Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Age Factors
Age factors in horses encompass a range of physiological and developmental changes that occur as horses mature from foals to adults and eventually into their senior years. These factors include variations in metabolic rate, immune function, and musculoskeletal development, which can influence a horse's health, performance, and nutritional needs. Age-related changes can also affect how horses respond to medications, recover from injuries, and maintain overall vitality. Researchers study these aspects to understand better how age impacts equine health and management. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the effects of age on equine physiology, health management, and disease susceptibility.
Horseback riding-related injuries treated in emergency departments: Risk factors and prevention strategies. Despite inherit dangers of horseback riding (HBR), research on HBR-related injuries is sparse. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to (1) examine HBR-related injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs) and associated risk factors and (2) explore HBR-related injury experiences and recommendations for prevention strategies from the perspective of riders. We retrospectively analyzed data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), identifying HBR-related ED visits between 2010 and 2014. Additionally, we conducted 10 phone interviews with active horseback ride...
Demographics, measures of professional achievement, and gender differences for diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2015. To characterize elements of employment, professional success, and personal life for American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and identify elements of practice that may serve as barriers to work-life balance or affect men and women differently. 836 ACVS diplomates. An 81-item questionnaire was sent to 1,450 ACVS diplomates in 2015 via email and conducted by means of an online platform. Responses were analyzed to identify associations among selected variables. The survey response rate was 58% (836/1,450). The median age category among respondents was 41 to 45 years. The ratio of...
Genetic and Environmental Factors Influencing Gestation Length in Lusitano Horses. Breeding and parturition records collected over a period of 35 years in the Alter Real stud of Lusitano horses were used to calculate gestation length (GL). The 1027 gestations by 209 mares mated to 60 stallions had a mean GL of 338.1 ± 9.26 days. The mixed model analysis of variance indicated that the sex of the foal and inbreeding of the dam and foal had no significant effect on GL (P > .05). On the other hand, GL increased linearly with mare age, with an estimated regression coefficient of 0.155 ± 0.069 days/year (P < .05). Year and conception month affected GL (P < .05), with longer g...
Factors associated with euthanasia in horses and ponies enrolled in a laminitis cohort study in Great Britain. Euthanasia is a complex topic, with animal owners using multiple factors to shape their decision-making process. Previous epidemiological studies have described causes of equine mortality in specific populations, but there is limited evidence regarding factors contributing specifically to equine euthanasia in Great Britain (GB). This observational study used a prospective cohort design: the objectives were to describe owner-reported reasons for euthanasia, estimate the rate of euthanasia and identify associated factors in horses/ponies enrolled in a web-based epidemiological study of laminitis...
Serum protein concentrations and protein fractions in clinically healthy Italian Heavy Draft Horses using agarose gel electrophoresis. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) reference intervals (RIs) have been evaluated in different horses, but no specific values are shown for equine breeds as previously described in other species (dogs, cats), and no studies have been performed on SPE in draft horses. Objective: This study aimed to determine RIs for SPE in heavy draft horses (Italian Heavy Draft Horse-IHDH) living in central Italy. A comparison between different physiologic states (pregnancy and no pregnancy) and ages (foals and adults) was executed. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 215 apparently healthy horses (mare...
Association of equine oocyte and cleavage stage embryo morphology with maternal age and pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In this retrospective study the morphological characteristics of oocytes and cleavage stage embryos were associated with pregnancy results from clinical intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in mares. Oocytes were collected from preovulatory follicles, and images (×200; n=401) were captured for measurements of ooplasm, the perivitelline space and zona pellucida. After ICSI and before transfer into recipients' oviducts, cleavage stage embryos were imaged (n=178). Oocyte donor ages (3-13, 14-19, 20-23, 24-27 years) were compared, as were mares aged 3-13 years without versus with recent histor...
Mare and stallion effects on blastocyst production in a commercial equine ovum pick-up-intracytoplasmic sperm injection program. This study retrospectively examined the degree to which success within a commercial ovum pick-up (OPU)-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) program varied between individual mares and stallions. Over 2 years, 552 OPU sessions were performed on 323 privately owned warmblood mares. For mares that yielded at least one blastocyst during the first OPU-ICSI cycle, there was a 77% likelihood of success during subsequent attempts; conversely, when the first cycle yielded no blastocyst, the likelihood of failure (no embryo) in subsequent cycles was 62%. In mares subjected to four or more OPU session...
