Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
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.
Global prevalence of equine piroplasmosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence from 2020-2025. Equine piroplasmosis remains a major constraint to equine health, productivity, and international movement. In compliance with PRISMA 2020 criteria, a systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to estimate the pooled global prevalence of equine piroplasmosis and identify possible sources of risk variables. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer Nature, Europe PMC, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, CABI Digital Library, and Google Scholar were searched between 2020 to 2025. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled prevalence estima...
New Noninvasive Long-Term Stress indicator in Horses: Analysis of Cortisol Levels in the Hoof of Foals. Noninvasive sampling methods are recommended in animals as far as possible. However, there has been no way to safely measure long-term stress in all horses including foals and stallions. Currently, nail cortisol in humans has been reported to be a promising noninvasive long-term stress indicator. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a horse's hoof as a noninvasive long-term stress indicator by determining whether hoof cortisol levels varied similarly to hair cortisol levels noted in a previous study. All hooves were sampled by one farrier after a foal's birth. They were divided into ...
Multimodal characterization of equine synovitis: Correlation between arthroscopic, histopathological, and biomarker assessments in septic vs. aseptic cases. Endoscopy and synovial membrane histology are complementary modalities for evaluating synovial inflammation. Cytokine involvement in non-septic arthritis is well documented but remains poorly characterized in septic synovitis. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the inflammatory cytokine profile associated with septic and non-septic synovitis and assess correlations among endoscopic, histological, and synovial fluid biomarker findings. Methods: Three groups were defined: horses undergoing elective or therapeutic endoscopy (Group 1, n=26), horses with confirmed septic synovitis (Group 2...
Effect of Different Equilibration Times in the Freezing Process on Post-Thaw Motility Parameters in Equine Spermatozoa. Cryopreservation of stallion semen remains suboptimal, with approximately one-third of stallions producing semen that is poorly tolerant to freezing. As optimization of pre-freezing procedures may improve post-thaw sperm quality, this study evaluated the effect of different equilibration times before freezing on the post-thaw quality of stallion semen. For this purpose, 21 ejaculates were initially collected from 5 stallions and 15 were included in the final analysis after predefined exclusions. These ejaculates were separated from the seminal plasma via centrifugation in INRA 96 medium. After...
Superior Post-Thaw Sperm Quality and Fertility of Epididymal Compared with Ejaculated Sperm in Subfertile Stallions. Despite the benefits of seminal plasma during breeding, its value is questionable when utilizing biotechnological approaches such as artificial insemination. In addition, deleterious effects of secretions from accessory glands on sperm viability and conception rate have been reported, especially in stallions with poor semen quality. Objective: The present study aimed to compare the kinetics, structural and functional viability, and fertility parameters of spermatozoa obtained from the ejaculate and from the cauda epididymis of subfertile stallions, as well as to evaluate the differences in the...
Heel movement and foot biomechanics in aluminium nail-on and indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes in horses. Heel movement is critical to shock absorption and vascular perfusion of the equine digit. Conventional horseshoeing techniques are suspected to restrict natural hoof deformation, affecting hoof biomechanics. Several studies have explored the effects of shoeing on hoof function, though many have been limited to artificial conditions, cadavers, or homogenous populations. Objective: We aimed to compare the effects of two aluminium shoeing techniques, nail-on versus indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes, on heel movement in horses. Our objective was to determine which technique allowed greater heel m...
Effect of shod status on distal limb thermography in leisure horses. This study evaluated whether shod status affects distal limb surface temperature in 43 healthy leisure horses using infrared thermography. Thermographic images of 16 regions of interest were acquired at rest from shod (n=23) and barefoot horses (n=20), with temperatures corrected for ambient temperature and wind speed. Significant thermal differences existed between anatomical regions (P0.7). These findings indicate shod status has minimal impact on resting distal limb thermography in leisure horses.
