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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.
Placental function and structure at term is altered in broodmares fed with cereals from mid-gestation. Feeding pregnant broodmares with cereal concentrates has been shown to increase maternal insulin resistance and affect foal metabolism in the short and long-term. These effects are likely to be mediated by the placenta. Here, we investigated feto-placental biometry and placental structure and function at term in mares fed with or without cereals concentrates. From 7 months of gestation, 22 multiparous mares were fed forage only (group F (n = 12)) or received forage and cracked barley (group B (n = 10)) until foaling. Foals and placentas were weighed and placental samples were collected...
Development and validation of a duplex real-time PCR assay for the diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis. Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is an economically significant infection of horses and other equine species caused by the tick-borne protozoa Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. The long-term carrier state in infected animals makes importation of such subclinical cases a major risk factor for the introduction of EP into non-enzootic areas. Regulatory testing for EP relies on screening of equines by serological methods. The definitive diagnosis of EP infection in individual animals will benefit from the availability of sensitive direct detection methods, for example, when used as confirmatory assays ...
B-mode and power Doppler ultrasonography of the equine suspensory ligament branches: A descriptive study on 13 horses. Ultrasonography is routinely used to achieve the diagnosis of equine suspensory ligament desmopathy. In human medicine, power Doppler ultrasonography has also been found to be useful for the diagnosis of tendon/ligament injuries. The aim of this prospective, pilot study was to assess the presence or absence of power Doppler signal in suspensory ligament branches and compare B-mode findings with power Doppler findings in suspensory ligament branches of lame and non-lame limbs. Thirteen horses were used (eight lame horses, with lameness related to pain in the suspensory ligament branches, and fi...
Dental Radiography of the Horse. This step-by-step article describes radiographic imaging of the horse's teeth and paranasal sinuses with standard radiographic equipment. Obtaining radiographs of the horse's skull that are of diagnostic quality can be challenging. The descriptions offered in this article can help practitioners become more comfortable with obtaining diagnostic images, which will improve recognition of radiographic signs of dental and paradental pathology.
Successful Treatment of a Persistent Oroantral Fistula via Transbuccal and Transnasal Endoscopic Debridement in a Horse. We report an unusual case of a young Quarter Horse with a large dental fracture fragment displaced into the maxillary sinus, leaving an oroantral communication that caused food impaction and metaplastic calcification in the sinus and facial deformation with cutaneous fistulation. Oral extraction of a remaining tooth fragment from its alveolus was succeeded by a maxillary sinusotomy for removal of the abnormal sinus contents. Since the oroantral fistula did not heal spontaneously following the placement of a silicone dental prosthesis, minimally invasive transbuccal and transnasal endoscopic ap...
Blastocyst production after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with semen from a stallion with testicular degeneration. In horse breeding, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has gained interest to obtain offspring from subfertile individuals. This paper presents a case report of a stallion with severe testicular degeneration. Semen analysis showed very low motility and 83.5% of detached heads. Histology of a testicular biopsy showed severely decreased spermatogenesis, while transmission electron microscopy of the sperm cells revealed no significant abnormalities. A total of 39 oocytes were fertilized by ICSI with frozen-thawed spermatozoa of this stallion: 25 oocytes with intact spermatozoa and 24 with det...
Effect of Dental Correction on Fecal Fiber Length in Horses. The aim of the study was to determine if dental correction changes fecal fiber length (FFL) in horses that had never been subjected to dental treatments. Thirty adult horses with mild to moderate dental abnormalities were selected. Dental disorders noted included sharp enamel points, focal overgrowths, shear mouth, step mouth, wave mouth, accentuated transverse ridges, and diastema. The horses were confined to individual stalls and fed Tifton hay (Cynodon spp.) 1.5% bwt/d, divided equally between two feedings. Fecal samples were taken for FFL analysis before (Day 0) and after (Day 15) dental c...
Influence of bronchoalveolar lavage on thoracic radiography in the horse. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and thoracic radiography are routinely performed diagnostic procedures. We hypothesized that BAL increases the interstitial opacity of caudoventral and caudodorsal thoracic radiographs. Fifty-three horses, including 8 clinic owned and 45 from a referral hospital population, were classified as healthy controls (n = 12), severe equine asthma (recurrent airway obstruction, n = 12) or mild-to-moderate equine asthma (inflammatory airway disease, n = 21) based on the results of a clinical scoring system. Eight were excluded due to different diagnoses and poor image quali...
