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.
Alsultan A, Karim SM, Al-Saadi M, Alsallami D, Ben Said M, Belkahia H.Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by the intracellular protozoa Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and Theileria haneyi, represents a major health and economic threat to the equine industry worldwide. Existing diagnostic methods, including PCR, serology, and microscopy, are constrained by their dependence on specialized equipment, lengthy protocols, and the requirement for skilled personnel. Objective: This study aimed to develop a rapid, accurate, and field-deployable molecular diagnostic assay for T. equi. Methods: A nucleic acid-based diagnostic platform combining recombinase polymerase ampli...
Boado A, Pollard D, Dyson S.There are no studies that have investigated factors influencing the outcome of dressage horses with suspensory ligament (SL) branch injuries. The aim was to determine if age, breed, work level, injury severity, anatomical localisation of injury, number of injured branches, periligamentous fibrosis, persistence of power Doppler signal or coexistent osteoarthritis of a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint influenced the prognosis of 70 dressage horses. Outcome was defined as good (return to pre-injury level of work or higher), poor (return to a lower level of work) or ret...
Schumacher A, Merle R, Stöckle S, Gehlen H.Polo is an equestrian sport with a long tradition, but to date there is little scientific data on health risks, particularly lameness. In an international online survey, 145 polo players (47.6% female, 52.4% male) with an average of 13.4 years of playing experience were questioned about lameness risks and influencing factors. The respondents reported a median of six horses, most frequently mares as their best-performing and healthiest animals. Horse age was significantly associated with the risk of lameness, increasing by approximately 19.5% per year (OR = 1.195; = 0.030) and differed dependi...
Micheau L, Audigié F, Moiroud C, Jacquet S.Disuse-induced bone loss during stall confinement and immobilization is a major concern in horses because it impairs recovery and increases susceptibility to further injury. Experimental models are needed to evaluate therapeutic options, but most available equine models rely on cast immobilization, which is technically demanding and may be associated with complications. This study aimed to assess a simpler and less restrictive model to induce a quantifiable decrease in bone density in horses. Six French Standardbred horses underwent eight weeks of stall confinement, with a wooden wedge fitted ...
Díaz-Bertrana ML, Pitti L, Ramírez AS, Encinoso M, Fumero-Hernández M, Morales I, Arencibia A, Jaber JR.This study aimed to characterize the computed tomographic (CT) dimensions and contrast attenuation properties of the equine eye. CT scans from 21 horses without ocular abnormalities were analyzed to obtain detailed ocular measurements and attenuation values. In addition, cranial measurements, such as nasal-occipital length and zygomatic width, were incorporated to explore potential anatomical relationships between the skull and intraocular structures. Although most correlations between cranial and ocular parameters were weak, statistically significant associations-particularly those involving ...
St George L, Nankervis K, Walker V, Maddock C, Robinson A, Sinclair J, Hobbs SJ.Despite growing evidence on the adaptive movement patterns that horses adopt during water treadmill (WT) exercise, underlying adaptations in muscle activity remain uninvestigated. This feasibility study aimed to develop a method for the synchronous measurement of muscle activity and movement of horses during WT exercise. Combined surface electromyography (sEMG) (2000 Hz) from selected hindlimb (biceps femoris, gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae) and epaxial (longissimus dorsi) muscles, and three-dimensional kinematic (200 Hz) data from the back and pelvis of one (n = 1) horse were collected ...
Kranenburg LC, Reinke KS, van den Broek J, Zaal EA, van den Boom R, van Doorn DA.Hydrolysed collagen is used as a supplement for horses with osteoarthritis, hoof horn growth problems, and gastric ulcers. To determine the oral availability of a specific hydrolysed collagen supplement and the appropriate dose, six Warmblood mares were fed two different concentrations of the supplement: 100 g HC (C), 50 g HC (C), and a control of 0 g HC (C) during one week in a randomised cross-over design. On day 7, 14 and 21, blood sampling for amino acid (AA) analysis was performed, just prior to feeding the supplement (t = 0) and every hour after feeding for 8 h (t = 1-8). Statistical ana...
