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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.
Nonexertional Rhabdomyolysis. Although horses most commonly develop exertional rhabdomyolysis, there are numerous causes for nonexertional rhabdomyolysis (nonER) that pose a serious health threat to horses. Their etiologies can be broadly categorized as toxic, genetic, inflammatory/infectious, nutritional, and traumatic and a variety of diagnostic tests are available to discern among them. This study discusses causes of nonER as well as diagnostics and treatments that are specific to each etiology. General treatment of acute rhabdomyolysis is covered in detail in the study in this issue on sporadic and recurrent exertional...
No More Evasion: Redefining Conflict Behaviour in Human-Horse Interactions. Euphemisms, anthropomorphisms, and equivocation are established characteristics of traditional equestrian language. 'Evasion', 'resistance', and 'disobedience' are common labels assigned to unwelcome equine behaviours, implying that the horse is at fault for not complying with the human's cues and expectations. These terms appear to overlook multiple motivations that may directly result in the horse offering unwelcome responses, which may then inadvertently be reinforced. This article revisits some of the anthropocentric inferences in these terms and explores the harmful consequences of such c...
Remodelling of the healthy foal’s conjunctival microbiome in the first two months of life. The aim of the study was to explore and characterise healthy foals' eye microbiomes in the first two months of life. Unassigned: Conjunctival swabs were collected three times, not later than 12 h after delivery and again at the end of the first and the second months of life from six clinically healthy foals of the Polish Konik breed. The average interval between the first and second samplings was 33.3 days and between the second and third was 35.6 days. Next-generation sequencing performed on a MiSeq sequencer in paired-end technology was used to analyse the composition of the conjunctival mic...
Healthy as a Horse? Characterising the UK and Ireland’s Horse Owners, Their Horses, and Owner-Reported Health and Behavioural Issues. This study focuses on recreational horse owners in the UK and Ireland to explore the relationship between horse characteristics and welfare issues. An online questionnaire was distributed to 1501 horse owners to collect data on the owners, horses, and health/behavioural issues. Most respondents were female (98%), lived in England (56%), and did not insure their horses for veterinary costs (51%). Horses were typically over 5 years of age (96%), taller than 154 cm (55%), and mostly geldings (65%). Common welfare issues reported included lameness (26%), handling problems (11%), antisocial behavio...
Theileria cervi in Amblyomma neumanni (Acari: Ixodida, Ixodidae) collected on horses from North-western Argentina. ticks collected on horses from the North-West of Argentina were analyzed for the presence of the Piroplasm agents and . A total of 97 adult ticks from four different provinces (Jujuy, Santiago del Estero, Salta, Tucumán) were included in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated, and conventional PCR assays were applied for the detection of the 18S rDNA gene of and species. One sample corresponding to a male of collected in Tapia, Tucumán Province, resulted positive. Phylogenetic analyses carried out with the obtained 18S rDNA partial gene sequences resulted in the identification of . Althou...
Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy. Type 1 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1) is an autosomal dominant glycogen storage disorder affecting more than 20 breeds of horses that can present with a variety of signs, including exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER). It is diagnosed by genetic testing or muscle biopsies containing muscle fibers with abnormal amylase-resistant polysaccharide. Type 2 PSSM has recently been subdivided. PSSM2-ER is a glycogen storage disorder identified in Quarter Horses that causes ER and is diagnosed by muscle biopsy as its genetic basis is unknown. Both PSSM1 and PSSM2-ER respond well to a low nonstructura...
Equine autologous blood-based products contain variable quantities of transforming growth factor-β1, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, and α2-macroglobulin. Quantify the concentration of α2-macroglobulin (A2M), immunomodulatory cytokines, and TGF-β1 factors in 4 commercially available autologous blood-based products including conditioned A2M (CA2M; Alpha2EQ; Astaria Global), autologous protein solution (APS; Pro-Stride; Zoetis), platelet-rich plasma (PRP; Restigen; Zoetis), and autologous conditioned plasma (ACP; Arthrex ACP). We hypothesized that CA2M would have higher concentrations of A2M and lower concentrations of cytokines and growth factors compared to APS, PRP, and ACP. Unassigned: Blood was obtained from 6 healthy, adult horses and proc...
