[...]... quantities indicate the need for further investigations, including bladder and kidney palpation, ultrasound scan and cystoscopic examinations (see also Ch 4: ‘Urinary diseases’) Interpretation of parasitological test results Faecal worm egg counts These remain the basis of equine intestinal parasite surveillance and of monitoring the efficacy of control 23 Diagnostic techniques in equine medicine programmes,... beta-1 globulin levels The sensitivity and specificity of this test for the presence of strongyles are low Liver failure associated with increases in beta-2 and gamma globulins Albumin : globulin ratios In health, the albumin : globulin (A/G) ratio approximates to 1.0 or more Shifts in the ratio may occur in a number of pathological states, but the informa15 Diagnostic techniques in equine medicine Table... preferred Plain glass Plasma possible Heparin Glutathione peroxidase Whole blood Heparin LDH Serum Plain glass Serum preferred Plain glass Plasma electrolytes possible Heparin Urea Serum (preferred) or plasma Plain glass or heparin Creatinine Serum (preferred) or plasma Plain glass or heparin Total protein Serum Plain glass Albumin (and globulin) Serum Plain glass Protein electrophoresis Serum Plain glass... Rectal examination  57 Stomach intubation  57 Diagnostic techniques in equine medicine Abdominal paracentesis  58 Laboratory aids  58 Indications for surgical exploration (laparotomy)  58 A strategic approach to the colic case  58 III Clinical pathology  60 Serum biochemistry  60 Total protein  60 Albumin  61 Globulins  61 Albumin : globulin ratios  61 Serum protein electrophoresis  61 Serum alkaline phosphatase ... Plain glass or heparin Oestradiol Serum (preferred) or plasma Plain glass or heparin Oestrone sulphate Serum (preferred) or plasma Plain glass or heparin eCG Serum Plain glass Blood electrolytes Serum electrolytes Other biochemistry Blood hormones Continued 5 Diagnostic techniques in equine medicine Table 1.2  Appropriate samples and containers for clinicopathological tests—cont’d Test Sample Container/medium... anaemia in the horse in contrast to other species, since equine erythrocytes mature within the bone marrow rather than in the 12 circulation, even during intense erythropoiesis In consequence, the MCV is seen to progressively increase or decrease over time, but it usually remains within a ‘normal’ reference range That said, macrocytic anaemia is most commonly seen in haemorrhagic conditions, including intestinal... may be noted in a variety of equine diseases including haemolysis, liver disease, impaction colic and any condition associated with a reduction in food intake However, it is unusual for serum bilirubin to be elevated in equine liver disease; an increase may be diagnostically useful but normal values do not discount liver disease In fasting (or inappetence) there is a physiological decrease in the removal... single system Serum Plain glass Urine analysis Urine Clean non-leak container Urinary fractional excretion of electrolytes Urine plus serum (preferred) or plasma Clean non-leak container plus plain glass or heparin Culture Midstream Sterile non-leak container Oestrogens (Cuboni test) Urine Clean non-leak container Cytology Fluid EDTA Biochemistry Fluid Plain glass Culture Fluid Plain sterile container... body electrolyte and mineral status than single blood tests is the urinary 19 Diagnostic techniques in equine medicine fractional clearance ratio (see ‘Fractional excretion of electrolytes’ in Ch 6: ‘Urinary diseases’) However, this assessment assumes that renal function is normal Sodium Sodium is the major cation within the extracellular fluid and is largely responsible for maintaining the osmotic forces... history and clinical examination, rather than ‘trawling’ a profile However, when the clinical examination is inconclusive, such profiles can be useful in identifying further routes of investigation A typical profile is shown in Table 1.5, together with a tentative interpretation of abnormalities and suggestions for further investigations Equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) may be detected in mares where . provide further information. However, laboratory CHAPTER Diagnostic techniques in equine medicine 2 screening may play a part in preventive medicine and performance. (preferred) or plasma Plain glass or heparin eCG Serum Plain glass Continued Diagnostic techniques in equine medicine 6 Test Sample Container/medium Blood culture Aerobic/anaerobic