Phospate Loading Horses, Greyhounds, Dogs, & Camels

In both anaerobic and endurance exercise, you lose a lot of muscle phosphate into the blood. Regular training also increases resting levels of blood phosphate, an indication that Horses, Greyhounds, Dogs & Camels respond to training by increasing its overall level of phosphate, and that exercise increases phosphate needs.

Marathon runners, for example, have much higher resting blood phosphate levels than sedentary people. When we first measured them at the Colgan Institute in the early ’80s, we thought some athletes had phosphate overload. Their blood levels were over 1.5 mmol/1, way above the normal range of 0.75-1.35 mmol/1. But other researchers have found the same, and our athletes seemed to thrive on it. Also, whenever phosphate levels were low, performance usually bombed. So we came to the conclusion that elevated blood phosphate is a beneficial effect of training.

Horses, Greyhounds, Dogs & Camels bodies can’t make phosphorus. They have to get this mineral base of phosphate from there diet. Phosphates are added to numerous foods. The RDA is 800 mg, but the daily intake in America is over 1,500 mg in males, and almost 1,000 mg in females. Because of these high levels in food, until recently supplement manufacturers have not followed the research on phosphate. But recent studies show pathologically low levels of blood phosphate in some athletes after endurance events. So even our high food intake of phosphate may be insufficient to meet the demands of intense exercise.

Effects of Phosphate
Most athletes in good shape show resting phosphate levels at or near the top of the normal medical range. But does the normal range, conceived for sedentary folk, cover levels of phosphate required for optimal performance in athletes? What happens when you raise it even higher.

Successful ergogenic use of phosphate would have to do at least three things. First, it would have to buffer muscle acid. Dr Richard Kreider and his group at Old Dominion University, Virginia, the leading lights in this research, have recently shown exactly that effect in repeated studies of phosphate supplementation.

Second, it would have to raise the level of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), the enzyme that unloads oxygen into muscle. Studies from various laboratories have shown repeatedly that phosphate supplementation reliably raises blood levels of 2,3-DPG.8’0’10

Third, through its incorporation into numerous enzymes in energy production, it would have to improve the production and use of glycogen for fuel. There is some evidence that supplemental phosphate has this effect.

Effects On Performance
The combined biochemical effects of phosphate supplements on performance are dramatic. Dr Robert Cade and his group at the Department of Medicine of the University of Florida, gave 10 well trained endurance runners either 1 gram of sodium phosphate four times daily or a placebo for three days. Then they ran them on the treadmill to exhaustion. During the phosphate loading trial, lactic acid levels were lower, 2,3-DPG levels were higher, VO”2max increased by 6-12%, and subjects ran 3-9 minutes longer.

At the Tasmanian Institute of Technology in Australia, Dr Ian Stewart and his colleagues did a similar study of highly trained cyclists, giving them 3.6 grams of sodium phosphate a day or a placebo, for three days before a maximum effort on the ergometer bicycle. Results showed that phosphate loading reduced lactic acid accumulation, increased 2,3-DPG production during exercise, increased V02max by a whopping 11%, and increased time to exhaustion by an incredible 20%.

One of the latest and best studies is from Dr Richard Kreider and his group at Old Dominion University. They gave trained cyclists 4 grams of sodium phosphate per day or a placebo, for 3 days prior to a maximal exercise test and a 40 km time trial on the ergometer bicycle. So they tested both anaerobic and endurance exercise.

During the anaerobic phosphate trials, maximal power output increased by 17%. That’s equivalent to adding 51 lbs to a 300 lb maximum bench press! During the aerobic phosphate trials, time for the 40 km ride was reduced by 3.5 minutes. That’s the difference between winning and fell off the bicycle in cycling races. There is no doubt that phosphate works big time.

A dosage of 4 grams a day for three days seems adequate, which makes sodium phosphate a more healthy ergogenic than sodium bicarbonate. It also works in both anaerobic and endurance exercise, which makes it better all around. The sodium form has been used in most studies, but potassium phosphate might work too. With the high level of sodium added to our food and the big losses of potassium in food processing, potassium phosphate would be a lot healthier. But don’t use calcium phosphate. Two studies that have tried calcium phosphate found no effect at all.

There are two new controlled studies completed but not yet published, using the commercial phosphate/bicarbonate supplement Phos Fuel made by TwinLab. The first of these, done by Dr Richard Kreider’s group was presented at the American College of Sports Medicine meeting in Dallas on May 27-30, 1992. It showed that Phos Fuel, at the recommended dose of 4 grams per day for 3 days prior to performance, significantly increased serum phosphate levels and reduced lactic acid accumulation in swimmers.