Circulating concentrations of vitamins C, D and E vary with age but not with pneumonia status in foals during the first 5 months of life. Adequate vitamin availability is vital for cellular and immune function and for normal growth. Available data on age-related changes in serum concentrations of vitamins in foals are limited. In addition, associations between circulating vitamin concentrations and the development of bronchopneumonia in foals are not described. Objective: (1) To quantify circulating concentrations of vitamins C, D and E from birth to weaning in foals; (2) to determine associations between vitamin concentrations and the development of bronchopneumonia during this period. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Methods...
Effect of an adjustable ceiling to prevent premature rising attempts after general anesthesia in healthy ponies and horses: A pilot study. This study aimed to assess and compare the recovery of ponies and horses following general anesthesia in two different settings: a recovery box with an inflexible, adjustable ceiling, and free recovery without restraints. Our primary objective was to evaluate the effect of adjustable ceilings on the prevention of premature attempts to rise during recovery. The secondary aim was to compare the physiological stress indicators during recovery. Methods: Prospective, randomized, experimental study. Methods: Six healthy ponies and 10 healthy horses. Methods: This study used a crossover design with t...
Effect of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the growth and development of young foals under subtropical conditions of Pakistan. This study was designed to explore the impact of intrinsic (breed of foal, age of dam, and age of foal at weaning) and extrinsic (season of birth and housing type) factors on the growth and survival of foals in the subtropical conditions of Pakistan. For the growth study, retrospective data analysis of foals (n = 150) born from purebred brood mares of Thoroughbred, Arabs, and Percheron breeds (n1, n2, and n3 = 50 each) was made. Six hundred and twenty-four (n = 624) foals born between 2020 to 2022 were observed for the study of foal survival rate. The survival of these foals till the age of on...
Objective assessment of acute pain in foals using a facial expression-based pain scale. Pain assessment based on facial expressions has been described in foals. Objective: To extend previous pilot findings of the Equine Utrecht University Scale for Facial Assessment of Pain in Foals (EQUUS-FAP FOAL). Methods: Prospective blinded case-control study (known groups analysis). Methods: Video recordings (30-60 s) of n = 100 foals (38 patients and 62 controls) were collected. Videos were randomised and scored by two observers, blinded for the condition of the animals. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was tested by Intra Class Correlation (ICC) analysis. Differences between pati...
Clinical Examination of the Muscle System. The equine muscle system is complex and prone to a large range of hereditary and acquired diseases that often have overlapping clinical signs with orthopedic, neurologic, and other disorders. Obtaining a clinical history that fully outlines the client concerns and any known information about the disorder and following with a comprehensive physical examination and screening clinical pathology tests are fundamental to achieve definitive diagnosis. A methodical and comprehensive approach aids accurate diagnosis and development of an optimal treatment and management plan. This article describes th...
Genome sequence of Equine Erythroparvovirus 1, identified in the United States. is a parvovirus that was identified in the blood of four horses in the United States. Here, we report one genome from a horse in New York State. This genome may represent a new species within the genus .
Molecular and Serological Investigation of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) and Type 4 (EHV-4) in Horses In Ibagué, Tolima. EHV-1 is one of the most prevalent viral pathogens in horses; however, its prevalence is not well defined by cross-reactions of serological tests. Thus, this study aims to determine EHV-1/-4 prevalence in Colombian creole horses from Ibagué, Tolima, using molecular techniques, as well as to determine possible risk factors associated with viral infection. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 110 equines blood, serum, and semen samples from Ibagué, Tolima. Antibodies against EHV-1/-4 were determined through indirect ELISA. EHV-1 was detected by amplifying the glycoprotein H gene through ...
