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Topic:Animal Study
Animal studies involving horses encompass a wide range of research activities aimed at understanding various aspects of equine biology, behavior, health, and management. These studies can include investigations into equine physiology, nutrition, reproduction, and disease processes. Research often involves controlled experiments or observational studies to gather data on how horses respond to different interventions, environments, or management practices. This topic includes peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore methodologies, findings, and implications of animal studies in equine science, contributing to the broader understanding of horse welfare and management.
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...
Diet composition influences equine large intestinal motility as measured by transcutaneous ultrasound. To quantify gastrointestinal motility at 3 anatomic locations of the large colon in healthy horses fed 2 diets. Unassigned: 12 American Quarter Horses were enrolled in a prospective crossover study. Horses received either a complete pelleted diet fed at 1.35% body weight (BW) per day or Coastal Bermudagrass hay fed at 2% BW with 0.5% to 0.7% BW of complete pelleted feed. Each diet was fed for 13 days prior to motility assessment. Two ultrasonographers recorded the frequency of contractions at the sternal flexure of the large colon, left ventral colon, and cecum for 4 consecutive, 1-minute peri...
Blood and fecal metabolic responses of mature horses fed rhizoma peanut hay. Rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata Benth) is an alternative legume forage to alfalfa (ALF, Medicago sativa L.) with less non-structural carbohydrates and crude protein. Yet, metabolic responses to consuming RP hay have never been evaluated in horses. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding RP 'Florigraze' hay on fecal and blood metabolic variables compared to alfalfa 'Legendary XHD' and bermudagrass (BMG, Cynodon dactylon L. 'Coastal') hays fed to maintenance horses. Methods: Six mature Quarter Horse geldings (596±40 kg) were randomly assigned to one ...
Sex-Related Differences in Show-Jumping Performance of Retired Thoroughbred Racehorses in Relation to the Interval Since Race Retirement. To investigate the factors affecting the utilization of retired Thoroughbred racehorses in equestrian disciplines, Bayesian linear mixed models were separately fitted using rank, round time, and obstacle faults from show-jumping competitions restricted to retired Thoroughbred racehorses as dependent variables, with the interaction between horse sex and the interval from race retirement to competition (as a proxy for transition training to show-jumping) as a fixed effect. When the interval was short (≤1 year), the estimated marginal mean of rank was statistically significantly lower in stalli...
Tissue-Engineered Osteochondral Allograft Versus Fresh Osteochondral Allograft: Comparable Cartilage and Subchondral Bone Repair in a 14-Month Equine Osteochondral Defect Model. Fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation effectively repairs cartilage and subchondral bone; however, the persisting shortage of available donor OCAs and their short shelf-life make scheduling surgeries and meeting patient demand challenging. Attempts have been made to develop tissue-engineered solutions to address the limitations of OCA; nonetheless, these have failed to progress beyond the preclinical stage. Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of a tissue-engineered osteochondral allograft (TE-OCA) as compared with equine OCA in an equine osteochondral defect model. Metho...
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...
Where Dinner Roams: The Role of Feral Horses as a Resource Subsidy for Wolves and Cougars in West-Central British Columbia. Feral horses () have established large populations in west-central British Columbia (BC), Canada, where they overlap with native ungulates, including a declining woodland caribou () herd. In addition, feral horses co-occur with large carnivore species including wolf () and cougar (). Feral horses may act as a resource subsidy for predators, potentially altering predator-prey dynamics, yet empirical observations of predator interactions with feral horses are scarce in Canada. Between 2019 and 2025, we documented 21 instances of wolf predation or scavenging of feral horses, including one direct ...
Spirulina supplementation regulates inflammation and supports cartilage health in adult sedentary horses following moderate-intensity exercise. Horses experience rapid physiological, inflammatory, and oxidative responses during exercise. Spirulina, a nutrient-dense microalga with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may help modulate these responses and support recovery. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of 30-day dietary Spirulina supplementation on physiological, inflammatory, and oxidative stress responses to moderate-intensity exercise in sedentary horses. We hypothesized that 30-day Spirulina supplementation would modulate hematologic and inflammatory responses and support recovery from moderate-intensity exerc...
RNA-seq evaluation of equine alveolar macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages exposed to an inflammatory stimulus (short communication). Macrophage populations in the lung, including resident alveolar macrophages (AMs) and recruited monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), recognize the inhaled particulates in barn dust that cause severe equine asthma and orchestrate an immune response though the cytokines they produce. Despite their importance, the specific contributions of these macrophage subsets to lower airway inflammation remain poorly understood. This exploratory in vitro study investigated the likely contributions of AMs and MDMs from healthy horses to the early inflammatory response using RNA-seq. If biologically importan...
