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.
Andueza D, Martin-Rosset W.The nutritive value of forage for horses is closely dependent on the digestibility of organic matter (OMD), which is typically measured in vivo. Researchers have developed a variety of prediction methods to estimate the digestibility value of hay. In ruminants, pepsin-cellulase degradability, expressed as dry matter enzymatic degradability (dCS) and organic matter enzymatic degradability (dCO), is a commonly employed method for predicting OMD in forage types. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of predicting the dry matter digestibility (DMD), OMD, energy digestibility ...
Sohn Y, An SJ, Forbes E, Yoon J, Kim BS, Kim JG, Ryu SH.To model lactate recovery kinetics in relation to sex, age, running speed, and racing experience, and to estimate blood lactate clearance time under passive recovery conditions that reflect current management practices in Jeju horses, a less well-characterized pony-sized indigenous breed. Unassigned: From October through December 2022, BLC was measured at baseline, 10 minutes after 800-m barrier trials (time [T]-1), and 50 minutes (T2) after 800-m barrier trials in 40 race-trained Jeju horses (2 to 4 years old). Lactate clearance was modeled using nonlinear regression with an exponential decay...
Haase L, Winter J, Grummt S, Sedlmayr M, Sedlmayr B.Many people seek health-related information online, not only for themselves but also on behalf of others who cannot articulate their symptoms. This proxy information-seeking behavior is particularly relevant for animal owners, who must interpret their animals' symptoms without direct verbal feedback. While online health information-seeking in the context of one's own health is well-studied, the specific challenges of searching by proxy, especially for animal health information, remain largely unexplored. Unassigned: This study aimed to determine the specific information needs and search behavi...
Rabei ȘO, Pivariu D, Cocian AI, Vaccaro D, Costache-Bobescu P, Mihalca AD.This study aimed to assess the efficacy of pyrethroid-based insecticides against Gasterophilus spp. egg-laying activity and to establish the seasonality patterns in the specific climatic area of Transylvania, Romania. To fulfil the aims of the study, a total of 40 horses were treated every 4 weeks and inspected every 2 weeks between 11 May and 6 November (Pilo et al. Parasitol Res 114:1693-1702, 2024). Through this period, eggs were found between 24 June and 2 November. The eggs were found on 34 out of 40 horses (prevalence = 85%, CI 95% = 73.43-96.56%). Overall, a total of 50,029 G...
Wilson CS, Carrick J, Begg A, Shearer P, Stewart M, Brookes VJ.Despite emerging disease syndromes in Australian Thoroughbred horses in recent years, there is no formal surveillance for fetal loss in the industry. This study aimed to characterise the distribution of equine pregnancy loss > 45 days of gestation in a major Thoroughbred breeding region to provide insights into causes, prevention, and surveillance feasibility. Methods: Data were collected from 574 fetal loss submissions to veterinary pathology services between February 2015 and November 2021. Variables included date of fetal loss, gestational age, diagnosis, foal weight, and mare age. Dia...
Entwisle IG, Byrne DP, Lester GD, McConnell EJ.Sand enteropathy is a common disease in horses worldwide. The presence of sand does not always cause disease. The amount of sand required to cause clinical disease is not well established. Objective: To establish a weight-indexed cut-off for the diagnosis of clinically relevant sand enteropathy based on radiographic area. Methods: Cross-sectional. Methods: Abdominal radiographs were acquired from clinically normal horses and compared with horses with clinical sand enteropathy. Sand area and sand area per kilogram of body weight were calculated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve w...
Bailey VN, Gilbert BM, Vetter M, Oberhaus EL.The mechanism by which photoperiod influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and regulates seasonal reproduction in horses has yet to be fully elucidated. The hypophyseal pars tuberalis (PT) has been indicated as a critical site for the transduction of melatonin signals through melatonin-responsive, PT-specific cells that produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in many mammalian species. However, this has yet to be investigated in horses. The objective of this study was to explore the interaction of melatonin and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the equine HPG axis. Pituitaries ...
