Early Detection And Risk Factors Of Laminitis:- Okeke Chiamaka H

ABSTRACT This was a cross-sectional study aimed at detecting laminitis and its risk factors early in horses sampled at polo club Port Harcourt, River State. A total of 18 same horses were sampled during the dry season (March) and rainy season (July). The horses were divided into 2 groups based on their breed, that is, the local and exotic breed. The minimum age of horses sampled was 3years while the maximum age was 8years. The mean hoof temperature of the horses during the dry body weight ofthe horses was 323 8.90 kg in dry season while that ofrainy season 330 ±11.0 kg (Table 1). Glucose concentration was significantly lower (P 0.05) during the dry season when compared with the dry season values. Thus, the concentrations were 71.6 ± 1.5 dl / mg and 91.7 ± 1.9 dl/mg during the dry and rainy season respectively. Furthermore, the PCV, red blood than the corresponding values in dry season (Table 1). Similarly, the white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil counts were significantly higher (P 0.05) during rainy season than dry season. There was no significant difference between the fibrinogen level during the dry and rainy seasons. It was concluded that variations on the parameters determined may aid to identify early warning signs and risk factors oflaminitis.