The second study with Phosfuel has just been completed by Dr William Kramer, famous strength coach and Director of Research in Sports Medicine at Pennsylvania State University. Results were presented at the 1992 Annual Convention of the National Strength and Conditioning Association held in Philadelphia. Kramer and his group reported that Phos Fuel increased the athletes’ levels of 2-3 DPG and increased power output in highly trained athletes. If anyone tells you that phosphate doesn’t work, just smile, and keep your edge to yourself.  You can find Phosphorus by clicking on this link.

Worming schedules for Race Horses

ROTATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

The importance of regular worming cannot be understated and as importantly, neither can the need for rotational use of worming preparations to ensure population resistance does not occur. The effective control of parasite numbers in the horse and its immediate environment can be achieved through strategic use of effective de worming preparations and environmental control utilizing strategic management practices.

Worms and other intestinal parasites are recognized as being potentially detrimental to horse health and well being and it is therefore a critical welfare issue to ensure a regular and effective worming strategy is employed. Additionally, due to the nature of intensive stabling, high stocking densities and co-mingling at competitive events, the chance for contamination and subsequent infestations to take hold is greatly increased.

Types of intestinal worms include; Large roundworm (Parascaris equorum), Large strongyles (bloodworms, Strongylus spp.)*, Small strongyles (redworms, Cyathostomes)*, Pinworm (Oxyuris equi), Tapeworm (Anoplocephala perfoliata)*, Immature Trichonema sp., Triodontophorus sp., Strongylus vulgaris along with bots, Hair worms, Threadworm, Stomach worms and Lung worms. The adverse effects of worm burdens range from persistent diarrhea and general ill thrift to anaemia, gastro intestinal disturbance ie; colic, persistent coughing and pneumonia.
*The most common species are those marked by asterisk

It is generally recommended that effective de-worming products from several different chemical classes be selected for use in a ‘rotational’ worming program in order to avoid the development of ‘resistance’ to worming products. This rotational program may aid in delaying the onset of potential resistance by worm populations. Furthermore, more often than not, horses are infected with multiple species and therefore, a broad spectrum wormer is recommended and should be administered every 6-8 weeks using interval dosing.

The major classes of anthelmintics (de-worming preparations) are categorized into three primary sub-headings which
include;
1. Macrocyclic Lactones (ML’s) (Ivermectin and Moxidectin)
2. Benzimidazoles (BZ’s)
3. Pyrimidines (PD’s) (Morantel and Pyrantel)

In addition, the use of effective environmental management is also recommended and necessary to compliment the use of medicinal preparations for the control of parasite populations. Practicing the following management practices will also aid to ensure worm burdens are minimized;

Determine the ‘active’ ingredient of de-wormers, in addition to the species addressed by administration.

Ensuring an accurate weight measurement to avoid under or over-dosing.

Post a calendar so as not to forget worming dates and schedules.

Avoid over stocking pastures.

Practice pasture/paddock rotation.

Remove manure regularly from stables and paddocks, particularly following the administration of a deworming preparation.

Worm any new horses to the property and confine to yards or stables for 48 hours to prevent contamination with a possible worm infestation.

Monitor the horse to ensure the preparation has been swallowed.

De-worm all horses housed together simultaneously.

Perform fecal egg counts (FEC) regularly to evaluate the efficacy of your internal parasite control program.

L- Carnitine for Horses, Greyhounds, Pigeons, Camels, & Alpacas

What is L-Carnitine?

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid, found in high levels in skeletal and cardiac muscles of all mammals, but in very low levels in cereal grains and plants.

L-Carnitine is available either from the diet (if animals are carnivores such as greyhounds, which eat meat, or in humans eating meat and dairy products), or from very limited bio synthesis in the liver of horses (as plant materials are very low in available L-Carnitine). Typically, horses are unable to synthesis sufficient L-Carnitine for their normal requirements when training and racing. L-Carnitine is synthesised from the amino acids L-lysine and L-methionine. Supplementation of athletic animals and humans is recommended.

L-Carnitine is classed as a “conditionally essential” nutrient in humans, and is routinely used in supplementation of patients on drip nutrition, as well as those with liver, heart, kidney and muscle disease. Importantly, L-carnitine is also routinely used in the nutrition of newly born babies.

L-Carnitine is now available in a wide range of human diet and weight loss products.

L-Carnitine is very well researched in human and animal performance, and is known as an “ergogenic aid” – a natural product which enhances performance.
What Does L-Carnitine Do?

