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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.
Gastrointestinal ultrasonography of normal Standardbred neonates and frequency of asymptomatic intussusceptions. Ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of equine neonates has not been completely described. Objective: To describe (1) sonographic characteristics of the GI segments in normal nonsedated equine neonates, (2) intra- and interobserver variation in wall thickness, and (3) the sonographic appearance of asymptomatic intussusceptions, and (4) to compare age and sonographic findings of foals with and without asymptomatic intussusceptions. Methods: Eighteen healthy Standardbred foals ≤5 days of age. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional blinded study. Gastrointestinal sonogr...
Endogenous concentrations, pharmacokinetics, and selected pharmacodynamic effects of a single dose of exogenous GABA in horses. The anti-anxiety and calming effects following activation of the GABA receptor have been exploited in performance horses by administering products containing GABA. The primary goal of the study reported here was to describe endogenous concentrations of GABA in horses and the pharmacokinetics, selected pharmacodynamic effects, and CSF concentrations following administration of a GABA-containing product. The mean (±SD) endogenous GABA level was 36.4 ± 12.5 ng/mL (n = 147). Sixteen of these horses received a single intravenous and oral dose of GABA (1650 mg). Blood, urine, and cerebrospin...
Comparison of the bacterial community structure within the equine hindgut and faeces using Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis (ARISA). The horse's hindgut bacterial ecosystem has often been studied using faecal samples. However few studies compared both bacterial ecosystems and the validity of using faecal samples may be questionable. Hence, the present study aimed to compare the structure of the equine bacterial community in the hindgut (caecum, right ventral colon) and faeces using a fingerprint technique known as Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis (ARISA). Two DNA extraction methods were also assessed. Intestinal contents and faeces were sampled 3 h after the morning meal on four adult fistulated horses fed mea...
Hospital-based study of dental pathology and faecal particle size distribution in horses with large colon impaction. The aim of the study was to determine if horses with large colon impaction were more severely affected by oral pathology than control cases and to relate faecal particle size distribution to dental pathology in both study groups. A prospective study included 39 horses with large colon impaction and 72 control horses from a hospital-based population. An oral pathology score (OPscore) and periodontal disease index (PDI) were assigned to all horses and faecal samples were collected for estimating faecal particle size and analysis of particle size distribution. Horses with large colon impactions w...
Systemic and anti-nociceptive effects of prolonged lidocaine, ketamine, and butorphanol infusions alone and in combination in healthy horses. Prolonged drug infusions are used to treat horses with severe signs of pain, but can be associated with altered gastrointestinal transit. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of prolonged constant rate infusions (CRI) of lidocaine (L), butorphanol (B), and ketamine (K) alone and in combination on gastrointestinal transit, behavior, and thermal nociceptive threshold in healthy horses. Methods: Eight healthy adult horses were used in a randomized, cross-over, blinded, prospective experimental trial. Interventions were saline, L, K, B, LK, LB, BK, and LBK as an intravenous CRI f...
Prospective survey of veterinary practitioners’ primary assessment of equine colic: clinical features, diagnoses, and treatment of 120 cases of large colon impaction. Large colon impactions are a common cause of colic in the horse. There are no scientific reports on the clinical presentation, diagnostic tests and treatments used in first opinion practice for large colon impaction cases. The aim of this study was to describe the presentation, diagnostic approach and treatment at the primary assessment of horses with large colon impactions. Methods: Data were collected prospectively from veterinary practitioners on the primary assessment of equine colic cases over a 12 month period. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of primary large colon impaction and posi...
Evaluation of plasma muscle enzyme activity as an indicator of lesion characteristics and prognosis in horses undergoing celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal pain. In horses undergoing celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal pain, identification of variables correlating with lesion severity and location, and survival provide veterinarians and owners with information that aids in making informed decisions regarding appropriate treatment. Muscle enzyme activity is often increased in horses undergoing celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal pain and it is not known if muscle enzyme activity increase is specific to lesion type or impacts prognosis for survival. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of pre-operative increase in muscle enzyme ...
