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.
Tabar-Rodriguez JJ, Cruz AM, Monteith G, Gordon K, Hurtig MB.OBJECTIVE-To use quantitative ultrasonography to evaluate the association between the speed of sound (SOS) at 9 sites in the third metacarpal bone (MCIII) of racing Thoroughbreds with workload accumulation and the effect that MCIII failure has on this association. ANIMALS-Sixty-two 2- and 3-year-old Thoroughbreds in racing condition. PROCEDURES-Cumulative work index (CWI) was used to calculate total workload (CWI(total)) and also 3 independent CWIs for the various gaits (ie, trot [CWI(trot)], gallop [CWI(gallop)], and race [CWI(race)]) used during training and racing. Speed of sound was monito...
Nash DM, Sheldon IM, Herath S, Lane EA.Reproductive efficiency in mares is low and persistent mating-induced endometritis (PMIE) is an important cause of subfertility. Mating-induced endometritis (MIE) an obligate precursor to PMIE, is a ubiquitous, transient inflammatory response to the presence of sperm, seminal components and pathogens. However, the specific inflammatory pathways that derive from MIE and that may also be precursors to PMIE are not clear. The ability to identify and measure robust, repeatable markers of inflammation integral to MIE may be key to understanding the progression to PMIE. The aim of the study was to (...
Horin P, Sabakova K, Futas J, Vychodilova L, Necesankova M.In previous work, we found significant associations of horse polymorphic microsatellite and immunity-related (IR) gene markers with Rhodococcus equi infection of foals. Here, a statistically significant association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the interleukin 7 receptor-encoding gene (IL7R) with high R. equi burden in transtracheal aspirates was found (Fisher's F = 0.043, odds ratio: 8.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.127-56.795). Further positional and/or functional candidate genes investigated TLR2, IL13, IL17A, IL28R, TACE/ADAM 17 and GBP1, were not associated with in...
Milillo P, Traversa D, Elia G, Otranto D.Larvae of Rhinoestrus spp. (Diptera, Oestridae) infect nasal and sinus cavities of horses, causing a nasal myiasis characterized by severe respiratory distress. Presently, the diagnosis of horse nasal botfly relies on the observation of clinical signs, on the post mortem retrieval of larvae or on molecular assays performed using pharyngeal swabs. The present study was carried out to characterize larval somatic proteins and salivary glands of Rhinoestrus spp. in a preliminary assessment towards the immunodiagnosis of equine rhinoestrosis. Out of the 212 necropsied horses 13 were positive for th...
Denwood MJ, Reid SW, Love S, Nielsen MK, Matthews L, McKendrick IJ, Innocent GT.The Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) is the most widely used method of assessing the efficacy of anthelmintics, and is the only in vivo technique currently approved for use with horses. Equine Faecal Egg Count (FEC) data are frequently characterised by a low mean, high variability, small sample size and frequent zero count observations. Accurate analysis of the data therefore depends on the use of an appropriate statistical technique. Analyses of simulated FECRT data by methods based on calculation of the empirical mean and variance, non-parametric bootstrapping, and Markov chain Monte ...
Wilson KE, Wilcke JR, Crisman MV, Ward DL, McKenzie HC, Scarratt WK.Objective-To determine whether a limited sampling time method based on serum iohexol clearance (Cl(iohexol)) would yield estimates of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in clinically normal horses similar to those for plasma creatinine clearance (Cl(creatinine)). Animals-10 clinically normal adult horses. Procedures-A bolus of iohexol (150 mg/kg) was administered IV, and serum samples were obtained 5, 20, 40, 60, 120, 240, and 360 minutes after injection. Urinary clearance of exogenous creatinine was measured during three 20-minute periods. The GFR determined by use of serum Cl(iohexol) and plas...
Suagee JK, Corl BA, Crisman MV, Wearn JG, McCutcheon LJ, Geor RJ.The lipogenic capacities of equine liver and adipose tissue explants were investigated in vitro. Preference for glucose or acetate as the primary carbon source for de novo fatty acid synthesis was determined using (14)C labeled substrates. Additional aims included determining the relative contribution of NADPH generating pathways to reducing equivalent generation and comparing the lipogenic activity of two adipose depots, mesenteric and subcutaneous harvested from the crest region of the neck. Mesenteric adipose tissue had greater lipogenic activity than subcutaneous adipose tissue, and liver ...
