The role of different iron preparations in the prevention of anemia in racing horses

Abstract

The hypothesis that a high hematocrit value and high hemoglobin concentration are the most important conditions which have to be fulfilled in order to achieve top racing results has resulted in a massive use of iron preparations in healthy horses. This specialty implies in racing horses during intensive training aiming at the prevention of the so-called racing anemia. By studying the effects of the most commonly used iron preparations in Serbia and Montenegro (Fedex®, as the representative of dextrane iron preparations; Hippirion® as a well known representative of iron complexed to saccharate and Hemo® 15 which is a representative of complex iron preparations which contain other hemantics) the expected changes in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit value were recorded. However, the recorded changes in hematological values did differ between used iron preparations. The best effects were exhibited by Memo® 15, the application of which resulted in a prompt and significant increase in erythrocyte count, MCH, MCHC and hemoglobin concentration.