"Foals" encompasses a stage in the lifecycle of equines with distinct physiological and developmental characteristics. Foals are young horses, typically under one year of age, undergoing rapid growth and development. They require specific nutritional, health, and management practices to support their transition to adulthood. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the growth, development, health challenges, and management practices associated with foals and horses, providing insights into their care and welfare across different life stages.
Antal V, Antal T, Szabó I, Vajda G, Polner A, Szollár I, Totth B, Laber G, Stipkovits L.The authors examined 585 samples from 92 mares of 2 studs and 346 nasal swabs taken from their foals for the presence of mycoplasmas. The positive rates of mares and foals were 81.5% and 71.7%, respectively, with positivity of samples being variable. Clinical symptoms developed in 2-4 waves and lasted 3-7 days, with intervals of 7-12 days. The disease started in April among foals born in February, at an average age of 88 days. Later on, the average age of the affected foals decreased. There was a correlation between presence of mycoplasmas in nasal cavity and disease of foals.
Crawley GR, Grant BD, Krpan MK, Major MD.Thirteen cases of partial limb amputation in horses were reviewed. Nine horses (69%) survived 18 to 111 months (mean, 41 months). Four unsuccessfully treated horses were euthanatized within 21 days of surgery. The horses' ages at amputation were 4 to 13 years (mean, 7.3 years). There was no predilection for the left or right limb nor for fore or hind limb involvement. Osteomyelitis in six horses (46%) was the most common cause for amputation. Severe, open, comminuted fractures of the third metacarpal bone that were impossible to stabilize by any currently available technique in four horses (31...
Flisińska-Bojanowska A, Gill J, Komosa M, Kompanowska-Jezierska E.1. In six standard-bred mares and their foals diurnal changes in the cortisol and glucose levels and in FDPA activity were studies for 13 weeks of foal life. 2. In the cortisol level diurnal rhythm was found in the 3rd, 7th and 11th week of foal life and in the 11th week of lactation in mares. 3. In mares the mean diurnal cortisol level changed from 32 ng/ml in the first week to 57 in the 11th week and in foals from 24 in the first week to 16 ng/ml in the 11th week. 4. In the glucose level no diurnal rhythm was observed. 5. In mares the mean diurnal glucose level after parturition was about 58...
Jönsson L, Beck-Friis J, Renström LH, Nikkilä T, Thebo P, Sundquist B.Ten aborted foals, diagnosed as infected with Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1) on histopathological criteria, were examined for the presence of EHV-1 using immunohistology as the investigative instrument. The primary reagent was an antiserum specific for viral envelope glycoproteins. Immunohistology localised EHV-1 to areas of liver necrosis and to the cytoplasm of infected Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. Cytoplasmic immunolabelling was also prominent in reticular cells of the red pulp of the spleen and in intact and degenerated bronchiolar epithelium. Cytoplasmic immunolabelling was seen in morph...
Dudan F, Hirni H.Since 1980 techniques specifically designed to treat human neonatal diseases have also started to be applied to ill or premature equine newborns. These techniques will be described and their application to the most common equine neonatal disorders will be discussed. Such techniques include: post-natal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, exogenous thermal support, administration of broad spectrum antibiotics after diagnostic studies, supplemental oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation, intravenous fluid and electrolyte therapy, blood component transfusion and total parenteral nutrition.
Antal A, Szabó I, Vajda G, Antal VD, Polner A, Totth B, Szollár I, Stipkovits L.Clinical, microbiological, haematological, and immunological investigations were carried out in mares and their foals of 2 studs. A considerable number of foals fell ill with pneumonia, the mortality rate was high. Mycoplasmas were mostly isolated from nasal swabs and from the lungs. The isolation rate of bacteria was lower. Serum IgG concentration was reduced in the diseased or dead foals compared to that of healthy animals, the data stress in importance of IgG in the development of respiratory diseases also in foals.
Pascoe JR, Pascoe RR.Although they are pivotal events in the continued production of new generations of horses, breeding and foaling are not without risk to the mare. This article reviews the accidents that can occur and result in injury, displacement, and malpositions of the urogenital tract of the mare.
Aanes WA.The great variety of pathologic conditions associated with the peripartum period in the mare emphasizes the need for close observation and evaluation of the mare's condition during this period. The temperament and strength of the mare and violence of parturition undoubtedly produce extreme intraabdominal pressures that result in (or enhance preexisting) pathologic changes. Although the exact etiology of many of these disease processes is unknown, careful observation with properly timed medical and/or surgical intervention could reduce the losses associated with the peripartum period.
