Abstract

DI FILIPPO, Paula Alessandra et al. Blood gas analysis of horses submitted to experimental obstruction of duodenum, ileum and large colon. Cienc. Rural [online]. 2009, vol.39, n.1, pp. 156-162.  Epub Sep 17, 2008. ISSN 0103-8478.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782008005000054.

This study aimed to evaluate parameters of acid-base balance in horses submitted to an experimental model of intestinal obstruction. Twenty-four animals were divided in four groups: instrumented control (GI), duodenum obstruction (GII), ileum obstruction (GIII) and large colon obstruction (GIV). Venous blood samples were collected before surgery (T0), during the obstruction (T30ob-T180ob) and after unblocking procedures (T60des-T180des). Animals from GIV, at T30ob and animals from GII, at T60ob, T90ob and T120ob, presented higher values for pH(v), cHCO^-₃(vP) and cBase(v) which, added to the increase of pCO₂(v) and ctCO₂(v), characterized the metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation. At T90ob and T120ob, in GII animals, and at T180ob, in GIII animals the pO₂(v) and sO₂(v) had similar response. Low values presented by GII animals were associated to hypercapnia or hypoventilation triggered for metabolic alkalosis correction. However, a hypoxemia presented by GIII animals was associated to hypovolemia at that period. There were light and temporary acid-base alterations that are not capable to predict specific intestinal obstruction diagnosis in equines with colic. However they help in prognosis since both have a direct relation with the precociousness of gastrointestinal disturbance.

Keywords : horse; blood gas analyses; intestinal obstruction.