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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.
Physiological Evaluation of Quarter Horses Undergoing Five-Month Taming Focused on Hippotherapy. Preparing horses for hippotherapy programs requires management approaches that prioritize animal welfare and facilitate adaptation to novel stimuli. This study monitored physiological responses during the implementation of a progressive taming protocol for Quarter Horses intended for hippotherapy. Seven animals were monitored over a five-month period, including an acclimation phase and three taming stages. Continuous heart rate, plasma cortisol concentration, and ocular infrared thermography were assessed before and after exercise. Baseline ( = 0.0466) and minimum ( = 0.0095) heart rate values...
Fatalities within seven days after equine standing sedation: A prospective, multicentre study. Information regarding mortality associated with standing procedures in horses is sparse. Objective: To report data from >12,000 standing sedations. Methods: Confidential, observational, prospective, multicentre, cohort study. Methods: We collected records of horses/ponies undergoing standing sedation for surgery or advanced diagnostic imaging using at least one top-up or controlled rate infusion (CRI). Procedures were either NON-COLIC or COLIC. Outcome at seven days was recorded as (i) ALIVE, (ii) EUTHANASIA or (iii) DEAD. Data were collected with a portable document format (PDF) questionn...
Blood ammonia levels: A potential indicator of high-risk pregnancy in Thoroughbred broodmares. Exposure to high blood ammonia (hyperammonemia) interferes with gestation due to its detrimental effect on hormone levels, fetal development, the immune system, placental integrity, and fertility of broodmares. Increases in ammonia levels are dangerous and elusive, as damage may occur from earlier peaks, resulting in the trapping of ammonia in the amniotic fluid and then disappearing from the blood circulation before clinical symptoms are observed. Thus, it should be recognized early and treated immediately before complications arise. This study aimed to investigate if blood ammonia levels in ...
Intra-articular interleukin-1β induces early synovitis in an ex vivo autologously perfused equine forelimb model. To evaluate an ex vivo model of synovitis induced by IA lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IL-1β in isolated, perfused equine forelimbs. Unassigned: Forelimbs and blood were collected from 12 clinically unremarkable horses following slaughter at a licensed abattoir. In 8 limbs, 2 of 3 phalangeal joints were injected with LPS (0.5 to 5 ng, 4 limbs) or IL-1β (100 ng, 4 limbs) diluted in 1 mL of distilled water. All limbs were perfused with autologous perfusate for 8 hours. Synovial fluid cytology and synovium sample histology scores for synovitis (0 = no changes and 3 = marked changes) were assessed...
Does the Distance Between Ground Poles Affect Limb, Spinal and Pelvic Kinematics in Horses When Walking In-Hand? Polework exercise is commonly used in equine training and rehabilitation; however, the influence of pole spacing on locomotor kinematics remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of pole spacing on limb, thoracolumbar and pelvic kinematics in horses walking in-hand. Eleven warmblood horses were assessed during overground walking and over five ground poles set at 85%, 100% and 105% of forelimb step length. Pole spacing did not significantly alter maximum fore- or hindlimb retraction; however, protraction-retraction range of motion (ROM) was reduced at 85% spacing. Forelimb ROM was re...
Assessment of pharmacokinetic parameters, oral bioavailability, and physiological effects of amantadine in horses. Without adequate pain management, central nervous system plasticity can result in acute or adaptive pain developing into chronic or maladaptive pain. This is difficult to manage and often unresponsive to traditional analgesics. An important mechanism associated with maladaptive pain is central sensitization which results in part from increased NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor activation. Amantadine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that has been used in combination with opioids and NSAIDs in humans and dogs for the treatment of conditions associated with central sensitization. The goal of the...
Leptospira in Working Horses From Rural Ecuador: A Neglected Occupational Risk. Neglected tropical zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis continue to have a significant impact on animal and human health, especially in low-income countries due to limitations in surveillance and knowledge gaps to guide mitigation. In this context, equines have the potential to play an important role in the maintenance and transmission of spp. due to their susceptibility to a variety of serovars (often without signs of disease) and close contact with humans. To better understand the epidemiological role of horses, we evaluated exposure and identified circulating leptospires by collecting b...
