The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 20(2), 2010, Page: 70-72 ISSN: 1018-7081 A STUDY ON PREVALENCE AND TREATMENT OF ANHIDROSIS IN HORSES S. U. Rasheed, M. S. Khan, Z. U. Rehman, M. Avais, J. A. Khan, and M. Z. Shabbir * Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, * University Diagnostic Laboratory University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-54000 (Pakistan) Corresponding author E-mail: avaismuhammad@yahoo.com ABSTRACT A total of 290 horses were examined to determine the prevalence of Anhidrosis, find suitable therapy and to record effect of the condition on serum glucose level. The affected horses were divided in two groups i.e. group A received sodium chloride orally 80 grams for 3 days along with injection lasix 100 mg (10ml) for 3 days and ample drinking water. Group B received thyroxin 50 mg orally daily for 3 days , vitamin E 2000 IU orally, normal saline and ample drinking water. The prevalence of Anhidrosis was found to be 12.41 percent (36/290). Serum glucose levels were on higher side in affected horses which returned to normal after recovery, however, blood cholesterol level remained same before and after treatment. In group A and B 33(5/15) and 73.33(11/15) percent horse showed recovery, respectively. Key words: Anhidrosis; Thyroxin; Vitamin E; Normal saline, serum glucose level INTRODUCTION Equine anhidrosis, dry coat, puff disease and non-sweating are different terms used to describe the condition in horses and is characterized by the inability to sweat effectively in response to appropriate stimuli (Dobson, 1979). Sweating has a variety of functions in animals including pheromone actions, excretion of waste products and maintenance of the skin surface ecosystem (McEwan et al., 2006). Although the epidemiology and clinical signs of the disease have largely been elucidated, anhidrosis is still widely prevalent in many parts of the world and methods of treatment and prevention are being sought (Mayhew and Ferguson, 1987). The precise prevalence of the disease is unknown, however it has been estimated that up to 20 percent of horses in Miami area of Florida may be affected (Warner and Mayhew, 1982). Initially it was considered the disease of thoroughbred horses but an epidemiologic study of cases in Florida has shown that many breeds are prone to it, and long time inhabitants of a hot climate, may also be affected (Mayhew and Ferguson, 1987). The search for precise factors causing equine anhidrosis are yet to be elucidated (Wilson et al., 2007) and despite some excellent epidemiological studies, there has been very little progress in understanding the condition (Marlin et al., 1999). However, certain factors (high protein feed, disease, exercise) tend to raise the basal metabolism of affected horses that exacerbate water loss (polyuria, purgation, etc.) or those influencing heat loss (Julio and Calderin, 1966). The therapies for this condition more often are based upon clinical impressions rather than scientific evidence treatment coupled with sound environmental management continues to be a very important therapeutic tool for affected horses (Hubert et al., 2002). However, the therapies seem to provide only temporary relief but complete removal from the environmental stress has a long-term effect. It has been claimed that treatment with vitamin E improves coat appearance and restores sweating in anhidrotic animals. The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the prevalence of equine anhidrosis in Metropolitan City of Lahore, Pakistan, its suitable treatment and effect of both disease and treatment on serum glucose profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prevalence: The present study was conducted on cases brought to outdoor veterinary services, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. In addition the horses referred to various private veterinary clinics were also included in the study during the summer months. A total of 290 horses were clinically examined to find out the prevalence of anhidrosis. Anhidrosis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs (Radostits et al., 2007). Therapy: Thirty horses suffering from anhidrosis irrespective of age and sex were divided into two equal groups viz. A and B. Drugs used in groups A and B are given in Table 1. The efficacy of the both treatments was determined on the basis of reversal of clinical signs, negative adrenalin test and normal serum glucose at the end of treatment. Serum Glucose and cholesterol levels: Serum glucose and cholesterol levels were determined (pre and post treatment) using commercially available kit (Bio systems laboratories Ltd.,. Barcelona, Spain), through enzymatic spectrophotometric method (Coles, 1986). 70