Results of racetrack examinations of Standardbred horses at race meetings in New South Wales. This study analysed the race day veterinary reports from harness racing meetings controlled by the New South Wales Greyhound and Harness Racing Regulatory Authority between 1 September 2008 and 30 June 2009. The findings of all prerace and postrace examinations were analysed, and the frequency of observations was recorded. Chi-square testing was used to determine whether the incidence of abnormalities differed between age groups and tracks. A total of 542 meetings were conducted during the period of the study, with veterinary examinations conducted at 395 of these meetings. A total of 520 vete...
Possible dysmetabolic hyperferritinemia in hyperinsulinemic horses. Hyperinsulinemia associated with equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction is a risk factor for laminitis. Research in other species has shown elevated body iron levels as both a predictor and consequence of insulin resistance. In humans, this is known as dysmetabolic hyperferritinemia. To explore the relationship between equine hyperinsulinemia and body iron levels. We reviewed case histories and laboratory results from an open access database maintained by the Equine Cushing's and Insulin Resistance Group Inc. (ECIR). We identified 33 horses with confirmed hyperinsu...
Characterization of Equine Parvovirus in Thoroughbred Breeding Horses from Germany. An equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) has been recently identified in association with equine serum hepatitis, also known as Theiler's disease. The disease was first described by Arnold Theiler in 1918 and is often observed with parenteral use of blood products in equines. However, natural ways of viral circulation and potential risk factors for transmission still remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of EqPV-H infections in Thoroughbred horses in northern and western Germany and aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with viral infections. A total of 392...
Ultrasonographic assessment of normal jugular veins in Standardbred horses. Ultrasonography (US) is the recommended imaging technique to evaluate jugular veins. This prospective randomized clinical study was designed to collect a series of B-mode US measurements of manually distended jugular veins in healthy Italian Standardbreds and to find possible correlations between ultrasound measurements and animal morphometric characteristics. Forty-two horses, eight males and 34 females (range 3-22 years; bodyweight 494.4 ± 41.7 kg), were included in the study. The diameters and wall thicknesses of both jugular veins were measured at three different sites of the neck...
Sacrococcygeal luxation and complete tail amputation following a tail pull injury in a horse. A 17-year-old Quarter horse mare was presented because of traumatic luxation of the fifth sacral and first coccygeal vertebrae resulting in loss of sensation, motor function, and perfusion of the tail. The case was complicated by an associated tail head hematoma. Due to the severity of the injury, tail amputation was performed at the level of the luxation. Tail amputations in horses at the sacrococcygeal junction following a suspected tail pull injury are infrequently reported in the literature. . Une jument Quarter horse âgée de 17 ans fut présentée pour cause de luxation traumatique de l...
History, clinical findings and outcome of horses with radiographical signs of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis. The progression of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) has not been completely evaluated, and currently, the only effective treatment is extraction of severely affected teeth. We aim to describe how the disease relates to the history and clinical findings and to report on the outcome in individual horses. This case series comprises data collected from 20 horses (age 14-29 years old) with radiographic findings of EOTRH in their incisor and/or canine teeth. Most horses affected with EOTRH in this study were admitted for dental problems, but some for other complaints...
Equine uveitis in the UK: a retrospective study (2008-2018). Uveitis appears to be less prevalent in the UK compared with other parts of the world and studies characterising the disease in the UK are lacking. The objectives of this retrospective study were to describe acute and recurrent cases presenting for management of uveitis in a referral hospital on the North West of England and compare the signalment of horses presenting with uveitis with the equine hospital population during the same period. Methods: Medical records of horses presented to the referral Equine Hospital, University of Liverpool with signs of uveitis between 2008 and 2018 were revie...
Relationships between antral follicle count, blood serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone and fertility in mares. The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) plays an inhibitory role during folliculogenesis by regulating the number of follicles entering the growing pool. Antral follicle counts (AFC) are highly correlated with serum AMH concentrations and both appear to be related to the ovarian reserve in several species. Few data on AMH and AFC in mares exist, especially with regard to fertility. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to investigate the interrelationship between antral follicle count, serum AMH concentrations and fertility outcome in mares. One hundred and twenty-seven mares were enroll...
Risk factors for exertional heat illness in Thoroughbred racehorses in flat races in Japan (2005-2016). Exertional heat illness (EHI) is recognised in horses, but few reports have investigated its risk factors. Objective: To identify risk factors for EHI in racehorses participating in flat races in Japan. Methods: Descriptive epidemiology and retrospective unmatched case-control study. Methods: Between 2005 and 2016, veterinary records of horses diagnosed with EHI after flat races were reviewed retrospectively and data of the months from April to September were used for a case-control study. For each case, three control horses were randomly selected from starts between April and September. Race ...
Elastic properties of collateral and sesamoid ligaments in the forelimbs of equine cadavers. To evaluate the elastic modulus of various ligaments of the forelimbs of cadaveric horses. Methods: 408 ligaments from 37 forelimbs of 10 Thoroughbred cadavers and cadavers of 9 other horse breeds. Methods: Collateral ligaments and straight and oblique sesamoid ligaments were harvested from the proximal interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal, carpal, and elbow joints of both forelimbs of all 19 horses. Ligament dimensions were measured, and the elastic modulus was determined by tensile testing the ligaments with a strain rate of 1 mm•s. Results: Elastic modulus of the ligaments differed signif...
Characterization of bony changes localized to the cervical articular processes in a mixed population of horses. The objectives of this observational, cross-sectional study were to characterize and establish the prevalence of osseous proliferation of articular surfaces, joint margins and adjacent soft tissue attachments (i.e., joint capsule and deep spinal muscles) in a mixed population of horses of variable ages, sizes, and breeds to better capture the full spectrum of disease affecting the cervical articular processes. Cranial and caudal articular processes of the cervical and first three thoracic vertebrae (C2-T3) from 55 horses without a primary complaint of neck pain were evaluated for the presence ...
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP6) is a cross-species tendon marker. The main challenge in tendon injury management is suboptimal tissue healing that fails to re-establish original tendon function. Tissue bioengineering is a promising approach for tendon therapy, with potential to improve its functional outcomes. However, evaluation criteria for tissue-engineered tendon are unclear due to the lack of specific markers of differentiated tendon. The study aim was to identify a panel of genes that characterised tendons in comparison to cartilage or muscles and validate those genes, both in human and key species used as models for tendon diseases. Gene expression pr...
A Retrospective Study of the Prevalence of First Premolars in 306 Thoroughbred Yearlings. The equine first premolar is now considered a vestigial tooth that does not play a role in mastication. For centuries, this tooth has been blamed for a number of abnormalities. Given its anatomical location, the tooth is often implicated by riders to cause biting issues. Treatment of this tooth is considered controversial, with some clinicians extracting all equine first premolars prior to bit introduction and others choosing to remove only those shown to cause bite-related problems. In a private veterinary hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, dental charts of 306 Thoroughbred yearlings, average a...
Clinical, ultrasonographic, and histopathologic findings in seven horses with Descemet’s membrane detachment: A case series. To describe ultrasonography as a diagnostic method of in vivo Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) in horses. Methods: Seven horses (three Icelandic horses, two Dutch Warmblood horses, one Appaloosa, and one Welsh Pony), presenting with moderate-to-severe focal or diffuse corneal edema, in whom DMD was suspected on ultrasonographic examination and confirmed with histopathology, were studied. Methods: A retrospective analysis of case records of horses with suspected DMD was performed. Results: Median age at presentation was 14 years (range 11-24). Clinical signs in eyes with DMD were unilatera...
Age-Related Alterations Affecting the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Synovial Fluid Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in an Equine Model. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that strongly correlates with age and promotes the breakdown of joint cartilage and subchondral bone. There has been a surge of interest in developing cell-based therapies, focused particularly on the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from adult tissues. It seems that MSCs derived from synovial joint tissues exhibit superior chondrogenic ability, but their unclear distribution and low frequency actually limit their clinical application. To date, the influence of aging on synovial joint derived MSCs' biological characteristics and differen...
Breed and stallion effects on frozen-thawed semen in warmblood, light and quarter horses. The objectives of the present study were to analyze systematic effects on semen quality traits from fresh and frozen-thawed semen collected in and outside season. A total of 4,681 reports on semen traits of 121 stallions representing Arabian, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and four warmblood breeds used for artificial insemination at the Lower Saxon National stud Celle were edited for analysis of gel-free volume, sperm concentration, total number of sperm and total number of motile sperm in fresh semen and in frozen-thawed semen progressive motility, DNA fragmentation index and non-viable sperm. ...
How do horses (Equus caballus) learn from observing human action? A previous study demonstrated that horses can learn socially from observing humans, but could not draw any conclusions about the social learning mechanisms. Here we develop this by showing horses four different human action sequences as demonstrations of how to press a button to open a feed box. We tested 68 horses aged between 3 and 12 years. 63 horses passed the habituation phase and were assigned either to the group Hand Demo (N = 13) for which a kneeling person used a hand to press the button, Head Demo (N = 13) for which a kneeling person used the head, Mixed Demo (N = 12) fo...
Sperm mitochondrial regulation in motility and fertility in horses. The biological nature of age-related declines in fertility in males of any species, including stallions, has been elusive. In horses, the economic costs to the breeding industry are frequently extensive. Mitochondrial function in ejaculated sperm, which is essential for sperm motility, is reflected by adenosine triphosphate production, mitochondrial oxidative efficiency and production of reactive oxygen species, and that this balance may become compromised in ageing stallions and during the process of cryopreservation. This presentation will focus on mitochondrial integrity and function as an ...
Collagens and DNA methyltransferases in mare endometrosis. Inflammation and fibroproliferative diseases may be modulated by epigenetic changes. Therefore, we suggest that epigenetic mechanisms could be involved in equine endometrosis pathogenesis. DNA methylation is one of the methods to evaluate epigenetics, through the transcription of methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B). The correlation between DNMTs and collagen (COL) transcripts was assessed for the different Kenney and Doig's (Current Therapy in Theriogenology. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1986) endometrium categories. Endometrial biopsies were randomly collected from cyclic mares. Histolog...
Age-associated telomere shortening in Thoroughbred horses. Telomeres are genetically conserved repetitive terminal DNA that protect against genomic instability and shorten with ageing. Here, we reveal the leukocyte telomere length of Equus caballus by measuring terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) using Southern Blot analysis in a cohort of 43 Thoroughbred horses (age: 24 h-25 years). Heterogeneous TRFs were observed in each animal and large inter-animal variation in mean TRF was observed (range: 10.5-18.7 kbp). Mean TRFs were inversely correlated with age (r = -0.47). The estimated yearly rate of telomere attrition was 134 bp. Horses shoul...
Training practices, speed and distances undertaken by Thoroughbred racehorses in Victoria, Australia. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in racehorses are commonly due to bone fatigue, a function of the number of cycles (strides) and the magnitude of load applied to the limb. These parameters can be estimated using speed and distance, with greater than 6000 m/month at a gallop (>14 m/s), in combination with canter distances greater than 44,000 m/month, reported to increase fracture risk. Despite their importance, there are limited data on the distances and speeds horses are exposed to during training. Objective: Estimate training volume at different speeds undertaken by Australian Thoroughbr...
Managing anthelmintic resistance in cyathostomin parasites: Investigating the benefits of refugia-based strategies. Selective anthelmintic therapy has been recommended as a sustainable strategy for cyathostomin control in horse populations for several decades. The traditional approach has been to determine strongyle fecal egg counts (FEC) for all horses, with treatment only recommended for those exceeding a predetermined threshold. The aims are to achieve a reduction of overall egg shedding, while leaving a proportion of the herd untreated, which lowers anthelmintic treatment intensity and reduces selection pressure for development of anthelmintic resistance. This study made use of the cyathostomin model to...
Chronic severe pyloric lesions in horses: 47 cases. The clinical findings and outcome associated with chronic severe equine pyloric lesions have not been well described previously. Objective: To describe the history, clinical signs, endoscopic and ultrasound results, laboratory data, treatment, pathological findings and survival of horses with chronic severe pyloric lesions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records from horses treated at clinics in Czech Republic and Germany in which chronic severe pyloric lesions were confirmed endoscopically and/or on post-mortem examination were reviewed. Results: Forty-seven horses were ...
