Nitric oxide synthase inhibition in thoroughbred horses augments O2 extraction at rest and submaximal exercise, but not during short-term maximal exercise

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Work is required to establish the role of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in metabolism of resting and exercising horses.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of NO synthase inhibition on O2 extraction and anaerobic metabolism at rest, and during submaximal and maximal exertion.

METHODS

Placebo and NO synthase inhibition (with Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME] administered at 20 mg/kg bwt i.v.) studies were performed in random order, 7 days apart on 7 healthy, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses at rest and during incremental exercise leading to 120 sec of maximal exertion at 14 m/sec on a 3.5% uphill grade.

RESULTS

At rest, NO synthase inhibition significantly augmented the arterial to mixed-venous blood O2 content gradient and O2 extraction as mixed-venous blood O2 tension and saturation decreased significantly. While NO synthase inhibition did not affect arterial blood-gas tensions in exercising horses, the exercise-induced increment in haemoglobin concentration and arterial O2 content was attenuated. In the L-NAME study, during submaximal exercise, mixed-venous blood O2 tension and haemoglobin-O2 saturation decreased to a greater extent causing O2 extraction to increase significantly. During maximal exertion, arterial hypoxaemia, desaturation of haemoglobin and hypercapnia of a similar magnitude developed in both treatments. Also, the changes in mixed-venous blood O2 tension and haemoglobin-O2 saturation, arterial to mixed-venous blood O2 content gradient, O2 extraction and markers of anaerobic metabolism (lactate and ammonia production, and metabolic acidosis) were not different from those in the placebo study.

CONCLUSION

Endogenous NO production augments O2 extraction at rest and during submaximal exertion, but not the during short-term maximal exercise. Also, NO synthase inhibition does not affect anaerobic metabolism at rest or during exertion.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

It is unlikely that endogenous NO release modifies aerobic or anaerobic metabolism in horses performing short-term maximal exertion.

Pre-exercise hypervolaemia is not detrimental to arterial oxygenation of horses performing a prolonged exercise protocol simulating the second day of a 3-day equestrian event

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Hyperhydration, prior to prolonged moderate-intensity exercise simulating the 2nd day of a 3-day equestrian event (E3DEC), may induce arterial hypoxaemia detrimental to performance.

OBJECTIVES

Because moderate-intensity exercise does not induce arterial hypoxaemia in healthy horses, the effects of pre-exercise hypervolaemia on arterial oxygenation were examined during a prolonged exercise protocol.

METHODS

Blood-gas studies were carried out on 7 healthy, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses in control and hyperhydration experiments. The study conformed to a randomised crossover design. The sequence of treatments was randomised for each horse and 7 days were allowed between studies. Hyperhydration was induced by administering 0.425 g/kg bwt NaCl via nasogastric tube followed by free access to water. The exercise protocol was carried out on a treadmill set at a 3% uphill grade and consisted of walking at 2 m/sec for 2 min, trotting for 10 min at 3.7 m/sec, galloping for 2 min at 14 m/sec (which elicited maximal heart rate), trotting for 20 min at 3.7 m/sec, walking for 10 min at 1.8 m/sec, cantering for 8 min at 9.2 m/sec, trotting for 1 min at 5 m/sec and walking for 5 min at 2 m/sec.

RESULTS

NaCl administration induced a significant mean +/- s.e. 15.5 +/- 1.1% increase in plasma volume as indicated by a significant reduction in plasma protein concentration. In either treatment, whereas arterial hypoxaemia was not observed during periods of submaximal exercise, short-term maximal exertion caused significant arterial hypoxaemia, desaturation of haemoglobin, hypercapnoea, and acidosis in both treatments. However, the magnitude of exercise-induced arterial hypoxaemia, desaturation of haemoglobin, hypercapnoea, and acidosis in both treatments remained similar, and statistically significant differences between treatments could not be demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that significant pre-exercise expansion of plasma volume by this method does not adversely affect the arterial oxygenation of horses performing a prolonged exercise protocol simulating the 2nd day of an E3DEC.

Hyperhydration prior to a simulated second day of the 3-day moderate intensity equestrian competition does not cause arterial hypoxemia in Thoroughbred horses

Dehydration and the associated impairment of cardiovascular and thermoregulatory function comprise major veterinary problems in horses performing prolonged exercise, particularly under hot and humid conditions. For these reasons, there is considerable interest in using pre-exercise hyperhydration to help maintain blood volume in the face of the excessive fluid loss associated with sweat production during prolonged exertion. However, recently it was reported that pre-exercise hyperhydration causes arterial hypoxemia in horses performing moderate intensity exercise simulating the second day of an equestrian 3-day event competition (E3DEC) which may adversely affect performance (Sosa Leon et al. in Equine Vet J Suppl 34:425-429, 2002). These findings are contrary to data from horses performing short-term maximal exertion, wherein hyperhydration did not affect arterial O2 tension/saturation. Thus, our objective in the present study was to examine the impact of pre-exercise hyperhydration on arterial oxygenation of Thoroughbred horses performing an exercise test simulating the second day of an E3DEC. Control and hyperhydration studies were carried out on seven healthy Thoroughbred horses in random order, 7 days apart. In the control study, horses received no medications. In the hyperhydration experiments, nasogastric administration of NaCl (0.425 g/kg) 5 h pre-exercise induced a plasma volume expansion of 10.9% at the initiation of exercise. This methodology for inducing hypervolemia was different from that of Sosa Leon et al. (2002). Blood-gas tensions/pH as well as plasma protein, hemoglobin and blood lactate concentrations were measured pre-exercise and during the exercise test. Our data revealed that pre-exercise hyperhydration neither adversely affected arterial O2 tension nor hemoglobin-O2 saturation at any time during the exercise test simulating the second day of an E3DEC. Further, it was observed that arterial blood CO2 tension, pH, and blood lactate concentrations also were not affected by pre-exercise hyperhydration. However, hemodilution in hyperhydrated horses caused an attenuation of the expansion in the arterial to mixed-venous blood O2 content gradient during phases B and D of the exercise protocol, which was likely offset by an increase in cardiac output. It is concluded that pre-exercise hyperhydration of horses induced in the manner described above is not detrimental to arterial oxygenation of horses performing an exercise test simulating the second day of an E3DEC.

Pulmonary vascular pressures of strenuously exercising Thoroughbreds after administration of varying doses of frusemide

The frusemide dose-response for attenuation of exercise-induced pulmonary capillary hypertension was studied in 7 healthy, exercise-conditioned Thoroughbred horses using previously described haemodynamic procedures. Four different doses of frusemide were tested: 250 mg regardless of bodyweight (amounting to 0.56 +/- 0.03 mg/kg bwt), 1.0 mg/kg bwt, 1.5 mg/kg bwt and 2.0 mg/kg bwt. Frusemide was administered i.v., 4 h before exercise. Haemodynamic data were obtained at rest and during treadmill exercise performed at 14.2 m/s on a 3.5% uphill grade; this workload elicited maximal heart rate of horses. Airway endoscopy was performed post exercise to detect exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). In standing horses, frusemide administration resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decrease in mean pulmonary arterial, pulmonary capillary and pulmonary artery wedge pressures, but significant differences among the various frusemide doses were not observed. In the control experiments, exercise caused significant increments in the right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, wedge, and capillary pressures, and all horses experienced EIPH. Following frusemide administration, the exercise-induced rise in right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures was significantly attenuated, but significant differences between the frusemide doses of 250 mg, 1.0 mg/kg, and 1.5 mg/kg were not discerned and all horses remained positive for EIPH. Although a further significant (P<0.05) attenuation of the exercise-induced rise in pulmonary capillary blood pressure occurred when frusemide dose increased from 250 mg to 2.0 mg/kg bwt, all horses still experienced EIPH. It is concluded that a linear response to increasing frusemide dosage in terms of attenuation of the pulmonary capillary hypertension does not exist in strenuously exercising Thoroughbred horses.

