Analyze Diet

Topic:Clinical Study

Clinical studies in equine research involve the systematic investigation of health and disease in horses through structured scientific methods. These studies aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatments, understand disease mechanisms, and improve veterinary care practices. Clinical studies can include randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case-control studies. They may focus on various aspects such as pharmacokinetics, therapeutic interventions, and diagnostic techniques. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the design, implementation, and findings of clinical studies in equine medicine, providing insights into their impact on horse health and veterinary practices.
Meperidine pharmacokinetics and effects on physiologic parameters and thermal threshold following intravenous administration of three doses to horses.
BMC veterinary research    October 1, 2020   Volume 16, Issue 1 368 doi: 10.1186/s12917-020-02564-4
Hamamoto-Hardman BD, Steffey EP, McKemie DS, Kass PH, Knych HK.Meperidine is a synthetic opioid that belongs to the phenylpiperidine class and is a weak mu receptor agonist. In horses there are a limited number of published studies describing the analgesic effects of systemically administered meperidine in horses. The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics, behavioral and physiologic effects and effect on thermal threshold of three doses of intravenously administered meperidine to horses. Eight University owned horses (four mares and four geldings, aged 3-8 years were studied using a randomized balanced 4-way cross-over design. Hors...
Comparison of Cell-Free Fetal DNA Plasma Content Used to Sex Determination Between Three Trimesters of Pregnancy in Torkaman Pregnant Mare.
Journal of equine veterinary science    September 30, 2020   Volume 95 103273 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103273
Tonekaboni FR, Narenjisani R, Staji H, Ahmadi-Hamedani M.This investigation aimed to compare the cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) plasma present in three trimesters of pregnancy in Torkaman pregnant mare. Peripheral blood samples of 32 pregnant mares in three trimesters of pregnancy were collected in tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid at three time points. Circulating cffDNA was extracted from 3 mL of maternal plasma. Using outer and inner primers, a conventional polymerase chain reaction was performed for the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene present in the Y chromosome. Of the total 32 Torkaman pregnant mares, 24 were carrying male fe...
Family aggregation analysis shows a possible heritable background of equine grass sickness (dysautonomia) in a Hungarian stud population.
Acta veterinaria Hungarica    September 30, 2020   Volume 68, Issue 3 263-268 doi: 10.1556/004.2020.00038
Vincze B, Varga M, Kutasi O, Zenke P, Szenci O, Baska F, Bartels A, Spisák S, Cseh S, Solymosi N.Equine grass sickness (also known as dysautonomia) is a life-threatening polyneuropathic disease affecting horses with approx. 80% mortality. Since its first description over a century ago, several factors, such as the phenotype, intestinal microbiome, environment, management and climate, have been supposed to be associated with the increased risk of dysautonomia. In this retrospective study, we examined the possible involvement of genetic factors. Medical and pedigree datasets regarding 1,233 horses with 49 affected animals born during a 23-year period were used in the analysis. Among the des...
The Effect of a Seaweed-Derived Calcium Supplement on Gastric Juice pH in the Horse.
Journal of equine veterinary science    September 29, 2020   Volume 95 103265 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103265
Jacobs RD, Gordon MBE, Vineyard KR, Keowen ML, Garza F, Andrews FM.Low gastric pH for extended periods of time can increase the risk of gastric ulceration in horses. Therefore, nutritional interventions that buffer stomach acid may be helpful to decrease ulcer risk. The objective of this trial was to evaluate whether the incorporation of calcified Lithothamnion corallioides and Phymatolithon calcareum (Calmin; Celtic Sea Minerals, Cork, Ireland) into an equine ration would buffer equine gastric juice. Nine mature, Thoroughbred-cross horses, including 6 geldings and 3 mares (524 ± 49 kg) were housed in stalls and fed 2 kg/day of a texturized concentrate (Pu...
Surgical excision of a malignant metastatic melanoma located in a skeletal muscle of the lateral thorax of a horse.