Magnetic resonance imaging following regional limb perfusion of gadolinium contrast medium in 26 horses. Systemic administration of gadolinium contrast medium is common in small animals to increase lesion conspicuity and determine vascularisation of lesions identified with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, the large volume required for systemic administration limits its use in horses. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of administering a low dose of contrast medium via venous regional limb perfusion. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Distal limbs of 26 horses (one limb per horse) were imaged with MRI before and after administration of 5 mL of g...
Changes in hoof kinetics and kinematics at walk in response to hoof trimming: pressure plate assessment. Appropriate hoof preparation and symmetry are linked to the well-being of the horse. Previous studies have shown the efficacy of pressure plates (PPs) in delivering objective biomechanical analysis. We aimed to assess the effect of hoof trimming on hoof biomechanics using a PP. Nine clinically sound Arabian horses were walked across a PP while foot strike was recorded by a digital camera. Kinetic and kinematic parameters were recorded before and after trimming. Changes were considered significant when ＜ 0.05. Vertical force ( = 0.026) and contact pressure ( = 0.006) increased after trimming...
A survey of ocular ultrasound abnormalities in horse: 145 cases. To describe the association of clinical and ultrasonographic (US) findings in horses affected by visual impairments, to estimate the most frequent ultrasonographic alteration as well importance and limits of US as a part of ophthalmic evaluation in equine patients. Methods: One-hundred-forty-five horses referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals of the University of Perugia and Camerino for ocular problems were submitted to ophthalmic examination and ocular ultrasound. The following group of abnormalities was established: corneal alteration, cataract, synechiae, iris prolapse, anterior cham...
Characterization of the Prevalence and Management of Over-Conditioned Ponies and Horses in Maryland. It has been estimated in the United States and abroad that 20%-51% of the equine population suffers from over-conditioning or obesity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of over-conditioning in the equine population in Maryland, to characterize weight control measures used, and to ascertain how control measures impact the operation. Over-conditioning was defined as a body condition score of 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale. All licensed horse operators in Maryland were invited to participate in an online survey. A total of 93 farm operators completed the survey with 238 ponies...
Venom and Antivenom of the Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasseltii) in Japan. Part I. Venom Extraction, Preparation, and Laboratory Testing. The redback spider (Latrodectus hasseltii Thorell) reportedly invaded Japan in September 1995. To date, 84 redback spider bite cases have been reported; 7 of these cases employed the antivenom. Antivenom has been imported from Australia in the past, but because of restrictions on exportation it was evident that nearly all of the antivenom present in Japan would expire during 2014. In 2014, a plan was proposed to experimentally manufacture and stockpile a horse antiserum for ourselves, using redback spiders indigenous to Japan. A total of 11,403 female spiders were captured alive: 1,217 from th...
Epidemiology of fractures: The role of kick injuries in equine fractures. Fractures occur commonly in equids and often are associated with complications and a poor outcome. There are no reports on the epidemiology of fractures in a heterogeneous equine population. Objective: To study the epidemiology of fractures in a heterogeneous equine population, focusing on differences between fractures resulting from a kick and fractures, resulting from other causes and investigating predictors for recovery. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data of all equids presented to the Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich between 1990 and 2014 and diagn...
Changes in plasma 5-HT levels and equine leukocyte SERT expression in response to treadmill exercise. Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurohormone transported from plasma into platelets and leukocytes by a specific transporter (SERT). While it is known that the brain 5-HT system is modulated by physical exercise, the peripheral serotoninergic response to exercise is not yet fully elucidated. In particular, this study aimed to evaluate changes in plasma 5-HT levels and equine leukocyte SERT expression in response to treadmill exercise in untrained horses. Analyses were carried out pre- and post-treadmill exercise. 5-HT plasma levels were analysed by HPLC. Leukocytes and platelets were isolated to perform...