Nitric oxide synthase inhibition does not affect the exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia in Thoroughbred horses

Because sensitivity of equine pulmonary vasculature to endogenous as well as exogenous nitric oxide (NO) has been demonstrated, we examined whether endogenous NO production plays a role in exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia. We hypothesized that inhibition of NO synthase may alter the distribution of ventilation-perfusion mismatching, which may affect the exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia. Arterial blood-gas variables were examined in seven healthy, sound Thoroughbred horses at rest and during incremental exercise protocol leading to galloping at maximal heart rate without (control; placebo = saline) and with N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) administration (20 mg/kg iv). The experiments were carried out in random order, 7 days apart. At rest, L-NAME administration caused systemic hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and bradycardia. During 120 s of galloping at maximal heart rate, significant arterial hypoxemia, desaturation of hemoglobin, hypercapnia, hyperthermia, and acidosis occurred in the control as well as in NO synthase inhibition experiments. However, statistically significant differences between the treatments were not found. In both treatments, exercise caused a significant rise in hemoglobin concentration, but the increment was significantly attenuated in the NO synthase inhibition experiments, and, therefore, arterial O(2) content (Ca(O(2))) increased to significantly lower values. These data suggest that, whereas L-NAME administration does not affect pulmonary gas exchange in exercising horses, it may affect splenic contraction, which via an attenuation of the rise in hemoglobin concentration and Ca(O(2)) may limit performance at higher workloads.

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with L-NAME does not increase lactate production at rest or during short-term high-intensity exercise in Thoroughbred horses

The present study was carried out to determine whether inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase promotes anaerobic metabolism in exercising horses, resulting in a significantly increased blood lactate concentration. N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) is a potent inhibitor of NO synthase that has been tested in horses and other species. Two sets of experiments, namely placebo (saline control) and L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.v.) studies, were carried out on seven healthy, sound, exercise-trained, Thoroughbred horses in random order, 6 to 7 days apart. In both experiments, an incremental exercise protocol was used and data were obtained at rest, during submaximal exercise performed at 8 m/s on a 4.5% uphill grade, and during galloping at 14 m/s on a 4.5% uphill grade--a workload that not only elicited maximal heart rate and induced exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, but also could not be sustained for more than 90 s. Measurements were also made in the recovery period. Mixed-venous blood samples, obtained at matched intervals in the two sets of experiments, were analysed in triplicate for determining the lactate concentration. Following administration of L-NAME, significant bradycardia occurred at rest (27 +/- 1 vs 37 +/- 2 beats/min in the placebo trials; p<0.0001) as well as during submaximal exercise (183 +/- 4 vs 200 +/- 4 beats/min in the placebo trials; p<0.001), but the heart rate increased during galloping at 14 m/s on a 4.5% uphill grade to reach values observed in the placebo trials (215 +/- 2 beats/min) and significant differences were not found. At rest, the mixed-venous blood lactate concentration was similar in the two experiments. With exercise, the mixed-venous blood lactate concentration increased progressively as work intensity increased in both trials, but significant differences were not found between the placebo and the L-NAME experiments during submaximal exercise, near-maximal exercise or recovery. These experiments demonstrated that inhibition of NO synthase in Thoroughbred horses does not promote enhanced anaerobic metabolism at rest or during short-term incremental exercise leading to galloping at maximal heart rate.

Effect of prior high-intensity exercise on exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia in Thoroughbred horses

Strenuously exercising horses exhibit arterial hypoxemia and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), the latter resulting from stress failure of pulmonary capillaries. The present study was carried out to examine whether the structural changes in the blood-gas barrier caused by a prior bout of high-intensity short-term exercise capable of inducing EIPH would affect the arterial hypoxemia induced during a successive bout of exercise performed at the same workload. Two sets of experiments, double- and single-exercise-bout experiments, were carried out on seven healthy, sound Thoroughbred horses. Experiments were carried out in random order, 7 days apart. In the double-exercise experiments, horses performed two successive bouts (each lasting 120 s) of galloping at 14 m/s on a 3.5% uphill grade, separated by an interval of 6 min. Exertion at this workload induced arterial hypoxemia within 30 s of the onset of galloping as well as desaturation of Hb, a progressive rise in arterial PCO2, and acidosis as exercise duration increased from 30 to 120 s. In the single-exercise-bout experiments, blood-gas/pH data resembled those from the first run of the double-exercise experiments, and all horses experienced EIPH. Thus, in the double-exercise experiments, before the horses performed the second bout of galloping at 14 m/s on a 3.5% uphill grade, stress failure of pulmonary capillaries had occurred. Although arterial hypoxemia developed during the second run, arterial PO2 values were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in the first run. Thus prior exercise not only failed to accentuate the severity of arterial hypoxemia, it actually diminished the magnitude of exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia. The decreased severity of exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia in the second run was due to an associated increase in alveolar PO2, as arterial PCO2 was significantly lower than in the first run. Thus our data do not support a role for structural changes in the blood-gas barrier related to the stress failure of pulmonary capillaries in causing the exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia in horses.

Nasal strips do not affect pulmonary gas exchange, anaerobic metabolism, or EIPH in exercising Thoroughbreds

The present study was carried out to examine whether nasal strip application would improve the exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia and hypercapnia, diminish anaerobic metabolism, and modify the incidence of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in horses. Two sets of experiments, control and nasal strip experiments, were carried out on seven healthy, sound, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses in random order, 7 days apart. Simultaneous measurements of core temperature, arterial and mixed venous blood gases/pH, and blood lactate and ammonia concentrations were made at rest, during submaximal and near-maximal exercise, and during recovery. In both treatments, whereas submaximal exercise caused hyperventilation, near-maximal exercise induced significant arterial hypoxemia, desaturation of Hb, hypercapnia, and acidosis. However, O2 content increased significantly with exercise in both treatments, while the mixed venous blood O2 content decreased as O2 extraction increased. In both treatments, plasma ammonia and blood lactate concentrations increased significantly with exercise. Statistically significant differences between the control and the nasal strip experiments could not be discerned, however. Also, all horses experienced EIPH in both treatments. Thus our data indicated that application of an external nasal dilator strip neither improved the exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia and hypercapnia nor diminished anaerobic metabolism or the incidence of EIPH in Thoroughbred horses performing strenuous exercise.

Intravenous pentoxifylline does not enhance the pulmonary haemodynamic efficacy of frusemide in strenuously exercising thoroughbred horses

The present study was carried out to examine whether pentoxifylline administration to horses premedicated with frusemide would attenuate the exercise-induced pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension to a greater extent than frusemide alone, thereby affecting the occurrence of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Using established techniques, we determined right heart and pulmonary vascular pressures in 6 healthy, sound Thoroughbred horses at rest and during exercise performed at maximal heart rate at a workload of 14 m/s on 3.5% uphill grade in the control (no medications), frusemide (250 mg i.v., 4 h pre-exercise)-control, and the frusemide (250 mg i.v., 4 h pre-exercise) + pentoxifylline (8.5 mg/kg bwt i.v., 15 min preexercise) treatments. Sequence of the 3 treatments was randomised for every horse and 7 days were allowed between them. In the control study, galloping at 14 m/s on 3.5% uphill grade elicited significant right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension and all horses experienced EIPH as detected by the presence of fresh blood in the trachea on endoscopic examination. Frusemide administration was not attended by changes in heart rate at rest or during exercise. Although in the frusemide-control experiments, a significant reduction in mean pulmonary arterial, capillary and wedge pressures was observed both at rest and during galloping at 14 m/s on 3.5% uphill grade, all horses still experienced EIPH. Pentoxifylline administration to standing horses premedicated with frusemide caused nervousness, muscular fasciculations, sweating and tachycardia. Although these symptoms had largely abated within 15 min, there were no significant changes in the right atrial or pulmonary vascular pressures. Exercise in the frusemide + pentoxifylline experiments also caused significant right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension, but these data were not found to be significantly different from the frusemide-control experiments. All horses in the frusemide + pentoxifylline experiments also experienced EIPH. In conclusion, our data indicate that pentoxifylline (8.5 mg/kg bwt i.v., 15 min pre-exercise) is ineffective in modifying the pulmonary haemodynamic effects of frusemide in exercising horses. It should be noted, however, that we did not examine whether erythrocyte plasticity was altered by the administration of pentoxifylline. Since the intravascular force exerted onto the blood-gas barrier of exercising horses premedicated with frusemide remained unaffected by pentoxifylline administration, it is concluded that concomitant pentoxifylline administration is unlikely to offer additional benefit to horses experiencing EIPH.

