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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.
Hyaluronan in horses: physiological production rate, plasma and synovial fluid concentrations in control conditions and following sodium hyaluronate administration. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an endogenous glycosaminoglycan used in the treatment of joint diseases, but medication control is required by horseracing authorities. Therefore, a medication control policy needs to be established. Objective: To establish physiological plasma HA concentrations in post race horses, determine the HA endogenous production rate and document the disposition of HA after i.v. and intra-articular hyaluronic acid administration at recommended therapeutic doses. Methods: Hyaluronan concentrations in plasma were determined using an ELISA specific test; concentrations in synovial...
Race- and course-level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in racing Thoroughbreds. Considerable variation in the rates of equine fatality at different racecourses draws attention to probable risk factors at the level of course or race that might be partly responsible. Distal limb fractures are the most common cause of equine fatality on UK racecourses and identification of risk factors for such injuries and subsequent implementation of intervention strategies could significantly reduce the total number of racecourse fatalities. Objective: To identify race- and course-level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in Thoroughbreds on UK racecourses. Methods: A case-control...
Diagnostic anaesthesia of the equine lower limb: a comparison of lidocaine and lidocaine with epinephrine. The anaesthetic potency, onset of action, duration of action, and side effects of lidocaine and lidocaine plus epinephrine for proximal metacarpal block of the lateral and medial palmar nerves were determined. Ten horses were used and legs were injected using a cross-over model with three test solutions: 1) solvent and lidocaine (2%) plus epinephrine (SLE); 2) solvent and lidocaine (2%) without epinephrine (SL); and 3) solvent only (S). The contra-lateral leg was injected with saline (placebo; P). In both the SL and SLE groups, the onset of anaesthesia occurred between 5 and 15 minutes after i...
Kinematic evaluation of the back in fully functioning riding horses. Clinical history and examination are important features in diagnosis of equine back dysfunction. However, interpretation is subjective and therefore may vary substantially. Objective: To establish a clinical tool to objectively evaluate the function of the equine back, in the form of a database on the kinematics of the back at the walk and trot in fully functioning riding horses. Methods: Thirty-three fully functioning riding horses walked and trotted on a treadmill. Morphometrics and kinematics were tested for correlations to age, height, weight and stride length, and differences between gend...
The effects of a single acupuncture treatment in horses with severe recurrent airway obstruction. Acupuncture may be recommended for horses with 'heaves' because it is being increasingly applied to treat human asthma. Therefore, its efficacy was investigated in horses with this asthma-like disease. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a single acupuncture treatment for the relief of airway obstruction in heaves-affected horses. Methods: The efficacy of a single acupuncture treatment was tested in 10 heaves-affected horses, and the effect of removal from the dusty stall environment in 5 heaves-affected horses. Before treatment, horses were stabled to induce airway obstruction and, apart f...
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in equine colic: an immunohistochemical study of horses with obstructive disorders of the small and large intestines. The gastrointestinal pacemaker cells, the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), have been implicated in several human gastrointestinal dysmotility syndromes. Recently, the involvement of these cells in equine gastrointestinal diseases has been investigated in cases of equine grass sickness where a significant reduction in ICC density was observed. Objective: To investigate ICC density in equine obstructive gastrointestinal disorders using immunohistochemical labelling methods. Methods: Intestinal samples were analysed from 44 horses undergoing exploratory surgery for colic and from 11 control ani...
Clinical anatomy of the equine sphenopalatine sinus. Disorders of the equine sphenopalatine sinus, including empyema and neoplasia, have been reported to cause damage to cranial nerves II and V. However, the clinical anatomy of these sinuses is not well described in horses. Objective: To examine the anatomy of the sphenopalatine sinuses in a range of equidae and, in particular, to examine the relationship of these sinuses to adjacent major nerves and vessels. Methods: The anatomy of the sphenoidal and palatine paranasal sinuses was examined in 16 equidae, primarily using transverse skull sections. Relevant structures were documented and photogra...
Differences in the topographical distribution of articular cartilage degeneration between equine metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joints. The equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints, although having virtually the same geometrical appearance, differ in the prevalence of joint pathologies, such as osteochondral fragmentation, and in biomechanical behaviour. The recently developed cartilage degeneration index (CDI) technique offers a possibility to assess quantitatively differences in cartilage degeneration between these joints and to compare these with known differences in biomechanics and clinical observations. Objective: To compare the topographical distribution of articular cartilage degeneration a...
Onset of puberty in pasture-raised Thoroughbreds born in southern hemisphere spring and autumn. There is little information on age, weight and time of year of puberty in Thoroughbred horses, and the interpretation of such data is difficult due to the wide variety of descriptions of the onset of puberty. Objective: To examine the age, bodyweight and date of onset of puberty in Thoroughbreds born in spring and autumn. Methods: Bodyweight data and blood samples were collected in 59 pasture-raised Thoroughbred horses. Five autumn-born and 18 spring-born colts and 3 autumn-born and 33 spring-born fillies were examined from birth to age 13 and 17 months. A testosterone concentration >2 s.d....
