Changes in Abdominal Circumference during Endurance Exercise: A Pilot Study

• Published in: Equine veterinary journal 2014-06, Vol.46 (S46), p.13-13
• Main Authors: Spooner, H, Schott II, H, Nielsen, B, O′Connor-Robison, C, Harris, P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0425-1644; 2042-3306
• DOI: 10.1111/evj.12267_40

Introduction Horses have a large intestinal reserve of water and electrolytes that can be absorbed to replace sweat fluid losses during endurance exercise. As a consequence, the abdomen develops a “tucked‐up” appearance; however, data documenting changes in abdominal circumference during endurance exercise are lacking. Methods Abdominal circumference was measured directly (in triplicate with a measurement tape to nearest cm) every 15‐km at three sites (front, middle, and back) in six 2‐year‐old Arabian horses that completed four 60‐km bouts of treadmill exercise. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and compared to body weight (BW) loss by correlation analysis. Results Abdominal circumference decreased at all three sites during the exercise test (1.8 ± 0.7, 1.4 ± 0.7, and 3.1 ± 1.3 cm for front, middle, and back, respectively, [representing 1–2% of total circumference]) with the greatest decrease (>50% of total) occurring during the initial 15‐km of the exercise test. Changes in abdominal circumference during each step of the exercise test were significantly correlated with BW changes (R values 0.18–0.39, P