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.
Direct measurement of intracranial pressure in adult horses. To develop a method for surgical placement of a commercial microsensor intracranial pressure (ICP) transducer and to characterize normal ICP and cerebral perfusion pressures (CPP) in conscious adult horses. Methods: 6 healthy castrated male adult horses (1 Holsteiner, 1 Quarter Horse, and 4 Thoroughbreds). Methods: Anesthesia was induced and maintained by use of isoflurane as the sole agent. Catheters were inserted percutaneously into the jugular vein and carotid artery. A microsensor ICP transducer was inserted in the subarachnoid space by means of right parietal craniotomy. The burr hole was...
Effect of intraluminal distention on microvascular perfusion in the equine small colon. To determine the effect of experimental intraluminal distention on microvascular perfusion of the small colon in horses. Methods: 6 mixed-breed healthy horses (mean age [+/- SDI, 9.1 +/- 2 years). Methods: Under general anesthesia, the small colon was exposed by celiotomy and 3 segments were demarcated. In 1 of these segments, intraluminal obstruction was created by placement of a latex balloon inflated to a pressure of 40 mm Hg (obstructed segment). The other segments were the sham-operated segment and the control segment. Microvascular perfusion was evaluated in the mucosal, submucosal, musc...
[Microsatellite analysis in a population of Baudet du Poitou donkeys]. A population of Baudet du Poitou donkeys was genetically characterized using microsatellites. The results were used to verify the pedigrees and to estimate the genetic variability. It could be confirmed that a equine parentage test kit works well for donkeys and that by using 13 microsatellites more than 99% of wrong pedigree informations would be detected. The genetic variability was comparable to a representative group of Baudet du Poitou donkeys in France.
Effects of various diets on gastric tone in the proximal portion of the stomach of horses. To assess gastric tone in the proximal portion of the stomach in horses during and after ingestion of 4 diets (2 diets of grain and 2 diets of hay). Methods: 6 adult horses. Methods: A polyester bag with a volume of approximately 1,600 ml was inserted through a gastric cannula into the proximal portion of the stomach of each horse. Internal pressure of the bag was maintained at 2 mm Hg by use of an electronic barostat, and changes in bag volume were recorded before, during, and after horses consumed diets of grain or hay. Each horse was fed 0.5 and 1.0 g of grain/kg and 0.5 and 1.0 g of hay/kg...
Detection of Salmonella spp in fecal specimens by use of real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. To use real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to develop a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic assay for the detection of Salmonella spp in fecal specimens. Methods: 299 fecal specimens from cattle, horses, and dogs. Methods: Enrichment of fecal specimens was followed by genomic DNA extraction by use of commercially available isolation kits. Real-time PCR assay was performed to target a Salmonella spp-specific DNA segment. Results of real-time PCR assay were compared with bacterial culture results to determine relative sensitivity and specificity. Results: Use of the spaQ pr...
Reversibility of action and safety during pregnancy of immunization against porcine zona pellucida in wild mares (Equus caballus). Contraceptive management of publicly valued wildlife species requires safeguards to ensure that these populations are preserved in a healthy state. In addition, reversibility of contraceptive effects and safety in pregnant animals are major concerns. A population of wild horses has been immunized against porcine zona pellucida (PZP) over a 12 year period on Assateague Island National Seashore, MD (ASIS). Mares initially received one or two 65 microg inoculations and once a year 65 microg booster inoculations, all delivered by dart. All young mares aged > 2 years were treated with PZP for 3 ...
Capacitation-like changes in equine spermatozoa throughout the cryopreservation process. Chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescence staining analysis was used to investigate cryopreservation-induced capacitation-like changes in equine spermatozoa. Freshly ejaculated spermatozoa were found to display a high proportion of F pattern cells (uncapacitated; 93.6%) and a lower proportion of B pattern (capacitated; 5.4%) and AR pattern (acrosome-reacted; 1%) cells. Following cryopreservation in modified Kenney's medium, capacitation-like changes were observed. There was a significant increase in the proportion of spermatozoa displaying the B pattern (64.8%; P<0.001) and AR pattern (32.8%; P&...
