Accuracy and precision of a point-of-care hemoglobinometer for measuring hemoglobin concentration and estimating packed cell volume in horses

OBJECTIVE: To determine accuracy and precision of a point-of-care hemoglobinometer for measuring hemoglobin concentration and estimating PCV in horses. DESIGN: Prospective trial. ANIMALS: 55 horses. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were obtained from 43 horses examined at a veterinary teaching hospital. Hemoglobin concentration was measured with the hemoglobinometer and by means of the standard cyanmethemoglobin method; PCV was measured by centrifugation. Blood samples were also obtained from 12 healthy horses, and PCV of aliquots of these samples was altered to approximately 5 to 80% by removing or adding plasma. Hemoglobin concentration and PCV were then measured. RESULTS: For samples from the clinic patients, hemoglobin concentrations obtained with the hemoglobinometer were less than concentrations obtained with the cyanmethemoglobin method; however, there was a linear relationship between concentrations obtained with the 2 methods. Breed, sex, body weight, and duration of sample storage did not significantly affect the difference between hemoglobin concentrations obtained with the 2 methods. There was a significant linear relationship between PCV and hemoglobinometer hemoglobin concentration (PCV = [2.83 x hemoglobin concentration] - 0.62). For samples from the healthy horses, a substantial negative bias was evident with the hemoglobinometer when hemoglobin concentration exceeded 16 g/dL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that this hemoglobinometer is reasonably accurate and precise when used to measure hemoglobin concentration in blood samples from horses with a hemoglobin concentration < 16 g/dL.     

Effects of training on biochemical values in standardbred horses.

Effects of training at a regular, fixed, standard exercise load on venous lactic acid, mixed venous and arterial blood gases and pH, and serum muscle enzymes were determined on previously unconditioned, healthy, adult, Standardbred horses. Arterial and mixed venous blood gases, pH, and serum muscle enzymes did not change in a consistent manner during training. Venous lactic acid concentrations did increase significantly with training and may be of value for the biochemical evaluation of fitness in horses.     

Effects of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate on hematological values in normal horses

In several horses referred for evaluation of colic, we observed marked leukopenia (attributable to neutrophil counts <2,000/μl) which was inconsistent with the mild nature of abdominal pain, absence of fever, or lack of signs of endotoxemia. In all cases, large bowel impaction has been diagnosed via rectal palpation prior to admission and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) had been one of the medications administered. To investigate the hypothesis that DSS administration may lead to bowel irritation, margination of neutrophils, and development of leukopenia (neutropenia), the effects of DSS administration (20 mg/kg via a nasogastric tube) on clinical and hematologic values were studied in eight clinically normal horses. No changes were detected in any of the clinical values assessed in these horses and neither leukopenia nor neutropenia was observed following DSS administration. A trend for plasma total protein concentration to increase four hours after DSS administration (in comparison to control data) suggested that DSS may enhance secretion of fluid into the bowel in treated horses. In conclusion, the results did not support the hypothesis that the leukopenia observed in horses with colic could be attributed to DSS administration. Whether DSS has more significant effects in horses with altered bowel motility and mucosal integrity during colic episodes is not known.     

Effects of trimethoprim-sulfadiazine on tear production and the fluctuations of Schirmer tear test values in horses

The objectives of this study were to observe the effects of trimethoprim-sulfadiazine on equine tear production and to determine normal fluctuations in Schirmer tear test (STT) values in horses. A randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical trial measuring STT values in 15 horses over an 8-week period was performed. The treatment group (eight horses) received 30 mg/kg trimethoprim-sulfadiazine orally once a day and the control group (seven horses) received placebo (flour) at the same time. All horses were housed outdoors throughout the study. Schirmer tear test values were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, and 4 weeks after discontinuation of treatment. There were no significant differences in tear production between the treated and control groups. Fluctuations in STT were observed and may result from individual and environmental variations. Trimethoprim-sulfadiazine did not decrease tear production in the horses in this study. Horses normally experience periodic fluctuations in STT values.     

