Plasma biochemistry in the horse during 3-day event competition

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Abstract
Blood samples were collected from 16 Thoroughbred horses before, during and after the 2nd day of a 3 day event. Plasma osmolality, concentration of Na, K, chloride, urea, creatinine, glucose, bilirubin, Fe, total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, Ca, inorganic phosphate, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids were measured. Significant differences from pre-event values were found in all parameters with the greatest changes being found after the cross-country phase. Most parameters showed significant rises following exercise except Ca and Ch-, which decreased. Dehydration reduced glomerular filtration rate, increased glycogenolysis and increased lipid metabolism and were a result of this form of competitive exercise.