Veterinary medicine and science    September 29, 2020   Volume 7, Issue 2 297-302 doi: 10.1002/vms3.366
Billi T, Karadima V, Tyrnenopoulou P, Apostolopoulou EP, Brellou GD, Diakakis N.A 20-year-old grey Warmblood gelding that had history of dermal melanomatosis. To report surgical treatment of a 6-cm large malignant metastatic melanoma located in the cutaneous trunci muscle of the left lateral thorax of a horse. A 20-year-old grey Warmblood gelding was referred for evaluation of a large, rapidly growing, thoracic mass. Clinical examination revealed an ovoid, firm, non-painful, movable mass, approximately 6 cm in diameter, located in the cutaneous trunci muscle of the left lateral thorax. Multiple melanocytic nodules were also found at the perianal region and ventral tail. ...
Intragastric pH of foals admitted to the intensive care unit.
Journal of veterinary internal medicine    September 29, 2020   Volume 34, Issue 6 2719-2726 doi: 10.1111/jvim.15888
Wise JC, Raidal SL, Wilkes EJA, Hughes KJ.Intragastric pH profiles of neonatal foals admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) remain poorly characterized. Objective: To determine intragastric pH profiles and clinical parameters associated with intragastric pH in foals admitted to the ICU. Methods: Forty-two neonatal foals admitted to the ICU and requiring placement of an indwelling nasogastric tube for nutritional management were included. Methods: Intragastric pH was measured for 24 hours from the time of admission. Mean pH, % time pH 4 were determined for each foal. History, clinical findings, and clinicopathological data recorde...
Adaptogenic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Ashwagandha Root Extract: An Experimental Study in an Equine Model.
Frontiers in veterinary science    September 29, 2020   Volume 7 541112 doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.541112
Priyanka G, Anil Kumar B, Lakshman M, Manvitha V, Kala Kumar B.Ashwagandha ( L. Dunal.) is an important "" of Ayurveda. The roots are extensively used as an adaptogen and for different health issues. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-stimulating effects of Ashwagandha are well-documented. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Ashwagandha root extract as an adaptogen against various types of stress in horses. A total of 24 Kathiawari horses were selected and randomly divided into four groups. All the horses were provided with normal feed and water . Group 1 (G1) was treated as the control group, and the horses were given a n...
Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the fecal microbiota of horses.
BMC research notes    September 29, 2020   Volume 13, Issue 1 459 doi: 10.1186/s13104-020-05305-w
Mienaltowski MJ, Belt A, Henderson JD, Boyd TN, Marter N, Maga EA, DePeters EJ.Prophylactic supplementation of psyllium husk is recommended to enhance passage of ingested sand from the gastrointestinal tracts of horses. We hypothesized that psyllium supplementation would increase fecal sand passage and favorably alter bacterial populations in the hindgut. Six yearlings and six mature mares were fed a psyllium supplement in the diet daily for seven days. Voluntarily-voided feces were collected over the course of 29 days, prior, during, and after treatment. Feces were analyzed for acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent insoluble ash analyses. Microbial DNA was also...
Effects of an anti-IGF-1 receptor monoclonal antibody on laminitis induced by prolonged hyperinsulinaemia in Standardbred horses.
PloS one    September 29, 2020   Volume 15, Issue 9 e0239261 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239261
Rahnama S, Vathsangam N, Spence R, Medina-Torres CE, Pollitt CC, de Laat MA, Bailey SR, Sillence MN.Currently, there are no registered veterinary drugs for the treatment of endocrinopathic equine laminitis, and although this form of the disease is known to be caused by prolonged hyperinsulinaemia, the mechanism of insulin toxicity is unclear. One possibility is that high concentrations of insulin activate IGF-1 receptors (IGF-1R) in lamellar tissue, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and epidermal lamellar dysregulation. An equinized version of a human anti-IGF-1R therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb11) was generated to test this theory, using a modification of the prolonged euglycae...
Modification of empirical antimicrobial regimens in large animal medicine.
