Search Results

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate changes in serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) concentrations in response to exercise in horses.

Animals—15 horses in experiment 1 and 27 horses in experiment 2.

Procedures—In experiment 1, 15 Thoroughbreds free of orthopedic disease underwent a standardized exercise protocol. Running velocity and heart rate (HR) were recorded, and blood samples were collected immediately before (baseline) and 1, 5, and 24 hours after a single episode of exercise. In experiment 2, 27 horses underwent 9 stages of a training program in which each stage consisted of 4 to 8 consecutive daily workouts followed by a rest day. Blood samples were collected immediately before the first and final daily workouts in each stage. Serum COMP concentrations were measured via inhibition ELISA with a monoclonal antibody (14G4) against equine COMP.

Results—In experiment 1, mean serum COMP concentration was significantly higher than baseline 1 and 5 hours after exercise and returned to baseline concentrations 24 hours after exercise. Mean serum baseline COMP concentration increased as the velocity of running at maximum HR and at an HR of 200 beats/min increased, being significantly higher during the third and fourth exercise tests than during the first. In experiment 2, mean baseline COMP concentration at the final workout of each stage was significantly higher than that at the first workout, beginning with stage 3.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Serum COMP concentrations changed significantly in response to exercise. Exercise may enhance movement of COMP into the circulation as well as change the basal turnover rate of COMP.

Abstract

Objective—To test the usefulness of measuring pH and refractometry index, compared with measuring calcium carbonate concentration, of preparturient mammary gland secretions for predicting parturition in mares.

Design—Evaluation study.

Animals—27 pregnant Thoroughbred mares.

Procedures—Preparturient mammary gland secretion samples were obtained once or twice daily 10 days prior to foaling until parturition. The samples were analyzed for calcium carbonate concentration with a water hardness kit (151 samples), pH with pH test paper (222 samples), and refractometry index with a Brix refractometer (214 samples). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for each test were calculated for evaluation of predicting parturition.

Results—The PPV within 72 hours and the NPV within 24 hours for calcium carbonate concentration determination (standard value set to 400 μg/g) were 93.8% and 98.3%, respectively. The PPV within 72 hours and the NPV within 24 hours for the pH test (standard value set at 6.4) were 97.9% and 99.4%, respectively. The PPV within 72 hours and the NPV within 24 hours for the Brix test (standard value set to 20%) were 73.2% and 96.5%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that the pH test with the standard value set at a pH of 6.4 would be useful in the management of preparturient mares by predicting when mares are not ready to foal. This was accomplished with equal effectiveness of measuring calcium carbonate concentration with a water hardness kit.