Outcome of keratoma removal using different surgical techniques, including a modified partial hoof wall resection: A retrospective study (2004-2025). Keratomas are diseases of the equine hoof that can be associated with intermittent lameness and/or recurrent foot abscesses. Different surgical techniques for keratoma removal have been described. The aim of this retrospective study was to report the short- and long-term postoperative complications after keratoma removal using different surgical techniques: complete hoof wall resection (CR), partial hoof wall resection (PR) and a modified version of PR (MPR). The medical records of horses diagnosed with keratoma and space occupying lesion (SOL) of the hoof wall (2004-2025) at a Veterinary Teac...
Characterization of the Pharmacokinetics and Physiological Effects of Tapentadol in Horses. Tapentadol is a dual mechanism analgesic utilizing both μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonism and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (NRI). This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tapentadol as a potential analgesic with the goal of treating pain in horses. Pharmacokinetics of both tapentadol and tapentadol-O-glucuronide were elucidated. Six horses received three separate escalating single oral doses (1, 3, and 5 mg/kg) and a single intravenous (0.32 mg/kg) dose of tapentadol in a four-period sequential design. Concentrations of tapentadol and tapentadol-O-glucuronide ...
Meta-Analysis and Physiologically-Based Modeling of the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Dexamethasone in Horses. Dexamethasone (DEX) is widely used in equine practice for its potent anti-inflammatory effects and diverse studies have examined its pharmacology in horses. We integrated all available pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data from 12 studies to quantify DEX disposition and endocrine effects in horses. Methods: DEX concentrations in blood, urine and synovial fluid, plus cortisol (CTS) and glucose (GLU) in plasma, following various administration routes (intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), intra-articular, oral) were available from original studies or digitized from literature. A mi...
Differences in Stride Characteristics Between Lead and Wheel Horses in Competitive Chuckwagon Racing. In Chuckwagon racing, teams of four Thoroughbreds with two lead horses in front and two wheel horses directly behind pull a 600 kg wagon around a racetrack. Our study focuses on stride parameters that have previously retrospectively predicted impending injuries. We hypothesize that in aid of the initiation of the tight figure-of-eight turn at the start of the race, the more agile lead horses gallop with higher stride frequency (SF) and reduced stride length (SL), and that differences are exacerbated in the initial accelerative race segments. Methods: Speed, SF, and SL were quantified with glob...
First serological evidence of circulation of equine rhinitis A virus and molecular detection of equine rhinitis B virus in horses in North Africa. Equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) and equine rhinitis B virus (ERBV) are major respiratory pathogens of horses with a global distribution. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time in Algeria, the seroprevalence of ERAV antibodies, and to investigate a wide range of equine viruses (EIV, EHV-1, EHV-4, ERAV and ERBV). A total of 298 serum samples were collected between May 2022 and October 2023, from 11 provinces. Serological analysis for the presence of ERAV was performed using the complement fixation test (CFT). Our results revealed that 16.8% (50/298) samples tested positive for ...
Forage nutritive analysis in practical equine feeding: challenges and opportunities. Previous research has shown that forage nutritive analyses are not used to any large extent in equine nutrition. As forages differ widely in nutritional quality, knowledge of the nutritive value is essential to avoid under- or overfeeding of horses. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate how forage nutritive analyses were used among horse owners in Sweden, and to identify challenges horse owners encounter with such analyses. Methods: Data was collected through an online survey with questions about the respondent, access to forage analytical reports, if and how the respondent used ...
The effects of upper airway obstruction on oxygen consumption and ventilatory variables in Colombian criollo horses. While conditions associated with upper airway obstruction (UAO) are reported in Colombian Criollo horses, their effect on ventilation and performance is unknown. Objective: To investigate how oxygen consumption ($dot{rm V}$O2), ventilation,, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) are affected by UAO in horses performing at natural gaits. Methods: Twenty-three client-owned Colombian Criollo horses. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study assigned horses to a control (C), or UAO group after overground endoscopy. All horses performed a standardized submaximal exercise test while ...
Mastication characterization of horses fed bermudagrass hay in a two-part field study. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) is a common forage in the southeastern United States but remains controversial in equine diets due to reported associations with impaction colic. Reduced fiber digestibility has been proposed as a contributing factor, however differences in mastication of fine-stemmed bermudagrass hay have not been studied and may play a role in digestive disturbances. Objective: To compare chewing characteristics, including chews per unit weight and chews per minute, in horses consuming bermudagrass hay compared to other common hay types. Methods: Two studies were conducted....
