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Dirikolu L, Waller P, Malveaux K, Lucas CH, Lomnicka I, Pourciau A, Bennadji H, Liu CC. Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO 2) Concentrations in Thoroughbred and Quarter Racehorses in Louisiana. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 121:104220. [PMID: 36621701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The TCO2 (total carbon dioxide) test is performed on the blood of racehorses as a means of combatting the practice of administering alkalizing agents. This study evaluated serum TCO2 concentrations and factors influencing concentration of TCO2 in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horses. The normality of data were evaluated with a Shapiro-Wilk test. Mann-Whitney tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used against different effects. When a fixed effect was detected, Dunn's post-hoc comparisons were performed. The median pre-race serum TCO2 concentration (32.20 mmol/L (interquartile range (IQR): 30.80-33.50)) was higher than that of post-race samples (26.70 mmol/L (IQR: 24.55-29.25)) (P < .0001). The median TCO2 concentrations in pre-race samples were different between Thoroughbred (32.40 mmol/L (IQR: 30.90-33.60)) and Quarter Horses (31.30 mmol/L (IQR: 30.00-32.50)) (P < .0001). The median pre-race TCO2 concentrations were 32.75 (IQR: 31.40-33.90), 31.40 (IQR: 29.80-32.80), 32.50 (IQR: 31.20-33.88), and 31.60 (IQR 30.00-32.70) mmol/L in racehorses at Fair Grounds, Louisiana Downs, Delta Downs, and Evangeline Downs racetracks, respectively (P < .0001). The total serum TCO2 concentrations in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorses were affected by seasonal temperature variation (P < .0001). A smaller sample size was available for post-race samples (n = 205) and Quarter Horse pre-race samples (n = 351). The results of this study indicated that the breed, seasonal temperature variation, pre-race or post-race sampling, and track location are strongly correlated to total TCO2 concentrations. It was not clear whether the statistically significant differences in TCO2 levels among racetracks in Louisiana were due to location of racetracks and/or seasonal temperature variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levent Dirikolu
- Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.
| | - Pamela Waller
- Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Kesha Malveaux
- Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Cam H Lucas
- Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Izabela Lomnicka
- Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Ashley Pourciau
- Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Hayat Bennadji
- Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Chin-Chi Liu
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
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Tracing Acid-Base Variables in Exercising Horses: Effects of Pre-Loading Oral Electrolytes. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010073. [PMID: 36611683 PMCID: PMC9817799 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral electrolyte supplementation may influence acid-base state during exercise due to the intestinal absorption of administered water and electrolytes used to mitigating sweat losses. This study examined the effect of pre-exercise electrolyte supplementation (3 and 8 L) on plasma acid-base variables at rest, during moderate intensity exercise and during recovery. It was hypothesized that electrolyte supplementation will result in improved acid-base state compared to the alkalosis typical of prolonged exercise. In randomized crossover fashion, four horses were administered 3 L or 8 L of a hypotonic electrolyte solution (PNW) intended to replace sweat losses, or water alone (CON), 1 h before treadmill exercise to fatigue (at 35% of peak VO2) or for 45 min at 50% peak VO2. Blood was sampled at 10-min intervals before, during and after exercise, and analyzed for dependent and independent acid-base variables. Effects of 3 L of supplementation at low exercise intensities were minimal. In the 8 L trials, plasma [H+] decreased (p < 0.05) during exercise and early recovery in CON but not PNW. Plasma TCO2 decreased (p < 0.05) by 30 min after PNW reaching a nadir of 28.0 ± 1.5 mmol/L during the early exercise period (p = 0.018). Plasma pCO2 and strong ion difference [SID] were the primary contributors to changes in [H+] and [TCO2], respectively. Pre-exercise PNW of 8 L intended to fully replenish sweat loses maintained [H+], decreased [TCO2] and mitigated the mild alkalosis during moderate intensity exercise.
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Lindinger MI. Total Carbon Dioxide in Adult Standardbred and Thoroughbred Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 106:103730. [PMID: 34670689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The TCO2 (total carbon dioxide) test is performed on the blood of racehorses as a means of combatting the practice of administering alkalizing agents for the purpose of enhancing performance. The purposes of this review are to present an overview of the factors contributing to TCO2 and to review the literature regarding TCO2 in adult Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses to demonstrate the range of variability of TCO2 in horses. Most of the research published on the topic of TCO2 or bicarbonate measurement in racehorses was accessed and reviewed. PubMed and Google Scholar were the primary search engines used to source the relevant literature. The main physicochemical factors that contribute to changes in TCO2 in horses at rest are changes in strong ions concentration, followed by changes in weak acid (i.e. plasma albumin) concentrations. There is a wide normal distribution of TCO2 in horses ranging from 23 mmol/L to 38 mmol/L. Independent of administration of alkalizing agents, blood TCO2 is affected mainly by feeding, time of day (diurnal variation), season and exercise. There are few studies that have reported hour-by-hour changes in TCO2. Racehorse population studies suffer from lack of validation regarding whether or not a horse was administered an alkalizing agent. It is concluded that the normal range of TCO2 in non-alkalized Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses is significantly wider than has been appreciated, that periods of elevated TCO2 appear to be normal for many horses at rest, and that a TCO2 test alone is not definitive for the purposes of determining of an alkalizing agent has been administered to a horse.
