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.
Comparative Evaluation of Follicular Flushing Frequency and Scraping Time During Ovum Pick-Up in Mares: Effects on Oocyte Recovery Rate and Technical Considerations. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration or ovum pick-up (OPU) has become the standard technique for oocyte collection in mares for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Although repeated follicular flushes and wall scraping are commonly used to improve oocyte recovery rate (ORR), the relative contribution of each remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of multiple flushes versus controlled scraping time on ORR in mares. A controlled trial was conducted in two phases: (1) an ex vivo phase using slaughterhouse ovaries (n = 32), and (2) an in vivo phase in c...
Acquired and Degenerative Conditions of the Cervical Vertebral Column in Horses. The cervical vertebral column in horses plays a crucial role in movement, posture, and performance and disorders affecting it can cause pain, ataxia, or lameness. This review discusses major acquired (traumatic, infectious, neoplastic) and degenerative (osteoarthritis, foraminal stenosis, intervertebral disc disease) conditions. Acquired lesions often arise from trauma, bacterial infection, or neoplasia, with clinical signs ranging from neck pain to neurologic deficits. Degenerative disorders, particularly osteoarthritis of articular process joints, are common in the caudal cervical spine and ...
Thoroughbred Geldings’ Career: Influence of Age at the Start of Training and Racing. This retrospective report investigated whether starting racehorses' training and racing early is associated with a less successful and a shorter racing career. The data of 600 Thoroughbred racehorses from the German Racehorse Association's archiving programme were evaluated. The horses were classified into three groups regarding their different ages when starting training and racing: early training (16-24 months old)/early racing (two years old); early training/late racing (>two years old); and late training (25-30 months). Statistical models investigated effects on the horses' length of caree...
A novel oral immunotherapy strategy using transgenic barley induces Culicoides allergen-specific immune responses in horses. Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a seasonal, IgE-mediated allergic dermatitis of horses caused by salivary gland proteins of biting midges ( spp.). Current management relies on relief of clinical signs and on physical protection. In a previous pilot study, healthy horses were fed transgenic barley expressing a allergen via a special spiral bit, which successfully induced allergen-specific antibody responses. Building on this concept, the present study aimed to evaluate a more practical feeding approach, delivering transgenic barley expressing the major allergen Cul o 2p in a feed-compat...
Advances in ELISA-based detection of equine leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a globally distributed zoonosis that affects both humans and animals, with being the main causative agent. In horses, the disease is associated with considerable economic losses. The Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) is the reference test for diagnosis but has limitations, emphasizing the need for effective diagnostic alternatives. In this study, was evaluated the use of a recombinant chimera, composed of ErpY-like and LemA proteins, as an antigen for ELISA-based detection of equine leptospirosis. The chimera was successfully expressed, purified and tested on 915 horse ser...
Molecular Identification and Benzimidazole Resistance Analysis of Cyathostomins in Chinese Grazing Horses. This study investigated the cyathostomin species composition, anthelmintic efficacy, and potential resistance-associated mutations in Chinese grazing horses. Fecal samples were collected from 90 adult horses. Fecal egg counts (FECs) were determined using a modified McMaster method. Third stage larvae (L3) cultured from the eggs were identified to species level by PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2). The main species included and spp. However, differences in the relative abundance of less common species, including and , suggests regional variation. A...
Genomic Epidemiology of Fungi Identified in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid from Asthmatic Horses in the US. Fungal exposure is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma in horses, but the importance of specific fungi is unknown. Geographic variation in equine asthmatic endotypes is suspected and might be related to different fungal exposures due to different climatological and geographical conditions. This study had two objectives: evaluate the effect of the ecoregion upon BALF inflammatory cells and fungal community composition in horses with asthma and evaluate the effect of BALF fungal community composition upon the likelihood of neutrophilic, mastocytic and eosinophilic inflammation in t...