Comparative hematological and serum biochemical profiling of grassland Xichun and Xilingol horses. The Grassland Xichun horse is an emerging crossbred population developed from Xilingol mares and Thoroughbred stallions in Inner Mongolia, China, yet its blood physiological profile has not been systematically characterized. In this study, we compared 32 hematological and serum biochemical parameters between 177 Grassland Xichun horses and 35 Xilingol horses maintained under the same extensive grazing conditions. Following Benjamini-Hochberg FDR correction, 17 of 32 parameters differed significantly between breeds. Grassland Xichun horses showed markedly higher RBC count (9.145 vs 7.905 × 10Â...
Intra-articular 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel alters synovial immune pathways in equine experimental osteoarthritis. To determine differential gene expression in synovial tissues following injection of IA 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5% iPAAG), a biocompatible nondegradable synthetic polymer, to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Unassigned: Osteoarthritis was induced in 1 middle carpal joint of 16, 2- to 5-year-old horses (7 mares and 9 geldings) via surgical osteochondral fragment creation in combination with exercise on a high-speed treadmill; the contralateral limb underwent a sham operation. Horses were exercised 5 days per week, beginning on day 16 postoperatively. The osteochondral fragment joint was injec...
Comparison of palpation and ultrasonography findings in supraspinous ligaments of horses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of palpation as a diagnostic tool for supraspinous ligament injuries in horses. Diagnosis of SSL injuries typically relies on a combination of clinical examination and ultrasonographic findings. To the authors' knowledge, no previous studies have specifically investigated palpation as a diagnostic measure for these injuries. Unassigned: This retrospective study analyzed data from 126 horses resented to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for back pathology. Inclusion criteria required horses to have a documented descriptive palpator...
Development of a rapid and highly accurate diagnostic test for detecting Theileria equi in horses using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay. Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a protozoan disease in horses, mainly caused by Theileria equi, and is associated with non-specific signs such as fever, anemia, and edema. The lack of specific clinical signs, coupled with the high prevalence of carrier horses, highlights the critical need for a rapid and highly accurate diagnostic test for the detection of Theileria equi. Existing methods, including molecular, serological, and microscopic techniques, require specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and considerable time. The current study aims to develop a rapid and accurate assay for the detect...
Glandular gastric disease prevalence in equids (horses, donkeys, and mules) and other gastric findings: post-mortem comparative study. Equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) has limited prevalence studies and scarce understanding of the predisposing factors and pathophysiological mechanisms involved. The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the post-mortem prevalence of EGGD and other gastric lesions in Colombian equids, specifically horses, donkeys, and mules. The study utilized a sample of 300 equids stomachs, with 100 specimens from each group, collected immediately after slaughter. The post-mortem examination included a thorough inspection of the ventral fundus, adjacent area of the margo plicatus, and ...
Rider dislodgement events in U.S. steeplechase racing: participation outcomes in riders and horses. Steeplechase jockeys compete in high-risk races requiring horses and riders to clear fixed obstacles at speed. Although rider dislodgement events are recognized hazards, their incidence and participation consequences are not well characterized. Methods: This retrospective observational study used publicly available race charts from United States National Steeplechase Association races (2023-2025). Dislodgement events were defined as falls or lost rider events. Incidence rates were calculated per 1,000 starts, and timber and hurdle races were compared using Poisson regression. Rider interruptio...
Synovial transcriptomic biomarkers predict structural severity in equine osteochondral fragment-induced experimental osteoarthritis. Develop a global joint score (GJS) reflecting equine osteoarthritis (OA) structural severity and identify clinical or molecular parameters predicting disease severity. Unassigned: A retrospective analysis was performed using data from horses (n = 104; 58 females and 46 geldings; 2 to 5 years old) undergoing experimental OA induction via surgical osteochondral fragment creation in the middle carpal joint and high-speed treadmill exercise over 70 days. Longitudinal measures included subjective lameness examinations (lameness, effusion, and flexion), synovial fluid (SF) and serum glycosaminoglyca...
