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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.
Immunogenic profile of a plant-produced nonavalent African horse sickness viral protein 2 (VP2) vaccine in IFNAR-/- mice. A safe, highly immunogenic multivalent vaccine to protect against all nine serotypes of African horse sickness virus (AHSV), will revolutionise the AHS vaccine industry in endemic countries and beyond. Plant-produced AHS virus-like particles (VLPs) and soluble viral protein 2 (VP2) vaccine candidates were developed that have the potential to protect against all nine serotypes but can equally well be formulated as mono- and bi-valent formulations for localised outbreaks of specific serotypes. In the first interferon α/β receptor knock-out (IFNAR-/-) mice trial conducted, a nine-serotype (nona...
Adaptive forgetting of place/object memory for dung in the domestic horse (Equus ferus caballus): Memory for a day. The domestic horse (Equus ferus caballus) makes dung deposits to form "stud-piles" and compulsively examines dung droppings, suggesting that dung contains species-relevant information. The present study investigates horses' use of location (place), odor (object) and memory for dung sniff encounters. Horses were video recorded in 2 indoor and 4 outdoor riding arenas as they were taken at different time intervals to experimenter-determined objects or dung deposits that they could sniff. Frame-by-frame video analysis measured approaches, sniff duration, nostril use, ear position and blinking asso...
Strategic palmar trimming before conventional shoeing shows potential for managing underrun heels in horses. Underrun heels are among the most hoof imbalances, causing poor performance in hoses. Several corrective shoeing protocols have been performed, but the outcomes have yet to be consistent. In this study, we proposed an alternative trimming protocol for managing underrun heels: strategic palmar trimming before conventional shoeing. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the potential of strategic palmar trimming before conventional shoeing for managing hoof imbalance in horses with underrun heels. Unassigned: Eleven affected horses were divided into control (5 horses with 14 defective...
Evaluation of remote assistance for point-of-care ultrasonography in a large animal hospital: a controlled randomized trial. To assess whether remote assistance is beneficial to the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) examinations during equine emergency evaluations. Methods: Adult horses presenting to a tertiary care large animal emergency service for respiratory or gastrointestinal clinical signs. Methods: Prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical study. Cases were assigned to receive POCUS with remote assistance ("POCUS-R" group) or POCUS with no assistance ("POCUS" group). Accuracy of diagnosis, duration of sonograms and survival to discharge were the objective outcomes compared between groups. Perc...
Metabarcoding study to reveal the structural community of strongylid nematodes in domesticated horses in Thailand. Mixed strongylid infections significantly impact equine health and performance. Traditional microscopy-based methods exhibit limitations in accurately identifying strongylid species. Nemabiome deep amplicon sequencing approach previously succeeded in describing the strongylid communities in livestock including equids. However, there are no available studies that describe the structural communities of strongylid parasites in horses in Thailand. Therefore, this study was undertaken encompassing the ITS-2 rDNA metabarcoding assay to characterize strongylid species within horse fecal samples colle...
Identification of the Reference Genes for Relative qRT-PCR Assay in Two Experimental Models of Rabbit and Horse Subcutaneous ASCs. Obtaining accurate and reliable gene expression results in real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) data analysis requires appropriate normalization by carefully selected reference genes, either a single or a combination of multiple housekeeping genes (HKGs). The optimal reference gene/s for normalization should demonstrate stable expression across varying conditions to diminish potential influences on the results. Despite the extensive database available, research data are lacking regarding the most appropriate HKGs for qRT-PCR data analysis in rabbit and horse adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). Therefore,...
The ability of donkey sperm to induce oocyte activation and mule embryo development after ICSI. Members of the Equus genus exhibit a fascinating capacity for hybridization, giving rise to healthy offspring. Mules, resulting from the mating of a mare with a jack, represent the most prevalent equid hybrid, serving diverse roles in our society. While in vitro embryo production, particularly through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), has rapidly gained significance in domestic horses, the in vitro production in other equids remains largely unexplored. Utilizing donkey sperm for fertilizing horse oocytes not only addresses this gap but also provides an opportunity to investigate donkey ...
