A 12-year-old Warmblood gelding is presented with a one-day history of anorexia, depression, and decreased manure.
Physical exam reveals dark pink, slightly dry mucous membranes with a capillary refill time of 3 seconds (normal, less than 2 sec) and decreased gastrointestinal borborygmi (sounds) in all quadrants.
PCV is 45% (normal = 32-46%). Click the labwork icon to see blood chemistry panel results.
Which choice is the most appropriate way to help differentiate between pre-renal and renal azotemia in this horse?
A - Administer furosemide and collect urine to measure specific gravity
B - Perform fractional excretion of electrolytes
C - Start IV fluids, recheck BUN/creatinine in 12-24 hours
D - Transabdominal kidney ultrasound to evaluate corticomedullary junction
E - Not necessary - this horse has liver disease, not kidney disease
answer/ C