Treatment of Hydropsical Conditions Using Transcervical Gradual Fetal Fluid Drainage in Mares With or Without Concurrent Abdominal Wall Disease. Hydropsical conditions are exceedingly rare in the horse. However, when they occur, they are true emergencies due to the severe enlargement of the pregnant uterus, which can result in clinical signs, such as an enlarged round abdomen, dyspnea, reluctance to walk, and colic, and may lead to the development of abdominal wall disease. The pathogenesis of hydropsical conditions is not fully elucidated, but they have been associated with placentitis and fetal abnormalities. This report describes six cases of hydropsical conditions in mares with or without concurrent abdominal wall disease. Five out...
Antibody response to Influenza booster vaccination in Franches-Montagnes stallions supplemented with Equi-Strath® : a randomized trial. Bio-Strath is a plasmolyzed yeast product enriched with herbs, malt, honey and orange juice. In this study, the effect of Equi-Strath , the adapted product for horses, on the equine immune system was evaluated. A routine influenza booster vaccination was used as a model to study the effects of Equi-Strath supplementation on the immune response. Twenty healthy Franches-Montagnes stallions with pre-existing antibody levels were randomly divided into a study group (SG, n = 10) receiving 0.06 mL/kg bodyweight of Equi-Strath , and a control group (CG, n = 10), receiving the same amount of plac...
Internal fixation of proximal fractures of the 2nd and 4th metacarpal and metatarsal bones using bioabsorbable screws. Fractures involving the proximal one-third of the splint bone are relatively rare and are challenging to treat. A variety of management techniques have been reported in the literature. The aim of this retrospective case series was to describe the clinical presentation and evaluate the efficacy of bioabsorbable polylactic acid screws in internal fixation of proximal fractures of the 2nd and 4th metacarpal and metatarsal bones in horses. Methods: The medical records, diagnostic images and outcome of all horses diagnosed with a proximal fracture of the splint bones and treated with partial resect...
Recent advances in articular cartilage evaluation using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Articular cartilage is a critical joint tissue and its evaluation remains a diagnostic challenge in horses. Coupled with a poor capacity for healing, early degenerative changes in articular cartilage are difficult to characterise using routine diagnostic imaging evaluations. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide volumetric joint assessment and highlight morphological and quantitative properties of articular cartilage, improving assessment of this essential tissue. While the use of CT and MRI for joint evaluation is not new, there still remains a shortage of...
Trabecular and subchondral bone development of the talus and distal tibia from foal to adult in the warmblood horse. Horses are precocial animals and able to stand and walk within hours after birth. To cope with associated loading, intrauterine bone development has shown to be anticipative. This study provides further insight into the post-natal development of structurally important features of trabecular and subchondral bone of the talus and sagittal ridge of the tibia of warm-blooded horses. In all areas studied, the average bone volume fraction showed a gradual increase over time, which was the result of a significant increase in trabecular thickness, without significant changes in the degree of anisotrop...
Molecular allergen profiling in horses by microarray reveals Fag e 2 from buckwheat as a frequent sensitizer. Companion animals are also affected by IgE-mediated allergies, but the eliciting molecules are largely unknown. We aimed at refining an allergen microarray to explore sensitization in horses and compare it to the human IgE reactivity profiles. Methods: Custom-designed allergen microarray was produced on the basis of the ImmunoCAP ISAC technology containing 131 allergens. Sera from 51 horses derived from Europe or Japan were tested for specific IgE reactivity. The included horse patients were diagnosed for eczema due to insect bite hypersensitivity, chronic coughing, recurrent airway obstructio...
Progenitor cells in auricular cartilage demonstrate cartilage-forming capacity in 3D hydrogel culture. Paramount for the generation of auricular structures of clinically-relevant size is the acquisition of a large number of cells maintaining an elastic cartilage phenotype, which is the key in producing a tissue capable of withstanding forces subjected to the auricle. Current regenerative medicine strategies utilize chondrocytes from various locations or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). However, the quality of neo-tissues resulting from these cell types is inadequate due to inefficient chondrogenic differentiation and endochondral ossification, respectively. Recently, a subpopulation of stem/pr...
