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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.
Gene expression profiling in blood cells of endurance horses completing competition or disqualified due to metabolic disorder. Genomics using cDNA microarrays could provide useful information about physiological adaptations and metabolic disorders in endurance horses. Objective: In order to show that genes are modulated in leucocytes in relationship with performance and clinical status of the horses, gene expression in leucocytes, haematological and biochemical parameters were compared between successful and disqualified endurance horses. Methods: Blood samples were collected at rest (TO) and just after a 140-160 km endurance race (T1) in 2 groups of horses: 10 continuing successful (S) and 10 disqualified horses stop...
Head and body centre of mass movement in horses trotting on a circular path. Horses are often worked along a circular trajectory but the mechanics of turning have not been reported. Objective: To develop a methodology for kinematic analysis of horses during circling and to report preliminary findings describing movements of the total body centre of mass (COMbody). Methods: Seventy-five skin markers, distributed over the head, neck, trunk and limbs of 5 sound horses, were tracked in a global coordinate system at 120 Hz as the horses trotted around a small circle. Based on segmental inertial data, 3D positions of the segmental centres of mass and COMbody were calculated....
Haematological and respiratory gas changes in horses and mules exercised at altitude (3800 m). Despite the common use of equids as visitors to high altitude mountainous environments, there are a paucity of carefully orchestrated scientific approaches. Further, again as a function of a common perceived advantage of mules over horses in these similar environments there are needs for controlled comparisons between these 2 equids. Objective: To measure haematological and respiratory function in horses and mules at low altitude (225 m), at rest and post exercise. In addition the rate and magnitude of these changes were followed over a 13 day period at high altitude (3800 m) to contrast accli...
Muscle, tendon, and somatotropin responses to the restriction of muscle blood flow induced by KAATSU-walk training. The efficacy of KAATSU training has been demonstrated in human athletes, both as a therapeutic method as well as a training aid. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of slow walk training combined with restriction of muscle blood flow (KAATSU) on muscle and tendon size. Methods: Six healthy, unfit Standardbred mares performed walking (240 m/min for 10 min and then 5 min recovery) with KAATSU, and 6 mares performed walking without KAATSU. A specially designed elastic cuff1 was placed at the most proximal position of the forelegs and inflated to a pressure of 200-230 mmHg thr...
Plasma glutamine concentrations in the horse following feeding and oral glutamine supplementation. Pharmacological benefits of glutamine supplementation have been shown in athletically and clinically stressed human subjects. In the horse, infection and intense exercise have also been shown to significantly decrease plasma glutamine concentrations, but little is known on how best to supplement. Objective: To evaluate whether ingestion of different foodstuffs, with or without L-glutamine (G) or a peptide (Pep) containing 31.5% w/w G in a water-stable form, could affect plasma glutamine concentrations (P-GC). Methods: Nine feeds (molassed sugar beet-pulp (mSB); naked oats (nO); commercial mix ...
Effect of omeprazole on markers of performance in gastric ulcer-free standardbred horses. A large percentage of performance horses develop gastric ulcers and many of those horses are treated with omeprazole. Unfortunately, no data have been published on the effects of the drug on markers of performance in animals without ulcers. Objective: Omeprazole would alter markers of aerobic and anaerobic performance. Methods: Ten unfit, healthy, ulcer free, Standardbred mares were administered either control (CON; oral apple sauce, 20 ml) or omeprazole (OP; oral paste, 4 mg/kg bwt s.i.d.) in a random crossover fashion with the investigators blind to the treatment. Treatments were administere...
Right ventricular pressure dynamics and stress echocardiography in pharmacological and exercise stress testing. There is interest in using pharmacological stress testing (PST) as a substitute for exercise stress testing (EST) to evaluate cardiac function in horses. Objective: To compare the effect of PST and EST on right ventricular pressure dynamics and stress echocardiography. Methods: Five horses completed a PST and EST in a randomised crossover design. High fidelity pressure transducers were placed in the right ventricle. Continuous pressure signals were digitally collected and stored, and dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin and tau calculated from these measurements. ECGs were recorded continuously for 20 h. Echoca...
Kernicterus in a neonatal foal. A 5-day-old Thoroughbred foal was submitted to the necropsy service at the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center. The foal had a clinical history of seizure activity and severe icterus. A complete blood count and serum chemistry analysis indicated that the foal was anemic (hematocrit, 16%), hyperbilirubinemic (45 mg/dl), and hypoglycemic. At necropsy, all tissues were discolored various shades of yellow. Microscopically, there was degeneration and necrosis of cerebral neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells; severe hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis; and deposition of ...
Observations on respiratory flow strategies during and after intense treadmill exercise to fatigue in thoroughbred racehorses. Locomotor-respiratory coupled (LRC) breath types are a feature of galloping exercise in horses. Differences in breath type have been demonstrated during exercise in particular the 'big respiratory cycle' (BRC) and 'flow hesitation'. To investigate breath types during recovery and quantitatively investigate BRCs during exercise to understanding the mechanism driving BRCs. Objective: To investigate the occurrence of different breath types during and after intense treadmill exercise, and test the hypothesis that large breaths (BRCs) were a function of respiratory frequency. Methods: Six trained a...
Evaluation of race distance, track surface and season of the year on exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in flat racing thoroughbreds in Brazil. To our knowledge no studies evaluating risk factors to EIPH have been undertaken with such a population of horses in Brazil, which is one of the few countries in the racing community to accept the use of frusemide (FUR) as a prerace medication for bleeders. We also compared national results with those already in the literature. Objective: To verify the influence of variables such as distance of the race, racetrack surface, going and season of the year in the recurrence and severity of EIPH and its effect on the finishing position of flat racing Thoroughbreds in Brazil. Methods: 2118 post race ...