Faircloth J, Fielding L, Epstein K, Crabtree N, Mochal C, Magdesian G, Major D.To describe the clinical presentation of horses with synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF) and identify clinical and laboratory variables associated with survival. Methods: Retrospective study from January 2004 to September 2022. Methods: Five large animal referral hospitals in the United States. Methods: Thirty-seven horses of various breeds and ages presenting with clinical signs of SDF, excluding animals participating in an endurance competition. All horses were >1 year of age. Methods: None. Results: Variables recorded and analyzed included signalment, clinical and laboratory data, trea...
Ysebaert MP, Johnson J, Marie U, Campos A, Verchrerin A, Ducharme NG, Rossignol F, Luedke LK.To compare the biomechanical stability of a novel arytenoid implant (tie-bolt, TB) with a suture anchor (SA) and standard laryngoplasty using suture alone (control) in equine larynges. Methods: Randomized ex vivo controlled experimental study. Methods: Thirty equine cadaver larynges. Methods: Larynges were randomly assigned to TB, SA, or control groups (n = 10 each). The force of abduction was measured for each construct, then constructs underwent cyclic loading (5-50 N for 3000 cycles) to assess elongation, followed by load-to-failure testing to assess ultimate load, displacement, stiffn...
Ennsmann LH, Licka TF.Most horses are used with horseshoes additionally supported by either dorsoabaxial or dorsal clips. The effects of such clips on bone density and shape of the distal phalanx are currently unclear. The aim of this study was to identify correlations between density and shape of the distal phalanx, comparing front hooves unshod or shod with standard shoes either with two dorsoabaxial clips or with a single dorsal clip. Researchers analyzed Oxspring radiographs of either the left or right front hoof from warmblood horses ( = 137) and ponies ( = 43) aged 3-28 years. The evaluation focused...
Ryu SH, Forbes E, Kim BS, Park KT.Five previously healthy horses in Korea, including a 19-year-old mixed-breed gelding, a 16-year-old mixed-breed mare, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, a 12-year-old Belgian warmblood mare, and a 12-year-old Andalusian mare, developed subcutaneous abscesses in the left neck after receiving intramuscular vaccination without prior skin disinfection. The vaccination used was Equivac® 2 in1, containing toxoid and cell-free extract. Within one week, the horses developed localised swelling and/or abscessation at the injection site. One case involved a ruptured abscess, while the others presente...
Kurras S, Knottenbelt D, Schmelz U, Schaal T, Tischendorf T, Fuchs R, Schorling T, Koene MHW.Dermatophytosis is a common fungal skin infection in horses, particularly affecting young and immunocompromised animals. Traditional treatments often involve antifungal medications with potential side effects. Here, we present a case report that evaluated the efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma-aerosol (CAP-A) as a standalone treatment for equine dermatophytosis. Unassigned: A 2-year-old Westphalian warmblood stallion presented with confirmed dermatophyte lesions restricted to the left side of the mouth which were treated with CAP-A. Treatment was administered 2 times daily for 12 consecutive ...
Kisilevich Q, O'Connor SGP, Bayly WM, Léguillette R.To validate a single-lead ECG fitness tracker device (FT) against the reference multilead ECG recording device (RM) for heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) monitoring of horses during routine swimming. Unassigned: 40 race-fit Thoroughbred racehorses were used for 5 days in May 2024. Surface ECG recordings were obtained simultaneously from the FT and RM devices in horses swimming 63.65 m across a pool. Electrocardiograms were reviewed and artifacts corrected when necessary, and correlations were analyzed between the 2 devices for HR and HRV parameters. Descriptive statistics and Bland-Altm...
Wunderlich G, Bull M, McGilchrist N, Zhao C, Ross T, Rose M, Chapman B.The equine gut microbiome is a complex and dynamic ecosystem, housing a diverse consortium of bacteria and anaerobic fungi (AF) capable of breaking down complex plant matter and converting it into vital energy sources for their host. The aim of this study was to broaden our current understanding of bacterial and AF diversity in the equine hindgut and how it differs between cohorts and responds to dietary shifts. Results: Faecal samples were collected from 48 horses and the bacteriome and anaerobic mycobiome analysed using long-read amplicon sequencing. Samples were collected from racehorses (R...
