Evaluation of laser Doppler flowmetry for measuring coronary band and laminar microcirculatory blood flow in clinically normal horses.
Once daily for 3 days, laser Doppler flowmetry was used in 5 healthy, nonsedated adult horses to evaluate coronary band and laminar microcirculatory blood flow (MBF) in both forelimbs. The coronary band had significantly (P < 0.05) higher MBF than did the laminae on the days evaluated. Significant variation in MBF was not found over the 3-day measurement period in any one site. Significant (P < 0.05) variation was found in coronary band MBF among horses. This variation was not observed in laminar MBF. On occlusion of the digital arteries at the level of the fetlock, marked decrease in coronary band and laminar MBF was observed. Twenty minutes after IV administration of acetylpromazine, marked increase in coronary band and laminar MBF was observed. The technique was easily performed in standing nonsedated horses, did not inflict discomfort, lacked complications, and measurements were repeatable. This technique provides an index of digital MBF, either intermittently or continuously, avoiding introduction of invasive variables associated with other techniques.
Department of Rural Practice, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37901-1071.
H S
HS
Adair
D O
DO
Goble
G M
GM
Shires
W L
WL
Sanders
D000075:Acepromazine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects; D003326:Coronary Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry / Q000662:veterinary*; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects; D012016:Reference Values
D000075:Acepromazine