Effects of oral powder electrolyte administration on packed cell volume,plasma chemistry parameters,and incidence of colic in horses participating in a 6-day 162-km trail ride

This study evaluated the effects of administering oral powder electrolytes on packed cell volume (PCV), plasma chemistry parameters, and incidence of colic in horses participating on a 6-day 162-km trail ride in which water was not offered ad libitum. Twenty-three horses received grain with powder electrolytes daily while 19 control horses received grain only. Horses were ridden approximately 32 km a day at a walk or trot. Packed cell volume and plasma chemistry parameters were analyzed daily. Episodes of colic were diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian unaware of treatment group allocation. Blood parameters and incidence of colic were compared between treatment groups. Electrolyte administration did not alter PCV or plasma chemistry parameters compared to controls. The incidence of colic was significantly higher in treated horses (P = 0.05). Oral powder electrolytes did not enhance hydration status or electrolyte homeostasis and may be associated with colic in horses participating on long distance trail rides similar to this model.     

Effects of amnion and live yeast cell derivative on second-intention healing in horses

Equine amnion and live yeast cell derivative were evaluated as a biological dressing and as a topical wound medicament respectively, in the treatment of granulating wounds of the distal portion of the limbs of horses. Wounds measuring 2.5 x 2.5 cm were created on the dorsomedial aspect of the metacarpal and metatarsal region of all 4 limbs of 9 horses. Each wound was assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatment groups: group C, treated with a nonadherent bandage as a control; group A, treated with amnion beneath a nonadherent bandage; and group L, treated with live yeast cell derivative beneath a nonadherent bandage. Rates of contraction and epithelialization were not significantly different among groups. Percentage of epithelialization for group A was significantly greater throughout the study than for the other groups. Number of days to complete healing was significantly less in group A and significantly greater in group L than in group C. Incidence and severity of exuberant granulation tissue were significantly less in group A than in the other 2 groups. Group L had more frequent and severe cases of exuberant granulation tissue than the other 2 groups.     

Hematologic values in horses and interpretation of hematologic data

Normal reference ranges and pertinent background information on equine hematology are presented and briefly discussed. Diagnostic interpretation of hematologic data is discussed and three diagnostic algorithms and two diagnostic tables are provided to facilitate the use of the presented information for diagnosis. Two cases are presented and the information presented in the article is used to interpret the case data.     

Minimal changes in blood cell counts and biochemical values associated with prolonged isoflurane anesthesia of horses

The potential toxicity to horses of 7.33 +/- 0.87 SD minimal alveolar concentration hours of isoflurane anesthesia was evaluated by sequential determination of blood cell counts, electrolyte concentrations, and certain blood chemical values. Minimal or no serious toxicosis was observed for up to 7 days after anesthesia was terminated.     

The HemoCue® for point-of-care hemoglobin measurement and packed cell volume estimation in cats

Objective: To determine conversion formulas so that values from the HemoCue^® hemoglobinometer (Hb_HQ) could be equated to hemoglobin concentrations measured by the gold‐standard cyanomethemoglobin (Hb_CY) method and used for estimation of packed cell volume (PCV) in cats. Study design: Prospective, in vitro. Animals: Twelve healthy, adult, client‐owned cats. Interventions: The PCV of 12 parent blood samples was manipulated between ～3 and ～80% by removing or adding autologous plasma. Hemoglobin was measured by the Hb_CY method at a university clinical pathology laboratory and by the azidemethemoglobin method in a Hb_HQ. PCV was determined by micro‐centrifugation. Measurements and main results: Hemoglobin varied from 1–26 g/dL. Repeated‐measures regression of Hb_CY on Hb_HQ demonstrated that the Y‐intercept was not different from zero. When the regression was repeated, forcing the line through the origin the coefficient for converting Hb_HQ to Hb_CY was not significantly different from 1.0 (adjusted R²=99.7%). The conversion formula was Hb_CY=Hb_HQ. Using similar methods, the conversion formula for estimating PCV was PCV=3.1 Hb_HQ (adjusted R²=99.8%). Conclusion: Hemoglobin concentration measured by the HemoCue^® was indistinguishable from the (Hb_CY) method in feline blood over a wide range of hemoglobin concentrations. This study demonstrates that in cats PCV=3.1Hb_HQ. Clinical relevance: The HemoCue^® is useful for point‐of‐care hemoglobinometry and for estimating PCV in cats.     

Electrocardiographic values in Spanish-bred horses of different ages

SUMMARY The duration of electrocardiograph wave forms and intervals were determined in 179 Spanish-bred (Andalusian) horses aged from 1 month to 17 years. The values were compared with those of other breeds, and the relationship between electrocardiographic data and age was examined. High correlation coefficients were found between PR, ST and QT intervals and the age of the horses, and an inverted relation between heart rate and age was found. A multiple range analysis was made and the results suggest that significant changes in duration values and heart rate ocurred at the age of 6 months and in the second year of life.