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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.
Risk factors associated with clinical signs of vesicular stomatitis and seroconversion without clinical disease in Colorado horses during the 2014 outbreak. Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is caused by a contagious rhabdovirus that affects horses, cattle, and swine. Clinical signs of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection in pigs and cattle are indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a foreign animal disease and reportable disease in the United States (Rodriguez et al., 2000). A VS epidemic occurred in the Rocky Mountain region in 2014-15. A study was conducted in Colorado to evaluate horse- and management-level factors associated with VS. For a horse to be considered a clinical VS horse, there were two requirements. First, clinical VS ...
B-Cell Epitope Mapping Using a Library of Overlapping Synthetic Peptides in an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. This chapter describes a strategy for mapping linear B-cell epitopes of proteins using synthetic biotinylated peptides in an ELISA.A set of overlapping peptides were designed based upon a known amino acid sequence of the target protein, VapA (Virulence-associated Protein A) of the bacterium Rhodococcus equi, an important pulmonary pathogen in foals. The peptides synthesized as biotinylated peptides were coated directly onto micro titer plates which had been pre-coated with NeutrAvidin™ and used to screen sera from foals confirmed to have R. equi disease. A linear B-cell epitope was identifie...
Lower plasma trans-4-hydroxyproline and methionine sulfoxide levels are associated with insulin dysregulation in horses. Insulin dysregulation in horses is a metabolic condition defined by high insulin concentrations in the blood and peripheral insulin resistance. This hyperinsulinemia is often associated with severe damage in the hooves, resulting in laminitis. However, we currently lack detailed information regarding the potential involvement of particular metabolic pathways in pathophysiological causes and consequences of equine insulin dysregulation. This study aimed to assess the dynamic metabolic responses given to an oral glucose test (OGT) in insulin-sensitive and insulin-dysregulated horses by a targete...
Assessment of static posturography and pedobarography for the detection of unilateral forelimb lameness in ponies. Static posturography and pedobarography are based on the detection of postural imbalance and, consequently, the pressure redistribution between limbs in lame subjects. These techniques have proven to be useful for the detection of lameness in humans and dogs. The main objective of this study was to test the suitability of static posturography and pedobarography in diagnosing lameness in ponies. A pressure platform was used to obtain postural data (statokinesiograms, mean X and Y, length, LFS ratio, and mean velocity) from 10 sound ponies and 7 ponies with unilateral forelimb lameness. Static p...
Time-dependent changes in gene expression induced in vitro by interleukin-1β in equine articular cartilage. Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory and degenerative joint disease commonly affecting horses. To identify genes of relevance for cartilage pathology in osteoarthritis we studied the time-course effects of interleukin (IL)-1β on equine articular cartilage. Articular cartilage explants from the distal third metacarpal bone were collected postmortem from three horses without evidence of joint disease. The explants were stimulated with IL-1β for 27 days and global gene expression was measured by microarray. Gene expression was compared to that of unstimulated explants at days 3, 9, 15, 21 and 27...
Comparison of morphological changes and tactile sensitivity of the pharynx and larynx between four standing sedative and analgesic protocols in eight adult healthy horses. To compare the topographic modifications and tactile sensitivity of the pharynx and larynx after administration of four sedative and analgesic protocols in standing horses. Methods: Experimental, observer-blinded, crossover study. Methods: Eight healthy mares. Methods: Five protocols were evaluated: 1) xylazine and butorphanol administered intravenously (IV); 2) detomidine and butorphanol administered IV; 3) xylazine administered IV and lidocaine topically; 4) detomidine administered IV and lidocaine topically and 5) no analgesia or sedation (control). Quality of sedation, head height and sudd...
Evolutionary Analysis Provides Insight Into the Origin and Adaptation of HCV. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) belongs to the genus and is genetically heterogeneous, with seven major genotypes further divided into several recognized subtypes. HCV origin was previously dated in a range between ∼200 and 1000 years ago. Hepaciviruses have been identified in several domestic and wild mammals, the largest viral diversity being observed in bats and rodents. The closest relatives of HCV were found in horses/donkeys (equine hepaciviruses, EHV). However, the origin of HCV as a human pathogen is still an unsolved puzzle. Using a selection-informed evolutionary model, we show that the c...
