Fisiologia do exercício equino e avaliação laboratorial

Abstract

The equine physiology of exercise aims to evaluate qualitative and quantitatively biologic variables related with a better athletic performance of the horse. The exercise performed in training and competitions may cause several change in physiological, hematological and biochemical parameters, and should be prescribed rationally. Nowadays, methods such as laboratorial analysis became significant tools for monitoring athletic horses, in order to establish a better aerobic fitness. Certain metabolites produced by activation of energy pathways may cause poor performance in these horses. It is essential to establish local reference values to hematological variables; it allows the correct interpretation of results obtained in studies. Together, it is primordial the presence of a Veterinarian in training program, due to the possibility of minimizing the most important clinical, pathophysiological and laboratory parameters that commonly affect horses at exercise.