Clenbuterol administration does not enhance the efficacy of furosemide in attenuating the exercise-induced pulmonary capillary hypertension in Thoroughbred horses

The stimulation of pulmonary beta2-adrenergic receptors causes a decrease in vascular resistance. Thus, the present study was carried out to examine whether concomitant administration of clenbuterol-a beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist, to horses premedicated with furosemide would attenuate the exercise-induced pulmonary capillary hypertension to a greater extent than furosemide alone, and in turn, affect the occurrence of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Experiments were carried out on six healthy, sound, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses. All horses were studied in the control (no medications), furosemide (250 mg i.v., 4 h pre-exercise)-control, and furosemide (250 mg i.v., 4 h pre-exercise)+clenbuterol (0.8 microg/kg i.v., 11 min pre-exercise) experiments. The sequence of these treatments was randomized for every horse, and 7 days were allowed between them. Using catheter-tip-transducers whose in-vivo signals were referenced at the point of the left shoulder, pulmonary vascular pressures were determined at rest, sub-maximal exercise, and during galloping at 14.2 m/s on a 3.5% uphill grade--a workload that elicited maximal heart rate. In the control study, incremental exercise resulted in progressive significant (P<0.05) increments in heart rate, right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous (wedge) pressures, and all horses experienced EIPH. Furosemide administration caused a significant (P<0.05) reduction in mean right atrial as well as pulmonary capillary and venous pressures of standing horses. Although exercise in the furosemide-control experiments also caused right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures to increase significantly (P<0.05), the increment in mean pulmonary capillary and wedge pressures was significantly (P<0.05) attenuated in comparison with the control study, but all horses experienced EIPH. Clenbuterol administration to standing horses premedicated with furosemide caused tachycardia, but significant changes in right atrial or pulmonary vascular pressures were not discerned at rest. During exercise in the furosemide+clenbuterol experiments, heart rate, mean right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and wedge pressures increased significantly (P<0.05), but these data were not different from the furosemide-control experiments, and all horses experienced EIPH as well. Thus, it was concluded that clenbuterol administration is ineffective in modifying the pulmonary hemodynamic effects of furosemide in standing or exercising horses. Because the intravascular force exerted onto the blood-gas barrier of horses premedicated with furosemide remained unaffected by clenbuterol administration, it is believed that concomitant clenbuterol administration is unlikely to offer additional benefit to healthy horses experiencing EIPH.

Clenbuterol administration does not attenuate the exercise-induced pulmonary arterial, capillary or venous hypertension in strenuously exercising Thoroughbred horses

The present study was carried out to ascertain whether beta2-adrenergic receptor stimulation with clenbuterol would attenuate the pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension in horses performing high-intensity exercise and, in turn, modify the occurrence of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Experiments were carried out on 6 healthy, sound, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses. All horses were studied in the control (no medications) and the clenbuterol (0.8 pg/kg bwt, i.v.) treatments. The sequence of these treatments was randomised for every horse, and 7 days were allowed between them. Using catheter-tip-transducers whose in-vivo signals were referenced at the point of the left shoulder, right heart/pulmonary vascular pressures were determined at rest, sub-maximal exercise and during galloping at 14.2 m/s on a 3.5% uphill grade--a workload that elicited maximal heart rate and induced EIPH in all horses. In the control experiments, incremental exercise resulted in progressive significant increments in right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous (wedge) pressures and all horses experienced EIPH. Clenbuterol administration to standing horses caused tachycardia, but significant changes in mean right atrial or pulmonary vascular pressures were not observed. During exercise performed after clenbuterol administration, heart rate as well as right atrial and pulmonary arterial, capillary and wedge pressures also increased progressively with increasing work intensity. However, these values were not found to be statistically significantly different from corresponding data in the control study and the incidence of EIPH remained unaffected. Since clenbuterol administration also does not affect the transpulmonary pressure during exercise, it is unlikely that the transmural force exerted onto the blood-gas barrier of exercising horses is altered following i.v. clenbuterol administration at the recommended dosage.

Intravenous pentoxifylline does not affect the exercise-induced pulmonary arterial, capillary or venous hypertension in Thoroughbred horses

The present study was carried out to examine whether intravenously administered pentoxifylline-a phosphodiesterase inhibitor which increases red blood cell deformability and decreases blood viscosity-would attenuate the magnitude of exercise-induced pulmonary capillary hypertension in healthy, fit Thoroughbred horses and in turn, diminish the occurrence of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Experiments were carried out on six healthy, sound, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses. Hemodynamic data were collected at rest, and during exercise performed at 8 and 14 m/sec on 3.5% uphill grade in the control (no medications) and the pentoxifylline (8.5 mg/kg, i.v.) experiments. The sequence of treatments was randomized for every horse and 7 days were allowed between treatments. Galloping at 14 m/sec on 3.5% uphill grade elicited maximal heart rate. In both treatments, simultaneous measurements of phasic and mean right atrial and pulmonary arterial, capillary and wedge pressures were made using catheter-tip-manometers whose signals were carefully referenced at the point of the left shoulder. In the control study, exercise resulted in progressive significant increments in heart rate, right atrial and pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous pressures; thereby, confirming that exercising Thoroughbreds develop significant pulmonary hypertension. All horses experienced exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in the control experiments. Pentoxifylline administration to standing horses caused anxiety, tachycardia, muscular fasciculations/tremors and mild sweating, but statistically significant changes in right atrial and pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous pressures were not detected. Exercise in the pentoxifylline treatment also resulted in progressive significant increments in heart rate and right atrial as well as pulmonary vascular pressures, but these data were not statistically significantly different from those in the control study and the incidence of EIPH remained unchanged. Thus, it was concluded that i.v. pentoxifylline is ineffective in attenuating the exercise-induced pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension in healthy, fit Thoroughbred horses.

Pulmonary vascular pressures of thoroughbred horses exercised 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after furosemide administration

Furosemide premedication of horses 4 h prior to exercise significantly attenuates exercise-induced pulmonary capillary hypertension which may help diminish the severity of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage. As pulmonary hemodynamic effects of furosemide may be mediated via a reduction in plasma volume (which is most pronounced 15-30 min postfurosemide administration, with plasma volume recovering thereafter), we hypothesized that administration of furosemide at intervals shorter than 4 h before exertion may be more effective in attenuating the exercise-induced rise in pulmonary capillary blood pressure. Thus, our objective was to determine whether furosemide-induced attenuation of exercise-induced pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension would be enhanced when the drug is administered at intervals shorter than 4 h before exercise. Using established techniques, right atrial, and pulmonary arterial, capillary and wedge (venous) pressures were ascertained in seven healthy, sound, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses in a randomized split-plot experimental design. Measurements were made at rest and during exercise performed at maximal heart rate (217 +/- 3 beats/min) in the control (no medications) experiments and following furosemide administration (250 mg intravenously (i.v.)) at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h before exercise. Sequence of treatments was randomized and 7 days were allowed between experiments on each horse. Although furosemide administration in the four treatment groups caused only insignificant changes in the pulmonary arterial, capillary and wedge pressures of standing horses, furosemide-induced reduction in mean right atrial pressure achieved statistical significance in the 2 h postfurosemide experiments. In the control studies, exercise was attended by statistically significant increments in mean right atrial, as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and wedge pressures. Although exercise in each of the four furosemide experiments was also attended by significant increments in right atrial as well as pulmonary vascular pressures, in the 1, 2 and 3 h postfurosemide experiments, mean right atrial pressure increased to a significantly lower value than in the control study. Exercise-induced changes in pulmonary vascular pressures in the 1 h postfurosemide experiments were not different from the pressures in the control study. There was a significant attenuation of exercise-induced pulmonary capillary and venous hypertension in the 2, 3 and 4 h postfurosemide experiments, but significant differences among these treatments were not found. Thus, these data did not support the contention that administration of furosemide at intervals shorter than 4 h before exercise is more effective in attenuating exercise-induced pulmonary capillary or venous hypertension in Thoroughbred horses.

Pulmonary vascular pressures of strenuously exercising Thoroughbreds during intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin would modify pulmonary arterial, capillary, or venous hypertension in strenuously exercising Thoroughbreds.

ANIMALS

5 healthy Thoroughbred horses.

PROCEDURE

Right atrial, right ventricular, and pulmonary vascular pressures were measured. Each horse was used in a control treatment (not medicated) and a nitroglycerin infusion (20 microg/kg of body weight/min) at rest and during exercise on a treadmill. Sequence of treatments was randomized for each horse, and treatments were separated by a 7-day interval. Galloping at 14.2 m/s on a 5% uphill grade elicited maximal heart rate (mean +/- SEM, 212 +/- 2 beats/min) and could not be sustained for > 90 seconds. Nitroglycerin dosage was selected, because maximal pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic effects of i.v. nitroglycerin were elicited at 5 microg/kg/min and increasing the dosage to 20 microg/kg/min did not cause adverse effects.

