Topic:Geriatric Horses
Geriatric horses are older equines that typically exhibit age-related physiological changes impacting their health and management. As horses age, they may experience alterations in metabolism, immune function, and musculoskeletal integrity. These changes can increase their susceptibility to diseases and necessitate specialized care. Research on geriatric horses often focuses on understanding the aging process, identifying common health issues such as osteoarthritis and dental problems, and developing management strategies to enhance their quality of life. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the physiological changes, health challenges, and management practices associated with aging in horses.
Amino acid supplementation improves muscle mass in aged and young horses. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of supplementary AA on the ability to support muscle mass in aging horses. Sixteen horses of light horse type were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two age groups [ or = 20 yr (average = 22.4 +/- 0.87 yr)] and two diet groups [no supplementation (N) or supplementary lysine and threonine (S; 20.0 and 15 g/d, respectively)]. Horses were fed the diets for 14 wk and received regular light exercise throughout the study. Body weight, BCS, and venous blood samples were taken every 2 wk. Plasma was analyzed for total protein...
Mechanical horseback riding improves insulin sensitivity in elder diabetic patients. The present study was undertaken to analyze the acute and chronic effects of exercise on insulin sensitivity in elder diabetic patients using a horseback riding therapeutic equipment (Joba). The acute effects of exercise were examined by means of a single session of Joba riding that lasted for 30 min. The average glucose infusion rates (GIR) before and during exercise were regarded as an index of the insulin action in peripheral tissues by the euglycemic clamp. The chronic effects of exercise were studied by training the elder diabetic patients for 12 weeks using the Joba apparatus. The insuli...
Splenic haemangiosarcoma with metastasis to the cervical musculature in an aged pony. An aged pony gelding presented with sudden onset of neck pain, depression and ataxia and weakness of the hindlegs, together with longer-term weight loss. Diagnostic procedures failed to isolate the cause of these signs and, despite symptomatic treatment, the animal's condition deteriorated until it required euthanasia. Unassigned: Post mortem examination revealed the presence of multiple splenic and hepatic haemangiosarcomata, with metastases to the lung and dorsal cervical muscles overlying C1 and C2 vertebrae. No lesions were present in the spinal cord, spinal column or brain. Conclusions: T...
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction: equine Cushing’s disease. PPID in older equids has become a major health concern of horse owners. In response, equine practitioners have made greater efforts at understanding, diagnosing, and treating this disorder. Although PPID is recognized to be a different form of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism than is seen in canine or human patients, relatively little is known about the pathophysiology and natural progression of the disease. At present, the diagnosis is best supported by manifestation of characteristic clinical signs and endocrinologic test results, preferably a supportive DST result. Treatment must fo...
Non-functional C-cell adenoma in aged horses. Thyroid tumours occur in older horses, and most such tumours have been considered to be of follicular epithelial origin. However, their immunohistochemical characterization has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to confirm a suspicion that most of these tumours are in fact parafollicular cell (C cell)-derived adenomas, and to evaluate their pathogenesis and functional state. Thyroid glands from 38 horses aged 10-29 years were evaluated, all tissue samples being examined histologically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. Nodular tumour masses were found in the thyroi...
Myosin heavy chain profiles and body composition are different in old versus young Standardbred mares. There are limited data on age-related changes in body composition or skeletal muscle in the horse. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate any differences in muscle myosin heavy chain (MHC) and body composition associated with aging. Twenty-three young (4-8 years) and eight old (20+ years) unfit Standardbred mares were evaluated. Rump fat thickness was measured using B-mode ultrasound and per cent body fat (% fat) was calculated. Needle muscle biopsies were obtained from right gluteus medius muscle. MHC composition was determined via sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel e...
Ophthalmic lesions in 83 geriatric horses and ponies. Ophthalmic lesions were detected in 67 of 83 horses and ponies aged 15 years or more. Degeneration of the vitreous, followed by senile retinopathy, were the most common lesions and both of them became more common with advancing age, although few of the owners reported disturbances of vision in their animals.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of geriatric horses: 467 cases (1989-1999). To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of a population of geriatric horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 467 horses that were > or = 20 years of age. Methods: Medical records of 539 geriatric horses that were evaluated at a university large animal hospital between 1989 and 1999 were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, reason for evaluation, specific diagnoses, surgical procedures, inpatient or outpatient care, duration of hospitalization, and outcome. Results: 467 horses met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Horses that were > or = 20 years of age c...
Assessment of clinical characteristics, management practices, and activities of geriatric horses. To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, management practices, and owner perception of a population of geriatric horses, and to compare these data with findings in a group of younger horses. Methods: Original study. Methods: 218 horses. Methods: Data were collected via a survey tool from owners of 165 horses that were > or = 20 years of age and 53 horses that were < 20 years of age. Results: Compared with young horses, the geriatric group included a significantly greater number of ponies; geriatric horses were also more likely to have a history of colic, dental disease, ...