Effect of pectin, lecithin, and antacid feed supplements (Egusin®) on gastric ulcer scores, gastric fluid pH and blood gas values in horses. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of two commercial feed supplements, Egusin 250® [E-250] and Egusin SLH® [E-SLH], on gastric ulcer scores, gastric fluid pH, and blood gas values in stall-confined horses undergoing feed-deprivation. Methods: Nine Thoroughbred horses were used in a three-period crossover study. For the three treatment groups, sweet feed was mixed with E-250, E-SLH, or nothing (control group) and fed twice daily. Horses were treated for 21 days, then an additional 7 days while on an alternating feed-deprivation model to induce or worsen ulcers (period o...
Retrospective Comparison of Gastrosplenic Entrapment of the Small Intestine to Other Strangulating Small Intestinal Lesions in Adult Horses. To compare clinical data of horses with entrapment of the small intestine by the gastrosplenic ligament (ESIGL) to clinical data of horses with other strangulating small intestinal lesions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records (January 2001-December 2011) of horses that had exploratory celiotomy for acute abdominal pain associated with strangulating small intestinal lesions were reviewed. Signalment, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic variables, surgical findings and surgical procedures performed, postoperative data and short-term survival were recorded. R...
Anti-inflammatory and Intestinal Barrier-protective Activities of Commensal Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in Thoroughbreds: Role of Probiotics in Diarrhea Prevention in Neonatal Thoroughbreds. We previously isolated the commensal bacteria lactobacilli and bifidobacteria from the Thoroughbred intestine and prepared the horse probiotics LacFi(TM), consisting of Lactobacillus ruminis KK14, L. equi KK 15, L. reuteri KK18, L. johnsonii KK21, and Bifidobacterium boum HU. Here, we found that the five LacFi(TM) constituent strains remarkably suppressed pro-inflammatory interleukin-17 production in mouse splenocytes stimulated with interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-β. The protective effects of the probiotic on impaired intestinal barrier function were evaluated in Caco-2 cells tr...
Effects of staple size, tissue thickness, and precompression time on staple shape in side-to-side jejunocecal anastomosis in specimens obtained from healthy horses at an abattoir. To determine effects of staple size, precompression time, and tissue thickness on staple shape and tissue approximation in side-to-side jejunocecal anastomosis in equine specimens. Methods: Cecum, ileum, and jejunum specimens obtained from 18 healthy horses at an abattoir. Methods: Specimens were allotted into 2 groups. Anastomoses were stapled with 4.8-or 3.8-mm staples. Precompression time was 15 seconds for both groups. Staple lines were cut into proximal, middle, and distal sections. Thickness of intestinal walls was measured with a calibrated tissue micrometer, photographs were obtained, ...
Use of digital abdominal radiography for the diagnosis of enterolithiasis in equids: 238 cases (2008-2011). To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of direct digital abdominal radiography for the diagnosis of enterolithiasis in equids and to assess the effect of the number and anatomic location of enteroliths and gas distention of the gastrointestinal tract on diagnostic sensitivity of the technique. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 238 horses and ponies ≥ 1 year old that underwent digital abdominal radiography with subsequent exploratory celiotomy or postmortem examination. Methods: For each case, 3 reviewers independently evaluated radiographic views. Radiographic images were eva...
Ultrasound of the equine acute abdomen. Abdominal ultrasound is an invaluable aid in the evaluation of the colic patient but can be heavily influenced by patient preparation, individual horse-to-horse variation, availability of ultrasound transducers, technique, experience level of the examiner, and complexity of the abdominal disorder. This article describes ultrasonographic anatomy of the normal equine abdomen and technique for examination of the equine colic patient. Common abnormalities of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and peritoneal cavity are described along with other abnormalities that may be discovered with...
Operative factors associated with short-term outcome in horses with large colon volvulus: 47 cases from 2006 to 2013. There is an important need for objective parameters that accurately predict the outcome of horses with large colon volvulus. Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of a series of histomorphometric parameters on short-term outcome, as well as the impact of colonic resection on horses with large colon volvulus. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Adult horses admitted to the Equine and Farm Animal Veterinary Center at North Carolina State University, Peterson and Smith and Chino Valley Equine Hospitals between 2006 and 2013 that underwent an exploratory coeliotomy, diagnosed with ...
