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Topic:Geldings
"Geldings" refers to castrated male horses, while intact males are called stallions. The process of gelding involves the surgical removal of the testicles, which is performed to manage behavior and facilitate handling. Geldings often exhibit more predictable and manageable temperaments compared to stallions, which can be beneficial in various equestrian disciplines and settings. This topic encompasses studies and articles that explore the physiological and behavioral differences between geldings and intact male horses, including aspects of growth, performance, and social interactions. Research in this area provides insights into the impact of castration on equine health and behavior, contributing to informed management practices in equine care and training.
Comparison of in vitro digestibility estimates using the DaisyII incubator with in vivo digestibility estimates in horses. The objective of this study was to determine if in vitro methodologies developed for the Ankom Daisy(II) incubator could produce accurate estimates of in vivo equine DM digestibility (DMD) and NDF digestibility (NDFD) when equine feces were used as the inoculum source. Four mature geldings were utilized in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments (timothy hay, alfalfa hay, timothy hay plus oats, and alfalfa hay plus oats), in which the geldings were individually housed and fed. During each 5-d total fecal collection period, feces were co...
Effects of diet and weight gain on circulating tumour necrosis factor-α concentrations in Thoroughbred geldings. Low-grade inflammation precedes the development of obesity-related metabolic disorders in humans, but whether the same is true in the horse is not known. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of weight gain and diet on the inflammatory state of horses as determined by serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF), an inflammatory cytokine. Fifteen mature Thoroughbred geldings with an initial body weight (BW) of 519±12 kg and body condition score (BCS) of 4.3±0.1 were fed a diet of hay plus a concentrate that was either high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) (i....
Surgical extraction of an intraocular infection of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in a horse. A 4-year-old Hanoverian gelding was evaluated because of a mobile worm-like structure in the right eye. Results: Ophthalmologic examination of the right eye revealed a white, thin, coiled, mobile parasite, which was presumed to be a nematode, located in the ventral portion of the anterior chamber of the eye; there also were vitreal strands located temporally and inferiorly near the margin of the pupil. Results of ophthalmologic examination of the left eye were unremarkable. Results: The horse was treated with a neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone ophthalmic solution applied topically (1 drop, q...
Use of a modified Vinsot technique for partial phallectomy in 11 standing horses. 6 geldings and 5 stallions were evaluated from January 2007 through April 2009 for the following conditions requiring phallectomy: chronic paraphimosis (n = 7), squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (3), and priapism (1). Results: None of the 7 horses with paraphimosis was able to retract the penis. Chronicity of the paraphimosis in 6 horses ranged from 2 weeks to 2 months and was unknown in the seventh horse. Horses with paraphimosis had been medically treated without success. The horse with priapism had developed the condition secondary to acepromazine administration 2 days prior to referral ...
The use of CT and CT arthrography in diagnosing equine stifle injury in a Rheinlander gelding. A 5-year-old Rheinlander gelding was evaluated for left hindlimb stifle lameness. The lameness was localised to the stifle, but source of the lameness was not specifically diagnosed from the physical, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. Computed tomography (CT) and CT arthrography were therefore used for further investigation since these imaging techniques image bony structures, cartilage and soft tissues. This examination showed multiple lesions in the stifle: an osteochondrosis dissecans like lesion of the medial femoral condyle, bony fragments, cartilage trauma and caudal crucia...
Hyperleptinemia in mares and geldings: assessment of insulin sensitivity from glucose responses to insulin injection. Four experiments were conducted 1) to assess the use of glucose responses to insulin injections as a means of estimating insulin sensitivity in horses and 2) to compare the insulin sensitivities of normal horses vs. those displaying hyperleptinemia (HL). In Exp. 1, HL mares and geldings (n = 4 each) and 4 mares and geldings with normal leptin concentrations (NL) were injected intravenously with 20 and 100 mU/kg of BW of bovine insulin on 2 separate occasions in December 2008. In Exp. 2, the experimental protocol was repeated in late April 2009. In Exp. 1, the 20 mU/kg of BW dose of insulin cau...