Effect of frozen semen on the uterus of mares with pathological uterine changes. Pregnancy rates after frozen semen inseminations (AI), particularly in older and problem mares, are lower than after fresh semen AI. Uterine contractility and the inflammatory reaction after frozen semen insemination were studied in two groups of mares: the abnormal group comprised of 6 old barren mares categorized in biopsy category IIB or III, and the control group including 6 reproductively normal young maiden mares in biopsy category I or IIA. All 12 mares were inseminated in the first cycle with 2 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and in their second cycle with 2 mL of frozen semen co...
Molecular characterisation of fructose transport in equine small intestine. Fructose can be a suitable carbohydrate supplement for horses before and/or during endurance exercise. In comparison to glucose, the ingestion of fructose results in a lower insulin peak and less marked fluctuations in blood glucose during exercise, potentially avoiding hypoglycaemia-induced exhaustion. Objective: To assess the capacity of the equine small intestine to absorb fructose and to determine the mechanism, molecular structure and properties of equine intestinal fructose transport. Methods: Using PCR-based strategies, RNA isolated from equine small intestine and primers designed to ho...
Relationship between scintigraphic and radiographic evaluations of spinous processes in the thoracolumbar spine in riding horses without clinical signs of back problems. Radiography and scintigraphy are used to aid diagnosis of the cause of back pain, but a large variation in appearance and radiopharmaceutical uptake in fully functioning horses make diagnosis difficult. Objective: To describe the range of and compare scintigraphic and radiographic findings in the spinous processes of horses without clinical signs of back problems. Methods: Thirty-three apparently normal riding horses underwent scintigraphic and radiographic examinations of the spinous processes in the thoracolumbar spine. Scintigraphic images were evaluated in a continuous blue, green and red ...
Tenoscopic surgery for treatment of lacerations of the digital flexor tendon sheath. Lacerations to the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) are a common injury in the horse, but little information is available in the literature regarding prognostic indicators. Objective: To ascertain whether laceration of the DFTS carried a better prognosis if treated by tenoscopic lavage, debridement and repair within 36 h of the original injury. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 39 horses treated surgically for lacerations to the DFTS was performed over a 3 year period. The injury-to-surgery interval was recorded as 36 h. The structures damaged by the injury were also recorded, as well as...
Hippotherapy. Hippotherapy refers to the use of the movement of the horse asa treatment tool by physical therapists, occupational therapists,and speech-language therapists to address impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in clients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, such as cerebral palsy. Hippotherapy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. Hippotherapy engages the client in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. In the controlled hippotherapyenvironment, the therapist modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sens...
Detection of anti-diabetics in equine plasma and urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Anti-diabetics such as sulfonylurea and thiazolidinedione derivatives are hypoglycemic drugs used for the treatment of diabetes. However, they can also be used as a stopper in horseracing. This paper describes a convenient method for the separation and simultaneous detection of 10 anti-diabetic drugs (namely glipizide, glibenclamide, glimepiride, gliclazide, tolazamide, tolbutamide, nateglinide, repaglinide, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone) in equine plasma and urine by LC-MS-MS. Methods: The anti-diabetics were isolated from equine plasma and urine by liquid-liquid extraction with 1,2-dichloro...
Detection of stanozolol and its metabolites in equine urine by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry. The equine phase I and phase II metabolism of the synthetic anabolic steroid stanozolol was investigated following its administration by intramuscular injection to a thoroughbred gelding. The major phase I biotransformations were hydroxylation at C16 and one other site, while phase II metabolism in the form of sulfate and beta-glucuronide conjugation was extensive. An analytical procedure was developed for the detection of stanozolol and its metabolites in equine urine using solid phase extraction, acid solvolysis of phase II conjugates and analysis by positive ion electrospray ionization ion ...
Protopine alkaloids in horse urine. Protopine was extracted from Fumaria officinalis and purified by column chromatography. Urine samples were collected from horses and a human volunteer that had been administered either F. officinalis or protopine free base. Plant and urine samples were acetylated and analysed by GCMS after solid-phase extraction (SPE). The urinary metabolites of protopine were identified as 4,6,7,13-tetrahydro-9,10-dihydroxy-5-methyl-benzo[e]-l,3-benzodioxolo [4,5-1][2] benzazecin-12(5H)-one, 4,6,7,13-tetrahydro-10-hydroxy-9-methoxy-5-methyl-benzo[e]-1,3-benzodioxolo[4,5-1][2] benzazecin-12(5H)-one and 4,6,7,1...
Myonecrosis and cutaneous infarction associated with Salmonella serovar Infantum infection in a horse. A 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare was referred for evaluation of oral ulcers, limb edema, weight loss, and weakness. There was marked diffuse swelling extending from the stifle region to the tarsal region of the left hind limb, and the horse had a left hind limb lameness. Firm swellings ranging from 2 to 15 cm in diameter and consisting of nodules, plaques, and discrete masses were palpated on both sides of the neck, over the right shoulder region, over the left elbow region, and over the left caudoventral aspect of the abdomen. Laboratory abnormalities included hypoproteinemia, neutrophilia, an...
