Plasma-Ionized Magnesium in Hospitalized Horses with Gastrointestinal Disorders and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Abstract

Magnesium disorders in horses with gastrointestinal disorders or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) are scarcely characterized. The purpose of the study was to explore the association of magnesium disorders with diagnosis, SIRS and mortality in horses admitted to a referral equine hospital. In total, 75 sick horses were included in an observational prospective study and classified as: obstructive (n = 17), inflammatory (n = 10) and ischemic gastrointestinal disorders (n = 12), and other non-gastrointestinal systemic disorders (n = 36). All sick horses were also divided according to the presence (n = 26) or absence of SIRS, and survival to discharge from hospital (survivors (n = 61) and non-survivors (n = 14). In addition, 26 horses were included as controls. On admission, mean (iMg) (95% confidence interval (CI)) in the SIRS group (0.47 (0.43–0.50 mmol/L)) was within the normal range (0.4–0.6 mmol/L). The obstructive group had lower (iMg) compared to the control group (0.44 (0.38–0.51 mmol/L) vs. 0.56 (0.50–0.61 mmol/L); p = 0.001). In total, 8 out of 17 (47%) horses with obstructive lesions presented with hypomagnesemia compared to controls (4% (1/26)) (p = 0.001). In conclusion, hypomagnesemia was more prevalent on admission in horses in the obstructive group, and to a lesser extent, in the inflammatory and ischemic groups. In contrast to human ICU patients, the proportion of hospitalized horses with hypomagnesemia was not associated with mortality.

Successful management of ventricular bigeminy using lidocaine in a horse anaesthetised for emergency laparotomy

“…Hypomagnesaemia is frequently observed in horses with gastrointestinal disorders and has been associated with prognostic implications. 11,23,24 Furthermore, horses admitted for colic with initially low serum magnesium concentrations are reported to be more prone to developing VA. 11 Pratt et al 25 recently detailed the successful conversion of sustained ventricular tachycardia to normal sinus rhythm using iv magnesium sulphate in a horse with hypomagnesaemia post-colic surgery and concurrently receiving lidocaine infusion. Considering these findings, serum magnesium evaluation should be incorporated into the initial blood work for subjects admitted with gastrointestinal tract diseases in the equine species.…”

“…The recorded value was 0.48 mmol/L, falling below the reference range of 0.60–0.90. Hypomagnesaemia is frequently observed in horses with gastrointestinal disorders and has been associated with prognostic implications 11,23,24 . Furthermore, horses admitted for colic with initially low serum magnesium concentrations are reported to be more prone to developing VA 11 .…”

Sample stability and heparin interference in ionized calcium and ionized magnesium measurements in horses using the Stat Profile Prime Plus co‐oximetry electrolyte analyzer

“…Determining the ionized forms iCa and iMg, in addition to tCa and tMg, is increasingly important since these analytes are physiologically important and do not always correlate with the total concentration. Both iMg and iCa are likely physiologically interdependent, and in equine patients, both hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia have been associated with decreased survival in critical illness 5,6,13,14 . In veterinary medicine, the determination of iCa and iMg in whole blood is not always possible and, in addition, veterinary samples are not always immediately processed, so the knowledge about the stability of these analytes and a comparison of these analytes between different sample types are important issues.…”

“…Both iMg and iCa are likely physiologically interdependent, and in equine patients, both hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia have been associated with decreased survival in critical illness. 5,6,13,14 In veterinary medicine, the determination of iCa and iMg in whole blood is not always possible and, in addition, veterinary samples are not always immediately processed, so the knowledge about the stability of these analytes and a comparison of these analytes between different sample types are important issues. The results of the present study have shown that iCa, iMg, and the total forms (tCa, tMg) and the ratios iCa/tCa and iMg/tMg are stable up to 168 hours.…”

Assessment of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D and PTH levels in sera of lame horses

“…Also in bone disease caused by too much P and not enough Ca, calcium is removed from the bone, which can result in brittle, weak bones often manifested in shifting lameness in early stages previously referred to as big head disease. Magnesium deficiency is a common problem among horses and can cause a myriad of health problems, from behavioural issues to muscular, cardiovascular and neurological problems (Sanmartí et al., 2022 ; Schumacher et al., 2020 ).…”