Osteomyelitis and osteonecrosis after intraosseous perfusion with gentamicin. To describe and discuss previously unreported complications associated with intraosseous perfusion with gentamicin in horses. Methods: Case report. Methods: Ten-year-old Warmblood gelding. Methods: Intraosseous perfusion with gentamicin into the proximal phalanx (P1) was used as part of the treatment regimen for distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa synovial sepsis. Although the sepsis responded favorably complications developed at the perfusion site, including persistent osteomyelitis, progressive osteonecrosis, and ultimately pathologic fracture of P1. Results: The progression of ...
Effects of exercise training on adiposity, insulin sensitivity, and plasma hormone and lipid concentrations in overweight or obese, insulin-resistant horses. To determine effects of exercise training without dietary restriction on adiposity, basal hormone and lipid concentrations and glucose and insulin dynamics in overweight or obese, insulin-resistant horses. Methods: 12 overweight or obese (body condition score > or = 7), insulin-resistant (insulin sensitivity < or = 1.2 x 10(-4) L/min/mU) geldings. Methods: 4 horses remained sedentary, and 8 horses were exercised for 4 weeks at low intensity and 4 weeks at higher intensity, followed by 2 weeks of detraining. Prior to and after each training period, frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance ...
Effect of diet on plasma tryptophan and serotonin in trained mares and geldings. Concentrations of tryptophan (TRP) and serotonin (5-HT) in plasma were measured in 36 moderately trained Dutch warmblood horses after eight weeks on a high fibre (n=18) or high starch (n=18) diet. Samples were taken three hours after feeding, when the horse was at rest, either at 11.00 or 14.00 hours. Plasma 5-HT and pH were significantly higher in horses fed a high fibre diet than those fed a high starch diet (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), and significantly higher levels of TRP were found in mares than geldings (P<0.05). Plasma 5-HT may therefore be a good marker of serotonergic ...
Squamous cell carcinoma and suspect peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a 10-year-old Paint horse. A round mass 4 cm in diameter was present on the proximal rostro-lateral border of the right pinna of a 10-year-old, gelded, Paint horse. A preliminary histopathological diagnosis of a potential squamous cell carcinoma and peripheral nerve sheath tumor was made, and the lesion was resected at the base of the lateral edge of the ear. Une masse ronde de 4 cm de diamètre était présente sur le bord rostrolatéral proximal du pavillon de l’oreille droite d’un Paint horse castré âgé de 10 ans. Un diagnostic histopathologique préliminaire d’un carcinome squameux et d’une tumeur de la ...
Hyperleptinemia in horses: responses to administration of a small dose of lipopolysaccharide endotoxin in mares and geldings. Mares and geldings in good body condition selected for hyperleptinemia vs. normal leptin concentrations were studied to determine whether the hyperleptinemic condition affected various characteristics of the hematologic and hormonal systems after a challenge with lipopolysaccharide endotoxin. Four mares and 4 geldings that were determined to be hyperleptinemic (mean plasma leptin concentrations of 10.0 to 15.5 ng/mL) and 4 mares and 4 geldings with mean plasma leptin concentrations between 2.4 and 5.5 ng/mL were administered Escherichia coli O55:B5 endotoxin (35 ng/kg of BW in 500 mL of saline...
Impact of feeding level on digestibility of a haylage-only diet in Icelandic horses. Eight mature Icelandic geldings were used in an experiment arranged as a change-over design to evaluate the effect of feeding level on the digestibility of a high-energy haylage-only diet. The horses were fed a low feeding level 10.7 g dry matter (DM)/kg body weight (BW) (maintenance) and a high feeding level 18.1 g DM/kg BW (1.5 × maintenance) during two 23 days experimental periods. Total collection of faeces was performed for 6 days at the end of each period to determine the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD). The CTTAD for DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre...
Effect of triheptanoin on muscle metabolism during submaximal exercise in horses. To compare effects of corn oil or a 7-carbon fat (triheptanoin) on acylcarnitine, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism in plasma or muscle of exercising horses. Methods: 8 Thoroughbred geldings. Methods: Horses received isocaloric diets containing 650 mL of oil (triheptanoin or corn oil)/d for 18 or 25 days in a crossover design with a 26-day washout period. On day 17 or 24 of each feeding period, the respective oil (217 mL) was nasogastrically administered; 120 minutes later, horses performed a 90-minute submaximal exercise test (SET). Blood and muscle samples were obtained before oil administr...