3-Methoxytyramine as an indicator of dopaminergic manipulation in the equine athlete. The influence of sampling variables on the concentration of the dopamine metabolites 3-methoxytyramine (3MT), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanilic acid (HVA) was examined in equine urine. A logarithmic transformation of the data for all horses gave distribution which approximated the normal distributions for each metabolite. The mean urinary concentration of 3 MT in horses was 214 ng/mL and the application of a threshold with a probability of 1 in 10,000 gave an actionable level of 4 microg/mL. Environmental variables were not forensically significant in determining the populatio...
Evaluation of early fetal loss induced by gavage with eastern tent caterpillars in pregnant mares. To determine whether gavage of pregnant mares (housed without access to pasture) with starved eastern tent caterpillars (ETCs) or their excreta is associated with early fetal loss (EFL), panophthalmitis, or pericarditis. Methods: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: 15 mares. Methods: 15 mares with fetuses from 40 to 80 days of gestation (dGa) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups and received 2.5 g of ETC excreta, 50 g of starved ETCs, or 500 mL of water, respectively, once daily for 10 days. Mares were housed in box stalls, walked twice daily, and not allowed access to pasture for 12 days b...
Morphological study of the Golgi tendon organ in equine superficial digital flexor tendon. The Golgi tendon organ (GTO) is an encapsulated fusiform mechanoreceptor siding in the musculo-tendinous junction of many animal species. Inhibitory function of afferent nerve fibers distributed from nearby motor units, the organ responds to active tension exerted onto the muscle. The morphological features of the equine GTO have not yet been elucidated. Additionally, there is some controversy regarding to the existence of the GTO in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Therefore, immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy using alcian blue (pH 2.5) staining and the sil...
The use of the standard exercise test to establish the clinical significance of mild echocardiographic changes in a Thoroughbred poor performer. A 4-year-old Thoroughbred gelding racehorse was referred to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) with a history of post-race distress and collapse. In the absence of any obvious abnormalities in the preceding diagnostic work-up, a standard exercise test was performed to determine an underlying cause for the post-race distress reported. In this particular case oxygen desaturation became evident at speeds as slow as 6 m/s, where PO2 was measured at 82.3 mm Hg. Similarly at a blood pH of 7.28, PCO2 had dropped to 30.0 mm Hg indicating a combined metabolic acidosis and respiratory...
Interrelationships among follicles during the common-growth phase of a follicular wave and capacity of individual follicles for dominance in mares. The changing diameter interrelationships among follicles during the interval from emergence to deviation (common-growth phase) were studied in 59 mares. All follicles of > or =6.0 mm were ablated 10 days after ovulation. The four largest follicles of the postablation wave were ranked D1, D2, D3 and D4 at the expected beginning of deviation (D1 > or = 20.0 mm), according to descending diameter. The four follicles were also ranked independently, according to order of emergence at 6.0-6.9 mm as E1 (first to emerge), E2, E3 and E4. The follicles emerged during 1.3 +/- 0.1 to 3.1 +/- 0.1 days...
Natural infestation of the chewing lice (Werneckiella equi) on horses and treatment with imidacloprid and phoxim. Infestation with the chewing louse (Werneckiella (Damalinia) equi) can be found on horses world-wide. Louse infestations, including clinical signs of louse-derived dermatitis, are known from Icelandic horses. A clinical field investigation was conducted in Iceland using horses with natural louse infestations to evaluate the efficacy of imidacloprid in a 10% solution in comparison with phoxim in a 0.05% solution. A total of 27 horses received a single imidacloprid treatment using 16 ml of the 10% solution along the mane and on the dorso-lateral trunk. A further 43 horses were treated twice, 14 ...
Acute hypervolemia does not improve arterial oxygenation in maximally exercising thoroughbred horses. Recently, it was reported that acute hypervolemia improves arterial oxygen tension in human athletes known to experience exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia. Since exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia is routinely observed in racehorses and is known to limit performance, we examined whether pre-exercise induction of acute hypervolemia would similarly benefit arterial oxygenation in maximally exercising thoroughbred horses. Two sets of experiments, namely, placebo [intravenous (IV) physiological saline] and acute hypervolemia (IV 7.2% NaCl, causing an 18.2% expansion of plasma volume) studies we...
Site- and exercise-related variation in structure and function of cartilage from equine distal metacarpal condyle. Determine (1) the site-associated response of articular cartilage of the equine distal metacarpal condyle to training at a young age as assessed by changes in indentation stiffness and alterations in cartilage structure and composition, and (2) relationships between indentation stiffness and indices of cartilage structure and composition. Methods: Experimental animals (n=6) were trained on a track (increasing exercise to 1km/day by 5 months); controls (n=6) were pasture-reared. Animals were euthanized at 18 months and four osteochondral samples were harvested per metacarpal condyle from dorsal...