RESULTS

In the control treatment, exercise performed at maximal heart rate resulted in a significant increase in right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary, and wedge pressures. Nitroglycerin infusion in standing horses significantly decreased right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures, whereas heart rate increased. Exercise in nitroglycerin-infused horses also resulted in a significant increase in right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary, and wedge pressures, and these values were not significantly different from data for the control treatment. All horses experienced exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage for both treatments.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

I.v. administration of nitroglycerin does not modify exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension and is unlikely to affect the incidence or severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in Thoroughbreds.

Repeated administration of frusemide does not offer an advantage over single dosing in attenuating exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension in thoroughbred horses

The objective of the present study was to ascertain whether administration of a second dose of frusemide would attenuate exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension more than a single dose. Right atrial, right ventricular and pulmonary vascular pressures were determined in 7 healthy, sound, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses at rest and during exercise (14.2 m/s + a 3.5% uphill grade) performed at maximal heart rate (217 +/- 3 beats/min [mean +/- s.e.]). Horses were studied during the following 3 treatments in random order 7 days apart: control (no medication), frusemide single dose (250 mg i.v. 4 h pre-exercise), and frusemide double dose (250 mg i.v., 4 h pre-exercise + 250 mg i.v. 2 h pre-exercise). In the control study, exercise resulted in significant (P < 0.05) right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension. In the frusemide single dose experiments, a significant (P < 0.05) attenuation of the exercise-induced rise in right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures was observed. However, compared with frusemide single dose experiments, significant changes in the exercise-induced right atrial and pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension were not observed in the frusemide double dose experiments. Therefore, it is concluded that administration of an additional dose of frusemide is unlikely to affect the severity of EIPH in racing Thoroughbred horses more than a single dose.

Pulmonary vascular resistance of horses decreases with moderate exercise and remains unchanged as workload is increased to maximal exercise

This study was carried out to examine changes in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) induced by moderate and strenuous exercise; the objective being to understand why pulmonary artery blood pressure of exercising horses increases progressively as work intensity increases. Pulmonary arterial and wedge pressures (referenced at the point of the left shoulder) were determined simultaneously with cardiac output in 2 groups of healthy, sound, exercise-trained horses. Horses in Group 1 (n = 8) were studied at rest and during exercise performed at 8 and 13 m/s; the latter workload eliciting maximal heart rate (mean +/- s.e. 212 +/- 3 beats/min). Horses in Group 2 (n = 7 Thoroughbreds) were studied at rest and during galloping at 14.5 m/s on 5% uphill grade, a workload which elicited maximal heart rate (217 +/- 3 beats/min) and could not be sustained for > 90 s. Pulmonary vascular resistance was calculated by dividing pulmonary perfusion pressure gradient (i.e. mean pulmonary arterial pressure minus mean pulmonary wedge pressure) with cardiac output. Pulmonary arterial and wedge pressures, pulmonary perfusion pressure gradient and cardiac output increased significantly (P < 0.05) with exercise in both groups. There were no differences in PVR between the 2 groups of horses at rest. In Group 1 horses PVR decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with exercise at 8 m/s, but further pulmonary vasodilation did not occur as workload increased to 13 m/s. During exercise at 14.5 m/s on 5% grade, PVR of Group 2 horses also decreased significantly and was not different from values for 8 or 13 m/s in Group 1 horses. It is concluded that PVR reaches its nadir during moderate exercise, presumably due to upper limit of recruitment and distension having been reached. Therefore, in accordance with Ohm's law (P alpha Q x PVR), in going to higher workloads pulmonary blood flow (Q) remained the sole determinant of the rise in pulmonary arterial blood pressure (P). Our data also indicate that pulmonary artery wedge pressure is another variable that is important in determining the absolute value of pulmonary arterial blood pressure.

Regional distribution of blood flow in the brain of horses at rest and during exercise

OBJECTIVE

To examine regional distribution of blood flow in the brain of horses at rest and during exercise.

ANIMALS

9 clinically normal horses.

PROCEDURE

Regional brain blood flow was measured using radionuclide-labeled 15-microns-diameter microspheres injected into the left ventricle, while reference blood samples were obtained from the aorta.

RESULTS

At rest, cerebral cortex and caudate nuclei received significantly higher blood flow, compared with cerebral white matter. A similar perfusion heterogeneity existed in the cerebellum. In the brain stem, a gradual tapering of blood flow from thalamus-hypothalamus towards medulla was observed in standing horses. Progressive significant increases in heart rate and in aortic and right atrial pressures occurred during exercise at 8 and 13 m/s, and horses developed significant arterial hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Cerebral and cerebellar gray- to white-matter perfusion heterogeneity was maintained during exercise, indicating differential metabolic O2 needs. Despite arterial hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and hypertension, exercise did not result in significant changes in blood flow to the cerebral cortex and caudate nuclei whereas, in cerebral white matter, a significant decrease in blood flow was observed. In all cerebral tissues, vascular resistance increased during exercise, indicating autoregulation of cerebral blood flow. In the cerebellar cortex, blood flow increased significantly with strenuous exercise as vasodilation occurred. Vascular resistance in cerebellar white matter increased during exercise at 13 m/s. Blood flow in the medulla, pons, midbrain, and thalamus-hypothalamus was not significantly altered during exercise from that at rest.

CONCLUSION

Despite arterial hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and hypertension, autoregulation of cerebral and cerebellar blood flow is maintained in horses during exercise.

L-NAME does not affect exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension in thoroughbred horses

The present study was carried out to examine the effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition with Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on the right atrial as well as on the pulmonary arterial, capillary, and venous blood pressures of horses during rest and exercise performed at maximal heart rate (HRmax). Experiments were carried out on seven healthy, sound, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses. Using catheter-tip manometers, with signals referenced at the point of the shoulder, we determined phasic and mean right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures in two sets of experiments [control (no medications) and L-NAME (20 mg/kg iv given 10 min before exercise studies)]. The studies were carried out in random order 7 days apart. Measurements were made at rest and during treadmill exercise performed on a 5% uphill grade at 6, 8, and 14.2 m/s. Exercise on a 5% uphill grade at 14.2 m/s elicited HRmax and could not be sustained for >90 s. In quietly standing horses, L-NAME administration caused a significant rise in right atrial, as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary, and venous pressures. This indicates that nitric oxide synthase inhibition modifies the basal pulmonary vasomotor tone. In both treatments, exercise caused progressive significant increments in right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures, but the values recorded in the L-NAME study were not different from those in the control study. The extent of exercise-induced tachycardia was significantly decreased in the L-NAME study at 6 and 8 m/s but not at 14.2 m/s. Thus, L-NAME administration may not modify the equine pulmonary vascular tone during exercise at HRmax. However, as indicated by a significant reduction in heart rate, L-NAME seems to modify the sympathoneurohumoral response to submaximal exercise.

Pulmonary vascular pressures of strenuously exercising Thoroughbred horses after administration of phenylbutazone and frusemide

The present study was carried out to examine the effects of phenylbutazone treatment on the pulmonary haemodynamic effects of frusemide in strenuously exercising horses. Using catheter mounted manometers, whose in vivo signals were referenced at the point of the shoulder, heart rate, right atrial, right ventricular and pulmonary vascular pressures were measured in 3 different sets of experiments. Seven Thoroughbreds were subjected to 1) control (no medications), 2) frusemide control and 3) phenylbutazone + frusemide. The experiments were carried out in random order and were separated by 7 days. Measurements were made at rest and during incremental exercise performed on a treadmill set at 3.5% uphill grade. In the frusemide control experiment, horses received frusemide 250 mg i.v., 4 h pre-exercise. In the phenylbutazone + frusemide experiment, horses received 4 i.v. injections of phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg bwt) at 12 h intervals. Twenty-four hours after the last phenylbutazone injection, horses received frusemide 250 mg i.v. and exercise was performed 4 h later. This latter regimen mimics prevailing veterinary practice at Illinois racetracks. The highest work intensity (14.2 m/s, 3.5% uphill grade) elicited maximal heart rate of horses. Significant right atrial, as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension occurred with exertion in all 3 experiments. However, in the frusemide-control and the phenylbutazone + frusemide studies, the exercise induced rise in mean right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures was significantly (P<0.05) attenuated in comparison with that in the control experiments. Statistically significant differences were not found between the frusemide control study and the phenylbutazone + frusemide study either at rest or during any level of exertion. Therefore, it was concluded that the phenylbutazone treatment in our study did not mitigate the pulmonary haemodynamic effects of frusemide in strenuously exercising Thoroughbred horses.

