Prognostic significance of lipid peroxide and antioxidant levels in draft horses with peritonitis

To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the oxidant–antioxidant status in horses clinically affected with peritonitis. The present study was carried out to investigate the importance of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant parameters in the prediction of clinical outcomes of peritonitis in draft horses. Thirty-six draft horses were used in this study in the period between March 2006 and March 2009. Diagnosis of the clinical cases was based on the physical examination, clinical pathology, and necropsy. Our results showed that there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) of nonsurvivors in comparison with that of survivors. There was, however, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, vitamin C, and nitric oxide (NO). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) indicated a high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (86.71%) of MDA level (p < 0.001) to predict the outcome of peritonitis. Results of peritoneal fluid analysis revealed an abnormal physical appearance with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in total leukocytic counts and total protein levels. In conclusion, our findings might indicate that lipid peroxide levels and antioxidant parameters could have a prognostic significance in draft horses showing peritonitis.