Reference Intervals for Biochemical Analytes in Clinically Healthy Adult Lusitano Horses

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Biochemistry
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Serum biochemical analyte reference intervals (RIs) are crucial for equine health assessment.
• Specific RIs for Lusitano horses have not been previously established, potentially leading to misinterpretation of results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish breed-specific reference intervals for serum biochemical analytes in healthy adult Lusitano horses.
• To compare these RIs with those of the general equine population.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from 76 clinically healthy adult Lusitano horses.
• Twenty-two biochemical variables were analyzed using the Reference Value Advisor software.
• Reference intervals were determined following the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines.

Main Results:

• Breed-specific RIs were proposed for 17 out of 22 tested serum biochemical analytes.
• Significant differences were observed between Lusitano horse RIs and general equine RIs for several analytes.
• Specific RIs were provided for total protein, albumin, globulin, bilirubin (total, direct, indirect), urea, creatinine, AST, ALP, LDH, glucose, cholesterol, sodium, phosphorus, chloride, and calcium.

Conclusions:

• Established RIs for Lusitano horses differ from general equine RIs.
• The findings underscore the importance of utilizing breed-specific reference intervals for accurate interpretation of laboratory results in Lusitano horses.
• This study provides essential data for improved clinical decision-making in Lusitano horse healthcare.