Just like human beings, there are a number of health conditions that can affect horses, some more drastically than others. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to horse health is blood clotting. There are a few different diseases that could lead to clotting issues for horses including endotoxemia, colitis, and sepsis. Because each of these conditions alters the flow of blood in horses, clotting can occur. Understanding this process, and more importantly, understanding how horses are different from people, is important when it comes to treating this problem.
Recently, two researchers out of the University of Illinois have made a discovery that could make identifying and treating blood clotting in horses easier. The conclusions they published underline the fact that blood in horses in much different than that in humans, which means the doctors need to evaluate blood flow differently.
In order to detect clotting, physicians use a device called a thromboelastometry. It is able to determine blood flow and whether or not any coagulation is taking place in the body. Up until now, there have not been in standards put into place to evaluate what exactly is normal and abnormal for horses. Thanks to this new research, doctors will have a better understanding of how to use thromboelastometry to determine the status of clotting.
While the details of this research are still being discussed and evaluated, we’re always happy to see new efforts made to keep horses happy and healthy. We hope that if proven effective, new standards are put into place so physicians can better help horses who are experiencing blood clotting.
Source: http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35639/new-standards-for-evaluating-blood-clotting-in-horses