The Veterinary record    September 29, 2020   Volume 187, Issue 9 e78 doi: 10.1136/vr.106039
Redding L, Grunwald H, Cole S, Rankin S, Nolen-Walston R.Empirical antimicrobial regimens can be modified following new diagnostic information or when empirical treatment fails. Little is known about the frequency or clinical context in which these modifications occur. We characterised these modifications in a large animal hospital to identify when antimicrobial use could be optimised. Methods: Chart reviews were performed for all inpatients and outpatients administered antimicrobials at a large animal veterinary referral and teaching hospital in 2017-2018 (n=1163 visits) to determine when and why empirical regimens were modified. Multinomial logist...
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for Identification of Bacterial Isolates From Horses.
Journal of equine veterinary science    September 28, 2020   Volume 95 103276 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103276
Uchida-Fujii E, Niwa H, Kinoshita Y, Nukada T.Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is used for bacterial identification by analyzing the spectra of isolates and comparing them against a database of reference spectra; it is known for its rapidity and accuracy. Although MALDI-TOF MS is used for identification of bacterial isolates from animals, not all animal pathogens are identified correctly. In this study, we used a commercial MALDI-TOF MS identification system to examine 3724 bacterial isolates from horses and their environments. Isolates that could not be identified with MALDI-TOF ...
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and the Effect on Equine Multifidi Asymmetry.
Journal of equine veterinary science    September 28, 2020   Volume 95 103255 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103255
Isbell DA, Schils SJ, Oakley SC, Carraro U, Knaeble BR.Asymmetry of the multifidi has been correlated with scoliosis and back pain in humans and has been investigated as a factor in equine back pain as well. The purpose of this study was to determine if FES would affect the symmetry of equine thoracolumbar multifidi when compared to controls. Twelve horses received 24 FES treatments bilaterally over the thoracolumbar region for 8 weeks. Twelve additional control horses received no FES treatments. Ultrasonographic measurements of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the multifidi of the treatment horses at seven thoracolumbar levels were compared to ...
Evaluation of the Accuracy of Horse Body Weight Estimation Methods.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    September 26, 2020   Volume 10, Issue 10 1750 doi: 10.3390/ani10101750
Górniak W, Wieliczko M, Soroko M, Korczyński M.Methods of estimating horse body weight using mathematical formulae have better accuracy than methods of reading body weight from measuring tape. The aim of the study was to evaluate established formulae for estimating horse body weight from data gathered using measurement tape. The research was conducted in a group of 299 adult horses and ponies of selected breeds: ponies ( = 58), Polish Noble Half Breed ( = 150), Silesian Breed ( = 23), Wielkopolski Breed ( = 52), and Thoroughbred ( = 16). Body measurements were performed on each horse using a measuring stick and tape. The actual body weight...
Nephrosplenic Space Ablation in Horses After Homologous Pericardium Implant Using a Laparoscopic Stapler.
Journal of equine veterinary science    September 25, 2020   Volume 95 103275 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103275
Spagnolo JD, Castro LM, Corrêa RR, Garcia Filho SG, Ambrósio AM, Baccarin RYA, Hagen SCF, de Sá LM, Silva LCLC.This study aimed to describe and evaluate a laparoscopic technique to promote nephrosplenic space ablation in horses using a homologous pericardium implant, preserved in 98% glycerin and fixed using laparoscopic polydioxanone staples. In this experimental study, six Arabian horses without previous related abdominal diseases were used. The surgical procedures were performed in the standing position under sedation with alpha-2 agonists and opioids, associated with local infiltration of the local anesthetic in the portal sites. The horses were restrained in a stock, and the left flanks were clipp...
Single-dose pharmacokinetics of orally administered metronidazole and intravenously administered imipenem in healthy horses and computer-based simulation of pleural fluid concentrations with multiple dosing.
American journal of veterinary research    September 25, 2020   Volume 81, Issue 10 783-789 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.81.10.783
Kuroda T, Nagata SI, Tamura N, Kinoshita Y, Niwa H, Mita H, Minami T, Fukuda K, Hobo S, Kuwano A.To determine plasma pharmacokinetics of metronidazole and imipenem following administration of a single dose PO (metronidazole, 15 mg/kg) or IV (imipenem, 10 mg/kg) in healthy Thoroughbreds and simulate pleural fluid concentrations following multiple dose administration every 8 hours. Methods: 4 healthy Thoroughbreds. Methods: Metronidazole and imipenem were administered, and samples of plasma and pleural fluid were collected at predetermined time points. Minimum concentrations of metronidazole and imipenem that inhibited growth of 90% of isolates (MIC90), including 22 clinical Bacteroides iso...
Attenuation From Shoes and Pads in Equine Nuclear Scintigraphy, With Relevance to Solar Views.
Frontiers in veterinary science    September 24, 2020   Volume 7 516718 doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.516718
Walker L, Martinelli MJ, Rantanen N, Drumond B, Trostle S.Nuclear scintigraphy can be beneficial in the investigation of equine lameness and poor performance. Images obtained through the sole allow for better identification of a region of increased radionuclide uptake in the foot. The presence of shoes or pads may affect these images. To determine the degree of radioactive attenuation different types of shoes and pads of different thickness and materials were evaluated by placing the material directly on the gamma camera detector acquiring flood images from a point source. The study compared five different types of shoes from 3 different shoeing mate...
Evaluation of a Commercial Activity Monitor for Determining Step Counts in Horses.
Journal of equine veterinary science    September 24, 2020   Volume 95 103272 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103272
Kline KE, Moorman VJ.Monitoring activity level has become popular in people and animals. In the horse, these monitors may be helpful for the detection of disease, monitor limb loading after surgery, and assist in rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a commercial activity monitor (AM) (FitBit Zip) in horses. In Part 1, four stalled horses had five AMs placed (head, chest, withers, and left forelimb and hindlimbs) with stride length setting of 60.96 cm and were monitored for 24 hours with AM and video. In Part 2, four stalled horses had two AMs placed (left forelimb and hindl...
Adaptation strategies of horses with induced forelimb lameness walking on a treadmill.
Equine veterinary journal    September 24, 2020   Volume 53, Issue 3 600-611 doi: 10.1111/evj.13344
Serra Bragança FM, Hernlund E, Thomsen MH, Waldern NM, Rhodin M, Byström A, van Weeren PR, Weishaupt MA.There is a paucity of research describing the gait pattern of lame horses at the walk. Objective: To describe the changes in motion pattern and vertical ground reaction forces (GRFz) in horses with induced forelimb lameness at the walk and compare those changes with the changes observed at the trot. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: In 10 clinically sound Warmblood horses, moderate forelimb lameness was induced using a sole pressure model followed by trot and walk on a treadmill. Kinematic data were collected using 3D optical motion capture (OMC), and GRFz by an instrumented treadmill. Mix...
Arthroscopic evaluation of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in horses with parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx.
Equine veterinary journal    September 24, 2020   Volume 53, Issue 4 746-751 doi: 10.1111/evj.13343
James FM, Smith MRW, Wright IM.Fractures of the proximal phalanx are one of the most common long bone fractures of Thoroughbred racehorses. Although the degree of disruption and damage to the articular surface is generally considered a major prognostic determinant, associated arthroscopic findings have not previously been reported. Objective: To describe the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joint lesions associated with parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx arthroscopically identified at the time of fracture repair and compare radiographic and arthroscopic appearance of complete fractures. Methods: Retrospec...
Epidural administration of opioid analgesics improves quality of recovery in horses anaesthetised for treatment of hindlimb synovial sepsis.
Equine veterinary journal    September 23, 2020   Volume 53, Issue 4 682-689 doi: 10.1111/evj.13338
Louro LF, Milner PI, Bardell D.Opioid epidural analgesia has been shown to provide effective analgesia in horses. There is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of opioid epidural analgesia on quality of recovery in horses. Objective: Identify whether opioid epidural analgesia influences quality of recovery in horses undergoing general anaesthesia required for management of hindlimb synovial sepsis. Methods: Single-centre retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: Data were obtained from the clinical records of horses which had undergone arthroscopic or tenoscopic surgery for management of hindlimb synovial sepsis over...
