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Topic:Horses
"Horses" is a broad topic that encompasses various aspects of equine biology, behavior, and management. This category includes studies on the anatomy, physiology, and genetics of horses, as well as their behavior, nutrition, and care. Research in this area may also cover the historical and cultural significance of horses, their roles in agriculture, sport, and therapy, and the challenges associated with their conservation and welfare. The page aggregates peer-reviewed research articles and scholarly studies that explore the multifaceted relationships between humans and horses, examining both scientific and socio-economic perspectives.
Influence of head and neck position on radiographic measurement of intervertebral distances between thoracic dorsal spinous processes in clinically sound horses. Reductions in distances between dorsal spinous processes on radiographs are used as criteria for the diagnosis of impingement of the thoracic dorsal spinous processes in horses but are potentially altered by spine motion and different head and neck positions. Objective: To determine the influence of head and neck positions on intervertebral distances between dorsal spinous processes on radiographs of thoracic spines of clinically sound horses. Methods: Lateral-lateral radiographs were obtained from 23 horses in 3 head and neck positions. The width of the thoracic dorsal spinous processes and i...
Evaluation of a point-of-care portable analyzer for measurement of plasma immunoglobulin G, total protein, and albumin concentrations in ill neonatal foals. To compare the diagnostic performance of a point-of-care (POC) analyzer with that of established methods for the measurement of plasma IgG, total protein, and albumin concentrations in neonatal foals. Methods: Evaluation study. Methods: 100 neonatal foals < 7 days of age. Procedures-Plasma IgG, total protein, and albumin concentrations were measured with a POC analyzer via an immunoturbidimetric method. Corresponding measurements of plasma IgG, total protein, and albumin concentrations were measured by means of automated biochemical analyzers via automated immunoturbidimetric, biuret, and b...
Long-term maintenance of arytenoid cartilage abduction and stability during exercise after laryngoplasty in 33 horses. To (1) assess long-term maintenance of arytenoid cartilage abduction (ACA) after laryngoplasty (LP); and (2) correlate the residual grade of ACA and postoperative abductory loss with arytenoid cartilage stability (ACS) during exercise. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses re-examined after laryngoplasty (n = 33). Methods: Of 89 LP horses (2005-2010), 33 had historic ACA data available and upper airway endoscopy at rest and during over-ground exercise (mean, 33 months; range, 4-71 months) after surgery. ACA grade at 1 and 6 weeks postoperatively were correlated to long-term ACA grade. Effects ...
Incidence, management, and outcome of complications of castration in equids: 324 cases (1998-2008). To determine the incidence of complications and identify risk factors associated with development of complications following routine castration of equids. Methods: Retrospective case series. Animals-311 horses, 10 mules, and 3 donkeys. Methods: Medical records of equids undergoing routine castration were reviewed. Age, breed, surgical techniques (closed vs semiclosed castration and use of ligatures), anesthesia method (general IV anesthesia vs standing sedation with local anesthesia) and repeated administration of IV anesthetic agents, administration of antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory dru...
Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Toxoplasma gondii, the agent for toxoplasmosis, has worldwide distribution. Horses normally play a secondary role in its life cycle, but movement around urban areas, feeding on grass and the increasing use of carthorses for gathering recyclable material in some urban areas of Brazil may increase their exposure to T. gondii infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, PR. IgG antibodies against T. gondii were detected using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) (titers ≥ 64)...
Combining two serological assays optimises sensitivity and specificity for the identification of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi exposure. The detection of anti-Streptococcus equi antibodies in the blood serum of horses can assist with the identification of apparently healthy persistently infected carriers and the prevention of strangles outbreaks. The aim of the current study was to use genome sequencing data to develop an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) that targets two S. equi-specific protein fragments. The sensitivity and specificity of the antigen A and antigen C iELISAs were compared to an SeM-based iELISA marketed by IDvet - diagnostic Vétérinaire (IDvet). Individually, each assay compromised specifi...