A comparison of three doses of omeprazole in the treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome: A blinded, randomised, dose-response clinical trial. A previous study demonstrated that a dose effect between 1.6 and 4.0 mg/kg bwt of omeprazole per os s.i.d. is present in the treatment of equine gastric ulceration. In the same study, healing of glandular ulceration appeared inferior to healing of squamous ulceration. However, several limitations were recognised in that study and further investigation is warranted. Objective: To further investigate the presence of a dose relationship in the treatment of gastric ulceration under conditions that may favour omeprazole efficacy such as administration prior to exercise and after a brief fast, and...
Effect of N-butylscopolammonium bromide on equine ileal smooth muscle activity in an ex vivo model. N-butylscopolammonium bromide (NBB) is an anticholinergic agent used to treat spasmodic colic in horses. Intestinal smooth muscle spasm also occurs in horses with intraluminal intestinal obstructions, such as ileal impactions. The antispasmodic effects of NBB may be useful in managing ileal impactions, but the effects of NBB on equine ileal smooth muscle are unknown. Objective: To investigate the effects of NBB on spontaneous and induced contraction of the equine ileum in an ex vivo model. Methods: Ex vivo biomechanical study assessing contractile properties in isolate equine ileal smooth musc...
Impact of tetrodotoxin application and lidocaine supplementation on equine jejunal smooth muscle contractility and activity of the enteric nervous system in vitro. By blocking the enteric nervous system (ENS) using tetrodotoxin (TTX), previous studies have documented the contractility-enhancing (CE) effects of lidocaine in equine intestinal smooth muscle (SM) at the level of SM cells and/or interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). The present study examined the impact of ENS deactivation on CE lidocaine effects, and investigated the effects of lidocaine on ENS activity. TTX application did not affect the CE effects of lidocaine, indicating that these were not mediated by TTX-sensitive sodium channels. Application of TTX or ≥100 mg/L lidocaine reduced ENS a...
Efficacy of a pectin-lecithin complex for treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers in horses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercial feed supplement containing pectin-lecithin on squamous mucosa ulceration in horses exposed to an experimental ulceration model. Five mares were treated while five mares were controls for this crossover, blinded study. The mares were fed concentrates and hay and were stabled with a two-hour turn out per day for a period of four weeks. The pectin-lecithin complex was fed for the duration of the study on the treated group. At the end of a four-week period, all mares underwent a seven-day alternating feed deprivation (week 5). ...
Colonic gastrointestinal stromal tumor resulting in recurrent colic and hematochezia in a warmblood gelding. A 14-year-old Trakehner gelding was evaluated for recurrent colic, with episodes occurring over 1 year. Signs were consistent with intermittent ascending colon obstruction and hematochezia. Necropsy examination revealed an ulcerated mass extending into the lumen of the right dorsal ascending colon. Gross and histologic appearance and immunoreactivity to c-kit (CD117), desmin, vimentin, and smooth muscle actin, were consistent with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Tumeur ventrale gastro-intestinale du côlon produisant des coliques et de l’hématochézie et des coliques récurre...
Current treatment of ascending colon volvulus in horses: a survey of ACVS Diplomates. To report the results of a survey of opinions on current treatments and estimated outcomes of ascending colon volvulus in horses. Methods: Web-based survey. Methods: American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Diplomates (n = 151) who perform gastrointestinal surgery in horses. Methods: ACVS Diplomates with credentials in the large animal specialty obtained by examination in 2010 or earlier (n = 410) were solicited by e-mail to complete a web-based survey designed to determine ascending colon volvulus treatment preferences and outcomes. Results: Responses were obtained from 162 ACVS Diploma...
Influence of laxatives on gastric emptying in healthy warmblood horses evaluated with the acetaminophen absorption test. The use of laxatives is crucial in the treatment of horses with caecal or large colon impaction.To reach the large intestinal contents and resolve the impaction, laxatives must leave the stomach and pass through the small intestine.The aim of this study was to prove whether isotonic solutions of saline cathartics do not affect gastric emptying rate in contrast to hypertonic solutions. Six, fasted, healthy, adult Warmblood horses were used in a randomized study design with 1.8% sodium sulfate (1.8% Na2SO4), 4.2% magnesium sulfate (4.2% MgSO4), 25% sodium sulfate (25% Na2SO4), 25% magnesium sulf...