Cell-permeable bone morphogenetic protein 2 facilitates bone regeneration by promoting osteogenesis. The use of the FDA-approved osteoinductive growth factor BMP2 is widespread for bone regeneration. However, its clinical application has been hindered by limitations in cell permeability and a short half-life in circulation. To address this issue, we have developed a modified version of BMP2, referred to as Cell Permeable (CP)-BMP2, which possesses improved cell permeability. CP-BMP2 incorporates an advanced macromolecular transduction domain (aMTD) to facilitate transfer across the plasma membrane, a solubilization domain, and recombinant human BMP2. Compared to traditional rhBMP2, CP-BMP2 ex...
Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2)-associated benign penile lesions and squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common genital, ocular and gastric tumour in horses. Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) DNA has been detected in several studies in equine penile squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and precursor lesions providing evidence of a causal role of EcPV2 in equine genital SCCs. Recently, EcPV2 E6/E7 nucleic acids were also detected in equine gastric SCCs, but further studies are required to determine the role of EcPV2 infection in the pathogenesis of gastric SCC. EcPV2 nucleic acids have been rarely described in ocular SCCs and precursor lesions. To investig...
Comparison of differential protein expression of the marginal transitional zone in neonatal and weanling-aged foals. The marginal transitional zone (MTZ) is peripherally located within the diarthrodial joint, and represents the junction of synovium, fibrous joint capsule, articular cartilage, periosteum, and bone. The purpose of this study is to characterize age-related differences in protein expression of matrix and molecular regulators in the marginal transitional zone of neonatal and weanling foals. Several families of proteins with known roles in cartilage and bone development are investigated, including matrix molecules, members of the Wnt signaling family, apoptotic factors and paracrine cell signaling...
Addition of synthetic polymer in the freezing solution of mesenchymal stem cells from equine adipose tissue as a future perspective for reducing of DMSO concentration. The regenerative therapies with stem cells (SC) has been increased by the cryopreservation, permitting cell storage for extended periods. However, the permeating cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) can cause severe adverse effects. Therefore, this study evaluated equine mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (eAT-MSCs) in fresh (Control) or after slow freezing (SF) in different freezing solutions (FS). The FS comprise DMSO and non-permeating CPAs [Trehalose (T) and the SuperCool X-1000 (X)] in association or not, totalizing seven different FS: (DMSO; T; X;...
A diverse microbial community and common core microbiota associated with the gonad of female Parascaris spp. The microbiome plays an important role in health, where changes in microbiota composition can have significant downstream effects within the host, and host-microbiota relationships can be exploited to affect health outcomes. Parasitic helminths affect animals globally, but an exploration of their microbiota has been limited, despite the development of anti-Wolbachia drugs to help control infections with some filarial nematodes. The equine ascarids, Parascaris spp., are considered the most pathogenic nematodes affecting juvenile horses and are also the only ascarid parasite to have developed wi...
Systematic Review of Equine Influenza A Virus Vaccine Studies and Meta-Analysis of Vaccine Efficacy. Vaccines against equine influenza have been available since the late 1960s, but outbreaks continue to occur periodically, affecting both vaccinated and unvaccinated animals. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy of vaccines against influenza A virus in horses (equine IAV). For this, PubMed, CAB abstracts, and Web of Science were searched for controlled trials of equine IAV vaccines published up to December 2020. Forty-three articles reporting equine IAV vaccination and challenge studies in previously naïve equids using an appropriate comparison group were included ...
Insulin signaling in insulin-dysregulated Icelandic horses. The underlying molecular mechanisms leading to insulin dysregulation are poorly understood in horses. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if insulin dysregulation is associated with an altered basal expression and extent of phosphorylation of key proteins of the insulin signaling cascade in liver (LT), muscle (MT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) under basal and stimulated conditions. Twelve Icelandic horses were subjected (1) to an oral glucose (Gluc PO) challenge and (2) to an intravenous (Ins IV) insulin challenge in a crossover study. Biopsies of LT, MT, and AT were taken in vivo...
Comparison of equine paranasal sinus trephination complications and outcome following standing computed tomography, radiography and sinoscopy guided approaches for the treatment of sinusitis. The recent availability of standing computed tomography (CT) for equine paranasal sinus disease has enhanced diagnosis and enabled more targeted surgery compared to radiography and sinoscopy. To date, there have been no studies which have critically evaluated the benefit of preoperative CT versus radiography and sinoscopy on complications and outcome in horses undergoing sinus trephination. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: A total of 229 equids. Methods: The medical records of equids (229) presented for sinusitis treated via trephination that had CT, radiography and/or sinoscopy at time ...