Further characterisation of an experimental model of tendinopathy in the horse. Injuries in energy-storing tendons are common in both horses and man. The high prevalence of reinjury and the relatively poor prognosis for returning to preinjury performance levels warrant further research, for which well characterised models would be very helpful. Objective: Given the clinical similarities in tendinopathy of energy-storing tendons, we hypothesised that a recently developed experimental model of equine tendon injury would display many of the characteristics of clinical tendinopathy and could therefore be of use for both species, thus providing comparative insight to the human...
Vasoconstriction in horses caused by endophyte-infected tall fescue seed is detected with Doppler ultrasonography. The hypotheses that endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum)-infected tall fescue (TF) seed causes vasoconstriction in horses in vivo and that ground seed would cause more pronounced vasoconstriction than whole seed were tested. Ten horses each received 1 of 3 treatments: endophyte-free ground (E-G; n = 4 horses) seed, endophyte-positive whole (E+W; n = 3) seed, or endophyte-positive ground (E+G; n = 3) seed. There were two 14-d periods, P1 and P2. During P1, animals were adapted to a concentrate (0.2% BW, as fed, twice daily) and alfalfa cubes. During P2, the seed was mixed into the concentrate ...
The evolutionary consequences of alternative types of imperfect vaccines. The emergence and spread of mutant pathogens that evade the effects of prophylactic interventions, including vaccines, threatens our ability to control infectious diseases globally. Imperfect vaccines (e.g. those used against influenza), while not providing life-long immunity, confer protection by reducing a range of pathogen life-history characteristics; conversely, mutant pathogens can gain an advantage by restoring the same range of traits in vaccinated hosts. Using an SEIR model motivated by equine influenza, we investigate the evolutionary consequences of alternative types of imperfect va...
Comparison of efficacy and duration of effect on corneal sensitivity among anesthetic agents following ocular administration in clinically normal horses. To compare efficacy and duration of effect on corneal sensitivity of 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride, 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride, 2% lidocaine hydrochloride, and 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride solutions following ocular administration in clinically normal horses. Methods: 68 clinically normal horses. Methods: 60 horses were assigned to receive 1 anesthetic agent in 1 eye. For each of another 8 horses, 1 eye was treated with each of the anesthetic agents in random order with a 1-week washout period between treatments. Corneal sensitivity was assessed via corneal touch threshold (CTT) measurem...
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase activity in horses after intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide and treatment with matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors. To establish an in vivo method for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 induction in horses via IV administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to evaluate the ability of doxycycline, oxytetracycline, flunixin meglumine, and pentoxifylline to inhibit equine MMP-2 and MMP-9 production. Methods: 29 adult horses of various ages and breeds and either sex. Methods: In part 1, horses received an IV administration of LPS (n = 5) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (5). Venous blood samples were collected before and at specified times for 24 hours after infusion. Plasma was harvested and analyzed f...
Equine multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease: a case report and review of literature. A 2-year-old Standardbred gelding presented with a history of fever over 1 week, anorexia and skin lesions on all four legs. The lesions were associated with severe pruritus and oedema, and there was no response to therapy. Results: The horse was in poor body condition, was lethargic and severely pruritic. Skin lesions consisted of diffuse alopecia and crusting of the distal extremities. Initially it was slightly febrile, but subsequently its temperature increased up to 40°C. Ten days after admission it developed profuse watery diarrhoea and the skin lesions progressed. Skin biopsies revealed...
Current status of equine piroplasmosis in the Sudan. This is a cross-sectional molecular epidemiological study on equine piroplasmosis (EP) affecting horses and donkeys in the Sudan. The study evaluated 499 samples from geographically distinct regions in eastern, central and western parts of the country. PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene of both Thelieria equi and Babesia caballi was carried out. Horses from all sampled areas were found positive to T. equi DNA but no B. caballi was detected. Absence of B. caballi infection was confirmed by another PCR targeting the B. caballi 48-kDa merozoite antigen. The overall prevalence was found to be ...
