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Topic:Gastrointestinal Health
Gastrointestinal health in horses encompasses the study of the structure, function, and disorders of the equine digestive system. The equine gastrointestinal tract is complex, consisting of the stomach, small intestine, cecum, and large intestine, each playing a specific role in digestion and nutrient absorption. Research in this area often focuses on common disorders such as colic, gastric ulcers, and parasitic infections, which can impact a horse's overall health and performance. Investigations examine factors affecting gastrointestinal health, including diet, management practices, and the microbiome. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the physiology, pathology, and management of gastrointestinal health in horses.
Probiotic Use in Equine Gastrointestinal Disease. Probiotics are commonly used in human and veterinary medicine due to their postulated positive effects on overall and specifically gastrointestinal health. Although some beneficial effects have been shown in several human diseases, a general beneficial effect of probiotics is currently not supported. In horses, well-designed studies to date are few, results are conflicting, and the effects of probiotics are questionable. Adverse effects are rare; however, intestinal adverse effects (diarrhea) have been reported in foals. Quality control of over-the-counter probiotics is not tightly regulated, ...
An update on equine post-operative ileus: Definitions, pathophysiology and management. Post-operative ileus (POI) is a serious condition which any horse undergoing abdominal surgery is at risk of developing, leading to increased hospitalisation time and resulting costs. Advances in the understanding of the development of equine POI are mainly based on human and rodent literature, where manipulation-induced inflammation has been identified as a trigger, with activation of resident muscularis externa macrophages playing a crucial role in the pathophysiology. Despite many pharmacological trials in all species, there is no single completely successful treatment for POI, highlighting...
Interaction between the sequence of feeding of hay and concentrate, and boiling of barley on feed intake, the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and fermentation in the hindgut of Arabian mares. The interaction between the sequence of feeding of hay and concentrate and the hydrothermal processing of barley in alleviating concentrate effects on intake, and hindgut fermentation in horses was tested. Six Arabian mares (4-10 years of age, 410 ± 35 kg body weight) were used to evaluate the effects of feeding sequence (FS) and type of barley (TB) on intake, and faecal volatile fatty acids (VFA), activities of α-amylase (AA: EC 3.2.1.1), carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase: EC 3.2.1.4), microcrystalline cellulase (MCCase: EC 3.2.1.91) and general filter paper degrading activity (FPD). Mare...
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in horses: a retrospective study exploring the value of different diagnostic approaches. Diagnosing IBD in horses is challenging and requires a multimodal approach, since no conclusive diagnostic test is available. The objectives of this study were to provide an overview of population characteristics, results of applied diagnostic tests, treatment modalities and outcome in a large group of horses thought to have IBD and that were presented to four large equine referral hospitals, and to provide an exploratory investigation of possible associations between results of applied diagnostic tests, applied treatment modalities and outcome. A retrospective case series was performed across...
Influence of short-term dietary starch inclusion on the equine cecal microbiome. The objective of this study was to determine bacterial community profiles of the equine cecum in response to abrupt inclusion of varying levels of dietary starch. Seven cecally cannulated Quarter Horse geldings (497 to 580 kg) were used in a crossover design with two 28-d periods and a 28-d washout between each. Horses were randomly assigned to dietary treatments consisting of a commercial concentrate offered as fed at either 0.6 (low starch [LS]) or 1.2% BW (high starch [HS]) daily that was divided into 2 meals at 12-h intervals. Prior to the start of each period, horses were allowed ad libit...
Comparison of commercial RNA extraction kits and qPCR master mixes for studying gene expression in small biopsy tissue samples from the equine gastric epithelium. Gastric tissue biopsy and gene expression analysis are important tools for disease diagnosis and study of the physiology of the equine stomach. However, RNA extraction from gastric biopsy samples is a complex procedure because the samples contain low quantities of RNA and are contaminated with mucous protein and bacterial flora. The objectives of these studies were to compare the performance of RNA extraction methods and to investigate the sensitivity of commercial qPCR master mixes for gene expression analysis of gastric biopsy samples. Three commercial RNA extraction methods (TRIzol, GENEzol...
Is there an application for wireless capsule endoscopy in horses? This pilot study assessed wireless capsule endoscopy in horses. Image transmission was achieved with good image quality. Time to exit the stomach was variable and identified as one limitation, together with gaps in image transmission, capsule tumbling, and inability to accurately locate the capsule. Findings demonstrate usefulness and current limitations. Cette étude pilote a évalué l’endoscopie par capsule chez les chevaux. La transmission d’images a permis d’obtenir une bonne qualité d’image. Le temps jusqu’à la sortie de l’estomac était variable et identifié comme une li...