Oliveira LLV, Caldas MCAR, Marval LME, Marval CA, Carvalho JGS, Matos JJRT, Malacarne BD, Paz CFR.A 2-year-old mixed-breed mare was examined at the property due to swelling and fistula on the right mandible. Oral examination and radiographs revealed the presence of an apical abscess involving the 410 tooth. The tooth was extracted entirely and confirmed radiographically. One year later, the owner reported a reoccurrence of clinical signs. A new radiographic evaluation revealed a radiopaque area in the alveolar socket of the 410 tooth filled with spongy-looking bone. An extraoral approach to the alveolar socket was performed, and the content removed had the appearance of a dental element.
Chatanga E, Ahedor B, Atabek B, Kainga H, Kapalamula T, Razemba T, Nakao R, Nonaka N, Sivakumar T, Yokoyama N.Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi, and Babesia caballi in equids, such as horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras. A comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of T. equi and B. caballi is vital for EP management. The present study surveyed T. equi and B. caballi infections in donkeys and horses in Malawi. Blood samples were collected from 185 equines, including 178 donkeys in Lilongwe (n = 136) and Dedza (n = 42) districts, and seven horses in Lilongwe district. The blood samples were used to measure hematocrit values and prepare ...
Northwood A, Berner D.Radiographic protocols for the metacarpo-/tarsophalangeal joint during pre-purchase examinations (PPE) vary internationally, but their impact on pathology detection remains unclear. Optimising imaging protocols is essential to balance diagnostic accuracy with workflow efficiency and radiation exposure. Objective: To evaluate the effect of different radiographic view combinations on fetlock pathology detection and observer agreement in a PPE context; hypothesising that detection rates vary with view selection. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Two observers reviewed fetlock r...
Hildebrand WH, Zaleśny G.Stereotypical behaviours in animals, often linked to stress, are repetitive actions that may lack a clear purpose. This review examines the relationship between cortisol levels, a key stress hormone, and stereotypic behaviour across various animal species, including zoo mammals, horses, and dogs. A total of 99 studies were analysed to understand whether elevated cortisol levels are associated with stereotypies. While many studies report a positive correlation between cortisol and stereotypical behaviour, more detailed research suggests that these behaviours may also serve as coping mechanisms,...
Fiedler JM, Rosanowski S, Ayre ML, Slater JD.Participation in horse-related activities frequently involves relocating horses from the home stable to an activity venue, which might require local, regional, or international travel. In these circumstances, horses are exposed to unfamiliar surroundings and experience changes to their daily routines, which could have negative welfare impacts. An online survey was conducted in 2021 to ask experienced horse sector participants about the horse management practices that they perceived worked well and provided for positive horse welfare when undertaken at venues. Qualitative analysis identified fo...
Aßmann AD, Sànchez-Andrade JS, Argüelles D, Bischofberger AS.Diagnosing digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) pathologies, particularly manica flexoria (MF) tears, can be challenging with standard imaging modalities. Standing low-field MRI tenography (MRIt) may improve the detection rate of MF tears. This study aimed to compare ultrasonography, contrast radiography, pre-contrast MRI, and MRIt to detect naturally occurring MF lesions in horses undergoing tenoscopy. Ten horses with a positive DFTS block, which underwent contrast radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, MRIt, and tenoscopy were included. Two radiologists evaluated the images and recorded whether a...
This study arises from the search for non-invasive diagnostic alternatives for equine gastric ulceration (EGUS), which is prevalent, clinically variable and only confirmed by gastroscopy. The aim is to quantify five salivary biomarkers (IL1-F5, PIP, CA VI, serotransferrin, albumin) under clinical conditions by validated assays and analyse their diagnostic value. Horses were grouped in No EGUS (neither clinical signs of EGUS nor gastric lesions), EGUS non-clinical (apparently no clinical signs of EGUS but with gastric lesions), and EGUS clinical (obvious clinical signs of EGUS and with gastric ...
Bosch K, Zsoldos RR, Hartig A, Licka T.The influence of soft tissue structures, including ligaments spanning one or more intervertebral junctions and the nuchal ligament, on motion of the equine cervical joints remains unclear. The present study addressed this using four post-mortem horse specimens extending from head to withers with all ligaments intact. Three-dimensional kinematics was obtained from markers on the head and bone-anchored markers on each cervical and the first thoracic vertebra during rotation, lateral bending, flexion and extension of the whole head, and neck segment. Yaw, pitch, and roll angles in 8 cervical join...