L-Carnitine is a water soluble amino acid which attaches to medium and long chain fatty acids, transporting them into the mitochondria in all cells (the part of the cell which converts fat into energy for the cell). Through this absolutely essential process, L-Carnitine helps reduce the storage of body fat, and the amount of fat in the blood. In other words, adequate L-Carnitine helps the body use fats for energy production rather than depleting the more critical energy reserves of glycogen.

L-Carnitine is absolutely essential in the process of transporting fats into cells for energy (ATP) production. By doing this, it acts as a buffer by delaying the accumulation of lactic acid in muscle cells and then blood when animals are working at maximum exertion. By delaying lactic acid production with subsequent muscle fatigue, endurance and stamina are extended in performance animals and humans.

Heart muscle relies almost totally on fats as an energy source, so adequate L-carnitine is essential for normal heart function.

What happens if there isn’t enough L-Carnitine?

Training and racing animals have much higher physiological demands for essential nutrients, including L-Carnitine, and availability from biosynthesis and/or diet may often be inadequate. This can create a deficiency in energy production ( remember that fats are rarely limiting as energy sources, even in thin greyhounds. Glycogen, or carbohydrates are almost always the limiting energy resource in any performance animal or human). Almost all of the energy used in endurance exercise is fuelled by fats.

If a performance animal is unable to utilise fats as an energy source properly, particularly when endurance exercise is performed, the deficiency of L-Carnitine can cause skeletal muscle dysfunction, weakness and fatigue, as well as heart enlargement, heart failure and rhythm disturbances.

Many trials have confirmed a link between the L-Carnitine content of skeletal muscles and the capacity to convert fats into energy in athletic horses, dogs and humans.

In other words… the level of L-Carnitine in muscles plays the major role in determining the exercise capacity of muscles.

High fat diets have regularly been promoted as having an energy content of about 2.5 times that of glycogen stores w/w, however the high fat is unable to be utilised unless adequate L-Carnitine is available at the correct time in muscle stores. So – without L-Carnitine, the body cannot use fats as an energy source!

In sprint exercise L-Carnitine has an important role in converting carbohydrates for energy in intense, short term exercise. Because a horse can maintain maximum exercise levels for longer than most other animals, the role of L-Carnitine in sprint performance is equally as important as in the provision of energy from fats in endurance exercise.

There is ample evidence that levels of L-Carnitine in muscle and blood plasma actually increase with training, so training actually can condition the body to store more L-Carnitine over time.

“Loading” L-Carnitine may also enhance exercise performance in a fit horse.

Muscle fatigue is the major reason performance animals slow down towards the end of a race. The muscles are tired and low on available energy. (Energy availability is the key factor in limiting muscle performance).

If we can prolong maximum exertion levels, even by just a little, we can improve performance. That’s the basic rationale for using L-carnitine in performance animals.

Regular supplementation with L-carnitine improves maximum work output of muscles in well trained, fit animals (by improving available energy supply from fats, and by delaying onset of lactic acidosis and muscle fatigue).

How to use L-Carnitine for performance

Provides L-Carnitine 200mg/mL
Recommended Dose: Horses: 10mL three times weekly
Greyhounds: 0.5mL/10kg bodyweight, three times weekly

Given with what else?

If trainers are supplementing L-Carnitine to improve the use of fats for energy, and to improve endurance and stamina, as well as delay muscle fatigue and lactic acidosis, it is obvious that L-Carnitine supplements will be enhanced by regular supplementation with Racing Oil. Any source of highly bioavailable, high energy medium chain triglycerides (fats), as found in Racing Oil, given as a regular supplement, will enhance the activity of L-Carnitine. The energy available from fats is about 2.5 times greater than that from equivalent glycogen (starch) sources, so by consuming fats as an energy source the animal athlete is able to conserve glycogen for the severe exertion of sprinting in the later stages of a race. Hence improving endurance and delaying the onset of muscle fatigue.

L-Carnitine use in Greyhounds

Even though greyhounds eat a variety of meat and dairy products, it is usually the case that greyhound diets are deficient in fats. Interestingly, although greyhounds are lean, availability of fats is not as limiting to performance as deficiencies in energy from starch (carbohydrates).

Greyhounds do perform better, for longer, when supplemented with Sprint Oil. Sprint Oil provides the fats required for energy production, so it makes sense to provide additional L-Carnitine to fully utilise those fats. In practice, supplementing Sprint Oil (to provide the medium chain triglycerides) with daily L-Carnitine does provide dogs with extra stamina and endurance, with a decrease in cramping and muscle fatigue and pain. It is safe to supplement L-Carnitine daily in higher ,or more frequent (twice daily) doses for 3-4 days prior to a race, and additional Sprint Oil may be administered as well in this lead up to the race.

