Topic:Animal Health
Animal Health encompasses a broad range of topics focused on maintaining and improving the well-being of equine species. This field addresses various aspects of horse care, including disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions. Key areas of interest include equine nutrition, vaccination protocols, parasite control, dental care, and the management of chronic conditions such as laminitis and colic. Additionally, animal health research in horses investigates the impact of exercise and training on physical health, the role of genetics in disease susceptibility, and the development of new therapeutic approaches. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the latest advancements, challenges, and best practices in preserving and enhancing the health of horses.
Babesia spp. in Domestic Animals from Rural Areas of Cauca Department: Previous Exposure and Molecular Detection Among Canines, Bovines and Equines. Babesia species are tick-borne protozoan parasites which affect several animal species. Babesia spp. infections are significantly important for veterinary medicine, affecting a wide range of domestic animal species such as dogs, cattle, and horses. In Colombia, studies of Babesia spp. infections in domestic animals are scarce. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the circulation of these parasites among domestic canines, bovines and equines from the department of Cauca. Methods: Between August and November, 2017, active domestic animal sampling of cattle was performed in eight rur...
Equine Herpesvirus Infections: Treatment Progress and Challenges in Horses and Donkeys. Equine herpesvirus (EHV) infections represent a significant global veterinary and economic challenge affecting both horses and donkeys across all inhabited continents. This narrative review comprehensively examines the nine distinct EHV species (EHV-1 through EHV-9), their taxonomic classification within Alphaherpesvirinae and Gammaherpesvirinae subfamilies, and their diverse host tropism patterns. The complex molecular pathogenesis involves sophisticated viral glycoproteins (gK, gB, gC, gH, gM, gL, gG, gD, gI, gE) that orchestrate cellular invasion, immune evasion, and intercellular transmiss...
Genomic epidemiology of strains currently and formerly classified as Enterobacter spp. recovered from equine necropsy samples. Enterobacteriaceae are opportunistic pathogens responsible for local or systemic infections in both human and veterinary medicine. To monitor circulating strains in stud farms in Normandy (France), we investigated a collection of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from necropsied equids performed in the region between 1997 and 2020. These strains were initially identified using MALDI-TOF; however, as this method failed to identify some isolates, whole genome sequencing followed by rMLST analysis was subsequently performed. Different genera were identified: Enterobacter spp., Huaxiibacter spp., Lellio...
Seroprevalence of Sarcocystis spp., Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. in horses (Equus caballus) intended for slaughter in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of horses reactive to Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora caninum, and Besnoitia besnoiti in horses from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sera reactivity was tested by the Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) in 354 equids sampled at slaughter, using a cut-off of 1:80 for S. neurona and 1:50 for N. caninum and B. besnoiti. Detection of N. caninum was attempted by PCR and bioassay in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) using brain samples collected from seropositive horses. Sera from 158 horses (44.63 %) (158/354; CI: 39.54-49.84 %) reacted to S. neuron...
Equine abortion due to Chlamydia psittaci in South Australia with zoonotic transmission. Chlamydia psittaci was detected by real-time PCR in the lung, liver and kidney of an equine foetus that had aborted in South Australia in August 2023. The corresponding microscopic lesions included lymphocytic and histiocytic chorionitis, necrosis of placental villi associated with bacteria in the cytoplasm of trophoblastic epithelial cells, and multiple microgranulomas in the liver. Equine chlamydial abortion had not been diagnosed previously in South Australia. Eight days after examining the foetus and placenta, the veterinary pathologist developed fever and subsequently was admitted to hosp...
Complications Associated with Equine Diagnostic and Elective procedures. The practice of medicine has always been associated with complications. In fact, in its early stages, these complications contributed to the understanding of certain diseases and advancement of the medical field. In equine practice, virtually every procedure carries an associated risk. In fact, even procedures that would have minimal risk in human medicine may pose significant risk in equine practice owing to the unique nature of the horse. For instance, a simple rectal palpation could result in a rectal tear following an unexpected movement of the patient. Thus, extrapolations of complication...