Breuil MF, Duquesne F, Sévin C, Laugier C, Petry S.Contagious equine metritis is a horse disease that causes endometrial inflammation due to Taylorella equigenitalis. Since Taylorella asinigenitalis was characterized, genital swab culture has proved to be an insufficient method for distinguishing between the two Taylorella species. Here, we developed an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test using polyclonal antibodies. Specificity, sensitivity, and detection limit were assessed using isolated bacteria (55 T. equigenitalis strains, 46 T. asinigenitalis strains and 18 other bacterial species), experimental and genital swabs in comparison to bac...
Castagnetti C, Pirrone A, Mariella J, Mari G.The use of blood lactate concentration as an indicator of prognosis and disease severity has become a common practice in equine medicine, especially with the validation of handheld analyzers. However, few authors described lactate concentration in critically ill foals, and there are no published studies about the use of handheld analyzers in neonatal foals. In this study, for the first time in the equine neonate, we validated the Lactate Scout analyzer, both in healthy and in critically ill foals. The study also describes the normal range for blood lactate in 26 healthy neonatal foals during t...
Tranquille CA, Blunden AS, Dyson SJ, Parkin TD, Goodship AE, Murray RC.OBJECTIVE-To investigate effects of exercise on hyaline cartilage (HC), calcified cartilage (CC), and subchondral bone (SCB) thickness patterns of equine tarsi. SAMPLE POPULATION-30 tarsi from cadavers of horses with known exercise history. PROCEDURES-Tarsi were assigned to 3 groups according to known exercise history as follows: pasture exercise only (PE tarsi), low-intensity general-purpose riding exercise (LE tarsi), and high-intensity elite competition riding exercise (EE tarsi). Osteochondral tissue from distal tarsal joints underwent histologic preparation. Hyaline cartilage, CC, and SCB...
Jelinski MD, Campbell JR.The objective of this study was to determine the number of hours veterinarians in western Canada work per week, how they apportion their time by species, and clinics' hiring intentions for new veterinary associates. Of 1099 clinics contacted, 706 (64%) responded to the survey, representing 80% (1774/2227) of private practitioners in western Canada. Practitioners devoted 73% of their time to small animals (SA), 11% to beef practice, and 9% to horses. Sixty-four percent of clinics and 66% of practitioners were devoted exclusively to companion animal (SA and horses) practice; only 4% of clinics a...
Braga FR, Araújo JV, Silva AR, Carvalho RO, Araujo JM, Ferreira SR, Carvalho GR.The predatory capacity of the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia (isolate VC4) embedded in sodium alginate pellets after passage through the gastrointestinal tract of horses was assessed in vitro against Oxyuris equi eggs. Twelve previously dewormed crossbred mares, average weight of 362.5kg (+/-21) were used in the experiment. Each animal of the treated group received an oral dose (100g) of sodium alginate pellets containing P. chlamydosporia mycelial mass. The control group received pellets without fungus. Faecal samples from fungus-treated and control groups were collected at inte...
Salim B, Bakheit MA, Kamau J, Nakamura I, Sugimoto C.This is a molecular epidemiological investigation on Theileria equi, a causative agent of equine piroplasmosis. Blood samples were collected from 127 horses from different geographical locations in Sudan. The small subunit of rRNA gene (18S; ~1,600 bp) was amplified from 20 positive field samples and subsequently subjected to direct sequencing and analysis to reveal possible strain differences and the presence of a novel species or genotypes. Sequences were compared with published sequences mainly from South African and Spanish isolates. Eleven distinct T. equi sequences within 18S rRNA gene w...
Swanson TD.Ethics is a valuable standard for the structure of equine practice. It relies on sound moral character, beginning with the leaders in the practice. The leadership in each practice regularly needs to review its role in promoting ethical standards. This is not new information but deserves to be revisited with emphasis at this particular time in our society. Nothing less than commitment to grass root stability offers any hope to reverse those actions.
