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.
Reproductive success in Thoroughbred broodmares post large colon resection or colopexy. To describe reproductive performance in Thoroughbred broodmares post-large colon resection and to compare to performance post-colopexy. Methods: A single-institution retrospective study. Methods: A total of 29 client-owned horses: post-large colon resection (LCR) n = 19, post-colopexy: n = 10. Methods: Thoroughbred broodmares that survived until discharge following LCR (Group R) or colopexy (Group P) between 2006 and 2023 were included. Clinical data were collected from clinical records. Breeding and foaling data were collected from the Australian and New Zealand Studbooks. Statistical...
First case report of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar equi in semiarid region of Brazil. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a bacterium that causes significant economic damage to farmers, mainly in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. In this context, only biovar ovis has been reported, and it is widespread in small ruminants. However, this report describes the first equine case in Brazil attributable to a biovar equi. Clinically, it is the causative agent of ulcerative lymphangitis, mastitis, necrotic and ulcerative dermatitis. A Quarter Horse from the semiarid Northeast presented ulcerative lymphangitis. Culture, nitrate reduction test, MALDI-TOF, and whole-genome sequ...
Horse handlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of African horse sickness in South-West, Nigeria. African horse sickness (AHS) is endemic in Nigeria. Despite this, little is known about the perspective of horse handlers in Nigeria regarding AHS. The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of horse handlers in Southwest Nigeria regarding AHS. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted, which involved convenient sampling of 131 horse handlers in Lagos and Oyo States by February - April 2024. The pre-validated questionnaires were administered via face-to-face interviews, covering demographics, knowledge of AHS transmission, clinical signs, prevention and cont...
Faecal microbiota and serum metabolome association with equine metabolic syndrome in connemara ponies. Faecal microbiome and serum metabolome have been studied in human medicine to provide a better understanding of metabolic derangements including diabetes; however, equivalent studies in equine medicine are limited. This was a case-control study conducted to identify differences in faecal microbiota composition and concurrent serum metabolite patterns between metabolically normal Connemara ponies and those with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Thirty privately owned Connemara ponies (15 EMS and 15 controls) were included in the study. EMS was diagnosed by oral sugar test (OST). Blood samples we...
Novel lineages of bacteria with reduced genomes from the gut of farm animals. Genome reduction and associated metabolic deficiencies have been described in various lineages of parasitic and symbiotic microorganisms that obtain essential nutrients from their partners, and in some free-living microorganisms that inhabit stable environments. The animal gut is a relatively stable ecosystem, characterized by an abundance of organic substances and a high concentration of microorganisms, which provides favorable conditions for the survival of microorganisms with reduced genomes. Metagenomic analysis of 49 samples of feces of farm animals (cows, sheep, yaks, and horses) reveale...
Rabies in livestock in the United States (2012-2021). Rabies in livestock in the United States (US) poses a significant public health concern due to the potential for human exposure and economic losses to producers. Understanding the epidemiology of rabies in livestock supports broader One Health goals by enhancing early detection of viral incursions and protecting both animal and human health. This study assessed the epidemiology of rabies in livestock in the US from 2012 to 2021 using surveillance data reported to the National Rabies Surveillance System. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to estimate economic losses, including livestock value...
Mapping the epidemiology and intensity of Parascaris equorum infection in equids in Erbil Province, Iraq. This study investigated the prevalence, intensity, and associated risk factors of Parascaris equorum (P. equorum) infection in equids using both parasitological and molecular methods. Data on age, sex, body condition, and housing conditions were systematically collected to evaluate their influence on infection risk. Fecal samples from 294 equines (148 horses, 47 mules, 63 donkeys, and 36 ponies) were examined microscopically using direct wet-mount and flotation techniques, with infection intensity quantified using the McMaster technique to determine eggs per gram (EPG). Molecular confirmation ...