Characteristics of meconium impaction/retention in newborn foals: From 2006 to 2024. Meconium impaction/retention is a significant cause of colic in foals. Historically, limitations of both medical and surgical treatment are noted. Outcomes of meconium impaction/retention have not recently been reported. Unassigned: To describe case characteristics and outcomes in foals with meconium impaction/retention. Unassigned: Retrospective, single referral hospital. Unassigned: Medical records from 2006 to 2024 were searched for foals ≤3 days old with a history of straining to defecate, abdominal distention, colic, weakness and/or tail flagging. Signalment, presenting complaint, treat...
Sporadic and Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis. Horses are particularly susceptible to developing exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) characterized by muscle stiffness, pain, and reluctance to move. Diagnosis requires establishing abnormal increases in serum creatine kinase activity when horses exhibit clinical signs. The 2 main categories of ER include sporadic ER arising from extrinsic causes and chronic ER that arises from intrinsic continuous or episodic abnormalities in muscle function. This article focuses on treatment of acute ER and causes and management of sporadic ER. Differential diagnoses for chronic ER as well as the pathophysiology...
Welfare of horses at slaughter. The objective of this Scientific Opinion is to assess the hazards and welfare consequences associated with the slaughter of horses for human consumption. The entire slaughter procedure, from arrival at the slaughterhouse until death, is divided into three phases: Phase 1 - pre-stunning, Phase 2 - stunning and Phase 3 - bleeding. Phase 1 includes the following processes (in chronological order): (a) arrival, (b) unloading of the animals from the vehicle, (c) lairage, (d) handling and moving to the stunning area and (e) restraint before application of the stunning method. Phase 2 encompasses the...
Welfare of horses during killing for purposes other than slaughter. Horses of different ages may have to be killed on-farm for purposes other than slaughter (where slaughter is defined as killing for human consumption) either individually (i.e. on-farm killing of unproductive, injured or terminally ill animals) or on a large-scale (i.e. depopulation for disease control purposes and other situations, such as environmental contamination, disaster management, etc.). The purpose of this opinion is to assess the hazards and welfare consequences associated with the on-farm killing of horses. The killing procedure is divided into Phase 1 (pre-killing), which includes...
Investigation of the frequency and selected prevalence factors of equid alphaherpesvirus 4 viremia in horses with acute onset of fever and respiratory signs. Equid alphaherpesvirus 4 (EqAHV4; Orthoherpesviridae, Varicellovirus equidalpha4; equine rhinopneumonitis virus) has seldom been associated with complications such as abortion and myeloencephalopathy, given the low tendency of this virus to induce viremia. We investigated the frequency of EqAHV4 viremia in horses with fever and respiratory signs. Case selection included all equids with EqAHV4 quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR)-positive nasal secretions (defined as EqAHV4 qPCR-positive cases) submitted to a diagnostic laboratory. Controls consisted of each case submitted before and after each Eq...
Essential and risk elements in horses affect haematology, serum biochemistry and oxidative status parameters. The abundance of chemical elements in the blood of horses can indicate the physiological balance, health of animal as well as can be taken as an indicator of environmental pollution. The aim of this work was to analyse haematological, biochemical parameters, TOS, FRAP, SOD, Gpx, TAS and their correlations with concentrations of essential and risk elements in blood of horses stabled in two different locations: The National Stud Farm Topoľčianky (n = 11; 11 stallions, consisting of the breeds 6 Lipizzan, 3 Slovak warmblood, 2 Holsteiner) and Experimental Centre at Institute of Animal Husba...
Disorders of Muscle Mass and Tone. Muscle disease has various clinical manifestations that range from exertional and non-exertional rhabdomyolysis, fasciculations, weakness, rigidity, stiffness, gait abnormalities, poor performance, and alterations in muscle mass and tone. Neurogenic disorders and non-neurogenic disorders such as primary muscle disease can cause muscle atrophy and changes in muscle tone. Myotonic disorders can have a genetic (eg, inherited channelopathies) or acquired (eg, electrolyte derangements) origin. Normal muscle enzyme activities do not rule out a myopathic disorder as the underlying cause of muscle atr...