Reef VB, Collatos C.The umbilical arteries, urachus, and umbilical vein were scanned ultrasonographically in 13 clinically normal foals that ranged in age from 6 hours to 4 weeks. Sonograms were obtained using a 7.5-MHz sector scanner transducer placed across the midline of the ventral portion of the foal's abdominal wall. The umbilical vein was scanned from the umbilical stalk to its entrance into the hepatic parenchyma. The mean (+/- SD) diameter of the umbilical vein was 0.61 +/- 0.20 cm immediately cranial to the umbilical stalk, 0.52 +/- 0.19 cm midway between the umbilicus and liver, and 0.6 +/- 0.19 cm at ...
Humber KA, Sweeney RW, Saik JE, Hansen TO, Morris CF.Bacillus piliformis infection (Tyzzer's disease) in foals is rarely observed clinically because of the peracute course of the disease. Clinical and clinicopathologic findings as well as information on therapeutic attempts in two foals are described. Clinicopathologic abnormalities common to both cases included leukopenia, hyperfibrinogenemia, metabolic acidosis, and hypoglycemia. Treatment was unsuccessful in both cases.
Frame SR, Harrington DD, Fessler J, Frame PF.Mechanobullous disease was diagnosed in a male Belgian foal that had sloughed hooves at 30 hours and at 6 and 12 days of age. Histologic and electron microscopic studies disclosed that lesions were the result of separation of the basal epithelial cell layer from the lamina densa of the basement membrane zone along the lamina lucida. Results of immunofluorescence on tissue specimens were negative for immunoglobulin deposition. The breeding history of the foal's dam indicated that the foal was produced from breeding of the mare to its full sibling stallion. This same mare had produced a female f...
Green SL, Specht TE, Dowling SC, Nixon AJ, Wilson JH, Carrick JB.A neonatal foal was examined because of apparent abdominal pain and distention, anemia, and hemoperitoneum. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and a large spherical mass, which had ruptured, was found in the area of the left ovary. Left salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The mass was determined to be a juvenile granulosa cell tumor.
Vaala WE, Clark ES, Orsini JA.Gram-negative neonatal septicemia was diagnosed in a premature Standardbred colt. Clinical signs included lethargy, weakness, loss of suckle reflex, tachypnea, and injected mucous membranes. Sequelae included pneumonia, omphalophlebitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Prepartum maternal uterine infection, premature delivery, abnormal parturition with premature fetal membrane separation, and failure of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins increased the foal's risk for developing sepsis. Treatment included administration of moxalactam disodium and cefadroxil. The clinical efficacy...
Spurlock GH, Robertson JT.Five foals were admitted because of colic that developed within 24 hours after birth. Physical examination revealed swelling from the inguinal region to the cranial aspect of the prepuce. Through the skin overlying the swelling, distended loops of bowel could be palpated. The hernias could be reduced with the foals restrained in dorsal recumbency. Surgical exploration showed the swelling to be an inguinal hernia with small bowel herniation through a rent in the common vaginal tunic. Concurrent rupture of the vaginal tunic should be suspected when a congenital inguinal hernia is associated with...
Bauer C.The prevalence of Eimeria leuckarti infection and the intensity of faecal oocyst output were determined in a herd of 14 mares and their foals in northwest Germany using a sedimentation technique at weekly intervals during a summer grazing season from May to September. None of the mares, but all foals shed oocysts on at least one occasion. The patent periods lasted up to 16 weeks. The mean intensity of oocyst output (0.1-33 o.p.g.) was very low. No clinical signs of gastrointestinal disorder were noticed in any of the foals during this study.
Ellendorff F, Schams D.The neuroendocrine reflex theory of milk ejection was investigated in the horse under natural suckling conditions. To this end 12 lactating mares were provided with acute jugular catheters and with intramammary pressure (IMP) recording catheters. The foal had free access to the contralateral mammary complex. Intramammary pressure could thus be recorded while blood was drawn simultaneously for oxytocin analysis from the undisturbed animal. Suckling periods associated with a characteristic increase in IMP lasted significantly longer than unsuccessful nursing attempts. Elements of successful suck...
