Seasonal changes in plasma concentrations of cecum-derived amines in clinically normal ponies and ponies predisposed to laminitis

Abstract

Objective - To measure concentrations of amines formed in the cecum of clinically normal ponies, determine amine concentrations in plasma samples collected in spring and winter, and compare concentrations of amines and serotonin in plasma samples obtained from clinically normal ponies and ponies predisposed to laminitis. Sample Population - Cecal contents obtained from 10 ponies euthanatized at an abattoir and blood samples obtained from 42 adult ponies. Procedure - Cecal contents were assayed for amines by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Blood samples were collected at various times of the year from 20 ponies predisposed to acute laminitis and 22 clinically normal ponies. Pla..