A generalized additive model using kinematic and demographic data provides an accurate and objective anesthesia recovery score in horses. To analyze kinematic data extracted from an inertial measuring unit to assess quality of recovery in horses emerging from general anesthesia. Unassigned: Horses undergoing anesthesia from February 2024 through March 2026 were enrolled in this study. Collected data from the inertial measuring unit included 3-axis acceleration, angular velocity, and orientation. Recoveries were evaluated by 3 scorers using a modified composite grading scale. The mean of the scores was used as the dependent variable. A Python pipeline was written to detect attempts to stand using the first derivative of the accel...
Balancing training load, rest and musculoskeletal injury risk: a mathematical modelling study in Thoroughbred racehorses. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in Thoroughbred racehorses are a leading cause of death and premature retirement, and are heavily influenced by training practices. Greater distances of high-speed galloping accumulated during racing campaigns are associated with MSI. Bone injury is the most common MSI, and understanding how training practices influence bone damage accumulation is critical for improving both horse welfare and racing outcomes. This study builds on an existing mathematical model of bone adaptation and damage to investigate the impact of different training programmes on bone injury ...
The use and perception of hay nets and slow feeders by horse owners and handlers: findings from a United Kingdom survey. Hay nets and slow feeders are widely used in equine management, yet United Kingdom (UK) horse owners' perceptions of these devices are underexplored. An online cross-sectional survey (66 questions) was distributed via social media between 5 July and 6 August 2024, yielding 100 valid responses from UK horse owners. Data were analysed descriptively and using chi-square/Fisher's exact tests. Hay nets only were used by 42 respondents, slow feeders only by 26, and both by 32. Safety concerns were reported by 43% of hay net users, most often entanglement and dental issues, although 81% used hay nets...
Quantitative assessment of specific bacterial taxa of the intestinal microbiota of healthy and diarrheic horses. Alterations in intestinal microbiota composition, as determined by DNA sequencing, are reported in horses with acute colitis compared with healthy horses. Objective: Changes in specific bacterial populations can detect overall intestinal disruption of the normal intestinal microbiota. Identify bacterial taxa that indicate intestinal dysbiosis or health in horses using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Methods: Thirty horses with undifferentiated colitis, 13 with colitis associated with Salmonella spp., 14 with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), 52 healthy horses from Canada and 48 from the United St...
Morphological and Behavioural Predictors of Motor Laterality in Domestic Horses: A Cross-Sectional Field Study. Motor laterality in horses affects performance, training, and welfare. A simple morphological marker for laterality would help riders, trainers, and veterinarians identify likely locomotor asymmetries early. This study tested whether observable morphological and behavioural characteristics were associated with rider-perceived motor laterality in domestic horses, using a cross-sectional observational field study design conducted in the Blida and Algiers regions of Algeria. The study included 100 regularly ridden domestic horses. Mane orientation, facial whorl characteristics, standing curvature...
Ultrasonography of the spleen, kidneys and bladder in healthy Mangalarga Marchador horses across different life stages. This study is the first breed-specific ultrasonographic reference values for spleen, kidneys, and bladder in Mangalarga Marchador horses from different life stages. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish a normal reference range of measurements of the spleen, kidneys and bladder, as well as to describe the anatomy and sonographic characteristics of these organs in Mangalarga Marchador horses. Methods: Abdominal ultrasound examinations were performed in 88 Mangalarga Marchador horses of both sexes, aged 1, 7 and 15 days, monthly from their 1st to the 11th month of age ando n their 1s...
Forage chemical composition drives early metabolic shifts in ponies fed different haylages. Rapid changes between feeds can cause dysbiosis and colic in horses. The metabolic consequences of transitioning between haylages (HY) are currently unknown. Objective: To characterise urinary and faecal metabonomics in ponies transitioned between HY varying in botanical composition and physiological age and to evaluate the speed of metabolic adaptation. Methods: In vivo experiments repeated Latin Square. Methods: Eight Welsh Mountain ponies were fed four HY (R1, R2, M1, M2) across 4 × 15-day periods; a structured 3-day (Days 13-15) changeover was observed: old:new 70:30, 50:50and 30:70....