Clem MF, DeBowes RM, Douglass JP, Leipold HW, Chalman JA.The effects of radioulnar fixation were studied in 21 Quarter horse foals by applying a bone plate to the caudal aspect of the proximal part of the ulna, with screws engaging both the radius and the ulna. The plates were applied at 1 month of age in six foals (group I), 5 months of age in six foals (group II), and 7 months of age in three foals (group III). Six foals underwent sham operations at 1 month of age to serve as controls (group IV). Ulnar dysplasia and elbow subluxation developed in all treated foals. The magnitude of ulnar dysplasia was inversely related to the patient's age at fixa...
DiPietro JA, Lock TF, Todd KS, Sanecki RK.A controlled test was carried out on 15 pony foals inoculated with 1,500 +/- 108.8 infective Parascaris equorum eggs. The foals were assigned to 3 treatment groups. Treatments given on postinoculation day 11 included 0.2 mg of ivermectin/kg of body weight, formulated as paste (n = 5), or liquid (n = 5), or no treatment (controls; n = 5). The foals were euthanatized on postinoculation day 25, and examined for larvae in the small intestine, lungs, and liver. Larvae were not found in foals treated with ivermectin liquid or paste, whereas significantly (P less than 0.05) higher mean numbers (960.9...
Mäenpää PE, Pirskanen A, Koskinen E.Serum alkaline phosphatase activity and serum concentrations of osteocalcin, free thyroxine, protein, and cholesterol were measured in 14 foals monthly from birth to 1 year of age. A transient decrease (P less than 0.05) in alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin, free thyroxine, and cholesterol concentrations was found in November after transferring the horses from pasture to stables for the winter months. During the 2 subsequent months, serum alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin concentration increased slightly. Protein concentration was highest in late fall and decreased (P l...
Blackburn NK, Swanepoel R.Tests for neutralising (NT) antibodies to the nine serotypes of African horse sickness (AHS) virus on the sera of three groups of horses confirmed that an increasing number of immunisations with vaccine containing attenuated strains of serotypes 1 to 6 of the virus, leads to broader response to the various serotypes and to higher individual titres. Nevertheless some horses failed to respond to one or more serotypes despite receiving numerous immunisations and it was clear that vaccine containing only serotypes 1 to 6 could not be relied upon to induce adequate cross-immunity to serotypes 7 to ...
Johnson GC, Kohn CW, Johnson CW, Garry F, Scott D, Martin S.Ultrastructural examination of a mechanobullous disease of probable hereditary nature in Belgian foals, confirmed light microscopic findings that separation of the dermo-epidermal junction occurred through the lamina lucida of the basement membrane, leaving the intact lamina densa adherent to the dermis and the plasmalemma of the basal epithelial cells intact. The location of the cleft and the presence of small hemidesmosomes in adjacent intact skin are additional characteristics which make this condition similar to junctional epidermolysis bullosa of man.
Bertone JJ, Jones RL, Curtis CR.The accuracy of an immunoglobulin (Ig) G test kit for the semiquantitative measurement of IgG concentration was evaluated with serum from 88 foals. Failure of passive transfer (IgG less than 400 mg/dl) was correctly identified in each of 34 samples, and partial failure of passive transfer (400 less than or equal to IgG less than 800 mg/dl) was correctly identified in each of nine samples. Evidence of adequate passive transfer (IgG greater than or equal to 800 mg/dl) was detected in 44 of 45 samples. One sample with 800 mg/dl or more of IgG was incorrectly classified as a partial failure of pas...
De Auer , Ng JC, Seawright AA.The copper and zinc concentrations in the blood of stabled thoroughbred horses and in Australian Stock Horses mares at pasture, either late pregnant or lactating were determined by an atomic absorption spectroscopic method. The plasma concentration of the trace elements in these apparently normal horses were generally below the "normal" range. The plasma copper, caeruloplasmin copper, whole blood copper and plasma zinc concentrations in the stabled thoroughbreds were 0.76 +/- 0.19 micrograms/ml (n = 82), 0.56 +/- 0.14 micrograms/ml (n = 83), 0.75 +/- 0.18 micrograms/ml (n = 82) and 0.47 +/- 0....
