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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.
Three-week summer period prevalence of Clostridium difficile in farm animals in a temperate region of the United States (Ohio). The cross-sectional (period) prevalence of Clostridium difficile in 875 farm animals from 29 commercial operations during the summer of 2008 in Ohio, USA was quantified. Compared to an external referent population of intensively managed race horses (12.7%), intensively managed commercially mature food animals (poultry, cattle, swine; < 0.6%) were infrequent shedders of C. difficile (P < 0.00001) during the warmest weeks of 2008. La prévalence par période de chez 875 animaux de ferme provenant de 29 exploitations commerciales durant l’été de 2008 en Ohio, aux États-Unis, est quan...
Genetic parameters for earnings in Quarter Horse. In this study, we estimated the heritability (h(2)) of earnings in the Quarter Horse in order to evaluate the inclusion of this trait in breeding programs. Records from 14,754 races of 2443 horses from 1978-2009 were provided by Sorocaba Hippodrome, São Paulo, Brazil. All ancestors of the registered horses were included in the pedigree file until the 4th generation. Log-transformed performance measures (LPM) were analyzed for animals aged 2, 3, and 4 years and during their entire career. The h(2) estimates were obtained using a multi-trait model and Gibbs sampling that included the effects of...
Biomechanical evaluation of a novel subcuticular skin stapling device for use in equine abdominal surgeries. To compare the in vitro biomechanical properties of a novel subcuticular stapling device to current methods of abdominal skin closure for equine abdominal surgery. Methods: In vitro randomized, matched design. Methods: Equine ventral median abdominal skin specimens (n = 24 horses). Methods: Subcuticular absorbable staples (SAS), metallic staples (MS), polyglyconate suture (PG), and nylon monofilament (NYL) were applied to longitudinally transected portions of equine ventral midline skin. Loads that resulted in an initial failure point and the ultimate failure load and mechanism were record...
An equine pain face. The objective of this study was to investigate the existence of an equine pain face and to describe this in detail. Methods: Semi-randomized, controlled, crossover trial. Methods: Six adult horses. Methods: Pain was induced with two noxious stimuli, a tourniquet on the antebrachium and topical application of capsaicin. All horses participated in two control trials and received both noxious stimuli twice, once with and once without an observer present. During all sessions their pain state was scored. The horses were filmed and the close-up video recordings of the faces were analysed for alterat...
Comparison of healing in forelimb and hindlimb surgically induced core lesions of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon. Even though equine multi-limb tendinopathy models have been reported, it is unknown if fore- and hindlimb tendon healing behave similarly. The aim of this study was to compare the healing process of surgically induced superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) core lesions of fore- and hindlimbs in horses. Methods: Tendon core lesions were surgically induced in the SDFT of both fore- and hindlimbs in eight horses. One randomly assigned forelimb and one randomly assigned hindlimb were injected with saline one and two weeks post-surgery. The healing process was monitored clinically and ultrasonogr...
Evaluation of regional limb perfusion with chloramphenicol using the saphenous or cephalic vein in standing horses. Regional limb perfusion (RLP) significantly decreases morbidity and mortality associated with distal limb injuries in horses. There is an urgent need for finding additional effective antimicrobial drugs for use in RLP. In this study, we tested the pharmacokinetics (PK) of chloramphenicol in RLP. Eight horses participated in the study, which was approved by the University Animal Care and Use Committee. The cephalic and the saphenous veins were used to perfuse the limbs. Synovial samples were collected from the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joint. The Friedman Test was applied for asse...
The effect of the ‘Gait keeper’ mutation in the DMRT3 gene on gaiting ability in Icelandic horses. A nonsense mutation in DMRT3 ('Gait keeper' mutation) has a predominant effect on gaiting ability in horses, being permissive for the ability to perform lateral gaits and having a favourable effect on speed capacity in trot. The DMRT3 mutant allele (A) has been found in high frequency in gaited breeds and breeds bred for harness racing, while other horse breeds were homozygous for the wild-type allele (C). The aim of this study was to evaluate further the effect of the DMRT3 nonsense mutation on the gait quality and speed capacity in the multigaited Icelandic horse and demonstrate how the freq...
