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Acid‐Base Imbalances in Endurance Racing Using Traditional and Quantitative Approaches
Author(s) -
Ferraz GC,
TeixeiraNeto AR,
Silva IC,
Nardi KB,
QueirozNeto A
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/evj.12267_51
Subject(s) - anion gap , hyperventilation , bicarbonate , metabolic acidosis , zoology , acid–base homeostasis , metabolic alkalosis , horse , acidosis , alkalosis , medicine , respiratory acidosis , base excess , endurance training , chemistry , physical therapy , biology , paleontology
Acid‐base disturbances are frequently assessed using traditional variables PCO 2 , pH , and bicarbonate. This study aimed to compare the changes in acid‐base balance in horses performing a CEI endurance race (160 km) using traditional and quantitative methodologies. Methods Blood samples were drawn before racing, at the vet‐gate (66 km), immediately after racing, and 2 and 15 h after racing from 18 participating horses. The mean velocity of the horses was 17 km/h. PCO 2 and pH were measured ( I ‐Stat). Strong ion difference ( SID ), anion gap ( AG ), strong ion gap ( SIG ) and total volatile buffers (Atot) were calculated using formulas from the literature. Data for finishers ( F ) and non‐finishers ( N ) was compared with an unpaired test. Data collected for finishers at all time‐points was compared by repeated ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. Results PCO 2 was lower in group N at the 66 km time‐point. In group F , AG had a bimodal behaviour, declining immediately after exercise and then increasing at 2 and 15 hours. There was a slight increase in pH post‐exercise. After 2 hours, Atot increased while PCO 2 decreased. Compared to SIG immediately after racing, SIG at 2 and 15 hours after racing was decreased. Traditional methodology suggested mild respiratory and metabolic alkalosis, possibly due to hyperventilation of the finishers. Quantitative methodology suggested metabolic acidosis reflected by decreasing SID trend and a significant increase of Atot. Conclusions Acid‐base imbalances are present in endurance racing horses and differences were found between the traditional and quantitative methods of assessment. Ethical Animal Research All procedures were approved by the institutional animal care and use committee of the university ( CEUA , Process: 007347/13). E xplicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: FAPESP ‐ F undação de A mparo à P esquisa do E stado de São Paulo (Process 2013/00449‐8). Competing interests: none.