Prevalence, molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. in horses from diverse husbandry systems across four provinces of northern and eastern China. Cryptosporidium is an obligate intracellular zoonotic protozoan causing diarrheal disease in humans and animals globally. Horses have more frequent close contact with humans through equestrian sports, breeding, and cross-regional trade. However, comprehensive molecular epidemiological data on diverse equine husbandry systems in China are limited. We tested 412 fecal samples from horses across four Chinese provinces via small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). C. parvum and C. equi were subtyped using the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene, and C. andersoni ...
Signal-averaged electrocardiography in horses: characteristics of ventricular late potentials in healthy Thoroughbreds and horses with cardiac abnormalities. Sudden death in horses, often attributed to lethal arrhythmias, poses significant welfare and economic risks, yet its prediction remains challenging. This study aimed to characterize ventricular micro-potentials using signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) and evaluate their potential for assessing sudden death risk. High-resolution orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-lead ECGs were recorded in 24 healthy Thoroughbreds (aged 2-31 years), one horse with bupivacaine-induced myocardial injury, and three horses with persistent pathological murmurs. SAECG parameters, including filtered QRS duration (fQRS...
Sport predispositions in warmblood horses: insights from Grand Prix competitions. The aim of this study was to pilot the assessment of sport predispositions in warmblood horse breeds, both domestic and foreign, and to evaluate factors influencing their performance. Data from 293 horses (725 starts) competing in national Grand Prix events with obstacle heights of 140-145 cm were analysed using general mixed models. The origins of Polish Halfbred Horses were examined, and correlations between results in the Young Horse Championships and later Grand Prix performance were assessed. Results showed that performance is significantly influenced by genetic factors, such as breed and...
Oscillometric assessment of bronchodilator response in horses with severe asthma during remission. During clinical remission of severe equine asthma (SEA), affected animals can be challenging to distinguish from healthy horses. In humans, the degree of bronchodilation achieved with a β-adrenergic bronchodilator is helpful in differentiating asthmatics from healthy subjects. Objective: To determine whether the response to an inhaled bronchodilator improves the sensitivity of oscillometry in detecting subclinical airway obstruction in horses with asthma. Methods: In vivo experiments. Methods: Nine control university-owned horses and 10 SEA horses in remission from a research herd were studie...
Epidemiological evidence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in horses at a global level (years 2015 to 2025): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease with clinical consequences and potential sequelae in horses. Objective: To estimate the pooled global seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in horses, detected with the Microscopic Agglutination Test, the frequency by serogroups and serovars, the geographical distribution of studies and the main reported clinical signs and organic manifestations through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A bibliographic search was conducted for cross-sectional epidemiologic studies published between 2015 and 2025. The risk of bias was determined...
Continuous Bluetooth pulse oximetry monitoring in conscious and anesthetized horses: a pilot study. To assess the feasibility, patient tolerance, and accuracy of a wireless Bluetooth pulse oximeter sensor system on horses for an extended period. Unassigned: A prospective, case-control, unblinded study involved 7 horses at risk of hypoxemia and 7 healthy controls. A wireless Bluetooth transmission sensor was attached to their nostril for a prolonged period. Sensor retention time, patient tolerance, and sensor performance in capturing valid monitoring points were recorded. During the monitoring, 4 samples of arterial blood were collected, and paired measurements (SaO2) and estimations (SpO2) o...
A study of the forces generated during equine cheek tooth extraction. Significant force is often applied when elevating equine teeth from the alveolus during extraction. No previous studies have investigated these forces. Objective: To develop a method to allow measurement of elevation forces (EF) applied during extraction, and to record forces during extraction of cheek teeth in both cadaver specimens and clinical cases, evaluating factors that might affect this and comparing differences between tooth positions and horse signalments. Methods: In vitro experimental study of cadavers and observational study of a convenience sample of clinical cases. Methods: Stra...
Seroprevalence of Leptospira in Lavradeiro horses, a semi-feral ecotype from the Northern Brazilian Amazon. Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonosis with significant impact on public and veterinary health, with equines acting as potential maintenance hosts of infection. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Leptospira in Lavradeiro horses under semi-feral conditions in Indigenous communities in the state of Roraima, Brazil. A total of 387 serum samples were subjected to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), using antigens of Leptospira spp. from 18 serogroups. The overall prevalence was 15.8% (95% CI: 12.3-19.8%), with the most frequent serogroups being Australis, Tarassovi, Autumna...
