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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.
Equine influenza: a review of an unpredictable virus. This review discusses some of the challenges still faced in the control of equine influenza virus H3N8 infection. A widespread outbreak of equine influenza in the United Kingdom during 2003 in vaccinated Thoroughbred racehorses challenged the current dogma on vaccine strain selection. Furthermore, several new developments in the first decade of the 21st century, including transmission to and establishment in dogs, a presumed influenza-associated encephalopathy in horses and an outbreak of equine influenza in Australia, serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of influenza viruses. The a...
Primary epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma as a cause of diarrhea in a horse. A 25-year-old Appaloosa gelding was evaluated for chronic weight loss and diarrhea. A clinical diagnosis of protein loosing enteropathy was made and the gelding was euthanized. Histology revealed neoplastic lymphocytes infiltrating the mucosa of the small and large intestine. Immunohistochemistry was positive for CD3, consistent with epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma. Lymphome T intestinal épithéliotrope primaire comme cause de diarrhée chez un cheval. Un hongre appaloosa âgé de 25 ans a été évalué pour perte de poids et diarrhée chronique. Un diagnostic clinique d’entéropathie avec...
Shortened strongyle-type egg reappearance periods in naturally infected horses treated with moxidectin and failure of a larvicidal dose of fenbendazole to reduce fecal egg counts. Deworming horses with anthelmintics that have activity against encysted small strongyle larvae (L(3) and L(4)) is a common practice in parasite control programs. The two drugs currently available for this use are moxidectin (MOX) administered in a single dose of 0.4 mg/kg and fenbendazole (FBZ) given at the larvicidal dose (10mg/kg for 5 days). Here, we report the efficacy of MOX and the larvicidal dose of FBZ for reducing counts of strongyle-type eggs per gram of feces in naturally infected horses. Fecal egg counts (FECs) of 15 yearlings were observed following deworming. On day 0, 6 of the 1...
Microbead electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for detection and identification of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay, incorporating chemically biotinylated and ruthenylated antibodies down-selected from a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal reagents, was developed to detect and identify Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). The limit of detection (LOD) of the optimized ECL assay was 10(3)pfu/ml VEEV TC-83 virus and 1 ng/ml recombinant (r) VEEV E2 protein. The LOD of the ECL assay was approximately one log unit lower than that of a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) incorporating the same immunoreagents. Repetition of ECL assays over time and...
Pulmonary function measurements immediately after exercise are correlated with neutrophil percentage in tracheal aspirates in horses with poor racing performance. Inflammatory airway disease (IAD) is common in racehorses, and is a cause of wastage in the industry. IAD has been diagnosed by measurement of percent neutrophils (N%) in tracheal aspirates (TA). The aim of this study was to investigate whether spirometric indices of pulmonary function were correlated with N% in TAs. Limits to breathing were measured by analyses of relationships between relative times and relative respiratory gas flows during inspiration and expiration in individual breaths recorded after exercise. Horses with higher N% had significantly lower relative gas flows at the same re...
Pemoline and tetramisole ‘positives’ in english racehorses following levamisole administration. Pemoline is a central nervous system stimulant that has been used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy in humans; its identification in horses could be considered evidence of attempts to influence performance. Two recent pemoline 'positives' in English racehorses led us to review the chemical relationships between tetramisole, levamisole, aminorex and pemoline. Pemoline is a simple oxidation product of aminorex, which has been shown in the United States and elsewhere to be an equine metabolite of levamisole. Based on the clear structural relationships between aminor...
Monoclonal antibodies to equine CD14. CD14 is a receptor for the complex of lipopolysaccaride (LPS) and LPS-binding protein. Binding of this complex to CD14 in association with Toll-like receptor 4 provides a major pathway for the initiation of innate immune responses to bacterial pathogens. We used a mammalian expressed extracellular region of equine CD14 (rCD14) derived from an IgG fusion protein to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to CD14. Eight mAbs were tested by flow cytometric analysis of equine leukocytes and by immunoblotting using rCD14 indicating that the mAbs recognized at least three different epitopes on equine C...