Lymphocyte immunophenotyping and concentration of MMP-9 in transudates and exudates in horses. This study is the first to provide information on the lymphocyte subpopulations in peritoneal effusions in horses. Peritoneal transudates (n = 12), peritoneal exudates (n = 6) and a pleural exudate (n = 1) were analyzed. The total nucleated cell count (TNCC), total protein (TP) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) concentration determined by ELISA were measured and routine cytological evaluation was performed. CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD21 positive cells were detected by flow cytometry. A higher percentage of neutrophils (P < 0.05) and higher MMP-9 (P < 0.01) levels were found in ex...
Survey of equine veterinarians regarding primary equine back pain in the United States. Back pain is a common complaint, clinical finding and performance limiting factor in sport horses. This study sought to gather current veterinary trends in the diagnosis, treatment and management of primary equine back pain in the United States. A 22 question survey was distributed electronically to equine practitioners through AAEP and ACVSMR listservs and through closed social media groups. The survey was open from April 20, 2022 to July 5, 2022. Responses were analyzed using Microsoft excel pivot tables. Ninety-seven survey responses were obtained and analyzed. Respondents reported the clin...
Enterococcus moraviensis EMo 1-1Nik of horse origin:characteristics and potential bacteriocin-producing strain. Nowadays, developed more precisious identification techniques have allowed to validate newer enterococcal species. Among them, the species Enterococcus moraviensis was also validated, at first from surface waters. However, in this study, characteristics and potential to bacteriocin production by the strain E. moraviensis EMo 1-1Nik isolated from buccal mucosa of Slovak warm-blood horse breed has been studied. BLASTn analysis allotted this strain to the species E. moraviensis with percentage identity BLASTn 16S rRNA sequence in the strain up to 100% (99.93% similarity with E. moraviensis NR1139...
Monorchidism in a Phenotypic Mare With a 64,XY, SRY-Positive Karyotype. Disorders of sexual development (DSD) are associated with atypical chromosomal, gonadal, or phenotypic sex. It is likely that the number of cases of DSD are underestimated in the equine population. Monorchidism in the horse is very rare. This case report describes the clinical assessment of a phenotypic mare with stallion-like behavior which led to the diagnosis of a DSD. A 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare presented in good body condition, with normal external genitalia for a mare, and normal mammary glands with two bilaterally symmetric teats. No uterus, cervix, or gonads were detected on transr...
Changes in equine intestinal stem/progenitor cell number at resection margins in cases of small intestinal strangulation. Intestinal epithelial stem cells (ISC) are responsible for epithelial regeneration and are critical to the intestine's ability to regain barrier function following injury. Evaluating ISC biomarker expression in cases of small intestinal strangulation (SIS) may provide insight into clinical progression. Objective: Intestinal resection margins from cases of SIS were evaluated to determine if (1) evidence of injury could be identified using histomorphometry, (2) ISC biomarker expression was decreased in the proximal resection margin compared to control and distal resection margin, and (3) the ISC...
Unique insertion/deletion polymorphisms within histidine-rich region of histidine-rich glycoprotein in Thoroughbred horses. Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is abundant plasma protein with various effects on angiogenesis, coagulation, and immune responses. Previously, we identified the base and amino acid sequences of equine HRG (eHRG) and revealed that eHRG regulates neutrophil functions. In this study, we first conducted a large-scale gene analysis with DNA samples extracted from 1700 Thoroughbred horses and identified unique insertion/deletion polymorphisms in the histidine-rich region (HRR) of eHRG. Here we report two types of polymorphisms (deletion type 1 [D1] and deletion type 2 [D2]) containing either a 45...
Double and quadruple deletion mutant of EHV-1 is highly attenuated and induces optimal immune response. Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) infection causes significant health problems in equines. The EHV-1 infection leads to abortion storm in mares, respiratory disease and myeloencephalopathy. Despite the wide use of vaccines, the outbreaks of EHV-1 infections keep occurring globally, suggesting the need for the development of improved vaccines. Gene deletion attenuated mutant viruses could be a good candidate for the development of modified live vaccines. Here, we report the generation of mutant EHV-1 by deleting virulence (glycoprotein E & internal repeat 6; IR6) and immune evasive (pUL43 &a...