What ‘knot’ to do whilst castrating donkeys. A retrospective comparison of ligation method on spermatic cord haemorrhage in 261 donkeys castrated by vet students in rural Malawi using transfixing and modified millers’ ligatures. Special considerations for donkeys undergoing castration compared with horses include the presence of large scrotal vessels, larger testicular artery and vein and the consequential increased risk of post-operative haemorrhage which necessitates spermatic cord ligation. Objective: This retrospective study compares haemorrhagic complication rates between two methods of spermatic cord ligation in donkeys castrated in rural Malawi. Methods: All donkeys presenting to Veterinary Education Malawi / Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals rural large animal outreach clinics for castrat...
Regulatory Integrity and Welfare in Horse Sport: A Constructively Critical Perspective. This commentary evaluates contemporary equestrian sport governance through the lens of equine welfare science. Drawing on evidence from the FEI Sport Forum 2025 debates, the IFHA Racing Integrity Handbook, media coverage of horse sport, recent scientific presentations, regulatory texts, and published research, we identify systemic shortcomings in how horse welfare is assessed, prioritised, and protected. Key issues include reliance on performance as a proxy for welfare, inadequate "fit-to-compete" protocols, neglect of horses' mental states, coercive tack and equipment practices (e.g., double ...
Risk Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Antibodies Against Brucellosis in Equids from Western Pará, Brazil. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibodies against equine brucellosis in three distinct equid groups (farm animal, urban carthorse, and sport horse) in Western Pará, Brazil, and to identify associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study, involving 75 farms across 14 municipalities, sampled 1069 equids composed of urban carthorses and sport horses. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against spp. using the buffered acidified plate antigen (BAPA) test for screening, followed by the serum agglutination in tubes with 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) for confirmation. Univariate an...
Identifying insulinemic responses of ID horses offered varying levels of NSC and meal-sizes. Feeding small meals (∼1 g/kg BW DM basis) providing >10% nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC; starch + water soluble carbohydrate; WSC) has resulted in an augmented insulin response (AIR) in insulin dysregulated (ID) horses, but it's unclear if AIR reflects NSC content or the g NSC/kg BW/meal. Objective: The insulinemic responses of ID (n = 7) and non-insulin dysregulated (NID; n = 8) horses fed four feeds (A = 6.8% NSC; B = 14.9% NSC; C = 35.5% NSC; D = 44.6% NSC) at three levels of NSC intake (0.06, 0.11-0.12 and 0.17-0.18 g/kg BW) were evaluated in a randomized Latin square design across two...
First report of Trypanosoma evansi A-type from the Ecuadorian Amazon: Phylogenetic and structural analyses of the VSG RoTat1.2 fragment. Trypanosoma evansi, a protozoan parasite of the Trypanozoon subgenus, infects domestic and wild animals, and occasionally humans, worldwide. Despite its significant impact on livestock production, epidemiological studies and molecular analyses of T. evansi based on variant surface glycoproteins (VSG) remain limited in South America. We report the first molecular identification of T. evansi in two localities in the Ecuadorian Amazon and provide phylogenetic and structural analyses of the VSG RoTat 1.2 fragment. Using a retrospective biobank approach, we analyzed DNA from blood samples of dogs a...
Impact of Low-Starch Dietary Modifications on Faecal Microbiota Composition and Gastric Disease Scores in Performance Horses. Equine gastric disease (EGD) is a common condition in performance horses (), potentially compromising behaviour, performance, and welfare. EGD is often attributed to high-starch, high-sugar feeds and limited forage. Evidence for diet-induced changes on digestive microbiota is lacking. Nine elite showjumping horses were housed at the same performance yard with standardised diet and management throughout the study. Horses were transitioned from a high-sugar and -starch (31%) feed to a low-starch and -sugar (16.5%) concentrate feed. Gastroscopies, blood, and faecal samples were taken pre- and 12 ...