Aberrant wound healing in the horse: naturally occurring conditions reminiscent of those observed in man. Impaired wound healing represents an enormous clinical and financial problem for companion animals and humans alike. Unfortunately, most models used to study healing rely on rodents, which have significant differences in the healing and scarring process and rarely develop complications. In order to better simulate impaired healing, the model should strive to reproduce the natural processes of healing and delayed healing. Wounds on the limbs of horses display similarities to wounds in humans in their epithelialization/contraction ratio, genetic influence as well as dysregulated cytokine profile...
Molecular characteristics of horse phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). A sperm-specific phospholipase C (PLC), PLCzeta (PLCζ), is thought to underlie the initiation of calcium ([Ca(2+) ]i ) oscillations that induce egg activation in mammals. In large domestic species, only bovine, porcine and recently equine PLCζ have been cloned, and the physiological functions of these molecules have not been fully characterized. Here, we evaluated the physiological functions of equine PLCζ (ePLCζ) in mouse oocytes. ePLCζ was cloned from testis using RT-PCR. The expression of ePLCζ messenger RNA was confirmed in testis but not in other tissues. Microinjection of ePLCζ co...
Sequence analysis of ORFs 5, 6 and 7 of equine arteritis virus during persistent infection of the stallion–a 7-year study. Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of ORFs 5, 6 and 7 of EAV during persistent infection in the stallion of the Malopolska breed were analysed in the study. A total of 11 blood and semen samples were collected between 2004 and 2011. The titre of specific EAV antibodies in this carrier stallion was maintained at a high level throughout the study and was equal approximately 1:128. The sequence analysis of ORF5 showed 16 variable sites including 12 with synonymous substitutions and 4 with non-synonymous substitutions. The degree of nucleotide sequence identity among the strains ranged from 98.92...
Effects of oral clenbuterol on the clinical and inflammatory response to endotoxaemia in the horse. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and TNFα, play a major role in activating leukocytes and endothelial cells during the systemic inflammatory response to endotoxin in the horse. β2 agonist drugs, such as clenbuterol, inhibit leukocyte activation. This study aimed to determine the effects of oral clenbuterol on clinical and leukocyte responses, including production of TNFα, in an in vivo endotoxin challenge model. In a randomised crossover design, horses received either clenbuterol or a placebo product prior to the administration of low dose endotoxin (30 ng/kg over 30 min). Clinica...
Ex vivo comparison of 7 polydioxanone, 2 polyglactin 910 for closure of ventral median celiotomy in horses. To compare bursting strength and failure mode between ventral median celiotomies closed with USP 7 braided polydioxanone (7PD) or USP 2 polyglactin 910 (2PG). Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Equine cadavers (n = 10). Methods: A 25 cm ventral median celiotomy was created in fresh equine cadavers. A 200 L polyurethane bladder was inserted into the abdomen. Celiotomies were closed in a simple continuous pattern with 2 sections of 7PD or 2PG. The bladder was inflated with compressed air until construct failure. The horses' signalment, body weight, suture type, failure mode (suture or abdom...
Normal electrocardiographic QT interval in race-fit Standardbred horses at rest and its rate dependence during exercise. Cardiac repolarization, measured as QT and Tpeak to Tend (TpTe) intervals on the ECG, is important, as irregularities caused by diseases, ventricular hypertrophy, drugs and genetic defects can trigger arrhythmias which predispose human patients to syncope and sudden cardiac death. In horses, repolarization is not well described and therefore QT analysis cannot yet be used diagnostically. Therefore, we sought to describe reference values for the normal QT and TpTe intervals in Standardbreds and to determine the best method for heart rate (HR) correction. Methods: 30 Standardbreds. Methods: QT a...
Effect of age and prostheses location on rima glottidis area in equine cadaveric larynges. To determine the effect of horse age and laryngeal prosthesis location on rima glottidis area in cadaveric larynges. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine larynges (n = 40). Methods: Specimens were grouped by age: group 1, ≤5 years (n = 18); group 2, >5 to ≤10 years (n = 12); group 3, >10 years (n = 10). A cranial prosthesis was placed through the dorsal cricoid spine at 70% of the distance of the total cricoid length measured from the caudal rim. A dorsal prosthesis was placed through the caudal rim of the cricoid on the dorsal midline. A lateral prosthesis was plac...