Effectiveness of an antagonist to gonadotrophin releasing hormone on the FSH and LH response to GnRH in perifused equine pituitary cells, and in seasonally acyclic mares. We wish to use a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist in the mare as a tool for investigating the control of the oestrous cycle. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of the antagonist cetrorelix by testing both in vitro, using perifused equine anterior pituitary cells, and in vivo in seasonally acyclic mares. Pituitary cells were prepared and after 3-4 days incubation, loaded onto columns and given four pulses of GnRH (at 0, 30, 60 and 90 min; dose-response study). After the second GnRH pulse, infusion of cetrorelix began (0, 100, 1000 and 2000 pmol/l) and continued...
The effect of frog pressure and downward vertical load on hoof wall weight-bearing and third phalanx displacement in the horse–an in vitro study. A shoe was designed to combine the advantages of a reverse shoe and an adjustable heart bar shoe in the treatment of chronic laminitis. This reverse even frog pressure (REFP) shoe applies pressure uniformly over a large area of the frog solar surface. Pressure is applied vertically upward parallel to the solar surface of the frog and can be increased or decreased as required. Five clinically healthy horses were humanely euthanased and their dismembered forelimbs used in an in vitro study. Frog pressure was measured by strain gauges applied to the ground surface of the carrying tab portion of t...
Porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraception of wild horses (Equus caballus) in Nevada: a 10 year study. Porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraception was investigated for possible use in free-roaming wild horses in the western USA. A protocol of two injections (3-4 weeks apart) of vaccine lasting 1 year was first used and a single-injection controlled-release vaccine of 1 year duration was developed and tested in the field. Studies of a presumptive vaccine of 2 year duration were initiated. The parameters of anti-PZP antibody titre response, pregnancy testing and offspring production were used, and PZP vaccine was found to provide up to 94% infertility in free-roaming wild mares. In addition,...
Quantitative detection of salmeterol after inhalation in equine urine by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. A sensitive, accurate and precise liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS(2)) method was developed for the quantification of salmeterol in the urine of horses. The method consists of a liquid-liquid extraction with tert-butylmethyl ether and isopropanol at pH 12 after enzymatic hydrolysis. The extracts are analysed using an LC/MS system equipped with an electrospray ionisation (ESI) probe. Method validation showed excellent linearity, specificity, accuracy, precision and intra-laboratory repeatability and reproducibility. The limit of quantitative detection was 0.25 ng/mL and the...
Spatial distribution of fiber types within skeletal muscle fascicles from Standardbred horses. Skeletal muscle fascicles from superficial and deep portions of semitendinosus (ST) and gluteus medius (GM) muscles from Standardbred trotters were analyzed with regard to muscle fiber type proportion (types I, IIA, and IIB) and spatial distribution. Muscle fibers within a fascicle were divided into four layers (L(1-4)) from the fascicle periphery toward the center. The observed proportions of fiber types among layers were found to be statistically significantly different from a random distribution of fiber types. Type IIB fibers predominated in the peripheral layer, type I fibers prevailed in...
Prevalence of Bartonella species causing bacteraemia in domesticated and companion animals in the United Kingdom. Between October 1999 and February 2000, 691 blood samples examined routinely for either haematological or virological assessment were screened by culture for the presence of Bartonella species. They came from 615 animals: 360 cats, 211 dogs, 27 horses, 16 cattle and a gorilla. The samples were incubated for long periods on 10 per cent horse blood agar at 37 degrees C in an atmosphere containing 5 per cent carbon dioxide. Isolates were obtained from 35 samples from 34 (9.4 per cent) of the cats, but not from any of the other animals. Comparison of citrate synthase gene sequences from the isolat...
Agalactia in mares fed with grain contaminated with Claviceps purpurea. This article reports an outbreak of intoxication of female horses with Claviceps purpurea in southern Brazil. The outbreak affected twelve pregnant mares which were fed with black oat (Avena strigosa) during the pre-delivery period. Underdevelopment of the mammary gland in the pre-delivery period resulting in post-delivery agalactia was the most pronounced finding. These mares delivered weak and unviable foals, which showed no suckling reflex and died within a few hours of birth. Laboratory analysis of oat samples fed to the animals resulted in the identification of Claviceps purpurea scleroti...