Evaluation of a pictorial method to obtain subject-specific inertial properties in equine limb segments. Data describing segmental masses and moments of inertia (MOI) of limb segments are required for inverse dynamic calculations. In horses, these values are usually calculated using regression equations that have been developed from a limited number of horses representing a small number of breeds. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a scaling method and a pictorial method for estimating of the values of segmental masses, lengths, and MOI in the equine limb segments by comparing their output with the standard technique involving direct measurements. Limbs of 30 ho...
Parameters and functional analysis of the deep epaxial muscles in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions of the equine spine. The epaxial muscles produce intervertebral rotation in the transverse, vertical and axial axes. These muscles also counteract the movements induced by gravitational and inertial forces and movements produced by antagonistic muscles and the intrinsic muscles of the pelvic limb. Their fascicles are innervated by the dorsal branch of the spinal nerve, which corresponds to the metamere of its cranial insertion in the spinous process. The structure allows the function of the muscles to be predicted: those with long and parallel fibres have a shortening function, whereas the muscles with short and o...
Serum Thyroid Hormone and Thyrotropin Concentrations in Adult Horses as They Age. With more horses remaining active longer in life, it is important to characterize changes that occur normally with aging, so that these can be differentiated from development of disease. The objective of the study was to test the hypotheses that geriatric horses have lower circulating concentrations of thyroid hormones and/or higher serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations compared to younger horses. Serum thyroid hormone and TSH concentrations from 71 normal, healthy horses that had participated in prior research projects were analyzed for effects of age, sex, and season when samples were obtai...
Additional palmaroproximal-palmarodistal oblique radiographic projections improve accuracy of detection and characterization of equine flexor cortical lysis. Radiographic flexor cortical lysis indicates advanced degenerative change and its earlier recognition may improve case outcome. Aims of this prospective, diagnostic accuracy study were to determine effects of radiographic beam angle and observer on accuracy of lesion detection. The sample included 36 limbs from 31 horses. Palmaroproximal-palmarodistal oblique (skyline) radiographs were acquired at standard (n = 38) and more shallow (alternate) angles (n = 58). Images were independently reviewed by four experience levels of five observers each (n = 20) for the presence and severity of fle...
Exploring relationships between body condition score, body fat, activity level and inflammatory biomarkers. Obesity is associated with inflammatory disorders in humans, including degenerative joint disease. While obesity is endemic in horses, its relationship to equine degenerative joint disease has not been explored. The current study sought to describe relationships between: body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), lameness grade (AAEP), total body fat mass (kg; FM) and fat per cent (FP) [multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (mfBIA)], age, gender, activity level (AL), synovial fluid (SF) and plasma (PL) PGE and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in horses. During this field investigation, the...
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a Clydesdale gelding. A 7-year-old Clydesdale gelding was referred with a history of progressive lethargy and ventral oedema. The horse developed diarrhoea after treatment with antibiotics by the referring veterinarian. History, clinical signs, imaging and laboratory findings were consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complicated by antibiotic-associated colitis. Progression of clinical signs prompted euthanasia and the antemortem diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was confirmed at postmortem examination. Conclusions: Primary HCM is reported as rare in horses, but specific descriptions are lacking. The ...
Markers of Bone Health, Bone-Specific Physical Activities, Nutritional Intake, and Quality of Life of Professional Jockeys in Hong Kong. Weight-making practices, regularly engaged in by horse racing jockeys, have been suggested to impair both physiological and mental health. This study aimed to assess bone health markers, nutritional intake, bone-specific physical activity (PA) habits, and quality of life of professional jockeys in Hong Kong (n = 14), with gender-, age-, and body mass index-matched controls (n = 14). Anthropometric measurements, serum hormonal biomarkers, bone mineral density, bone-specific PA habits, nutritional intake, and quality of life were assessed in all participants. The jockey group displayed s...
Clinical and intestinal histologic features of horses treated for recurrent colic: 66 cases (2006-2015). OBJECTIVE To describe gastrointestinal histologic findings for horses with recurrent colic and evaluate possible associations between initial clinical signs, biopsy method, histologic diagnosis, and outcome 1 year after hospital discharge. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 66 horses with a history of recurrent colic for which gastrointestinal specimens had been submitted for histologic examination. PROCEDURES Histologic diagnosis was categorized as inflammatory, neoplastic, ischemic, other, and undiagnosed. Relationships among initial clinical features, biopsy method, histologic diagno...