Detection of the growth hormone secretagogue MK-0677 in equine hair following oral administration. MK-0677 (ibutamoren) is an orally active non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue that binds to the ghrelin receptor stimulating the secretion of endogenous growth hormone. It is one of the most prevalent performance-enhancing compounds currently available online and is potentially subject to abuse both in human and equine sports. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether it could be detected in equine hair following oral administration of MK-0677 mesylate to a Thoroughbred racehorse. MK-0677 and its O-dealkylated metabolite were extracted using an existing method for prohibited s...
Genetic characterization of three recently discovered parvoviruses circulating in equines in China. The family comprises many major viral pathogens that can infect humans and multiple other species, causing severe diseases. However, knowledge of parvoviruses that infect equids is limited. In the present study, we found that three equine parvoviruses (EqPVs), namely, equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H), equine parvovirus-cerebrospinal fluid (EqPV-CSF) and equine copivirus (EqCoPV) cocirculated among horses in China. We examined the prevalence of these three EqPVs in 225 horse serum samples in China and found EqPV-H, EqPV-CSF and EqCoPV viremia in 7.6% (17/225), 2.7% (6/225) and 2.2% of samp...
A seasonal idiopathic hepatitis syndrome in horses presented to a Midwestern veterinary teaching hospital. To report history, clinical examination findings, clinicopathologic findings, diagnostic test results, treatment, and outcome in horses with a novel idiopathic hepatitis syndrome. 13 client-owned horses. Medical records of horses that were presented with fever and increased blood liver enzyme activity over a 16-month period were reviewed (December 1, 2020, to April 1, 2022). Collected data included signalment, history, clinical and clinicopathologic findings, diagnostic test results, treatment, clinical progression, and short-term outcome. Affected horses were presented between December and Ap...
Blood Profile, Hormones, and Telomere Responses: Potential Biomarkers in Horses Exhibiting Abnormal Oral Behavior. The high prevalence of abnormal oral behavior (AOB) in working horses has been linked to management issues and the pathophysiology of this behavior remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the blood profile, hormones, and telomere length responses between low and high levels of AOB among different horse working groups. A total of 207 healthy horses from various breeds were initially selected from four working groups (leisure riding, equestrian, endurance, and patrolling) and observed for the time spent on AOB. Then, six horses each with higher and lower AOB than the population ...
Immobilization of Captive Kulans (Equus hemionus kulan) Without Using Ultrapotent Opioids. Etorphine is widely used in zoological medicine for the immobilization of large herbivores. All reported immobilization protocols for kulans use etorphine as the primary immobilizing agent. However, etorphine can trigger severe side effects and is highly toxic for humans, its availability is occasionally limited for use in wildlife medicine. Therefore, two different alpha-2 agonist-based protocols for the general anesthesia of kulans were investigated and compared with the standard etorphine immobilization. In total, 21 immobilizations were performed within the scope of routine husbandry manag...
Selection signature analyses and genome-wide association reveal genomic hotspot regions that reflect differences between breeds of horse with contrasting risk of degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis. Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis is a progressive idiopathic condition that leads to scarring and rupture of suspensory ligament fibers in multiple limbs in horses. The prevalence of degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis is breed related. Risk is high in the Peruvian Horse, whereas pony and draft breeds have low breed risk. Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis occurs in families of Peruvian Horses, but its genetic architecture has not been definitively determined. We investigated contrasts between breeds with differing risk of degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis and ide...
A safety evaluation of allogeneic freeze-dried platelet-rich plasma or conditioned serum compared to autologous frozen products equivalents in equine healthy joints. Hemoderivatives such as autologous conditioned serum (ACS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been used as potential disease-modifying therapies in musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA). These therapies are based on the delivery of multiple growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines that are known to participate in inflammatory processes. The variability of cytokine content due to the autologous nature of the product, the non-availability for immediate use and need for storage at low temperatures are limitations for its use in the field. An allogeneic freeze-dried conditio...
A comparative study of different tissue materials for bioprosthetic aortic valves using experimental assays and finite element analysis. Extracting the mechanical behaviors of bioprosthetic aortic valve leaflets is necessary for the appropriate design and manufacture of the prosthetic valves. The goal of this study was to opt a proper tissue for the valve leaflets by comparing the mechanical properties of the equine, porcine, and donkey pericardia with those of the bovine pericardium and human aortic valve leaflets. Methods: After tissue fixation in glutaraldehyde, the mechanical behaviors of the pericardial tissues were experimentally evaluated through computational methods. The relaxation tests were performed along the tissue...
