Karen Thomas responded to:
>>>> What is low blood protein? ...how does it relate to Icelandic Horses?
>>>> -Judy
>>> I suspect others can answer this more professionally, but my understanding
>>> is
that the usual level of protein in Iceys' blood would be considered... I will
be interested to learn more about this, if anyone knows... -Barbara
>> Maybe you could relay the info to us. -Janice
> Janice, I'm pretty sure that's myth, that various Icelandic blood levels are
different from other breed horses. I haven't had that many blood samples
pulled on my horses, but nothing odd has shown up when I have. No one I've
talked to about specific tests can tell me anything specific that's
different and I know some examples of horses who have had regular testing,
both when a little sickly and when healthy. I think it's just another
rumor about the breed. If I'm wrong, I'd like to see something specific to
back it up. -Karen
-------
Dear Karen, Judy, and Janice,
Thanks for pursuing the subject and especially for the very useful
information, Karen. It sure seems like your testing, and that of the folks you
have talked to, sets the record straight!
I guess what I remembered having heard (from the vet at Virginia Tech who
did the blood testing on my previous horse, many years ago) was wrong. That
notion had seemed to nicely explain her results, so I did not then search for
supportive studies. Unfortunately. But now, a scan on the Internet turn up
nothing to substantiate it.
As you suggest, Iceys having low blood protein is evidently a rumor that is
erroneous. And I greatly apologize for spreading it! [Too bad that message
got re-posted 8 times.]
Thanks so much for setting the record straight! This certainly illustrates
the value of this Yahoo list!
apologetically yours, Barbara