Evaluation of udder health and mastitis in llamas

OBJECTIVE

To investigate intramammary infections in llamas, identify the pathogens responsible, and determine whether effects of intramammary infection could be detected by use of mastitis indicator tests commonly used for cows.

DESIGN

Observational study.

ANIMALS

100 llamas on 10 farms.

PROCEDURE

Milk samples were evaluated by bacterial culturing and by determination of somatic cell count (SCC), using direct microscopic and automated counting methods, California Mastitis Test score, pH, and N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase activity. Correlation coefficients were determined among the various mastitis indicator tests, and test results were determined for milk from infected and uninfected glands.

RESULTS

Evidence of intramammary infection was evident in 76 of 369 (21%) milk samples, with 54 of 94 (57%) llamas having at least 1 infected gland. Staphylococcus sp other than Staphylococcus aureus were the predominant pathogens. None of the llamas had clinical signs of mastitis, and significant differences were not detected in SCC, California Mastitis Test score, pH, or N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase activity between infected and uninfected samples. California Mastitis Test scores were negative or trace for 307 of 313 (98%) samples, and SCC were low. In contrast, pH and N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase activity of milk from uninfected glands were higher than values reported for milk from uninfected cows, and neither variable was significantly correlated with the number of somatic cells in samples of llama milk.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Although intramammary infections develop in llamas, inflammation (mastitis) appears to be rare. Values for mastitis indicator tests used for cows cannot be directly extrapolated to llamas. Subclinical mastitis is apparently not an important problem in llamas in the United States.

Pulmonary vascular pressures of exercising thoroughbred horses with and without endoscopic evidence of EIPH

Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) is a common occurrence in racehorses. The objective of this study was to compare pulmonary vascular pressures of healthy Thoroughbred horses with and without postexertion endoscopically detectable fresh blood in the trachea. The nasopharynx, larynx, and trachea (down to the carina) of horses were examined weekly with an endoscope 55-60 min postexertion, and the diagnosis of EIPH was confirmed by the presence of fresh blood in the trachea. Measurements of heart rate and right atrial, pulmonary arterial, and pulmonary arterial wedge pressures were made during quiet rest and during treadmill exercise performed at 14.5 m/s on a 5% uphill grade. This workload elicited maximal heart rate of the horses. Mean pulmonary capillary pressure was estimated to be halfway between the mean pulmonary arterial pressure and the mean pulmonary arterial wedge pressure. These data from 7 healthy sound exercise-trained horses that were positive on 12 consecutive occasions (at 1-wk intervals) for the postexercise presence of fresh blood in the trachea were compared with those in 8 healthy horses that were consistently negative for the evidence of fresh blood in the trachea on postexercise endoscopic examination over 12-16 wk. The heart rate and the right heart and/or pulmonary vascular pressures in the two groups of horses were similar at rest. Exercise was attended by a large significant (P < 0.05) increase in these pressures and heart rate in both groups. However, statistically significant differences between endoscopically EIPH-positive and endoscopically EIPH-negative horses for heart rate and right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures were not found during exercise. Thus these data revealed that the magnitude of exercise-induced right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary, and venous hypertension in endoscopically EIPH-positive horses that are otherwise healthy is quite similar to that in endoscopically EIPH-negative horses during comparable exertion.

Pulmonary vascular pressures of strenuously exercising thoroughbreds after administration of phenylbutazone

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of phenylbutazone administration on heart rate and right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures in Thoroughbreds during rest and during exercise performed at maximal heart rate.

ANIMALS

7 healthy, exercise-conditioned Thoroughbreds.

PROCEDURE

Horses were studied on 3 occasions: without medication [control], after i.v. administration of phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg of body weight) at 12-hour intervals for 2 days and a final dose given 1 hour before exercise, and after i.v. administration of phenylbutazone for 2 days in the same manner, but with the final dose given 24 hours before exercise. Horses were studied at rest and during exercise performed at maximal heart rate on a treadmill. Right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures were measured with catheter-tip manometers referenced at the point of the shoulder.

RESULTS

We did not detect significant differences in heart rate or right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures among values recorded when horses were not given medication and values recorded when phenylbutazone was administered by either regimen. Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 6 of the 7 horses regardless of whether phenylbutazone was administered or the dosage regimen used.

CONCLUSIONS

In these Thoroughbreds, phenylbutazone treatment did not modify heart rate or right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures at rest or during exercise capable of eliciting exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. Thus, because phenylbutazone is a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, prostaglandins probably do not play a role in mediating exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension in horses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Phenylbutazone administration did not modify the pulmonary capillary hypertension in the strenuously exercising Thoroughbreds, and therefore, is unlikely to alter the prevalence or severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in Thoroughbred race-horses.

Evaluation of fetal infection and abortion in pregnant ponies experimentally infected with Ehrlichia risticii

Fetal infectivity of Ehrlichia risticii was investigated in 19 ponies that were E risticii negative on the basis of results of an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. Thirteen pregnant ponies were infected by IV administration of E risticii between 90 and 180 days of gestation. Six pregnant ponies served as noninfected controls. Each infected pony had clinical signs of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis, was confirmed to be ehrlichemic, and developed an IFA titer to E risticii. Two infected ponies became recumbent, were unresponsive to supportive care, and were euthanatized. After recovery from clinical illness, the remaining ponies were observed throughout gestation for reproductive abnormalities. On abortion, each fetus was necropsied and tissue specimens from the liver, bone marrow, spleen, colon, and mesenteric lymph nodes were inoculated into canine monocyte cell cultures. Six infected ponies aborted at a mean 217 days of gestation, which was between postinoculation days 65 and 111. Five fetuses were recovered for evaluation, and E risticii was isolated from 4 of them. All 5 fetuses recovered had similar histologic finding, including enterocolitis, periportal hepatitis, and lymphoid hyperplasia with necrosis of the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen. All 5 fetuses tested negative for IgG to E risticii, although 3 had low IgM titer to E risticii. The remaining 5 infected ponies had normal parturition. Presuckle IFA titer to E risticii was measured in 4 of the term foals, and results for 3 were positive. Two foals from infected ponies were monitored for 6 months and daily gain in body weight was comparable to that of a control foal. None of the control ponies became ill or seroconverted during the clinical illness phase, and none aborted throughout gestation Two control ponies seroconverted to E risticii 6 weeks before parturition. Results of this study indicate that E ristcii is a primary abortifacient under experimental conditions.

Thyroid, renal, and splanchnic circulation in horses at rest and during short-term exercise

Using radionuclide-labeled 15-microm-diameter microspheres injected into the left ventricle, we examined blood flow to the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, kidneys, and various gastrointestinal tract tissues in 9 healthy horses while they were standing quietly (rest) and during exercise at 2 work intensities (8 and 1 m/s). Hemodynamic measurements were made during steady-state conditions, as judged by the stability of heart rate as well as aortic, pulmonary, and right atrial pressures. The similarity of blood flow values for the left and the right kidneys during each of the 3 conditions indicated adequate mixing of microspheres with blood. In standing horses, of all tissues examined, the thyroid gland had the highest blood flow (1,655.2 +/- 338.5 ml/min/100 g)--being about threefold that in the kidneys. Adrenal blood flow, by contrast, was only 25% of that in the kidneys (589.5 +/- 50.4 ml/min/100 g). Among the gastrointestinal tract tissues, glandular stomach and pancreas had the highest blood flows (214.3 +/- 21.6 and 197.6 +/- 23.4 ml/min/100 g, respectively). Small intestinal perfusion was not different from that in the ventral colon and cecum, but their values exceeded those for the dorsal and small colons. Exercise at 8 and 13 m/s caused significant increase in adrenal blood flow as vascular resistance decreased significantly. In the kidneys, blood flow was only insignificantly affected during exercise at 8 m/s, but at 13 m/s there was a profound reduction in renal blood flow as intense renal vasoconstriction occurred. Vasoconstriction also caused thyroid and pancreatic blood flow to decrease significantly at both levels of exertion. Significant vasoconstriction occurring in all gastrointestinal tract tissues at 8 and 13 m/s caused blood flow to be diverted away from these vascular beds. Thus, our data indicated that renal, adrenal, and splanchnic organ/tissue blood flow responses of strenuously exercising horses closely resemble those described for exercising ponies.