Influence of high phosphorus intake on salivary and plasma concentrations, and urinary phosphorus excretion in mature ponies. This study addressed the question whether the concentration of phosphorus (P) in saliva of ponies is influenced by P intake. Six ponies were fed a diet high in P (HP treatment), providing 21 g P/day, and a diet low in P (LP treatment), supplying 7 g P/day. The two diets provided approximately 21 g calcium (Ca) and 6 g magnesium (Mg)/day. The experiment had an A-B-A design with treatment periods of 30 days. The ponies first received the HP diet (HP1), followed by the LP treatment and were then fed again the HP diet (HP2). Urinary P excretion was increased in both HP feeding periods and equalled...
Effects of diet and weight gain on circulating tumour necrosis factor-α concentrations in Thoroughbred geldings. Low-grade inflammation precedes the development of obesity-related metabolic disorders in humans, but whether the same is true in the horse is not known. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of weight gain and diet on the inflammatory state of horses as determined by serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF), an inflammatory cytokine. Fifteen mature Thoroughbred geldings with an initial body weight (BW) of 519±12 kg and body condition score (BCS) of 4.3±0.1 were fed a diet of hay plus a concentrate that was either high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) (i....
Longitudinal study of Australian stringhalt cases in France. Seventy horses with clinical evidence of Australian stringhalt were studied in France from 2003 to 2008. All horses but one had history of bilateral stringhalt and grazed pastures infested with Hypochoeris radicata (L.). They displayed hind limbs hyperflexion and an abnormal gait because of a distal axonopathy with a skeletal muscle denervation and atrophy. Fifty percentage of them recovered spontaneously in 8 months, and only the more affected horses were unable to recover even if they looked healthy on dry and hot days. Clinical troubles revealed also depression or aggressive behaviour, sugg...
A plausible explanation for heart rates in mammals. We consider a simple model to give a plausible mechanical explanation of what are the actual resting heart rates of mammals optimized for. We study what is the optimal frequency for a viscoelastic fluid circulating in a pulsatile way through a network of tubes and conclude that the heart rate is not optimized to transport blood through the whole net. Rather, actual resting heart rates of mammals happen at frequencies that optimize flow in vessels of radii that correspond to large arteries, which bring oxygenated blood rapidly far away from the heart, towards head and limbs. Our results for the...
Low-molecular-weight heparin dosage in newborn foals. Heparin is used in humans as prophylaxis of hypercoagulable states and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). However, babies need a higher heparin dose than do adults. Septic neonate foals are at high risk of hypercoagulable state and DIC, and there is limited objective information about heparin dose for equine neonates. Objective: To assess whether neonate foals require higher dosages of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) than adults. Methods: Eighteen healthy and 11 septic neonate foals. Methods: Experimental and clinical studies. Firstly, healthy foals were randomly distributed in ...
Association of season and pasture grazing with blood hormone and metabolite concentrations in horses with presumed pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a risk factor for pasture-associated laminitis, which follows a seasonal pattern. Objective: Hormonal responses to season differ between PPID and unaffected horses. Methods: Seventeen horses aged 8-30 years (14 horses ≥ 20 years of age). Methods: Longitudinal observational study. Blood was collected monthly from August 2007 until July 2008 after pasture grazing and again after overnight stall confinement. Blood hormone and metabolite concentrations were measured and pasture grass samples were analyzed to determine carbohydrate content. Analysis...
Evaluation of the positive predictive value of serum protein electrophoresis beta-gamma bridging for hepatic disease in three domestic animal species. Beta-gamma bridging (β-γ bridging) on serum protein electrophoresis is touted as being virtually pathognomonic for hepatic disease. However, the criteria for β-γ bridging are not defined, and few publications support a relationship between β-γ bridging and liver disease. The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of hepatic pathology in animals with β-γ bridging. All serum protein electrophoretograms from clinical patients generated at the University of Georgia between 1994 and 2008 were evaluated for the presence of β-γ bridging, defined as (1) an albumin:gl...
A two-component nonlinear mixed effects model for longitudinal data, with application to gastric emptying studies. Gastric emptying studies are of great interest in human and veterinary medical research to evaluate effects of medications or diets for promoting gastrointestinal motility and to examine unintended side-effects of new or existing medications, diets, or procedures. Summarizing gastric emptying data is important to allow easier comparison between treatments or groups of subjects and comparisons of results among studies. The standard method for assessing gastric emptying is by using scintigraphy and summarizing the nonlinear emptying of the radioisotope. A popular model for fitting gastric emptyi...
