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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.
Social enrichment mitigates facial expressions and physiological indicators of short-term stress in horses. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of social noncontact environmental enrichment to facilitate social buffering and to characterize the emotional experience of horses subjected to restraint in stock by assessing physiological parameters and facial expressions. Pantaneiro horses (n = 11) were evaluated in a crossover design with two treatments: social noncontact enrichment during stock restraint and social isolation during stock restraint. Physiological parameters (heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, ocular temperature by infrared thermography, and auricular temperat...
Trendelenburg positioning with or without norepinephrine infusion for haemodynamic support in anaesthetised hypovolemic horses. Intraoperative haemorrhage during equine anaesthesia is a rare but potentially fatal complication requiring prompt haemodynamic support. Postural manoeuvres such as Trendelenburg (TL) positioning and vasopressor support augment venous return and improve cardiac output (CO), yet their efficacy in anaesthetised hypovolemic horses remains unstudied. Objective: To evaluate haemodynamic effects of TL positioning during normovolemia and acute haemorrhagic hypovolemia, and to determine whether concurrent norepinephrine (NE) infusion enhances cardiovascular stabilisation. Methods: In vivo experiments....
Efficacy of an Oral Chondroprotective Joint Supplement on Stride Length and Gait Symmetry in Aged Geldings with Chronic Lameness. Oral joint supplements (OJSs), specifically those containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, are some of the most popular feed additives fed by horse owners. However, evidence of the efficacy of these nutraceuticals in vivo is lacking. To investigate the impacts of an OJS on equine lameness, 40 geldings (18 ± 7 yr) with chronic lameness and AAEP lameness grades between 2 and 4 (as scored by a veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist) were enrolled in the study. Horses were stratified by lameness grade, BCS, and weight, and then randomly assigned to receive a placebo powde...
Abdominal palpation per rectum is highly sensitive for identifying small versus large intestinal lesions in horses presenting for colic. To describe the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of abdominal palpation per rectum in horses treated surgically for colic. Unassigned: Medical records were gathered over 5 years (2019 to 2024). Findings of abdominal palpation per rectum were collected and compared to surgical diagnosis, and cases were categorized as true or false positive and negative. Signalment, physical examination parameters, hematologic values, and years of examiner experience were recorded. Unassigned: Records of 453 horses were included. Overall sensitivity and positive predictive value were 86%...
Influence of riders’ physical activity on improving seat balance in the context of horse welfare – A pilot study. This study aimed to investigate the impact of gym exercises for riders on their posture and the subsequent effect on reducing discomfort for their horses during training, using electronic pressure sensors. The study involved 20 warmblood horses aged 5-10 years, regularly ridden under saddle, and four riders of similar height and body weight. The study group was divided into a control group (10 horses) and an experimental group (10 horses). The horses were trained 5 days a week for 60 days in total. Riders trained three times a week for approximately 60 minutes. The exercises were designed to i...
Age-Associated Differences in Paddock Locomotor Activity Among Senior Horses: A Pilot Observational Study. Turnout locomotor activity is a potentially informative indicator of health and welfare in older horses, yet objective field data in seniors remain limited. We examined whether a brief turnout recording could detect cross-sectional associations between chronological age and locomotor activity in senior horses in this study setting. In this single-site observational study, 28 senior Selle Français horses (17-35 years) contributed 122 paddock sessions (2 h each), with total distance and mean speed quantified using a Polar Team Pro sensor. Associations with age were assessed using linear mixed-e...
Interleukins decrease epithelial protein and gene expression by K14 + CD105+ equine hoof progenitor cells. Background: Progenitor cell epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) could impact healing in the epidermal-dermal junction of the equine hoof stratum internum (SI). The hypothesis of this study was that K14 + CD105+ equine hoof SI progenitor cells assume a mesenchymal phenotype in the presence of inflammatory interleukins in vitro.Methods: K14 + CD105+ progenitor cell percentages isolated from proliferative scarred (fibrous) and healthy SI were quantified. Decellularized matrix was prepared from and K14 + CD105+ cells localized in healthy SI. Gene expression (CD44, CD105, E-cadhe...