Antimicrobial stewardship priorities and prescribing in Australian equine practice. Antimicrobial resistance is a global health crisis that needs to be addressed by all areas of human and animal health sectors to safeguard effective antibiotics into the future. Understanding current antimicrobial prescribing patterns and veterinary antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) priorities is crucial for effective stewardship program design and sustainable uptake. Objective: To identify focus areas for stewardship interventions, implementation, resource allocation, and future campaign targets for equine practice. Methods: Cross-sectional study of equine veterinarians in Australia. Methods: A...
Cumulus cell DNA fragmentation as non-invasive biomarker of equine oocyte quality in in vitro embryo production. The efficiency of in vitro embryo production in animal species is constrained by the absence of practical, non-invasive biomarkers to assess oocyte quality. Cumulus cell DNA fragmentation index (CC-DFI) has been proposed as a biomarker in humans, but data in animals remain limited. Objective: This study investigated the association of CC-DFI with in vitro maturation (IVM) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in horses, and its relationship with mare-related factors, autumnal transition period, cumulus cell viability, and cumulus expansion. Methods: Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC...
Cervical articular process joint versus ventral cervical stabilization in horses: A biomechanical study. To determine the biomechanical properties and modes of failure of a single level equine cervical spine immobilized with unilateral or bilateral articular process joint (APJ) stabilization, ventral cervical stabilization (VCS) and non-stabilized controls. Methods: Ex vivo experimental study. Methods: A total of 24 equine cadaver cervical spines. Methods: Cervical spinal units (C4-C5) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6/group): unilateral APJ stabilization, bilateral APJ stabilization, VCS using pedicle screws and rod constructs, or non-stabilized. Non-destructive testing assessed k...
Pass rates using the FEI noseband measurement device at British Dressage 2025 Championships. Appropriate fitting of equipment provides horse comfort and avoids compromising equine welfare. In May 2025, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) introduced an evidence-based measuring device that is passed beneath the noseband to ensure sufficient laxity. Objective: To study the use of the FEI noseband device during mandatory tack and equipment checks at British Dressage Championships. Methods: Observational. Methods: Noseband testing was observed for a total of 523 horses competing at the 2025 British Dressage National Championship, Middle Tour Championship and Area Festival Champi...
Long-term dynamics of gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding in a semi-feral Misaki horse population in Japan. This study investigated long-term gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding in a semi-feral Misaki horse population using 3200 fecal samples collected from 158 individually identified horses during five fiscal years (FY2019-FY2023; April 2019-March 2024). Strongyle-type eggs were detected in 91.7% of samples (2935/3200), with a mean count of 1352 eggs per gram (EPG). Repeated-measures analyses showed marked variation associated with fiscal year, season, age, and management history. Strongyle-type EPG values were generally higher in spring and summer than in autumn and winter, with the month-level...
Clinical Efficacy of Varying Dosages of Intravenous Phenylbutazone in a Reversible Model of Equine Foot Lameness. The objective of this experiment was to compare the clinical efficacy of various dosages of phenylbutazone (PBZ) with a negative control. The hypothesis was that higher PBZ doses would result in improved efficacy in a dose-dependent manner. Eight horses were shod with adjustable heart bar shoes on one front foot. Grade 4.0/5.0 lameness was induced every 2 to 4 weeks by tightening a set screw against the heart bar. Heart rate (HR) and lameness score (LS) were monitored at rest; every 20 min after lameness induction for 5 h; and hourly for another 8 h. One hour after lameness induction, treatmen...
Serum amyloid A alone or in combination with white blood cell count and fibrinogen is associated with inflammatory disease status in horses undergoing elective anesthesia. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical utility of common systemic inflammatory markers (WBC count [WBCC], plasma fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A [SAA]) for the detection of disease in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Unassigned: A retrospective review of 1,002 surgical case records (February 2021 to June 2023) was performed. Systemically stable equine patients undergoing elective orthopedic and soft tissue procedures and that had WBCC, fibrinogen, and SAA evaluated preoperatively were eligible for inclusion. Disease status (healthy vs disease) was recorded for each case ...