Effects of controlled hypoxemia or hypovolemia on global and intestinal oxygenation and perfusion in isoflurane anesthetized horses receiving an alpha-2-agonist infusion. Aim of this prospective experimental study was to assess effects of systemic hypoxemia and hypovolemia on global and gastrointestinal oxygenation and perfusion in anesthetized horses. Therefore, we anesthetized twelve systemically healthy warmblood horses using either xylazine or dexmedetomidine for premedication and midazolam and ketamine for induction. Anesthesia was maintained using isoflurane in oxygen with either xylazine or dexmedetomidine and horses were ventilated to normocapnia. During part A arterial oxygen saturation (SaO) was reduced by reducing inspiratory oxygen fraction in steps...
Objective evaluation of the systemic effects of topical application of 1% atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution in healthy horses. OBJECTIVE To determine the safety of topical administration of 1% atropine ophthalmic solution in healthy horses by objectively measuring gastrointestinal transit time. DESIGN Randomized, masked, controlled crossover study. ANIMALS 6 adult geldings. PROCEDURES Horses were randomly assigned (3/group) to first receive topical treatment of the left eye with 1% atropine or artificial tears solution; the right eye was left untreated. After 24 hours of treatment every 6 hours, 200 nontoxic beads were administered to each horse via nasogastric intubation and treatment frequency was decreased to every...
Equine Intestinal Mucosal Pathobiology. The equine intestinal mucosa is intimately involved in maintaining homeostasis both on a systemic level by controlling extracellular fluid movement and at the local level to maintain barrier function. Horses are particularly susceptible to the clinical syndrome of colic, with the most severe cases involving strangulating obstruction that induces ischemia. Because of the mucosal vascular architecture, the mucosal epithelium is particularly susceptible to ischemic injury. The potential for reperfusion injury has been investigated and found to play a minimal role. However, inflammation does affec...
Evaluating the impact of domestication and captivity on the horse gut microbiome. The mammal gut microbiome, which includes host microbes and their respective genes, is now recognized as an essential second genome that provides critical functions to the host. In humans, studies have revealed that lifestyle strongly influences the composition and diversity of the gastrointestinal microbiome. We hypothesized that these trends in humans may be paralleled in mammals subjected to anthropogenic forces such as domestication and captivity, in which diets and natural life histories are often greatly modified. We investigated fecal microbiomes of Przewalski's horse (PH; Equus ferus p...
Proteinase-activated receptor 2 distribution and expression in equine small intestine tracts following herniation through the epiploic foramen. Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor for trypsin and mast cell tryptase; it is highly expressed at the intestinal level with multiple functions, such as epithelial permeability and intestinal motility. The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution and expression of proteinase-activated receptor 2 in the small intestine during herniation through epiploic foramen. In this prospective clinical study, eight horses admitted for colic and which underwent exploratory laparotomy were considered. During surgery, the jejunum or the ileum was sampled by enterectom...
Xylazine infusion in isoflurane-anesthetized and ventilated healthy horses: Effects on cardiovascular parameters and intestinal perfusion. To investigate the effects of a xylazine infusion during isoflurane anesthesia on global perfusion parameters and gastrointestinal oxygenation and microperfusion, 8 adult warmblood horses were sedated with xylazine and anesthesia induced with midazolam and ketamine. Horses were mechanically ventilated during anesthesia. After 3 h of stable isoflurane anesthesia (FIso 1.3 Vol %), a xylazine infusion with 1 mg/kg body weight (BW) per hour was started for 1 h and then stopped. Before, during, and after xylazine infusion, heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), central...
Right dorsal colon ultrasonography in normal adult ponies and miniature horses. The aim of this study was to determine the normal location, wall thickness and motility of the right dorsal colon in adult ponies and miniature horses. The abdominal ultrasonography examination was performed in a study group consisting of 23 ponies and miniature horses and in a control group comprising ten Thoroughbred horses. The procedure was performed in unsedated standing animals. The location and the thickness of the right dorsal colonic wall was examined on the right side of the abdomen between the 10th and the 14th intercostal space. The contractility was recorded in the 12th intercosta...
