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Topic:Equine Health
Equine health encompasses the study and management of diseases, disorders, and overall well-being of horses. It involves understanding various physiological systems, preventive care, and treatment strategies to maintain optimal health in equine populations. Common areas of focus include nutrition, infectious diseases, orthopedic conditions, and reproductive health. Research in equine health aims to advance knowledge on diagnostic methods, therapeutic interventions, and management practices that improve horse welfare and performance. This page collects peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the diverse aspects of equine health, offering insights into current findings and advancements in the field.
Warmed intravenous fluid administration attenuated a reduction in body temperature in anaesthetised horses. Peri-anaesthetic hypothermia is a well-documented complication of general anaesthesia and is associated with prolonged recovery, impaired wound healing, and delayed coagulation. Fluid warmers can be used to mitigate heat loss, but there is little evidence supporting their effectiveness in equine anaesthesia. Objective: To determine whether administration of warmed intravenous fluids attenuates heat loss during general anaesthesia in horses. Methods: Prospective, randomised, crossover in vivo experiment. Methods: Six healthy adult horses were anaesthetised twice and administered intravenous flu...
[Determination of 33 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug residues in horse urine by QuEChERS-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry]. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs （NSAIDs） are often used to treat horses' injuries and pain due to long-term training and competitions. In equestrian competitions， NSAIDs do not affect the upper limit of a horse's athletic ability， but they can enable the horse to perform close to its maximum capacity by reducing inflammation and pain. This not only affects the competition results， but also fails to ensure the health and welfare of the horses. Therefore， it has become crucial to effectively monitor and control NSAIDs residues during equestrian competition. In this study， a r...
Scintigraphic Characteristics of the Occipitoatlantoaxial Region in Clinically Sound Horses. The equine occipitoatlantoaxial (OAA) region is biomechanically complex, yet normative scintigraphic reference data for this area are lacking. This retrospective study characterized the physiological radiopharmaceutical uptake pattern in the OAA region of 60 clinically sound horses, assigned equally into four age groups: under 6 years (Group A), 6-10 years (Group B), 11-15 years (Group C), and over 15 years (Group D). A standardized, semiquantitative analysis of lateral bone-phase scintigrams was performed using region of interest (ROI) ratios to determine uptake patterns. A highly consist...
Correlation of 2D Linear and 3D Volumetric Measurement Techniques for Subchondral Bone Sclerosis in the Equine Distal Limb Using Standing Computed Tomography. Subchondral bone sclerosis of the distal third palmar/plantar metacarpal/metatarsal condyles is a common radiographic finding in Thoroughbred racehorses. Traditionally, assessment has relied on two-dimensional (2D) linear measurements; however, advances in imaging software now allow three-dimensional (3D) volumetric quantification of subchondral bone. This study aimed to assess the relationship and agreement between computed tomography (CT)-derived 2D linear and volumetric measurements of condylar sclerosis and computer-generated 3D volumetric measurements and determine whether 2D measurements...
Modified technique for resection of the alar folds to nasal paralysis in a mule: Case report. Equids are obligate nasal breathers. Therefore, conditions that obstruct or impair this respiratory route can compromise animal welfare by causing severe respiratory distress, while also impacting athletic potential. Nasal paralysis results from injury to the facial nerve and its branches and is characterized by the lack of movement of the alar cartilage, leading to nasal collapse. Its occurrence is uncommon in horses and has not been previously reported in mules. This report describes a 9-month-old mule presented with a history of facial trauma and compression caused by a halter. After unsucc...
Endocrine Disorders and Their Effect on Equine Reproduction. Continuing the reproductive potential of aged horses is a request many equine practitioners may receive. Reproductive performance may be impacted by a host of age-related comorbidities such as the endocrinopathies, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and equine metabolic syndrome. While limited information is known, reproductive effects described may include irregular estrous cycles, development of anovulatory follicles, increased incidence of uterine infection, or generalized infertility. Accurate diagnosis, management strategies, and monitoring remain critical for improving quality of lif...
