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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.
Shape, orientation and spacing of the primary epidermal laminae in the hooves of neonatal and adult horses (Equus caballus). Circumferential and proximodistal variations in the morphology of the primary epidermal laminae of six neonatal and five adult equine feet were documented. Three parameters were quantified: interlaminar spacing, the orientation of the laminae with respect to the overlying wall, and any angulation within the laminae themselves ('internal angle'). In adult feet, the laminae were most closely spaced at the dorsum, the spacing increasing gradually towards the heels. In foals there was a non-significant trend for the dorsal laminae to be more widely spaced than those in more caudal parts of the foo...
The study of cutaneous melanomas in Camargue-type gray-skinned horses (2): epidemiological survey. An epidemiological survey was made on cutaneous melanomas occurring in Camargue-type, gray-skinned horses in southern France. The population investigated was composed of 264 horses, which were selected from the Camargue horse stud registry and were allowed to be examined by the owners. The presence of tumors was inspected macroscopically according to the standardized protocols of veterinary medicine specialists, and some tumors were subjected to macroscopic histopathological examination. The results indicated that: 1) the prevalence of melanomas in the overall population was 31.4%; 2) the odds...
Seasonal dynamics of Anocentor nitens on horses in Brazil. Anocentor nitens is a widespread ectoparasite of horses in Brazil. A study of the seasonal dynamics of the parasitic phase of this tick was made by regular census of engorging females (>/=4mm) on free-ranging horses, fortnightly from July 1995 to July 1997, at Pedro Leopoldo, Minas Gerais. Twenty horses were divided into four groups of five animals per group, each having a similar mix of resistant and less resistant animals, based on initial infestation. Every 2 weeks, one of the groups, in sequence, was treated with an acaricide to prevent excessive infestations, and female ticks were cens...
Effect of single bouts of moderate and high intensity exercise and training on equine peripheral blood neutrophil function. The effects of single bouts of moderate (30 to 40 per cent VO(2)max) and high (115 per cent VO(2)max) intensity exercise on equine peripheral blood leucocyte function were evaluated by determining neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity before and after treadmill exercise and training. Prior to all exercise tests, the possible effect of diurnal variation was evaluated in samples obtained from four resting horses. Subsequently eight horses underwent moderate and high intensity exercise protocols and then commenced a 17-week training period. High intensity exercise tests were repeat...
Immunodiagnostic testing in horses. Technologic advances in immunodiagnostic testing have enhanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of a broad array of diseases, including infectious diseases, immunodeficiency disorders, and immune-mediated disorders. If applied rationally, with an understanding of the questions the tests answer as well as the limitations that constrain their use, these tests can serve as valuable aids in the diagnosis and management of equine diseases.
Equine immunity to bacteria. The remarkable ability of the horse and other animals to prevent infection by most bacterial pathogens encountered is the result of a complex set of distinct but overlapping defense mechanisms. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge on innate and adaptive immunity to bacterial pathogens and reviews various ways in which some bacteria have evolved in order to evade components of the host response.
Primary immunodeficiencies of horses. Primary immunodeficiency disorders are genetically determined failures of immune defense that increase susceptibility to infectious agents. This article reviews the salient features of equine primary immunodeficiency disorders, summarizes the molecular mechanisms of each disorder, and updates information that facilitates diagnosis and management of affected horses. The central theme is to encourage clinicians to ask, "I wonder if this horse has an underlying primary immunodeficiency disorder?" when caring for horses suffering from chronic and recurring infections and responding poorly to stand...
Hypersensitivity disorders in horses. Hypersensitivity is an exaggerated immunologic response to a foreign agent that results in inflammation and organ dysfunction. Hypersensitivity disorders are broadly divided into antibody-mediated and T-cell-mediated reactions. The inflammatory pathways that result in disease are initiated in an antigen-specific manner through Fab portions of antibodies or the T-cell receptor, causing the up-regulation of effector mechanisms designed to clear the offending agent. Effector mechanisms include the generation of inflammatory chemicals such as cytokines and chemokines and the attraction of leukocyt...
Equine autoimmunity. Although relatively little is known about autoimmunity and autoimmune mechanisms specifically in horses, the similarities between clinical syndromes with identifiable effector mechanisms in horses and other species suggest that comparable mechanisms may be applicable. Our understanding of equine autoimmunity undoubtedly will benefit from the extensive study of autoimmunity in other species.
Stimulation by iodide of H(2)O(2) generation in thyroid slices from several species. The regulation of thyroid metabolism by iodide involves numerous inhibitory effects. However, in unstimulated dog thyroid slices, a small inconstant stimulatory effect of iodide on H(2)O(2) generation is observed. The only other stimulatory effect reported with iodide is on [1-(14)C]glucose oxidation, i.e., on the pentose phosphate pathway. Because we have recently demonstrated that the pentose phosphate pathway is controlled by H(2)O(2) generation, we study here the effect of iodide on basal H(2)O(2) generation in thyroid slices from several species. Our data show that in sheep, pig, bovine, ...