Identification of interspecific differences in phase II reactions: determination of metabolites in the urine of 16 mammalian species exposed to environmental pyrene. Interspecific differences in xenobiotic metabolism are a key to determining relative sensitivities of animals to xenobiotics. However, information on domesticated livestock, companion animals, and captive and free-ranging wildlife is incomplete. The present study evaluated interspecific differences in phase II conjugation using pyrene as a nondestructive biomarker of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their metabolites have carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting effects in humans and wildlife and can have serious consequences. The authors collec...
First detection of co-circulation of West Nile and Usutu viruses in equids in the south-west of Tunisia. In the last fifteen years, West Nile Virus (WNV) has dramatically expanded its geographic range and is now considered the most widespread arbovirus in the world. In Tunisia, West Nile Fever (WNF) outbreaks were reported in humans in 1997, 2003 and 2012. Usutu Virus (USUV), which is a 'new' emerging Flavivirus antigenically close to WNV, has never been reported in Tunisia. A serological investigation in 284 equids was conducted in 2012 in the southern west region of the country to assess the presence and prevalence of the WNV and USUV infection. Of the 284 samples tested by competitive enzyme-l...
Efficacy of a Parapoxvirus ovis-based immunomodulator against equine herpesvirus type 1 and Streptococcus equi equi infections in horses. The efficacy of Zylexis®, an immunomodulator in horses based on inactivated Parapoxvirus ovis (iPPVO), was assessed using an equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) challenge model in the presence of a natural infection with Streptococcus equi equi (S. equi). Eleven horses were treated with iPPVO and twelve were kept as controls. Six horses were challenged with EHV-1 and commingled with the horses on study. Animals were dosed on Days -2, 0 (just before commingling) and Day 7. On Day 11 significantly less nasal discharge, enlarged lymph nodes, EHV-1 shedding and lower rectal temperatures were observ...
Risk factors for MRSA infection in companion animals: results from a case-control study within Germany. Increasing numbers of companion animals suffering from infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been reported in the recent past. These infections are of particular concern because of the limited treatment options for MRSA and their transferability to humans. Since MRSA lineages isolated from infected companion animals often mirror typical human epidemic strains circulating in the same region, successful strategies to combat MRSA need strong and coordinated efforts from both, the human and the veterinary field according to the "One Health" concept. Hence, to iden...
Serological, molecular and entomological surveillance demonstrates widespread circulation of West Nile virus in Turkey. West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus with significant impact on human and animal health, has recently demonstrated an expanded zone of activity globally. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency and distribution of WNV infections in potential vectors and several mammal and avian species in Turkey, where previous data indicate viral circulation. The study was conducted in 15 provinces across Turkey during 2011-2013. In addition, the entomological study was extended to 4 districts of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. WNV exposure was determined in humans, horses...
Successful practice of electroacupuncture analgesia in equine surgery. Electroacupuncture analgesia was used for surgery in horses and donkeys. A KWD-808 electrical stimulator was used to incrementally induce a dense, dispersed wave output at frequencies from 20 to 55 Hz, which was maintained at a frequency of 55 Hz, and to change the amplitude of the wave to the best grading number for the suggested operation in each animal. Induction of analgesia lasted for 20-30 minutes, and the effect of analgesia was maintained for 20-45 minutes depending on the type of surgery performed. The exhibited clinical signs, physical examination data, and the responses of all ani...
Non-primate hepacivirus infection with apparent hepatitis in a horse – Short communication. Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) is a recently identified hepacivirus (family Flaviviridae) in dog and horse; however, the disease associations remain unknown. This study reports the detection of natural NPHV infection in a horse with apparent hepatitis, liver damage and high-level viraemia. NPHV could be hepatotropic and associated with hepatitis in horses.
The relationship of dominance, reproductive state and stress in female horses (Equus caballus). Maintaining a dominant position in a hierarchy requires energetically expensive aggressive displays and physical exertion. Lab based winner-loser studies, often conducted with individuals from non-social species, have shown that subordinates have higher stress hormone levels than dominant individuals. However, in wild studies on cooperative breeders, displays of aggression used to maintain dominance status are associated with elevated stress hormone levels. The effect of reproductive state on dominance and stress has not been addressed within either of these situations. The purpose of this stu...