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Critically Ill Foals and Horses. Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency is a transient dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to inadequate cortisol responses during severe stress from endotoxemia and sepsis in horses and foals. This condition is associated with poor outcomes, and its diagnosis is complicated by interindividual variability in cortisol response. Recent advances in dynamic testing and point-of-care hormone tests offer promise for better assessment and treatment, enabling more precise steroid replacement therapy in affected equine patients.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Scintigraphy for Detecting Morphological Variation of the Sixth Cervical Vertebral Ventral Lamina in Horses: A Retrospective Study. Morphological variations or transposition of the ventral lamina of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6) are well documented in horses. Radiography remains the primary modality for identifying these osseous variations, whereas scintigraphy provides a functional assessment of bone activity; however, its diagnostic accuracy for this condition has not been established. This retrospective single-center study evaluated the diagnostic performance of scintigraphy compared with radiography for detecting C6/C7 ventral laminar anomalies and determined an optimal C6:C7 uptake ratio cutoff. Thirty-four horses ...
Human-horse interactions as complementary strategies for mental health promotion. Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) represent complementary rehabilitative approaches designed to address a range of physical and mental health conditions. Among these, Equine-assisted interventions (EAI) offer structured opportunities for engagement through diverse activities conducted within naturalistic settings, thereby integrating therapeutic processes with ecological contexts. Methods: Over the past years, our group has developed and implemented standardized AAI methodologies that are now embedded within comprehensive intervention planning. This overview summarizes the application of dif...
Mutual wellbeing in an equine-assisted intervention: experimental evidence for the two-way hypothesis and the importance of interaction method. Rising rates of mental health disorders have increased demand for scalable, non-pharmacological interventions. Interactions with animals can improve emotional wellbeing across diverse populations, yet the mechanisms responsible for these benefits remain poorly understood. Most research focuses on human outcomes while treating the animal as a passive component of the interaction, despite human-animal interactions being inherently reciprocal. We therefore propose the Two-Way Hypothesis, which predicts that human behavior shapes animal behavior, which in turn contributes to variation in human emo...
Correction: Development of an indirect ELISA for the detection of venezuelan equine encephalitis virus specific antibodies in horses. [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0338819.].
Use of a caudal intercostal block in horses undergoing surgery for colic. In humans and companion animals, regional anaesthesia is used in multimodal analgesic protocols for abdominal wall surgery. Benefits include earlier patient mobilisation and improved pain scores. Regional anaesthetic techniques for horses undergoing abdominal surgery could provide similar benefits and warrant investigation. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a caudal intercostal block for abdominal surgery (CIBAS) in horses undergoing surgery for colic. Methods: Blinded, randomised clinical trial. Methods: Horses (n = 22) undergoing exploratory celiotomy for colic were rando...
Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in horses in Spain. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen of increasing importance in Europe, responsible for Lyme borreliosis and affecting both humans and domestic animals. In horses, infection is often subclinical and difficult to diagnose due to variable clinical presentation and limitations in diagnostic methods. Epidemiological data remain limited in several countries, including Spain. This study aimed to estimate the first nationwide seroprevalence in horses in Spain and to identify associated risk factors. A total of 716 serum samples from clinically healthy horses across 17 au...
Historical, clinical and nasal endoscopic findings in 1600 cases of equine sinonasal disease and associations with case outcome. No large study has described the signalment, pre-referral management or clinical and nasal endoscopic findings in equine sinonasal disease. Objective: To explore associations between case outcome and signalment, pre-referral treatments, clinical and nasal endoscopic variables in sinonasal disease. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records of 19 equine hospitals on sinonasal disease cases they had examined and which had undergone computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Case outcome was obtained from clinical records and/or by contacting clients and referri...
