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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.
Phenotypic Definition Influences Genetic Inference and Predictive Ability for Reining Performance in Quarter Horses Using Random Regression Models. Reining performance is influenced by subjectivity and competition structure, challenging genetic evaluation. This study estimated genetic parameters for reining performance in Brazilian Quarter Horses using random regression models (RRM) and evaluated how alternative phenotypic definitions affect genetic inference and predictive ability. A dataset comprising 21,165 longitudinal records from 1603 horses was analyzed, comparing within-group rank (RANK) and Blom-transformed rank (BLOM). Model comparison indicated that cubic RRM provided the best fit for both phenotypes. Heritability estimates wer...
Effect of lingual gauze swab placement and light exclusion on pulse oximeter agreement with arterial haemoglobin-oxygen saturation derived from blood-gas analysis in healthy anaesthetised horses. To compare peripheral arterial haemoglobin-oxygen saturation values obtained using pulse oximetry (SpO) with and without a lingual gauze swab under ambient light and light-exclusion conditions, with arterial haemoglobin-oxygen saturation derived from arterial blood-gas analysis (SaO). Methods: Prospective method-comparison study. Methods: A group of 60 healthy adult horses undergoing elective general anaesthesia. Methods: In American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I-II horses, SpO readings were obtained under six conditions during anaesthesia: no swab, no swa...
Penile and preputial pythiosis in Saudi Arabian horses: clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes. Pythiosis, caused by , is a chronic granulomatous disease of horses characterized by invasive, ulcerative, and pyogranulomatous cutaneous lesions. Involvement of the external genitalia is uncommon and remains poorly characterized, particularly regarding environmental exposure and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological pattern, clinicopathological features, diagnostic findings, and surgical outcomes of penile and preputial genital pythiosis in a hospital-presented horse cohort. Unassigned: A retrospective study was conducted on 123 horses presented with cutaneous u...
Growth Performance, Milk Productivity, Productive Longevity, and Milk Composition of Mugalzhar Horses. The Mugalzhar horse is an important native breed of Kazakhstan, valued for its adaptability, milk production, and meat productivity under extensive pasture-based management. This study evaluated the relationships among first-lactation milk yield, productive longevity, lifetime milk production, growth, morphometric traits, and milk composition in the Mugalzhar horse breed using data from 100 mares with complete lifetime production records, 108 adult mares and 12 stallions for morphometric evaluation, and 68 foals (35 colts and 33 fillies) for growth analysis. The study was conducted on Mugalzha...
Evaluation of an Immunoturbidometric Assay for Measurement of Total Adiponectin Concentration in Equine Serum Samples. Total adiponectin (TA) is a marker of metabolic health in equids, with values below a critical decision point of < 7.9 μg/mL conferring increased risk of laminitis. Objective: To evaluate an IT assay to measure serum [TA] in equids and to assess its correlation with [high molecular weight adiponectin] (HMWA) measured by ELISA. Methods: Total serum adiponectin concentrations from 207 adult horses were measured using both an IT assay for TA and HMWA using a previously validated ELISA assay. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and Passing-Bablok regression. Intra- and inter-assa...
Unveiling wolf dietary specialization on free ranging horses using forensic genetics and field monitoring. Wolves occasionally specialize on free-ranging horses when they are abundant and alternative prey is scarce, potentially reducing horse productivity, triggering conflicts with owners, and hampering conservation of both species. Yet, ecological and demographic impacts of wolf predation on horses remain poorly understood. We investigated wolf-horse interactions in NW Portugal by combining wolf monitoring, diet analysis, spatial overlap between wolf and horse activity areas, and horse pedigree reconstruction from genetically identified individuals recovered from wolf scat remains, feeding sites a...
Evaluation of the Brix refractometer for diagnosing the failure of transfer of passive immunity in 12-h-old foals. Failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) is the most important cause of sepsis and mortality in neonatal foals. Unassigned: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the digital Brix refractometer for the diagnosis of FTPI in 12-h-old foals. Unassigned: Cross-sectional, diagnostic accuracy study. Unassigned: Jugular blood samples were collected from 124 foals at 12 ± 0.5 h after birth. IgG concentrations were estimated using a digital Brix refractometer and measured using the radial immunodiffusion test (RID). Correlation coefficients were calculated between serum Brix percentages...