Height measurement in horses and ponies: optimising standard protocols. Standard and modified measuring sticks were used to record height at the withers and a 'non-contact' laser was used to measure withers and loin heights. Sixty horses and ponies, ranging in height (115 to 155 cm) and body condition score (BCS) (moderate to obese) were measured by each method at 10-minute intervals for 40 minutes. Measurement series were repeated over three successive days. Unique regression models were constructed for method-specific data. Coefficients of variation were similar for stick and laser methods (0.002 to 0.004 per cent). Models were not influenced by day of measureme...
Post-conflict friendly reunion in a permanent group of horses (Equus caballus). Gregarious animals living in permanent social groups experience intra-group competition. Conflicts over resources can escalate into costly aggression and, in some conditions, non-dispersive forms of conflict resolution may be favoured. Post-conflict friendly reunions, hence reconciliation, have been described in a variety of species. The aim of this study was to explore, for the first time, the occurrence of reconciliation in a group of domestic horses (Equus caballus) and learn more about strategies used to maintain group cohesion. The behaviour of seven horses living as permanent group in an...
The effect of a supplement containing sunflower oil, vitamins, amino acids, and peptides on the severity of symptoms in horses suffering insect bite hypersensitivity. Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is most often caused by Culicoides spp., although other insect species are also thought to play a role in causing this disease. The disease has been reported to occur in most countries, with a prevalence of up to 28% in some countries in some breeds. The only truly effective therapy currently available is to prevent horses from coming into contact with Culicoides midges, which can be achieved by stabling horses during certain times of the day or by covering them with insect blankets. The effect of a new dietary supplement containing vitamins, polypeptides, an...
Experimental Leptospira interrogans serovar Kennewicki infection of horses. Little information is available about experimental induction of leptospirosis in horses. Objective: Determine serologic, hematologic responses of horses to Leptospira interrogans serovar Kennewicki infection. Methods: Four adult horses seronegative for leptospirosis. Methods: Experimental and observational study. Horses were challenged with an equine isolate of L. interrogans serovar Kennewicki at 2 different doses and different inoculation sites. After challenge, the horses were monitored for 60 days. Blood, urine, and aqueous humor samples were collected at intervals until euthanasia 60 days...
Proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine gene expression profiles in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue depots of insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive light breed horses. Insulin resistance has been associated with risk of laminitis in horses. Genes coding for proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are expressed more in visceral adipose tissue than in subcutaneous adipose tissue of insulin-resistant (IR) humans and rodents. Objective: To investigate adipose depot-specific cytokine and chemokine gene expression in horses and its relationship to insulin sensitivity (SI). Methods: Eleven light breed mares. Methods: Animals were classified as IR (SI=0.58+/-0.31x10(-4) L/min/mU; n=5) or insulin sensitive (IS; SI=2.59+/-1.21x10(-4) L/min/mU; n=6) based on results o...
Third metacarpal condylar fatigue fractures in equine athletes occur within previously modelled subchondral bone. Bone modelling and remodelling reduce the risk of fatigue fractures; the former by adapting bone to its loading circumstances, the latter by replacing fatigued bone. Remodelling transiently increases porosity because of the normal delay in onset of the formation phase of the remodelling sequence. Protracted intense loading suppresses remodelling leaving modelling as the only means of maintaining bone strength. We therefore hypothesized that race horses with fatigue fractures of the distal third metacarpal bone (MC3) will have reduced porosity associated with suppressed remodelling while contin...
The equine oocyte: factors affecting meiotic and developmental competence. There is currently much interest in assisted reproduction techniques in the horse, however, many aspects of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in the horse differ from those in other species. Because of the close attachment of the equine oocyte to the follicle wall, scraping of the follicle is the most effective method for oocyte recovery. A notable feature of equine oocytes is that those with expanded cumuli (Ex oocytes), which originate from atretic follicles, have higher meiotic competence (ability to mature to metaphase II in vitro) than do oocytes with compact cumuli...