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Wellard L, Medyk K, Pearson W. Effects of a nutraceutical supplement on gastrointestinal health in racing standardbreds. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 105:558-568. [PMID: 33675264 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feed additives that accelerate gastrointestinal transit time may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic. Previous research has demonstrated significant stimulatory effect of a hemp-based nutraceutical product (Gs Formula; GF) on contractility of gastric smooth muscle and gastrin production in vitro. OBJECTIVES To quantify effects of GF on indicators of GIT transit time and tight junction proteins. STUDY DESIGN Randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study. METHODS Eight Standardbreds were administered 200 plastic beads by nasogastric tube before (baseline; BL) and after receiving a diet containing GF (CON: 0 g/day, LO: 160 g/day or HI: 480 g/day) for 28 days. Total manure collection occurred every 2 hours for 72 hours after bead administration. Outcome measures included GIT transit time, faecal dry matter (DM), water intake, and complete biochemistry and haematology screens. RESULTS There was no effect of GF on GIT transit time. Faecal output was significantly lower in LO and HI horses than CON horses after 28 days on the supplement. HI horses have significantly lower rouleaux formation and lower faecal DM on Day 28 compared with BL. GF also produced changes in electrolytes associated with pH balance, which may indicate a role for GF as an alkalinizing compound in exercising horses. Clinical pathology results support the safety of GF up to 480 g/day for 28 days with no adverse effects being observed in haematology or biochemistry results. MAIN LIMITATIONS Future studies on GF should focus on evaluating effect of GF on gastrointestinal transit in horses with naturally or experimentally delayed gastrointestinal motility, and its effect on exercise performance and onset of fatigue. CONCLUSIONS GF may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic by reducing faecal DM and rouleaux formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Wellard
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Katryna Medyk
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Pearson
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Dirikolu L, Waller P, Waguespack ML, Andrews FM, Keowen ML, Gaunt SD. The effect of sodium bicarbonate and validation of beckman coulter AU680 analyzers for measuring total carbon dioxide (TCO 2) concentrations in horse serum. Vet Med Sci 2017; 3:263-269. [PMID: 29152319 PMCID: PMC5677778 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the usage of Beckman Coulter AU680 analyzers for measurement of TCO 2 in horse serum, and the effect of sodium bicarbonate administrations on serum TCO 2 levels in resting horses. Treatment of horses with sodium bicarbonate did not result in any adverse events. Mean TCO 2 concentration was significantly higher from 1 to 8 h in the sodium bicarbonate-treated horses compared to the untreated controls. Within an hour, administration of sodium bicarbonate increased the TCO 2 level from 31.5 ± -2.5 (SD) to 34.0 ± 2.65 (SD) mmol/L and at 2-8 h post-administration, the TCO 2 level was above the 36 mmol/L cut-off level. In all quality control analysis of Australian standard by Beckman Coulter AU680 analyzer, the instrument slightly over estimated the TCO 2 level but the values were in close agreement with mean TCO 2 level being 38.03 with ± 0.87 mmol/L (SD). Expanded uncertainty was calculated using different levels of confidence interval. Based on 99.5% confidence interval using 0.805% expanded uncertainty using mean measured concentration of 38.05 mmol/L, it was estimated that any race samples TCO 2 level higher than 38.5 mmol/L will be indicative of sodium bicarbonate administration using Beckman Coulter AU680 analyzer in Louisiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levent Dirikolu
- Equine Medication Surveillance LaboratoryDepartment of Comparative Biomedical SciencesSchool of Veterinary MedicineLouisiana State UniversitySkip Bertman DriveBaton RougeLouisiana70803
| | - Pamela Waller
- Equine Medication Surveillance LaboratoryDepartment of Comparative Biomedical SciencesSchool of Veterinary MedicineLouisiana State UniversitySkip Bertman DriveBaton RougeLouisiana70803
| | - Mona Landry Waguespack
- Equine Medication Surveillance LaboratoryDepartment of Comparative Biomedical SciencesSchool of Veterinary MedicineLouisiana State UniversitySkip Bertman DriveBaton RougeLouisiana70803
| | - Frank Michael Andrews
- Equine Health Studies ProgramVeterinary Clinical SciencesLouisiana State University1843 Veterinary Teaching HospitalBaton RougeLouisiana70803
| | - Michael Layne Keowen
- Equine Health Studies ProgramVeterinary Clinical SciencesLouisiana State University1843 Veterinary Teaching HospitalBaton RougeLouisiana70803
| | - Stephen David Gaunt
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic LaboratoryDepartment of Pathobiological SciencesSchool of Veterinary MedicineLouisiana State UniversitySkip Bertman Drive Baton RougeLouisiana70803
