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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.
Seawater and shellfish (Geukensia demissa) quality along the Western Coast of Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland: an area impacted by feral horses and agricultural runoff. We evaluated the quality of seawater and ribbed mussels (Gukensia demissa) at six sites along the West Coast of Assateague Island National Seashore (ASIS), a barrier island popular with tourists and fishermen. Parameters evaluated were summertime temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus, total ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite levels for seawater and total heterotrophic plate counts and total Vibrionaceae levels for the ribbed mussels. Approximately 150 feral horses (Equus caballus) are located on ASIS and, combined with agricultural runoff from animals and croplands, local wi...
Response of biochemical markers of bone metabolism to exercise intensity in thoroughbred horses. We studied the response of biochemical markers of bone metabolism to exercise intensity in horses. Four horses were walked on a mechanical walker for one week (pre-exercise). Then they performed low-speed exercise on a high-speed treadmill in the first week and medium-speed exercise in the second week and high-speed exercise in the third week of training. We measured two indices of bone resorption, serum hydroxyproline concentration and the urinary deoxypyridinoline/creatinine ratio, and serum osteocalcin (OC) concentration as an index of bone formation. Both indices of bone resorption gradual...
Effect of Low-Dose Human Interferon-alpha on Shipping Fever of Thoroughbred Racehorses. To assess the effect of human interferon-alpha (IFNα) on shipping fever of Thoroughbred racehorses subjected to long-distance transportation, an IFNα preparation was orally administered to 48 horses three times (once daily, 3 successive days) before transportation (IFNα group). In the control group (25 horses), maltose was administered in the same way. These treatments induced no abnormal findings in Thoroughbred racehorses before transportation. Immediately after transportation, significant increases in rectal temperature were observed in both treatment groups, whereas the rectal temperatu...
Tracheal Endoscopic and Cytological Findings and Blood Examination Results in Thoroughbred Racehorses Suspected to have Lower Respiratory Tract Disease. Cytology of tracheal aspirates, tracheal endoscopic and blood tests were carried out to 86 Thoroughbred racehorses presenting coughs or poor performance which were suspected to have lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) to assess the conditions of the disorders. Racehorses were classified into coughing (66 horses) and non-coughing (20 horses) groups based on clinical symptoms. Nine Thoroughbred racehorses without respiratory abnormality were used as controls. Assessment of grades of airway mucus, cytology of tracheal aspirates and serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen (Fbg) and pulmonary surfacta...
Antibody immobilization on to polystyrene substrate–on-chip immunoassay for horse IgG based on fluorescence. A simple microfluidic immunoassay card was developed based on polystyrene (PS) substrate for the detection of horse IgG, an inexpensive model analyte using fluorescence microscope. The primary antibody was captured onto the PS based on covalent bonding via a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of thiol to pattern the surface chemistry on a gold-coated PS. The immunosensor chip layers were fabricated from sheets by CO(2) laser ablation. The functionalized PS surfaces after each step were characterized by contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (...
Differential place and response learning in horses displaying an oral stereotypy. Significant similarities exist between the neural and behavioural features of environmentally and drug-induced stereotypy. For example, exposure to dopamine agonists, such as amphetamine, induces stereotypy and causes alterations in midbrain neurophysiology similar to those observed following chronic stress. An additional behavioural feature of these neural changes in the drug-induced phenotype is an enhanced rate of switching from response-outcome (R-O) to stimulus-response (S-R) learning. The aim of the current experiment was to examine R-O and S-R learning in horses displaying environmental...
Protein expression profile of Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae causing horse gastric myiasis and characterization of horse immune reaction. Little information is available on the immunological aspect of parasitic Gasterophilus intestinalis (Diptera, Oestridae) larvae causing horse gastric myiasis. The objectives of this research were to analyze the protein content of larval crude extracts of the migrating second and third larvae (L2 and L3) of G. intestinalis in order to characterize the immune response of horses. Results: The proteomic profile of L2 and L3, investigated by using one and two dimensional approaches, revealed a migration pattern specific to each larval stage. Furthermore, Western blots were performed with horse sera...