Taylor DEF, Lancaster BE, Ellis AD.There are few 24 h time budgets for horses, especially for domesticated horses kept at pasture. Most time budgets utilise short-term scan sampling, which can miss behaviours. This study aimed to assess the seasonal variation in continuous behaviour of domesticated Icelandic horses at pasture during winter and spring in fair weather. Eight Icelandic horses (11.25 ± 9.19 years; 7 geldings, 1 stallion) were observed in a 26 acre field. Herd location and individual behaviour were continuously observed during 3 h periods amounting to 3 × 24 h in winter and late spring, compiled over 43 days (~21 ...
d'Ingeo S, Siniscalchi M, Quaranta A, Cousillas H, Hausberger M.Current research on acoustic encoding of emotional content suggests that there are universal cues, allowing for decoding within and across taxa. This is particularly important for human-animal relationships, wherein domestic animals are supposed to be particularly efficient in decoding human emotions. Here we investigated whether the decoding of the emotional content in human voices shared universal acoustic properties, or whether it could be influenced by experience. Emotional human voices were presented to two populations of horses, in which behavioral, cardiac, and brain responses were meas...
Serrano-Rodríguez JM, Miraz R, Saitua A, Díez de Castro E, Ledesma-Escobar C, Ferreiro-Vera C, Priego-Capote F, Sánchez de Medina V....Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with growing interest in veterinary medicine; however, its pharmacokinetic profile in horses remains unknown. Understanding its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination is essential to optimizing dosing strategies and evaluating its potential for clinical use in equine patients. Unassigned: A prospective crossover study was conducted in eight healthy adult horses to assess the metabolism and the pharmacokinetics after intravenous (IV) administration at 1 mg/kg and oral administrations at 10 mg/kg with two formulations (mice...
Linnegar B, Hoegh A, McCallum H, Peel AJ.Anthropogenic climatic and landscape change can drive behavioural shifts in wildlife and thus lead to increased risk of pathogen exposure for humans and domestic animals. While spillover research often focuses on the reservoir hosts or ongoing transmission in humans, livestock and companion animals can play important roles as bridging and amplifying hosts, facilitating the emergence of highly pathogenic diseases. Objective: To investigate the distribution and density of domestic horses in the context of their role as bridge hosts for Hendra virus and build models to study zoonotic emergence. M...
Haugaard SL, Nissen SD, Schneider MJ, Birk JB, Carstensen H, Hopster-Iversen C, Altıntaş A, Barrès R, Kjøbsted R, Wojtaszewski JFP, Herum KM....High recurrence rates after atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment may be driven by myocardial changes induced by the arrhythmia itself. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind these changes is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving outcomes. Objective: To characterise the cardiac transcriptome of healthy horses and explore transcriptional changes associated with persistent AF (naturally occurring and tachypacing-induced). Methods: Case-control study. Methods: RNA-sequencing was performed on atrial and ventricular tissue samples collected from six horses with naturally occur...
Kyle-LaBell E, Andersson A, Baughman B.Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCE) was diagnosed in a 15-year-old pony mare by histopathologic examination of the spinal cord. The horse was euthanized and submitted for necropsy following focal seizures and lateral recumbency for approximately 12 h. Histopathology of spinal cord segments C5-C7 revealed severe ischemic myelomalacia with intravascular amorphous material that stained positive with Alcian Blue, consistent with cartilaginous matrix. These features in addition to the acute onset of clinical signs are characteristic for FCE. This case report describes the clinical and histo...
Racine J, Ungermann A, Blatter M, von Plato G, Rijkenhuizen ABM.To describe a modified two-portal tenoscopic technique for proximal manica flexoria (MF) resection designed to preserve the mesotendons (MTs) of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Client-owned horses (n = 30). Methods: MF resection was performed in four steps: (1) Transection of the lateral attachment of the MF to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), staying abaxial to the lateral MT; (2) transection of the medial attachment of the MF to the SDFT between the flexor tendons from distal to proximal until reaching the level of the med...