In both horses and dogs, L-Carnitine and Racing Oil or Sprint Oil as applicable will help decrease muscle fatigue , cramping and pain, and will help improve muscle recovery after hard work.

Other Uses for L-Carnitine:

Newborn Foals
Adequate L-carnitine levels are critically important for the survival of newborn foals. After birth there is increased dependence on fat stores for energy to maintain body temperature, as well as for other vital metabolic processes. Adequate L-carnitine in the critical first days of life is critical for foals, particularly those born in bad weather, or with other illness or injury.
Precautionary supplementation of brood mares during the last few weeks of pregnancy and during early lactation is strongly recommended, as this raises milk L-Carnitine levels for the newborn foal.

Blood levels of L-Carnitine in foals and young horses are usually only 30-40% of that in adults. This reflects a poor ability to manufacture L-carnitine in all young mammals, at the very time when adequate levels are critically required.

Tying Up
There is some early trial evidence that the similarity of signs between tying up or azoturia in horses and those seen in man from a deficiency of one of the enzymes involved in L-Carnitine metabolism, makes it possible that some of those horses have a similar metabolic defect and would improve with L-Carnitine supplementation.

Breeding Males
There is ample evidence that L-Carnitine increases sperm maturation and motility in stallions. Supplementation of stallions during the breeding season when there is added performance stress could be of significant use to many breeders.

Pig & Poultry Production
There are several European companies dedicated to the manufacture of L-Carnitine products for intensive pig and poultry production. The L-Carnitine is useful to control excess body fat in intensive piggeries, and is well referenced.

Avian Use
Racing pigeon owners have long used L-carnitine supplements to improve endurance and stamina in homing pigeons. There are, no doubt, other uses in avian management as well, but don’t be surprised if pigeon fanciers ask you for some product.

You can purchase L-Carnitine Injection by clicking on the link.

GLUCOSE IN RACE HORSES

Blood glucose levels, and the manipulation thereof, is probably one of the most controversial subjects in horse, dog, greyhound, & camel management. While horses exercising at typical endurance speeds rely primarily on the oxidation of fatty acids for energy production, a certain amount of glucose is always required for certain metabolic pathways and by certain vital organs. The brain, for example, is unable to utilize any substrate other than glucose. At the same time, the animal body is able to store relatively small amounts in muscle and liver tissue, and its depletion during exercise is a major factor in fatigue. Normal levels for a horse with a “full gas tank” range between 69-122 mg/dl. As adrenaline also raises blood glucose levels, levels measured in excited horses might normally be at the high end of the normal range.

In other species, very high glucose levels would often indicate diabetes. However, diabetes is extremely rare in horses, and very high levels of blood glucose would generally indicate recent extreme dietary manipulations. Low levels below the normal range may indicate several conditions—if measured fairly soon after the above-mentioned glucose “spike”, the result may be an “insulin rebound”, wherein large amount of insulin are released to sequester the excess glucose, resulting in dramatically lowered glucose levels. If low glucose levels are measured during or after sustained, strenuous exercise, it is more likely due to glycogen depletion, in which the body is rapidly reaching the end of its available glucose stores.

Neutrophils in Race Horses

These are the shock troops of the body – responding quickly (in less than four hours) to a stimulus. They react to certain chemicals introduced into the body or released from the body’s cells. Their aim is to swamp any invader and/or clean away and debris quickly. They usually total about 60% of the Total White Cell Count and, in absolute terms, number between 3500 and 6000.
With certain stimuli such as severe infections, they may rise as high as 40 000. Neutrophil numbers in the blood drop during the early stages of viral infection and in acute stress situations such as transportation or severe inflammatory injury because they leave the bloodstream in large numbers. There is a type of cell called a Band Neutrophil – when these are seen in the bloodstream, this indicates that the horse is pulling up the young reserves from the bone marrow and the animal is under pressure.

Segs – refers to the number of segmented, mature neutrophils present per milliliter of blood. Neutrophils in general are the predominant circulating white blood cell whose function is to seek out, ingest and kill invading microorganisms, such as bacteria. Mature neutrophils are referred to as “segmented”, immature neutrophils are referred to as “banded”, based upon their appearance under a microscope. The normal range of segmented neutrophils in equine blood is between 2.7 – 6.7 x 103/ml (that is, 2700-6700 neutrophils per micro liter of blood). A high proportion of segmented neutrophils indicates inflammation, excitement or response to chronic stress. Accompanying levels of band neutrophils and lymphocytes are used to pinpoint a more specific cause of increased neutrophils (see below). A significantly decreased level may indicate severe inflammation (and thus consumption of more neutrophils than can be produced). If concurrent with abnormal levels of other white blood cells, it may indicate bone marrow failure, such as may occur with some drug or chemical toxicity, severe viruses or neoplasia.