Medina-Bautista F, Nocera I, Sánchez de Medina A, Di Franco C, Briganti A, Morgaz J, Granados MDM.The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the ultrasound-guided thoracolumbar erector spinae plane (TL-ESP) block in standing horses. A total of 24 injections ( = 12) were performed at the L1 level using either 0.1 mL/kg of saline solution (SS group) or 2% lidocaine (LID group). The block feasibility was assessed based on needle visualization and injection time, while efficacy was evaluated through craniocaudal and dorsoventral (DV) spread using the pinprick technique over 270 min. Desensitization was observed at least once in 100% of horses in the LID group a...
Sikorska U, Maśko M, Rey B, Domino M.Water treadmill (WT) exercise is used for horses' rehabilitation and training. Given that each training needs to be individualized for each horse, the goal is to assess whether infrared thermography (IRT) can serve as a non-invasive tool for daily monitoring of individual training and rehabilitation progress in horses undergoing WT exercise. Fifteen Polish Warmblood school horses were subjected to five WT sessions: dry treadmill, fetlock-depth water, fetlock-depth water with artificial river (AR), carpal-depth water, and carpal-depth water with AR. IRT images, collected pre- and post-exercise,...
Taylor DEF, Lancaster BE, Ellis AD.Visual observation to record grass intake is time-consuming and labour-intensive. Technological methods, such as activity monitors, have been used but only record head position. This study aimed to evaluate sound recorders attached to headcollars to acoustically measure grass intake behaviour in horses as a low-cost alternative method. Pilot Study 1 assessed 6 × 11 min periods comparing bites/min and chews/min between video footage (VD) and sound recorders (SR). Grazing was identified audibly (SR) and visually through soundwave pattern software (SR). Chew rates (SR: 47 ± 5 chews/min, VD: 43 ...
Shaffer SK, Medjaouri O, Swenson B, Eliason T, Nicolella DP.The ability to quantify equine kinematics is essential for clinical evaluation, research, and performance feedback. However, current methods are challenging to implement. This study presents a motion capture methodology for horses, where three-dimensional, full-body kinematics are calculated without instrumentation on the animal, offering a more scalable and labor-efficient approach when compared with traditional techniques. Kinematic trajectories are calculated from multi-camera video data. First, a neural network identifies skeletal landmarks (markers) in each camera view and the 3D location...
Bombardi C, Salamanca G, Tagliavia C, Grandis A, Zamith Cunha R, Gramenzi A, De Silva M, Zannoni A, Chiocchetti R.The amygdala is composed of several nuclei, including the lateral nucleus which is the main receiving area for the input from cortical and subcortical brain regions. It mediates fear, anxiety, stress, and pain across species. Evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system may be a promising target for modulating these processes. Cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors have been identified in the amygdala of rodents, carnivores, and humans, but not in horses. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R), transient receptor potential...
Becard B, Sapone M, Martin P, Hanne-Poujade S, Babu A, Hébert C, Joly P, Bertucci W, Houel N.The saddle's adaptability to the rider-horse pair's biomechanics is essential for equestrian comfort and performance. However, approaches to dynamic evaluation of saddle fitting are still limited in equestrian conditions. The purpose of this study is to propose a method of quantifying saddle adaptation to the rider-horse pair in motion. Eight rider-horse pairs were tested using four similar saddles with small modifications (seat depth, flap width, and front panel thickness). Seven inertial sensors were attached to the riders and horses to measure the active range of motion of the horses' forel...
Staiger EA, Pereira de Toledo A, Rizzato Paschoal V, Patterson Rosa L.Horse gaits are a trait highly selected and prized in diverse breeds. Meanwhile, gait classification relies mostly on subjective visual observations by evaluators. Noninvasive equipment able to track locomotion in horses and output quantitative gait parameters is not only helpful in evaluating locomotion but also in designating gait types and its variations. Equine locomotion pattern designation based solely on observer evaluation can be subjective; therefore, utilizing tools that provide quantitative results and track individual limb movements, especially during intermediate-speed gaits, can ...
