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.
Effects of sand, asphalt, and a three degrees hind toe or heel elevation on equine cervical and thoracolumbosacral kinematics at walk and trot. Effects of ground surface and hoof angles on equine cervical and thoracolumbosacral kinematics are poorly understood. However, the equine cervical and thoracolumbosacral areas present frequent lesions and he management of factors that might improve treatment and rehabilitation outcomes, such as ground surface and hoof angles, requires more investigation. Objective: Our objectives were to determine the influence of ground surface (asphalt versus sand) and a 3 degrees hind toe or heel elevation on cervical and thoracolumbosacral kinematics during walking and trotting. Methods: Six saddle horses ...
A cohort study of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in horses in Hawai’i. Equine nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP, Bighead Disease) is a consequence of diets with abnormal calcium: phosphorus ratios. With the widespread availability of fortified feeds and legume forage, the disease has largely disappeared. The Hawaiian Islands are unique in that legume forage is largely unavailable and pastures have high oxalate concentrations. This was a cohort study that included seventeen adult horses imported from the continental US to the Waiki'i region, Hawai'i that grazed on kikuyu grass pastures. Plasma ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations at...
Pharmacokinetics of orally administered calcium dobesilate in Warmblood horses. Calcium dobesilate has recently been used for treating lameness in horses because it enhances microvascular processes and reduces intraosseous pressure. Lameness caused by disorders in bone metabolism and increased intraosseous pressure, such as navicular disease, osseous cyst-like lesions and pedal bone oedema, are commonly treated with rest, anti-inflammatory agents and surgery. Calcium dobesilate has the potential to influence the pathophysiology of these diseases, thereby improving healing. To determine whether calcium dobesilate and its acting agent calcium 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonate ...
Early transatlantic movement of horses and donkeys at Jamestown. Domestic equids were central to the initial colonization of the Atlantic coast of the Americas, a process partially chronicled by historical records. While Spanish colonists brought horses to the Caribbean decades earlier, settlement of the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia, was among the first dispersals of horses to the eastern seaboard. Archaeozoological analysis of identifiable domestic equid remains from two contexts associated with the initial occupation of Jamestown demonstrates intense processing and consumption of the first Jamestown horses during the "Starving Time" winter of 160...
Adjuvant combination enhances immune response of equine influenza virus vaccine in horses. Despite routine vaccination, equine influenza outbreaks occur due to disparities of virus strains between vaccine and field, and immunity gaps between vaccinations. Objective: To evaluate whether a combination of adjuvants can enhance immune responses to equine influenza virus (EIV) vaccines. Methods: In vivo experimental study. Methods: Eight mixed-breed horses were immunised intramuscularly with a recombinant canarypox-based EIV vaccine, either alone or in combination with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). A single vaccine dose was administered, and...
Cortisol and heart rate response of mares during the in-hand breeding procedure with and without restraint. In-hand breeding involving restraint methods is likely the most common practice in the horse breeding industry worldwide. However, welfare issues that arise from such management have not been investigated in detail. Objective: (1) To investigate whether the mares show increased stress responses during in-hand breeding using (a) a lip twitch and (b) hobbles. (2) To evaluate if the use of restraint methods influences the mare's expression of oestrous behaviour. Methods: Intra-individual cross-over design. Methods: Six Franches-Montagnes stallions and 10 warmblood mares were used in these experim...
Mutation rate and spectrum of germline de novo mutations in a closed population of Thoroughbred horses. Thoroughbreds have been maintained as a closed breed for over 300 years since the crossbreeding between Arabian stallions and English mares. Despite interest in germline de novo mutations across species, their frequency in horses, particularly in Thoroughbreds, remains largely unexplored. Objective: This study aimed to identify de novo mutations in Thoroughbreds and estimate their frequency within a genetically closed population. Methods: We performed deep whole-genome sequencing (≥230× depth, 150 bp paired-end reads) and Sanger validation in a Thoroughbred trio (sire, dam, and foal). Reads...
In vitro and in vivo effects of Acacia mearnsii De Wild extract for cyathostomin control in horses. Anthelmintic resistance has led to the use of organic extracts as alternative methods of parasite control. Objective: The study aimed to assess the effects of Acacia mearnsii extract (tannin) on the control of cyathostomins in horses, both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Thirty Pantaneiro horses naturally infected with cyathostomins were sourced from two distinct farms, designated as Farms A and B. At the start of the study, all third-stage larvae were cyathostomins, and an egg hatchability test (EHT) was performed using fecal samples from horses on both farms. Two randomized 28-day field studi...
Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in 10 equids using a single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) port device. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques are desirable in horses and other equids. A new approach called "modified single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for equine cryptorchidectomy" is described, along with the postoperative outcomes of 10 equids. A SILS Port device (Covidien) was placed a 30- to 40-millimeter incision in combination with 1 or 2 15-millimeter para-inguinal incisions to exteriorize the intra-abdominal testicles. Ten animals, 2 bilateral abdominal cryptorchid horses and 8 unilateral abdominal cryptorchid equids, underwent cryptorchidectomy using the SILS tech...
PPARγ Agonism Modulates Synovial Macrophage and Cartilage Responses in an Equine Model of Synovial Inflammation-Implications for Joint Therapy. Synovitis resolution is critical for joint homeostasis and prevents the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Treatments like NSAIDs and intra-articular corticosteroids relieve symptoms by blocking pro-inflammatory mediators, but also impair the production of pro-resolving mediators, contributing to the likelihood of chronic synovitis. PPARγ signaling is an essential mechanism of synovitis resolution, which is decreased in OA tissues. To evaluate the potential of PPARγ agonists to promote pro-resolving pathways, equine macrophages cultured in autologous, normal, or inflamed synovial fluid ( = ...
The Effect of Girth Design and Girth Tension on Saddle-Horse Pressures and Forelimb Stride Kinematics in Rising Trot. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of girth design and girth tension; six horses regularly ridden were used. Each horse underwent four experimental sessions in an unbalanced Latin-square design with two girth tensions (8 kg or 16 kg) and two girth designs (straight girth (S) or anatomical girth (A)). Pressure between the saddle and the horse was measured at 100 Hz with a pressure mat (0.5 sensels per cm). Notably, 2D limb kinematics were determined from anatomical markers placed on the fore and hindlimbs. Video was collected at 240 fps. There was no significant effect of girth...
Microbiome and Dental Changes in Horses Fed a High Soluble Carbohydrate Diet. This study investigated the oral microbiome of horses maintained on a high soluble carbohydrate diet based on sugarcane, in comparison to those fed a pasture-based diet composed of spp., aiming to identify associations between dietary intake, the composition of oral microbial communities, and the occurrence of dental caries and diastemata. A total of 20 healthy horses, both male and female, with an average age of 9 ± 3 years and weight of 400 ± 100 kg, without a defined breed, were selected. They were divided into two groups: the High Soluble Carbohydrate Group (HSCCG), consisting of 10 hor...
Comparative analysis of blood whole transcriptome profiles in Yili horses pre- and post-5000-meter racing. This study employed Yili horses participating in a 5000-meter race as a model to investigate exercise-induced gene expression alterations in peripheral blood using whole transcriptome sequencing. Jugular vein blood samples from the three leading horses were collected pre- and immediately post-race, yielding 2,171 differentially expressed mRNAs (2,080 upregulated, 91 downregulated), 4,375 differentially expressed LncRNAs (4,354 upregulated), and 68 differentially expressed circRNAs (64 upregulated). GO/KEGG analyses demonstrated significant enrichment of differential mRNAs in transmembrane tran...
Validation of the EYEMATE-SC Suprachoroidal Pressure Transducer for Telemetric Measurement of Intraocular Pressure in Normal Ex Vivo Canine and Equine Globes-Preliminary Results. To determine the accuracy of the EYEMATE-SC suprachoroidal tracer for telemetric tonometry in canine and equine globes. Methods: The EYEMATE-SC sensor (7.8 mm × 3.8 mm × 1 mm) was implanted in the suprachoroidal space of four freshly enucleated normal canine and two normal equine eyes. The anterior chambers were cannulated and connected to a reservoir of Plasma-Lyte A and a manometer. Starting at a manometric IOP of 5 mmHg, the pressure was progressively increased to 80 mmHg by raising the reservoir. At each setpoint (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 mmHg), t...
The rise of rideable horses. Early horse riders selected a rare mutation in a single gene to enhance rideability.