Bands- Refers to the relative proportion of banded (immature) neutrophils. A range of 0.0 -0.1 x 103/ml is considered normal. Increased levels indicate acute inflammation that has stimulated the bone marrow to release large numbers of neutrophils, including those not yet mature.

Lymphocytes- Lymphs – refers to the relative proportion of lymphocytes. Unlike neutrophils, which attack a broad spectrum of invading microbes, lymphocytes differentiate into specialized cells that attack and destroy very specific infecting antigens (teaching these “memory cells” which antigens to attack and destroy is the basis of vaccinations). Normal range for the horse if between 1.5 – 5.5 x 103/ml. Low lymphocyte levels concurrent with increased band neutrophils and low segmented neutrophils indicate a severe, overwhelming viral or bacterial infection. Low lymphocyte levels concurrent with normal band neutrophil levels, and increased segmented neutrophils indicates a stress response (such as during disease or other stressful circumstances). Normal or increased lymphocytes along with normal band neutrophils and increased segmented neutrophils indicate excitement. Extremely high lymphocytes along with evidence of immature lymphocyte cells may indicate neoplasia, such as lymphoma.
There are several types of these cells and since the work with human AIDS, the name T-Cell (one of the Lymphocytes) has become well-known.

The Lymphocytes’ function is to be the second line of defense. They carry immune system proteins and are involved in the production of antibodies. They are long-lived and are the major cells in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system runs parallel to the bloodstream and is involved with fighting foreign proteins. Lymphocyte numbers are low in conditions of chronic stress and cortisone production (eg. growth, injury, travel, nervous disposition, teething and overwork). They are raised in cancers and some chronic infections, particularly viral ones such as Ross River Virus. Reactive lymphocytes also indicate a viral picture.
Monocytes- Monos – refers to monocytes, an immature stage of macrophage cells. Like neutrophils, macrophages attack and engulf foreign bacteria, but are also the “clean-up cells” which remove dead tissue wherever damage has occurred, such as a healing wound site. The norma! range for horses is between 0.0 – 0.8 x 103/ml. Large numbers of circulating monocytes are generally an indication of an increased demand for macrophages, as might be the case following injury and tissue destruction. They are a sign of repair and are often seen with chronic bleeders and horses with bowel or bowel blood vessel damage. Again, like the Eosinophils, the Monocyte numbers drop at the start of the stress response and then often increase as it progresses.

Eosinoeukocyte- Eos – refers to eosinoeukocyte with functions similar to those of neutrophils. Eosinophils have a role in the Inflammatory response, such as swelling, redness and pain following injury or during allergic reactions. In addition, they have the major function of parasitic control, in that they attack and damage parasites circulating in the bloodstream (such as strongyles during their migratory phase). Normal ranges are between 0.0 – 0.6 x 103/ml. Increased levels may be an indication of infection by internal parasites, of an allergic response or of inflammation in the body, such as gastroenteritis.

Basophils- (Bases) – refers to basophils, the last of the large categories of white blood cells. Normal range is between 0 – 0.2 6 x 103/ml. Basophils contain the substances histamine and heparin, which are involved in the inflammatory process. Increases in basophils generally accompany increases in eosiniphils and help support diagnosis of inflammation due to allergies, parasites or inflammation.
Ratios- The ratio of Neutrophils to Lymphocytes has been used for years to assess stress states. If the percentage of Lymphocytes is greater than the Neutrophils, this is called a Reversal.
Normally, the Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio is 60:40. If it reverses (ie. 40:60), then it usually means that there is an acute stress (eg. virus, pain, tying up, travel). When the Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio goes from 60:40 to 70:30 or 80:20 then these are signs of chronic stress. Generally, if the ratio is greater than 2:1 (eg. 67:33) there is a chronic stress and the level is affecting performance. At 3:1 or 75:25, the horse is unwell and usually will not recover without time off or a spell. At 4:1, normally there is clinically a problem and at 5:1 we usually have colics and/or extreme pain. At 10:1, usually you do not have to do anything except get out of the way because the horse is about to fall on top of you!