Rubilar L, Cabreira A, Giacaman L.Thirteen thoroughbred foals with an adult infection and a presumed immature infection with Fasciola hepatica were treated with 12 mg triclabendazole/kg bodyweight. The absence of eggs from samples of faeces examined at intervals up to 110 days after treatment showed that all the animals were cured. In a second trial the same dose of triclabendazole cured 11 of 12 foals whereas nitroxynil at 7 mg/kg cured only six of 12 foals. No side effects were observed after treatment.
Martínez-Galisteo A, Diz A, Agüera E, Vivo J.34 Andalusian foals of both sexes were divided into three age-groups (A = mean age 1 month, B = 7 months, C = 14 months). Samples of the right m. gluteus medius were stained for m-ATPase and NADH-TR in order to determine fibre type composition and size as well as the relative area occupied by each type. Results revealed no statistically significant variation in the proportion of type I fibre among the three age-groups. Significant differences were recorded, however, for type II fibres; an increase in the proportion of IIA fibres was accompanied by a decrease in IIB ones, the difference being m...
Bragulla H, Budras KD, Reilly JD.The fetal development of the white line (Zona alba) in the equine hoof is described. Its specific structure of lamellar and interlamellar horn, which in turn is composed of cap and terminal horn, is formed in the second half of the hoof's fetal development. In equine fetuses with a crown-rump length of less than 550 mm, the hoof capsule lacks a 'characteristic' white line since no borders between stratum medium, stratum internum and sole horn are discernible. In the hoof of an equine fetus with a crown-rump length of 550 mm, a narrow white line has taken shape. Its shallow lamellae are arrange...
The study aimed to assess Apgar scores and collect data on clinical, hemato-biochemical, and venous blood gas parameters in seven mules during their first 48 hours of life. Apgar scores, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), body weight (BW), time to achieve sternal recumbency, stand, nurse, and pass meconium were recorded. Blood samples were collected at birth (T0), 6 (T6), 12 (T12), 24 (T24), 48 (T48) hours of life. Data distribution was verified and differences in laboratory parameters over time assessed. One foal had an Apgar score of 6/8, thus excluded from the st...
Trápaga MR, Poester VR, Mousquer MA, de Souza RP, Rafael LA, Bonel J, Melo AM, Reis AG, de Faria RO, Stevens DA, Nogueira CEW, Xavier MO.Aspergillosis is an uncommon disease in horses, but it can be fatal. We report two cases of systemic aspergillosis in foals that occurred in a short period in the same region of southern Brazil. In addition, a literature review of similar cases was also performed. Risk factors were attributed to an immunodepression by primary enterocolitis and corticosteroid treatment, the damage in the epithelium, and multiple antibacterial treatments, which allowed local fungal proliferation, tissue invasion and spread of infection, leading to death. Since the antemortem diagnosis of aspergillosis in foals i...
Kasap S, Babaeski S, Yildirim KN, Orman A, Temizel EM, Kennerman E.Prompt diagnosis of passive transfer failure in the neonatal period is important for early treatment. Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of serum glutaraldehyde coagulation test (GCT) and colostrum BRIX% for failure to transfer passive immunity (FTPI) diagnosis with the results of SNAP foal test and to evaluate the results of serum GCT and colostrum BRIX% measurements in foals with diarrhoea in the 0-1 month period. Methods: In vitro experiments. Methods: Excess serum and colostrum (n: 298) from samples collected from newborn foals and their dams for clinical purposes were used...
Tozaki T, Ohnuma A, Kikuchi M, Ishige T, Kakoi H, Hirota KI, Nagata SI.Individual identification and paternity testing are important for avoiding inbreeding in the management of small populations of wild and domestic animals. In horse racing industries, they are extremely important for identifying and registering individuals and doping control to ensure fair competition. In this study, we constructed an individual identification panel for horses by using insertion and deletion (INDEL) markers. The panel included 39 INDEL markers selected from a whole-genome INDEL database. Genotyping of 89 Thoroughbreds showed polymorphisms with minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of...
Gutiérrez Bautista ÁJ, Söbbeler FJ, Koch R, Viscasillas J, Kästner S.In neonatal equines, pathologies involving umbilical structures are an important cause of morbidity, and surgical removal of urachal remnants is a common procedure in clinical practice. Surgery involving the ventral abdominal wall can cause substantial pain, leading to complications and prolonged recovery. The objectives of this study were to describe a two-point bilateral ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block at the level of the umbilicus and to evaluate the extent of dye distribution in foal cadavers. Ten foal cadavers were included in the study, in which a bilateral two-point ultrasound-gui...