Differential profiles of GH, IGF-1, and fructosamine in follicular fluid and plasma of cyclic mares. Growth hormone (GH) influences follicular development mainly by stimulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which acts systemically and locally within the ovary. However, the metabolic profile of follicular fluid (FF) in mares, particularly markers such as fructosamine (FRUCT), an indicator of glucose metabolism, remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate GH, IGF-1, and FRUCT concentrations in plasma and FF and their variation across follicle sizes. Sixty ovaries were collected during the breeding season from 30 clinically normal mares raised for meat production. Blood sa...
Nicotinic acid treatment improves the developmental potential of equine oocytes for cloned embryo production. Nicotinic acid (NA) treatment during in vitro maturation (IVM) has been shown to elevate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels and improve oocyte developmental competence. Suboptimal equine oocyte IVM systems currently limit the efficiency of viable embryo in vitro production. This study evaluated NA supplementation during IVM for cloned equine embryo production, using oocytes from abattoir-sourced ovaries and live mares via ovum pick-up (OPU). Abattoir-derived oocytes (n = 694) were treated without or with 50 or 200 μM NA during the 18 h holding period (Pre-IVM). Next, OPU-deriv...
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...
Pharmacopuncture with low-dose dexmedetomidine and saline aquapuncture at acupoint Governing Vessel 24 provides sedation in healthy adult horses. To evaluate sedation in horses following pharmacopuncture with dexmedetomidine at acupoint Governing Vessel 24 (GV-24) compared to aquapuncture at GV-24 or an equivalent dose of dexmedetomidine administered via IV or SC routes. Unassigned: 10 adult mares received 4 treatments in a blinded, randomized, crossover design: (1) dexmedetomidine administered at GV-24 (DexmedGV24; 1 μg/kg); (2) saline administered at GV-24 (SalineGV24; 1.5 mL); (3) dexmedetomidine administered SC on the lateral neck (DexmedSC; 1 μg/kg); or (4) dexmedetomidine administered IV (DexmedIV; 1 μg/kg). Sedation scores (fa...
Effects of intravenous oxytocin on plasma serotonin and trainability in horses. Oxytocin (OXT) plays a crucial role in regulating the serotonin (5-HT) system and behavior. Although previous studies have reported significant relationships among OXT, 5-HT, and behavioral responses, the effects of OXT on 5-HT concentrations and behavioral traits in horses remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intravenous OXT administration on plasma 5-HT concentrations and trainability in horses. A crossover design was employed using eight horses, each receiving either a 10-IU intravenous dose of OXT or normal saline. Blood samples were collected at baselin...
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...
Activation of the S100A8/A9 Alarmin Amplifies Inflammatory Pathways in Equine Ascending Placentitis. Ascending placentitis is a significant cause of equine pregnancy loss, yet the upstream inflammatory triggers are poorly defined. Recently, we identified S100A8/S100A9 (S100A8/A9) alarmins as potential upstream regulators in a chronic equine placentitis model. The current study aimed to determine whether this upregulation is sustained in the acute model and in clinical cases, and to elucidate the expression of their downstream inflammatory mediators. Using an experimental model, we quantified mRNA expression in acute ( = 5) and chronic ( = 6) placentitis induced by ssp. . We found mRNA expre...
Early Iron Age horse exploitation in Thrace (Bulgaria) inferred from dental attrition and vertebral pathology. To assess pathological lesions observed in an Early Iron Age (8th-century BCE) horse to gain insight into equine use and management in the past. Methods: The study is based on a nearly complete adult horse skeleton recovered from a pit at an archaeological site near Chirpan, Thracian Valley, southern Bulgaria. The assemblage is radiocarbon dated to the 8th century BCE and represents one of the few well-documented Early Iron Age equine skeletons from Bulgaria. Methods: Preserved skeletal elements were examined macroscopically following standard zooarchaeological and palaeopathological protocols...
Ultrasonographic Evidence of Synovitis Correlates with Synovial Citrate and TBARS in Equine Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects humans and animals worldwide. Its early diagnosis remains challenging due to subtle clinical signs and late radiographic changes. This study aimed to explore candidate biomarkers associated with spontaneous OA and to investigate their correlation with ultrasonographic scores to support early diagnosis. Clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic evaluations were performed on 52 equine metacarpophalangeal joints, with and without OA, allowing joint scoring and classification into osteoarthritis (OAG) and control groups. Synovial ...