Persistent chronic stress occurs when the Lymphocytes do not regenerate after a spell or ease-up and this will lead to an aborted preparation as the horse will not come up to anywhere near its ability.
Platelets (PLAT) – refers to platelets, the third cellular component of blood (along with red and white blood cells). These cells contain a number of biologically active molecules that are critical to the blood clotting process. Low levels may indicate a number of disease processes not necessarily directly related to a bleeding disorder. Chronic or acute blood loss, immune disease, toxemia, liver, spleen or bone marrow disease, or even critically reduced or increased body temperatures can also cause low platelets counts. Any significantly low platelet counts should be further investigated by a veterinarian. High levels are generally clinically insignificant unless the condition persists, in which case it may be indicative of bone marrow neoplastic disease.

IMMUNE FUNCTION IN RACE HORSES

White Cells- WBC, POLYS, BANDS, LYMPHS, MONOS, EOS and BASO. Collectively known as white blood cells or leukocytes, measurement of these parameters evaluate the presence of infection, inflammation and ongoing systemic disease processes in the body.
WBC – a total count of all types of white cells (eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, etc), this count is made so that relative proportions of its subunit cells can be calculated. It also provides a general indication of normal balance between cell production in bone marrow and tissue uptake. Before drawing any conclusions, it is critical to evaluate each subtype cell in relationship to each other.
Total White Cell Count – Obviously, this Is the total number of White Ceils, usually expressed as the number of cells per nanolitre of blood, or per ml of blood. I usually use the number per ml of blood and will do so in this article.
The normal equine reading is between 6000 and 10 000, with the normal athletic reading being between 6000 and 8500. If the sample has clotted, even slightly, the count can be very low and this is an area to watch. Any clots mean that you must re-do the blood.
A number below 6000 means that large numbers of White Cells have left the bloodstream and entered the tissues of the body; or that there has been a destruction or underproduction of White Cells. All of these things mean that there is excessive activity occurring and performance will be down. Common causes of low White Cell Counts in adult horses are viruses, acute inflammatory stimuli (eg. travel sickness), acute trauma such as bone fractures, reduced immune responses, some drugs, and prolonged chronic stresses (eg. growth, overwork, pain).
High White Cell Counts occur where the body has produced cells in response to bacterial infections, inflammatory processes of prolonged duration, cancers, allergies, parasites,
excessive heat or cold, and where disease states have moved from being acute to chronic.

Packed Cell Volume in Race Horses

This is mostly the percentage of cells within the blood. The red cells have the larger percentage as there are usually 6-8 million/ml as against white cells of 6-8 thousand/ml. PCV is used to assess dehydration and anemia. Optimum levels are close to 40% with levels below 35% and above 45% likely to indicate problems. This reading is also affected by excitement at collection. PCV also rises as fitness increases, often though, it keeps rising when problems occur because dehydration is a common sequel of work-related problems. IF THIS READING IS ABOVE 50 – HORSE WILL HAVE HEART ATTACK
MCHC- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration: MCHC is a measure of the amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. Usually this is in a tight range of 35- 39%. It cannot be above 40% so any reading with a figure greater than 40% is wrong. Variations in MCHC usually reflect problems in the other readings as most labs calculate MCHC by dividing the hemoglobin by PCV and multiplying by 100.
Mean Corpuscular Volume: MCV is the size of the red blood cell and is important in two fields. One relates to anemia cause diagnosis. If the figure is high the horse has anemia, the cause is usually blood loss (ulcers, bleeder), Vitamin B6, B12, Folic Acid or niacin deficiencies or gut upsets causing reduced production of these vitamins. If the figure is low with anemia, this usually indicates iron deficiency but also copper or pyridoxine.
The other relates to the efficiency of the bone marrow. A fresh horse has a high MCV and is making good quality, new (large) red blood cells. A horse that is stale is not making new cells and his MCV is lowish. This varies between labs but a common numerical assessment would be that if the lab range was 43-50, then 50 is very fresh, not fit. 48 is good activity in a horse tightening up and ready to race. 46 is a horse nearing its peak or needing tapering. 45 is a horse that is losing it and starting to train off and 43 is in the paddock. This assessment must be done looking at a total blood but it is a good indicator of freshness. Thus sprinters may be raced pre-peak if freshness and excitement is their main virtue. Meanwhile, stayers are best pushed to good activity pre-race and usually will be in taper mode when stringing staying races together.
ESR- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: This is the rate that red blood cells settle in a solution. That sounds like “no big deal” but it is important because red blood cells have an electric charge and as the horse gains fitness, this charge can increase while stress, disease states and pregnancy can cause a decrease in the electric charge and so cells clump together and fall faster. The density of the blood influences ESR and so each PCV
reading has an ESR range. In horses without other stresses in their blood, the ESR can give an indication of wellness and I believe cardiovascular fitness. The lower the ESR, the fitter the horse.
Ranges are:
PCV = 35 ESR = 43 -13
PCV = 37 ESR = 28-8
PCV = 39 ESR = 19-3
PCV = 40 ESR = 8-0
PCV = 45 ESR = 3-0
Horses with figures closer to the lower end of the range are fitter and healthier than horses that are at the higher end of the range or above.

