Effects of different volumes of autologous blood instilled into the airways of horses on pulmonary function during treadmill exercise.
Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage has been associated with reduced performance in racing horses. However, it is unclear what volume of blood loss into the lungs impairs performance. The purpose of the present study was to determine the minimal volume of autologous Horses blood instilled into the airways that significantly affects performance and pulmonary function in exercising horses. Six Thoroughbred horses performed 2 exercise bouts on each of 4 treatment test days. Each exercise bout consisted of a 2 min warm-up at 4 m/s followed by running at a speed equivalent to 115% VO2max, until fatigued. For the first run of each testing day there was no treatment (baseline run). Prior to the second run either there was no treatment (control) or 100, 50 or 25 ml of autologous blood was instilled into the airways on the right hand side. During each test, arterial and mixed venous blood was sampled, and VO2, VCO2 and breathing mechanics measured. The results of this study indicate that unilateral instillation of 100 ml of blood or less into the airways of horses does not significantly affect pulmonary function, breathing mechanics or performance during supramaximal exercise. The results of this study may be helpful in determining the significance of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage on racing performance.
Kingston
J K
JK
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6610, USA.
Bayly
W M
WM
Sides
R H
RH
D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000662:veterinary; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006736:Horses; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010313:Partial Pressure; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide