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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.
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 ...
Characteristics of Endurance Competitions and Risk Factors for Elimination in New Zealand during Six Seasons of Competition (2010/11-2015/16). The welfare of horses in endurance competitions has been the focus of recent media attention. Epidemiological studies have examined the sport at the international (FEI) level. However, much of the participation in the sport occurs at a national level in preparation for FEI level competition. The aims of this study were to describe participation in, and risk factors for elimination, from New Zealand endurance competitions. Data were collated from all endurance competitions (≥40 km) held in New Zealand during the 2010/11-2015/16 competition seasons. There were 6885 starts (n = 775 horses, n = ...
A 1D computer model of the arterial circulation in horses: An important resource for studying global interactions between heart and vessels under normal and pathological conditions. Arterial rupture in horses has been observed during exercise, after phenylephrine administration or during parturition (uterine artery). In human pathophysiological research, the use of computer models for studying arterial hemodynamics and understanding normal and abnormal characteristics of arterial pressure and flow waveforms is very common. The objective of this research was to develop a computer model of the equine arterial circulation, in order to study local intra-arterial pressures and flow dynamics in horses. Morphologically, large differences exist between human and equine aortic arc...
A Seroepidemiological Survey of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in Horses in Mongolia. Equine piroplasmosis caused by and is an economically important disease with a worldwide distribution. The objective of the present study was to investigate the seroepidemiology of and in horses reared in various Mongolian provinces. Serum samples prepared from blood collected from horses in 19 Mongolian provinces were screened for antibodies specific to and using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays based on recombinant forms of merozoite antigen-2 and the 48-kDa merozoite rhoptry protein, respectively. Of 1,282 horses analyzed, 423 (33%) and 182 (14.2%) were sero-positive for and , re...
Scintigraphic evaluation of cheek teeth in clinically sound horses. Dental disorders are one of the top-ranking clinical domains in equine practice. Scintigraphy has emerged as a useful diagnostic imaging modality for equine dental diseases. There is a paucity of the normal scintigraphic uptake and its correlation with age. This prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive and pilot-designed study aimed to describe the radioisotope uptake (RU) patterns of the reserved crown and periodontal bone of the maxillary and mandibular cheek teeth (CT) in clinically sound horses and to evaluate the age effect on RU. For this purpose, 60 horses that underwent a bone scintig...
Preliminary heritability of complete rotation large colon volvulus in Thoroughbred broodmares. Large colon volvulus (LCV) is a life-threatening form of colic that occurs when the large colon rotates 360° or more on its axis, resulting in colonic distention and ischaemia. Any horse can suffer from LCV, but the risk is greatest for periparturient Thoroughbred broodmares; the objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of LCV in these horses. The criteria for classification as an LCV case were being a Thoroughbred broodmare from one of three farms in central Kentucky and having had surgical correction for LCV. Controls were identified as Thoroughbred broodmares present on the...
Correlation between l-lactate and glucose concentrations and body condition score in healthy horses and ponies. Blood l-lactate and glucose concentrations were higher in ponies with gastrointestinal disease than in horses, possibly because of differences in body condition (BC). Objective: To investigate whether l-lactate and glucose concentrations correlate with BC and differ between healthy horses and ponies. Methods: Systemically healthy client-owned ponies (n = 101) and horses (n = 51). Methods: Prospective observational study. Breed, weight, height, and subjective and objective measures of BC were recorded and l-lactate and glucose concentrations were measured. Correlations between l-lactate and glu...
Comparison of fasted basal insulin with the combined glucose-insulin test in horses and ponies with suspected insulin dysregulation. Fasting horses for measurement of basal serum insulin concentration (fasting insulin; FI) has been recommended to standardise testing for insulin dysregulation (ID), yet limited data exist comparing it to dynamic tests. This study aimed to compare FI with the combined glucose-insulin test (CGIT) in horses suspect for ID. We hypothesised that FI would have poor sensitivity for detecting ID compared to CGIT using conventional cut-offs. Records were retrieved from CGITs performed in horses fasted for approximately 8h. Serum insulin and glucose concentrations were measured before and for 150min fo...
Nonfatal horse-related injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States, 1990-2017. Horse-related injuries can cause severe morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to investigate the epidemiological features of horse-related injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. A retrospective analysis of horse-related injuries from 1990 through 2017 was conducted utilizing the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Cases were identified using the NEISS code 1239 (Horseback Riding: Activity, Apparel, or Equipment). Analyses performed included calculation of national injury estimates, relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence int...
Retrospective study of the reproductive performance of Barb and Thoroughbred stallions in Algeria. The Barb horse occupies a prominent place in the history, culture, and equestrian traditions of the Maghreb (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia). Although many studies on the breed standard and morphometry have been published, there are no studies on its fertility and reproductive potential. Thus, this work aimed to study the fertility of Barb, Arabian Purebred, and Thoroughbred horses in Algeria. Methods: A total of 168 stallions and 1202 mares at the Chaouchaoua Stud farm in Tiaret, Algeria, were included in the study. The reproductive performance during 1592 cycles over 10 consecutive mating sea...
Effect of body condition on intestinal permeability in horses. To investigate effects of body condition on permeability of intestinal mucosa in horses. Methods: 13 horses (7 obese and 6 lean) from 8 to 15 years of age. Methods: Body condition score was assessed, and an oral sugar test (OST) was performed to evaluate glucose and insulin dynamics. Horses were allowed a 2-week diet acclimation period and were then euthanized. Tissue samples were collected from the jejunum, ileum, cecum, pelvic flexure, right dorsal colon, and rectum. Mucosal permeability was assessed by measuring transepithelial resistance and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) flux across tissue samp...