Identification of Ehrlichia risticii as the causative agent of two equine abortions following natural maternal infection

Two pregnant mares diagnosed as having equine monocytic ehrlichiosis based on history, clinical signs, and high serum antibody titers to Ehrlichia risticii aborted subsequent to recovery from illness. Mare 1 and mare 2 experienced clinical illness at 120 and 143 days of gestation and aborted at 203 and 226 days of gestation, respectively. The fetuses were expelled in fresh condition, and both mares retained their placentas upon abortion. Gross findings for the fetuses included meconium staining and petechiation of external surfaces. Internally, there was increased volume of feces within the small and large intestines and liver discoloration with enlargement. Microscopic findings included lymphohistiocytic enterocolitis, hepatitis, and myocarditis. Lymphoid hyperplasia and depletion were present in spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes. Ehrlichia risticii was recovered from bone marrow, spleen, lymph node, colon, and liver of the first fetus and bone marrow and colon of the second fetus. Electron microscopic evaluation of the organism isolated in cell culture revealed morphology consistent with E. risticii. The isolated organism was inoculated into a naive pony, and this pony developed high levels of antibody against E. risticii, became ehrlichemic, and developed clinical signs of depression, anorexia, and mild diarrhea. These findings confirm that E. risticii is an abortifacient under conditions of natural infection and should be considered as a differential diagnosis of equine abortions.

Pheochromocytoma in two horses

A 12-year-old Standard-bred mare and a 21-year-old Quarter Horse gelding were treated for signs of abdominal pain and sweating. The mare also had muscle fasciculations, azotemia, and ataxia, and was euthanatized after signs of pain became refractory to analgesics. The gelding died when ventricular tachycardia developed during general anesthesia for exploratory celiotomy. Adrenal pheochromocytomas (bilateral in the mare), associated with retroperitoneal and intra-abdominal hemorrhage, were found on postmortem examination. Pheochromocytoma should be considered in older horses with signs of abdominal pain and sweating. Further consideration of pheochromocytoma should be afforded in older horses in which muscle fasciculations, ataxia, azotemia, and intraperitoneal hemorrhage are recognized. Identification, by per rectum palpation, of retroperitoneal swelling in the dorsal aspect of the abdomen also should alert the diagnostician to the possibility of a ruptured pheochromocytoma.

Atrial and ventricular myocardial blood flows in horses at rest and during exercise

Right atrial, pulmonary artery, pulmonary capillary, pulmonary artery wedge, and systemic blood pressures of strenuously exercising horses increase markedly. As a consequence, myocardial metabolic O2 demand in exercising horses must be high. Experiments were, therefore, carried out on 9 healthy, exercise-conditioned horses (2.5 to 8 years old; 481 +/- 16 kg) to ascertain the regional distribution of myocardial blood supply in the atria and ventricles at rest and during exercise. Blood flow was measured, using 15-micron-diameter radionuclide-labeled microspheres that were injected into the left ventricle while reference blood samples were being withdrawn at a constant rate from the thoracic aorta. Myocardial blood flow was determined at rest and during 2 exercise bouts performed on a high-speed treadmill at 8 and 13 m/s (0% grade). The sequence of exercise bouts was randomized among horses, and a 60-minute rest period was permitted between exercise bouts. There was considerable heterogeneity in the distribution of myocardial perfusion in the atria and the ventricles at rest; the right atrial myocardium received significantly (P < 0.05) less perfusion than did the left atrium, and these values were significantly (P < 0.05) less than those for the respective ventricular myocardium. The right ventricular myocardial blood flow also was significantly less than that in the left ventricle. With exercise, myocardial blood flow in all regions increased progressively with increasing work intensity and marked coronary vasodilation was observed in all cardiac regions. During exercise at 8 or 13 m/s, right and left atrial myocardial blood flows (per unit weight basis) were not different from each other.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Granulomatous enteritis and Campylobacter bacteremia in a horse

A 10-month-old Standard-bred colt was examined because of weight loss, fever, and extensive subcutaneous edema of the ventral aspects of its trunk. Diagnosis of granulomatous enteritis was based on D-xylose malabsorption, hypoproteinemia, and rectal mucosal biopsy. Campylobacter fetus subsp fetus was cultured from jugular venous blood when the horse was admitted to the hospital and 24 hours later. Appropriate antimicrobial agents and glucocorticoids failed to effect clinical remission. After euthanasia, granulomatous enteritis was confirmed at necropsy but C fetus subsp fetus was not isolated from tissues.

Effect of whole-body potassium depletion on plasma, erythrocyte, and middle gluteal muscle potassium concentration of healthy, adult horses

The effects of whole-body potassium depletion induced by food deprivation on plasma, erythrocyte, and middle gluteal muscle K concentrations was quantified in 16 healthy, adult horses before, during, and at the end of a 7-day period of food deprivation during which water and sodium chloride were available ad libitum. Potassium concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Plasma K concentration remained constant (3.49 +/- 0.09 mM K/L of plasma; mean +/- SEM) throughout the study. Erythrocyte potassium concentration decreased from 93.10 +/- 1.94 mM K/L of erythrocytes on day 0 to 88.63 +/- 2.39 mM K/L of erythrocytes on day 2 (decrease of 4.8%; P less than 0.05) and thereafter did not change. The K concentration of the middle gluteal muscle decreased from 91.06 +/- 2.96 microM K/g of muscle (wet weight) to 79.61 +/- 2.09 microM K/g of muscle (decrease of 12.6%; P less than 0.05) on day 4 and decreased further on day 7 to 73.62 +/- 1.85 microM K/g of muscle (decrease of 19.2%; P less than 0.05). There was no correlation between the plasma and erythrocyte K concentrations (r = -0.066), the erythrocyte and middle gluteal muscle K concentrations (r = 0.167), or the plasma and middle gluteal muscle potassium concentrations (r = -0.018). The water content of the middle gluteal muscle remained constant (73.23 +/- 0.36%) throughout the study. Erythrocyte membrane potential did not change (-99.26 +/- 0.87 mV) during the study, whereas the magnitude of the membrane potential of the middle gluteal muscle decreased from -105.84 +/- 1.67 mV on day 0 to -100.93 +/- 2.10 mV on day 7 (P less than 0.05).

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) toxicosis: a model for equine laminitis

Twelve light horse geldings developed laminitis within 8 to 12 h of being dosed by nasogastric tube with an aqueous extract of black walnut (Juglans nigra). Four of the 12 horses developed the severe signs of grade 3 laminitis (lame at a walk, refused to lift feet). Laminitis was accompanied by mild depression and limb oedema. There was no evidence of shock or colic. The horses developed neutropenia by 4 h after dosing with the extract, which shifted to a relative neutrophilia by 8 to 12 h. Minimal increases in plasma epinephrine and cortisol concentrations were suggested in severely affected horses. Severe laminitis was characterized by necrosis of dermal tips of dorsal primary epidermal laminae. A proliferative epithelial response in these laminae was distinguished by numerous mitotic figures and clusters of epithelial cells. This evidence suggests that black walnut toxicosis is not only a consistent clinical model, but is also a reliable clinico-pathological and pathological model for study of the pathogenesis and treatment of laminitis.

Effect of age on isoproterenol-induced maximal heart rate in horses

The effect of age on maximal heart rate induced by IV infusion of isoproterenol was studied in 19 healthy, sedentary, normothermic horses ranging in age from 0.25 to 9.90 years. Isoproterenol was administered IV (1.0 micrograms/kg of body weight/min) for 3 minutes, and the heart rate attained during the last 30 seconds of the infusion was determined. Linear regression of the maximal heart rate on age suggested that the rate decreased with age in a trend described by the equation: maximal heart rate (beats/min) = 209.63 - 3.28 x age (years). The regression coefficient (r) for this relation was 0.769 (P less than 0.001). These data indicate that as healthy horses age, their beta-adrenoceptor-mediated maximal chronotropic response is diminished.

Isoproterenol-induced maximal heart rate in normothermic and hyperthermic horses

The heart rate (HR) induced by maximal beta-adrenergic activation, which was elicited by infusion of isoproterenol, was studied in 8 healthy horses before (control) and after hyperthermia was induced by IV administration of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). Isoproterenol was administered IV at 1.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 3 minutes, and the HR was determined during the final 30 seconds of the infusion. As the rectal temperature increased (P less than 0.001) from 38.2 +/- 0.1 C (mean +/- SEM; normothermic control) to 40.1 +/- 0.1 C at 60 minutes after DNP administration, the isoproterenol-induced HR also increased from 198 +/- 4 beats/min (control) to 214 +/- 4 beats/min (P less than 0.001). It appeared that the values of HR achieved with maximal beta-adrenergic activation were augmented by the hypermetabolic, hyperthermic state induced by DNP.

