The veterinary journal.
Publisher:
Ballière Tindall,. London : Balliere Tindall
Frequency: Bimonthly
Country: England
Language: English
Start Year:1997 -
ISSN:
1090-0233 (Print)
1532-2971 (Electronic)
1090-0233 (Linking)
1532-2971 (Electronic)
1090-0233 (Linking)
Impact Factor
2.2
2022
| NLM ID: | 9706281 |
| (DNLM): | SR0090528(s) |
| (OCoLC): | 35196731 |
| LCCN: | sn96-2143 |
| Classification: | W1 BR771 |
Prolonged hyperinsulinemia increases the production of inflammatory cytokines in equine digital lamellae but not in striated muscle. Hyperinsulinemia is the key feature of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) which leads to debilitating sequelae. Hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis (HAL) is one of the major sequelae of EMS, although the pathophysiological mechanisms are not well elucidated. Using an equine model, we hypothesized that expression of inflammatory markers would be increased in digital lamellae and striated muscle following prolonged hyperinsulinemia. Healthy Standardbred horses (5.4 ± 1.9 years) were alternately assigned to a prolonged euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (pEHC) or control group (n = 4 per group...
Comparison of ventilatory and oxygen consumption measurements of yearling Thoroughbred colts and fillies exercising unridden on an all-weather track. Sex effects on ventilatory and oxygen consumption (V̇O) measurements during exercise have been identified in humans. This study's aim was to evaluate the hypothesis that there are sex effects on ventilatory and V̇O measurements in exercising, untrained yearling Thoroughbreds (Tb). Forty-one Tbs (16 colts, 25 fillies; 19.8 ± 1.4 months old) were recruited. Physiological, ventilatory and exercise data were gathered from horses exercising unridden at high intensity on an all-weather track from a global positioning-heart rate unit and a portable ergospirometry system. Data were analysed with an...
Training vs. racing: A comparison of arrhythmias and the repeatability of findings in Thoroughbred Chuckwagon racehorses. Arrhythmias are commonly reported in exercising horses, however due to regulatory constraints electrocardiograms (ECGs) are acquired during training but not competition, raising questions about the repeatability of findings. The aims were (1) compare training and competition arrhythmias and (2) describe the repeatability of arrhythmias during maximal-intensity exercise. A convenience sample of 52 healthy Thoroughbreds (aged 8.7 ± 2.5 years) competing in the World Professional Chuckwagon Association were obtained, totaling 152 training or competition ECGs (2-7 ECGs/horse). Speed, heart rate ...
Upper airway endoscopy in exercising horses: Findings in 164 barrel racing horses with respiratory clinical signs and/or poor performance. Barrel racing involves sprinting through a cloverleaf pattern in under 20 s. The prevalence of upper airway obstructions (UAO) in barrel racers is unknown, thus a retrospective analysis of 164 client-owned horses referred for overground endoscopy (OGE) between 2014 and 2022 was performed. Referring complaints included respiratory noise, cough, epistaxis, behaviour (owner reported stress/anxiety, refusal to enter arena, excessive head shaking), and/or poor performance. Horses performed a standardized exercise test with low and high-speed components. Videoendoscopic recordings were systematical...
Deciphering reference intervals and clinical decision limits in equine endocrine diagnostic testing. Reference intervals (RIs) and clinical decision limits (CDLs) are frequently established to facilitate interpretation of values of endocrine biomarkers in the diagnosis of disease. Despite their commonplace use in clinical decision-making, these concepts can be confused. Comparing a test result with a RI provides an estimation as to whether or not the individual is healthy, whereas comparison with a CDL facilitates identification of individuals with a particular disease state or at greater risk of adverse clinical outcomes. In practice, there will also be a range of results for which the discr...
Diagnosis of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is common in aged horses. The majority of horses respond well to treatment, but treatment is lifelong, meaning accurate diagnosis of PPID is important. Similar to any condition, there is no perfect laboratory test to diagnose PPID and accuracy is affected by the characteristics of the population in which the test is being evaluated. This review details the importance of consideration of clinical factors and diagnostic test accuracy. Basal adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentration is used most frequently in practice and has very good d...
Evaluation of seasonal influences on adrenocorticotropic hormone response to the thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test and its accuracy for diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, affecting >20 % of older horses. There is a need for improved endocrine tests for early disease detection, and the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test has been recommended for diagnosis of early or mild cases. However, it is currently not recommended for year-round use due to marked seasonal variability. The aims of this cohort study were to evaluate effects of month and season on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) responses to TRH stimulation and to derive monthly cut-offs for PPID d...
