2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

There was an effect of fasting and anesthesia on the structure of the microbiota of healthy horses. A reduction of Clostridiales has also been seen in horses affected with colitis. This indicates that these are stress factors for the equine intestinal microbiota and could be related to development of disease in the post-operative period. This study investigated changes in non-invasive oscillometric blood pressure (NIBP) between a clinic setting and home environment (white coat hypertension), normal daily variation of NIBP and splenic volume and interobserver variation of splenic volume. NIBP, measured in 38 horses in clinical and home environment on consecutive days, was compared. NIBP and spleen volume were measured three consecutive days and splenic volume repeated by two ultrasonographers each time in 8 mares. NIBP, corrected to heart level, was measured using the coccygeal artery.