Amniotic Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Equine Chronic Degenerative Endometritis Treatment. Equine chronic degenerative endometritis (CDE) is a progressive process characterized by endometrial fibrosis that could be responsible for alterations of uterine environment and foetal-maternal communication. Objective: The aim of this study was to try to restore this communication by intrauterine administrations of amniotic cell-derived extracellular vesicles (AMC-EVs) in a case series. Methods: Twelve mares were selected on the basis of their reproductive history of early embryonic loss or abortion and clinical suspicion of CDE subsequently verified with histopathological examination of end...
Survey describing the perspectives and practices of Australian veterinarians to pain management in horses. To describe Australian practices and attitudes regarding equine analgesia. Methods: Cross-sectional anonymous, voluntary survey of Australian veterinarians treating equine patients. Methods: Australian veterinarians in equine or mixed practices completed a six-section, 60-question survey between November 2019 to August 2020. Information was gathered on demographics, analgesia prescription, pain assessment and attitudes surrounding specific analgesics. Respondents assigned a pain score ranging from 0 to 10 for various conditions; these were averaged to give each respondent an "average pain scor...
The first molecular detection of equine piroplasmosis in Vietnam and genetic characterization of three co-circulating genotypes of Theileria equi. Equine piroplasmosis, caused by , and , significantly impacts on the veterinary and economic aspects of the global horse industry. However, many countries, including Vietnam, have not yet conducted epidemiological surveys to determine the prevalence of these haemoparasites. This study aimed to detect and/or infections in horses and to identify their genotypes. Blood samples were collected from 154 apparently healthy horses in eight districts of Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, and Son La provinces located in the northern part of the country. Twenty-four horses (15.58%, 95%CI: 10.70–22.14%) were found ...
Horse and donkey owners’ perspectives on fireworks and their impact on equids in the UK. In the UK, fireworks are common during several celebratory events throughout the year. Previous evidence has shown the adverse effects of fireworks on domestic companion animals. However, there has been little focus on equids. An online survey was developed to understand the impact of fireworks on horses and donkeys, how owners attempt to mitigate these impacts, and the owners' views on fireworks. A total of 1,234 horse owners and 232 donkey owners responded. The majority (77%) advocated tighter regulations surrounding the use of fireworks, including reduction in the maximum noise produced, an...
Chlorhexidine is Superior to Ozonized Water in the Reduction of the Oral Cavity Microbiota of Horses. In equine husbandry, oral cavity procedures are commonly performed and may be associated with complications, including extraoral diseases, potentially resulting from bacterial contamination and inadequate antisepsis. Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials is a major issue for healthcare professionals, including veterinarians that may misuse these pharmaceuticals. Therefore, developing novel methods for antisepsis is desirable. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a 100 µg/ml ozonized injectable water solution versus 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash. Fifty adult equines had swab samples...
Clear cell squamous cell carcinoma in the third eyelid of a horse. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common ocular and periocular neoplasm of horses, typically arising from the limbus, third eyelid mucosa or mucocutaneous junctions of the upper and lower eyelids. Tumours are locally invasive, prone to recurrence and may rarely metastasize. Histological evaluation is required for definitive diagnosis and atypical SCC subtypes may be diagnostically challenging. Here we describe a clear cell SCC in the third eyelid of a 16-year-old female Quarter Horse. The red and invasive mass was surgically excised for histological evaluation. The lesion consisted of ...
Riding with care: A review of factors that influence the welfare of the ridden horse and a case for the application of the precautionary principle in equestrian pursuits. Equestrian sport's social license to operate has come under scrutiny due to concerns surrounding the well-being of ridden horses. Inappropriate equipment use, such as harsh bits or overtight nosebands, can negatively influence well-being by generating inescapable pressure or pain on the sensitive structures of the horse's head and limiting natural behaviours. Restrictive equipment may also be used to generate exaggerated, stressful and uncomfortable head and neck positions such as hyperflexion. Saddles must be properly fitted to both horse and rider to ensure appropriate distribution of kinema...
Maggot therapy in horses with traumatic wounds caused by wire fences: Case reports. This study reports the successful use of maggot therapy in four horses with traumatic wounds caused by wire fences, treated in veterinary clinics and under field conditions in southern Brazil. All lesions showed tissue necrosis, purulent discharge, and foul odor, indicating infection and delayed healing. Sterile Lucilia cuprina larvae (L1 stage) were applied directly to the wounds for 48 hours. Rapid improvement was observed, with marked reduction of necrotic tissue, exudate, and odor, and stimulation of granulation tissue in three cases. Complete wound closure occurred between 10 and 60 days ...
