Clinical, Haematological and Biochemical Studies of Colic in Draught Horses and Donkeys in Nyala

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the underlining aetiological agents of equine (horses and donkeys) colic and to investigate the clinical, haematological and biochemical changes that may occur during colic period. A total number of 80 draught horses and 11 draught donkeys (colic group) were clinically examined in Nyala, South Darfur State, Sudan. Animals with colic were assigned into mild, severe and recurrent subgroups according to the severity of pain and degree of change in clinical parameters. For the purpose of normal standard values six donkeys and six horses (control group) were included in the study. Causes of colic were identified from the case history of the colic in equine and/or by the test of its food before colic, clinical parameters, blood capillary refill time, and rectal palpation were conducted using standard methods. PCV, Hb, white blood cells differential count were recorded also. Plasma glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, sodium, potassium, and calcium were measured using spectrophotometery methods. PCV and Hb were significantly increased in animals with severe colic, but no differences were found between mild subgroup and control group; total white blood cells number significantly increased in colic group, but no differences were noticed in the white blood cells differential count of colic group except the basophiles, which decreased in colic group. No changes were noticed in sodium, urea, total protein and albumin between control group and colic group; globulin and glucose increased significantly in colic group, but calcium and potassium were found in low levels in the same group.