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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.
Effect of amino acid and glucose administration following exercise on the turnover of muscle protein in the hindlimb femoral region of thoroughbreds. In man, muscle protein synthesis is accelerated by administering amino acids (AA) and glucose (Glu), because increased availability of amino acids and increased insulin secretion, is known to have a protein anabolic effect. However, in the horse, the effect on muscle hypertrophy of such nutrition management following exercise is unknown. Objective: To determine the effect of AA and Glu administration following exercise on muscle protein turnover in horses. We hypothesise that administration of AA and Glu after exercise effects muscle hypertrophy in horses, as already shown in man and other ani...
The effect of milk basic protein supplementation on bone metabolism during training of young thoroughbred racehorses. In laboratory animals, man and cell culture experiments, milk basic protein was reported to suppress bone resorption and promote bone formation. However, no studies in horses have previously examined the effect of milk basic protein. Objective: To evaluate the effect of milk basic protein supplementation on bone metabolism in young Thoroughbred horses in training. Methods: Twenty 2-year-old horses in training were used for 90 days in this study. The treatment group was fed a basal diet with 1 g of milk basic protein and the control group a basal diet only. Blood samples were collected on Days ...
Association of type of sport and performance level with anatomical site of orthopaedic injury diagnosis. Although anecdotal reports of increased orthopaedic injury risk in equine sports exist, there is little scientific evidence to support this. Objective: To test whether horses undertaking a single competitive sport have increased risk of specific injuries compared to those used for general purpose riding (GP); and whether injury type varies with sport category and performance level. Methods: Data from 1069 records of horses undergoing orthopaedic evaluation (1998-2003) and meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Sport category (GP, showjumping, dressage, eventing, racing), level (nonelite or ...
Effect of head and neck position on vertical ground reaction forces and interlimb coordination in the dressage horse ridden at walk and trot on a treadmill. Little is known in quantitative terms about the influence of different head-neck positions (HNPs) on the loading pattern of the locomotor apparatus. Therefore it is difficult to predict whether a specific riding technique is beneficial for the horse or if it may increase the risk for injury. Objective: To improve the understanding of forelimb-hindlimb balance and its underlying temporal changes in relation to different head and neck positions. Methods: Vertical ground reaction force and time parameters of each limb were measured in 7 high level dressage horses while being ridden at walk and tr...
Effects of oral electrolyte supplementation on endurance horses competing in 80 km rides. There is no evidence that use of oral electrolyte pastes enhances performance in competing endurance horses. Objective: To ascertain whether oral administration of a high dose (HD) of sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) to endurance horses would differentially increase water intake, attenuate bodyweight (bwt) loss and improve performance when compared to a low dose (LD). Methods: A randomised, blinded, crossover study was conducted on 8 horses participating in two 80 km rides (same course, 28 days apart). Thirty minutes before and at 40 km of the first ride 4, horses received o...
Plasma beta-endorphin, cortisol and immune responses to acute exercise are altered by age and exercise training in horses. Ageing appears to affect immune and neuroendocirne function in horses and response to acute exercise. No studies have examined the combined effects of training and ageing on immune and neuroendocirne function in horses. Objective: To ascertain whether training and age would affect the plasma beta-endorphin (BE) and cortisol (C) as well as immune function responses to acute exercise in Standardbred mares. Methods: Graded exercise tests (GXT) and simulated race tests (SRT) were performed before and after 12 weeks training at 60 % HRmax. BE and C were measured at rest and at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60 and...
Urinary excretion of dietary contaminants in horses. Presence of drugs is completely prohibited in post racing urine samples by most of racing and competition authorities, even if environmental contamination might occur. Objective: To assess the daily dose of several contaminants absorbed through the diet that would result in detectable concentrations in urine. Methods: Caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, atropine, scopolamine, bufotenine, DMT or morphine were administered orally to 6 horses, in different dosages, for 3 days before their urine was sampled for regular anti-doping tests. Results: Theobromine, theophylline, bufotenine and morphine...
Investigation of blood oxidant/antioxidant markers in healthy competition horses of different breeds. There is increasing evidence that the equine athlete is exposed to exercise-induced changes of its oxidant/antioxidant balance and antioxidant supplementation is frequently recommended. However, it is unknown whether there is a specific need for antioxidants according to performance, breed, gender or age. Objective: To assess whether breed-, gender- and age-related differences of blood oxidant/antioxidant markers occur in competition horses. Methods: Healthy horses (n = 493) underwent oxidant/ antioxidant blood marker determination. Vitamin E, lipophilic antioxidant capacity (ACL), ascorbic ac...
