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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.
Oocyte and Embryo Vitrification in Horses. Vitrification has emerged as a decisive technique in assisted reproductive technology, offering superior cryopreservation outcomes for both oocytes and embryos compared with traditional slow freezing. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the vitrification of equine oocytes and embryos, emphasizing the influence of technical factors, including cryoprotectant selection, exposure time, temperature control, and device volume, on vitrification outcomes. Biological factors such as the oocyte maturation stage, the presence of cumulus cells, and embryo size are also explored, highlighting...
Historical, clinical and nasal endoscopic findings in 1600 cases of equine sinonasal disease and associations with case outcome. No large study has described the signalment, pre-referral management or clinical and nasal endoscopic findings in equine sinonasal disease. Objective: To explore associations between case outcome and signalment, pre-referral treatments, clinical and nasal endoscopic variables in sinonasal disease. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records of 19 equine hospitals on sinonasal disease cases they had examined and which had undergone computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Case outcome was obtained from clinical records and/or by contacting clients and referri...
Clinical Signs as an Indication of the Presence of Gastric Ulcers in Horses: True or False? Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and its related diseases, Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD), can be found in horses worldwide, with increased prevalences in racehorses and animals subjected to heavy training loads. Clinical signs of the disease are vague and nonspecific, and most horses affected by the disease are asymptomatic. In this retrospective study, our aim was to determine the percentages of pleasure and breeding horses showing signs compatible with gastric ulcers, and to correlate these signs with the presence of ESGD, EGGD, and bo...
Coprological assessment of gastrointestinal helminths in Arabian Thoroughbred horses housed in a stable in the Constantine region, Algeria. This study assesses the gastrointestinal parasitological status of Arabian Thoroughbred horses at the Eastern Equestrian Club in Constantine (Algeria). In this semi-arid region, epidemiological data on equine parasitoses are lacking. Twenty fecal samples were analyzed using qualitative (flotation) and quantitative (McMaster) methods, complemented by morphological identification of parasitic eggs. The results reveal an overall prevalence of 50 %, with species diversity dominated by strongyles (60 % of positive cases), followed by (40 %), spp. (30 %), (20 %), and spp. (10 %). The excretion i...
Stable Beginnings – A call to transform methods of weaning horses. There are currently a range of different weaning methods used in the UK, with no clear consensus or guidance to support the optimal welfare of both mares and foals during and post weaning. Objective: To explore welfare charity professionals' perceptions of approaches to weaning horses in the UK. Methods: Participants from welfare charities with experience in management, and welfare of horses from birth to death were recruited. They reviewed videos of weaning approaches and a chart of behavioural welfare indicators. They then took part in discussions on methods of weaning, considering their opi...
Equine-based community service offered through horse breed association youth programs: Parent and community partner perceptions of participation, benefits, and program growth. Equine-based community service activities offered through horse breed association youth programs provide opportunities for youth to engage in volunteerism while interacting with horses. Although these programs are widely available, research examining stakeholder perceptions remains limited. Objective: To examine parent and community partner perceptions of equine-based community service activities offered through horse breed association youth programs, including perceived benefits, participation patterns, recruitment, implementation challenges, and opportunities for program development. Methods...
Limited evidence for exposure of horses in the United Kingdom to influenza D virus. Since it was first detected in 2011, antibodies to influenza D virus (IDV) have been found in several species, although cattle are the major host. In cattle, IDV is typically associated with mild respiratory signs, but it is clinically significant as a component of bovine respiratory disease complex. Although antibodies to IDV have been detected in equids, no association of IDV with naturally occurring respiratory disease in horses has yet been demonstrated. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether IDV may be a causal agent of equine respiratory disease in the UK. Methods: Nas...
Cyathostomin species richness and alpha diversity at egg reappearance following fecal egg count-based selective ivermectin treatment. Cyathostomin nematodes are ubiquitous in grazing horses. The overuse of anthelmintics has led to increasing problems with drug resistance to benzimidazoles and pyrantel. Although macrocyclic lactones (ML), such as ivermectin, generally retain the highest efficacy, reduced ML efficacy has increasingly been reported. A shortened egg reappearance period (ERP) is frequently used as an indicator of reduced susceptibility. However, the species-specific response dynamics after ivermectin treatment are inadequately characterized in cyathostomins. The objective of this study was to compare the cyathost...