A retrospective analysis of renal carcinoma in the horse. Renal carcinoma is a rare tumor of horses. Objective: Presenting complaints and clinical signs of this disease are vague and early diagnosis increases survival time. Methods: Data were collected from the medical records of 4 horses presented to Washington State University as well as the 23 previously published case reports of horses with renal carcinoma. Methods: Retrospective study. Results: Renal carcinoma affects horses of all ages with most cases observed in geldings and Thoroughbreds. The most common presenting complaints are nonspecific and usually do not occur until late in the course o...
[Surgical treatment of canker involving all hoofs in a warmblood gelding]. The following case report describes the treatment of canker in a 14 years old warmblood gelding. The horse showed the typical appearance with caseous surface and early detachment of the superficial horn layers. The histological results show a severe degradation in the germinal layer of the epidermis of the frog. Surgical therapy under general anaesthesia was performed. On all limbs a tourniquet was applied and all abnormal tissue in the region of the frog and also the subdermal tissue underneath were removed. Postoperatively the horse was treated with hoof bandages for 2 weeks. Treatment plate...
Pleomorphic corneal sarcoma resembling malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a horse. A 14-year-old Haflinger gelding presented with a protruding mass involving the cornea of the right eye. The mass was resected and submitted for histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination. The preliminary diagnosis was corneal sarcoma, most likely fibrosarcoma. The immunohistochemical results confirmed the mesenchymal origin of the neoplastic cells, which were most consistent with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Corneal mesenchymal neoplasms are extremely uncommon tumors in human beings and domestic animals. The cause for this tumor was not determined; infection with bovine ...
Gonadotrophin subunit and GnRH receptor gene expression in the pars distalis of the equine pituitary. In the horse, pronounced changes in fertility occur annually in response to photoperiod. However, the mechanisms regulating gonadotrophin synthesis and release in this species remain unclear. Here, we investigated the expression of gonadotrophin subunits and GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) mRNA in the pituitary glands of Thoroughbred horses during the breeding (BS) and non-breeding (NBS) season. Seasonal effects on the prevalence of gonadotrophs in the pars distalis were also examined. GnRH-R and common alpha-, LHbeta- and FSHbeta-subunit mRNA contents were determined by Northern analysis and the preva...
[Aorto-iliac thrombosis in a gelding: treatment with the anticoagulant Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar)]. A 14-year old Swiss warmblood gelding was presented to the equine hospital of the University of Zurich because of therapy-resistant fever. An intermittent lameness suggested the presence of an intravascular aorto-iliac thrombus which was confirmed sonographically. Subsequently, treatment was initiated with Heparin s.c. and continued for 7 months with Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar). The dosage was monitored and adjusted according to the prothrombin time, which was initially measured every week, and later maximally biweekly. The lameness improved and the regression of the thrombus could be followed s...
Successful treatment of head shaking by use of infrared diode laser deflation and coagulation of corpora nigra cysts and behavioral modification in a horse. A 15-year-old Saddlebred gelding used for competitive pleasure driving had a 1-year history of head shaking while pulling a cart. Results: The horse had cystic corpora nigra in both eyes and concomitant classic and operant conditioned responses to wearing a bridle with bilateral eye covers (blinkers). Results: Deflation and coagulation of the cysts with an infrared diode laser and behavior modification consisting of desensitization and counter-conditioning were used to successfully restore performance. Conclusions: Behavioral changes in horses can result from a combination of physical and psyc...
Plasma acylcarnitine and fatty acid profiles during exercise and training in Standardbreds. To evaluate alterations in skeletal muscle carnitine metabolism during exercise and training by measuring changes in plasma acylcarnitine concentrations in Standardbreds. Methods: 10 Standardbred geldings with a mean +/- SD age of 20 +/- 2 months and weight of 384 +/- 42 kg. Methods: In a 32-week longitudinal study, training on a treadmill was divided into 4 phases as follows: phase 1, acclimatization for 4 weeks; phase 2, 18 weeks with alternating endurance and high-intensity exercise training; phase 3, increased training volume and intensity for another 6 weeks; and phase 4, deconditioning f...
Behavioural and physiological effects of virginiamycin in the diets of horses with stereotypies. The effects of dietary supplements of virginiamycin on the behaviour and physiology of 17 thoroughbred geldings (five cribbers, six weavers and six control horses) were compared with the effects of a placebo over a period of 16 weeks. Virginiamycin had no effect on the horses' stereotypic behaviour, but it reduced their explorative behaviour, possibly owing to a reduction in feeding motivation. Virginiamycin increased the water intake of the cribbers and decreased the water intake of the control horses, but it was not possible to eliminate possible confounding factors for this effect. Virginia...