Congenital malformations of the thoracic vertebral column in a mature competition pony. Thoracolumbar congenital abnormalities are considered rare in mature, performing horses. This case report describes a 14-year-old Welsh pony presented with marked epaxial muscle atrophy, mid-thoracic spinal pain, and stiffness, most pronounced during canter. The thoracic spine exhibited scoliosis, centered at T9-T10, and kyphosis. Radiography and postmortem computed tomography revealed complex congenital malformations of the thoracic vertebral column, including abnormal morphology of the T10-T12 vertebral bodies, partial vertebral fusion, a malformed spinous process, a malformed rib with assoc...
Analysis of the antitrypsin activity and immunoglobulin G concentration in equine colostrum and milk. Immunoglobulins ingested via colostrum must remain intact to be absorbed by the neonate. Equine colostrum contains antitrypsin activity, which likely protects these proteins from proteolysis in the gastrointestinal tract. Objective: To quantify antitrypsin activity in equine colostrum and milk, describe its temporal changes during the first five days after parturition, compare actitvity between left and right mammary glands, evaluate differences between nulliparous and pluriparous mares, and examine associations with immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations and mare age. Methods: This retrospecti...
Diagnosis of Equine Genital Leptospirosis (EGL) in mares with poor reproductive performance. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Equine genital leptospirosis (EGL) has been described as a chronic and silent syndrome, presenting reproductive alterations such as abortion, stillbirth, placentitis, embryonic loss, repeat breeding syndrome, and subfertility. This study aimed to investigate the genital Leptospira infection in naturally infected mares with poor reproductive performance, as well as to genetically characterize the agents. A total of 41 mares with a history of poor reproductive performance were selected. Sera were collected for ser...
Prognostic Significance of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate for Survival in Equine Colic. Accurate early prognostic assessment is a central aspect of clinical decision-making in horses presenting with colic. Despite the availability of multiple clinical and laboratory parameters, reliable biomarkers that provide useful information at the time of admission remain limited. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a non-specific indicator of systemic inflammation that has recently been validated for automated point-of-care use in horses. Its behaviour in equine colic has not been previously characterised. This study included 85 horses admitted for colic at two university referral hospita...
Cell and Gene Therapy in Equine Ocular Disease. Equine ocular disease is common and often challenging to treat using traditional methods. This has led to the development of new therapies. Like human medicine, veterinary medicine is adopting cellular and gene therapy as innovative approaches. Equine ocular disease is a particularly promising area for these techniques. Notably, immune-mediated diseases (such as immune-mediated keratitis and equine recurrent uveitis), ulcerative keratitis, and infectious ocular diseases are of interest. Several ocular gene therapy products are approved for use in humans, and more are currently being researched...
Relationship Between Mean Faecal Gastrointestinal Nematode Egg Excretion in Horses and Its Variability: Implications for Control. Faecal egg counts (FECs) are used to assess the intensity of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in herbivores. FEC distribution is aggregated, meaning that approximately 20% of animals harbour 80% of infections. In times of escalating anthelmintic resistance, it may be necessary to restrict treatment to the animals with the heaviest infections. This strategy is called targeted selective treatment (TST) and is relevant to GIN, for example. The difficulty lies in identifying which animals to treat. One solution is to select potentially at-risk animals based on age (for example, treating ...
Feasibility and acceptability of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biosecurity measures in equine facilities: A cross-sectional study. Biosecurity measures are recommended in stables housing meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-positive horses, but their feasibility and acceptability, as well as their implementation barriers, remain unclear. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among clients of a veterinary teaching hospital using an online questionnaire. Information on horse activities, stable characteristics and perceptions (feasibility and acceptability scores) of recommended biosecurity measures for MRSA-positive horses was collected. Results: Fifty-seven horse and/or stable owners completed the que...