Clinical and pathologic findings of splenic tumours in four horses: a case series. Splenic tumours are rare in horses, with limited published literature consisting primarily of individual case reports and one hepato-splenic lymphoma case series. This case series analyses the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and clinical outcomes of four cases of splenic neoplasia that presented to a university referral hospital over a three year period (2022-2025). Methods: Presented are two cases of primary splenic lymphoma, and two cases of metastatic melanoma. Three cases (75%) presented with chronic, non-specific clinical signs including weight loss, colic and ventral oedema. O...
The Effects of Cysteamine Zinc Supplementation on Blood Hormones, Intestinal Flora, and Metabolites in Lactating Mares. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cysteamine zinc (CS-Zn) supplementation on blood biochemical indices, blood hormones, fecal fermentation, fecal microbial diversity, and blood metabolites in lactating mares. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture, and fecal samples were collected via rectal sampling before morning tethering on days 30, 60, and 90 of the trial. Fecal samples were analyzed for volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and microbial diversity, while changes in blood biochemical indices, blood hormones, and blood non-targeted metabolomics were also analyzed. The res...
Morphological investigation of myocardial sleeves with potential relevance to atrial fibrillation in Norwegian-Swedish Coldblooded Trotters. Myocardial sleeves (MSs) are thin layers of cardiac muscle that extend from the atria into the caval and pulmonary veins. They are recognised as important structures in both initiating and maintaining atrial tachycardia, and especially atrial fibrillation (AF), which is the most clinically important cardiac arrhythmia in horses with a reported prevalence of 1.3-2% in Standardbred racehorses. In contrast, the Norwegian-Swedish Coldblooded Trotter (NSCT) has a much lower prevalence of AF despite experiencing similar physical demands. The purpose of this study was to describe the macro-, and micr...
In-Hand Training of Piaffe and Passage with Leg Stimulation: A Literature-Based Biomechanical Argument for Why This Method Fails to Produce True Collection. In-hand training of piaffe and passage via tactile leg stimulation (Handarbeit mit Touchieren) is widely practised in dressage, yet consistently produces horses that elevate their legs without achieving collection - a pattern termed Schenkelgänger (leg-movers) in classical German equitation. Based on published kinetic, kinematic, and electromyographic literature, this review argues that tactile leg stimulation activates the spinal nociceptive withdrawal reflex, an unloading movement mechanistically opposed to the elastic tendon rebound and ventral muscular chain activation that define true co...
The Peridental Structures of Equine Cheek Teeth: An Age-Dependent Anatomical Study of Maxilla and Mandible. Sequestration is the most common complication following equine cheek tooth extraction, occurring predominantly in the mandible of younger horses. Extraction-related trauma to the peridental region may impair healing. Despite its clinical relevance, detailed knowledge of peridental anatomy remains limited. This study investigated age-related differences in the peridental region of maxillary and mandibular equine cheek teeth 07 to 09. The peridental region of 24 cheek teeth rows from six cadaver heads was sectioned horizontally at approximately 10 mm intervals. Sections were photographed and the...
Limited Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes in Three-Year-Old Arabian Racehorses with Dorsal Metacarpal Disease. Dorsal metacarpal disease (DMD) is a common musculoskeletal injury in young racehorses, and effective non-invasive treatments remain of clinical interest. This study aimed to evaluate whether high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), which was applied as the sole intervention in horses retired from training, reduces the clinical signs of DMD compared with untreated controls. During the 2023-2024 racing seasons, 15 Arabian racehorses diagnosed with DMD were enrolled; 9 received HILT and 6 served as controls without laser therapy. The treatment protocol consisted of five daily HILT sessions followed ...
Prevalence of equine lungworm (Dictyocaulus arnfieldi) infection and associated risk factors in Egypt. infection is a common parasitic respiratory disease of equines that can adversely affect animal health, welfare, and productivity. However, epidemiological information on this infection remains limited in many regions of Egypt. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and identify associated risk factors among equines in three Egyptian governorates. Unassigned: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 415 equines, including 150 donkeys, 55 mules, and 210 horses. Animals were examined for , and data on species, age, body condition, and deworming history were collected. Associations bet...
