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Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Total Plasma Protein (TPP) are a measure of hydration status in the horse with abdominal pain. Intestinal disease and dysfunction causes hypovolaemia which result in dehydration. Increasing values over repeated examination and values over 45% are considered significant. The total protein (TP) of blood may also be measured, as an aid in estimating the amount of protein loss into the intestine.  Its value must be interpreted along with the PCV, to take into account the hydration status. The PCV and TPP rise together in dehydration.  
 
Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Total Plasma Protein (TPP) are a measure of hydration status in the horse with abdominal pain. Intestinal disease and dysfunction causes hypovolaemia which result in dehydration. Increasing values over repeated examination and values over 45% are considered significant. The total protein (TP) of blood may also be measured, as an aid in estimating the amount of protein loss into the intestine.  Its value must be interpreted along with the PCV, to take into account the hydration status. The PCV and TPP rise together in dehydration.  
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An increasing PCV without a corresponding rise in TPP may indicate that protein is being lost from the blood into the intestinal lumen or peritoneal region. It may also be due to the spleen contracting and releasing more red blood cells into the circulation in response to endotoxin release or sympathetic nervous system innervation.  
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An increasing PCV without a corresponding rise in TPP may indicate that protein is being lost from the blood into the intestinal lumen or peritoneal region. It may also be due to the spleen contracting and releasing more red blood cells into the circulation in response to endotoxin release or sympathetic nervous system innervation.
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[[File:PCV Reading.jpg|thumb|200px|center| Picture of a a centrifuged PCV being interpreted. The refractometer lies above to get a TPP value(Courtesy of Potter K, SPANA)]]
    
=====Complete Blood Count=====
 
=====Complete Blood Count=====
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