Page 732 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

CLINICAL SIGNS

If the horse is slowly losing blood over a long period of time, there may not be any obvious
VetBooks.ir clinical signs. In many cases the bone marrow increases red cell production and makes up the

additional loss. It is possible for horses that are moderately anaemic to remain a good colour.

Clinical signs associated with acute or significant, longstanding blood loss

• Shock: acute, life-threatening haemorrhage causes weakness and collapse.

• Pale mucous membranes.

• A raised heart rate.

• Development of a heart murmur.
• Increased respiratory rate.

• Lethargy and exercise intolerance.

• Weight loss.

• Other signs of parasitism or trauma.

• With acute blood loss due to rupture of the middle uterine artery at foaling, the main sign
is colic.

DIAGNOSIS

• Measurement of the red cell count, PCV and haemoglobin from a blood sample.
• A bone marrow biopsy if reduced red cell production is suspected.

TREATMENT OF ANAEMIA CAUSED BY BLOOD LOSS

• Control of the bleeding.

• A blood transfusion if the PCV has dropped dramatically.

• Parasite control.
• A balanced supportive diet.

• Vitamin K or a plasma transfusion may be given if the horse has a clotting problem

(Figure 16.4).
• An iron supplement may be necessary if the horse has been losing blood over a long

period of time. Special tonics containing iron, B vitamins, and folic acid are available.