In horses, which PCV range corresponds to hot-blooded animals?

• A. 24-44%
• B. 24-46%
• C. 32-55%
• D. 24-50%

Answer: (C)

Packed cell volume (PCV) reflects the proportion of blood that is made up of red blood cells, which directly relates to the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Hot-blooded horses, such as race and endurance breeds, have higher metabolic demands and often maintain a higher red cell mass to meet those needs. That means their typical PCV values sit higher, extending into the mid-to-upper range. The range that best fits this pattern is 32-55%, which captures both the normal mid-range for horses and the higher values that can occur with athletic activity or polycythemia. The other options start at 24%, which aligns more with lower baseline PCV values seen in cold-blooded animals and don’t reflect the higher end seen in hot-blooded horses.