Preliminary Assessment on Pathogenicity of an African Horse Sickness Virus Serotype 1 Strain in Guinea Pigs and Horses. African horse sickness (AHS), a noncontagious insect-borne disease affecting equids, is caused by the African horse sickness virus (AHSV) and is associated with extremely high morbidity and mortality. AHSV has nine distinct serotypes (AHSV-1 to AHSV-9). In a previous study, we characterized the genome and in vitro growth properties of AHSV/C, a cell-adapted derivative of an AHSV-1 strain imported into China 60 years ago, and verified its safety in mice. This study preliminarily explored the pathogenicity of AHSV/C in guinea pigs and horses (its natural host). Six groups of guinea pigs were ino...
Mares with severe equine asthma exhibit a narrower trachea than geldings in a retrospective radiographic study of 189 horses. To evaluate potential relationships between sex, asthma severity, and tracheal diameter in adult horses through the use of thoracic radiography. Unassigned: This was a retrospective case-control study of horses that underwent thoracic radiography at the Université de Montréal from 2018 through 2024. Horses were classified as control, mild/moderate asthma, or severe asthma (SEA) according to the latest consensus statement on equine asthma. To account for radiographic magnification and body size, standardized ratios of tracheal diameter relative to the fifth thoracic vertebral body length and ...
Isolation of high-quality stallion spermatozoa: a comparison of methods and their effects on sperm quality and yield, DNA damage, and functional competence by ICSI. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the primary method for equine in vitro embryo production, yet outcomes may be influenced by sperm selection techniques. Objective: This study compared four isolation methods: EquiPure™, Vetmotl™, Felix™, and Samson™, to assess effects on sperm quality and embryo development. Methods: Semen was collected from four fertile stallions, processed and evaluated for sperm motility, viability, DNA integrity, and yield of high-quality cells relative to input. Isolated samples were compared to non-isolated (centrifuged) samples. Spermatozoa were used fo...
Anatomical Insights Into the Equine Cervical Intervertebral Foramina: Implications for Veterinary Practice. The equine cervical intervertebral foramina (IVF) represent vital anatomical regions facilitating the passage of spinal nerves and associated vasculature. An in-depth understanding of their anatomy is imperative for the safe implementation of diagnostic and surgical interventions. Despite their clinical significance, anatomical descriptions of the equine cervical IVF remain under-characterised in the existing literature, particularly in relation to the needs of equine veterinary surgeons. Our study provides comprehensive anatomical analysis of the IVF at the cervical vertebral levels C5/C6 and...
Assessment of Thyroid Hormones Using the Immulite 2000xpi Analyzer in Healthy Donkeys. The Immulite 2000xpi, a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)-based analyzer, is currently recommended for measuring thyroid hormones (TH) concentrations in equids. However, scarce data are available on TH measurements in donkeys using this technique. Similarly, the effects of factors such as age and gender on TH concentrations have not been assessed with this analyzer. Serum free and total T4 and T3 concentrations were measured in 40 healthy donkeys (6.1 ± 0.8 years old; 8 intact jacks and 32 jennies) and 41 horses (10.7 ± 0.5 years old; 15 stallions and 26 geldings) using the Immulite 2000xp...
Recognition of unfamiliar predators in domestic horses through only visual predator cues. Acoustic, olfactory, and visual predator cues trigger various adaptive responses among a variety of prey species even when they are under human protection since birth. Previous studies have found that domesticated animals show increased vigilance, stress, flight, and aggregation behaviors in response to predation threats. These investigations, however, did not directly test visual threatening cues alone in animals that communicate more with body language than vocalizations while considering individual temperament and social status. The current study aims to address this issue. Eighteen horses ...