Effects of draw reins on limb kinematics. No data exist on the GRF-kinematics relation due to changes caused by equestrian interventions. Objective: Through the judicious use of draw reins the rider can influence the kinematics of the horse to meet stated goals of dressage training. Relating the results to previously published kinetic data of the same experiment implies a possible relationship between kinetics and kinematics. Methods: The kinematics of 8 sound Swedish Warmblood horses were measured whilst the horses were being ridden with and without draw reins. Three conditions were evaluated: 1) draw reins only (DR), 2) combination ...
Changes in arterial, mixed venous and intraerythrocytic concentrations of ions in supramaximally exercising horses. Horses experience major perturbations in acid-base balance during supramaximal exercise. Ion movement in and out of erythrocytes (RBCs) is believed to be important in maintaining acid-base balance but it is unclear as to the extent to which this happens, nor how it affects single measurements of ion concentrations in arterial and venous blood. Objective: To clarify the role RBCs play in mitigating perturbations in acid-base balance during high speed exercise in horses, and to describe associated differences in arterial (a) and mixed venous (v) concentrations of key ions. Methods: Six exercise-...
Evaluation of the force acting on the back of the horse with an English saddle and a side saddle at walk, trot and canter. Force transmission under an English saddle (ES) at walk, trot and canter is commonly evaluated, but the influence of a side saddle (SS) on the equine back has not been documented. Objective: Force transmission under a SS, with its asymmetric construction, is different from an ES in walk, trot and canter, expressed in maximum overall force (MOF), force in the quarters of the saddle mat, and centre of pressure (COP). The biomechanics of the equine back are different under a SS compared to ES. Methods: Thirteen horses without clinical signs of back pain ridden in an indoor riding school with both...
Exercise and pharmacological stress echocardiography in healthy horses. Stress echocardiography could be a useful diagnostic test in horses suspected to suffer from exercise-induced myocardial dysfunction as a cause of exercise intolerance. Objective: To evaluate the effect of treadmill exercise and pharmacological stress test on left ventricular echocardiographic parameters. Methods: Echocardiography was performed in 2 groups of 5 healthy horses, either immediately after a near-maximal treadmill exercise (Group EXE) or during a pharmacological challenge (Group DOB) consisting of 35 microg/kg atropine, followed by incremental dobutamine infusion rates of 2-6 micro...
Effect of repeated exercise and recovery on heart rate variability in elite trotting horses during high intensity interval training. Interval training is a commonly used training method for trotting horses. In addition, trainers are provided with efficient and inexpensive heart rate monitor devices for the management of training. Objective: Since the high frequency (HF) frequency peak (fHF) of heart rate variability (HRV) corresponds to the breathing frequency in combination with stride frequency during trotting, it is hypothesised that modifications of breathing and stride frequencies induced by repeated exercise could be detected from fHF. Methods: RR interval time series of 7 trotting horses were recorded during an inter...
Muscle characteristics of dutch warmblood foals with different genetic background at ages 6 and 12 months. REASONS OF PERFORMING STUDY: To obtain broader insight into the muscle of foals with different genetic background, muscle fibre composition, its post natal development and citrate synthase (CS) activity of the gluteus medius were investigated. Objective: Because muscle properties are influenced genetically and related directly to performace ability, muscle characteristics should be affected by selection and correspond with the requirement of ths sports selected for. Methods: The foals were divided into Group A, (n = 16), considered an average of the population, and Group B (n = 36), selected f...
The effect of inspired gas density on pulmonary artery transmural pressure and exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage. Pulmonary capillary stress failure, largely as a result of high pulmonary vascular pressures, has been implicated in the aetiology of EIPH. However, the role of the respiratory system in determining the magnitude of EIPH has received little attention. Objective: Horses breathing a gas of greater density than air will exhibit greater transmural pulmonary arterial pressures (TPAP) and more severe EIPH, and horses breathing a gas of lower density than air will exhibit lower TPAP and less severe EIPH, both compared with horses breathing air. Methods: Following a warm-up, 8 Thoroughbred horses were...