DESCRIPTION OF GASTRIC ULCERS AND OF THEIR SUSPECTED, ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN DECEASED WILD EQUIDS AT THE RÉSERVE AFRICAINE DE SIGEAN, FRANCE (2010-2016). Gastric ulcers are common in domestic horses and foals, affecting at least 90% of unmedicated racehorses in active training. Despite these high prevalences in domestic horses, literature about this condition in wild equids is almost nonexistent. The presence of gastric ulcers was evaluated at necropsy in six species of wild equids that died at the Réserve Africane de Sigean, a safari park in the south of France from 2010 to 2016. Among the 55 individuals that died during that period, a description of the gastric mucosa was available in 82% (45/55) of cases. Considering the cases for which a d...
First demonstration of equid gammaherpesviruses within the gastric mucosal epithelium of horses. Horses commonly develop gastric mucosal ulcers, similar to humans, a condition known as equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) that can lead to poor performance and lost training time and care expenses. Unlike humans, however, an infectious bacterial cause of ulcers has not been conclusively identified. Herpesviruses, while well-established causative agents of diseases such as cold sores, genital lesions, and certain types of cancer, have also been implicated in the development of a subset of gastric ulcers in humans. The presence of equid herpesviruses in the gastrointestinal tract and their po...
Effect of dexmedetomidine and xylazine followed by MK-467 on gastrointestinal microperfusion in anaesthetized horses. To compare the effects of MK-467 during isoflurane anaesthesia combined with xylazine or dexmedetomidine on global and gastrointestinal perfusion parameters. Methods: Prospective, randomized experimental trial. Methods: A total of 15 warmblood horses. Methods: Horses were divided into two groups for administration of either dexmedetomidine (D) or xylazine (X) for premedication (D: 3.5 μg kg; X: 0.5 mg kg) and as constant rate infusion during isoflurane anaesthesia (D: 7 μg kg hour; X: 1 mg kg hour). During anaesthesia, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), systemic vascular resista...
Increased adrenocortical response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in sport horses with equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD). This study tested the hypothesis that adrenocortical function would be altered in horses with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Twenty-six sport horses competing at national or international levels in eventing (n=15) or endurance (n=11) were subjected to a gastroscopic examination and an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured before (baseline) and after (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150min) IV ACTH injection (1μg/kg bodyweight). Within EGUS, two distinct diseases, equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric diseas...
Surgical removal of a gastric trichophytobezoar in a foal. This report describes a rare case of gastric impaction caused by a trichophytobezoar in a foal. This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosing this condition and reports surgical removal via a gastrotomy after failure of medical treatment. Ablation chirurgicale d’un trichophytobézoar gastrique chez un poulain. Ce rapport décrit un rare cas d’obstruction gastrique causé par un trichophytobézoar chez un poulain. Ce cas souligne la difficulté à diagnostiquer cette affection et fait rapport sur l’ablation chirurgicale lors d’une gastrotomie après l’échec du traitement médical...
Advanced three-dimensional culture of equine intestinal epithelial stem cells. Intestinal epithelial stem cells are critical to epithelial repair following gastrointestinal injury. The culture of intestinal stem cells has quickly become a cornerstone of a vast number of new research endeavours that range from determining tissue viability to testing drug efficacy for humans. This study aims to describe the methods of equine stem cell culture and highlights the future benefits of these techniques for the advancement of equine medicine. Objective: To describe the isolation and culture of small intestinal stem cells into three-dimensional (3D) enteroids in horses without cli...
Effects of dobutamine, dopamine, phenylephrine and noradrenaline on systemic haemodynamics and intestinal perfusion in isoflurane anaesthetised horses. In the horse, effects of cardiovascular-active drugs on local perfusion of the gastrointestinal tract are poorly understood. Objective: To determine the effect of drugs commonly used to support blood pressure, on local intestinal blood flow and tissue oxygenation under isoflurane anaesthesia. Methods: In vivo randomised crossover experiment. Methods: Ten horses were anaesthetised with isoflurane. After 90 min of equilibration three doses (μg/kg bwt/min) of dobutamine (DOB 0.5/1/3), dopamine (DA 1/2/5), noradrenaline (NA 0.1/0.2/0.5) and phenylephrine (PHE 0.5/1/3) were infused for 15 min, in ...
Changes in the Total Fecal Bacterial Population in Individual Horses Maintained on a Restricted Diet Over 6 Weeks. Twelve mature (aged 5-16 years) horses and ponies of mixed breed and type were fed restricted (1.25% BM Dry matter) quantities of one of two fiber based diets formulated to be iso-caloric. Diet 1 comprised of 0.8% body mass (BM) of chaff based complete feed plus 0.45% BM low energy grass hay (the same hay used for both diets). Diet 2 comprised 0.1% BM of a nutrient balancer plus 1.15% BM grass hay. Fecal samples were collected at week 10 and week 16. DNA was extracted and the V1-V2 regions of 16SrDNA were 454-pyrosequenced to investigate the bacterial microbiome of the horse. The two most abun...