Ovulation, pregnancy rate and early embryonic development in vernal transitional mares treated with equine- or porcine-FSH. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of purified equine- and porcine-FSH treatment regimes in mares in early vernal transition. Mares (n = 22) kept under ambient light were examined ultrasonographically per-rectum, starting January 30th. They were assigned to one of two treatment groups using a sequential alternating treatment design when a follicle >or= 25 mm was detected. In the eFSH group, mares were treated twice daily with equine-FSH, and in the pFSH group mares were treated twice daily with porcine-FSH; treatments were continued until follicle(s) >or= 35 mm, and 24 h l...
Semen characteristics in a sub-fertile Arabian stallion with idiopathic teratospermia. A 5-year-old Arabian stallion was managed for breeding with fresh/extended semen during a period of 8 months with a resulting per cycle pregnancy rate of 26.3%. The stallion was in good health and no abnormalities of the reproductive tract were observed. Evaluation of several ejaculates revealed that sperm production and semen quality were mostly unchanged during the period of evaluation, that sperm production was normal and that semen quality was extremely poor. The most prevalent sperm defects were abnormal heads and mid-pieces. Most abnormal heads were microcephalic and/or tapered and consi...
Human osteoclast formation and activity on an equine spongy bone substitute. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro formation and activity of human osteoclasts (OCLs) generated on a new type of xenograft for bone substitution, an equine spongy bone. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers were used to generate OCLs in vitro in the presence of macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) on bovine bone slices (positive control) and equine spongy bone. Morphological and biochemical methods were used to assess OCLs formation and activity. Results: Cells generated after 21 day...
Endometrial explant culture to study the response of equine endometrium to insemination. Mating-induced endometritis (MIE) is ubiquitous in the horse after natural mating and artificial insemination with frozen/thawed semen causing the most aggressive response. The majority of mares eliminate MIE 24-48 h after insemination. An endometrial explant culture was tested as a potential in vitro exemplar for sperm-induced MIE. Endometrial prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) secretion and expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) were used as markers of inflammation. Endometrial explants were cultured from uteri collected from follicular phase mares. Explants were challenged with 1 or 10 x 10(...
Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist expression in the equine endometrium during the peri-implantation period. To identify factors involved in the establishment of pregnancy in the mare, endometrium was collected from day 13 (day 0=day of ovulation) cyclic and day 13, 19, and 25 pregnant animals. From initial cDNA subtraction studies, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) mRNA was found as a candidate molecule expressed uniquely in the pregnant endometrium. Expression of IL-1RN mRNA was markedly increased in day 19 and 25 gravid endometrium. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that IL-1RN mRNA was localized to the glandular epithelium. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) protein was fou...
Vascular perfusion of reproductive organs in pony mares and heifers during sedation with detomidine or xylazine. To assess the vascular effects of detomidine and xylazine in pony mares and heifers, respectively, as determined in a major artery and by extent of vascular perfusion of reproductive organs. Methods: 10 pony mares and 10 Holstein heifers. Methods: Pony mares were assigned to receive physiologic saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (n = 5) or detomidine (3.0 mg/mare, IV; 5). Heifers were assigned to receive saline solution (5) or xylazine (14 mg/heifer, IM; 5). Color Doppler ultrasonographic examinations were performed immediately before and 10 minutes after administration of saline solution or sedative...
Effect of left-sided valvular regurgitation on mortality and causes of death among a population of middle-aged and older horses. The effect of left-sided valvular regurgitation (LSVR) on the mortality of middle-aged and older horses was investigated in a prospective cohort study involving 19 yards and 1153 horses. The horses were examined to determine whether they had a cardiac murmur and its type, and their age, sex, breed type and occupation were recorded. They were followed up at intervals of two years by postal questionnaire, and after four years information on 773 horses was available. There was no significant difference in the mortality of the horses with and without LSVR, but small horses had a significantly high...
Evaluation of age-related changes in the structure of the equine tarsometatarsal osteochondral unit. To investigate effects of age on thickness and morphologic characteristics of hyaline cartilage, calcified cartilage, total cartilage, and subchondral bone (SCB) in the equine tarsometatarsal joint. Methods: 23 tarsal joints from cadavers of 23 ponies (11 days to 25 years old); ponies were limited to pasture exercise and euthanatized for reasons not related to this study. Procedures-Tarsi were allocated into several age groups (11 days old [n = 3], 6 to 9 months old [4], 2 to 3 years old [3], 6 to 8 years old [4], 11 to 17 years old [6], and 20 to 25 years old [3]). Histologic examination and ...
Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal joint in four horses. To describe anatomic considerations and arthroscopic technique in horses for arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Adult horses (n=4) with osteochondral fragments of the palmar/plantar PIP joint. Methods: Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments within the PIP joint was performed with horses in dorsal recumbency under general anesthesia. Medical records of affected horses were reviewed to determine history; physical, lameness, and radiological findings; surgical ...
Monitoring of the repair process of surgically created lesions in equine superficial digital flexor tendons by use of computerized ultrasonography. To evaluate quantitative ultrasonography for objective monitoring of the healing process and prognostication of repair quality in equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendons. Methods: 6 horses with standardized surgical lesions in SDF tendons of both forelimbs. Methods: Healing was monitored for 20 weeks after surgery by use of computerized ultrasonography. Pixels were categorized as C (intact fasciculi), B (incomplete fasciculi), E (accumulations of cells and fibrils), or N (homogenous fluid or cells). Four scars with the best quality of repair (repair group) and 4 scars with the lowest q...
Nucleotide structure and expression of equine pigment epithelium-derived factor during repair of experimentally induced wounds in horses. To clone full-length equine pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) complementary DNA (cDNA) and to evaluate its temporal expression during repair of wounds in horses. Methods: 4 clinically normal 2-to 3-year-old Standardbred mares. Methods: Full-length equine PEDF cDNA was cloned by screening size-selected cDNA libraries derived from biopsy specimens obtained from the wound edge 7 days after experimental creation of a 6.25-cm(2) full-thickness wound in the skin of the lateral thoracic wall. Expression was evaluated in normal skin and in biopsy specimens obtained weekly from experimentally in...
Surgical repair of mid-body proximal sesamoid bone fractures in 25 horses. To describe the characteristics of unilateral mid-body proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fractures, to determine factors associated with the outcome of horses after surgical repair, and to describe a technique for arthroscopically assisted screw fixation in lag fashion. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n=25) with unilateral mid-body PSB fracture. Methods: Medical records (1996-2006), radiographs, and arthroscopic videos of horses with surgically repaired unilateral mid-body PSB fractures were reviewed. Retrieved data included signalment, affected limb and PSB, fracture character...
A comparison of epidural buprenorphine plus detomidine with morphine plus detomidine in horses undergoing bilateral stifle arthroscopy. To compare the analgesic efficacy of buprenorphine plus detomidine with that of morphine plus detomidine when administered epidurally in horses undergoing bilateral stifle arthroscopy. Methods: Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. Methods: Twelve healthy adult horses participating in an orthopedic research study. Group M (n = 6) received morphine (0.2 mg kg(-1)) and detomidine (0.15 mg kg(-1)) epidurally; group B (n = 6) received buprenorphine (0.005 mg kg(-1)) and detomidine (0.15 mg kg(-1)) epidurally. Methods: Horses received one of two epidural treatments following induction of...
Determination of the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in Shetland ponies using constant current or constant voltage electrical stimulation. To determine the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in Shetland ponies using a sequence of three different supramaximal noxious stimulations at each tested concentration of isoflurane rather than a single stimulation. Methods: Prospective, experimental trial. Methods: Seven 4-year-old, gelding Shetland ponies. Methods: The MAC of isoflurane was determined for each pony. Three different modes of electrical stimulation were applied consecutively (2 minute intervals): two using constant voltage (90 V) on the gingiva via needle- (CVneedle) or surface-electrodes (CVsurface) and one ...
Baseline plasma cortisol and ACTH concentrations and response to low-dose ACTH stimulation testing in ill foals. To evaluate baseline plasma cortisol and ACTH concentrations and responses to low-dose ACTH stimulation testing in ill foals. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: 58 ill foals. Methods: Baseline cortisol and ACTH concentrations and cortisol concentrations after administration of a low dose of cosyntropin were determined within 6 hours after admission. Foals were assigned to 4 groups on the basis of age (<or=24 hours vs 1 to 56 days) and presence of septicemia (yes vs no). Values were compared among groups and with values previously reported for healthy foals. Results: Plasma cortisol co...