Clark AR.Current economic trends in equine practice are trends of weakness. Most practices, after a decade of double-digit growth, have migrated to survival mode within a few months. Understanding that all regions and disciplines are affected differently, using the Porter five forces model, we can identify changes that must be made in our business models first to survive and then to position ourselves to prosper when the recession ends. If we are to avoid long-term damage to our practices, we must use cost control and work efficiency in addition to price concessions.
Lacroix G, Lacroix C.This article discusses equine associate employment agreements from the employer's perspective. It should also be of interest to prospective equine associates. The substantive issues and questions are the same, and neither employers nor employees are likely to get far unless they "walk a mile in the other's moccasins".
Garrett KS.The transition from veterinary school to equine practice can be challenging. This article provides suggestions and advice for new graduates in areas that include internships, associate positions, financial considerations, balancing personal and professional responsibilities, mentorship, continuing education, and professionalism.
Minervini F, Lacalandra GM, Filannino A, Nicassio M, Visconti A, Dell'Aquila ME.The purpose of this study was to assess the natural exposure of male horses (Equus caballus) to the mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) by using the ELISA test and to evaluate the effects of in vitro exposure of sperm cells to mycotoxin-containing urine extracts on sperm chromatin structure stability. Because of their occurrence in urine samples, ZEA and its derivatives were tested by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) at natural levels detected by ELISA. Thirty-eight urine extracts of Italian (n = 11) and northeastern European (n = 27) horses were tested on frozen-thawed spermatozoa to evaluate t...
Heinke ML, Sabo C.This article examines gender shifts in equine veterinary practice. A significant gender compensation gap continues across the spectrum of professions, including veterinary medicine. Many styles of practice serve the disparate and sometimes conflicting goals of financial well-being, patient care, and physical family presence.
Magnus RP.The take-home message in marketing your equine practice is simple: understand your position in the target market and the buying behavior of your current and prospective customers. Time well spent on analysis and evaluation of options can maximize customer value in the services and products you offer. This allows you to capture profit and to attain your personal and professional goals as an equine practitioner.
Blach EL.This article explores customer service in equine veterinary medicine. It begins with a discussion about the differences between customers and clients in veterinary medicine. An overview of the nature of the veterinary-client-patient relationship and its effects on the veterinarian's services sheds light on how to evaluate your customer service. The author reviews a study performed in 2007 that evaluated 24 attributes of customer service and their importance to clients of equine veterinarians in their decision to select a specific veterinarian or hospital. The article concludes with an overview...
Bousum PC.There is no simple recipe for designing a multifaceted practice. However, keys to any design are the devotion of the people involved and proper positioning of such people in the organization. Anyone designing such a practice also must pay keen attention to details and a keep a finger constantly on the pulse of the business to ensure that it maintains a sound financial footing and a consistent vision. Little money is made from savings or pushing financials. Profits come mainly through building additional sales, maintaining a clear vision, and making shrewd investments. Like for every small busi...
Jackman BR, McCafferty OE.This article discusses mergers and acquisitions involving equine veterinary practices. Combining practices can be professionally and economically advantageous but requires a great deal of thought, planning, and implementation. If due diligence is performed and true business teamwork is undertaken, the benefits can be enormous and rewarding.
Tumblin DL.There are several options to value a veterinary practice (market approach, asset approach, and income approach) and several methods within these approaches. Examples of an income-based approach include excess earnings, discounted future returns, and single period capitalization of earnings. A qualified valuator will use his or her professional opinion and experience to determine the most appropriate method for one's practice situation. This article outlines the excess earnings method for which where the principal components of value are net assets and goodwill.
Muirhead TL, McClure JT, Wichtel JJ, Stryhn H, Markham RJ, McFarlane D, Lunn DP.Few studies have investigated immunosenescence in the horse, but it is accepted that the primary and secondary (anamnestic) immune responses may differ between aged and younger horses. The aim of the present study was to determine whether aged horses have a protective immune response post-vaccination. Thirty-four aged healthy horses (> or =20 years) and 29 younger adult horses (4-12 years) of various breeds were vaccinated with commercially produced killed rabies and influenza vaccines. Rabies serum neutralizing antibody titres and equine influenza virus specific antibody subclasses (immunoglo...