Serighelli-Júnior G, Strugava L, de Oliveira Franco JD, Kulik K, Dornbusch PT, Machado M, Moreno JCD.To describe the detailed anatomy of the equine thoracoabdominal region and to compare the accuracy of ultrasound-guided versus blind intercostal nerve injection techniques, targeting the thoracic intercostal nerves (T12-T18) in equine cadavers. Methods: Randomized, blinded, cadaveric study. Methods: Eight fresh adult equine cadavers. Methods: Eight horse cadavers were used: one in phase I (436 kg; 4 years old) for anatomic landmarks identification and seven in phase II [420 (317-560 kg); 16 (3-22 years old) [median (minimum-maximum)] for comparative study. In phase I, dissections were performe...
Giannone C, Atallah E, Dalla Costa E, Benetti E, Santolini E, Tassinari P, Bovo M.Technology for monitoring behaviour and health of horses has evolved significantly, presenting new opportunities and challenges in equine management and healthcare. This scoping review consolidates recent findings on wearable sensors and non-contact technologies, discussing their benefits and limitations. Among these advancements, heart rate monitors stand out as a key point in equine monitoring. By tracking heart rate variability, devices help monitor cardiac autonomic regulation, optimise training regimens and allow early detection of cardiac issues, although accuracy can be compromised by i...
McPeek JL, Menarim B, Sponseller B, McClendon M, Adam EN, Adams AA, Slone S, Page AE.Subjective lameness evaluations are critical components of equine musculoskeletal health assessments. Objective approaches can supplement diagnosis and may be preferred for specific cases and scientific purposes. Objective: Evaluate agreements between subjective evaluation of two veterinarians and standard clinical interpretations from outputs of an AI-based smartphone application (Sleip; AI-SPA), the inertial measurement unit (IMU) system Equinosis Q Lameness Locator (LL), and the IMU system Equisym (ES). Methods: In vivo experiment. Methods: Twenty-five research horses (10-30 years) were e...
Saberinia A, Ozmaei S, Anoushepour A.Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by infectious or non-infectious factors. Infectious conjunctivitis comes in two forms: viral and bacterial. Bacterial conjunctivitis is commonly caused by organisms such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, with the severity of the disease influenced by the specific bacterial species involved. Because both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious, preventive measures are essential to reduce transmission-especially to the unaffected eye. Objective: To evaluate the tear film osmolality in horses with bacterial conjunctiv...
Góss GC, Mozzaquatro FD, Machado IRL, Gomes EM, Martins NR, Duarte CA.The collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint (CL-DIPJ) are important structures for athletic horses. Ligament injuries can cause lameness, but ultrasound imaging can detect such lesions, which usually present with changes in echogenicity and an increase in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ligament. Measurements of these structures vary among authors, which complicates the diagnosis. Thus, this study aimed to describe the ultrasound measurements (dorsopalmar diameter [DPD], lateromedial diameter [LMD], and CSA) of the CL-DIPJ in Argentine Polo horses. We measured the CL-DIP...
Purnama MTE, Fikri F, Çalışkan H, Wicaksono AP.Racehorses endure high physical demands, which often result in musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and reduced performance. Although conventional therapies are effective, competition-related drug regulations restrict their use. Acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, has gained interest as a non-pharmacological alternative for managing pain, enhancing recovery, and promoting overall welfare in equine athletes. This review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in racehorses, focusing on musculoskeletal pain management, post-exercise r...
van Heule M, Verstraete M, Norris JK, Graniczkowsa KB, Scoggin KE, Ali HE, Ball BA, De Spiegelaere W, Daels P, Weimer BC, Dini P.Nocardioform placentitis (NP) is an understudied form of equine placentitis historically attributed to nocardioform bacteria, yet it remains uncertain whether these organisms are the sole pathogens involved. Objective: To elucidate the pathophysiology of NP and the host-pathogen interaction. Methods: In vivo clinical multi-omics study. Methods: Dual RNA sequencing was performed to profile transcriptionally active microbial communities and concurrent placental transcriptome responses in samples from 31 placentas with and without NP. Untargeted metabolomics was performed to study the associated ...
