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Quantitative intradermal terbutaline sweat test in horses
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Equine Veterinary Journal
|August 8, 2008
Summary
This study quantified equine sweating responses to terbutaline injections. Results show terbutaline significantly increases sweat production in horses, regardless of season or environment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Physiology
Background:
- Anhidrosis is a common condition in horses, affecting their thermoregulation.
- Understanding sweat response mechanisms is crucial for diagnosing and managing equine anhidrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess the sweating response in normal horses following intradermal terbutaline administration.
- To evaluate the efficacy of intradermal terbutaline as a sweat stimulant in equine research.
Main Methods:
- Seven Thoroughbred horses were administered intradermal terbutaline at various concentrations (0.001-1000 mg/l) and a saline control.
- Sweat was collected on absorbent pads over 30 minutes post-injection.
- Environmental variables (temperature, humidity) and time of year were recorded monthly over 11 months.
Main Results:
- Terbutaline significantly increased sweat weight at all tested concentrations (0.1-1000 mg/l) (P<0.001).
- Environmental factors and time of year did not significantly affect sweat responses.
- A dose-dependent relationship between terbutaline concentration and sweat production was observed.
Conclusions:
- The intradermal terbutaline sweat test is a reliable method for quantifying equine sweat production.
- This test can be a valuable tool for studying equine sweating and diagnosing anhidrosis.