Genetic Diversity of Equid Herpesvirus 5 in Temporal Samples from Mares and Their Foals at Three Polish National Studs. Equid herpesvirus 5 (EHV-5) comprises a group of heterogeneous viruses with a worldwide distribution. Primary infection typically occurs early in life, which is followed by latency and periodic recrudescence of the virus. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variation of EHV-5 in individual animals over time and to determine the dynamics of EHV-5 spread among selected mare-foal pairs at three horse studs. The partial glycoprotein B () gene was amplified from archival nasal swab samples. Sequences from 3-5 clones from each PCR product were compared using identity matrix, phylogeny...
Human Adenovirus 36 Antibodies in Horses with Different Metabolic Statuses. This study investigated the presence of antibodies to human adenovirus type 36 (HAdV-D36) in horses with different metabolic statuses, including normal, overweight, and those diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). A total of 151 serum samples were tested, of which 47.6% were positive for anti-HAdV-D36 antibodies. Although the horses were confirmed to be susceptible to HAdV-D36 infection, there was no significant correlation between infection and blood glucose or cholesterol levels. However, the triglyceride levels showed significant differences-they were particularly elevated in the s...
Effect of Fluorescence Biomodulation on Dermal Healing in an Equine Experimental In Vivo Wound Model. This study aimed to determine the safety and macroscopic/microscopic effects of fluorescence biomodulation (FBM) on experimentally induced, full-thickness, distal limb wounds in horses.This was an experimental study ( = 6 horses). Two full-thickness wounds were created on both dorsal metacarpi of six adult horses. Each forelimb was randomly allocated to either control (no FBM) or treatment (FBM) and randomly allocated to visual or histological assessment of healing. Wounds were treated within each experimental group every 7 days for four treatments. Fluorescence biomodulation wounds were ...
Born to run? Associations between gestational and early-life exposures and later-life performance outcomes in Thoroughbreds. Gestational and early-life exposures may modulate development during growth and influence future athletic performance. Objective: To investigate associations between gestational and early-life exposures in Thoroughbreds and (i) likelihood of racing, (ii) total number of runs and (iii) total prizemoney by the end of the 3-year-old year. Methods: Prospective cohort. Methods: Daily records were kept on the location and duration of turnout, management and veterinary-attended episodes of disease or injury from birth until leaving the farm or study exit for 129 Thoroughbred foals on six stud farms. ...
Oral cannabidiol increases thermal threshold in horses without physiologic adverse effects. To investigate the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on thermal and mechanical thresholds and physiologic variables in horses. Unassigned: 6 horses (3 geldings and 3 mares) were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, masked crossover design from March 18 through May 3, 2025. Horses received 3.48 mg/kg CBD oil or placebo (sesame oil) orally every 24 hours for 3 days. Thermal and mechanical thresholds were determined at baseline and 4 and 12 hours after treatment administration on each day. Physiologic variables, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature, were recorded at the same...
Administration study of somapacitan, a long-acting growth hormone derivative, in horse for doping control purpose. Somapacitan is the second generation of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) medication that retains the pharmacological effects of rhGH but exhibits a longer duration of action due to its reversible albumin-binding in the body. In general, the use of all recombinant growth hormone (rGH) analogues is banned by the human and animal sports regulatory authorities due to their anabolic and lipolytic effects. However, little is known about the elimination kinetics and biological effects of the newly introduced long-acting rhGH, somapacitan, in horses. This paper describes the administration stud...
Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from equine ovarian follicular aspirates. The use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in equine reproduction is increasing its interest in the treatment of specific pathologies. MSCs have been isolated from follicular aspirates obtained during transvaginal oocyte aspiration in women, offering a novel source for autologous therapies in reproductive treatments. However, this approach has not been tested in mares despite the common use of transvaginal oocyte aspiration for oocyte collection to produce equine embryos in vitro. Our study aimed to investigate the feasibility of isolating MSCs from equine ovarian follicular aspirates obtaine...
A longitudinal study of radiodensity and radiographic appearance of the proximal sesamoid bones in Thoroughbred racehorses. There are limited data on long-term follow-up of radiographic changes of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) in Thoroughbred racehorses. The effect of training and racing on radiodensity of the PSBs in live Thoroughbreds has not been described. Objective: To follow radiographic changes of the PSBs in racehorses over 2 years and describe alterations in overall radiodensity. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Forty yearlings were enrolled at the first examination (T0). Re-examinations were performed four times, approximately 6 months apart, on 31 (T1), 23 (T2), 13 (T3) and 8 (T4) horse...
