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Detection of bicarbonate administration (milkshake) in Standardbred horses
Author(s) -
AUER DE,
SKELTON KV,
TAY S,
BALDOCK FC
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1993.tb00879.x
Subject(s) - horse , analyser , zoology , chemistry , bicarbonate , coefficient of variation , analytical chemistry (journal) , biology , chromatography , paleontology , organic chemistry
SUMMARY Total plasma carbon dioxide (TCO 2 ) concentrations were measured in Standardbred horses to determine criteria to discriminate between normal horses and horses with excessive TCO 2 concentrations on raceday. TCO 2 concentrations from stabled horses were distributed normally with a mean of 30.2 mmol/L and a standard deviation of 1.2 (n = 192) while pre‐race TCO 2 concentrations were not normally distributed. The results indicate that about 50 horses per million are likely to have TCO 2 concentrations greater than or equal to 35 mmol/L and that it is extremely unlikely that a normal horse would have a resting TCO 2 concentration above 36 mmol/L. These values were associated with sensitivities of 67% and 59%, respectively, and with a specificity of 100%. TCO 2 concentrations were relatively stable in blood samples stored at 4°C for 4 days, whereas the TCO 2 in specimens stored at room temperature (25°C) and at ambient temperature (16–28°C) declined progressively over 5 days. The accuracy and precision of the Beckman EL‐ISE Auto Analyser were acceptable and within the manufacturers specified range. Paired specimens analysed using a Beckman EL‐ISE Auto Analyser and a Kodak Dry Chemistry Analyser were not significantly different. However, the measurements made using the Kodak Dry Chemistry Analyser averaged 0.5 mmol/L higher than those analysed on the Beckman EL‐ISE. The significance of these sources of variation in TCO 2 concentration in relation to the testing of horses for ‘milkshake’ administration are discussed.