Dynamic pharyngeal collapse in racehorses. Dynamic pharyngeal collapse (PC) is a condition seen in racehorses that can be career-ending. Objective: To characterise and grade PC and describe the effects of PC on athletic performance. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for 828 horses, of which 49 (6%) records were identified as horses with a primary diagnosis of PC. Tapes of video-endoscopy of the pharynx during exercise were reviewed. Each video recording was assigned a grade (0-4) reflecting the degree of PC and a classification for severity of upper airway obstruction. Earnings per race prior to diagnosis of PC were compared to ea...
Experimental infection of neonatal foals with Rhodococcus equi triggers adult-like gamma interferon induction. Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular pathogen that causes pneumonia in young foals but does not induce disease in immunocompetent adult horses. Clearance of R. equi depends mainly on gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production by T lymphocytes, whereas the predominance of interleukin 4 (IL-4) is detrimental. Young foals, like neonates of many other species, are generally deficient in the ability to produce IFN-gamma. The objective of this study was to compare the cytokine profiles, as well as cell-mediated and antibody responses, of young foals to those of adult horses following intrabr...
Cold air-induced late-phase bronchoconstriction in horses. Inspired air is warmed to body temperature and fully humidified by the upper airway mucosa under normal resting conditions. This conditioning process may not be completed by the upper airways during conditions of increased minute ventilation or when the inspired air is unusually cold, resulting in cooling and desiccation of lower respiratory surfaces. Excess heat and water loss from intrapulmonary airways is believed to be the provocative stimulus for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (occurring immediately after exercise) and associated late phase airway obstruction (occurring a few hours ...
The effect of head and neck position on the thoracolumbar kinematics in the unridden horse. In many equestrian activities a specific position of head and/or neck is required that is dissimilar to the natural position. There is controversy about the effects of these positions on locomotion pattern, but few quantitative data are available. Objective: To quantify the effects of 5 different head and neck positions on thoracolumbar kinematics of the horse. Methods: Kinematics of 7 high level dressage horses were measured walking and trotting on an instrumented treadmill with the head and neck in the following positions: HNP2 = neck raised, bridge of the nose in front of the vertical; HNP3...
Functional anatomy of the caudal thoracolumbar and lumbosacral spine in the horse. Research in spinal biomechanics and functional anatomy has advanced back pain research in man. Yet, despite the performance limiting nature of back pain in horses, there are few data for the equine spine. Objective: To describe aspects of functional anatomy of the equine thoracolumbar and lumbosacral (LS) spine and potential effects on performance. Methods: The first study investigated variations in LS vertebral formula by post mortem examination of 120 horses. Midline vertebral transection was carried out on 65 Thoroughbred (TB), 24 Standardbred (SB) and 31 other breeds. The second study inve...
Use of a global positioning and heart rate monitoring system to assess training load in a group of thoroughbred racehorses. Training is an important variable for determining athletic success. Nonetheless, there has been minimal scientific evaluation of racehorse training programmes. Training of racehorses focuses on running the horses at certain speeds using a combination of a stopwatch and rider's 'feel' for a horse's work intensity. Consequently, actual work intensity for individual horses is not clearly defined. Objective: To 1) utilise a combined global positioning system (GPS) and heart rate monitor system to quantify training intensity and physiological responses of a group of racehorses undergoing training a...
The physiological responses to simulated race tests on a track and on a treadmill in standardbred trotters. It is unclear to what extent the physiological response to a standardised treadmill exercise test simulating racing conditions resembles the circulatory and metabolic response observed after a simulated race on a track. Objective: To compare the physiological responses of a standardised treadmill exercise test used to simulate racing conditions and a simulated race performed on a track on the same Standardbred trotting horses, all in racing condition. Methods: Six Standardbred trotters in racing condition performed a standardised inclined treadmill exercise test protocol simulating racing cond...
Effects of a specific endothelin-1A antagonist on exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) in thoroughbred horses. During high intensity exercise, the very high pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) experienced by Thoroughbred horses is considered a major factor in the aetiology of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Recently, endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictive hormone, has been found to increase Ppa in horses at rest via binding to its ET-1A receptor subtype. In addition, plasma concentrations of ET-1 are increased in horses during and after high intensity exercise. Objective: If ET-1 increases Ppa during exercise in the horse, administration of a specific ET-1A antagonist would decrease ...