Influence of age of horse on results of quantitative electromyographic needle examination of skeletal muscles in Dutch Warmblood horses. To determine the influence of age on results of quantitative analysis of electromyographic (EMG) needle examination in the subclavian, triceps, and lateral vastus muscles of Dutch Warmblood horses. Methods: 7 healthy young Dutch Warmblood horses (range, 13 to 18 months old), 7 healthy adult Dutch Warmblood horses (range, 4 to 10 years old), and 7 healthy elderly Dutch Warmblood horses (range, 18 to 21 years old). Methods: An EMG needle examination was performed to evaluate insertional activity, spontaneous activity, and motor unit action potential (MUAP) variables. Although all horses were con...
Exercise physiology of the older horse. Surveys indicate that up to 15% of the equine population in the United States is older than 20 years of age, with many of these animals performing various athletic activities well into their 20s. As is the case with their human counterparts, these geriatric equine athletes have the ability to continue to perform in athletic events. Unfortunately, many horse owners continue to train their active older animals using exercise training protocols that, although appropriate for a younger animal, may not be appropriate for the older equine athlete. Studies in aged human beings have led to a fine-tuni...
Ophthalmic findings in the geriatric horse. Ophthalmic conditions of the older horse are becoming increasingly common as geriatric care advances. The close relation between the eye and other structures of the head exposes the globe to direct expansion of clinical disease and raises management issues. Integrating an ophthalmic and fundic examination into the annual evaluation should reward the investment, permit enhanced patient care, and potentially provide early identification of systemic conditions. Surgical and medical management of neoplastic conditions is most successful with early identification and therapy. It is hoped that this ...
Laminitis in the geriatric horse. There are few diseases that instill a comparable sense of doom in the mind of a treating veterinarian as laminitis. There is a feeling of cautious optimism when a horse with laminitis responds favorably to treatment. Although this optimism all too often proves false when treating laminitic patients, management of the patient afflicted with chronic laminitis can be rewarding. Through diligent and careful client communication and instruction, many geriatric patients with chronic laminitis can be maintained for years as comfortable companions, for light riding use, or as productive breeding anima...
Equine Cushing’s disease. Equine Cushing's disease (ECD) is a chronic progressive disease of the intermediate pituitary gland of older horses. Horses with Cushing's disease often have other health problems, such as laminitis, chronic infections, pseudolactation, and other issues. Diagnosis of ECD is usually based on clinical signs and endocrine tests. Medical management of affected horses is usually a long-term or lifelong commitment. The goal of this article is to review the pathophysiology of ECD, outline diagnostic tests, and present treatment options.
Diagnostic workup for weight loss in the geriatric horse. In the absence of debilitating medical problems, the geriatric horse can maintain a normal body condition when provided with an appropriate diet, adequate shelter, and preventive health care that includes regular dental care and deworming. Failures in management can lead to inadequate nutritional support, exposure to adverse environmental conditions, advanced dental disease, parasitism, and failure to detect developing medical problems. All these circumstances can lead to loss of condition and debilitation in the aged horse. Weight loss in the aged horse should be approached with an understand...
Demographics of health and disease in the geriatric horse. Owners of older horses have generally owned them for a long time. They have developed a bond that is similar to that seen with companion animals. Their desire to have their animal(s) age gracefully with comfort and mobility has stirred research in the field of equine geriatric medicine. Equine geriatric medicine is to the first decade of the twenty-first century as neonatal medicine was to the 1980s. Hopefully, the demographics discussed in this article highlight area where research can be most helpful.
Nutrition and feeding of the geriatric horse. Little is known regarding nutrient requirements and feeding of geriatric horses, and more effort should be placed on this area of equine nutrition research. That which is known suggests that some geriatric horses may not have different requirements than other mature horses, whereas others affected by disease or poor dentition may have special nutritional needs. In general, rations for geriatric horses should be based on high-quality roughage supplemented with complementary minerals and vitamins. The need for additional energy aside from that provided by the forage can be supplied by adding ene...
Use of complementary veterinary medicine in the geriatric horse. The use of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine continues to grow within the veterinary community. As more clients seek out complementary and alternative medicine for their own health care, they begin to seek out these forms of therapy for their animals. For the equine practitioner, this includes those clients with geriatric animals. It is hoped that this article provides some insight into what conditions may be helped with CVM (complementary veterinary medicine) and when an equine practitioner may want to consider CVM as a form of therapy for the geriatric horse.
Dental care in the older horse. Dental care in any horse need not be looked at as the difficult challenge it used to be before the days of sedation and tungsten carbide and diamond cutting wheels. Horses are living longer and more comfortable lives thanks, in part, to the advancements of dental care and special dietary rations. With the evolution of the horse's place in family circles today, people want the best care possible for their animals. Dentistry has become an important part of that care.