Musculoskeletal Assessment of Forelimbs and Hindlimbs in Mounted Police Horses using Infrared Thermography. Infrared thermography (IRT) has become established as a complementary tool in equine veterinary medicine, allowing for the early detection of thermal changes associated with musculoskeletal inflammatory processes. Objective: This study aimed to apply infrared thermography to characterize the surface thermal profile of the forelimbs and hindlimbs of mounted police horses, considering clinical classification, anatomical region, body side, and repeated evaluations over time. Methods: The research was conducted at the Military Police Cavalry in Manaus (AM), Brazil, involving 20 adult horses submit...
Oocyte and Embryo Vitrification in Horses. Vitrification has emerged as a decisive technique in assisted reproductive technology, offering superior cryopreservation outcomes for both oocytes and embryos compared with traditional slow freezing. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the vitrification of equine oocytes and embryos, emphasizing the influence of technical factors, including cryoprotectant selection, exposure time, temperature control, and device volume, on vitrification outcomes. Biological factors such as the oocyte maturation stage, the presence of cumulus cells, and embryo size are also explored, highlighting...
Context-aware machine learning for lameness side and severity prediction in trotting horses: A proof-of-concept study. In clinical practice, lameness evaluation often relies on visual assessment under different examination conditions, including ground and figures, and remains subjective. Although objective symmetry indices provide quantitative measures of gait asymmetry, their interpretation across multiple conditions remains challenging because several complementary indices are required and their thresholds vary with context. Objective: To assess the ability of a context-aware machine learning approach to predict lameness side and severity at the trot using trunk-mounted IMUs. Methods: Retrospective observati...
Coprological assessment of gastrointestinal helminths in Arabian Thoroughbred horses housed in a stable in the Constantine region, Algeria. This study assesses the gastrointestinal parasitological status of Arabian Thoroughbred horses at the Eastern Equestrian Club in Constantine (Algeria). In this semi-arid region, epidemiological data on equine parasitoses are lacking. Twenty fecal samples were analyzed using qualitative (flotation) and quantitative (McMaster) methods, complemented by morphological identification of parasitic eggs. The results reveal an overall prevalence of 50 %, with species diversity dominated by strongyles (60 % of positive cases), followed by (40 %), spp. (30 %), (20 %), and spp. (10 %). The excretion i...
Stable Beginnings – A call to transform methods of weaning horses. There are currently a range of different weaning methods used in the UK, with no clear consensus or guidance to support the optimal welfare of both mares and foals during and post weaning. Objective: To explore welfare charity professionals' perceptions of approaches to weaning horses in the UK. Methods: Participants from welfare charities with experience in management, and welfare of horses from birth to death were recruited. They reviewed videos of weaning approaches and a chart of behavioural welfare indicators. They then took part in discussions on methods of weaning, considering their opi...
Cyathostomin species richness and alpha diversity at egg reappearance following fecal egg count-based selective ivermectin treatment. Cyathostomin nematodes are ubiquitous in grazing horses. The overuse of anthelmintics has led to increasing problems with drug resistance to benzimidazoles and pyrantel. Although macrocyclic lactones (ML), such as ivermectin, generally retain the highest efficacy, reduced ML efficacy has increasingly been reported. A shortened egg reappearance period (ERP) is frequently used as an indicator of reduced susceptibility. However, the species-specific response dynamics after ivermectin treatment are inadequately characterized in cyathostomins. The objective of this study was to compare the cyathost...
Limited evidence for exposure of horses in the United Kingdom to influenza D virus. Since it was first detected in 2011, antibodies to influenza D virus (IDV) have been found in several species, although cattle are the major host. In cattle, IDV is typically associated with mild respiratory signs, but it is clinically significant as a component of bovine respiratory disease complex. Although antibodies to IDV have been detected in equids, no association of IDV with naturally occurring respiratory disease in horses has yet been demonstrated. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether IDV may be a causal agent of equine respiratory disease in the UK. Methods: Nas...