Water intake, faecal output and intestinal motility in horses moved from pasture to a stabled management regime with controlled exercise. A change in management from pasture to stabling is a risk factor for equine colic. Objective: To investigate the effect of a management change from pasture with no controlled exercise to stabling with light exercise on aspects of gastrointestinal function related to large colon impaction. The hypothesis was that drinking water intake, faecal output, faecal water content and large intestinal motility would be altered by a transition from a pastured to a stabled regime. Methods: Within-subject management intervention trial involving changes in feeding and exercise using noninvasive techniques. M...
A comparative study of free oligosaccharides in the milk of domestic animals. The present study was conducted to obtain a comprehensive overview of oligosaccharides present in the milk of a variety of important domestic animals including cows, goats, sheep, pigs, horses and dromedary camels. Using an analytical workflow that included ultra-performance liquid chromatography-hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight MS, detailed oligosaccharide libraries were established. The partial or full characterisation of the neutral/fucosylated, phosphorylated and sialylated structures was facilitated by sequencin...
Effect of grass hay intake on fiber digestion and digesta retention time in the hindgut of horses. Eight Thoroughbred horses were used to examine the effects of grass hay intake on the fiber digestion and the retention time of digesta in the total gastrointestinal tract and the hindgut segments. The horses were randomly assigned to 2 groups and offered 2.0 (high intake [HI]) or 1.3 kg DM/(100 kg BW • d; low intake [LI]) of timothy hay in equal amounts every 3 h for 17 d. The digestibility and total tract mean retention time of digesta (tMRT) in the total gastrointestinal tract were measured from d 11 to d 15. To measure the mean retention time of digesta in each hindgut segment (sMRT), th...
Proteinase-activated receptor 2 expression in the intestinal tract of the horse. Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) 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. Many proteases activate PAR2 during tissue damage, suggesting a role of the inflammatory response receptors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution and expression of PAR2 in the jejunum, the ileum and the pelvic flexure, using samples collected from healthy adult horses after slaughter. Proteinase-activated receptor 2 immunoreactivity (PAR2-IR) wa...
Efficacy of omeprazole powder paste or enteric-coated formulation in healing of gastric ulcers in horses. GastroGard, an omeprazole powder paste formulation, is considered the standard treatment for gastric ulcers in horses and is highly effective. Gastrozol, an enteric-coated omeprazole formulation for horses, has recently become available, but efficacy data are controversial and sparse. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of GastroGard and Gastrozol at labeled doses (4 and 1 mg of omeprazole per kg bwt, respectively, PO q24h) in healing of gastric ulcers. Methods: 40 horses; 9.5 ± 4.6 years; 491 ± 135 kg. Methods: Prospective, randomized, blinded study. Horses with an ulcer score ≥1 (Equi...
Analgesic and gastrointestinal effects of epidural morphine in horses after laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy under general anesthesia. To evaluate the hypothesis that epidural morphine (0.1 mg kg(-1) ) decreases pain in horses after laparoscopic surgery without adversely affecting gastrointestinal (GI) motility. Methods: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: Eighteen horses undergoing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy under general anesthesia. Methods: Horses were randomly assigned to receive either epidural morphine (0.1 mg kg(-1) ) or no epidural before the start of surgery. Pain behaviors were assessed during the first two post-operative days using a numerical rating scale. Barium-filled spheres were administered through a naso...
Characterisation of the faecal bacterial community in adult and elderly horses fed a high fibre, high oil or high starch diet using 454 pyrosequencing. Faecal samples were collected from seventeen animals, each fed three different diets (high fibre, high fibre with a starch rich supplement and high fibre with an oil rich supplement). DNA was extracted and the V1-V2 regions of 16SrDNA were 454-pyrosequenced to investigate the faecal microbiome of the horse. The effect of age was also considered by comparing mature (8 horses aged 5-12) versus elderly horses (9 horses aged 19-28). A reduction in diversity was found in the elderly horse group. Significant differences between diets were found at an OTU level (52 OTUs at corrected Q<0.1). The ma...
