This output value constitutes the flux of red cells, defined as the number of red cells times their velocity and is reported as microcirculatory perfusion units. No direct information concerning oxygen, nutrient or waste metabolite exchange in the surrounding tissue is obtained with this technique. The relationship between the flowmeter output signal and the flux of red blood cells, is linear. We have adapted this technique to measure laminar microcirculatory blood flow in the standing, non-sedate horse. Currently our research is directed toward the study of founder in the horse.
Founder is a severely crippling and many times fatal disease.
Even though there are many different causes of founder, death of the laminae, resulting from low blood flow within the hoof, ultimately leads to the signs that are seen. The most critical time in the development of founder is from the time of the insult to the time that clinical sign's first appear. This is the time when treatment must be started to stop the horse from foundering. Treating a horse that is already showing clinical signs is often times unrewarding. Documenting the changes in blood flow during the development of founder has been a challenge.