Influence of Cryopreservation on the Acrosome Reaction in Hucul Stallion Spermatozoa. The Hucul horse is a Polish primitive breed with a small population size, which highlights the importance of preserving the genetic resources. The cryopreservation of semen is essential for creating gene banks, but its effect on the acrosome reaction in Hucul stallions has not yet been investigated. The acrosome reaction is one of the most important physiological events associated with the fertilization process. Therefore, our goal was to determine the level of acrosome reaction in chilled and frozen/thawed Hucul stallion semen using the FluoAcro test and the SCA semen analysis system. We foun...
Mosaic arthroplasty in equine stifle and fetlock joints: A retrospective study of 31 cases between 1998 and 2023. To evaluate the clinical application of equine mosaic arthroplasty for joint surface repair, including outcomes and complications. Methods: Retrospective clinical study. Methods: A total of 31 horses diagnosed with subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) in the femoral condyle (22/31), distal metacarpus (7/31), or metatarsus (2/31). Methods: Medical records of horses that underwent autologous or allogeneic osteochondral graft transplantation were reviewed. Follow-up lasted at least 12 months. Success was determined in terms of improvements in lameness and post-surgical athletic performance, classified...
Influence of lighting on sleep behaviour, circadian rhythm and spontaneous blink rate in stabled riding school horses (Equus caballus). Modern horse husbandry involves significant time spent indoors, often in suboptimal lighting conditions and with frequent night-time disturbances by humans for management purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a customised light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system and a standard fluorescent lighting fixture on equine sleep behaviours, circadian rhythmicity and spontaneous blink rates in horses. Ten riding school horses experienced two stable lighting conditions for four weeks each in a cross-over study running from January to March, 2023. The treatment lighting co...
Multisystemic Disease and Septicemia Caused by Presumptive Burkholderia pseudomallei in American Quarter Horse, Florida, USA. We report a presumptive case of melioidosis caused by an atypical Burkholderia pseudomallei serotype in an American quarter horse in north-central Florida, USA, through archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens dating back to 2006. This case underscores the potential pathologic impact of emergent B. pseudomallei in the Gulf region of the United States.
Detection of Novel Orthobunyavirus Reassortants in Fatal Neurologic Case in Horse and Culicoides Biting Midges, South Africa. We detected Shuni virus in horses and ovine fetuses and Shamonda virus in a caprine fetus in South Africa. We identified a Shuni/Shamonda virus reassortant in a horse and Shuni/Caimito, Shamonda/Caimito, and Shamonda/Sango virus reassortants in Culicoides midges. Continued genomic surveillance will be needed to detect orthobunyavirus infections in Africa.
Tracheal collapse rates in Kenyan working cart and pack donkeys. Donkeys (Equus asinus) in East Africa are recognised as working with poorly designed harnesses and carts. The donkey cart used in regions of Africa, specifically Meru County, Kenya, appears to place the cart's weight solely on the donkey's mid-cervical region. The ventral area of the neck is vulnerable to external pressure on the trachea, which is superficially located. Objective: To compare the presence and severity of endoscopic abnormalities in the upper airway and trachea of Meru County working cart donkeys compared to pack donkeys. To determine associations between endoscopic and physical...
Complications associated with subpalpebral lavage systems in upper and lower equine eyelids: A prospective, randomised study in 73 cases (2015-2024). Evidence for optimal location of subpalpebral lavage (SPL) systems is lacking. Objective: To compare the rate and types of complications with SPL systems located in central upper- compared with medial lower-eyelid in hospitalised patients. Methods: Prospective, randomised treatment trial. Methods: Horses admitted for ophthalmic treatment using an SPL system from February 2015 to January 2024 were included if ocular pathology did not necessitate SPL system placement in a specific location. Coin toss was used to determine location. SPL systems were monitored at least daily, and complications wer...
Indicators of mortality risk in ageing horses. Clinical care for patients with limited life expectancy often requires adjustments, prioritizing immediate benefits over long-term outcomes, as the relevance of future complications diminishes. This study identifies indicators of mortality risk in horses with chronic orthopaedic conditions to enhance individualized care and welfare. Over 3 years, 123 chronically lame horses and 6 healthy control horses at an animal sanctuary underwent regular (every 3 months) comprehensive health assessments and activity monitoring using wearable sensors. Data collected included body condition scores, muscul...