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Heffron B, Bash J, Larsen AK. Cross Validation of HS-GC/MS to Quantify Total Carbon Dioxide in Horse Plasma. J Anal Toxicol 2017; 41:230-235. [PMID: 28035033 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkw133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of alkinizing agents by trainers to counteract the accumulation of lactic acid in racehorses has been well documented. A by-product of this administration is elevated total carbon dioxide (tCO2) concentrations. Most regulatory authorities have set the threshold for tCO2 in plasma at 37 mM. The quantification of tCO2 often presents a challenge to laboratories due to the instrumentation required, which can be expensive to use and maintain. The Beckman DxC 600 (Brea, CA) is currently used in our laboratory for tCO2 quantification. The goal of this research was to determine if another analytical method could be used for this procedure. We report the use of headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) as an acceptable alternative to the use of the Beckman DxC 600. A six-point calibration curve ranging from 10 to 60 mM was analyzed along with controls at 15, 25 and 45 mM. Imprecision was found to be <3% at all concentrations. Inaccuracy was measured at <4% at all concentrations. Measurement of uncertainty was determined using the Simplified GUM approach and was found to be 3% at 99.7% confidence level with eight measurements at a tCO2 concentration of 45 mM. Furthermore, the HS-GC/MS was cross-validated according to international protocols with all parameters being met. During cross validation, a standard at a known concentration was analyzed by both instruments. The average difference using 25 replicates in calculated concentrations was <0.1 mM. Also, plasma samples from four untreated horses were analyzed by both instruments. The difference in calculated concentrations between the two instruments was <0.6 mM for all horses. The results show that the use of HS-GC/MS is an acceptable alternative to the use of the Beckman DxC 600 for the quantification of tCO2 in horse plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Heffron
- Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2242 West Harrison Street, Suite 110, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jennifer Bash
- Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2242 West Harrison Street, Suite 110, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - A Karl Larsen
- Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2242 West Harrison Street, Suite 110, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Heffron B, Benoit M, Bishop J, Costello S, Hurt L, Simpson L, Taddei L, Kline K, Negrusz A. Equine Total Carbon Dioxide Testing in Illinois in 2012. J Anal Toxicol 2014; 38:536-40. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bku095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Bergstrom B, Foreman J, Foreman C, Barger A. Intra- and inter-day variability in plasma tCO 2 concentration in sedentary horses. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.3920/cep13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sodium bicarbonate and other alkalinising solutions (‘milkshakes’) have been given to horses surreptitiously before exercise to provide exogenous buffering effects. After an initial positive blood test, some accused horse trainers claim that their horses ‘naturally test high’, so some jurisdictions allow a secured quarantine in which the horse is tested multiple times. The objective of this experiment was to determine the intra- and inter-day variability of plasma total CO2 (tCO2) and other plasma strong ions in a group of sedentary horses housed similarly to a quarantine period. The hypothesis was that plasma tCO2 would not remain constant over a multi-day monitoring interval, but would vary measurably during that interval. Eight sedentary (unconditioned) horses were studied for 2 weeks. Horses were acclimated to a climate-controlled indoor environment and an alfalfa-only diet for a minimum of 10 days prior to sampling. Horses were sampled 3 times daily for 5 consecutive days at 7:00, 11:00 and 15:00 h. Blood samples were collected directly into 10 ml heparinised evacuated glass tubes by jugular venipuncture using a double-ended 0.91 mm needle. Samples were chilled until concentrations of plasma tCO2, Na+, K+, and Cl-, were determined within 1-3 h of sampling using an automated serum chemistry analyzer which was calibrated daily using commercial reagents obtained from the manufacturer as well as externally-obtained NIST-traceable calibrating solutions. Mean results documented mild variations in mean plasma tCO2 (range 28.9-31.6 mmol/l), but individual horses’ plasma tCO2 ranged over 4-7 units. Results showed that there was considerable intra- and inter-individual variability in plasma tCO2. Mean pooled tCO2 and measured strong ion difference (SIDm) differed by time-of-day, with both late morning and early afternoon values lower than early morning values (P<0.001). There was a strong positive linear relationship between plasma SIDm and tCO2 (r=0.75, P<0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- B.E. Bergstrom
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, 1008 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - J.H. Foreman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, 1008 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - C.R. Foreman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, 1008 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - A.M. Barger
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, University of Illinois, 1008 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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MCGowan CM. Science in brief: Clinical news from the 8th ICEEP conference 2010. Special topics. Equine Vet J 2012; 44:254-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00537.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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