Cardiovascular, haematological and biochemical responses after large volume blood collection in horses.
Authors: Malikides N, Hodgson J L, Rose R J, Hodgson D R
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary Researchers investigated whether large-volume blood collection—specifically 20 mL/kg (roughly 25% of circulating blood volume)—poses physiological risks to donor horses by monitoring five animals across cardiovascular, haematological and biochemical parameters during collection and for 31 days post-donation. Although the withdrawal triggered measurable changes in most measured variables, the alterations remained within established reference ranges and resolved rapidly, with recovery to baseline values occurring within 24–48 hours in the majority of cases. These findings indicate that healthy horses possess robust compensatory mechanisms capable of managing acute blood loss at this volume without triggering sustained adverse effects. For practitioners involved in equine blood banking, plasma collection or autologous therapies, this evidence supports the safety of removing up to 20 mL/kg from appropriate donors when proper collection protocols are followed, though individual assessment and attention to donor health status remain essential prerequisites.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Healthy horses can safely donate up to 20 mL/kg of blood with appropriate collection techniques without causing lasting harm or clinical complications
- •Physiological monitoring during the 24-48 hour post-collection period is sufficient to confirm adequate recovery in donor horses
- •Blood donation protocols using volumes up to 25% of total blood volume are compatible with equine welfare when donors are properly selected and managed
Key Findings
- •Removal of 20 mL/kg blood (approximately 25% of blood volume) induced measurable alterations in cardiovascular, haematological and biochemical variables in healthy donor horses
- •Most variable changes remained within published reference ranges despite observable alterations
- •Recovery to pre-collection baseline values occurred rapidly within 24-48 hours in most instances
- •Blood volumes ≤20 mL/kg collected appropriately from healthy horses result in no adverse acute or chronic physiological effects