OXYGEN TRANSPORT SYSTEMS IN RACE HORSES

During strenuous exercise, the amount of oxygen inspired is not nearly as important as the amount that actually reaches the tissues. Various forces and barriers have an effect on this delivery system, including infections or obstructions that compromise respiratory function; dehydration, which thickens the blood and forces the heart to work harder to circulate it; or anemia, which results in fewer red blood cells to actually transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
p02 and pC02 represent the amount of dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide circulating in the bloodstream. “Normal” levels of each vary depending on the fitness of the individual horse, but levels of approximately 39 mmHg and 47 mmHg for oxygen and carbon dioxide, respectively, would be considered normal for average, healthy horses. Oxygen levels higher than this might be one, indication of a horse that is aerobically very fit. Low levels of p02 might indicate some barrier preventing adequate movement of oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream—for example, respiratory infection, partial paralysis of the larynx (often seen in thoroughbred racehorses) or even horses bred for ‘teacup’ muzzles and accompanying small nostrils. Decreased oxygen levels would be perfectly normal at high altitudes, where less atmospheric pressure is available to help drive oxygen across respiratory membranes. As intensity of exercise increases, circulating oxygen tends to decrease, while C02 tends to increase. p02 levels between 30-16 mmHg, and pC02 levels of 50 -96 mmHg, respectively, as speed increased from a slow trot to a fast gallop would not be abnormal. Observing relative levels before, during and after a ride gives a good indication of how aerobically stressed the horse was at this intensity of exercise.
Hemoglobin- Hb refers to hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells that actively binds and transports oxygen from the lungs to the peripheral tissues. Norma! levels in a healthy horse are between 10-18 g/dl(4). Low hemoglobin levels, along with a low hematocrit, might indicate anemia, a decrease in the number of circulating red blood cells.
s02 levels represent a measurement of how much of the available hemoglobin molecules are currently involved in transporting oxygen. For example, an s02 level of 78 would indicate that 78% of the available hemoglobin is being utilized to transport oxygen and that the horse is still exercising at less than his maximum aerobic capacity. Horses with low hemoglobin levels could usually be expected to have higher s02 levels during exercise (and therefore a reduced aerobic capacity), simply because a larger proportion of available hemoglobin are being utilized to transport oxygen.
Hemoglobin is the protein within the red blood cell, which carries the oxygen. The more hemoglobin present, the more oxygen can be carried. However, when the amount of red cells gets too large then the blood flow is restricted by the density (thickness) of the blood and flow is then affected.
Most laboratories measure hemoglobin the same way and the range for optimum oxygen capacity is 14.5 – 15.5 gm/100 ml of blood. Levels below 12.5 and above 16.0 will affect performance. The lower reading indicates an anemic state and the higher reading can
indicate dehydration. Excitement at collection time can also cause high readings. These can be differentiated from dehydration by the examination of the blood proteins.
The only thing that causes hemoglobin to rise is work. All that additives do is provide the raw materials to make hemoglobin; no work means no rise in hemoglobin. Horses in the field do perfectly well on 10.5 -12.5 and when they return to the stables, these are normal readings. The aim of training is to stress the system so the bone marrow makes more hemoglobin for the workload; thus, a gradual increasing workload is best. When we get up to fast work, a strong, hard workout for that stage of the preparation will destroy up to a gram of hemoglobin/100 ml of blood, that is 13 drops to12. So, when we are fast working, we need time to rebuild after a fast day and putting too many fast days close together, can drop the hemoglobin. Hemoglobin levels do not indicate fitness but they can indicate how well the horse has built-up and whether the build-up prep was uneventful.