Rapid and sensitive detection of Theileria equi using a novel integrated RPACRISPR/Cas13a lateral flow assay. Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by the intracellular protozoa Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and Theileria haneyi, represents a major health and economic threat to the equine industry worldwide. Existing diagnostic methods, including PCR, serology, and microscopy, are constrained by their dependence on specialized equipment, lengthy protocols, and the requirement for skilled personnel. Objective: This study aimed to develop a rapid, accurate, and field-deployable molecular diagnostic assay for T. equi. Methods: A nucleic acid-based diagnostic platform combining recombinase polymerase ampli...
Proof of concept of a wearable IoT-based system for monitoring respiratory rate and surface temperature in horses. This study presents the development and proof of concept of a wearable monitoring system designed to measure respiratory rate (RR) and coat surface temperature (CST) in horses. The device integrates an embedded system based on an ESP-32 microcontroller equipped with sensors for RR (strain gauge) and CST (DS18B20) Data are transmitted in real time via Wi-Fi and stored locally on SD cards. The system was validated against conventional manual methods under field conditions. Agreement between methods was evaluated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. Results show...
Detection of degenerative joint disease of the distal interphalangeal joint in thoracic limbs characterized by joint space narrowing using standing low-field MRI in 25 equine patients. To report low-field standing MRI findings and, when available, postmortem findings of 25 thoracic limbs with degenerative joint disease of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) characterized by narrowing of the joint space suggestive of cartilage loss. Unassigned: Medical records from September 2015 to July 2022 were reviewed for clinical history, signalment, MRI, and postmortem findings. The study retrospectively analyzed cases in which lameness was linked to DIPJ joint space narrowing using a partially nested comparative design. Width was measured at 4 DIPJ sites, as well as a ratio to the...
Collagen composition in equine exuberant granulation tissue reflects tissue immaturity. Exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) is a second intention wound healing disorder. It commonly occurs in the distal limb of horses. EGT causes significant increase in the duration and cost of treatment, potentially leading to the decision not to pursue treatment and euthanize the patient. The underlying pathomechanisms of this fibroproliferative disorder remain unclear, particularly in terms of collagen composition and the association between myofibroblasts and blood vessels. This study investigated the collagen composition in naturally occurring EGT following trimming in 19 horses (EGT group). ...
Forage Carbohydrate Profiles and Endocrine Morphometric Interactions in Traditionally Managed Horses from Romania. Horses maintained under traditional management systems and dependent on natural forages are often exposed to seasonal and compositional variations that can affect metabolic homeostasis. This study examined associations between forage nutrient composition and metabolic-morphometric indicators in horses from four agroecologically distinct regions of northwestern Romania. Eighty-eight horses managed under semi-extensive rural conditions underwent clinical examination, body condition scoring (BCS), cresty neck scoring (CNS), and fasting blood sampling. Forage samples ( = 34) from daily rations wer...
Serological Investigations on West Nile Virus in Horses in Kazakhstan. This study presents the first investigation of West Nile virus (WNV) seroprevalence among farmed horses in Kazakhstan. In 2024, a total of 368 serum samples were collected from horses across 106 settlements in 10 regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibodies to WNV were detected in 32 horses (8.7%; 95% CI: 6.2-12.0%) from six regions. Among the seropositive animals, 26 (81.25%) were females and 6 (18.75%) were males, ranging in age from 1 to 19 years. No statistically significant association between sex and the presence of antibodies to W...
Equine-Assisted Interventions: Cross Perspectives of Beneficiaries and Their Caregivers from a Qualitative Perspective. : Although equine-assisted interventions (EAI) are gaining growing attention, their scientific evaluation among individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) living in nursing homes remains limited. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of an EAI program from the perspectives of the participants living with AD as well as their families and professional caregivers. : Thirty non-directive interviews were conducted between June and July 2024 across several nursing homes in the Centre-Val de Loire region (France). The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analy...
Chronic State and Relationship to Humans Influence How Horses Decode Emotions in Human Voices: A Brain and Behavior Study. Current research on acoustic encoding of emotional content suggests that there are universal cues, allowing for decoding within and across taxa. This is particularly important for human-animal relationships, wherein domestic animals are supposed to be particularly efficient in decoding human emotions. Here we investigated whether the decoding of the emotional content in human voices shared universal acoustic properties, or whether it could be influenced by experience. Emotional human voices were presented to two populations of horses, in which behavioral, cardiac, and brain responses were meas...