Management practices and human-horse relationships are associated with horse personality traits. The human-horse relationship has evolved through centuries of domestication, shaping how horses are managed and interact with people. Horses show interindividual behavioural differences that constitute personality, with implications for welfare, management and human-horse interactions. Although equine personality has a genetic component, environmental and relational factors may influence its expression, yet effects of everyday management practices remain poorly understood. This study examined associations between owner-rated horse personality traits and human-controlled environmental and relat...
Anesthetic Recovery Following a Midazolam-Containing Co-Induction Protocol in Horses Undergoing Total Intravenous Anesthesia. Anesthetic recovery is a critical phase in horses under field conditions, and induction protocols may influence recovery quality during total intravenous anesthesia. Objective: To compare two anesthetic induction protocols, one including midazolam and the other based solely on xylazine and ketamine, regarding anesthetic induction and recovery quality, total recovery time, and attempts to achieve standing in horses undergoing total intravenous anesthesia. Methods: Twelve healthy male horses older than 2 years were randomly assigned to XC (xylazine 1 mg/kg and ketamine 2 mg/kg) or XCM (xylazine ...
Associations between treatments and response to treatments from a large multicentre study of equine sinonasal disease. No large study has examined the treatment and response to treatment of horses with sinonasal disease confirmed by computed tomography (CT). Objective: To report the treatment and response to treatment of referred cases of equine sinonasal disease. To explore associations between case outcome and clinical and endoscopic features, CT findings, disease subtypes, and treatments in a multivariable model. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records from 19 equine hospitals on cases of sinonasal disease, all of which underwent CT imaging. Case outcome was obt...
Pelvic Flexure Enterotomy in Horses: Scoping Review and Synthesis of the Literature (1996-2026). This scoping review maps the available literature aimed at identifying the most appropriate technique for suturing pelvic flexure enterotomies in horses. A comprehensive search of Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information was conducted for studies published between January 1996 and February 2026, using terms related to pelvic flexure enterotomy and equine patients. From 22,146 records, only five ex vivo studies on healthy equine colon specimens met the inclusion criteria. The studies compared variables such as suturing time, suture pattern, material,...
Influence of Manual Double-Spin Preparation Protocols on the Cellular and Growth Factor Composition of Equine Platelet-Rich Plasma. This prospective, randomised, ex vivo study investigated the effects of manual double-spin centrifugation protocols on the cellular and growth factor composition of equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Blood from 20 healthy horses was evaluated in two phases. In Phase A (n = 10), nine first-spin protocols were compared, and two were selected based on platelet enrichment and leukocyte reduction. In Phase B (n = 10), these were combined with nine second-spin conditions, generating 18 PRP preparations. Platelet (PLT), leukocyte (WBC) and erythrocyte (RBC) concentrations and PDGF-BB and TGF-β conce...
Use of Sildenafil Citrate for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Stallions: First Case Reports. Pharmacological aids can be useful alternatives to enhance penile erection and/or improve ejaculatory function, thereby prolonging the reproductive life of stallions with ejaculatory disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and on semen quality in two aged stallions, a Quarter Horse (18 years) and a Mangalarga Marchador (25 years), presented to the Veterinary Hospital of FMVZ-UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. The treatment consisted of oral administration of sildenafil citrate at 0.2 mg/kg. Thirty minutes after administ...
Diagnosed causes of sinonasal disease in 1600 horses and associations with clinical signs, computed tomographic findings and case outcome. The diagnosis of equine sinonasal disorders has been greatly enhanced by using computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Objective: To explore associations between specific diagnoses and clinical and CT findings and between specific diagnoses and case outcome in equine sinonasal disease. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records from 19 equine hospitals on cases of sinonasal disease, all of which underwent CT imaging. Case outcome was obtained from clinical records, and/or by contacting clients and referring veterinarians. Logistic regression analysis was u...