Mouncey R, Arango-Sabogal JC, de Mestre A, Verheyen KKL.Early-life locomotor activity during turn out may alter susceptibility to musculoskeletal disease and injury via modulation of behaviours and tissue development during growth. Objective: Investigate associations between turn out practices and rates of musculoskeletal disease and injury in young Thoroughbreds on stud farms in the United Kingdom. Methods: Prospective cohort. Methods: Daily records were kept on location and duration of turn out for 134 Thoroughbred foals on six stud farms, from birth until leaving the farm or study exit. Data on veterinary-attended episodes of musculoskeletal dis...
Berghaus LJ, Cathcart J, Berghaus RD, Ryan C, Toribio RE, Hart KA.Rhodococcus equi (R. equi), a pneumonia-causing intracellular bacterium, results in significant morbidity and mortality in young foals, while healthy adult horses rarely develop disease. Survival and replication within alveolar macrophages (AMφ) are the hallmarks of R. equi's pathogenicity. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its ligand, the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D, are important in immune responses to intracellular bacteria. The vitamin D/VDR pathway regulates the downstream production of cytokines in infected human AMφ. The immunomodulatory role of the vitamin D/VDR pathway in ...
Michotte M, Raes E, Oosterlinck M.The diagnostic value of plain radiography for diagnosing synovial penetration in limb wounds near synovial structures has not been determined. Objective: To assess diagnostic accuracy of plain radiography to identify synovial penetration in horses with traumatic limb wounds. Methods: Retrospective case study. Methods: Case records of horses presented to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University (2011-2021) with limb wounds near synovial structures were categorised in groups with and without synovial penetration using results of synovial fluid analysis and surgical findings. Plain ...
Turini L, Francesca B, Matilde V, Francesca B, Valentina M, Micaela S.While the passive transfer of immunity in horse and donkey foals has been extensively studied, there is limited information for mule foals. Immunoglobulin type G (IgG) and serum total protein concentration (TP) were assessed at different sampling times to evaluate the correlation between serum radial immunodiffusion (SRID) with electrophoresis, refractometry, and dry chemistry analyzer (Biuret), and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using serum TP in mule foals. We analyzed a total of 30 samples collected at birth, and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of life from 6 mule foals by SRID, electrophores...
Lindinger H, Wehrend A.In horse breeding, birth monitoring is an important factor in minimizing losses during parturition. Although different birth monitoring systems are available for this purpose, the current literature lacks systematic suitability analyses. This study aimed to address this gap in the literature. In order to achieve this, we examined a large number of foaling mares to assess the suitability of a transponder-based birth monitoring system attached to the vulva. Unassigned: Seventy warmblood mares were observed during foaling, and 86 foals were born during the foaling seasons of 2021 and 2022. Video ...
Gustafsson K, Sykes BW, Verwilghen D, Palmers K, Sullivan S, van Galen G.Trimethoprim-sulfonamide (TMPS) combinations are widely used to treat a range of infectious diseases in horses, but some equine practitioners are reluctant to use them for treatment of both neonatal and older foals. Considering the emergence of increased antimicrobial resistance, the use of protected antimicrobials commonly prescribed to foals should be avoided and alternative first-line therapy considered, where appropriate. This review examines the characteristics and pharmacokinetics of TMPS and its suitability for treatment of foals. Data regarding dosage and route of administration are re...
Pires LSA, Abrahão C, Dias de Castro LL, Hammerschmidt J, Antunes J, Molento CFM, Molento MB.Horse welfare assessment (HWA) does not account for individual or herd parasite infection. This study investigated the connection between HWA and individual parasite fecal egg count (FEC) in 90 Thoroughbred horses. All horses were naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites and were evaluated for individual welfare indicators and FEC monthly, for 12 months. Horses were divided into three groups of 30 mares, 30 foals aged between 13 and 16 months (G2013), and 30 foals aged between two months and one year (G2014). A horse welfare protocol was developed and 1024 assessments were carried ou...
