Effect of Venepuncture on Heart Rate and Blood Picture in the Horse

Abstract

In hematological examination of horses, it is difficult to collect blood samples from a horse at a truly resting state, because horses are easily excited by fear and anxiety at the time of blood collection. The authors had continually been examining the heart rate and hematological pictures in horses at the time of blood collection by various techniques.The following results were obtained. 1. Judging from the heart rate, the horse was most excitable when a veterinarian approached and the needle was inserted at the time of blood collection. 2. An intense stimulation (noise) affected the heart rate first and the hematological picture later. 3. Under twitch restraint, the horse showed a decrease in heart rate. 4. A method of collecting blood from horses at a truly resting state was discussed briefly.