ACID-BASE STATUS and Base Excess in Race Horses

Kidneys, adrenal glands, lungs and special regions in the brain all work together in an amazingly complex system to maintain the internal chemistry within acceptable limits. There are many causes of acid-base disturbance, but in the exercising endurance horse, acid-base changes generally indicate that an exercising horse is working somewhat beyond his immediate capacity. Depending on the type and extent of changes, it may mean that the horse needs to slow down, cool off, or may be indicative of major metabolic changes. Significant changes in a resting horse that has not undergone recent exercise may indicate a disease process.
pH – Most people are somewhat familiar with the concept that pH is an indication of a solution’s acidity. Lower pH indicates a more acidic solution; the higher the pH, the less acidic (and therefore more alkaline or “basic”). The normal pH range of blood is between 7.32 – 7.44(12). Most systems in the body only operate efficiently within this narrow pH range. If blood pH is either too low or too high, the horse’s condition is referred to as “acidosis” or “alkalosis”, respectively. Under endurance conditions, low pH (acidosis) is a good indication that the horse has recently been exercising beyond his aerobic capacity, and lactic acid of anaerobic muscle metabolism is accumulating faster than the body can recycle it. The lower the pH, the further the horse has been pushed beyond his limits, and the longer it will take for him to recover. As with all other blood parameters, it’s important to look at the total picture—if the horse has recently raced into the finish line, pH levels may be temporarily somewhat decreased due to the release of lactic acid from hard-working muscles. Or it may indicate nothing more than muscles that have not yet warmed up and fully shifted into aerobic metabolism. However, a low blood pH observed along with other acid-base indicators, elevated muscle enzymes, muscle stiffness and other clinical signs help the veterinarian identify ongoing disease processes, such as tying-up or exhausted horse syndrome.
Blood pH level higher than normal often indicates that a horse is overheated and is panting to help with excess heat dissipation. During rapid breathing or “hyperventilating”, the body will lose significant amounts of carbon dioxide, which in turn raises blood pH (more alkalotic or basic). Increases in pH have other effects in the body, such as decreasing the availability of physiologically active calcium.
The normal TC02 (total carbon dioxide) concentration is 28 mEq/liter, and also contributes to the ‘big picture’ of acid-base status. TC02 levels of 20-27 mEq/liter indicate a mild acidosis as described above; TC02 of less than 20 mEq/liter indicate severe, possibly life-threatening, acidosis (12).
HC03 refers to bicarbonate, a buffer released by the kidneys to help prevent changes in the acid-base balance. A normal value is between 24-30 mEq/liter. Although the pathways within the body for regulating bicarbonate within the body are far too complex for these few pages, low levels during endurance exercise would contribute to a diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Levels slightly above normal indicate mild alkalosis, and might be expected in horses exercising under hot conditions.
Base Excess (BE) is the mathematical sum of several of the above positively and negatively-charged ions that contribute to acid-base status. Changes in base excess evaluate “unmeasured anions”, usually lactic acid secondary to strenuous anaerobic
exercise, inflammation, dehydration or infection. A base excess of zero indicates no abnormal changes in acid-base status, A positive base excess in a horse generally indicates alkalosis secondary to heat and panting. A negative base excess increasingly indicates acidosis, usually secondary to strenuous, anaerobic exercise. Dehydration may be a contributing factor to a negative BE.

Cation and Anion Balance In Race Horses

Of the nutrients, electrolytes, both cations and anions, are somewhat unique in their ability to affect performance. Not only do electrolytes have effects individually, because of their propensity to be ionized, they have the ability to interact with one another to create additional effects. Strictly defined, an electrolyte is a chemical compound that ionizes when dissolved or molten to produce an electrically conductive medium. Physiologically, electrolytes are required to regulate the electric charge across cell membranes and participate in a number of reactions necessary for life. Sodium, potassium, and chloride are the minerals most often thought of when the term electrolyte is used, although calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sulphur may also exist in ionized states in the body. Other compounds such as lactate, bicarbonate, and even proteins may act as electrolytes as well.
Blood pH – The pH of the blood is affected by acids and bases. An acid is any compound capable of donating a hydrogen ion to the solution and a base is any compound capable of accepting a hydrogen ion from the solution. The strength of an acid or base is measured by its ability to donate or accept hydrogen Ions at the pH of body fluids. Hydrochloric acid, for example, is a strong acid because it is completely dissociated into a hydrogen ion (H+) and a chloride ion (CI-) at a pH of 7.0. In other words, it is a strong hydrogen ion donor. Other strong acids normally found in body fluids include lactic acid, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid and acetic acid. On the other hand, carbonic acid (H2C03) is a weak acid because it tends to stay in that form at norma! body pH and not dissociate as easily into a hydrogen ion (H+) and bicarbonate ion (HC03 -). An ion with a positive charge is referred to as a cation and an ion with a negative charge is referred to as an anion. The sum of all the charges theoretically must be zero. In other words, for each cation in the body, there must be an associated anion. They may not be in the same place, i.e. the cation in the plasma and the anion inside of a cell, but the body must be electrically “neutral”.
The normal pH of venous blood is 7,4. If the pH is higher than 7.4 then a state of alkalosis is said to exist and if the pH is lower than 7.4, a state of acidosis is said to exist. Certainly, there are varying degrees of each of these conditions and for a given individual, “normal” might be slightly above or below 7.4.