The role of the Oregon State University Endophyte Service Laboratory in diagnosing clinical cases of endophyte toxicoses. The Oregon State University Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Sciences instituted the Endophyte Service Laboratory to aid in diagnosing toxicity problems associated with cool-season grasses in livestock. The endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophalum) present in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) produces ergopeptine alkaloids, of which ergovaline is the molecule used to determine exposure and toxicity thresholds for the vasoconstrictive conditions "fescue foot" and "summer slump". Another vasoconstrictive syndrome, "ergotism," is caused by a parasitic fungus, Claviceps purpurea, and it...
Seventy day safety assessment of an orally ingested, l-glutamine-containing oat and yeast supplement for horses. We describe a safety assessment of an oral supplement designed to nutritionally support the gastrointestinal system of horses. The supplement comprised a mixture of essential (l-threonine) and conditionally essential (l-glutamine) amino acids, polar lipids, oat bran rich in beta glucans and yeast extract. Young (1-2years) horses of both sexes were allocated to control (n=7) and treatment groups (n=7) and studied for 9weeks. Horses in the treatment group received the supplement daily for 8weeks. After 8weeks of supplementation, horses were studied for one additional week. Outcome measures inclu...
Prospection of genomic regions divergently selected in racing line of Quarter Horses in relation to cutting line. Selection of Quarter Horses for different purposes has led to the formation of lines, including racing and cutting horses. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions divergently selected in racing line of Quarter Horses in relation to cutting line applying relative extended haplotype homozygosity (REHH) analysis, an extension of extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH) analysis, and the fixation index (F ST) statistic. A total of 188 horses of both sexes, born between 1985 and 2009 and registered at the Brazilian Association of Quarter Horse Breeders, including 120 of the racing ...
Effect of different head and neck positions on behaviour, heart rate variability and cortisol levels in lunged Royal Dutch Sport horses. Different head-and-neck positions (HNPs) are discussed in relation to potential welfare issues. To evaluate the effect on welfare, seven Royal Dutch Sport horses were studied in five predetermined HNPs: (1) unrestrained (HNP1); (2) neck raised, bridge of nose around the vertical (HNP2); (3) neck lowered and considerably flexed, bridge of nose pointing towards the chest (HNP4); (4) neck raised and extended, bridge of nose in front of the vertical (HNP5), and (5) neck lowered and flexed, bridge of nose pointing towards the carpus (HNP7). A standardised exercise test (SET) of 34 min consisted o...
Novel indole-2-carboxamide compounds are potent broad-spectrum antivirals active against western equine encephalitis virus in vivo. Neurotropic alphaviruses, including western, eastern, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses, cause serious and potentially fatal central nervous system infections in humans for which no currently approved therapies exist. We previously identified a series of thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole derivatives as novel inhibitors of neurotropic alphavirus replication, using a cell-based phenotypic assay (W. Peng et al., J. Infect. Dis. 199:950-957, 2009, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/597275), and subsequently developed second- and third-generation indole-2-carboxamide derivatives with improved potency, solub...
Therapeutic potential of Pirfenidone for treating equine corneal scarring. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Pirfenidone (PFD) in the treatment of equine corneal fibrosis using an in vitro model. Methods: Healthy donor equine corneas were collected and used to generate primary equine corneal fibroblasts (ECFs) by growing cultures in minimal essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Equine corneal myofibroblasts (ECMs), used as a model of equine corneal fibrosis, were produced by growing ECF cultures in serum-free medium containing transforming growth factor β1 (1 ng/mL). Trypan blue viability assays and changes in ECF morphology were utilized t...
Crystalloid and colloid therapy. Fluid therapy is a cornerstone of emergency medicine, but equine practitioners should be aware of recent developments that have modified previous recommendations. First, new emphasis on the avoidance of hyperchloremia suggests that crystalloids with a lower chloride concentration may be more appropriate for use. Second, modifications to the understanding of the Starling equation suggest that the benefits of colloids may be more limited than previously thought. In addition, the negative effects of fluid overload on morbidity and mortality are becoming increasingly recognized. Although more spec...