Effect of speed and water depth on limb and back kinematics in Thoroughbred horses walking on a water treadmill. Water treadmill (WT) exercise may induce limb and back kinematics that meet specific training and rehabilitation goals. The study aimed to investigate the effects of walk speed, at different water depths (WDs), on limb and back kinematics of six Thoroughbreds exercising on a WT. Horses walked at 2.8/4.3/5.5/6.0 km/h (i.e. 0.8/1.2/1.5/1.7 m/s) at dry, metacarpophalangeal and carpal WD. Videography captured limb movement in the sagittal plane. Motion-capture measured thoracolumbosacral flexion-extension (FE), and lateral bend (LB) ranges of movement (ROM) using skin surface markers on the sixt...
Diagnosis of equine endocrinopathies: The value of measuring blood glucose during an oral glucose test. Blood glucose concentration is often measured during an oral glucose test (OGT), but is not thought to aid in diagnosing insulin dysregulation (ID) or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether the change in blood glucose concentration during an OGT aligned with indicators of equine metabolic syndrome or PPID, including serum insulin and plasma ACTH concentrations, clinical observations, age, sex, breed type and the test dose. The cohort included 149 horses, miniature horses, and ponies that had undergone an in-feed OGT and clin...
Targeting eosinophils by active vaccination against interleukin-5 reduces basophil counts in horses with insect bite hypersensitivity in the 2nd year of vaccination Previously, virus-like particle (VLP)-based self-vaccinations targeting interleukin (IL)-5 or IL-31 have been suggested to treat equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), a seasonal recurrent allergic dermatitis in horses. The IL-5-targeting equine vaccine significantly reduced blood eosinophil counts in horses, similar to human monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-5 or the IL-5 receptor alpha (IL-5Rα). Previous studies in humans have also reported an additional effect on reduction of basophil counts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether an equine anti-IL-5 vaccine affected blo...
Evaluation of field-testing protocols to diagnose insulin dysregulation in ponies using a Bayesian approach. Field tests and their association with laminitis have not been evaluated in large cohorts. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of basal insulin (BI), the oral sugar test (OST) and the insulin tolerance test (ITT) to diagnose ID and investigate their association with laminitis. Insulin dysregulation status was determined in 146 ponies using BI (insulin concentration >20 µIU/mL), an OST (insulin concentration >65 µIU/mL at 60 or 90min after oral administration of 0.45mL/kg corn syrup) and an ITT (< 50% reduction in glucose concentration 30min after intravenous adminis...
Continuous digital hypothermia for prevention and treatment of equine acute laminitis: A practical review. Laminitis is a severely debilitating and life-threatening condition that occurs as a consequence of different primary triggering factors. Continuous digital hypothermia (CDH) is recommended in horses at risk of, or diagnosed with, acute laminitis due to its several physiological and biochemical alterations that may be positive for the prevention and early treatment of the condition, representing a low risk of adverse effects. Modulation of the inflammatory response, profound vasoconstriction, and prevention of tissue damage are the most notable protective effects of cryotherapy on the lamellae...
Comparison of a modified 2-step insulin response test performed with porcine zinc insulin and an oral glucose test to detect hyperinsulinemic Icelandic horses. Both, oral and intravenous (IV) testing protocols, are recommended and still used to detect insulin dysregulation (ID) in equids. However, IV tests mainly focus on peripheral insulin resistance (IR), while oral tests assess hyperinsulinemia (HI), which are different aspects of ID. The objective of this study was to describe if horses with HI also demonstrate IR and consequently can be detected by a modified 2-step insulin response test (2-step IRT) performed with a veterinary approved porcine zinc insulin (PZI). Twelve Icelandic horses were subjected to an OGT and 2-step IRT in a crossover stu...
Complete genomic characterization of bovine papillomavirus type 1 and 2 strains infers ongoing cross-species transmission between cattle and horses. Infection with bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 results in the most common skin tumor of horses, termed equine sarcoid. The persistent and recurrent nature of this tumor stands in contrast to the regressive nature of BPV-1/- 2 induced cutaneous papillomas in cattle. The circulation of horse-specific BPV-1/- 2 variants within equine populations has been suggested as a possible explanation for the difference in clinical presentation of BPV-1/- 2 infection between horses and cattle. In order to investigate this hypothesis, we identified 98 complete BPV-1/- 2 genomes using a Nanopore ...