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...
Endothelial glycocalyx of equine intestinal vessels: electron microscopic and immunohistochemical imaging. To visualize the endothelial glycocalyx in equine intestinal vessels using electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry and to evaluate the impact of induced endotoxemia on its integrity. Unassigned: 6 healthy horses free of gastrointestinal disease were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and diazepam and mechanically ventilated under isoflurane anesthesia. Jejunal venous tissue samples were collected after perfusion fixation with lanthanum nitrate before and 120 minutes after endotoxemia induced by IV administration of 30 ng·kg-1 Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. For transmissio...
Aberrant skeletal muscle morphogenesis and myofiber differentiation characterize equine myotonic dystrophy. Equine myotonic dystrophy (eMD) is a rare neuromuscular disorder of undetermined origin marked by muscle hypertrophy and stiffness, dystrophic muscle histopathology, and myotonic discharges. In humans, myotonic dystrophy (DM) arises from trinucleotide repeat expansions in dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) (DM1) or tetranucleotide expansions in cellular nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP) (DM2), which disrupt mRNA processing and induce embryonic splicing patterns across multiple genes. In 6 eMD Quarter Horse types, (2-36 months-of-age) and 8 control Quarter Horses we determined: (1) fi...
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...
The trajectories of relative concentrations of antirhodococcal immunoglobulin A differ from those of immunoglobulin G subisotypes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid but not serum of foals. To characterize age-related trajectories of the relative concentrations of anti-virulence-associated protein A (VapA) immunoglobulin (Ig)-G1, IgG3/5, IgG4/7, and IgA in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as indicators of systemic and intrapulmonary immune responses in foals naturally exposed to Rhodococcus equi. Unassigned: Blood and BALF samples were collected at ages 4, 14, 28, and 56 days from healthy Quarter Horse foals (n = 19) naturally exposed to R equi. Samples were tested via ELISA for relative concentration of IgG1, IgG3/5, IgG4/7, and IgA recognizing the VapA of R equi. D...
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...
Experimental infection of horses with African horse sickness virus results in overt disseminated intravascular coagulation. African horse sickness (AHS), caused by the vector-borne African horse sickness virus (AHSV), is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and infection results in high mortality in naïve equine populations. Clinical signs include submucosal petechiae and prolonged bleeding post venepuncture indicative of hypocoagulation. Pathological activation of haemostasis may result from tissue factor expression as a result of vascular endothelial damage or dysfunction, the proposed pathologic mechanism in AHS, potentially resulting in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Objective: To describe haemostatic ...
Odontoblasts in Equine Hypsodont Teeth-How They Cope with Permanent Occlusal Wear. Horses' hypsodont (high-crowned) teeth face permanent dental wear. This is compensated for by a continuous eruption, which requires a high adaptability of odontoblasts; otherwise, the dental pulp would be exposed. Here, we report on how equine odontoblasts respond to the challenge of maintaining a high production rate of dentin. We analyzed CD90, a marker of odontoblastic differentiation, and nestin, a marker of mature odontoblasts, in equine pulpal tissue via immunofluorescence. For comparison, we examined the hypselodont (ever-growing) incisors and brachydont (short-crowned) molars of rats. ...
Complications Following Orchiectomy in Stallions in Field Conditions: Descriptive Results and Predictors in a Study of 612 Cases. The objectives of this work were (i) to evaluate the incidence of complications in male horses after orchiectomy performed in the field, i.e., away from a veterinary hospital, (ii) to describe the post-operative complications that occurred in these animals and (iii) to study the potential predictors for the development of such complications. This study involved 612 animals, on which orchiectomy was performed. The operative part of the study was carried out by one of three experienced veterinary surgeons. Standard pre-operative procedures were followed. Orchiectomy was performed using one of th...
Spatial strategies in non-territorial societies: how feral horses maintain boundaries with other groups. Encounters between competitive individuals or groups are common in social animals and can involve costly aggression; thus, animals often employ strategies to minimize direct conflict. However, research on whether and how animals adjust their group spatial structure when they encounter or spatially co-occur with a different group remains limited. We investigated how non-territorial units in feral horse multilevel societies manage spatial encounters with neighbouring units. We observed 25 reproductive units in northern Portugal, using drones, and employed statistical analyses to quantify spatial...
