Topic:Adult Horses
Adult horses encompass a category of equines that have reached maturity, typically considered to be around five years of age and older. This stage of life is characterized by full physical development and the potential for peak performance in various activities such as riding, racing, and work. Adult horses require specific nutritional, health, and management practices to maintain optimal condition and performance. The study of adult horses covers a range of topics, including physiology, behavior, and the impact of environmental factors on their well-being. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the physiology, health management, and performance aspects of adult horses.
Enhancement of chronic wound healing with maltodextrin/ascorbic acid gel: a clinical evaluation of distal limb wounds in horses. Delayed healing associated with distal limb wounds is highly challenging in equine clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate healing rates between chronic non-granulating wounds of horse distal limbs that were treated with maltodextrin/ascorbic acid gel alone or in combination with povidone-iodine 1% solution and those treated with povidone-iodine 1% only throughout the study period (35 days) in clinical settings. The study was conducted on 18 adult horses (3-15 years old). Based on the treatment regimen utilized, the horses were divided into three groups (n = 6), with each group having ...
Thoracic and Abdominal Mesothelioma in an Older Horse in Lazio Region. A Quarter Horse, a gelding aged 22, was subjected to a clinical examination for colic syndrome. During admission to the clinic, blood counts and ultrasound examination were performed. Ultrasound revealed abdominal masses and abundant accumulation of pleural (50 L) and abdominal fluid (100 L). Cytology was performed on the aspirated fluid. The patient was euthanized. The autopsy examination revealed abundant effusion and nodular masses on the peritoneum, omentum, lungs, heart, and mediastinum. A diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma was made via histopathology and confirmed with immunohistochem...
B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography of normal external jugular vein in donkeys (Equus asinus). Although the jugular vein is a major important blood vessel in equine, the literature lacks this vessel's normal B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic examinations in donkeys. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the reference ranges of B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic indices of jugular veins in healthy adult donkeys (Equus asinus) and the possible effect of examination side (left and right), gender, and body condition on the ultrasonographic measurements of this vessel. B-mode and Doppler ultrasound imaging of the external jugular vein was conducted on 20 adult healthy donkeys of both s...
Exercise regulates shelterin genes and microRNAs implicated in ageing in Thoroughbred horses. Ageing causes a gradual deterioration of bodily functions and telomere degradation. Excessive telomere shortening leads to cellular senescence and decreases tissue vitality. Six proteins, called shelterin, protect telomere integrity and control telomere length through telomerase-dependent mechanisms. Exercise training appears to maintain telomeres in certain somatic cells, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, we examined the influence of a single bout of vigorous exercise training on leukocyte telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and shelterin gene...
2D-SWE of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint Capsule in Horses. (1) Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) employs an ultrasound impulse to produce transversely oriented shear waves, which travel through the surrounding tissue according to the stiffness of the tissue itself. The study aimed to assess the reliability of 2D-SWE for evaluating the elastosonographic appearance of the distal attachment of the fetlock joint capsule (DJC) in sound horses and in horses with osteoarthritis (OA) (2). According to a thorough evaluation of metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ), adult horses were divided in a sound Group (H) and in OA Group (P). Thereafter, a 2D-S...
The Relevance of Internal Working Models of Self and Others for Equine-Assisted Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Attachment characteristics play a key role in mental health and in understanding mental disorders. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the role the attachment characteristics can play in treatment effects in adult patients with intrapsychic and interpersonal problems who underwent Equine-assisted Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (ESTPP). In the first part of the study, we compared the effects of ESTPP to treatment-as-usual from a previous dataset regarding psychological dysfunction. For this, an explorative experimental non-randomized pre-treatment and 1-year post-treatment de...
The use of a hyperosmolar irrigation solution is safe in an equine stifle joint model but does not reduce joint swelling. To determine the following: (1) whether an irrigation solution that is hyperosmolar (HYPER) relative to synovial fluid decreases tissue extravasation during an arthroscopic protocol when compared to a relatively hypoosmolar solution, (2) the safety of a HYPER solution based on viability of joint tissues following joint irrigation, and (3) if the use of a HYPER solution decreases water content in stifle joint tissue. Methods: 8 adult horses. Methods: A prospective, blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed to compare lactated Ringer's solution (LRS; 273 mOsm/L) and a HYPER (600 mOsm/L)...