Reliability, agreement and variability of a markerless computer vision algorithm for equine gait analysis under field conditions. Computer vision-based algorithms offer accessible alternatives for equine gait analysis but require thorough assessment under diverse conditions. Objective: To evaluate a proprietary vision-based algorithm's reliability in measuring vertical displacement signals (VDS) at the eye, withers and croup, alongside groundline estimation, for horses trotting on straight lines and circles under field conditions. Methods: Cross-sectional comparative study evaluating agreement, variability and reliability of a markerless computer vision algorithm. Methods: We obtained 67 handheld iPhone recordings from 3...
Field-applicable low-intensity exercise induces bronchodilation in horses with severe asthma. Airway dysfunction in severe equine asthma (SEA) often results in early retirement or euthanasia of affected horses. Exercise-induced bronchodilation occurs in horses with SEA after intense treadmill exercise, but the effects of a lighter, field-applicable, training regimen remain largely unexplored. Objective: To evaluate the impact of submaximal aerobic exercise on airway obstruction during exacerbation of SEA. Methods: The preliminary phase explored the effects of a 25-min standardised exercise on the lung function of eight SEA horses. As notable bronchodilation occurred, the results were c...
Serum proteomic analysis in equine obstructive colic: A prospective observational study. The aim of the study was to identify proteomic signatures from the serum of horses affected by simple obstructive intestinal colic to characterize the pathological process and to assess potential biomarkers for early diagnosis. Seven horses with obstructive colic received venous blood samples for determination of standard hematobiochemical, inflammatory, and lipid profiles at the time of initial clinical examination and after conservative therapy upon recovery. Proteomic profiling was also performed on all samples by means of a within-group analysis (sick horses at discharge vs. sick horses at...
Evaluation of Benzimidazole Resistance in Equine Cyathostomins in the Kermanshah Province of Iran Using Coprological Analysis and Allele-Specific PCR. Resistance to benzimidazole (BZ) by cyathostomin nematodes has become a major threat to equine health around the world. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of BZ drugs against small strongyle nematodes in horses of western Iran using coprological and molecular examination. Unassigned: Faecal egg count reduction tests were performed on 398 horses kept in 16 stables in western Iran (Kermanshah Province), to detect benzimidazole resistance in small strongyle nematodes. Allele-specific PCR was used to identify the F200Y (TAC/TTC) SNP in the beta-tubulin gene codon in cyathostomin larvae. Unassigned:...
Development and Survivability of The Free-Living Stage Larvae of Equine Strongyles in Different Environments and Soil Types. Equine strongyles are harmful gastrointestinal parasites affecting horses' health and productivity. In tropical regions, environmental conditions, including temperature and soil type, significantly influence the development and survivability of strongyle larvae. This study aims to assess the development and survival of third-stage larvae (L3) of strongyles under different temperatures and soil types commonly found in Malaysia. Faecal samples from five adult horses aged between 22-24 years that were kept under a semi-intensive management system and had no history of recent anthelmintic treatmen...
Molecular detection and genotyping of Theileria equi infection within the equine population in Giza, Egypt, using real-time PCR as compared with conventional detection methods. Equine piroplasmosis represents one of the main and serious health problems affecting the equines industry globally, caused by a tick-borne protozoa called and . This study aimed to identify and genotype within the equine population from Giza Governorate, Egypt, by comparing the obtained results using the available diagnostic methods. Unassigned: We collected 116 apparently healthy horses from the study area during the first half of 2019 to identify using real-time PCR (qPCR), targeting the gene. The results were compared with those from microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood sme...
Radiographic measurements of Miniature Horse and Miniature Pony Feet. Reliable assessment of foot conformation is essential for podiatric management in Miniature Horses and Ponies, yet reference ranges and the reliability of radiographic measurements remain poorly defined. Objective: This study quantified radiographic measurements of foot conformation in sound, skeletally mature Miniature Horses and Ponies and evaluated their agreement, reliability, and precision. Methods: Standardised lateromedial and dorsopalmar/plantarodorsal radiographs were obtained from 30 Miniature Horses and Ponies. Two observers took 60 measurements from 10 sets of projections on three ...