The Role of Nutrition in Managing Muscle Disorders. Many myopathies in horses can be managed by exercise regimes and dietary modifications. This includes modifying the amount of nonstructural carbohydrate, fat, amino acids, vitamin E, and selenium based on the horse's specific myopathy, metabolic status, exercise program, and optimal body weight. Because dietary recommendations differ substantially between myopathies, it is imperative to establish a specific diagnosis. A nutritionist will help practitioners select from the myriad of offered products to ensure a balanced diet. This article provides detailed recommendations for a variety of myopa...
Complications associated with equine transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration: Practitioner survey and field results. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (TVA) is being performed commonly in clinical equine practice. There is limited information in the literature about the type and incidence of complications related to TVA. We conducted a survey (Study 1), completed by 23 practicing veterinarians, soliciting information about the types and incidence of minor and major complications and of fatalities they had experienced associated with performance of TVA. In Study 2, data from a large clinical practice in which six veterinarians performed over 14,000 TVAs over a period of 7 years was reviewed t...
Use of full-thickness mesh grafts and full-thickness meek micrografts in five horses with ear skin defects caused by trauma or neoplasm resection. To report the management and outcomes of five horses with ear skin defects treated with the use of full-thickness mesh grafts and full-thickness Meek micrografts. Methods: Five horses with acute or granulating pinna skin wounds. Methods: Short case series. Methods: A full-thickness graft was harvested from the pectoral region under general anesthesia. The sheet graft was stretched on a sterile plastic board with the epidermal side facing down. The subcutaneous fat and fascia were removed by sharp dissection. The skin graft was then meshed by hand or using a block mesher, or manually cut into m...
Safety and efficacy of oral edible bird’s nest supplementation: Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits for Arabian race stallions during exercise. Exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation adversely affect the health and performance of athletic horses. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of edible bird's nest (EBN) supplementation and its potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in Arabian race stallions during exercise. Key objectives included assessing EBN's impact on hepatic and renal function, hematological profiles, and sialic acid (SA) levels. Unassigned: Two experiments were conducted on 18 Arabian stallions. In Experiment 1, six healthy stallions were divided into control (n = 2) and EBN-supplemented ...
From cytogenetics to cytogenomics: a new era in the diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in domestic animals. Identification of chromosomal abnormalities is an important issue in animal breeding and veterinary medicine. Routine cytogenetic diagnosis of domestic animals began in the 1960s with the aim of identifying carriers of centric fusion between chromosome 1 and 29 in cattle. In the 1970s, chromosome banding techniques were introduced, and in the 1980s, the first cytogenomic techniques, based on the development of locus- and chromosome-specific probes, were used. Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, molecular techniques (such as polymorphism of microsatellite markers, droplet digital P...
Assessment of tree-associated atypical myopathy risk factors in Acer pseudoplatanus (sycamore) seeds and leaves. Sycamore tree-derived hypoglycin A (HGA) toxin causes atypical myopathy (AM), an acute, equine pasture-associated rhabdomyolysis but incidence fluctuates. Objective: Investigate whether tree or environmental factors influence HGA concentration in sycamore material and are associated with AM relative risk. Methods: Retrospective and experimental prospective study. Methods: UK sycamore population, seed production and AM incidence data were obtained. HGA concentration was measured in seeds from trees from 10 different central UK locations. The effect of tar spot infection, seed maturity, tree tru...
The myometrial transcriptome changes in mares with endometrosis. Mares with endometrosis exhibit histological changes not only in the endometrium but also in the myometrium that suggest possible functional impairment. The molecular background of these changes is not well understood. We hypothesize that the transcriptomic profile of the mare myometrium varies depending on the degree of endometrosis in mares. Myometria were collected from mares in the mid-luteal phase of the estrous cycle with endometrium categories I, IIA, IIB, and III (∑n = 23), according to Kenney and Doig´s histopathological classification. Myometrial RNA was isolated and subjected...
