A re-evaluation of the D (+) xylose absorption test in the horse

The absorption of d-xylose forms the basis of a useful screening test in the investigation of small intestinal disorders in the horse. A comparison has been made of different assay methods and there was no significant difference between the results obtained with the parabromoaniline (PBA) method or the ferric chloride-orcinol (FCO) method. The orthotoluidine method was unsatisfactory. The anticoagulant agent did not affect the test. A dose of 0.5 g commercial grade xylose/kg body weight as a 10 per cent solution given by stomach tube, produced a peak plasma xylose level after 90 min and should discriminate normal from abnormal absorption. The FCO method was preferred for the occasional test performed in practice, and a 2-hour sampling period would be adequate.