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Equine Colic: A Scoping Review of Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Decision-Support Applications. Equine colic remains one of the leading causes of mortality in horses, with timely diagnosis and accurate prognostic assessment being critical for clinical decision-making. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly applied to support diagnostic and prognostic evaluation in veterinary medicine. However, the scope, methodological characteristics, and performance of AI models in equine colic have not been systematically mapped. Therefore, this scoping review was conducted to summarize current AI applications in equine colic, identify commonly used algorithms, describe re...
Plasma and Urinary Concentrations of Synephrine in Horses Following Controlled Oral Administration. Synephrine is a sympathomimetic alkaloid of regulatory interest in both horse racing and equestrian sports, where feed‑related exposure may lead to its detection in equine blood and urine. This study characterized plasma and urinary concentrations of synephrine in horses following controlled oral administration. Six Thoroughbred horses received single oral doses of 100 mg or 800 mg synephrine, and blood and urine samples were collected sequentially. Each sample was analyzed both before and after β‑glucuronidase hydrolysis, demonstrating that synephrine was present predominantly as conjuga...
The Utility and Reliability of Treadmill Tests for Monitoring Thoroughbreds in Training. This study evaluated the reliability of five treadmill protocols that assess heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (Bla) responses in Thoroughbred horses to determine their effectiveness in serving as potential tools for monitoring fitness and the wellbeing of racehorses. Of the five exercise tests, four consisted of repeated interval gallops at constant speeds (8 m/s and 10 m/s) and grade (6°) and one test of a continuous gallop at constant speeds (8 m/s) and grade (6°). Eight hundred and twenty-three gallops in total were performed by 64 horses. The test-retest reliability and absolute agreeme...
Clinical and microbiota alterations in performance horses undergoing long-distance transport. Transport-associated pneumonia contributes substantially to morbidity, impaired welfare, and economic loss in high-performance horses and may be associated with alterations in the respiratory microbiota. Objective: Examine the effect of long-distance transport on the respiratory microbiota and correlate changes in microbiota diversity and composition with systemic and airway inflammation. Methods: Seventeen client-owned performance horses transported from New England to Florida under optimized trailering conditions, and 12 non-traveling horses. Methods: Physical examination, blood testing, nas...
Comparison of Rectal and Intraoperative Findings in Horses with Colic. Per rectum examination (PRE) is commonly used in the triage of horses with acute abdominal pain, despite reports of associated risk factors for both horses and personnel, but its diagnostic accuracy is questionable. This multicenter, observational study aimed to evaluate the agreement between PRE findings and surgical findings obtained via exploratory laparotomy in horses with colic. A total of 201 cases from four equine referral hospitals across Europe were included. Rectal findings were categorized as primary (most likely cause of colic) or additional. Agreement with surgical findings was as...
Canagliflozin treatment of a horse with hyperinsulinemia, including pharmacokinetic analysis of different dosing protocols: a case report. Laminitis is a complex and painful disease of the equine foot. Insulin dysregulation (ID) resulting in hyperinsulinemia is responsible for more than 90% of cases in the general horse and pony population. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a relatively new class of drug that has gained considerable popularity as an off-label treatment of hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis (HAL) in horses when traditional management changes and treatments are unsuccessful. In Canada, canagliflozin is the SGLT2i most available to equine veterinarians; although no dosing protocols have been ...
Simple and efficient HPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous extraction and quantification of anthelmintics in equine manure. Anthelmintic treatment is a common practice in horses. The presence of pharmaceutical residues in fields and pastures is well-documented affecting various organisms, like nematodes. This study describes the development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for extracting and determining the concentrations of four commonly used anthelmintics in horse manure. Manure was initially dried, then spiked with various concentrations (10-10,000 ng) of anthelmintics and extracted using an acetonit...
Alphavirus madariaga-associated encephalomyelitis in equines from the Brazilian Pantanal reveals arbovirus circulation in a peri-urban environment. Alphavirus madariaga (MADV), a member of the eastern equine encephalitis virus complex, is an emerging arbovirus in South America, with limited information regarding its occurrence and molecular characterization in equine populations. This study reports the detection and genetic characterization of MADV in equines from the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Two horses presenting acute neurological disease with a clinical course of approximately two days were evaluated. Histopathological examination revealed nonsuppurative meningoencephalomyelitis. Molecular screening for neurotropic viruses using T...