Plasma syndecan-1 concentration as a biomarker for endothelial glycocalyx degradation in septic adult horses. Limited information is available regarding endothelial glycocalyx degradation during sepsis in horses. Plasma syndecan-1 concentrations are increased in consequence of sepsis in other species and have been useful for prognostication. Objective: To determine whether plasma syndecan-1 levels are increased in adult horses affected with sepsis. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Adult horses were assigned to one of three groups based on results of physical and laboratory examinations, clinical diagnosis, and results of previously described SIRS classification: Group 1 horses included he...
The initial delay to mitotic activity in primary cultures of equine satellite cells is reduced by combinations of growth factors. Satellite cell (SC) activation is defined as the time frame during which the stem cell becomes poised to reenter G1 of the cell cycle. The growth factors and events leading to full mitotic activation in equine SCs remain largely unknown. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are sequentially transcribed during the muscle repair and recovery period following strenuous exercise in adult horses. Expression of IGF-I occurs within 24 h of the postexercise recovery period suggesting it may affect early SC actions. As a first step,...
The history of Theiler’s disease and the search for its aetiology. Theiler's disease (serum hepatitis) may occur in outbreaks or as single cases of acute hepatitis and is often associated with prior administration of equine-origin biologics approximately 4-10 weeks before the onset of clinical signs. Cases have also been described without any prior administration of blood products. The clinical disease has a low morbidity but high mortality and only adult horses are affected. The course of the disease is short, with horses either dying or completely recovering in a few days. Pathology in affected horses is predominantly centrilobular hepatocyte necrosis with ...
Genomic hybrid capture assay to detect Borrelia burgdorferi: an application to diagnose neuroborreliosis in horses. Antemortem diagnosis of neuroborreliosis in horses has been hindered by both the low sensitivity of PCR testing for in CSF and the low specificity of serum:CSF ELISA ratios used to determine intrathecal antibody production against the bacterium. PCR testing of the CSF of an adult horse with acute neurologic disease for the flagellin gene was negative. However, we enriched DNA through nucleic acid hybrid capture, followed by next-generation sequencing, and identified in the CSF of the horse, confirming a diagnosis of neuroborreliosis.
An anatomical study of the skull, the dorsal and ventral nasal conchal bullae and paranasal sinuses in normal Noma horses: Computed tomographic anatomical and morphometric findings. Noma horses have the smallest body size among native Japanese horses and are classified as pony breeds by their size. Additionally, the Japanese horse breeds are classified into a single lineage, which includes Mongolian horses. Great intraspecific differences reportedly exist in the head shapes of domesticated horses, which have been investigated in various horse breeds. The present study aimed to evaluate the size of the nasal conchal bullae, and the paranasal sinuses of Noma horses in relation to the skull dimensions using computed tomography. Reconstructed images of the heads of five adult...
Efficacy of a commercial dry sleeve cryotherapy system for cooling the equine metacarpus. To determine the ability of a commercial cryotherapy system (Game Ready Equine) to cool the metacarpal subcutaneous tissue and the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Six healthy adult horses. Methods: Thermocouples were implanted into the metacarpal subcutaneous tissues and the SDFT of six horses. Two treatments (cryotherapy or cryotherapy with 5-50 mmHg intermittent compression) were randomly assigned to forelimbs and performed for 20 minutes. Temperatures were compared to the target range of 10-19°C and between groups. Results: Only...
No Morphological Integration of Dorsal Profiles in the Araucanian Horse (Colombia). The aim of this research was to determine if the division between the cervical, dorsal, and croup profiles (three regions commonly assessed for descriptive profile purposes) has a modular basis as well as a morphological integration. For this, a total of 135 digital photographs were obtained, in a lateral view, of adult horses (14 females and 121 geldings; age range: 2-20 years), of the Araucanian breed, an equine population typical of the flooded savannah of Arauca, NE Colombia. From each image, 25 reference points (semi-landmarks) were obtained at the dorsal level of the neck, back, and crou...
Is each horse unique and unrepeatable? An explanation through morphometric and statistical analysis of the limb bones. Horses went through functional differentiation during their evolutionary and reproductive development, however, some body parts continued to improve their specificity for speed. Regarding this, we evaluated by morphometric analysis the relationship between limb section (LS) differences in the appendicular structures of horses. Two hundred and seven (n = 207) adult horses of different breeds and sex were selected. The limb section was measured by identification of topographic palpable skeleton landmarks with a measurement tape (centimetres). Quantitative variables (limb section) were analysed...
Pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of acetaminophen (paracetamol) in adult horses with mechanically induced lameness. Acetaminophen has been used clinically in horses alone or combined with traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of musculoskeletal pain in horses. Objective: To determine the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of acetaminophen at two doses in horses with mechanically induced lameness compared with phenylbutazone or placebo control. Methods: In vivo experiment. Methods: Nine healthy mares with mechanical lameness induced via a reversible sole pressure horseshoe model were treated with acetaminophen (20 mg/kg PO; A20), acetaminophen (30 mg/kg PO; A30), phenylbutazone (2.2â...
Lacrimal Secretion Variation and Menace Response Appearance in Healthy Standardbred Foals From Birth to Four Weeks of Age. This study assesses lacrimal secretion in healthy foals within 48 hours after birth and evaluates their variations in lacrimal secretion and menace response appearance during the first month of life. A total of 31 Standardbred foals were evaluated. Foals were housed with their dams in 4 × 4 m boxes throughout the study. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed for each animal enrolled in the study, including the foals' dams which were used as a control group to compare the lacrimal secretion of foals at birth with that of adult horses. In foals, the Schirmer Tear Test I (STT I) and m...
Cultured dissociated primary dorsal root ganglion neurons from adult horses enable study of axonal transport. Neurological disorders are prevalent in horses, but their study is challenging due to anatomic constraints and the large body size; very few host-specific in vitro models have been established to study these types of diseases, particularly from adult donor tissue. Here we report the generation of primary neuronal dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cultures from adult horses: the mixed, dissociated cultures, containing neurons and glial cells, remained viable for at least 90 days. Similar to DRG neurons in vivo, cultured neurons varied in size, and they developed long neurites. The mitochondrial movem...
Effects of a single dose of orally and rectally administered misoprostol in an in vivo endotoxemia model in healthy adult horses. To describe misoprostol pharmacokinetics and anti-inflammatory efficacy when administered orally or per rectum in endotoxin-challenged horses. Methods: 6 healthy geldings. Methods: A randomized 3-treatment crossover design was performed with a minimum washout period of 28 days between treatment arms. Prior to endotoxin challenge (lipopolysaccharide, 30 ng/kg IV over 30 minutes), horses received misoprostol (5 µg/kg once) per os (M-PO) or per rectum (M-PR) or water as control (CON). Clinical parameters were evaluated and blood samples obtained to measure plasma misoprostol free acid concentrat...
Evaluation of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cell functions after an oral carbohydrate overload in obese and insulin dysregulated horses. Obesity and insulin dysregulation (ID) are increasingly prevalent conditions in equid populations worldwide. Immune impairment is well described in humans with metabolic dysfunction and is reported but still incompletely understood in horses. This study evaluated the effect of acute induced transient hyperglycemia on apoptosis, phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) of lean and obese adult horses with or without insulin dysregulation. Seventeen adult horses were allocated into three groups based on their body condition score (BCS) and metabo...
An Investigation Into Different Measurement Techniques to Assess Equine Proximal Hoof Circumference. Equine hoof conformation is integral to equine performance and soundness. Consequently, it is a major area of interest within the field of equine health. Researchers have measured several hoof shape parameters to study the hoof conformation. Proximal hoof circumference (PHC) is a primary hoof shape parameter, and its assessment may help to recognize the early stages of the development of changes in hoof morphology or poor hoof shape. Previous studies have mainly used a measuring tape to measure PHC. However, some doubts still exist regarding the reliability, repeatability and accuracy of measu...
Opioid-free sedation for atlantoaxial cerebrospinal fluid collection in adult horses. Atlantoaxial (AA) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection in standing horses utilizes the controlled narcotic morphine, thereby limiting feasibility in field practice settings. Objective: To compare AA CSF collection time and reaction scores in horses sedated with morphine-containing and opioid-free sedation protocols: detomidine + morphine (DM), detomidine + xylazine (DX), detomidine + detomidine (DD), detomidine alone (D0); To develop a novel method for assessing sedation in standing horses using open-source motion-tracking software. Methods: Six healthy adult horses. Methods: Randomi...
The Equine Dental Pulp: Histomorphometric Analysis of the Equine Dental Pulp in Incisors and Cheek Teeth. To maintain a healthy and functional status, equine hypsodont teeth have to produce lifelong large amounts of subocclusal dentin to prevent occlusal pulp exposure, which is caused by occlusal wear. To examine the cyto- and histological components that guarantee the lifelong high productivity of equine pulp, a limited number of ten incisors and ten cheek teeth from seven adult horses (aged 5 to 24 years) and five foals were sampled for preliminary histomorphometric and histomorphological evaluations. Independently of age, the equine dental pulp featured constant layers of predentin and odontobl...