Speckle-tracking analysis of myocardial deformation in correlation to age in healthy horses. An effect of aging on cardiac morphology and function has been shown in humans. In horses, cardiac wall motion analysis using two-dimensional speckle tracking (2D-ST) has not yet been reported. Our study included 57 horses of different warmblood breeds between 3 and 30 years old. Age had a significant influence on left ventricular free wall (LVFW) systolic strain rate ( ≤ 0.05) and early diastolic relaxation ( ≤ 0.01). In the interventricular septum (IVS), systolic ( ≤ 0.01) and late diastolic ( ≤ 0.05) contraction velocities also increased with age. In our study, 2D-ST revealed import...
Elevated Glucose Levels Preserve Glucose Uptake, Hyaluronan Production, and Low Glutamate Release Following Interleukin-1β Stimulation of Differentiated Chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are responsible for remodeling and maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the cartilage extracellular matrix. Because of the absence of a vascular supply, chondrocytes survive in a relatively hypoxic environment and thus have limited regenerative capacity during conditions of cellular stress associated with inflammation and matrix degradation, such as osteoarthritis (OA). Glucose is essential to sustain chondrocyte metabolism and is a precursor for key matrix components. In this study, we investigated the importance of glucose as a fuel source for matrix repair dur...
Sequential concentrations of placental growth factor and haptoglobin, and their relation to oestrone sulphate and progesterone in pregnant Spanish Purebred mare. The objectives of this study were to establish reference values for serum concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF) and haptoglobin (Hp), and to analyze whether the levels of oestrone sulphate (E1S) and progesterone (P4) are physiologically involved in the dynamic modifications of the above parameters in pregnant mares. A total of 30 healthy Spanish Purebred mares ranging in age 9.33 ± 3.31 years were studied during the 11 months of gestation. Serum concentrations of PlGF were detected by EIA, Hp using commercial Phase Haptoglobin assay and E1S and P4 levels through RIA. The serum ...
Horse embryo diameter is influenced by the embryonic age but not by the type of semen used to inseminate donor mares. The diameter of embryos recovered from mares on Day 8 after ovulation varies greatly, from as little as 130 μm to as much as 2500 μm. Several factors have been proposed to affect embryo size at recovery, one of which is the type of semen (frozen vs fresh or cooled-transported) used to inseminate the mare. In addition, it has been shown that smaller embryos (<300 μm) recovered on Day 8 are less likely than larger embryos to result in successful pregnancy after transfer. However, whether the actual age of the embryo (interval from fertilization to flushing) in relation to its size al...
Glial Cells Missing 1 Regulates Equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin Beta Subunit via Binding to the Proximal Promoter. Equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) is a placental glycoprotein critical for early equine pregnancy and used therapeutically in a number of species to support reproductive activity. The factors in trophoblast that transcriptionally regulate eCGβ-subunit (), the gene which confers the hormones specificity for the receptor, are not known. The aim of this study was to determine if glial cells missing 1 regulates promoter activity. Here, studies of the proximal promoter identified four binding sites for glial cells missing 1 (GCM1) and western blot analysis confirmed GCM1 was expressed in equi...
Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies on the Affective Network of Adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been suggested to be a mental health disorder. Attachment and emotional status in IGD patients are important for understanding the etiology and progression of IGD because both parameters are considered to be associated with the affective network. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) have been reported to improve emotional status and attachment in subjects. We hypothesized that EAAT would improve attachment in IGD adolescents with insecure attachment issues and increase functional connectivity (FC) within the affective network. Methods: Subjects com...
Technical note: Evaluation of a wireless pulse oximeter for measuring arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate in newborn Holstein Friesian calves. Pulse oximetry is a well-established technique in human and veterinary medicine. In farm animals, it could also be a useful tool for the detection of critical conditions relating to oxygen supply and the cardiovascular system. Among other uses, an innovative application could be the monitoring of fetuses during birth. This could help in the early identification of critical situations and support farmers and veterinarians in their decision to start obstetric or life-support interventions. Until now, however, its use in ruminant medicine was still limited to experimental applications. The object...
Seminal plasma influences the fertilizing potential of cryopreserved stallion sperm. Seminal plasma (SP) contains proteins that may influence cryosurvival and prevent capacitation-like changes due to freezing and thawing. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of adding pooled SP from "good" (GF) or "bad" (BF) freezer stallions on sperm cells' fertilizing ability. "Good freezers" refers to stallions that usually produce ejaculates which can withstand cryopreservation, whilst "bad freezer" stallions produce ejaculates which cannot tolerate the freezing process. A heterologous zona binding assay with in vitro matured bovine oocytes was used to assess the bind...