Antibodies to OspC, OspF and C6 antigens as indicators for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi in horses. Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by infected ticks (Ixodes spp.). Reports on Lyme disease in horses have increased in recent years. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of Lyme disease in horses is still challenging owing to its vague clinical presentation and the limitations of diagnostic tests. Objective: This study used a new serological Lyme multiplex assay to examine antibody responses to 3 antigens of B. burgdorferi, outer surface protein (Osp) C, OspF and C6, and to verify their use as markers for early and late infection stages in horses. Methods: Multiplex...
Serum amyloid A concentration in healthy periparturient mares and mares with ascending placentitis. Placentitis is a prevalent cause of abortion, premature delivery and neonatal death in mares. Early diagnosis is paramount for the survival of the fetus and delivery of a live foal. Objective: To determine: 1) Serum amyloid A (SAA) profile in healthy mares during late gestation; 2) if placentitis affects SAA concentrations and 3) the effects of therapy on SAA concentrations and pregnancy outcome in mares with placentitis. Methods: In Experiment I, 15 healthy pregnant mares were evaluated from 280 days of gestation to 60 h post partum. In Experiment II, pregnant mares were inoculated intra-cerv...
Equine alopecia areata: a retrospective clinical descriptive study at the University of California, Davis (1980-2011). Alopecia areata (AA) causes hair loss due to inflammatory changes within and around hair bulbs and lower portions of the hair follicles. Documentation of AA in horses is limited to a few case reports. Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to characterize equine AA by describing patterns in age, sex, breed and lesion distribution in a series of cases. An attempt was made to characterize the long-term course of the disease by surveying owners of affected horses. Methods: Computerized records from 1 January 1980 to 1 July 2011 yielded 15 horses. Methods: Descriptive statistics were c...
Postoperative septic arthritis after elective equine arthroscopy without antimicrobial prophylaxis. To determine the frequency of postoperative septic arthritis after elective arthroscopy in the absence of prophylactic antimicrobial therapy and to report complication rate of 444 consecutive equine arthroscopies. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 444). Methods: Medical records of 444 consecutive elective equine arthroscopies (2008-2010) were reviewed. Horses that had septic arthritis on admission or those admitted for tenoscopy and bursoscopy, or had arthroscopic assisted internal fracture fixation were not included. Age and sex of horse, duration of anesthesia, joint e...
A large scale molecular study of Giardia duodenalis in horses from Colombia. The prevalence of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in horses is poorly known. The present study examined feces from 195 horses, 1 month-17 years of age, in 4 locations in Colombia. Prevalence of infection was determined by PCR and all positives were sequenced to determine the genotypes. Thirty four (17.4%) horses were found positive. This is the first report of G. duodenalis in horses from Colombia. Prevalence in female and male horses was 18.9% and 15.1%, respectively. Prevalence in horses 1 year of age was 21.1% and 15.1%, respectively. Molecular characterization using the beta giardin (bg), g...
A survey of respiratory viruses in New Zealand horses. To determine which viruses circulate among selected populations of New Zealand horses and whether or not viral infections were associated with development of respiratory disease. Methods: Nasal swabs were collected from 33 healthy horses and 52 horses with respiratory disease and tested by virus isolation and/or PCR for the presence of equine herpesviruses (EHV) and equine rhinitis viruses. Results: Herpesviruses were the only viruses detected in nasal swab samples. When both the results of nasal swab PCR and virus isolation were considered together, a total of 41/52 (79%) horses with respirat...
Ex vivo comparison of bursting strength of ventral median and right ventral paramedian celiotomies in horses. To compare bursting strength and failure mode between ventral median (VM) and right ventral paramedian (RVP) celiotomies closed with 1 section of USP 7 braided polydioxanone (7PD). Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Equine cadavers (n = 12). Methods: A 25 cm VM or RVP (positioned 5 cm lateral to the linea alba) celiotomy was created in fresh equine cadavers. A 200 L polyurethane bladder was inserted into the abdomen. Celiotomies were closed in a simple continuous pattern with 1 section of 7PD. The bladder was inflated with compressed air until construct failure. Horse signalment, body wei...