Ionita M, Howe DK, Lyons ET, Tolliver SC, Kaplan RM, Mitrea IL, Yeargan M.A sensitive and specific PCR hybridization assay was applied for species-specific monitoring of the small strongyle (Strongylida: Cyathostominae) populations in horses in a herd before and after treatment with the anthelmintic drug ivermectin. Fecal samples were collected pre- and post-treatment weekly from eight individual horses (four foals and four yearlings) for 6 weeks to determine counts of strongyle eggs per gram of feces (EPGs). Additionally, one foal and one yearling were nontreated controls. Also, one horse, from another herd known to be infected with Strongylus spp., was a positive ...
Werner SH.Quality medical records are the cornerstone of successful equine veterinary practice. The scope and integrity of the information contained in a practice's medical records influence the quality of patient care and client service and affect liability risk, practice productivity, and overall practice value.
McClure JT, Kobluk C, Voller K, Geor RJ, Ames TR, Sivula N.Four miniature foals admitted with signs of progressive nonresponsive abdominal pain and no fecal production had fecalith impaction of the small colon. Duration of clinical signs ranged from 10 hours to 5 days. Removal of the fecalith via small colon enterotomy was a successful treatment in all 4 cases. Miniature foals may be predisposed to fecalith impaction of the small colon. If a miniature foal has signs of progressive nonresponsive abdominal pain, fecalith impaction needs to be considered. Surgical correction may be required.
Davie AJ, Wen L, Cust ARE, Beavers R, Fyfe T, Zhou S.This study investigated the effects of six weeks of normobaric hypoxic training on transcriptional expression of the genes associated with mitochondrial and glycolytic activities in Thoroughbred horses. Eight horses were divided into two groups of four. They completed an identical incremental, moderate intensity training program, except that one group trained in a hypoxic chamber with 15% oxygen for 30 min on alternate days except Sundays (HT), while the other group trained in normal air (NC). Prior to and post training, heart rate and blood lactate were measured during an incremental treadm...
Dorrego A, Herranz C, Pérez-Sancho M, Camino E, Gómez-Arrones V, Carrasco JJ, De Gabriel-Pérez J, Serres C, Cruz-López F.Taylorella asinigenitalis is a non-pathogenic bacteria isolated from the genital tract of donkeys but also a cause of metritis and vaginal discharge in mares. It is closely related to Taylorella equigenitalis, the cause of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) in horses, and has been present in different countries in Europe since 1995. Up to date, there are no studies on the prevalence of T. asinigenitalis in the equine or asinine populations in Spain; this is the first report of the presence of T. asinigenitalis in donkeys (Equus asinus) from different breeds in three regions of Spain. A total of ...
Jeffcott LB, Buckingham SH, McCarthy RN, Cleeland JC, Scotti E, McCartney RN.The current methods for non-invasive measurement of bone quality are reviewed. In the horse this has traditionally involved the use of radiography, but there are now two other modalities available for the critical evaluation of cortical bone quality and strength. These utilise single photon absorptiometry and ultrasound velocity. Photon absorptiometry gives a direct measurement of bone mineral content, by using a monoenergetic radionuclide source, and transverse ultrasound velocity in bone gives a measure of bone stiffness or elasticity. They can both be used conveniently on the metacarpus of ...
Rowley KJ, Townsend NB, Chang YR, Fiske-Jackson AR.Sagittal fractures of equine cheek teeth are commonly observed during oral examination. There are few reports on the apical and endodontic pathology associated with such fractures seen during computed tomographic (CT) examination. Objective: This study aimed to document the prevalence of CT changes indicative of apical disease in equine cheek teeth, which have suffered a sagittal fracture involving the clinical ± reserve crown. Methods: This study is a retrospective case series. Methods: CT examinations of equine heads with sagittal fractures of cheek teeth present were reviewed: 81 teeth f...
Mora-Pereira M, Abarca EM, Duran S, Ravis W, McMullen RJ, Fischer BM, Lee YP, Wooldridge AA.Keratomycosis is a relatively common, sight threatening condition in horses, where treatment is often prolonged and costly. Subconjunctival (SCo) injections offer less resistance to drug diffusion than the topical route, resulting in better penetration to the ocular anterior segment. Voriconazole, a second generation triazole antifungal, is effective against common fungal organisms causing keratomycosis. If combined with a thermogel biomaterial, voriconazole can be easily injected in the SCo space to provide sustained drug release. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the drug concentrati...
