Abstract
The most useful diagnostic methods in the initial evaluation of horses with colic assess the morphological and functional status of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular status. This evaluation is best achieved using a combination of clinical and laboratory data. Blood lactate concentration (BL) is one of these variables. BL rises mainly due to poor tissue perfusion and anaerobic glycolysis associated with shock, providing an indicator of both the severity of disease and its prognosis. A hand-held lactate meter, Accusport, provides a rapid (60 seconds), inexpensive dry-chemical-based determination of BL. This trial evaluated the Accusport's ability to provide BL data as an adjunct to the initial clinical evaluation of horses with colic. The accuracy of the Accusport was tested by evaluation of its interchangeability with the benchmark enzymatic kit evaluation of BL in a trial using data collected firstly from 10 clinically normal control horses and subsequently from 48 horses presented with signs of colic. The BL values were recorded together with the clinical variables of heart rate (HR), capillary refill time (CRT), haematocrit (Hct), and pain character and severity on the initial assessment of the colic horses. Information regarding choice of therapeutic management (medical or surgical) and eventual case outcome (full recovery or died/euthanased) was recorded. The Accusport was found to be interchangeable with the enzymatic kit for recording BL values in colic horses with BL < 10 mmol/l, which is within the BL range associated with survival. The interchangeability of an additional, laboratory-based wet chemical assay for BL, the Stat 7 was simultaneously evaluated for the colic and control horses. The Stat 7 was found to be interchangeable with the enzymatic kit for BL determination of colic horses. No linear associations between BL values with HR, CRT, Hct or pain assessment were observed. No relationship with either selection of therapeutic method or eventual case outcome was observed. All horses with BL >8 mmol/l died or were euthanased.
Highlights
Diagnostic methods that evaluate the morphological and functional status of the gastrointestinal tract and the animal’s cardiovascular status are most useful in the initial assessment of equine colic cases[1]
While a number of studies have discussed the value of Blood lactate concentration (BL) determination in equine colic cases, no studies have reported the use of the Accusport in the assessment of the colic horse
Table 1 summarises the results of BL of control (n = 10) and colic horses (n = 48) as determined by each of the 3 methods
Summary
Diagnostic methods that evaluate the morphological and functional status of the gastrointestinal tract and the animal’s cardiovascular status are most useful in the initial assessment of equine colic cases[1]. There are often limitations with respect to both the availability and economics of the various laboratory tests Colic cases by their nature and aetiologies require rapid evaluation, prognosis and therapeutic management[3]. While a number of studies have discussed the value of BL determination in equine colic cases, no studies have reported the use of the Accusport in the assessment of the colic horse. The instrument’s potential clinical use is dependent on the provision of accurate data in the determination of BL within the expected range observed in horses with colic. This trial evaluated the Accusport’s ability to determine BL as an adjunct to the clinical assessment of equine colic cases. These data were compared with those determined using a Nova Stat Profile Plus 7L semiautomated analyser (NOVA Biomedical)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