McCrae P, Spong H, Moorehead J, Pearson W.A smart textile device has been developed for the recording of electrocardiograms (ECGs) in horses; however, the utility of this device for long-duration heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring and detection of physiological arrhythmias is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to validate a smart textile device for HRV over long durations (6 h) in resting horses. ECGs were recorded simultaneously via the Myant Skiin Equine textile device and a reference device (Televet 100) in 12 horses. ECGs were evaluated by a blinded observer for arrhythmias, and HRV metrics were calculated. ...
Jacobs ME, Blea J, Hardy M, McKemie DS, Traynham M, Knych HK.The racehorse industry has strict regulations regarding the detection of prohibited substances in horses. Metformin, a diabetes medication, is a prohibited substance that has been reported in post-race blood and urine samples collected from racehorses. For further characterization of the disposition of metformin, 12 Thoroughbred horses were administered metformin orally and intravenously in a randomized, balanced, two-way crossover design. Serum and urine samples were collected, and drug concentrations determined via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The serum data were analyzed ...
So YM, Kwok WH, Yuen SMS, Wong COL, Wan TSM, Ho ENM.This paper describes the detection of nandrolone decanoate and its metabolites in mane hair collected from horses that have been treated with nandrolone decanoate (Deca-Durabolin). The intramuscular administration study of nandrolone decanoate in three Thoroughbred castrated horses (each received 800 mg weekly for 3 consecutive weeks) was previously conducted to investigate its metabolism and detection time in plasma and urine for doping control purposes. In this work, segmental analysis of the post-administration hair has revealed that (i) nandrolone decanoate and its metabolites, nandrolon...
Stokes C, Natalini CC, Wills R, Eddy A, Mochal-King C, O'Shea C, Fontenot RL.To evaluate the analgesic properties and adverse effects of liposomal bupivacaine administered via caudal epidural in horses. Methods: Pharmacodynamic study. Methods: A total of 10 healthy adult horses. Methods: Liposomal bupivacaine (10 mL; 1.3%) was administered into the caudal epidural space via an indwelling epidural catheter inserted to a length of 15 cm. Mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) testing with pressure algometry was used to measure analgesia at four anatomic locations for 72 h following injection. Physical examinations (including rectal temperature, heart rate, respirat...
Alonso FH, Hallum J, Arndt S.We report here a case of lipid-rich abdominal fluid in a 31-y-old Arabian gelding with acute colic. Abdominocentesis yielded opaque, yellow-to-orange peritoneal fluid with an elevated triglyceride concentration (42 g/L, RI: <0.10 g/L; fluid:serum triglyceride ratio 11.4, RI: <1.0). A second abdominocentesis performed 3 d later revealed clear fluid, suggesting transient chyloabdomen. Despite medical management, the horse developed respiratory distress secondary to pharyngeal edema and was euthanized. Autopsy identified a large omental lipoma and severe ulcerative gastritis, but no effusion....
Alexeenko V, Anchan DS, Ter Woort F, Ribonnet C, van Erck E, Marr C, Jeevaratnam K.Non-linear equine electrocardiography (ECG) analysis is an actively developing study area which has the potential to lead to novel, artificial intelligence-based diagnostic tools in equine cardiology. As more ECG recording devices are becoming available, there is a need to ensure results are interchangeable regardless of the equipment used to record the equine ECG. Objective: To evaluate the agreement of ECG complexity values obtained using the Televet™ and Equimetre™ systems. Methods: Cross-sectional clinical. Methods: ECGs were recorded using two devices simultaneously from 37 healthy Th...
Lepage H, de Chaisemartin C, Spadaro Rosselo A, Leroy H, Lepage O.To describe and report clinical outcomes after transcutaneous guttural pouch (GP) catheterization (TGPC) in standing horses. Methods: Ex vivo study and case series. Methods: One cadaver head, records of 10 normal horses and 14 horses treated with TGPC. Methods: Relevant anatomical landmarks were determined through dissection of one cadaveric specimen and 10 normal radiographic studies. Records of horses diagnosed with empyema or mycosis and treated with standing TGPC were reviewed for complications that occurred during or after the operation. Results: Ex vivo and radiological studies identifie...