Differential rotational and translational movements along the thoraco-lumbo-sacral spine of load and non-load pulling military and police horses walking and trotting on hard and soft surfaces. To improve detection of equine back-related disorders, it is important to establish how movement dynamics in horses' thoraco-lumbo-sacral spine are normally affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This cross-sectional study aimed to quantify how discipline, gait, and surface impact differential rotational and translational movements along the backs of 107 horses from the military and police forces. The horses were walked and trotted in-hand in a straight-line over hard and soft surfaces. During the exercises, nine inertial sensors (XSens MTw) were mounted to the poll, withers, thoracic ve...
Exhaled breath condensate in horses: a first microbiological insight. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a non-invasive method for obtaining samples reflecting the airway lining fluid; however, its microbiological composition remains poorly characterized. Objective: To perform an exploratory microbiological comparison of EBC in clinically healthy horses maintained under different environmental conditions. Methods: An observational study included 30 mares equally distributed into two groups: horses housed in stalls (Racetrack group) and horses maintained under pasture conditions (Farm group). EBC samples were collected using a validated device developed by the re...
Evaluation of mosquito transmission of equine hepacivirus in laboratory and field studies. Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) is a hepatotropic virus, closely related to human hepatitis C virus (HCV), that can cause acute or chronic infection in horses. As with HCV, transmission is thought to occur primarily through parenteral, particularly blood-borne, routes. Vertical transmission from mare to foal has been reported but appears to be uncommon. The high seroprevalence in horse populations and the occurrence of infection in isolated horses indicate efficient horizontal transmission routes exist. One such possibility is biological or mechanical transmission by arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ...
Evaluation of a new immunoassay for measuring equine serum insulin and plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone: A method comparison study. Insulin dysregulation (ID) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) are common equine endocrinopathies detected by measurement of circulating insulin and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. Different assays may yield variable results, limiting comparability. Objective: To compare immunoassays developed specifically to measure equine insulin (VIDAS® Equine Insulin; enzyme-linked fluorescent assay [ELFA]) and equine ACTH (VIDAS® Equine ACTH; ELFA) with results obtained from a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) measured using IMMULITE 2000XPi, a chemiluminescence enzym...
The Polish Konik Horse: A Multidisciplinary Review of Its Origin, Genetics, Ecology, Health, Behaviour and Reproductive Biology. The Polish Konik horse (PKH) is one of Europe's best-known native conservation breeds. Traditionally associated with the extinct Eurasian tarpan and conservation grazing, the breed has recently become the subject of multidisciplinary research encompassing genetics, ecology, health, behaviour and reproduction. This narrative review summarises current knowledge on the biological characteristics and contemporary scientific significance of the PKH. Literature published between 2005 and 2026 was identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar and narratively synthes...
Identification and phylogenetic analysis of Mannheimia haemolytica isolated from nasal samples of horses. The Mannheimia genus, which is part of the upper respiratory tract microbiota, harbours species that have the potential to cause progressive infections, such as haemorrhagic septicaemia and enzootic pneumonia, when the host immune system is suppressed. Among these species, Mannheimia haemolytica is considered the most pathogenic, and horses can be a host for this agent. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Mannheimia haemolytica in horses with and without respiratory clinical signs and to assess the potential pathogenic significance of isolates recovered from animals through serot...
Exercise-Induced Acid-Base, Electrolyte, and Metabolic Responses in Colombian Creole Horses Across Different Gait Modalities. Exercise physiology in Colombian Creole Horses remains poorly characterized despite the breed's extensive use in athletic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate exercise-induced changes in blood biochemical and gas parameters and to determine whether these responses differed according to sex, geographic origin, or gait modality. An analytical observational study with repeated measures was conducted in 76 athletic CCHs. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein at rest and immediately after exercise to measure acid-base indicators (pH, carbon dioxide pressure, bicarbona...