Splenic infarction and splenectomy in a jumping horse. Primary splenic disease in the horse is rarely recognised as a
clinical entity. A few cases of splenic abscesses (Swan 1968),
splenic haematoma (Spier et al. 1986; McGorum et al. 1996),
and splenic rupture (Finocchio 1971; Steiner 1981; Dyke and
Friend 1988) have been reported. One case of primary
splenomegaly associated with recurrent colic has been
described in the veterinary literature and a splenectomy was
performed which corrected the problem (Varra and Nelson
1976). We are aware of only one report of splenomegaly
associated with splenic infarction in horses (Scott et al. 1978);
...
Occurrence of Thelazia lacrymalis (Nematoda, Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in native horses in Abruzzo region (central eastern Italy). A survey on the prevalence of Thelazia spp. in Abruzzo region (Italy) in slaughtered native horses was conducted from August 29, 1997 to August 28, 1998. Both eyes from 128 eight-month to 11 year-old native animals were examined. 50 horses (39.06%) were found parasitized by Thelazia lacrymalis. 502 specimens (371 females, 88 males and 12 larvae) were collected. In the infected horses the numbers of T. lacrymalis ranged from 1 to 48, with a mean count burden of 3.92 per head (SD = 7.79). T. lacrymalis specimens were mainly in the excretory ducts of the Harderian gland, and also in the ducts of ...
Melanin affinity: a possible explanation of isoxsuprine retention in the horse. Isoxsuprine is used in veterinary medicine as a vasodilating agent. The drug has been detected in the urine of horses up to 6 weeks after the cessation of administration. In the present study, the distribution pattern of 3H-isoxsuprine was investigated using whole body autoradiography in mice to find a possible site of retention. Melanin was the only place of retention identified. Additional in vitro studies showed an affinity of isoxsuprine to both melanin and keratin. The K(d) values were 0.02 mmol/l and 1 mmol/l, and the B(max) values were 0.2 micromol/mg and 2 micromol/mg, respectively. A ...
Affinity of isoxsuprine for adrenoreceptors in equine digital artery and implications for vasodilatory action. We used isolated equine digital arteries to study the vasodilatory mechanism of isoxsuprine, and fowl caecum preparations to investigate the affinity of the drug for beta-adrenoceptors. Isoxsuprine is a potent vasodilator of arterial smooth muscle that has been precontracted by an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist such as noradrenaline (log EC50 = -6.33 [-5.98; -6.68]). The present study indicates that its effect is due to alpha-adrenoceptor blockade since: (1) after a long lasting exposure to cumulative doses of isoxsuprine the vasoconstricting action of noradrenaline cannot be restored; (2) isoxsup...
Postexercise and positional variation in mechanical properties of the radius in young horses. The metacarpal of the horse is severely loaded during vigorous exercise. Metacarpal specimens have a greater impact strength in young horses that have been exercised than in those that have only been walked. We did not find a corresponding difference in the radius of the same horses. We show that cranial (anterior) cortical bone from the radius, which is loaded in tension during locomotion, has a greater Young's modulus, and tensile and bending strength, than bone from the caudal (posterior) cortex, which is loaded in compression. Caudal bone is, however, stronger in compression. The differenc...
Immune responses in mice, cattle and horses to a DNA vaccine for vesicular stomatitis. Vesicular stomatitis (VS) virus causes an important clinical disease of cattle and horses in North America. In order for a vaccine to be useful in the control of VS, it must not only protect against disease, but allow ready differentiation of infected and vaccinated animals. In these studies, we evaluated neutralizing antibody responses in outbred mice, calves, and horses that received a DNA vaccine that expressed the glycoprotein (G) gene of VS New Jersey virus. The vaccine elicited antibody titers in individuals from each species, especially when two doses were administered, but the level of...
The suitability of echotexture characteristics of the follicular wall for identifying the optimal breeding day in mares. Ultrasonically detected changes in the equine preovulatory follicle were characterized for the 3 d preceding ovulation early (n = 47) and late (n = 14) in the ovulatory season. Values for the following follicle end points increased progressively over the 3 d: diameter, incidence of nonspherical shape, echogenicity of the apparent granulosa layer, and prominence of an anechoic layer beneath the granulosa. The latter 2 echotexture end points were scored from 1 to 3 (minimal to maximal). Follicle diameter and the 2 echotexture characteristics were more prominent early than late in the ovulatory s...
Effects of density on displacement, falls, injuries, and orientation during horse transportation(1). Three groups of slaughter-type horses, totaling 30 mares and 29 geldings, were used to determine density effects on displacement (distance moved during a stop), falls, injuries, and orientation using a single-deck, open-topped commercial semi-trailer. Each horse was assigned to one of two treatments: high density (1.28 m(2)/horse with 14 horses) or low density (2.23 m(2)/horse with eight horses). Both treatments occurred sequentially on the same day (treatment order was alternated each trial), using the middle 2.44x7.32 m compartment of a large semi-tractor trailer. The horses were transported...
Diarrhoea associated with cryptosporidial oocyst shedding in a quarterhorse stallion. Cryptosporidial oocyst shedding was detected in a 2.5-year-old Quarterhorse stallion with diarrhoea. Based on the detection of cryptosporidial oocysts, and the absence of other aetiological agents or enteropathogens, cryptosporidiosis was presumptively diagnosed. This case was unusual because cryptosporidial oocyst shedding is primarily found in some immunocompromised or immature horses, and has not been reported in healthy mature horses.