Deep digital flexor tenotomy provides pain relief and clinical comfort in horses with chronic laminitis. This study evaluated the clinical application, outcomes, and prognostic indicators of deep digital flexor tenotomy (DDFT) in horses with chronic laminitis. Unassigned: A computer-generated search identified all possible cases of laminitis for horses referred to the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania between 2010 and 2022. Medical records were reviewed for a diagnosis of laminitis by clinical examination and radiographs. The population was characterized by breed, age, clinical features, and radiographic findings. Poisson regression was performed to id...
Delphi consensus on Thoroughbred yearling sales endoscopy in Australasia. Concerns regarding the reliability and consistency of yearling sales endoscopy in Australia and New Zealand have led to reduced industry confidence. Recent studies have clarified the relationship between yearling laryngeal function (YLF) grades and future outcomes. Objective: To build expert consensus on the most appropriate method for grading YLF, assess the clinical relevance of each grade on future race performance and prosthetic laryngoplasty risk, and develop guidelines for pre-sale endoscopic technique. Methods: Modified Delphi study. Methods: Anonymous, iterative surveys were distribute...
Terpenic compounds possess anthelmintic and immunomodulatory properties with potential for controlling equine cyathostomin infections. The emergence of anthelmintic-resistant parasite isolates necessitates alternative control strategies. The use of dietary additives with anti-parasitic or immunomodulatory activities has been proposed as a solution, but whether such additives can simultaneously exert dual bioactivities within this context has rarely been explored. Here, we evaluated whether selected terpenes could exert dual bioactivities (anti-parasitic and immunomodulatory) with a view to their use as food additives that can limit strongyle infections in horses. In vitro tests with cyathostomin larval development, larval mig...
Evidence of occipitoatlantoaxial malformations independent of the HOXD3 mutation in an Arabian horse. Occipitoatlantoaxial malformations (OAAM) are developmental disorders occurring at the occiput, atlas and axis. OAAM type 1 is a familial disorder affecting Arabian horses. Currently, a single genetic mutation in the HOXD3 gene region can be tested to confirm the diagnosis. This case describes a 3-year-old Arabian gelding affected with OAAM. Clinical examination revealed a proximal cervical deformation on the right side and severe stiffness of the neck in the sagittal plane without associated pain. Neurological examination demonstrated a generalized proprioceptive ataxia. Radiographs revealed ...
HERDA-associated variant in bull-catching (vaquejada) Brazilian Northeastern bull-catching Quarter Horses. Bull-catching (vaquejada) accounting for approximately 13% of sport horses in Brazil. Genetic screening has enabled strategies to reduce the spread of inherited disorders, including Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA), a major skin disease included in the Six Panel required for registration by the Brazilian Quarter Horse Breeders Association. Although the HERDA-associated variant has been extensively studied in other disciplines, it had not been evaluated in Bull-catching Quarter Horses (QH). Objective: The present study aimed to determine the allele frequency of the pathogenic ...
Survey of equine pasture best management practices and soil fertility in southeast Pennsylvania after the grazing season. Proper pasture management improves forage yield, reduces costs, and minimizes environmental impacts, but may be difficult in suburban settings. Objective: This study evaluated pasture condition and management practices on 28 horse farms in counties adjacent to the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Methods: Between November 2019 and January 2020, 72 pastures (2-3/farm) were assessed via soil sampling, USDA-NRCS Pasture Condition Score Sheet (PCSS), Penn State Equine Pasture Evaluation Disc (EPED), and farm manager interviews. Linear models assessed effects of management factors on pasture conditi...
Standing NanoNeedle Arthroscopy of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint for Removal of Osteochondral Fragments of Distal P2 and the Extensor Process in a Horse. In horses, standing arthroscopy offers a valuable alternative to general anesthesia for the reduction of anesthetic-associated risks, and provides improved visualization in joints where access is facilitated by weightbearing. These techniques are particularly advantageous for patients with increased anesthetic risk or financial limitations. To the authors' knowledge, the removal of osteochondral fragments from the distal interphalangeal joint in a standing, sedated horse using small-diameter arthroscopic equipment has not been previously reported. Methods: A 7-year-old American Quarter Horse-T...