Nitric oxide synthase inhibition in thoroughbred horses augments O2 extraction at rest and submaximal exercise, but not during short-term maximal exercise. Work is required to establish the role of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in metabolism of resting and exercising horses. Objective: To examine the effects of NO synthase inhibition on O2 extraction and anaerobic metabolism at rest, and during submaximal and maximal exertion. Methods: Placebo and NO synthase inhibition (with Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME] administered at 20 mg/kg bwt i.v.) studies were performed in random order, 7 days apart on 7 healthy, exercise-trained Thoroughbred horses at rest and during incremental exercise leading to 120 sec of maximal exertion at 14 m/sec ...
Glycaemic and insulinaemic response of quarter horses to concentrates high in fat and low in soluble carbohydrates. Quarter Horses are particularly susceptible to polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). Nutritional therapy and possibly prophylaxis includes fat-supplemented diets whilst starch supply should be kept to a minimum. Objective: To investigate the glycaemic and insulinaemic response of clinically normal Quarter Horses to concentrates high in fat and low in starch. Methods: Twelve Quarter Horses were studied. The precondition for inclusion in the study population was that the horses had not shown clinical signs of myopathy. The Quarter Horses were fed according to a 4 x 4 Latin square design haylag...
Cardiac arrhythmias during and after treadmill exercise in poorly performing thoroughbred racehorses. The prevalence and severity of cardiac arrhythmias during exercise in athletic horses presented for poor performance is not well described. Objective: To describe prevalence and severity of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias immediately before, during and immediately after standardised incremental treadmill exercise tests (IET) to fatigue in Thoroughbred horses during investigation of poor performance. Methods: The electrocardiograms (ECG) of 88 Thoroughbred racehorses, judged to be free of significant heart disease or arrhythmia at rest, were used. A modified base-apex ECG was recor...
Uric acid responses to endurance racing and relationships with performance, plasma biochemistry and metabolic alterations. There is limited understanding of the uric acid response to endurance races. Objective: To demonstrate uric acid increments and its relationship to diverse biochemical and performance parameters, in horses subjected to a prolonged effort, with and without presentation of metabolic alterations. Methods: Blood samples were taken from horses the day before, and 5-10 mins after, successfully finishing a 121 km (Assay 1, n = 24) or 164 km endurance race (Assay 2, n = 17), and from 19 animals eliminated by metabolic disorders during several endurance races (Assay 3). Plasma was obtained and determin...
Videoendoscopic evaluation of the upper respiratory tract in 93 sport horses during exercise testing on a high-speed treadmill. Videoendoscopy of the upper respiratory tract (URT) during high-speed treadmill exercise has proved to be invaluable in the assessment of URT dysfunction in racehorses. However, very little information exists regarding dynamic airway collapse in other sport horses used in nonracing equestrian disciplines. Objective: To evaluate the videoendoscopic findings at rest and during exercise in a mixed population of sport horses referred for investigation of poor athletic performance and/or abnormal respiratory noise. Methods: Videoendoscopy of the upper airway was performed at rest and during high-sp...
Effect of detraining on cardiorespiratory variables in young thoroughbred horses. Thoroughbred racehorses often experience interruptions to their training. Identifying the effects of these changes and how they alter athletic performance might provide an insight on to how to prevent these changes from occurring. Objective: Training and detraining young Thoroughbreds alters their aerobic capacities with correlated changes in circulatory capacities; if horses remained spontaneously active in a pasture during their detraining period, their decreases in aerobic capacity during detraining would be reduced. Methods: We trained 6 Thoroughbred yearlings for 6 months using a conventi...
Double blind investigation of the effects of oral supplementation of combined glucosamine hydrochloride (GHCL) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) on stride characteristics of veteran horses. Oral chondroprotective supplements are commercially popular for veteran (and other athletic or arthritic) horses prone to joint degeneration, yet lack conclusive scientific support. Objective: To quantify the effects of an oral joint supplement (combination glucosamine hydrochloride (GHCL), chondroitin sulphate (CS) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) in vivo on stride parameters of veteran horses. Methods: Twenty veteran horses were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 15) or placebo group (n = 5). Pre-treatment gait characteristics were recorded at trot using digital video footage (50 Hz). The rang...