Impact of feeding strategies on the welfare and behaviour of horses in groups: An experimental study. Finding feeding strategies that meet horses' needs without compromising health is essential for optimising welfare, particularly in group housing, where limited hay availability increases aggression and injury risks. Recently, two strategies have emerged: portioning daily intake into smaller, frequent meals using time-controlled hay racks, or slowing intake with "slow-feeders." However, the effects of such management practices on horse behaviour remain underexplored. We conducted a cross-over study with 18 mares divided into four groups to compare three feeding strategies: "traditional" (3 of ...
Evaluation of use of respiratory physiotherapy in treatment of young foals with pneumonia. Pneumonia is a common condition in young, hospitalized foals, causing accumulation of inflammatory secretions to the airways. In humans, respiratory physiotherapy is commonly used as a supplementary treatment for pneumonia with varying results regarding its efficacy, but the efficacy in foals has not been assessed to date. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of respiratory physiotherapy as a supplementary therapy method for young foals with pneumonia. Methods: A total of 44 foals with pneumonia aged under a month were used. The prospective intervention group receivi...
Donkey and Hybrid Anaesthetic Mortality in an Observational, Prospective, Multicentre Cohort Study. Equid anaesthetic mortality is of interest to practitioners. Data for donkey and hybrid mortality have not been specifically described. The main aim of this worldwide observational, prospective, multicentre cohort study was to report on mortality in the 7 days following a general anaesthetic or standing sedation in donkeys and hybrids. This study hypothesised that donkeys and hybrids would have higher mortalities compared to horses. Data were collected as part of the fourth Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities (CEPEF4). A total of 825 cases were included, with 757 donkeys ...
Equine Bone Imaging, Part 1: Establishing an Equine Nuclear Medicine Facility. While the establishment and operation of an equine nuclear medicine department share several principles with those of human nuclear medicine departments, they require an additional skill set to ensure safe and effective operation. This article explores the practical aspects of equine nuclear medicine facility location and design and details important considerations for safe and practical operation. Key considerations associated with the differences in physical and radiation safety and imaging approaches are explored. Specific adaptations of γ-camera gantries to allow either planar imaging or ...
Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries associated with lameness in Australian campdraft horses. Campdrafting is a unique Australian cow horse sport, which evolved from mustering cattle and is one of Australia's fastest growing equine sports. This discipline is associated with its own unique set of musculoskeletal injuries yet to be reported. Objective: To describe the prevalence, anatomical location, and diagnostic modality used to localise lameness in campdrafting horses to better assist efficient orthopaedic management of the campdraft horse. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records were examined from one private practice equine group and one university veterinary h...
Is Rifampin (Rifampicin) Essential for the Treatment of Rhodococcus equi Infections in Foals? A Critical Review of the Role of Rifampin. Rifampin is an enigma among antimicrobials. Blood and tissue compartment concentrations are a "moving target" along the treatment course due to the complex pharmacodynamic interactions within the body. Rifampin concomitant therapies are for the prevention and treatment of Rhodococcus equi infection in foals, for nearly 40 years. The necessity of rifampin concomitant therapies is based on beliefs that both antimicrobials (e.g., rifampin plus macrolide) penetrate into pulmonary abscesses and intracellular compartments above R. equi minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), as well as better ef...
Stress responses of horses transported long-distance by road to and from a jumping competition in a tropical climate. Long-distance road transport is known to be stressful for horses, with most research conducted in temperate climates. This study investigated horses' stress responses during long-distance transport before and after a jumping competition in a tropical environment. Ten healthy horses (aged 7.9 ± 1.9 years) were studied. Blood cortisol concentrations, haematology, and heart rate variability (HRV) were monitored during outbound (OTJ) and inbound journeys (INJ). Cortisol concentrations increased five minutes after unloading and remained elevated for up to 180 minutes in the OTJ (P < 0.05-0.001)...