
Subject(s)
Electrocardiography/veterinary , Horses/physiology , Physical Exertion , Animals , Blood Proteins/metabolism , Heart/physiology , Hematocrit , Horses/bloodABSTRACT
Sixteen horses competing in a three-day event had venous blood samples collected during the speed and endurance test (day 2) to examine changes in blood gas ands acid-base balance, and the concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, alpha-ketoglutarate and cortisol. Following the roads and tracks and steeplechase phases there was a significant metabolic and respiratory alkalosis despite a rise in lactate. After completion of the cross country section, although there was a significant decrease in total base, there was no significant change in pH from pre-event values. This was because the decrease in total base was accompanied by a concomitant fall in carbon dioxide levels.