Epidemiologic analysis of nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalized horses. To examine the relationship between abdominal surgery and nosocomial Salmonella infections and the relationship between high caseload in combination with abdominal surgery and nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalized horses with signs of gastrointestinal tract disease. Methods: 140 horses. Methods: Case-control study. Methods: To accomplish the first objective, 1 to 4 control horses were matched with each nosocomial case horse on the basis of admission date of a primary case horse. The frequency of abdominal surgery and other investigated exposure factors were compared between nosocomi...
A tapered-sleeve transcortical pin external skeletal fixation device for use in horses: development, application, and experience. To report development, configuration, application, and results of a tapered-sleeve transcortical pin external skeletal fixation device (TSP ESFD) for use on fractures of the distal aspect of the equine limb. Methods: Optimization analysis of a TSP ESFD was carried out with mechanical testing and review of clinical case outcomes. Methods: Cadaveric adult third metacarpal bones (MC3) for mechanical testing; horses (n=7) with severely comminuted proximal (6; P1) or second (1) phalanx fractures. Methods: Mechanical testing of methods for attachment of TSP to the sidebars were tested as well as opt...
Evaluation of allele frequencies of inherited disease genes in subgroups of American Quarter Horses. To estimate allele frequencies of the hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), lethal white foal syndrome (LWFS), glycogen branching enzyme deficiency (GBED), hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA), and type 1 polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) genes in elite performance subgroups of American Quarter Horses (AQHs). Methods: Prospective genetic survey. Methods: 651 elite performance AQHs, 200 control AQHs, and 180 control American Paint Horses (APHs). Methods: Elite performance AQHs successful in 7 competitive disciplines (barrel racing, cutting, halter, racing, reining, western...
Survival and complications after large colon resection and end-to-end anastomosis for strangulating large colon volvulus in seventy-three horses. To report complications and survival after large colon resection and end-to-end anastomosis in horses with strangulating large colon volvulus. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n=73) with strangulating large colon volvulus. Methods: Records (January 1995 to December 2005) of horses that had large colon resection and anastomosis for strangulating large colon volvulus were reviewed for complications. Follow-up data were obtained by telephone questionnaire at least 1 year postoperatively. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate association with survival time. V...
Effects of changing body position on oxygenation and arterial blood pressures in foals anesthetized with guaifenesin, ketamine, and xylazine. To investigate the impact of a change in body position on blood gases and arterial blood pressures in foals anesthetized with guaifenesin, ketamine, and xylazine. Methods: Prospective, randomized experimental study. Methods: Twelve Quarter Horse foals, age of 5.4 +/-0.9 months and weighing 222 +/- 48 kg. Methods: Foals were anesthetized with guaifenesin, ketamine, and xylazine for 40 minutes in lateral recumbency and then assigned to a change in lateral recumbency after hoisting (Group 1, n = 6), or no change (Group 2, n = 6). Oxygen 15 L minute(-1) was insufflated into the endotracheal tube t...
Effect of Amblyomma cajennense ticks on the immune response of BALB/c mice and horses. This work evaluated the effect of the Amblyomma cajennense tick on the immune response of BALB/c mice and on horse lymph node cell proliferation. We observed that mice do not develop resistance to nymphs of this tick species and that lymphocyte proliferation of this host is inhibited by tick saliva, nymphal extract, or infestations. Horse lymph node cell proliferation is inhibited by tick saliva as well. Mice lymphocytes under the effect of tick saliva, nymphal extract, or infestations display a predominantly Th-2 cytokine production pattern. Observed results partially explain this tick's dise...
Genetic diversity of a large set of horse breeds raised in France assessed by microsatellite polymorphism. The genetic diversity and structure of horses raised in France were investigated using 11 microsatellite markers and 1679 animals belonging to 34 breeds. Between-breed differences explained about ten per cent of the total genetic diversity (Fst = 0.099). Values of expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.43 to 0.79 depending on the breed. According to genetic relationships, multivariate and structure analyses, breeds could be classified into four genetic differentiated groups: warm-blooded, draught, Nordic and pony breeds. Using complementary maximisation of diversity and aggregate diversity appr...