Evaluating Protein Enrichment Methods to Improve Biomarker Discovery in Equine Cerebrospinal Fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a valuable source of biomarkers for neurological diseases, but detection of low-abundance proteins is often masked by highly abundant proteins. Enrichment strategies can enhance proteomic coverage and improve biomarker discovery, yet comparative evaluations of such methods in equine CSF are limited. Objective: This study compared the ProteoMiner Small-Capacity Enrichment Kit and the PreOmics Enrich-iST Kit for their ability to deplete high-abundance proteins and enhance detection of low-abundance proteins relevant to neuropathology. Methods: Equine CSF samples were...
Evaluation and Management of the Horse with Head and Neck Disorders. Recognizing possible causes of equine head and neck problems requires a careful and systematic evaluation. While for some disorders reaching a diagnosis and treatment plan is relatively straightforward, for others this can be a complicated road requiring extensive diagnostic techniques, treatment trials, and management strategies. The ability to determine whether the patient is in a painful state, experiencing functional deficits, or in a combination of pain and dysfunction is critical to developing an effective treatment plan. Frequently, behavioral concerns often associated with pain must be...
Atropine induces narrowing of the superior and inferior iridocorneal angle and ciliary cleft in normal horse eyes. To investigate the effects of atropine on the iridocorneal angle (ICA) and ciliary cleft (CC) of normal equine eyes using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Unassigned: 12 normal adult horses underwent measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), vertical and horizontal pupil diameter, and UBM of the superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal ICA/CC in both eyes. Measurements were repeated 2 hours following ophthalmic atropine 1% solution application. Measurements of the ICA and CC, including pectinate ligament distance (PLD), CC length (CCL), height of opening distance (HOD), CC area (CCA), and pecti...
Physiological and nutritional adaptation of broodmares during the transition from late pregnancy to early lactation: Digestibility changes and the role of uNDF as an internal marker. Nutritional management of broodmares during late pregnancy and early lactation is essential for maternal health and foal well-being. This study evaluated a targeted dietary adaptation during the transition from late gestation to early lactation, monitored nutrient digestibility, and applied undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) as an intrinsic digestibility marker. A prospective nutritional study was conducted on 11 clinically healthy Trotter broodmares (3 primiparous, 8 multiparous) monitored under standardized conditions. Mares received a forage-based diet with controlled starch intake a...
Learning in the arena: healthcare students’ lived experience of interprofessional education in equine-assisted services. This qualitative study explored healthcare students' lived experiences during an interprofessional education (IPE) event incorporating equine-assisted services (EAS). Traditional IPE events often rely on classroom settings that may limit interprofessional engagement, collaboration, and application. Utilizing interpretive phenomenological analysis, researchers examined how the equine environment influenced interprofessional learning among fourteen graduate students from diverse healthcare disciplines at a western United States public university. Participants engaged in experiential demonstratio...
Longitudinal associations between dorsal carpal and third metacarpal bone morphology in Thoroughbred foals during growth. The carpal and third metacarpal (MC3) bones of the equine forelimb undergo morphological adaptation during early growth, influenced by developmental and mechanical factors. However, the longitudinal interactions between dorsal carpal morphology and MC3 structural characteristics have not been fully characterized. Improved understanding of these relationships may help identify morphological indicators associated with bone injury risk before training. Objective: To examine the longitudinal associations between dorsal carpal angular morphology and MC3 diaphyseal parameters in growing Thoroughbred...
A single pneumatic tourniquet is superior to wide rubber tourniquets for saphenous intravenous regional limb perfusion with amikacin in standing, sedated horses. To establish whether tourniquet type and number influence synovial fluid amikacin concentrations of the tarsocrural joint (TCJ) or metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) after standing saphenous IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with 2 g of amikacin. Unassigned: 8 healthy adult horses underwent 4 saphenous IVRLP protocols with amikacin, differing in tourniquet type (pneumatic vs wide rubber) and number (1 placed mid-gaskin vs 1 placed mid-gaskin and 1 mid-metatarsus) in a randomized, crossover design. Amikacin concentrations were measured in serum and synovial fluid of the TCJ and MTPJ at 15 and 30...
