Evaluation of plasma catecholamine and serum cortisol concentrations in horses with colic

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations and serum cortisol concentration in horses with colic and assess the relationship of these variables with clinical signs, routinely measured clinicopathologic variables, and outcome in affected horses. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. ANIMALS: 35 horses with colic. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected within 30 minutes of arrival at the veterinary hospital from horses referred because of colic. Plasma and serum samples were analyzed for cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, lactate, and electrolyte concentrations and acid-base variables. Heart rate at admission and outcome (survival or nonsurvival) were r..