Retrograde Approach to Maxillary Nerve Block: An Alternative in Orofacial Surgeries in Horses. The aim of this study was to retrospectively report outcomes resulting from the approach to the maxillary nerve block (MNB) through the infraorbital canal, in terms of needles selection, drawbacks or side effects during or after block execution, and analgesic efficacy leading to clinical and cardiovascular stability during surgery. Anesthetic records of 15 horses undergoing orofacial surgery in standing analgo-sedation (STA, n = 6) and in general anesthesia (GEN, n = 9) were retrieved and analyzed. Horses in group STA required surgery for dental extraction, nasal polyp resection and maxillary/...
ERAS Is Constitutively Expressed in the Tissues of Adult Horses and May Be a Key Player in Basal Autophagy. ERas is a new gene of the Ras family found in murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. Its human ortholog is not expressed in human ES cells. So far ERas gene has only been found to be expressed in the tissues of adult cynomolgus monkeys and cattle; however, information about ERAS expression or its potential functions in equine tissues is lacking. This study was performed to investigate whether Eras is an equine functional gene and whether ERAS is expressed in the tissues of adult horses and determine its potential physiological role. Expression of the ERas gene was detected in all examined adult tis...
Traumatic avulsion of the tricuspid valve: an unusual cardiac complication of an equine accident. A stablehand in his 20s presented with increasing dyspnoea on exertion and chest pain months after being kicked directly in the chest by a horse. Further investigations revealed severe isolated, primary tricuspid regurgitation due to partial avulsion of the anterior leaflet. Open surgical repair was successfully performed from which he recovered uneventfully with resolution of his symptoms and minimal residual tricuspid regurgitation. Although uncommon, blunt force trauma to the chest is becoming increasingly recognised as a rare cause of tricuspid regurgitation. Symptoms may be insidious, and...
SARS-CoV-2 Seroconversion in an Adult Horse with Direct Contact to a COVID-19 Individual. The authors report on a possible direct exposure to SARS-CoV-2 from a COVID-19-positive individual to an adult horse. The individual, diagnosed with COVID-19 (Delta B.1.617.2), had daily contact to her two horses prior to and during the development of clinical disease. None of the two horses developed abnormal clinical signs or had detectable SARS-CoV-2 in blood, nasal secretion, or feces via RT-qPCR. However, one of the two horses showed close temporal seroconversion to SARS-CoV-2 using a protein-based ELISA and the plaque reduction neutralization test. The results suggest that horses can bec...
Human versus equine intramuscular antitoxin, with or without human intrathecal antitoxin, for the treatment of adults with tetanus: a 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled trial. Intramuscular antitoxin is recommended in tetanus treatment, but there are few data comparing human and equine preparations. Tetanus toxin acts within the CNS, where there is limited penetration of peripherally administered antitoxin; thus, intrathecal antitoxin administration might improve clinical outcomes compared with intramuscular injection. In a 2  × 2 factorial trial, all patients aged 16 years or older with a clinical diagnosis of generalised tetanus admitted to the intensive care unit of the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, were eligible for study entr...
Oral Dimensions Related to Bit Size in Adult Horses and Ponies. A bit that fits is essential for horse welfare and good communication with the ridden, driven or led horses. The bit causes pressure on the sensitive structures of the horse mouth. The aim of this study was to investigate variation in oral dimensions related to bit fit in adult horses and ponies and to evaluate bit fit by comparing oral dimensions with the currently used bit size selected by the horse owner. The study population consisted of 554 horses and ponies, 308 geldings and 246 mares, age 5-29 years, presented for routine dental care. Oral dimensions: mouth width, distance between upper...
Quantitative analysis of the serum proteome during early pregnancy in mares. Equine pregnancy is currently diagnosed by rectal palpation, ultrasonographic examination, or by measuring changes in hormones in the blood. In the present study, we identified proteins that are differentially expressed in the sera of early pregnant and non-pregnant mares in order to develop a novel method for diagnosing equine pregnancy. Serum samples were obtained from 18 adult mares, pregnancy at day 32 after ovulation (n = 9) and in diestrus (n = 9). Proteomic analysis of the samples was conducted using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. We iden...