Effects of two different fluid rates on tissue oxygenation and haemodynamic stability in anaesthetised horses. Perianaesthetic fluid therapy can influence oxygen delivery and tissue oxygenation, yet the optimal fluid rate in horses remains undefined. Objective: To compare two fluid strategies on peripheral tissue oxygenation (StO) and cardiorespiratory variables in isoflurane-anaesthetised horses. Methods: Randomised, controlled, experimental design with two independent groups. Methods: Sixteen euvolemic adult horses undergoing coeliotomy were anaesthetised with xylazine, ketamine, and midazolam, maintained on isoflurane with lidocaine infusion, and randomised to lactated Ringer's solution at 2.5 mL/...
Anatomy and Ultrasound-Guided Injection of the Deep Branch of the Lateral Palmar Nerve in the Horse: A Cadaveric Study. Proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) injuries are a common cause of lameness in horses. Localization of pain in the proximal metacarpal and carpal region remains challenging. Current diagnostic analgesic techniques are not PSL-specific. The aim of this study was to investigate the nerve supply of the PSL, with particular focus on the deep branch of the lateral palmar nerve (DBLPaN), and to develop a landmark-based, ultrasound-guided injection technique targeting this nerve. Unassigned: Eighteen limbs from euthanized horses were dissected to describe the anatomy of the DBLPaN and branches, measur...
Bacterial Pneumonia in Horses: Insights from a 10-Year European Single-Centre Retrospective Study. Bacterial pneumonia in horses typically occurs secondary to predisposing factors that compromise defence mechanisms. This 10-year retrospective study evaluated bacterial pneumonia in 81 horses treated at the equine clinic of Freie Universität Berlin from January 2015 to December 2024. Horses infected with primary pathogens such as or ssp. were not included in the study. The most common predisposing events were aspiration, mainly following oesophageal obstruction (37.0%), post-anaesthetic disease (27.2%), primary respiratory signs (24.7%), and other conditions (11.1%). Horses with aspiratio...
Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is one of the most common equine endocrine disorders. It is caused by oxidative damage to dopaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus and results in loss of inhibition of the pituitary pars intermedia. This leads to increased circulating concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and related peptides. Diagnosis is based on increased resting and/or thyrotropin releasing hormone-stimulated ACTH concentrations. Assessment of insulin regulation is also important, as insulin dysregulation occurs in at least one-third of PPID cases and is associate...
Pilot Study on the Development and Assessment of a Novel Sensor for Measuring Rein Tension. Effective horse-rider communication is essential in equestrian sports, both for performance and animal welfare. Rein tension, which is often applied through negative reinforcement (i.e., the release of pressure to reward a desired response), plays a central role in this interaction. However, high or inconsistent tension can lead to discomfort or injury, particularly in the mouth cavity. While previous studies have analyzed rein tension in basic gaits such as walk, trot, and canter, limited research exists on more complex maneuvers like jumping or abrupt stops. This pilot study introduces a cus...
Serial Postoperative Blood and Peritoneal Fluid Analysis and Ultrasonographic Assessment in Client-Owned Horses Undergoing Ventral Midline Exploratory Celiotomy for Colic. Postoperative monitoring, including evaluation of peritoneal fluid, is used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment plan for complications after colic surgery. The primary objective of this study was to determine serial venous and peritoneal postoperative variables, including L-lactate values in horses after ventral midline exploratory celiotomy. A secondary objective was to evaluate postoperative abdominal ultrasonography as a predictor of complications. A total of 36 client-owned horses with signs of colic undergoing ventral midline exploratory celiotomy were prospectively enrolled in the stud...
Electrocardiographic recording in horses at rest: a concordance analysis of two methods. Cardiac arrhythmias are frequently detected during routine auscultation in athletic horses. Assessment of their clinical significance requires electrocardiography (ECG) to analyze waveforms and intervals. In recent years, portable ECG devices have been introduced to simplify electrocardiographic examination, offering advantages such as ease of use and the ability to review results via a smartphone. This study evaluated the utility and accuracy of a portable ECG device compared with a standard electrocardiograph. Simultaneous ECG recordings were obtained from 28 healthy adult horses at rest usi...