Prieto JMB, Tallmadge RL, Felippe MJB.Identification and classification of B cell subpopulations has been shown to be challenging and inconsistent among different species. Our study tested aspects of ontogeny, phenotype, tissue distribution, and function of equine CD5 B cells, which represented a greater proportion of B cells early in development and in the peritoneal cavity. CD5 and CD5 B cells differentially expressed B cell markers (CD2, CD21, IgM) measured using flow cytometry, but similar mRNA expression of signature genes (DGKA, FGL2, PAX5, IGHM, IL10) measured using quantitative RT-PCR. Sequencing lambda light chain segment...
Lieto LD, Swerczek TW, Cothran EG.Necropsy of two American Saddlebred fillies diagnosed with epitheliogenesis imperfecta (EI) revealed missing patches of epithelium of the skin and oral mucosa as well as dental abnormalities. Examination of the digestive tract did not reveal signs of pyloric atresia in either foal. Histopathologic examination revealed separation of the epidermis from the dermis. In both foals a division within the lamina lucida of the basal lamina was observed by transmission electron microscopy. In comparison with an age-specific control, the ultrastructure of intact skin from the EI-affected foals showed abn...
Andoh K, Kai K, Matsumura T, Maeda K.Cell lines originating from horses are necessary for isolation and propagation of equine herpesviruses (EHV). Although we established an equine-derived cell line, FHK-Tcl3, propagation ceased after fewer than 40 passages. In this study, FHK-Tcl3 cell propagation continued beyond 40 passages, achieving over 100 passages. FHK-Tcl3 cells were then cloned by limiting dilution at the 100th passage. Cloned cells were termed FHK-Tcl3.1. FHK-Tcl3.1 cells grew well and were propagated every 3 to 4 days by splitting 1:5. In addition, EHV-1, -2 and -4 showed a clear cytopathic effect (CPE) in FHK-Tcl3.1 ...
Nishita T, Matsushita H, Kai M.The location of carbonic anhydrase III (CA-III) in frozen sections of biopsies of Thoroughbred horse skeletal muscle was studied. Fibre types were determined by ATP-ase and succinate dehydrogenase staining. CA-III isozyme was detected using a peroxidase conjugated anti-CA-III antibody. CA-III was found to be localised in slow twitch oxidative fibres (ST), but was also present in fast twitch oxidative (FTH) fibres in small amounts. Fast twitch glycolytic (FT) fibres were stained lightly compared with control sections. The concentrations of CA-III in muscle and liver were 70 micrograms/mg protei...
Englisch LM, Kostrzewa K, Kopke S, Failing K, Staszyk C.Hypsodont equine cheek teeth possess large dental crowns, resting partly in the bony alveolus. Over a horse's life cheek teeth erupt continuously to compensate for occlusal wear of 3-4 mm per year. Parts of the crown initially resting in the bony alveolus become progressively exposed at the occlusal surface with time. Hitherto, it is unclear whether the typical structure of the equine occlusal surface, composed of a complex arrangement of enamel, dentin and cementum, remains constant or undergoes structural changes with age. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the occlusal surface composi...
Yoshinari K, Yuasa K, Iga F, Mimura A.A growth-promoting factor for human myeloid cells was purified to apparent homogeneity from horse serum by a combination of gel filtration, blue Sepharose affinity chromatography, Mono Q anion-exchange chromatography, Mono P chromatofocusing and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The growth promoter was an iron-bound, single glycopolypeptide chain with a molecular weight of 84,000, an isoelectric point of 5.4 and an amino terminal sequence of Glu-Gln-Thr-Val-Arg-Trp-Cys-Thr-Val-Ser-Asn-His-Glu-Val-Ser-Lys-. According to the results of the amino acid sequence, iron bindi...
Sherlock CE, Mair TS.Recognition of artefacts is an essential component of the accurate interpretation of diagnostic images. This study aimed to investigate the presence of magic angle effect in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in the equine proximal pastern region. The proximal pastern of four cadaver limbs was imaged using a 0.27 Tesla magnet with high-resolution sequences that are commonly utilised in clinical equine practice. The limbs were imaged in a neutral position and positions that simulated the horse 'leaning in', 'leaning out' and having internal and external rotation of the distal limb. Si...