Diagnostic Threshold Identification for Equine Laminitis Using Smoothed Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis. Radiographic measurement parameters play a key role in diagnosing acute and subacute laminitis in horses, with diagnostic thresholds typically derived from empirical receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. However, these methods often produce unstable results, particularly in small or noisy datasets. This study applies nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS)-based ROC smoothing to radiographic data from laminitic and healthy horses to evaluate its effectiveness in refining diagnostic thresholds. Thresholds are determined using Youden's index based on NURBS-smoothed ROC curves and compar...
Objective gait analysis methods for assessing movement asymmetry in the equine patient. To demonstrate the uses, data interpretation, and limitations of objective gait analysis methods in equine practice. Unassigned: Teaching and client-owned horses. Unassigned: Informed owner consent was obtained for all animals used in the making of this technical tutorial video. Primary literature relevant to this video was reviewed from January 2016 to January 2026. Images and data were collected from teaching horses and client-owned horses. Unassigned: Objective gait analysis provides accurate and repeatable data on the locomotion of a horse; however, inaccuracies may occur, especially in ca...
Effect of season of collection and storage method on equine hair cortisol concentration. Serum cortisol concentration is one of the common physiological reference standards for evaluating stress in animals. However, it only evaluates acute stress at the moment of blood collection. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) could provide a method for assessing cortisol concentrations over extended periods of time, giving an estimate of chronic stress levels. In this case, high HCC results could help equine managers alter management practices to improve welfare. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the month of collection and the storage method on equine HCC. Methods: Tail hair was collecte...
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Thyroxine Concentrations in Young Healthy Equids: Species Differences and Seasonal Variations. Due to growing interest in endocrine diseases, more studies aim to interpret the baseline concentrations and reference intervals of hormone values like adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and thyroxine (T4) in horses. Most studies available in the literature focus on evaluating ACTH and thyroid hormone values in adult and geriatric horses, with only a few considering younger donkeys and ponies. This study aimed to measure ACTH and T4 in autumn and spring in younger equids. The study included 42 young equids, which were divided into three groups: horses, ponies, and donkeys. The concentration of...
Opportunities for agency in domestic horses: Applying the behavioural domain to increase equine welfare. Giving animals the opportunity to exercise agency can improve their welfare, but horse owners and researchers may not be aware of the growing body of agency research in other animals, and studies on agency and choice in horses are scattered across disciplines and not connected to each other or to broader theory. This paper summarises research findings on management of domestic horses through the lens of animal agency and explores the potential applications of research on choice, control, and challenge in animals to improve the welfare of horses.
Longitudinal assessment of hemostatic adaptations in pregnant mares: Evidence of a physiological hypercoagulable state. Pregnancy triggers intricate hemostatic adjustments that support placental maturation and prepare the maternal organism for delivery. We hypothesized that pregnant mares would progressively shift toward a procoagulant state throughout gestation, reflected in changes to coagulation and fibrinolytic markers. To test this hypothesis, 15 clinically healthy Spanish Purebred pregnant mares were monitored monthly from conception to term, alongside 15 non-pregnant controls of similar age and breed. A comprehensive hemostatic profile-including platelet (PLT) count, prothrombin time (PT), activated part...
Case Report: Neurologic signs following rattlesnake envenomation. Rattlesnake envenomation is a common emergency in horses in California. Rattlesnakes belong to a group of venomous snakes: pit vipers. The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (), a subspecies of the Western Rattlesnake, is the most widespread rattlesnake in California (1). A 5-year-old miniature horse mare presented for a presumed Western Rattlesnake bite. The owners found the horse the morning of presentation with severe facial swelling and the horse was housed in an area where rattlesnakes are commonly observed. The horse was reported to be normal the day prior to presentation. On blood examination...
Progressive structural and functional change in horses: a conceptual framework for systemic equine (patho-)physiology. A wide range of locomotor, postural, and behavioral pathophysiology in horses-often grouped under terms such as Topline Syndrome, Myofascial Dysfunction, or Poor Posture Syndrome-lack a coherent systemic explanation. These presentations share reduced performance, stability, and resilience, yet are commonly managed through isolated symptom-focused interventions. To address this gap, we propose progressive structural and functional change (PSF) as a systemic framework describing progressive reorganization processes within the equine body that link fragmented pathological domains into a coherent ...