Investigation of breed differences in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations among healthy horses and ponies. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentration is commonly measured to diagnose pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect ACTH concentrations, including breed. The objective of this study was to prospectively compare plasma ACTH concentrations among different breeds of mature horses and ponies. Three breed groups comprised Thoroughbred horses (n = 127), Shetland ponies (n = 131) and ponies of non-Shetland breeds (n = 141). Enrolled animals did not show any signs of illness, lameness or clinical signs consistent with PPID. Blood ...
Understanding and treating equine behavioural problems. Behaviour-related issues are common in horses. Many 'undesirable behaviours' pose important safety concerns for the human handlers / riders / carers, as well as welfare concerns for the horse. Undesirable behaviours can also devalue a horse, or result in the horse being re-homed, relinquished, or euthanased. Undesirable behaviours occur for a range of reasons. These include physiological causes, poor management, and the use of inappropriate or poorly applied handling and training techniques. The potential contribution of each of these aspects must be considered when attempting to reduce or eli...
Equine metabolic syndrome: Role of the enteroinsular axis in the insulin response to oral carbohydrate. Equine insulin dysregulation (ID) comprises amplified insulin responses to oral carbohydrates or insulin resistance, or both, which leads to sustained or periodic hyperinsulinaemia. Hyperinsulinaemia is important in horses because of its clear association with laminitis risk, and the gravity of this common sequela justifies the need for a better understanding of insulin and glucose homoeostasis in this species. Post-prandial hyperinsulinaemia is the more commonly identified component of ID and is diagnosed using tests that include an assessment of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). There are se...
Histological evidence of superficial inflammation is associated with lower recurrence of equine sarcoids following surgical removal: A follow-up study of 106 tumours in 64 horses. Although the equine sarcoid is the most common skin neoplasm in domesticated horses, histopathological characteristics have not previously been evaluated for association with recurrence. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate clinical and histopathological features of excised equine sarcoids and to evaluate their association with recurrence at the original surgical site and at new sites. Clinical records and excisional biopsies from 106 equine sarcoids from 64 horses referred to Leahurst Equine Hospital, University of Liverpool, between March 2010 and February 2015 were ...
Arena surface vertical impact forces vary with surface compaction. Mechanical properties of arena surfaces are extrinsic factors for musculoskeletal injury. Vertical impact forces of harrowed and compacted cushion were measured at five locations on 12 arena surfaces (five dirt, seven synthetic [dirt and fiber]). Eight variables related to impact force, displacement, and acceleration were calculated. Surface temperature, cushion depth and moisture content were also measured. The effects of surface material type (dirt/synthetic) and cushion compaction (harrowed/compacted) on vertical impact properties were assessed using an analysis of variance. Relationships o...
Implementation of biosecurity on equestrian premises: A narrative overview. Biosecurity measures are designed to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens, and play a vital role in the equine industry, controlling endemic diseases and reducing the threat of exotic disease incursion. Equestrian premises differ with respect to disease risks, biosecurity requirements and available facilities. This narrative review summarises reported frequency of implementation for selected biosecurity measures, as well as evidence relating to potential barriers to implementation of biosecurity on equestrian premises. Possible opportunities for improvement in the adoption of equin...
Shear ground reaction force variation among equine arena surfaces. Shear forces at the surface-hoof interface affect hoof slide, surface grip, forces transferred to the limb, and injury risk. However, the variation in shear forces among surfaces with different compositions have not been quantified. Shear ground reaction forces were measured on five dirt and seven synthetic arena surfaces. Cohesion/adhesion and angle of internal friction/coefficient of friction were calculated. Surface composition, surface temperature, cushion depth, and moisture content were also measured. The effects of surface material (dirt/synthetic) on shear properties were assessed usin...
Management of equine sarcoids. Sarcoids are the most common cutaneous neoplasm of the horse, arising as a result of a neoplastic proliferation of fibroblasts associated with infection with bovine papillomavirus, most notably types 1 and 2. Although they do not metastasise, they are locally invasive and aggressive, and can lead to important welfare concerns, interfere with tack and therefore impede athleticism, and undoubtedly lead to a reduction in the value of affected horses. This review discusses the evidence behind the most commonly used treatments for equine sarcoids. The most commonly used treatments are discussed. No...