Gamma scintigraphic analysis of the distribution of perfusion of blood in the equine foot during black walnut (Juglans nigra)-induced laminitis

Twelve horses, with acute laminitis (primarily in the forefeet) at 12 hours after intragastric dosing with an aqueous extract of black walnut (Juglans nigra) heart-wood, were studied. The distribution of perfusion of blood to the foot and to outlined regions within the foot was quantified, using gamma scintigraphy of regionally infused 99mTc-labeled macroaggregated albumin, before and 12 hours after extract administration. Horses 1 to 3 were not studied further. Perfusion was quantified again for horses 4 to 12 at 84 hours after extract administration. At the onset of acute laminitis, horses 7 to 12 were administered a single dose of prazosin (0.025 mg/kg of body weight, IV) immediately after scintigraphy of the right forelimb and before scintigraphy of the left forelimb. When compared with baseline images, perfusion to the forefoot of horses after the development of acute laminitis was quantitatively decreased vs perfusion to the entire distal portion of the forelimb. Also with the onset of laminitis, perfusion also decreased to the dorsal laminar and coronary corium regions vs the distal portion of the forelimb. The acute laminitis-associated deficit in perfusion to the dorsal laminitis-associated deficit in perfusion deficit in perfusion to either the coronary corium or the entire forefoot. Equivalent deficits in the distribution of perfusion were not detected in forelimbs from horses with acute laminitis and which had been treated with prazosin. When compared with baseline images, perfusion to the dorsal lamina was increased in relation to perfusion to the distal portion of the limb at postdosing hour 84. Prazosin treatment did not influence that increase in perfusion to the dorsal lamina.

Cimetidine for treatment of melanomas in three horses

Cimetidine, an H2 histamine antagonist, was used in the clinical management of progressive, multifocal melanomatosis in 3 adult gray horses. Prior to treatment, the tumors had increased rapidly in size and number in 2 horses (duration of 6 and 27 months, respectively) and slowly in the third horse (duration of 48 months). All 3 horses were treated with cimetidine (2.5 mg/kg of body weight, PO, q 8 h) for 2 months to 1 year. During treatment, the number and size of the melanomas decreased substantially (50 to 90%). The progression of the disease was halted in 2 horses and controlled in the third horse, which is still being treated with cimetidine (1.6 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h). The horses in which treatment was terminated have not been treated for 31 and 41 months, respectively, during which time the melanomas have not increased in number or size.

Pharmacokinetic disposition of an immediate-release aminophylline and a sustained-release theophylline formulation in the horse

The pharmacokinetic disposition of theophylline was determined by high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of plasma samples from six healthy, adult horses following the administration of intravenous aminophylline (dosed at 9.94 mg/kg as theophylline), immediate-release aminophylline tablets (dosed at 9.94 mg/kg as theophylline), and sustained-release theophylline tablets (dosed at 20 mg/kg). The elimination rate constant (lambda z), apparent volume of distribution (Vz), and clearance (Cl) determined by compartmental analysis of the intravenous data were 0.07 +/- 0.01 h-1, 0.80 +/- 0.06 l/kg, and 0.06 +/- 0.01 l/kg/h (mean +/- SD), respectively. Mean residence time determined by statistical moment theory of the oral data was different (P less than 0.05) for the immediate-release aminophylline (13.8 +/- 2.8 h) and sustained-release theophylline (18.2 +/- 2.3 h) formulation. Immediate-release aminophylline tablets quickly achieved peak theophylline plasma concentration of 11.51 +/- 1.4 micrograms/ml at 1.6 +/- 0.6 h while the sustained-release theophylline tablets were more slowly absorbed and achieved peak theophylline concentrations of 17.20 +/- 1.3 micrograms/ml at 7.3 +/- 1.0 h. Absolute bioavailability was 87% for the immediate-release and 97% for the sustained-release formulation. Using the principle of superposition, a loading dose of 20 mg/kg of the sustained-release formulation followed by maintenance doses of 15 mg/kg every 24 h was predicted to achieve trough-peak theophylline plasma concentrations between 6 and 17 micrograms/ml.

Monthly prevalence (in 1986) of antibody titers against equine monocytic ehrlichiosis in apparently healthy horses in Illinois

The seroprevalence and seasonal trend of antibody titers against equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Potomac horse fever) were determined in apparently healthy horses in selected areas of Illinois in 1986. Sera from 1,367 horses (6 months to 29 years old) were evaluated for the presence of antibodies against Ehrlichia risticii with indirect immunofluorescence. The majority (88%) of the horses were Thoroughbred or Standardbred racehorses. The number of horses with antibodies against E risticii was 229/1,367 (16.75%). The titers in these horses ranged from 1:10 to 1:640. As the year progressed, the number of seropositive horses (titers greater than or equal to 1:10) and the magnitude of the titers increased significantly, both reaching a maximum in July and August, respectively (P less than 0.05). A relationship between seropositivity and gender was not detected. In the year prior to sampling, 56.8% of the seropositive horses had not been ill, whereas 0.8% had diarrhea, an episode of acute abdominal pain, or laminitis. It was concluded that a large number of horses in Illinois are exposed to E risticii, that maximal exposure occurs in July, and that the most common form of the disease in Illinois is not associated with clinical signs.

A study of the effect of isoflurane anaesthesia on equine skeletal muscle perfusion

The effects of 1.1, 1.5 and 1.8 MAC (minimum alveolar concentration) isoflurane-02 anaesthesia on skeletal muscle blood flow, 02 delivery and vascular resistance were studied in the non-dependent region of seven healthy normothermic, isocapnoeic ponies. Muscle blood flow was determined with 15 microns diameter radionuclide labelled microspheres that were injected into the left ventricle. Muscle blood flow during anaesthesia was compared to unanaesthetised (control) measurements. Isoflurane administration caused a dose dependent decrease in mean aortic pressure, and skeletal muscle (temporalis, triceps brachii, longissimus dorsi, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis) blood flow. However, in the masseter, triceps brachii at 1.1 and 1.5 MAC, and longissimus dorsi lumborum at 1.1 MAC anaesthesia, blood flow values were not different from the control value. Vascular resistance did not change significantly in any of the muscles with any concentration of isoflurane. With the exception of the masseter muscle, isoflurane anaesthesia also decreased skeletal muscle 02 delivery. There were no significant differences in the muscle parameters studied between the three concentrations of isoflurane. Because skeletal muscle vascular resistance was unchanged throughout the study, it is possible that there may be an interference of 'autoregulation' in the skeletal muscle vascular beds of isocapnoeic ponies during isoflurane-02 anaesthesia.

The treatment of laminitis in horses

The structural and vascular anatomy of the healthy equine foot is compared with the pathologic changes in the foot of horses with acute and chronic laminitis. The structural and vascular abnormalities present in the foot of horses with laminitis are demonstrated in order to explain the abnormal manner in which their feet grow. The medical, surgical, dietary, and endocrine management of acute and chronic laminitis is discussed. Various forms of hoof trimming beneficial to the reestablishment of normal digital perfusion, normal hoof growth, and normal spatial orientation among the distal phalanx, hoof wall, and sole are described. Guidelines for the provision of frog support provided by adjustable heart-bar shoes are presented.

Costal diaphragmatic O2 and lactate extraction in laryngeal hemiplegic ponies during exercise

Diaphragmatic O2 and lactate extraction were examined in seven healthy ponies during maximal exercise (ME) carried out without, as well as with, inspiratory resistive breathing. Arterial and diaphragmatic venous blood were sampled simultaneously at rest and at 30-s intervals during the 4 min of ME. Experiments were carried out before and after left laryngeal hemiplegia (LH) was produced. During ME, normal ponies exhibited hypocapnia, hemoconcentration, and a decrease in arterial PO2 (PaO2) with insignificant change in O2 saturation. In LH ponies, PaO2 and O2 saturation decreased well below that in normal ponies, but because of higher hemoglobin concentration, arterial O2 content exceeded that in normal ponies. Because of their high PaCO2 during ME, acidosis was more pronounced in LH animals despite similar lactate values. Diaphragmatic venous PO2 and O2 saturation decreased with ME to 15.5 +/- 0.9 Torr and 18 +/- 0.5%, respectively, at 120 s of exercise in normal ponies. In LH ponies, corresponding values were significantly less: 12.4 +/- 1.3 Torr and 15.5 +/- 0.7% at 120 s and 9.8 +/- 1.4 Torr and 14.3 +/- 0.6% at 240 s of ME. Mean phrenic O2 extraction plateaued at 81 and 83% in normal and LH animals, respectively. Significant differences in lactate concentration between arterial and phrenic-venous blood were not observed during ME. It is concluded that PO2 and O2 saturation in the phrenic-venous blood of normal ponies do not reach their lowest possible values even during ME. Also, the healthy equine diaphragm, even with the added stress of inspiratory resistive breathing, did not engage in net lactate production.

