A retrospective analysis of the data of blood lactate concentrations and composite pain scores in Thai native crossbred ponies and full-sized horses underwent colic surgery

Abstract

Blood lactate (BL) represents the performance of oxygen delivery and tissue perfusion either in a normal condition or gastrointestinal colic. Horses with colic express a different level of pain that relates to the severity of colic, which can be evaluated by composite pain scale scoring system (CPS). BL and CPS are widely studied in colic cases for decades, in attempt to instantly make an accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment plan. This study aimed to assess CPS and BL concentrations in colic horses. Medical records of horses presenting gastrointestinal colic at Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2013- 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Forty-four out of 214 colic cases met the inclusion criteria. The samples were divided into Thai native crossbred ponies (n=22) and full-sized horses (n=22). Median value of CPS between the horses (26.0 ± 6.5 scores) and the ponies (25.5 ± 7.3 scores) were not significantly different, neither the treatment outcome or the location and type of lesion. On the contrary, BL concentrations in the ponies (Median ± IQR = 8.5 ± 5.5 mmol/L) was significantly higher than the horses (Median ± IQR = 5.2 ± 3.0 mmol/L). In full-sized horses, BL concentrations showed no significant difference between treatment outcome or the location and type of lesion. Interestingly, BL concentrations in the ponies with the conditions of ischemia, small intestinal lesions and post-treatment death were significantly high. In conclusion, BL concentrations and CPS are useful indicators for treatment selection in Thai native crossbred ponies with colic. Surgical correction must be strongly considered when BL concentration is >8.5 mmol/L and CPS is >26.