The CRI is a useful tool, but there are
times when the results can be misleading. For example, here in the SE,
the vets seem to get concerned if the second number is 4 or more beats higher
than the first number. For example, if the horse starts at 62 and the
second number is 66, especially if the horse has a few B’s or lower on
other things.
In other cases, a 4 beat differential is
not necessarily a good indicator, especially in high heat and humidity.
This past weekend at BSF, it was very hot and humid and there was a lot of deep
sand and steep climbs. I spent a lot of time on the ground. I walked the
last mile or so into camp on the ground for the second vet check at 25 miles.
Magic was, of course, waaaay down and certainly not tired as my sore shoulders
would attest. At the vet exam, his first number was 42. His second
number was 54. This is a TWELVE point differential. He was all A’s
on everything. (He actually had two B+’s all day….I was
turtle…finished with half an hour left till cutoff.)
I have had several Vets tell me that when both
numbers are fairly low….say between 45 and 55….that the CRI doesn’t
mean much unless there are other mitigating factors.
Like Bruce, I would be interested in some
feedback on this.
From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bruce Weary DC Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005
3:04 PM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: [RC] CRI question
Heidi--
I'd like to take a crack at this question, as I have done some
investigation into what the CRI shows us and what it tells us about the
condition of the horse. I will disclaim by saying I have never discussed this
personally with Dr. Ridgeway, nor am I a vet. I hope my attempts at
understanding the CRI will lead to some discussion here, maybe by Susan G. or
other vets.