Treatment efficacy of pyrantel, fenbendazole and macrocyclic lactones in equine strongyles in Germany using FECRT and the model eggCounts. Reduced anthelmintic efficacy against small strongyles in horses is a widespread problem, yet recent data is scarce. Objective: This paper aims to investigate the current status of anthelmintic efficacy in the field in Germany, specifically focusing on pyrantel. Methods: The study included 1670 horses for which a total of 1913 dewormings were analysed. Of these, 1682 were performed with pyrantel, 56 with fenbendazole, 162 with macrocyclic lactones and 13 with other compounds (e.g. herbs). The faecal egg count reduction (FECR) was calculated with two methods, the faecal egg count reduction test...
A multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of equid herpesvirus 1 and 4. Equid herpesvirus (EHV) 1 and -4 are common viral pathogens of horses that can cause upper respiratory disease, neurological disease, abortion, and death. As characteristic alphaherpesviruses, both EHV-1 and EHV-4 can establish latency, resulting in a lifelong carrier state in infected animals. Here we describe the development and validation of a rapid and sensitive multiplex real-time PCR assay (EHV1-4MP) that simultaneously detects EHV-1 and EHV-4 and includes an endogenous internal control - melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) - targeting the equid genome. The EHV1-4MP assay analytical sensitiv...
Coding-complete genome sequences of group B equine rotavirus from central Kentucky, USA, reveal circulation of a single genome constellation. Equine rotavirus B (ERVB) has caused foal diarrhea in central Kentucky since 2021. Coding-complete genome sequences from 14 strains circulating in 2024 revealed >99% nucleotide identity to the 2021 prototype ERVB strain RVB/Horse-wt/USA/KY1518/2021, with a conserved genomic constellation (G3-P[3]-I3-R3-C3-M3-A4-N3-T3-E3-H3).
Lethal Sycamore maple intoxication in a grazing three-month-old foal. The case of a young foal poisoned by maple toxin is described. It showed signs of myopathy caused by ingesting life-threatening amounts of maple toxin. Some maple trees (Acer species) can pose a health risk to grazing horses. The leaves, seeds and shoots contain hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylencyclopropylglycine (MCPRG) and can cause life-threatening atypical myopathy.
Policresulen is effective for the topical treatment of vaginal varices in a pregnant mare: Case report. Vaginal varicosities in mares are rarely reported, although considered relatively common. Clinical recognition can be challenging, especially during early pregnancy, due to the intermittent nature of the bleeding. This report aims to describe the diagnostic approach, clinical evolution, and treatment of a case of vaginal varicosity in a pregnant mare, emphasizing a practical and minimally invasive method. A 9-year-old Brazilian Sport Horse mare with intermittent vaginal hemorrhage underwent clinical evaluation, showing no abnormalities. Vaginoscopy with a rigid endoscope revealed varicose vein...
Metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability of cannabigerol in horses following intravenous and oral administration with micellar and oil formulations. Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with growing interest in veterinary medicine; however, its pharmacokinetic profile in horses remains unknown. Understanding its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination is essential to optimizing dosing strategies and evaluating its potential for clinical use in equine patients. Unassigned: A prospective crossover study was conducted in eight healthy adult horses to assess the metabolism and the pharmacokinetics after intravenous (IV) administration at 1 mg/kg and oral administrations at 10 mg/kg with two formulations (mice...
Incubation of Frozen-Thawed Semen Under Capacitating Conditions Supports Successful In Vitro Fertilization and Improves Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection-Results in Horses. In 2022, a repeatable protocol for in vitro fertilization (IVF) using fresh semen was established in horses. This facilitated successful capacitation of equine semen allowing to explore novel applications. Objective: We aimed to extend this technique to IVF with frozen-thawed semen and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and determine the outcome parameters such as blastocyst production and euploidy rates. Methods: A total of 221 oocytes were subjected to either IVF with frozen-thawed semen, ICSI with frozen-thawed semen incubated under capacitating conditions (ICSI cap) or control ICSI w...
Characterization of the lambda light chain repertoire and non-coding regions of equine immunoglobulins using the EquCab3 genome. Horse immunoglobulins have been utilized for over a century in serotherapy to treat venomous animal bites and various other conditions. However, molecular-level information about these immunoglobulins remains limited, particularly regarding immunoglobulin lambda light chains (Igλ), which constitute over 90 % of circulating antibodies. Despite the sequencing of the equine genome, the International ImMunoGeneTics information system (IMGT) has not yet annotated Igλ in its database, restricting the analysis of the horse antibody repertoire. In this study, we analyzed the equine Igλ repertoire...