A novel water additive increases voluntary water intake in healthy horses. To determine whether healthy horses would increase their voluntary water intake (VWI) when offered a novel water additive (NWA) compared to plain water (TAP) and water flavored with sweet feed, referred to as sweet tea (ST). Unassigned: 12 clinically healthy horses, aged 2 to 5 years old, were enrolled in the experimental crossover design. Four horses were assigned to each group for each of the 3 study weeks. The order that the horses were allocated to study groups was randomly assigned. All horses had access to 2 buckets filled to 16 L, one containing plain water (untreated bucket) and one co...
Impact of a Riding Event and Ambient Temperature on the Heart Rate of Gotlandsruss Ponies. Visitors to zoos present unpredictable visual and auditory stimulation for captive animals. Coupled with high ambient temperatures this might prove stressful for animals involved in human interactions. This study aims to determine if Gotlandsruss ponies are stressed by visitors during a childrens riding event at Slottsskogen, a zoo park, in Gothenburg, Sweden and whether ambient temperature also had an impact. Decibel level, temperature, and the ponies heart rate were monitored during the event. Each pony's maximum rate during exercise and resting heart rate were measured to compare with heart...
Comparative Susceptibility of Donkey and Horse Sperm to Liquid-Storage Temperature. Preservation protocols for donkey sperm are based on those developed for horses, despite potential interspecific differences in cooling tolerance. This study compared horse and donkey sperm during long-term storage at 5°C and 17°C. Ejaculates from four stallions and four jacks (n = 16) were centrifuged, resuspended in skimmed milk-based extender, and stored at both temperatures. Sperm motility, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, and morphology were evaluated after 1, 2 and 7 days. Fresh semen parameters showed no interspecific differences (p > 0.05). At 5°C, donkey sperm show...
Mandibular fracture with subsequent sequestrum formation and tooth-root abscess in a 3-year-old mare. A 3-year-old quarter horse cross mare was presented to the Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island) for evaluation of a persistent draining tract on the ventral aspect of the left mandible, associated with a previous fracture. Radiography and ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a chronic sequestrum separated from the parent bone. Sequestrectomy and surgical debridement of the mandible were carried out, and the horse was discharged. Three months later, the mare was presented again to the Atlantic Veterinary College, as the draining tract had not resolved. A CT sca...
Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Axial Proximal Sesamoid Osteomyelitis and Intersesamoidean Ligament Rupture in a Horse. A 7-year-old Warmblood mare used for show jumping was evaluated for progressive left hindlimb lameness of 5 weeks' duration, localized clinically to the metatarsophalangeal region. Radiography revealed ill-defined osteolysis of the axial apical regions of both proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs). Due to rapid clinical deterioration, low-field magnetic resonance imaging was performed and demonstrated aggressive axial osteomyelitis of both PSBs, partial rupture of the intersesamoidean ligament and proximal scutum with herniation of synovium of the plantar joint recess, and an occult penetrating tract...
A single-cell RNA-seq dataset characterizing cellular diversity in healthy equine skin. The skin serves as the primary barrier tissue in horses and is frequently affected by immune-mediated dermatological conditions, most notably insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH). Yet, the cellular composition and transcriptional landscape of normal equine skin have never been characterized at single-cell resolution. Here, we present a single-cell RNA sequencing dataset of healthy equine skin comprising 85,574 high-quality transcriptomes from two horses, with one skin biopsy collected from each horse, divided into two portions for independent processing via manual or automated tissue dissociatio...
Nasopharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal collapse: intra- and interrater agreement supports novel endoscopic scoring classifications in horses. The contribution of reduced airway patency from heightened inspiratory pressure or active muscular contraction to the pathophysiology of pharyngeal collapse is unknown. Existing classifications refer to the entire pharyngeal region; however, anatomical differences are evident between rostral and caudal collapse. Novel classifications and grading systems are proposed to differentiate 2 pathologies: nasopharyngeal collapse (NPC; collapse of ≥ 1 pharyngeal wall rostral to the tip of the epiglottis; grades 0 through 4), and laryngopharyngeal collapse (LPC; collapse of ≥ 1 pharyngeal wall cauda...