Equine-based community service offered through horse breed association youth programs: Parent and community partner perceptions of participation, benefits, and program growth. Equine-based community service activities offered through horse breed association youth programs provide opportunities for youth to engage in volunteerism while interacting with horses. Although these programs are widely available, research examining stakeholder perceptions remains limited. Objective: To examine parent and community partner perceptions of equine-based community service activities offered through horse breed association youth programs, including perceived benefits, participation patterns, recruitment, implementation challenges, and opportunities for program development. Methods...
Management practices and human-horse relationships are associated with horse personality traits. The human-horse relationship has evolved through centuries of domestication, shaping how horses are managed and interact with people. Horses show interindividual behavioural differences that constitute personality, with implications for welfare, management and human-horse interactions. Although equine personality has a genetic component, environmental and relational factors may influence its expression, yet effects of everyday management practices remain poorly understood. This study examined associations between owner-rated horse personality traits and human-controlled environmental and relat...
Associations between treatments and response to treatments from a large multicentre study of equine sinonasal disease. No large study has examined the treatment and response to treatment of horses with sinonasal disease confirmed by computed tomography (CT). Objective: To report the treatment and response to treatment of referred cases of equine sinonasal disease. To explore associations between case outcome and clinical and endoscopic features, CT findings, disease subtypes, and treatments in a multivariable model. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records from 19 equine hospitals on cases of sinonasal disease, all of which underwent CT imaging. Case outcome was obt...
Anesthetic Recovery Following a Midazolam-Containing Co-Induction Protocol in Horses Undergoing Total Intravenous Anesthesia. Anesthetic recovery is a critical phase in horses under field conditions, and induction protocols may influence recovery quality during total intravenous anesthesia. Objective: To compare two anesthetic induction protocols, one including midazolam and the other based solely on xylazine and ketamine, regarding anesthetic induction and recovery quality, total recovery time, and attempts to achieve standing in horses undergoing total intravenous anesthesia. Methods: Twelve healthy male horses older than 2 years were randomly assigned to XC (xylazine 1 mg/kg and ketamine 2 mg/kg) or XCM (xylazine ...
Use of Sildenafil Citrate for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Stallions: First Case Reports. Pharmacological aids can be useful alternatives to enhance penile erection and/or improve ejaculatory function, thereby prolonging the reproductive life of stallions with ejaculatory disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and on semen quality in two aged stallions, a Quarter Horse (18 years) and a Mangalarga Marchador (25 years), presented to the Veterinary Hospital of FMVZ-UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. The treatment consisted of oral administration of sildenafil citrate at 0.2 mg/kg. Thirty minutes after administ...
Exhaled breath condensate in horses: a first microbiological insight. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a non-invasive method for obtaining samples reflecting the airway lining fluid; however, its microbiological composition remains poorly characterized. Objective: To perform an exploratory microbiological comparison of EBC in clinically healthy horses maintained under different environmental conditions. Methods: An observational study included 30 mares equally distributed into two groups: horses housed in stalls (Racetrack group) and horses maintained under pasture conditions (Farm group). EBC samples were collected using a validated device developed by the re...
Diagnosed causes of sinonasal disease in 1600 horses and associations with clinical signs, computed tomographic findings and case outcome. The diagnosis of equine sinonasal disorders has been greatly enhanced by using computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Objective: To explore associations between specific diagnoses and clinical and CT findings and between specific diagnoses and case outcome in equine sinonasal disease. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records from 19 equine hospitals on cases of sinonasal disease, all of which underwent CT imaging. Case outcome was obtained from clinical records, and/or by contacting clients and referring veterinarians. Logistic regression analysis was u...
Evaluation of mosquito transmission of equine hepacivirus in laboratory and field studies. Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) is a hepatotropic virus, closely related to human hepatitis C virus (HCV), that can cause acute or chronic infection in horses. As with HCV, transmission is thought to occur primarily through parenteral, particularly blood-borne, routes. Vertical transmission from mare to foal has been reported but appears to be uncommon. The high seroprevalence in horse populations and the occurrence of infection in isolated horses indicate efficient horizontal transmission routes exist. One such possibility is biological or mechanical transmission by arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ...
