2018 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program: Seattle, Washington, June 14 - 15, 2018

Use of NaF tubes is recommended for equine blood collection for determination of D-lactate concentration, as use of serum tubes results in inflated and inaccurate values. Furthermore, longer-term storage (>2 months at -80 C) appears to result in sample degradation and should be interpreted with caution. Adult horses and ponies fulfilling at least two criteria of an adapted SIRS-score were included. A standard human protocol measuring activated platelets and platelet-leukocyte-aggregates (PLA) with fluorescence flow cytometry in platelet-leukocyte-rich-plasma (PLRP) was established in horses. Activation of platelets was determined by increased presentation of CD62P and CD154 on platelets. Activation and PLA were measured before and after in vitro activation of platelets with collagen. Ten healthy adult horses and ponies served as controls. Statistical analysis included proof of normal distribution followed by two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni tests.