Ropp JK, Raub RH, Minton JE.Feeding diets high in soluble carbohydrates to growing horses has been implicated in the development of orthopedic diseases; as a result, substitution of dietary fat for soluble carbohydrates has received attention. Because IGF-I is integral to growth and cartilage development and because it is influenced by nutrition, we evaluated the effect of dietary fat substitution on metabolic endpoints and circulating GH and IGF-I in growing horses. Twelve Quarter Horse weanlings, four female and eight male, 151 to 226 d old, were blocked by sex and age and assigned to two treatment groups. Group one (C...
Junkkari R, Simojoki H, Heiskanen ML, Pelkonen S, Sankari S, Tulamo RM, Mykkänen A.Newly weaned horses in Finland are often moved to unheated loose housing systems in which the weanlings have free access to a paddock and a shelter. This practice is considered to be good for the development of young horses. The daily temperatures can stay below - 20 °C in Finland for several consecutive weeks during the winter season. However, the effect of unheated housing in a cold climatic environment on the respiratory health of weanlings under field conditions has not been studied before. This investigation was an observational field-study comprising 60 weanlings among 11 different vo...
Keith L, Ball BA, Scoggin K, Esteller-Vico A, Woodward EM, Troedsson MH, Squires EL.The objectives were to: (1) evaluate the efficacy of varying intervals of oxytocin administration in preventing luteolysis in mares; (2) examine PGF(2α) release in mares experiencing prolonged diestrus secondary to oxytocin treatment; and (3) evaluate the endometrial expression of oxytocin receptor, estrogen receptor α, and prostaglandin synthesis enzymes after oxytocin administration. In experiment I, mares received oxytocin (60 IU, im) daily on Days 8 to 10, 8 to 12, or 8 to 14 postovulation, and control mares received sterile saline. Prolongation of diestrus was defined by elevation of se...
Lage J, Fonseca MG, de Barros GGM, Feringer-Júnior WH, Pereira GT, Ferraz GC.This study aimed to characterize the maximum heart rate (HR) and the intensity of official marcha contests (OMC) and to compare the cost of transport (COT) and metabolic power (Pmet) of Mangalarga Marchador (MM) horses of marcha batida (MB) and marcha picada (MP) gaits. Twenty-two MM horses participated in this study. The experiment was conducted in 3 phases: 1) maximum effort test (MET), 2) OMC, and 3) standardized marcha test (SMT). To characterize the HR, 19 horses (14 MB and 5 MP) underwent a MET. Of those, 13 (9 MB and 4 MP) were monitored during the OMC, which consisted of 4 stages: marc...
Muraro LS, Nogueira MF, Borges AMCM, Souza AO, Vieira TSWJ, de Aguiar DM.Bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia are transmitted by ticks and also are an important cause of infection in wild and domestic mammals. Infection with Ehrlichia spp. has been reported in horses, especially in the USA, Nicaragua and Brazil. In this study, we report the parasitism by Amblyomma sculptum, Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nitens ticks in horses from a ranch located in south Pantanal wetland. Molecular and serological analyzes to determine infection by Ehrlichia spp. in horses and their respective ticks were carried out. A total of 12 horses were submitted to blood collection to ...
Valette JP, Robert C, Denoix JM.The objectives of this study were to establish standards for growth and to model the evolution of wither height (WH) between birth and adult age in different breeds of sport- and race-horses. Therefore, 398 foals, then yearlings of three different breeds, were measured regularly between birth and 18 months of age. Linear and non-linear functions were compared for describing the growth in each breed group. The monomolecular, Gompertz, logistic and cubic models correctly estimated WH in the three breeds during the first 2 years (R2 = 0.99, s.e. 3.9 to 4.5) and better than the cubic and quadratic...
Simmons HA, Ford EJ.The production of propionate has been measured in the large colon of two ponies fitted with cannulas and fed on a standard diet of hay or hay and wheat bran. A continuous infusion of 14C-labelled sodium propionate was made into a cannula in the right ventral colon and samples of ingesta were obtained from another cannula near the end of the right dorsal colon. A simultaneous intravenous infusion of [2-3H]-labelled glucose was made to measure total glucose entry. Colonic propionate production on the hay diet was 146 (range 110-176) mg/h per kg body weight and, on the hay and bran, 195 (range 13...