Cross-sectional comparison of superficial swab and fine-needle aspiration: Improving the diagnostic workup of horses with sarcoids. Although bovine papillomavirus (BPV)-induced equine sarcoids are often identified solely by clinical examination, confirmation of the clinical diagnosis is essential for correct treatment selection. Only few approaches are presently available for this purpose. PCR-based screening for BPV in superficial swabs is widely-used to support clinical suspicion. While this method effectively detects sarcoid involvement in ulcerated lesions, sensitivity is lower in tumors with intact epithelium. This cross-sectional study compared the diagnostic characteristics of superficial swabs and fine-needle aspir...
Risk factors for horse falls in New Zealand Thoroughbred jumps racing. This study aimed to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for race-day horse falls in Thoroughbred jumps (hurdle and steeplechase) racing in New Zealand. Incidence rates for race-day horse falls in jumps races from 2005/6 - 2018/19 racing seasons (n = 13,648 race day starts) were calculated per 1000 starts. Univariable and multivariable analyses of race-, horse- and jockey-level risk factors for horse falls were conducted using Poisson regression in a generalised linear mixed model. The incidence rate of horse falls in jumps races was 42 (95 % confidence intervals [CI], 39 - 45) per 1...
The effect of manually facilitated flexion of the thoracic spine on the interspinous space among horses with impinging dorsal spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae. Impinging dorsal spinous processes (IDSP) are typically diagnosed and graded using radiography, during which the effect of the horses' thoracolumbar posture on the interspinous spaces is not commonly considered. Posture can be altered from a spontaneous, relatively extended, or lordotic, position by manual facilitation of thoracic flexion ('thoracic lift'). This study aimed to ascertain if the thoracic vertebral interspinous space distances were increased by using facilitated thoracic flexion to alter the posture in horses diagnosed with IDSP. Seven horses of mixed breed and sex, median age 9....
Management of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in practice: A clinical audit. In horses/ponies with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), pergolide mesylate treatment, with monitoring of therapeutic response, is recommended by contemporaneous literature and equine endocrinologists. However, it is unknown whether these recommendations are adhered to in private practice. This clinical audit aimed to compare treatment and monitoring of PPID cases in veterinary practice against available recommendations. Case data and basal plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations from all equids tested for PPID between 2012 and 2016 from a single veterinary practice...
Papillomaviral skin diseases of humans, dogs, cats and horses: A comparative review. Part 2: Pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases. Papillomaviruses (PVs) are well recognized to cause pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases in humans. Similarly, there is increasing evidence that PVs play a significant role in the development of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases of the haired skin of dogs and cats, and the mucosa of horses. As the mechanisms by which PVs cause neoplasia are well studied in humans, it is valuable to compare the PV-induced neoplasms of humans with similar PV-associated neoplasms in the companion animal species. In the second part of this comparative review, the pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases thoug...
Papillomaviral skin diseases of humans, dogs, cats and horses: A comparative review. Part 1: Papillomavirus biology and hyperplastic lesions. Papillomaviruses (PVs) cause disease in humans, dogs, cats, and horses. While there are some differences, many aspects of the pathogenesis, presentation, and treatment of these diseases are similar between the four species. In this review, the PV-induced diseases of humans are compared to the similar diseases that develop in the companion animal species. By comparing with the human diseases, it is possible to make assumptions about some of the less common and less well-studied diseases in the veterinary species. In the first part of this review, the PV lifecycle is discussed along with the cla...
Targeting eosinophils by active vaccination against interleukin-5 reduces basophil counts in horses with insect bite hypersensitivity in the 2nd year of vaccination. Previously, virus-like particle (VLP)-based self-vaccinations targeting interleukin (IL)-5 or IL-31 have been suggested to treat equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), a seasonal recurrent allergic dermatitis in horses. The IL-5-targeting equine vaccine significantly reduced blood eosinophil counts in horses, similar to human monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-5 or the IL-5 receptor alpha (IL-5Rα). Previous studies in humans have also reported an additional effect on reduction of basophil counts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether an equine anti-IL-5 vaccine affected blo...
Diagnostic utility and validity of 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6′-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase activity in horses with colic. Little is known about the clinical usefulness in horses of the 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase assay, a biomarker used in other species for the detection of pancreatitis. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of increased DGGR-lipase activity in horses with signs of colic and investigate its association with, and validity to diagnose, underlying gastrointestinal diseases, treatment method (medical or surgical), and outcome (survival or non-survival). Clinical data from 192 horses presented for colic to a teaching h...