Olstad K, Bugge MD, Ytrehus B, Kallerud AS.The neuro-central synchondrosis (NCS) is a physis responsible for the growth of the dorsal third of the vertebral body and neural arches. When the NCS of pigs is tethered to model scoliosis, stenosis also ensues. It is necessary to describe the NCS for future evaluation of its potential role in equine spinal cord compression and ataxia (wobbler syndrome). Objective: To describe the NCS, including when it and other physes closed in computed tomographic (CT) scans of the cervical spine of foals, due to its potential role in vertebral stenosis. Methods: Post-mortem cohort study. Methods: The cerv...
Stahl LT, Müller A, Krohn J, Büttner K, Wehrend A.An adequate supply of trace elements is very important for equine neonates, as deficiencies can lead to health problems and even death. Unassigned: This study investigated serum concentrations of selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in neonatal foals up to the 8th day of life. The influences of disease, age, and failure of passive transfer (FPT) on these concentrations were analyzed. Unassigned: Serum concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn were determined from blood samples of 93 foals by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The foals were divided into 2 groups based on health...
Holmes CM, Babasyan S, Wagner B.The end of gestation, ensuing parturition, and the neonatal period represent highly dynamic phases for immunological changes in both mother and offspring. The regulation of innate immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface during late term pregnancy, after birth, and during microbial colonization of the neonatal gut and other mucosal surfaces, is crucial for controlling inflammation and maintaining homeostasis. Innate immune cells and mucosal epithelial cells express antileukoproteinase (SLPI), which has anti-inflammatory and anti-protease activity that can regulate cellular activation. Unas...
Hisaeda K, Ono T, Kadekaru S, Hata A, Miyama TS, Kutara K, Sugimoto K, Hiasa Y, Ohzawa E, Kunieda T, Iwata E, Kitagawa H.Plasma or serum amino acids are used to evaluate nutritional status and metabolic disorders. In this study, we aimed to set reference values of serum amino acid concentrations in the Noma horse, a Japanese native horse. Thirty-one horses were classified into six age groups: neonatal foal (0-4 days), foal (0.5-1 years), youth (5 years), middle age (10 years), old (15 years), and extra-old (>20 years). Horses >5 years of age were analyzed together as the adult group. In the adult horses, there were no significant differences among the serum amino acid concentrations of each age group. The ...
Cho PW, Park SA, Sledge D, Gruenwald R, Townsend WM.The aim of this report was to provide a clinical description and clinical, ultrasonographic, and histologic images of a foal with microphthalmia and multiple ocular abnormalities. Methods: A 12-h old Friesian-American Paint Horse crossbred filly presented for blindness, microphthalmia and marked ventral strabismus in both eyes. Methods: A complete ophthalmic examination was performed. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and B-mode ultrasonography were performed. The globes were submitted for histopathology. Results: Ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated a hyperechoic cornea void of the typical epithelium...
Stasiak K, Dunowska M, Rola J.Equine rhinitis A (ERAV) and B (ERBV) viruses are respiratory pathogens with worldwide distribution. The current study aimed to determine the frequency of infection of ERAV and ERBV among horses and foals at Polish national studs, and to determine genetic variability within the viruses obtained. Virus-specific quantitative RT-PCR assays targeting a 5' untranslated region were used to screen nasal swabs collected from 621 horses at 16 national horse studs from throughout Poland, including 553 healthy horses and 68 horses with respiratory disease. A partial DNA polymerase gene was amplified and ...
Dwyer J, Roshier AL, Campbell M, Hill B, Freeman SL.Weaning represents one of the most stressful events in the life of a horse, and may have long-term impacts on behaviour. There are a range of approaches used to wean foals from mares, including abrupt and progressive separation methods. There is currently a lack of consensus on how stress and impact are measured. Objective: To conduct a scoping review to identify and chart measures of weaning-related stress on the mare and foal. Methods: Scoping review. Methods: The scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Systematic searches were conducted in three scientif...
Van Cauter R, Caudron I, Lejeune JP, Rousset A, Serteyn D.Osteochondrosis dissecans is a particularly common developmental orthopaedic disorder in equines. Among its causes, the hereditary component is no longer a matter of debate, and, for several decades, the various studbooks for sport horses have been selecting stallions in order to limit the prevalence of this condition in the population. However, to our knowledge, no study has evaluated changes in the prevalence of osteochondrosis dissecans over time through longitudinal monitoring of a population of sport horses. The study presented here is part of a large screening programme for developmental...
