Physiological Parameters of Healthy Horses Used for Polo in Lagos State, South West Nigeria

Polo horses are high-performance equine athletes whose physiological parameters under Nigerian climatic conditions have not been systematically characterised. This study documented resting physiological parameters and selected serum biochemical indices in polo horses maintained at the Lagos Polo Club, Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Thirty apparently healthy horses of mixed breed composition (Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred crosses) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Resting rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and mucous membrane colour were recorded during morning clinical examinations over four consecutive weeks. Concurrently, jugular blood samples were obtained for complete blood count and serum biochemistry including creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, and albumin. Mean resting rectal temperature was 37.9 degrees Celsius, heart rate 39 beats per minute, and respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute, consistent with published equine reference intervals. Creatinine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were modestly elevated compared to sedentary horse references, reflecting the demands of regular athletic training. No clinically significant haematological abnormalities were identified. These reference data contribute to the sparse literature on equine physiology in Nigerian athletic settings and provide veterinary practitioners at polo facilities with locally derived benchmarks for clinical decision-making. Keywords: polo horses, physiological parameters, serum biochemistry, Lagos, creatinine kinase.