Changes in blood gas, acid-base and metabolic parameters in horses during three-day event competition.
Sixteen horses competing in a three-day event had venous blood samples collected during the speed and endurance test (day 2) to examine changes in blood gas ands acid-base balance, and the concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, alpha-ketoglutarate and cortisol. Following the roads and tracks and steeplechase phases there was a significant metabolic and respiratory alkalosis despite a rise in lactate. After completion of the cross country section, although there was a significant decrease in total base, there was no significant change in pH from pre-event values. This was because the decrease in total base was accompanied by a concomitant fall in carbon dioxide levels.
D000818:Animals; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000097:blood; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D006736:Horses / Q000097:blood*; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D005082:Physical Exertion
D001639:Bicarbonates; D007773:Lactates; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen