INDIAN KATHIAWARI HORSE’S EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY: PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC INDICES AND CARDIAC BIOMARKERS
Abstract
Background: Indian Kathiawari horses are well-known as an
endurance breed in the Indian subcontinent, yet not much research has
been undertaken on their exercise physiology. An evaluation of the
exercise physiology of Kathiawari horses could significantly contribute
to the further development of the breed and for the improvement of its
healthcare. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the
changes in cardiac biomarkers and echocardiographic indices before and
after exercise in Indian Kathiawari horses. Methods: Eighteen
working Kathiawari horses age ranging from 2 years to 12 years,
consisting of 8 mares and 10 stallions were selected for this study.
Horses were subjected to exercise for a period of ± 40 mins. Serum
samples were collected before and after exercise for evaluation of
changes in cardiac biomarkers concentration. Electrocardiographic and
echocardiographic evaluations were also done for same horses before and
after exercise. Results: CTnI, CTnT, CK-MB and NT-proBNP after
exercise showed highly significant increase when compared to before
exercise. Significant increase in left ventricular dimensions and
systolic function such as LVIDd, LVIDs, EDV, ESV, SV, Ao, LA, EF and FS
after exercise when compared to before exercise. Post exercise doppler
echocardiographic showed increase in number of aortic regurgitation
compared to pre exercise. Significant changes were seen in P and T wave
morphology and significant decrease in the duration of P wave, P-Q
interval, QT interval and R-R intervals immediately after the exercise.
Significant elevation was noticed in P wave amplitude immediately after
the exercise. Conclusion: In Indian Kathiawari horses the
concentration of cardiac biomarkers are increased after 3 hour of
exercise. Increased left ventricular dimensions and systolic function
was observed in horses after exercise. This study contributes to
establishing the reference ranges of cardiac biomarkers in Kathiawari
horses after exercise.