Recent evolution of equine influenza and the origin of canine influenza. In 2004 an hemagglutinin 3 neuraminidase 8 (H3N8) equine influenza virus was transmitted from horses to dogs in Florida and subsequently spread throughout the United States and to Europe. To understand the molecular basis of changes in the antigenicity of H3 hemagglutinins (HAs) that have occurred during virus evolution in horses, and to investigate the role of HA in the equine to canine cross-species transfer, we used X-ray crystallography to determine the structures of the HAs from two antigenically distinct equine viruses and from a canine virus. Structurally all three are very similar with...
Serological evidence of West Nile virus infection in the horse population of northern Serbia. This study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) in the horse population of northern Serbia. Furthermore, it aimed to provide insight and an updated overview on the circulation of this re-emerging pathogen in this part of southeastern Europe. At the time of manuscript preparation, no clinical cases of WNV infection in horses were reported in this area. Methods: Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 252 equine serum samples were collected from seven different locations in northern Serbia. The presence of WNV-reactive IgG antibodies was examined by using commercial an...
Multiresistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from humans, companion animals and horses in central Hesse, Germany. Multiresistant Gram-negative bacteria producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are an emerging problem in human and veterinary medicine. This study focused on comparative molecular characterization of β-lactamase and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates from central Hesse in Germany. Isolates originated from humans, companion animals (dogs and cats) and horses. Results: In this study 153 (83.6%) of the human isolates (n = 183) and 163 (91.6%) of the animal isolates (n = 178) were confirmed as ESBL producers by PCR and subsequent sequencing of the PCR amplicons. Predomin...
Representative seroprevalences of human and livestock brucellosis in two Mongolian provinces. Mongolia implemented a brucellosis livestock mass vaccination campaign from 2000 to 2009. However, the number of human cases did not decline since 2004 and the current epidemiological situation in Mongolia was uncertain. The objective of this study was to estimate the representative seroprevalences of humans and livestock in two provinces in view of their comparison with officially reported data. A representative cross-sectional study using cluster sampling proportional to size in humans, sheep, goats, cattle, yaks, horses, camels and dogs was undertaken to assess the apparent seroprevalence i...
Uterine adenocarcinoma in a Przewalski’s wild horse (Equus ferus przewalskii). A 25-yr-old, nulliparous, female Przewalski's wild horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) with a history of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and recent onset of serosanguinous vaginal discharge was euthanized after a period of lethargy and inappetance. Postmortem examination confirmed an infiltrative uterine adenocarcinoma, which is an uncommon neoplasia in equids. Reproductive disease is significant in this species as they are considered endangered by IUCN. Reproductive soundness and success are paramount to conservation efforts.
Strategies for improving the welfare of working equids in the Americas: a Chilean example. In the past, the use of animals for transport and traction has been of economic importance all over the world, and this is still the case in certain areas of the world today, especially in rural and peri-urban areas of developing and transition countries. In Chile, for example, thousands of families rely on draught animal power as a fundamental source of income. This provides an opportunity to generate scientific information to increase understanding of the relationship between human well-being and that of domestic animals. Minimising the risks associated with poor draught animal welfare shoul...
The influence of age on bone metabolism in mares during late pregnancy and lactation. The concentrations of carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx), osteocalcin (OCN), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) were measured in the blood serum of two age groups of mares during late pregnancy (70-50 days before foaling), during early lactation and at the peak of lactation (10-30 and 55-80 days after foaling, respectively). During late pregnancy, the PTH was higher in older (8-19 years old), compared to younger animals (3.5-4 years old) (P < 0.05). The OCN was higher in younger group during late pregnancy (P < 0.05). IGF-I was...
Equine digital veins are more sensitive to superoxide anions than digital arteries. This work was designed to investigate (i) the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibition on endothelial function and (ii) the free radical-induced endothelial dysfunction in equine digital veins (EDVs) and equine digital arteries (EDAs) isolated from healthy horses. EDV and EDA rings were suspended in a 5 ml organ bath containing Krebs solution. After a 60 min equilibration period, EDV and EDA rings were contracted with phenylephrine. Then, cumulative concentration-response curves (CCRCs) to acetylcholine were performed. In both EDVs and EDAs, acetylcholine (1 nM to 10 µM) produced conce...