Effect of ionization, bedding, and feeding on air quality in a horse stable. Organic dust is associated with Equine asthma. Ionization should reduce airborne dust levels. Objective: To determine the effect of ionization of air, type of bedding, and feed on the levels of airborne dust, endotoxin, and fungal colonies in horse stables. Methods: 24 healthy University-owned horses occupied the stables. Methods: A randomized controlled cross-over study. Four units with 6 stables were equipped with an ionization installation (25 VA, 5000 Volt Direct Current). Horses were kept either on wood shavings and fed haylage (2 units), or on straw and fed dry hay (2 units). Measurement...
Effects of Combined Estradiol-Sulpiride Treatment and Follicle Ablation on Vernal Transition in Mares: Evaluation of Plasma and Follicular Fluid Hormones and Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Gene Expression. This experiment assessed the hormonal production, secretory aspects, and changes in luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor gene expression of early induced ovulatory-sized follicles relative to the first ovulatory-sized follicles occurring naturally in the spring. Anovulatory mares were treated on January 21 with (1) 50 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP, n = 8) alone or (2) with ECP followed by two 3-g sulpiride injections (n = 8), 5 and 12 days later. Half of each group also received complete follicle ablation via transvaginal aspiration before ECP treatment. Ovaries were scanned regularly until ...
Absence of relationship between type-I interferon suppression and neuropathogenicity of EHV-1. Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection is an important and highly prevalent disease in equine populations worldwide. Previously we have demonstrated that a neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1, T953, suppresses the host cell's antiviral type-I interferon (IFN) response in vitro. Whether or not this is unique to EHV-1 strains possessing the neuropathogenic genotype has been undetermined. Here, we examined whether there is any direct relationship between neuropathogenic genotype and the induced IFN-β response in equine endothelial cells (EECs) infected with 10 different strains of EHV-1. The extent ...
Concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone associated with follicle selection, number of follicles, and ipsilateral vs contralateral relationships in mares. Diameter deviation or follicle selection during a follicular wave begins with continuous growth rate of F1 (dominant or selected follicle; DF) and decreasing growth rate of F2 (largest subordinate). Intraovarian patterns based on presence or absence of the DF and CL are DF-CL, DF, CL, and devoid (neither DF nor CL). The DF and CL relationships in a pair of ovaries are ipsilateral (DF-CL pattern and devoid pattern) and contralateral (DF pattern and CL pattern). The effects of patterns and relationships on F1, F2, and FSH during deviation were determined in 21 mares. Diameters of F1 and F2 at ex...
Effects of coenzyme Q10 on semen cryopreservation of stallions classified as having good or bad semen freezing ability. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) during cryopreservation of semen obtained from stallions having good and bad semen freezing ability (GFA vs. BFA, respectively). Forty ejaculates (n = 20 stallions) were split into five centrifugation and five freezing extenders containing different concentrations of CoQ10 (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μmols/L). If CoQ10 was added to the centrifugation extender, the freezing extender had no CoQ10 added; similarly, if CoQ10 was added to the freezing extender, the centrifugation extender had no CoQ10. Semen cryoprese...
Immune Relevant Models for Ocular Inflammatory Diseases. Ocular inflammatory diseases, such as dry eye and uveitis, are common, painful, difficult to treat, and may result in vision loss or blindness. Ocular side effects from the use of antiinflammatory drugs (such as corticosteroids or nonsteroidal antiinflammatories) to treat ocular inflammation have prompted development of more specific and safer medications to treat inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases of the eye. To assess the efficacy and safety of these new therapeutics, appropriate immune-relevant animal models of ocular inflammation are needed. Both induced and naturally-occurring mode...
Ultrasonographic-based predictive factors influencing successful return to racing after superficial digital flexor tendon injuries in flat racehorses: A retrospective cohort study in 469 Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong. Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury is an important health and welfare concern in racehorses. It is generally diagnosed with ultrasonography, but predictive ultrasonographic features have not been reported. Objective: To determine ultrasonographic features of forelimb SDFT injury at initial presentation in Thoroughbred racehorses that could predict a successful return to racing (completing ≥5 races). Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Digitised ultrasonographic images of 469 horses with forelimb SDFT injuries from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (2003-2014) were evaluated, u...