Respiratory allergy induced by exclusive polysensitization to serum albumins of furry animals. In this report we describe un unusual case of exclusive allergic sensitization to furry animals, as a possible study model to speculate about different modalities ofsensitization to allergens of common and less common mammalian species. A 27-year-old woman referred in our Allergological Centre for the occurrence of conjunctival and severe respiratory symptoms after contact with several animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, cows etc. Patient underwent clinical and anamnestic evaluation including a detailed information on the modality of exposure to different furry animals. Skin-prick-tes...
Effects of athletic conditioning on horses with degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis: a preliminary report. Equine degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a debilitating condition that has limited response to rest and stall confinement. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that mild to moderate DSLD is not worsened by consistent exercise. Paso Fino and Peruvian Paso horses (two normal horses and four horses with DSLD) were exercised for 30 min every other day for 8 weeks and then pasture rested for 4 months. Gait analysis, radiographs, ultrasound and serum insulin and glucose concentrations were performed prior to the exercise trial and at each time point. Vertical impulse incr...
The role of activated neutrophils in the early stage of equine laminitis. Despite ongoing research and a widening range of treatment options, laminitis remains a severely damaging condition with poorly understood pathophysiology. Results obtained from cytokine regulation studies during the last decade have highlighted the inflammatory nature of laminitis. This review will describe the role of systemic activation and local infiltration of neutrophils in laminar tissues in the induction of laminitis. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of neutrophil activation in subsequent vascular dysfunction and oxidative and proteolysis imbalances that are pathways previousl...
Equine acquired multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) in 14 horses associated with ingestion of Maple leaves (Acer pseudoplatanus) covered with European tar spot (Rhytisma acerinum). This case-series describes fourteen horses suspected of equine acquired multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) also known as atypical myopathy of which seven cases were confirmed biochemically with all horses having had access to leaves of the Maple tree (Acer pseudoplatanus) covered with European tar spot (Rhytisma acerinum). Assessment of organic acids, glycine conjugates, and acylcarnitines in urine was regarded as gold standard in the biochemical diagnosis of equine acquired multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Coculture of equine mesenchymal stem cells and mature equine articular chondrocytes results in improved chondrogenic differentiation of the stem cells. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used to repair articular cartilage defects, these cells should be properly stimulated so that they could differentiate morphologically and hold cellular synthetic features closer to maturely differentiated chondrocytes. It is well known that tissue specific environment plays an important role in cell fate determination. Once improved isolation, proliferation and differentiation protocols have been developed, the likelihood of spontaneous differentiation of MSCs into divergent lineages will be reduced, thus increasing their value for cart...
Pharmacokinetics of an orally administered methylcellulose formulation of gallium maltolate in neonatal foals. Gallium is a trivalent semi-metal with anti-microbial effects because of its incorporation into crucial iron-dependent reproductive enzyme systems. Gallium maltolate (GaM) provides significant gallium bioavailability to people and mice following oral administration and to neonatal foals following intragastric administration. To study the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of GaM against Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals, we developed a methylcellulose formulation of GaM (GaM-MCF) for oral administration to neonatal foals. Normal neonatal foals were studied. Six foals received 20 mg/kg and ...
EcPV2 DNA in equine squamous cell carcinomas and normal genital and ocular mucosa. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents the most common malignant tumour of the eye and external genitals in horses. Comparable to humans, papillomaviruses (PV) have been proposed as etiological agents of cancer in horses and recently, Equine papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) has been identified in genital SCCs. Hitherto it had never been demonstrated in ocular SCCs. The first goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of EcPV2 DNA in tissue samples from equine genital and ocular SCCs, genital papillomas and penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, using EcPV2-specific PCR. The sec...
Expression and localization of BCRP, MRP1 and MRP2 in intestines, liver and kidney in horse. The gene and protein expression and the cellular localization of the ABC transport proteins breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) have been examined in the intestines, liver and kidney in horse. High gene and protein expression of BCRP and MRP2 were found in the small intestines, with cellular localization in the apical membranes of the enterocytes. In the liver, MRP2 was present in the bile canalicular membranes of the hepatocytes, whereas BCRP was localized in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes...