Towards European harmonisation of contagious equine metritis diagnosis through interlaboratory trials. The performance of culture and PCR methods routinely used to diagnose contagious equine metritis (CEM) was evaluated and compared by two interlaboratory trials involving a total of 24 European laboratories, including 22 National Reference Laboratories for CEM. Samples were swab specimens artificially contaminated with bacteria present in the genital tract of Equidae, some with and some without Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative agent of CEM, and T asinigenitalis, responsible for possible misidentification as T equigenitalis Throughout both interlaboratory trials, PCR performed better in t...
Elevated urinary excretion of free pyridinoline in Friesian horses suggests a breed-specific increase in collagen degradation. Friesian horses are known for their high inbreeding rate resulting in several genetic diseases such as hydrocephaly and dwarfism. This last decade, several studies focused on two other presumed hereditary traits in Friesian horses: megaoesophagus and aortic rupture. The pathogenesis of these diseases remains obscure but an important role of collagen has been hypothesized. The purpose of this study was to examine possible breed-related differences in collagen catabolism. Urinary specimens from Friesian (n = 17, median age 10 years old) and Warmblood horses (n = 17, median age 10 years...
Comparison of angiographic dyes and injection techniques for ocular anterior segment angiography in horses. OBJECTIVE To assess and compare 2 injection techniques for conducting ocular anterior segment indocyanine green angiography (ASICGA) and sodium fluorescein (SF) angiography in horses. ANIMALS 3 healthy adult female horses (age range, 19 to 25 years). PROCEDURES Horses were sedated, jugular catheters were placed, and manual restraint was used to ensure proper positioning for the angiography procedure. Two injection techniques (IV and intra-arterial) were performed for each horse 1 week apart. Intravenous injections of 0.25% indocyanine green (ICG; 50 mg) and 10% SF (10 mg/kg) were administered ...
Comparison of the efficacy of various concentrations and combinations of serum, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and N-acetylcysteine for inhibition of collagenase activity in an in vitro corneal degradation model. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of various concentrations and combinations of serum, EDTA, 3 tetracyclines, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for collagenase inhibition in an in vitro corneal degradation model. SAMPLE Grossly normal corneas from recently euthanized dogs and horses and fresh serum from healthy dogs and horses. PROCEDURES Serum was pooled by species for in vitro use. For each species, sections of cornea were dried, weighed, and incubated with clostridial collagenase (800 U/mL) in 5 mL of a 5mM calcium chloride-saline (0.9% NaCl) incubation solution and 500 μL of 1 of 19 treatments (...
Case series: periocular habronemiasis in five horses in the Netherlands. In tropical and subtropical climates, infection of periocular tissue by Habronema larvae is a recognised cause of conjunctivitis or blepharitis. To the authors' knowledge, only a few cases of habronemiasis have been described in Western Europe, and it has not been documented previously in the Netherlands. The objective of this report is to describe the occurrence of five cases of (peri)ocular habronemiasis in the Netherlands, of which four date from the past few years. The diagnosis was based on the history, clinical signs and histopathologic examination of biopsy specimens. A granulomatous co...
Comparison of desflurane and propofol at equipotent doses in combination with a constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine on global and peripheral perfusion and oxygenation in horses. OBJECTIVE To determine global and peripheral perfusion and oxygenation during anesthesia with equipotent doses of desflurane and propofol combined with a constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine in horses. ANIMALS 6 warmblood horses. PROCEDURES Horses were premedicated with dexmedetomidine (3.5 μg•kg, IV). Anesthesia was induced with propofol or ketamine and maintained with desflurane or propofol (complete crossover design) combined with a constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine (7 μg•kg •h). Microperfusion and oxygenation of the rectal, oral, and esophageal mucosa were measured bef...
Virus-neutralising antibody responses in horses following vaccination with Equivac® HeV: a field study. To determine the antibody responses to a commercial Hendra virus vaccine (Equivac® HeV) in a field environment. Methods: A group of 61 horses received a primary vaccination course comprising two doses administered 3-6 weeks apart (V1, V2) and a 3rd dose (V3) given 6 months after the second. This was followed by booster vaccinations at 12 monthly intervals (V4, V5). Antibody titres were assessed using a virus-neutralisation test. Results: Neutralising antibodies against HeV were not detected prior to vaccination. Antibodies were detected in 54/57 horses at 3 weeks after V1 and 51/51 had ...