Reproductive considerations: mare and stallion. Functional alterations within the reproductive system and in other supporting systems may limit the reproductive capacity of geriatric patients; however, the age of onset and degree of compromise show wide individual variation. Aging of the hypothalamopituitary-ovarian axis in the mare manifests as delayed entry to the breeding season, prolonged follicular phases, reduced response to ovulation induction, irregular cycles, oocyte defects, increased early embryonic death, and, eventually, persistent anestrus. Aging of the reproductive tract may increase her susceptibility to endometritis, compro...
The effect of aging on immune responses. Although vaccine manufacturers make no specific recommendations regarding the vaccination of older horses and ponies, the similarities in age-induced immunologic changes between human beings and equids suggests that similar vaccination recommendations should be followed. The need for vaccination of the older horse depends, of course, on the relative risk of exposure for the individual horse. Particular care should be taken when using attenuated vaccine products because these live agents may pose a unique risk to the older individual. Immunization with inactivated agent vaccines is likely to be...
Cardiac disease in the geriatric horse. Almost all equine cardiac diseases may affect the geriatric horse. This article focuses on those cardiac diseases that are most common in the older horse, including degenerative valve disease, aortocardiac fistula, and congestive heart failure. Other cardiac diseases, such as bacterial endocarditis, pericarditis, and arrhythmias, are seen in all age groups of horses and are beyond the scope of this article.
The effect of aging on T cell responses in the horse. Horses greater than 20 years of age exhibit alterations in their immune responses similar to those observed in other aged individuals. The purpose of this study was to characterize immunosenescence in a population of aged ponies. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from aged ponies exhibited a decreased proliferative response to various mitogens that was not overcome by the addition of interleukin 2 (IL-2) to the cultures. No difference in overall expression of the IL-2 receptor was seen between young and aged ponies, though CD8(+) cells from aged ponies exhibited increased levels of...
Disseminated metastatic intramedullary melanoma in an aged grey horse. A 12-year-old grey Warmblood stallion presented with fever of unknown origin, and anaemia. Five days later it had developed ataxia and become recumbent, and was humanely killed. At necropsy, malignant melanomas were identified in the perineal subcutis, spleen, and thoracic vertebral canal (T10-11). Populations of malignant melanoma cells were scattered throughout medullary cavities of the axial and appendicular skeleton, and were identified grossly as irregular areas of black to grey discoloration. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of disseminated intramedullary melanoma in a...
Age-related quantitative alterations in lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulin isotypes in healthy horses. To characterize age-associated changes in lymphocyte population subsets and immunoglobulin isotypes. Methods: 30 healthy young light-breed horses (5 to 12 years old) and 30 healthy aged light-breed horses (> 20 years old). Methods: Lymphocyte subset populations were identified, using monoclonal antibodies to cell surface markers CD5, CD4, CD8, and IgG. Subset populations were quantitated by use of flow cytometric analysis of antibody-stained cells. Serum immunoglobulin concentration was determined using single radial immunodiffusion. Results: Absolute cell counts of total lymphocytes, T cells,...
Age distributions of horses with strangulation of the small intestine by a lipoma or in the epiploic foramen: 46 cases (1994-2000). To test the hypothesis that strangulation of the small intestine by a lipoma or in the epiploic foramen is more common in older horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 46 horses. Methods: Ages of horses with strangulation of the small intestine by a lipoma (n = 29) or in the epiploic foramen (17) were compared with ages of 79 horses with miscellaneous small intestinal lesions. Effects of increasing age on risk of the diseases of interest were examined by use of logistic regression and a 1-sided trend test for binomial proportions. Results: Mean age of the horses with strangulation in th...
Age-related changes in the testes of horses. Atrophy of seminiferous tubules and interstitial fibrosis are frequently observed in aged horses. Samples from 8 male Thoroughbreds, age 4-24 years, were subjected to histological, electron microscopical and immunohistochemical examination and statistical analysis. There were statistically significant increases in collagen fibres in the lamina propria of seminiferous tubules and testicular interstitium in 3 horses age 23 and 24 years compared with 5 horses age 4-20 years (P<0.001). Lamina propria surrounding atrophic tubules was thickened by an increase in collagen type IV and elastic fibre...
Effect of exercise on the immune response of young and old horses. To compare exercise-induced immune modulation in young and older horses. Methods: 6 young and 6 aged horses that were vaccinated against equine influenza virus. Methods: Venous blood samples were collected for immunologic assessment before and immediately after exercise at targeted heart rates and after exercise for determination of plasma lactate and cortisol concentrations. Mononuclear cells were assayed for lymphoproliferative responses and incubated with interleukin-2 (IL-2) to induce lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Antibodies to equine influenza virus were measured. Results: Olde...