Related Observations
Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.
Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY PERFORM
Blood & Abdominal Fluid Lactate Levels
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
Lactate is a compound that is produced when cells undergo anaerobic metabolism. In equine practice, blood lactate is used fairly frequently as an indication of degree of anaerobic metabolism.
In intestinal crises, in cases where intestine is not being adequately supplied with oxygen via blood supply, the lactate will often rise. Horses that are severely dehydrated or are in shock will also have high lactates.
More reliable than the blood lactate is lactate determined on the fluid that bathes the intestine (peritoneal or abdominal fluid). The ratio of blood lactate to peritoneal lactate can also be a helpful indicator in determining the nature of an intestinal problem and the need for surgery.
The serum lactate is a very rough indicator of degree of anaerobic metabolism in the body. It must be considered in light of many other findings. It is most helpful when compared to lactate levels in the abdominal fluid (peritoneal lactate).
Serum lactate (blood lactate) requires a blood sample be taken and the value determined on a chemistry analyzer. Peritoneal lactate requires the sampling of abdominal fluid.
In intestinal crises, in cases where intestine is not being adequately supplied with oxygen via blood supply, the lactate will often rise. Horses that are severely dehydrated or are in shock will also have high lactates.
More reliable than the blood lactate is lactate determined on the fluid that bathes the intestine (peritoneal or abdominal fluid). The ratio of blood lactate to peritoneal lactate can also be a helpful indicator in determining the nature of an intestinal problem and the need for surgery.
The serum lactate is a very rough indicator of degree of anaerobic metabolism in the body. It must be considered in light of many other findings. It is most helpful when compared to lactate levels in the abdominal fluid (peritoneal lactate).
Serum lactate (blood lactate) requires a blood sample be taken and the value determined on a chemistry analyzer. Peritoneal lactate requires the sampling of abdominal fluid.
Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic
Related Diagnostics
Other diagnostic tests that might be used in combination or with this one or instead of this one.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.
Very Common
Less Common
-
Large Colon Volvulus or Torsion
-
Small Intestinal Strangulation, Strangulation by a Pedunculated Lipoma
-
Ileal Impaction
-
Large Colon Mechanical Obstruction, Generally
-
Large Colon Impaction, Pelvic Flexure Impaction
-
Colic, Gas, Large Colon Tympany
-
Duodenitis-Proximal Jejunitis, DPJ
-
Small Colon Impaction
-
Cecal Disorders, Generally
-
Right Dorsal Displacement of Large Colon
BENEFITS
Lactate levels can often be determined "in-house" and may provide additional information helpful in determining the nature of an intestinal crisis. Many equine clinics now have the ability to determine lactate on a sample.LIMITATIONS
Lactate elevations can result from many other causes including recent exercise, and generalized shock, so the results must be interpreted carefully.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health