How to perform a venogram of the equine foot. The objective of this video is to demonstrate a reliable technique for obtaining diagnostic venogram images of the equine foot. Venogram studies are indicated to assess vascular contrast filling of the equine digit, primarily in cases of laminitis. Unassigned: A healthy university-owned horse was used for demonstration purposes. The protocol was approved by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University IACUC. Unassigned: The horse's shoes are removed, and the foot is cleaned of debris. The horse is sedated and a medial and lateral abaxial nerve block performed. The pastern is clipped...
Ocular Causes for Undesired Behaviors in the Horse. Numerous ocular diseases cause visual impairment and induce ocular pain that may be associated with undesired behaviors in horses. Horses with ocular pain, indicated by the presence of blepharospasm, blepharoedema, ocular discharge or rubbing the eye, should be rested from work to avoid worsening the ocular disease and to avoid undesired behaviors associated with pain or vision impairment. Horses with ocular disease are frequently head shy. Some stoic horses may not have obvious outward clinical signs despite significant visual impairment, and as such, undesired behaviors such as spooking, bal...
Commentary on MacKechnie-Guire et al. Measuring Noseband Tightness on the Lateral Aspect of the Horse’s Face. Animals 2015, 15, 537. The use of horses for sport is under scrutiny due to evidence that common practices such as tight nosebands may impair horse welfare. Restrictive nosebands prevent horses from performing normal comfort behaviour such as coughing and yawning. To address these concerns, the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) developed a noseband tightness-checking device, the ISES "taper gauge," along with a validated method that assesses how far the device can be inserted beneath the noseband at the dorsal midline of the nasal planum. However, citing concerns about the reliability of dorsal mid...
Effects of a rehabilitative whole-body resistance band wrap on equine gait, posture, cortisol, and muscular function. Resistance bands used while horses are exercised with their handlers have shown benefits, but it is unknown if whole-body resistance bands used independently have therapeutic benefits. This study hypothesized that horses with varying gait asymmetries would experience improvements in lameness, muscular function, range of motion, posture, and cortisol following short-term use of a whole-body resistance band wrap (RBW). In this study, nine lame adult horses were evaluated with and without the RBW. The assessment included: objective gait analysis, acoustic myography, postural analysis, gait kinema...
A Novel Equine F[ab’]2 Veterinary Antivenom for North American Viperid Snake Envenomation Demonstrates Efficacy by Rapid Serum Venom Removal and Improvement in Snakebite Severity Score. To assess the efficacy of a new equine F[ab'] antivenom (US Department of Agriculture code 6101.05) in removing serum venom and lowering the snakebite severity score (SSS) in animals suffering from naturally occurring viperid envenomation. Methods: Retrospective study, April 2020 to October 2021. Methods: Veterinary hospitals across four North American regions. Methods: Twenty-two dogs, one cat, and one horse. Methods: All patients received the new antivenom intravenously and were assessed for clinical response. Most dogs required one vial for clinical control of signs. Results: Among the dogs...
Pharmacokinetics of Intragastric Ursodeoxycholic Acid and Its Impact on Bile Acid Profiles in Horses. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a secondary bile acid (BA) with therapeutic applications, is standard therapy for cholestatic hepatopathies in humans. In recent years, its use has been increasingly explored in equine medicine for similar indications. Pharmacokinetic data for UDCA in horses are currently lacking. This study aimed to describe the pharmacokinetic parameters following a single intragastric administration of 15 mg/kg in nine healthy, fasted horses and to characterize the changes in their BA profiles. Plasma concentrations of UDCA were measured at specific time points using liquid ch...
Barrel racing horses demonstrate a high incidence of nonclinical postrace airway disorders. To describe the prevalence of postrace airway abnormalities in a population of barrel racing horses competing in Oklahoma. Unassigned: A descriptive field study was conducted at a single event. Horses underwent resting endoscopy within 60 minutes of competition. Recordings were evaluated and numerical and/or binary scores assigned for pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia, recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, dorsal displacement of the soft palate, epiglottic entrapment, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. Clients completed a questionnaire detailing the horse's medical history and run time. A line...