Agreement of 2 electrolyte analyzers for identifying electrolyte and acid-base disorders in sick horses.
Journal of veterinary internal medicine    September 23, 2020   Volume 34, Issue 6 2758-2766 doi: 10.1111/jvim.15889
Gomez DE, Buczinski S, Darby S, Palmisano M, Beatty SSK, Mackay RJ.Use of different analyzers to measure electrolytes in the same horse can lead to different interpretation of acid-base balance when using the simplified strong ion difference (sSID) approach. Objective: Investigate the level of agreement between 2 analyzers in determining electrolytes concentrations, sSID variables, and acid-base disorders in sick horses. Methods: One hundred twenty-four hospitalized horses. Methods: Retrospective study using paired samples. Electrolytes were measured using a Beckman Coulter AU480 Chemistry analyzer (PBMA) and a Nova Biomedical Stat Profile (WBGA), respectivel...
Comparing racing performance following arthroscopic surgery of metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal and carpal joints in Thoroughbred racehorses rehabilitated using conventional and underwater treadmill therapies.
The Veterinary record    September 23, 2020   Volume 187, Issue 9 355 doi: 10.1136/vr.105745
Potenza KN, Huggons NA, Jones ARE, Rosanowski SM, McIlwraith CW.Rehabilitation of horses using underwater treadmill therapy has been shown to improve joint range of motion, joint mobility, stride length and proprioceptive parameters with experimental studies. However, studies investigating the prognosis and return to function following rehabilitation are lacking. Methods: A retrospective study of Thoroughbred racehorses treated with arthroscopic surgery for osteochondral fragments of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints or carpal joints undergoing conventional rehabilitation or underwater treadmill assisted rehabilitation at th...
Changes in antimicrobial resistance patterns of ocular surface bacteria isolated from horses in the UK: An eight-year surveillance study (2012-2019).
Veterinary ophthalmology    September 22, 2020   Volume 23, Issue 6 950-956 doi: 10.1111/vop.12827
Chalder RH, Knott T, Rushton JO, Nikolic-Pollard D.To identify temporal changes in antimicrobial resistance of ocular surface bacteria isolated from clinically symptomatic equine eyes in the South West of the UK. Methods: Retrospective. Methods: Clinical and laboratory records of horses treated for suspected bacterial ocular surface disease (ulcerative and non-ulcerative) at a single facility between January 2011 and December 2019 were reviewed. Cases were included if they underwent ocular surface sampling, aerobic bacterial culture, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Cases were split into two time periods based on when sampling occurre...
Intraocular pressure following four different intravenous sedation protocols in normal horses.
Equine veterinary journal    September 19, 2020   Volume 53, Issue 3 612-617 doi: 10.1111/evj.13336
Joyner RL, Liu CC, Cremer J, Carter RT, Lewin AC.Intravenous sedation is frequently necessary for ophthalmic examination in horses. Common sedation protocols have not been directly compared in terms of relative intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, duration of IOP reduction and time to maximum IOP reduction. Objective: To compare the effects of standing sedation protocols on IOP. Methods: Randomised cross-over experiment. Methods: Twelve healthy horses received four intravenous sedation protocols with a 48 hours washout: 0.5 mg/kg xylazine and 0.01 mg/kg butorphanol (SED1); 10 µg/kg detomidine and 0.01 mg/kg of butorphanol (SED2); 10 ...
Fetal morphological features and abnormalities associated with equine early pregnancy loss.
Equine veterinary journal    September 19, 2020   Volume 53, Issue 3 530-541 doi: 10.1111/evj.13340
Kahler A, McGonnell IM, Smart H, Kowalski AA, Smith KC, Wathes DC, de Mestre AM.Early pregnancy loss (EPL) occurs in approximately 8% of equine pregnancies, although the aetiology is mostly unknown and embryonic/fetal morphological abnormalities associated with EPL are not defined. Objective: To compare the morphology of EPL to clinically normal embryos/fetuses and previously described embryonic/fetal developmental milestones. To identify morphological abnormalities associated with equine EPL. Methods: Observational case-control study. Methods: Embryos/fetuses were obtained from clinically normal Thoroughbred and pony pregnancies (n = 11) and following EPL from Thorough...