Decoding the amniotic membrane transcriptome during equine ascending placentitis. Despite its critical role in protecting the fetus, the amniotic membrane remains poorly understood in the context of disease response. The equine amniotic membrane is an important physical barrier to the amniotic compartment, and there is evidence that it may contribute to surfactant synthesis. Surfactants are essential for normal fetal lung development, and disruptions in its availability may be linked to future neonatal complications. Therefore, understanding the molecular changes that occur in fetal-maternal tissues during placentitis would clarify how this condition leads to abortion, pret...
Flow-controlled expiration improves gas exchange in anaesthetised horses undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Flow-controlled expiration (FLEX) has been shown to significantly enhance oxygenation in horses under laboratory conditions. Objective: This study aims to corroborate these findings by evaluating the effects of FLEX on gas exchange in a randomised clinical trial involving a large population of clinical horses undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Methods: Prospective randomised clinical trial. Methods: A total of 406 healthy adult horses scheduled for elective orthopaedic procedures were recruited for this prospective clinical trial. Horses were randomly assigned to FLEX or VCV (volume-controlled ve...
Synovial Fluid Biomarker Profile After Intra-Articular Administration of Neosaxitoxin in Horses: A Feasibility Study. Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory joint disease and the leading cause of musculoskeletal disability affecting human and veterinary patients. New therapeutics halting inflammation while preserving joint homeostasis remain a critical need. Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels regulate the pro-inflammatory response of macrophages in the synovium, the central driver of joint homeostasis. Neosaxitoxin (NeoSTX) is a phycotoxin that blocks NaV channels, conferring a unique potential to regulate joint inflammation. This study evaluated the safety of intra-articular administration of NeoSTX in hors...
Exploratory Study of the Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio in Apparently Healthy Horses. Currently, there is relatively little published information on the urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratio in horses, a parameter commonly used in dogs and cats. The aim of this study was to determine the reference range of UPC in urine samples of apparently healthy horses and to assess the influence of age and sex. Urinalysis and the determination of urinary protein and creatinine concentrations and ratios were performed. A total of 118 urine samples from apparently healthy horses were included in the study: 10 from foals younger than 6 months and 108 from horses older than 1 year. The median...
Does Muscle Development of Sport Horses Using Water Treadmill Exercise as Part of a Long-Term Training Programme Differ from That of Horses Not Using Water Treadmill Exercise? Water treadmill (WT) exercise has become a popular tool for equine training and rehabilitation. However, few studies describe the long-term effects of WT exercise in low water on muscle development (MD). This study's objectives were to compare MD changes over a 40-week period in sport horses that regularly used WT in low water within training (Group WTH, = 55) and a control group that did not (control, = 28). Subjective MD assessments were undertaken using an adaptation of a previously published method at weeks 0, 20 and 40. For Group WTH, MD significantly increased in the neck, pelvis and h...
V4020 Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Vaccine: Mitigating Neuroinvasion and Reversion Through Rational Design. There is a need for safe and effective vaccines against the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus that infects both humans and equines. However, development of a live-attenuated vaccine using the TC-83 strain has been hampered by substantial reactogenicity and the potential for neuroinvasion. In this study, we demonstrate that V4020, a new TC-83-based investigational VEEV vaccine with redundant safety features preventing neuroinvasion and reversion, exhibited no neuroinvasion potential in a murine model. Following subcutaneous or intramuscular administration, a subset of mice that received the ...
Hemoperfusion with a polymer-based column alters inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-treated horses in vivo. To determine the effect of hemoperfusion with a polymer-based column on systemic cytokine concentrations and neutrophil dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide-treated horses in vivo. Unassigned: 6 university-owned horses received 60 ng/kg lipopolysaccharide, IV, as a bolus and then 60 ng/kg, IV, as a constant rate infusion over 1 hour. Endotoxemia was confirmed by clinical signs and neutropenia. In a crossover model that was completed from January 2024 through July 2024, hemoperfusion was performed for 4 hours with either a sham or polymer column. Blood was collected at 5 time points over a 72-hour...