Laleye BOFV, Seye M, Chiavaccini L.Limited knowledge exists on recognition and treatment of equine abdominal pain in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed at finding indicators for recognizing abdominal pain, evaluating responses to clinical and behavioral changes, and assessing the impact of timely referral on colic outcomes in a suburban region of Senegal. The final goal was to identify factors that may be leveraged to improve the outcome of horses presented for abdominal pain in Senegal. Unassigned: Retrospective, observational cohort study. Unassigned: Data from 26 foals and 40 adult horses referred for acute a...
The objective of the present study was to characterize the nutritional composition, fatty acid profile, and IgG concentration of the milk produced by Chilean Corralero horse (CCH) mares from breeding farms located in southern Chile. Forty-five milk samples were collected from three of the biggest breeding farms (coded as A, B and C) specialized in breeding and selection of CCH in Chile (15 mares sampled per farm). Farms differed in days in milk (DIM). A negative association between DIM and ash, milk protein, milk solids, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and gross energy (GE) was found, whereas DIM...
Castelain DL, Dufourni A, Pas ML, Bokma J, de Bruijn E, Paulussen E, Lefère L, van Loon G, Pardon B.The care of sick neonatal foals is labor-intensive and costly. Prediction of risk of death upon admission is often difficult but might support decision-making. Objective: To determine diseases and risk factors associated with death in neonatal hospitalized foals. Methods: Two hundred twenty-two hospitalized foals, ≤7 days old. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Clinical and laboratory variables were evaluated for their association with death by means of Cox survival analysis and by classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. Results: Most prevalent diseases were sepsis (43.9%), e...
Jung C, Gentil M, Müller E.The objective of the study was to investigate the age dependent occurrence of different infectious agents in foals with diarrhea. Methods: Fecal samples, which were submitted to a commercial laboratory for a PCR-profile "Foal Diarrhea Pathogens" from 01.01.2021 up to 31.12.2022 (n=144), were examined for Equine Coronavirus (ECoV), , (), toxin-encoding genes , , , and , toxin-encoding genes and , as well as Rotavirus A via PCR. Results: Pathogens could be detected in a high proportion (42.9%) of the samples. Rotavirus A was the most prevalent pathogen in the current study, followed by clos...
Souza LA, Hunka MM, Rezende Júnior SF, Silva CJFLD, Manso HECDCC, Simões J, Coelho CS, Fazio F, Aragona F, Manso Filho HC.The aim of this two-phase study was to evaluate the use of beet pulp concentrate (BPC) in athletic horses. On the first trial the effects of supplementation with 820g of BPC for 12 weeks were assessed and a crossover postprandial curves of blood biomarkers were determined in five adult Arabian mares. Differences were found in T-chol, HDL-chol, TPP and MCHC (p < 0.05). Postprandial curves varied among challenges (p < 0.05) for glucose, insulin, and hematocrit. These results confirmed that BPC supplementation led to changes in blood biomarkers, without inducing major metabolic disruption. Th...
Corbally AF, Fahey AG.Sale prices at auction significantly impact the economic return of sport horse production. This study aimed to determine factors associated with auction sales prices of sport horses at four maturity stages: foals, juveniles, young horses, and older horses. A total of 42,799 sales records from 2003 to 2022 were obtained from two Irish equine auction companies. A univariate regression model was used, and significant variables underwent multivariate analysis. Within each maturity category, factors associated with above-mean-priced horses differed from those associated with below-mean-priced horse...
Helbig H, Berghaus LJ, Venner M, Berghaus R, Hart KA.Adequate vitamin availability is vital for cellular and immune function and for normal growth. Available data on age-related changes in serum concentrations of vitamins in foals are limited. In addition, associations between circulating vitamin concentrations and the development of bronchopneumonia in foals are not described. Objective: (1) To quantify circulating concentrations of vitamins C, D and E from birth to weaning in foals; (2) to determine associations between vitamin concentrations and the development of bronchopneumonia during this period. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Methods...
Akköse M.Foals, that receive poor-quality colostrum, are exposed to a risk of failure of transfer of passive immunity. The Brix refractometer can be used for the estimation of the immunoglobulin (IgG) concentration of mare colostrum, yet there is a scarce literature available on Brix refractometer thresholds for use in the detection of mare colostra with high and low IgG concentrations. Objective: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Brix refractometer in determining mare colostra with IgG concentrations of <50g/L, <60g/L, >80g/L, >100g/L and >125g/L. Methods: Two hundred and seven...