A 10-year study of arthroscopic surgery in racing Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses with osteochondral fragmentation of the carpus. Osteochondral fragmentation of the carpus is a common cause of lameness in racehorses. Prognosis following arthroscopic removal of the fragments was reported in 1987, but little is known of recent success rates. Objective: To identify associations between the severity and location of osteochondral fragments in the carpus, and to describe the racing performance of horses pre- and post-surgery in Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. To identify factors associated with a horse racing post-surgery. Methods: Retrospective study of clinical records (2006-2016). Methods: Surgical and racing records for ...
Factors associated with the prevalence of antibodies against Theileria equi in equids of Western Pará, Brazil. The State of Pará has one of the largest herds of equids (horse, donkey and mule) in Brazil, most of these animals are found on cattle farms. Equine theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the parasite Theileria equi and is characterized by fever, anaemia, icterus, intravascular haemolysis, haemoglobinuria, spleen and hepatomegaly, and even death. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibodies against T. equi in equids in the western region of the State of Pará, Brazil, and to identify potential risk factors associated with parasite infection. A cross-sectional stu...
Assessment of sand accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract and its excretion with stool in silesian foals. The aim of this study was to assess sand accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract and fecal sand excretion in Silesian foals using three diagnostic methods and taking into account the sex and age of the animals. Another aim of the study was to compare the three diagnostic methods. The study was carried out on 21 clinically healthy Silesian foals (10 females and 11 males) from 9-28 weeks old grazed on permanent pasture. The sand intake was assessed using a sedimentation test, abdominal ultrasonography and a quantitative evaluation of sand per 100 g of stool. In the sedimentation test, the san...
Influence of Exercise, Age, Body weight, and Growth on the Development of Tarsal Osteoarthritis in Young Mangalarga Marchador Horses. In this study, the effect of early exercise, age, body weight (BW), and growth on the articular cartilage and subchondral bones of the tarsocrural joints was evaluated in 40 young Mangalarga Marchador horses allowed free choice exercise in pasture. Twenty of the horses had additional controlled exercise 3 days per week from a mean age of 30 ± 20 days until 36 months. The training program consisted of an increasing number of 15-minute gallop sprints in an oval paddock with a concrete floor covered by a thick layer of sand. BW, withers height (WH), and neck circumference were measured and bo...
Hyaluronic Acid: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Trajectory. Hyaluronic acid (also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate) is naturally found in many tissues and fluids, but more abundantly in articular cartilage and synovial fluid (SF). Hyaluronic acid (HA) content varies widely in different joints and species. HA is a non-sulfated, naturally occurring non-protein glycosaminoglycan (GAG), with distinct physico-chemical properties, produced by synoviocytes, fibroblasts, and chondrocytes. HA has an important role in the biomechanics of normal SF, where it is partially responsible for lubrication and viscoelasticity of the SF. The concentration of HA and its ...
Indirect Blood Pressure Measurement in Horses: Is There an Influence of Age, Sex, Breed, Bodyweight, and Cardiac Diseases on Pressure Values? Only few data regarding normal resting blood pressure in horses and the influence of cardiac diseases on arterial blood pressure are available in literature. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible influence of age, sex, breed, bodyweight, and cardiac diseases and their severity on blood pressure values measured in horses with cardiac disease and in a control group. For this case-control study, indirect blood pressure measurement was performed in 60 horses with different types of cardiac disease and in 23 healthy horses (control group), by means of an ultrasonic blood-...
Long-term outcome after stifle arthroscopy in 82 Western performance horses (2003-2010). To report the outcome of horses engaged in Western performance disciplines after stifle arthroscopy and identify prognostic factors for return to performance. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Eighty-two Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for horses involved in athletic performance/training for various Western performance disciplines and undergoing arthroscopy for lameness localized to the stifle. Follow-up was obtained ≥2 years postoperatively by telephone interviews with the owners. Preoperative and intraoperative f...
Age-related dynamics of pro-inflammatory cytokines in equine bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and peripheral blood from horses managed on pasture. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the natural age-related variation and compare the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood and lower airways of horses. The mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 TNF-α TLR-4 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were studied by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and differential cell count cytology from 44 horses of different ages. A significant age-related increase was found for the mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-8, TLR-4 and TNF-α in stimulated BAL cells and for T...
Morphological variations of the infraorbital canal during CT has limited association with headshaking in horses. Headshaking is a common problem in horses. The etiology is unknown but thought to involve sensory input from branches of the trigeminal nerve, some of which are within the infraorbital canal. The objective of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to describe the CT anatomy and variations of the infraorbital canal in horses with local disease processes and normal horses, and to examine associations between those findings and headshaking. Computed tomography scans were reviewed and morphological changes of the infraorbital canal were described. Presence of changes was then tested for asso...
Methylation Marks of Blood Leukocytes of Native Hucul Mares Differentiated in Age. Horses are one of the longest-living species of farm animals. Advanced age is often associated with a decrease in body condition, dysfunction of immune system, and late-onset disorders. Due to this, the search for new solutions in the prevention and treatment of pathological conditions of the advanced age of horses is desirable. That is why the identification of aging-related changes in the horse genome is interesting in this respect. In the recent years, the research on aging includes studies of age-related epigenetic effects observed on the DNA methylation level. We applied reduced represent...