Tallmadge RL, Lear TL, Johnson AK, Guérin G, Millon LV, Carpenter SL, Antczak DF.A clone containing beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)-m), the light chain of the major histocompatibility complex class I cell surface molecule, was isolated from an equine bacterial artificial chromosome library. This clone was used as a template for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and unidirectional sequencing to elucidate the genomic sequence and intron/exon boundaries. We obtained 7,000 bases of sequence, extending from 1,100 nucleotides (nt) upstream of the coding region start through 1,698 nt downstream of the stop codon. The sequence contained regulatory elements in the region upstream of t...
Ornehult L, Eriksson A, Björnstig U.All 58 deaths caused by nonvenomous animals in Sweden 1975-1984 were scrutinized. In 38 cases horses were involved, in 16 cattle and in one case each a moose, a lion, a dog and a ram. In the horse-related fatalities, the most common cause of accident was that the horse bolted or reared, causing the rider to fall off the horse or the cart or sulky. Falls were thus associated with 22 horse-related deaths. In cattle-related accidents, all fatalities where the cause of accident was known occurred due to aggressive behaviour of the animal. In horse-related accidents, head injuries dominated, while ...
Lange-Consiglio A, Capra E, Giuliani D, Canesi S, Funghi F, Bosi G, Cretich M, Frigerio R, Galbiati V, Cremonesi F.Unlike humans and many other mammalian species, conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) in equine species is not successful. To mimic in vitro equine spermatozoon-oviduct interaction as close as possible to that which occurs in vivo, extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the female genital tract were used. Three female genital tracts were collected at slaughterhouse from mares in late estrus. Ipsilateral proximal and apical horn endometrial explants were digested with collagenase and trypsin and cells obtained were cultured on insert system to allow their polarization. Ipsilateral ovid...
Sirois J, Betteridge KJ, Goff AK.The outcome of 23 collections and reinsertions of conceptuses on Days 10.5-13.5, 4 transfers of Day-10.5, and 13 transfers of Day-6.5 embryos (ovulation = Day 0) was monitored in 30 mares. Blood samples were taken before and after each procedure to measure plasma 15-keto-13,14-dihydroprostaglandin F-2 alpha (PGFM), and then daily for progesterone determinations. Mares were also subjected to daily teasing for detection of oestrus, and to uterine ultrasonography for tracing the development of the conceptus. After the reinsertions, 12/23 conceptuses were detectable immediately after the procedure...
Belotta AF, Mayer MN, Koehncke NK, Carmalt J, Freitas FP, Waldner CL.To describe self-reported radiation safety practices by equine veterinary technicians in North America and identify factors associated with these practices. 154 equine technicians. An electronic questionnaire regarding radiation safety practices during the use of portable x-ray equipment was sent to 884 members of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Data were summarized, and various factors were evaluated for associations with reported safety practices. 221 of 884 (25.0%) questionnaires were completed, including 154 by equine technicians who had been invol...
Dyson S, Brown V, Collins S, Murray R.Associations between degree of ossification of the cartilages of the foot and injuries to other structures of the foot have been suggested, but have not been investigated by large scale studies. Objective: To describe the frequency of grade >3 ossification of the cartilages of the foot (possibly significant ossification, PSO), mediolateral symmetry of ossification and left-right symmetry between feet; and to investigate associations between PSO and injury of either the collateral ligaments (CLs) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint or the distal phalanx. Objective: Possibly significant os...
Hansen M, Knorr C, Hall AJ, Broad TE, Brenig B.The solute carrier family 26, member 2 (SLC26A2) gene belongs to a family of multifunctional anion exchangers. Mutations in the human SLC26A2 gene are associated with autosomal recessively inherited chondrodysplasias. Hence, we postulate that the equine SLC26A2 could be a candidate gene for conformational traits in horses. An equine BAC clone harboring the SLC26A2 gene was isolated. The complete 142,625 bp insert sequence of this clone was determined by transposon sequencing. Together with the SLC26A2 gene the BAC clone contains four genes, i.e. the macrophage colony stimulating factor 1 recep...