A pilot study comparing the effect of orally administered esomeprazole and omeprazole on gastric fluid pH in horses. AIMS To compare the efficacy of an enteric coated esomeprazole paste with an enteric coated omeprazole paste to increase gastric pH after oral administration in horses. METHODS Nine adult Standardbred horses were randomly assigned to three groups, each containing three horses, for a study comprising three phases of 10 days, with an 18-day washout period between each phase. In each phase, three horses received either 0.5 mg/kg esomeprazole, 1 mg/kg omeprazole or a placebo, as an oral paste, once daily for 10 days (Days 0-9). Over the course of study all horses received all three treatments....
Differences in gastrointestinal lesions in different horse types. Clinical impression suggests that some gastrointestinal lesions are more common in certain horse types. The study tested the hypothesis that relative prevalence of acute gastrointestinal lesions differs between equid types. In a retrospective caseâ€"control study, records (2010â€"2015) were reviewed for equids with acute gastrointestinal disease. Signalment, details of gastrointestinal lesions and diagnoses were recorded. Animals were categorised as miniature type, pony, Arabian, light breed or draft type. Exclusion criteria were no recorded breed/size/diagnosis, age less than one year a...
[Anthelmintic resistance in ruminants: development, diagnostics, and procedures]. Anthelmintic resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants, but also in cattle and horses, is now found worldwide. The reason for increasing anthelmintic resistance is, in particular, the extensive use of all the anthelmintic agents available on the market. A non-targeted use leads to the selection of naturally occurring resistance genes within parasite populations. The most practical method for evaluating the efficacy of an anthelmintic is the fecal egg-count reduction test. To reduce the rate of anthelmintic resistance development, the available active substances must be applie...
Comparison of aloe vera and omeprazole in the treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome. Anecdotally, aloe vera is used to treat gastric ulceration, although no studies have yet investigated its efficacy in horses. Objective: To test the hypothesis that aloe vera would be noninferior to omeprazole in the treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome. Methods: Randomised, blinded clinical trial. Methods: Forty horses with grade ≥2 lesions of the squamous and/or glandular mucosa were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Horses received either aloe vera inner leaf gel (17.6 mg/kg bwt) b.i.d. or omeprazole (4 mg/kg bwt) s.i.d. for approximately 28 days, after which a repeat gastrosc...
Comparative selective retention of particle size classes in the gastrointestinal tract of ponies and goats. There is a discrepancy in the literature on potential digesta separation mechanisms in horses, with both a selective retention of fine and of large particles postulated in different publications. To assess the net effect of such mechanisms, we fed ponies on a hay-only diet a pulse dose of whole (unchopped) marked hay together with a solute marker, collected faeces on a regular basis, measured marker concentrations in whole faeces and in their large (2.0-16Â mm), medium (0.5-1.0Â mm) and small (0.063-0.25Â mm) particle fraction, and calculated the corresponding mean retention times (MRTs). For ...
Evaluation of an in vitro system to simulate equine foregut digestion and the influence of acidity on protein and fructan degradation in the horse’s stomach. The aim of this study was to improve an in vitro system in order to gather optimized information on the digestion of different forages in the horse's upper gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, foregut digestion of several forages was simulated in vitro (Part 1). The effect of different pH values on in vitro fructan degradation of two selected grasses (Part 2) was tested subsequently. Part 1: We hypothesized that our system produces representative results simulating digestive processes in the upper alimentary tract, but neglects microbial fermentation. In vitro digestion of six forages (grass ...
Reduction of Thoroughbred racing fatalities at New York Racing Association racetracks using a multi-disciplinary mortality review process. Between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015, findings of a New York State Gaming Commission-Cornell University postmortem examination program were utilized in a multi-disciplinary mortality review process to review 129 racing fatalities at Thoroughbred racetracks operated by the New York Racing Association (NYRA). Musculoskeletal fractures comprised 79% of the fatalities; cardiopulmonary conditions accounted for 12% of the fatalities. Other causes of death included gastrointestinal (3%), respiratory (5%), and central nervous system (2%) conditions. Fetlock failure represented 50% of the musc...
