The beginning of 2018 in blood values

I have a constant thirst for knowledge. That's why I keep having blood tests done to my horses regularly, even if there isn't any obvious problem. When something is off, it's easier to find the possible cause comparing the results, or not.

Here's what Venda's life looked like through 'blood test lenses' from February to July this year (with my own interpretations)

Hematocrit = The volume of red blood cells

First time I came across hematocrit was at harness racing training class a few years ago. We were taught horse's spleen stores red blood cells. When the horse performs, it's spleen releases the red blood cells. Better condition means greater value. On the other hand, if the horse dehydrated, the value can be higher as well.

The value should be anything between 34 to 48, younger horses 31 to 42. Values vary between breeds as well.

I'm not sure what vets would say, but I think Venda's values have gone better. Last summer was extremely hot, but we managed to keep our baby well hydrated it seems. She's an excellent drinker so, not a surprise.

In Helmikuu (February) she moved to 'preschool', in toukokuu (May) she was in training and had few colic episodes. During Heinäkuu (July) she has stayed at home for a month and was spending her days at pasture.

Red blood cell index, the amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell

Should be from 15 to 20. Since MCV (red blood cell volume) is quite normal and we're not that far away from 15, I wasn't too worried...

Hemoglobin

Should be between 118 and 170, young horse 110-154. A low value may be due to chronic infection, lack of nutrition, week absorption, blood loss, parasites or overexertion. It can also indicate that the tested animal is cold-blooded or a young horse. We tick both boxes.

As a result, I gave Venda copper treatment regimen so that I felt doing something.

Phosphate

Should be 0,70-1,60. They say too much phosphate is linked to kidney damage. Too much vitamin D can have an effect too. To me, the values seemed high but our vets weren't worried. Some vets claim growing bones may cause the value to rise. Whatever it was, we were heading in the right direction.

Protein.

Should be 55-75. It used to be low but the value went better while on pasture.

Creatine kinase (muscle value).

Should be 55-370. High values can be due to training. Makes sense. In July (Heinäkuu) Venda was resting at pasture.

Alkaline phosphatase

Should be 70-250 (foals under 2yrs 140-360). I was about to have a heart attack when I first saw this value. I only had the grown-up values to compare...It took a while to find the values for younger horses...

Lymphocytes, amount.

Should be 1,4-4,8. Less the horse has, bigger the stress it's in. More the horse has bigger the stress on the owner. More means things like CANCER, chronic infections (second time mentioned) and some viruses. So yes, I was freaking out.

All the vets I consulted were convinced this was due to a virus infection even when there hadn't been a fever or other usual virus related problems.

(Kidneys)

Should be 75-155. Younger horses have lower values. High values indicate kidney problems. Low values indicate muscle loss. Usually interpretation together with urea, which was normal.

Leukocytes

Should be 4,8-10,1. Higher values indicate infection. They can also be caused by physical strain and stress. The rise can simply be because the horse was afraid of the doctor.

***

In February (Helmikuu) the tests were done because I was certain Venda would die like her mother did. That's when the values were the worst. 

In May (toukokuu) Venda was training so I wanted to see what her basic training values would look like. 

In July (heinäkuu) we checked everything was getting better and to figure out why healthy looking, well eating, a bright and playful young horse was growing such thick winter coat in the middle of the hottest summer ever. 

Before taking the blood tests, we checked her for parasites, but there wasn't any.

- J