Uveitis in horses induced by interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein is similar to the spontaneous disease. Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is an inflammatory eye disease with high similarity to uveitis in man. It is the only spontaneous animal model for uveitis and the most frequent eye disease in horses affecting up to 10% of the population. To further investigate the pathophysiology of ERU we now report the establishment of an inducible uveitis model in horses. An ERU-like disease was elicited in seven out of seven horses by injection of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) in complete Freund's adjuvant. Control horses did not develop uveitis. The disease model is characterized by a ...
Characterization of virulence plasmid types in Rhodococcus equi isolates from foals, pigs, humans and soil in Hungary. Rhodococcus equi isolates (204) obtained from foals (lung abscesses, lymph nodes, nasal discharge, rectal swabs) bred in 15 studs located throughout Hungary, isolates from soil samples, lymph nodes of pigs and from lesions of human patients were examined to determine genotypic diversity of virulence-associated plasmids. Isolates were tested for the presence of 15-17 kDa virulence-associated protein antigen (VapA) and 20k Da (VapB) genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasmid DNAs were isolated and analysed by digestion with restriction endonucleases for estimation of size and comparison o...
The first reported case of equine nocardioform placentitis in South Africa. Since the late 1980s a distinct form of focally-extensive mucoid to mucopurulent uterine body chronic placentitis,caused by nocardioform organisms, hasbeen recognised in horses in the USA state of Kentucky and possibly in other areas. This disease has led to increasing numbers of foal losses from late abortions, still-births, prematurity, or early neonatal deaths. The foals are usually not infected, but may be small or emaciated. Modes of infection and transmission are as yet unknown. Nocardia spp. and related nocardioform bacteria as causes of equine infertility, endometritis and foal death a...
Effects of immunocontraception on population, longevity and body condition in wild mares (Equus caballus). Contraception is becoming a common approach for the management of captive and wild ungulates yet there are few data for contraceptive effects on entire populations. Management-level treatment of mares with porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccine resulted in zero population growth of the Assateague Island wild horse population within 1 year of initiation of treatment. Contraceptive efficacy was 90% for mares treated twice in the first year and annually thereafter. For mares given a single initial inoculation, contraceptive efficacy was 78%. The effort required to achieve zero population growth dec...
Equine-facilitated group psychotherapy: applications for therapeutic vaulting. In this day of high-tech, managed-care service delivery with an emphasis on medication and brief treatment, it is important for nurses to be aware of nontraditional treatment options that may be uniquely beneficial for some clients. Although it may still be considered a novelty, including animals in the healing milieu is not a new idea. Florence Nightingale herself suggested that "a small pet animal is often an excellent companion for the sick, for long chronic cases especially" (Nightingale, 1969, p. 102). Healing, according to one recent nursing article, can be seen as "a gradual awakening t...
The potential reservoir role of donkeys and horses in zoonotic fascioliasis in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. No doubt, fascioliasis tops all the zoonotic helminthes worldwide. In Egypt, human fascioliasis is increasing. The incidence and prevalence of fascioliasis in the Egyptian farm animals are well documented. However, none in Egypt has focused on the potential role of other domestic farm animals. A preliminary coprologic examination of donkeys and horses was done in eight centers of Gharbia governorate. The overall rate of infection in donkeys was 3.03%, in horses was 1.5%, and in mules 0.0%. Horses 2/74 (2.70%) and 1/26 (3.86%) were infected in Zefta and El Mahala El Kobra centers respectively. ...
Induction of maternal behavior in non-parturient adoptive mares. An attempt was made to elicit maternal behavior in non-parturient Welsh pony mares through a combination of hormonal treatment and vaginal-cervical stimulation (VCS). Lactation was induced in 16 nonpregnant, non-parturient mares via a combination of estradiol, progesterone and a dopamine antagonist (sulpiride). During the adoption trials, each lactating mare was confined behind a padded bar and a newborn foal was held near her head. Eight of the mares received two 3-min periods of VCS when the foster foal was introduced. Following VCS, the foal was released and its interactions with the adopti...