Protective effects of dexmedetomidine on small intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury in horses.
Equine veterinary journal    September 17, 2020   Volume 53, Issue 3 569-578 doi: 10.1111/evj.13337
VanderBroek AR, Engiles JB, Kästner SBR, Kopp V, Verhaar N, Hopster K.Strangulating small intestinal lesions in the horse have increased morbidity and mortality compared to nonstrangulating obstructions due to mucosal barrier disruption and subsequent endotoxaemia. Objective: To investigate protective effects of dexmedetomidine on small intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury in the horse. Methods: Randomised, controlled, experimental study. Methods: Eighteen systemically healthy horses were randomly assigned to three groups: control, preconditioning, and post-conditioning. During isoflurane anaesthesia, complete ischaemia was induced in a 1-m segment of jejunum...
Overview of the Current Situation in a Sample of Headshakers and Owner Assessment of Effective Therapeutic Measures Used in Germany.
Journal of equine veterinary science    September 17, 2020   Volume 95 103270 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103270
Stange LM, Krieter J, Czycholl I.Equine headshaking syndrome is a problematic behavior that has been described in literature for more than 100 years. The signs of headshaking syndrome appear frequently and violently so that riding the horse can be dangerous. The aim of this research was to gain an overview of the underlying causes of equine headshaking syndrome to identify effective treatment options, reduce the distress of horses and, in a second step, potentially improve therapeutic possibilities for horse owners and veterinarians. Most studies on prevalence originate from Anglo-American countries, so this research was to ...
Inter-observer variability of two grading systems for equine glandular gastric disease.
Equine veterinary journal    September 17, 2020   Volume 53, Issue 3 495-502 doi: 10.1111/evj.13334
Tallon R, Hewetson M.Equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) is recognised as a separate entity to equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and it is recommended that lesions are graded differently. Currently, no validated scoring system exists for EGGD. Objective: To determine inter-observer reliability of two previously described grading systems for EGGD and to assess if agreement improved with gastroscopy experience, specialist training or familiarity with the descriptive system. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: A link to an electronic questionnaire containing 20 images of glandular lesions was circulate...
Horizontal bone grafting using equine-derived cancellous bone blocks is associated with severe complications: A prospective clinical and histological pilot study.
Clinical oral implants research    September 17, 2020   Volume 31, Issue 11 1149-1158 doi: 10.1111/clr.13661
Angermair J, Bosshardt DD, Nelson K, Flügge TV, Stricker A, Fretwurst T.The aim of this prospective, clinical study was to evaluate the clinical performance and histological outcome of a new equine hydroxyapatite collagenated bone block (eHAC) for horizontal bone grafting prior to implant placement. Methods: Five patients (two male/three female) with a mean age of 51.6 years (range 22-66 years) and a reduced horizontal bone width of the alveolar ridge (mean 3.5 mm) underwent horizontal bone grafting using eHAC at 10 grafting sites. Reentry was performed 6.9 months after the horizontal grafting procedure. Clinical follow-up (mean 28.9 month) considered width g...
Prevalence and Distribution of Lesions in the Nasal Bones and Mandibles of a Sample of 144 Riding Horses.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    September 16, 2020   Volume 10, Issue 9 doi: 10.3390/ani10091661
Pérez-Manrique L, León-Pérez K, Zamora-Sánchez E, Davies S, Ober C, Wilson B, McGreevy P.Restrictive nosebands are used in equestrian sports to hold the bit in place and reduce mouth-opening, a response that can attract penalties in some sports and is thought to reduce the rider's control of the horse. Sustained pressure from such tightly fitted (restrictive) nosebands denies normal behaviour and thus, causes frustration and distress that can jeopardise horse welfare. It also may push the cheek against the molar teeth, compress soft tissues including blood vessels and nerves, and possibly induce chronic changes to underlying bone. This study of mature cavalry horses (n = 144) was ...