Evaluation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in racehorse measured by westergren method

경주마(競走馬)에서 Westergren법(法)에 의한 적혈구 침강속도(沈降速度) 측정의 평가(評價)

The study was basically carried out to establish the appropriate condition for applying the Westergren method for erythrocyte sedimentation rate(W-ESR) in Throughbred racehorses at recess. To do this, we examined the correlationship among some factors including the kind of anticoagulants, optimal ambient temperature and reading time for W-ESR in healthy racehorses. The difference between the blood samples treated with only 3.8% solution of sodium citrate(SC) and both EDTA and SC as a coagulant, there was not recognized any significant difference(p<0.05) in the levels of W-ESR irrespective of the ambient temperature of $20^{\circ}C$ or $30^{\circ}C$. The best optimal ambient temperature for W-ESR in horses was proved at $30^{\circ}C$ resulting from the tendency of the most reduced dispersion in mean values analyaed from repeatly 4 times to the same blood samles compared with those of $10^{\circ}C$ and $20^{\circ}C$. The optimal reading time was determined as 60 minutes(Y=237.2~4.1X, $r^2=0.998$) and 70 minutes(Y=247.8~4.2X, $r^2=0.999$) under the same temperature of $30^{\circ}C$; the latter showed the better result on the basis of the correlation of packed cell volume(PCV) and ESR values. About 13 healthy racehorses, we compared the real values of W-ESR respectively obtained at 60 minutes and 70 minutes at $30^{\circ}C$ with the anticipated values of PCV by means of the analysis of linear regression equitation. As the result of this, the strong correlation between both of them was confirmed. For practical use of W-ESR in Thoroughbred racehorese, we can recommend the condition of 60 or 70 minutes for the optimal reading time as well as $30^{\circ}C$ for the best ambient temperature.