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Blood viscosity in horses with colic
F M Andrews1, R L Hamlin, P S Stalnaker
1Department of Rural Practice, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37901-1071.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Higher whole blood viscosity (WBV) in horses undergoing colic surgery indicates a poorer prognosis. This finding suggests WBV could be a valuable prognostic tool for equine colic cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Health
- Hemodynamics
Background:
- Whole blood viscosity (WBV) is a critical hemorheological parameter.
- Elevated WBV can impair tissue perfusion and indicate disease severity.
- Assessing WBV in horses with colic may offer prognostic insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between WBV and outcomes in horses with colic.
- To determine if WBV can serve as a prognostic indicator in equine colic.
Main Methods:
- WBV was measured using a Wells-Brookfield cone-and-plate microviscometer.
- WBV was adjusted for packed cell volume (PCV).
- Horses were categorized into surgical outcomes: non-survivors (group 1) and survivors (group 2).
Main Results:
- Horses that died or were euthanatized (group 1) exhibited significantly higher mean WBV (17.15 ± 5.71 cp) compared to survivors (group 2; 5.81 ± 1.48 cp) and healthy controls (7.1 ± 2.3 cp).
- The differences in WBV persisted after adjustment for PCV, suggesting other factors influence viscosity.
- Elevated WBV may correlate with compromised regional perfusion and tissue damage.
Conclusions:
- Horses with colic that did not survive had significantly higher whole blood viscosity.
- Adjusted WBV may reflect changes in factors like fibrinogen or red blood cell deformability.
- WBV shows potential as a prognostic aid for horses experiencing colic.