Diaphragmatic O2 and lactate extraction during submaximal and maximal exertion in ponies

Diaphragmatic O2 and lactate extraction were studied in 10 healthy ponies at rest and during treadmill exercise. The phrenic vein was aseptically catheterized via a lateral thoracotomy 8-35 days before the study. Arterial and phrenic venous blood samples were obtained simultaneously at rest and at 30-s intervals during 4 min of exertion. Three levels of exertion were studied (moderate, 10 mi/h; heavy, 15 mi/h; maximal, 20 mi/h), and a rest period of at least 90 min was allowed between them. Each pony was studied twice at least 2-3 days apart. At rest the diaphragmatic venous PO2, O2 saturation, arteriovenous O2 content difference, and O2 extraction were 43.2 +/- 2.0 Torr, 76.1 +/- 3.2%, 3.14 +/- 0.43 ml/dl, and 23.60 +/- 3.61%, respectively. Significant decrease in phrenic venous PO2 and O2 saturation occurred within 30 s of exercise. Phrenic venous PO2 decreased to 20.3 +/- 1.0, 18.9 +/- 1.1, and 15.4 +/- 0.9 Torr at 120 s of moderate, heavy, and maximal exercise, respectively. Corresponding values of phrenic venous O2 saturation were 33.6 +/- 2.2, 25.8 +/- 2.1, and 17.9 +/- 0.5%, respectively. Diaphragmatic arteriovenous O2 content difference expanded to 13.11 +/- 0.49, 15.00 +/- 0.60, and 16.90 +/- 0.60 ml/dl at 120 s of moderate, heavy, and maximal exercise, respectively, as O2 extraction rose to 65.93 +/- 1.98, 73.90 +/- 1.99, and 80.95 +/- 0.47%, respectively. During heavy and maximal exercise, the diaphragmatic venous lactate concentration remained similar to the arterial concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Treatment of two mares with obstructive (vaginal) urinary outflow incontinence

Two mares were examined because of urinary incontinence. Abnormalities of the genitourinary tract were identified and were corrected surgically. Urinary incontinence in mares generally is associated with a poor prognosis. The importance of a thorough physical examination of the genitourinary tract in the mare is emphasized, and the simple and successful surgical correction of structural abnormalities of the tract in 2 mares is described.

Systemic distribution of blood flow in ponies during 1.45%, 1.96%, and 2.39% end-tidal isoflurane-O2 anesthesia

Effects of 1.1, 1.5, and 1.8 minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane-O2 (1.45%, 1.96%, and 2.39% end-tidal isoflurane, respectively) anesthesia on cardiac output, blood pressure, and blood flow to the brain, thyroid glands, adrenal glands, kidneys, and splanchnic organs were examined in 9 healthy isocapnic adult ponies. Tissue blood flows were studied using 15-micron diameter radionuclide-labeled microspheres that were injected into the left ventricle, and comparisons were made with data obtained from ponies in the conscious state. Isoflurane anesthesia caused dose-related reduction in cardiac output and arterial blood pressure, but total peripheral resistance was not significantly altered (P greater than 0.05). In the brain, vasodilation occurred with exposure to isoflurane that peaked at 1.5 MAC. Vasodilation was more pronounced in the cerebellum, pons, and medulla, compared with that in the cerebrum. Perfusion increased in cerebellar gray, as well as white, matter. However, in the cerebrum, blood flow increased in the white matter, whereas it decreased in caudate nuclei and was similar to value in the cortex of awake ponies. In thyroid glands and pancreas, intense vasoconstriction occurred during isoflurane anesthesia which caused precipitous reduction in blood flow in these organs. By contrast, adrenal gland blood flow was not affected during the 3 levels of isoflurane anesthesia because vasodilation occurred. The renal blood flow registered dose-dependent reductions during isoflurane-O2 anesthesia, but renal vasoconstriction occurred only during the deepest level (1.8 MAC) of anesthesia. Although the small intestine and and colon blood flow decreased with each concentration of isoflurane, the splenic blood flow remained unaffected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pressures in the right side of the heart and esophagus (pleura) in ponies during exercise before and after furosemide administration

Pressures in the right side of the heart and esophagus (pleural) have not been determined in the exercising equine subjects. In the present study, 8 healthy ponies were examined to determine the changes in these variables caused by 2 degrees of exercise done on a treadmill (heart rate:183 +/- 5 beats/min [trot] and 220 +/- 6 beats/min [canter]). Measurements were also made during both degrees of exertion 10 minutes and 120 minutes after furosemide (1.0 mg/kg) administration. It was observed that both gaits resulted in significant increases in pulmonary artery, right ventricular, and right atrial pressures. The pulmonary artery systolic, mean, and diastolic pressures during strenuous exertion were 306%, 252%, and 242% of the respective resting values. At canter, when respiratory frequency (138 +/- 4 breaths/min) is synchronized with stride frequency, the delta esophageal pressure approached 30.4 +/- 2.86 cm of water. During exercise 10 minutes after furosemide administration, the increment in right atrial pressure was markedly attenuated. During strenuous exertion 120 minutes after furosemide administration, the right atrial and pulmonary arterial pressures increased, but to a significantly lower level than did the prefurosemide values. However, the mean pulmonary artery pressure was still 240% of the resting value. It is concluded that marked pulmonary hypertension is a consistent feature of moderate, as well as strenuous, exertion in the pony. Although furosemide administration attenuated the pulmonary hypertension somewhat, the significance remains unclear.

Cerebral, renal, adrenal, intestinal, and pancreatic circulation in conscious ponies and during 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 minimal alveolar concentrations of halothane-O2 anesthesia

Blood flow to the brain, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, and small intestine was studied in 8 healthy ponies while awake (control) and during 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 minimal alveolar concentrations (MAC) of anesthesia produced, using halothane vaporized in oxygen. During the anesthesia steps, intermittent positive-pressure ventilation was used to ensure isocapnia. Organ blood flow was determined with 15-micron (diameter) radionuclide-labeled microspheres, after allowing 30 minutes of equilibration at each of the 3 preestablished end-tidal halothane concentrations. The sequence of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 MAC levels of anesthesia (0.90, 1.35, and 1.80% end-tidal halothane) was randomized for every animal. In the awake ponies, cerebral blood flow in the cortical (106 +/- 15 ml/min/100 g) and deep gray (103 +/- 12 ml/min/100 g) matter was approximately 5-fold of that in the white matter (22 +/- 3 ml/min/100 g). In the brain stem, there was a decreasing gradient of blood flow from the cranial (thalamohypothalamus: 65 +/- 8 ml/min/100 g) to caudal regions (medulla: 34 +/- 5 ml/min/100 g). Vasodilatation occurred in all regions of the brain with halothane-O2 anesthesia; the decrease in vascular resistance reached its nadir at 1.5 MAC. In the medulla and pons, blood flow increased above control values, with each of the 3 concentrations of halothane, but in the midbrain and thalamohypothalamus, it remained similar to the control value. In the cerebral white matter and cerebellum, blood flow increased with 1.0 and 1.5 MAC of halothane anesthesia, whereas mean aortic pressure decreased to 91% and 74% of the control value. Blood flow in the cerebral cortex was not different from the control value, even at 2.0 MAC of halothane, despite a 49% reduction in perfusion pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ulcerative colitis and protein losing enteropathy associated with intestinal salmonellosis and histoplasmosis in a horse

Ulcerative colitis, protein losing enteropathy and intestinal histoplasmosis-salmonellosis were diagnosed in a six-year-old Quarterhorse stallion. For six months before examination, the horse experienced a slow continual loss of weight. During the 17 day period of hospitalisation the horse developed progressive generalised oedema. On the 12th day of hospitalisation a severe profuse watery diarrhoea began; the horse was killed five days later.