Effect of a single dose of dexamethasone on glucose homeostasis in healthy horses by using the combined intravenous glucose and insulin test. Sustained dexamethasone administration to horses results in insulin resistance, which may predispose them to laminitis. A single dose of dexamethasone is commonly used as a diagnostic aid, yet the effect of a single dose of dexamethasone on glucose homeostasis in horses is not well defined. The objective of this study was to characterize the change in glucose dynamics over time in response to a single dose of dexamethasone. A combined glucose-insulin tolerance test (CGIT) was performed on 6 adult geldings before and at 2, 24, and 72 h postdexamethasone (40 microg/kg of BW, i.v.); a minimum of ...
Penile and preputial tumours in the horse: a retrospective study of 114 affected horses. Preputial and penile tumours are more common in horses than in other domestic animals, but no large surveys of male horses with tumours of the external genitalia are available. Objective: To present a retrospective analysis of male horses with neoplasms of the external genitalia. Methods: The penile and preputial tumours of 114 horses were evaluated. Data recorded included age, gelding or stallion and breed; type and site of lesion; involvement of regional lymph nodes; histopathology (including grading of squamous cell carcinoma); and results of radiographic examination of the thorax. Results:...
Practical review of self-mutilation in horses. Self-mutilation in horses includes biting, stomping and kicking, rubbing, and lunging into objects. Based on the author's clinical experience, three distinct types of self-mutilation are proposed and described. Type I represents normal behavioral response to continuous or intermittent physical discomfort. Type II, seen in stallions and geldings, can be recognized as self-directed intermale aggression. The behavior includes the elements and order of the natural interactive sequence typical of encounters between two stallions, except that the stallion himself is the target of his intermale behav...
Obstructive urolithiasis, unilateral hydronephrosis, and probable nephrolithiasis in a 12-year-old Clydesdale gelding. A 12-year-old Clydesdale gelding was presented for colic and dysuria. Obstructive urolithiasis and chronic renal disease were diagnosed via transurethral endoscopy and percutaneous ultrasonography. Nephroliths, hydronephrosis, and peri-ureteral fibrosis were present. Surgical intervention was declined and the gelding was managed medically with antibiotics and dietary modification. Urolithiase obstructive, hydronéphrose unilatérale et lithiase rénale probable chez un Clydesdale hongre âgé de 12 ans. Un Clydesdale hongre âgé de 12 ans a été présenté pour colique et dysurie. Une urolit...
Surgical management of a progressive iris melanocytoma in a Mustang. A 7-year-old gray Mustang gelding weighing 454 kg was presented for evaluation of a brown mass within the left eye (OS) of 1 year's duration with recent enlargement. Results: A nonpainful, 8 mm diameter, brown, vascularized mass was identified in the anterior chamber of the OS. Ocular B-scan ultrasound confirmed iris involvement and corneal endothelial contact. Histopathology confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of a uveal melanocytic neoplasm, and revealed 1-3 mitotic figures per high power (400x) field. Results: The mass was removed via sector iridectomy without complications, but without com...
Intracorporeal suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings in foals and horses. To report a technique for repair or prevention of inguinal hernia in horses using intracorporeal suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings. Methods: Case series. Methods: Foals (n=6) and geldings (n=2). Methods: After selection of a peri-umbilical telescope portal, instrument portals were made unilaterally or bilaterally, as needed. Herniated viscera was reduced, castration (foals) or spermatic cord remnant transection at the internal inguinal ring (adults) performed, and then simple interrupted intracorporeal sutures of synthetic absorbable suture material were used to close t...
Unusual observations during steroid analysis. In September 2005, our laboratory detected the presence of 4-androstene-3,17-dione and androsterone in a standard steroid screen of a post-race gelding urine sample received from an overseas authority. All other urine samples from the same batch tested negative. Subsequent gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) confirmatory analyses, however, repeatedly failed to detect any amount of 4-androstene-3,17-dione and androsterone in the suspicious sample. On the other hand, identical results were obtained when the initial GC/MS screening method was repeated on the suspicious sample as well as ...
