Evaluation of three portable lactate-measurement devices in exercising horses
Esther W. Siegers, Marianne M. Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaa, Jan van den Broek and Carolien C. B. M. Munsters (2018). Pferdeheilkunde Equine Medicine, 34(2), pp. 141.144. 10.21836/PEM20180206
Background
Measuring plasma lactate (LA) levels is crucial for assessing horse fitness and diagnosing conditions like colic. Traditional lab methods are costly and impractical for field use. While the Lactate Pro™ was previously effective, it’s no longer available. A good alternative device needs to be found for practical application in field exercise tests and for use in horses with gastrointestinal disorders.
Methodology
A total of 215 blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 44 eventing horses during standardized exercise tests, with five samples taken from each horse at different stages: immediately after completing each of four exercise steps and after 10 minutes of recovery. Three portable lactate devices (Lactate Pro, Lactate Pro-2, and StatStrip Lactate Xpress) were used simultaneously to analyze blood samples. The remaining blood was processed in a laboratory for comparison with standard lab equipment (Lab-LA; DXC-600 Analyser – Beckman Coulterlab).
Results
The study found that the Lac-Pro2 handheld lactate analyser was the most accurate device for measuring lactate in horses, providing quick results in 15 seconds. It was reliable for moderate levels and useful in exercise testing and colic cases. The Lac-Pro performed well but was less reliable, while the Lac-Xpress showed lower correlation, especially at higher concentrations. None of the devices could accurately measure levels above 20–25 mmol/L during intense exercise.
Overall, the Lac-Pro2 is a dependable substitute for the discontinued Lactate Pro.
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