Pregnancies from vitrified equine oocytes collected from super-stimulated and non-stimulated mares. The objectives were to compare embryo development rates after transfer into inseminated recipients, vitrified thawed oocytes collected from super-stimulated versus non-stimulated mares. In vivo matured oocytes were collected by transvaginal, ultrasound guided follicular aspiration from super-stimulated and non-stimulated mares 24-26 h after administration of hCG. Oocytes were cultured for 2-4 h prior to vitrification. Cryoprotectants were loaded in three steps before oocytes were placed onto a 0.5-0.7 mm diameter nylon cryoloop and plunged directly into liquid nitrogen. Oocytes were thawed and...
Distribution of orally administered trimethoprim and sulfadiazine into noninfected subcutaneous tissue chambers in adult ponies. The distribution of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfadiazine (SDZ) into subcutaneously implanted noninfected tissue chambers was studied in healthy adult ponies. Six ponies were given an oral TMP/SDZ paste formulation at a dose of 5 mg/kg TMP and 25 mg/kg SDZ at 12 h intervals for 2 days in order to reach steady-state concentrations. Plasma concentrations and tissue chamber fluid (TCF) concentrations of both drugs were measured at regular intervals during a period commencing 24 h after the last oral administration. The peak concentration of TMP (mean +/- SD) was 2.92 +/- 0.86 microg/mL for plasma a...
Removal of deslorelin (Ovuplant) implant 48 h after administration results in normal interovulatory intervals in mares. Deslorelin implants, approved for use in inducing ovulation in mares, have been associated with prolonged interovulatory intervals in some mares. Administration of prostaglandins in the diestrous period, following a deslorelin-induced ovulation, has been reported to increase the incidence of delayed ovulations. The goals of the present study were: (1) to determine the percentage of mares given deslorelin that experience delayed ovulations with or without subsequent prostaglandin treatment, and (2) to determine if removal of the implant 48 h after administration would effect the interval to sub...
Aberrations in uterine contractile patterns in mares with delayed uterine clearance after administration of detomidine and oxytocin. An experiment was conducted to determine whether the uterotonic effects of oxytocin, a drug used to treat mares that have a delay in uterine clearance were affected by the sedative detomidine (an alpha2-agonist), a drug used to treat fractious mares. An additional objective was to identify propagation patterns of uterine contractions and determine whether these patterns differed between normal mares and mares with delayed uterine clearance (DUC). Intrauterine pressure was measured in five reproductively normal mares and four mares with DUC during estrus using an 8-F Milar catheter with two dis...
Endometrial tissue concentrations of enrofloxacin after intrauterine administration to mares. Endometritis in mares is a common cause of infertility. Conventional treatments of the disease have mostly been unsuccessful, so new therapeutic alternatives need to be investigated. This study evaluated the uterine disposition and plasma pharmacokinetic behaviour of a commercial formulation of enrofloxacin (EFX) given by the intrauterine (i.u.) route (2.5 mg/kg) in healthy mares. In order to evaluate the uterine inflammatory response, an initial histopathological study assessing polymorphonuclear cell infiltration was carried out in 20 mares over a 14-day period after treatment. In a second s...
Effects of anti-arthritic drugs on proteoglycan synthesis by equine cartilage. The concentration-effect relationships of phenylbutazone, indomethacin, betamethasone, pentosan polysulphate (PPS) and polysulphated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG), on proteoglycan synthesis by equine cultured chondrocytes grown in monolayers, and articular cartilage explants were measured. The effect of PSGAG on interleukin-1beta induced suppression of proteogycan synthesis was also investigated. Proteoglycan synthesis was measured by scintillation assay of radiolabelled sulphate (35SO4) incorporation. Polysulphated glycosaminoglycan and PPS stimulated proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocyte monolay...