Raising heels of hind hooves changes the equine coffin, fetlock and hock joint angle: a kinematic evaluation on the treadmill at walk and trot. Raised heels are commonly recommended for various equine orthopaedic conditions. However, the simultaneous effect of raised heels on the different joint angles of the equine hindlimb throughout the motion cycle has not been previously evaluated. Objective: To document the simultaneous effect of raised heels on the joint angles of the equine hindlimb coffin, fetlock and hock joints. Methods: Eight sound, adult, Warmblood horses were evaluated barefoot and with a heel wedge of 8 or 16 degrees, walking and trotting on a horizontal treadmill. Markers placed on the dorsal and cranial aspect of the ...
A comparison of cross-country recovery rates at CCI 2* with and without steeplechase competitions. Short format 3-day events were introduced in 2004. Anecdotal reports suggested that horses were more tired on completion of the cross-country phase of short format events when compared with horses completing the cross-country phase of long format competitions, despite the absence of Phases A, B and C. Objective: To compare the physiological parameters and haematological parameters of horses that had completed the cross-country phase of a short format (SF) and a long format (LF) CCI 2* competition. Methods: During a CCI 2* competition 69 competitors took part in the short format and 74 in the l...
Correlations between exercising arterial blood gas values, tracheal wash findings and upper respiratory tract abnormalities in horses presented for poor performance. There are limited data on the correlations between arterial blood gas (ABG) values, tracheal wash (TW) cytology and upper respiratory tract (URT) abnormalities. Objective: To identify horses with abnormal exercising ABG, and compare the proportions of horses with abnormal ABG and TW cytology, mucus or URT dysfunction with those with normal ABG results and abnormal TW cytology, mucus or URT dysfunction. Methods: Medical records of 813 horses presenting to the treadmill facility that had a complete treadmill examination, including ABG analysis, TW and URT endoscopy were selected. Diagnoses, ABG ...
Study of gelatin supplemented diet on amino acid homeostasis in the horse. Gelatin supplementation is a common measure in an attempt to assist cartilage repair, but little scientific evidence exists to support its efficacy. Objective: To investigate the effects of gelatin administration on post prandial homeostasis. Methods: Twelve Standardbred horses (mean 404 kg bwt) were fed a hay-concentrate diet supplemented by soy bean meal and oil (control [C], n = 6) or with the addition of 60 g gelatin/day (G, n = 6). The horses were trained by an alternate order of interval and prolonged exercise every second day. The velocities of the treadmill corresponding to 2 and 10 mm...
Effects of chronic acetazolamide administration on fluid flux from the pulmonary vasculature at rest and during exercise in horses. Horses develop high pulmonary pressures during exercise, which force fluid out of pulmonary capillaries. Specific airway diseases in horses, especially those associated with hypoxaemia, hypercapnoea and acidosis may influence pulmonary haemodynamics and pulmonary interstitial fluid equilibrium. Objective: This study was designed to determine fluid flux (J(V-A) l/min) across the lung in exercising horses treated chronically with acetazolamide. Methods: Six horses were exercised on a treadmill until fatigue without (Con) and with chronic carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibition (AczTr) and associated ...
Effects of egg-bar shoes on the 3-dimensional kinematics of the distal forelimb in horses walking on a sand track. Understanding of the biomechanical effects of egg-bar shoes remains incomplete because kinematic studies are usually performed on hard tracks and with skin markers that do not measure the actual 3-dimensional (3D) movements of the 3 digital joints. Objective: To quantify the effects of egg-bar shoes on the 3D kinematics of the distal forelimb in horses walking on a sand track. Methods: Four healthy horses were equipped with ultrasonic markers fixed surgically to the 4 distal segments of the left forelimb. The 3D movements of these segments were recorded while the horses were walking on a sand ...
Effects of dietary energy source and physical conditioning on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in standardbred horses. There is evidence that adaptation to diets rich in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) contributes to the development of insulin resistance in horses. To date, however, no study in horses has examined the effects of physical conditioning on diet-associated alterations in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Objective: To examine the effects of adaptation to concentrate feeds rich in NSC or fat on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in horses, both in the sedentary state and after a subsequent period of physical conditioning. Methods: Fourteen mature Standardbred horses underwent both...
Changes in selected physiological and laboratory measurements in elite horses competing in a 160 km endurance ride. Limited information exists about the physiological changes and clinical problems that occur in elite horses competing in high-speed 160 km endurance races. Objective: To provide initial data describing changes in physiological and laboratory measurements in horses competing in a high-speed, 160 km endurance race under temperate conditions and to compare data between horses that successfully completed the race and those that failed to finish. Methods: Body mass (BM) was measured, blood samples were collected, and veterinary examinations performed on horses before, during, and at the finish of a...
Abnormal radiographic findings in 865 French standardbred trotters and their relationship to racing performance. Developmental orthopaedic lesions are commonly found in French Standardbred horses. One of the main questions asked by trainers, owners and veterinarians is what impact these lesions have on the racing career and racing performances of horses. Objective: To study the prevalence and distribution of developmental orthopaedic lesions in young French Standardbred trotters and to relate them to racing performance. Methods: Feet, fetlock, tarsus and stifle regions were radiographed in 865 two-year-old French Standardbred trotters. Abnormal radiographic findings (ARF) were evaluated for 12 anatomical...
Effect of corticosteroid and bronchodilator therapy on bronchoalveolar lavage cytology following intrapulmonary blood inoculation. Intrapulmonary blood causes an inflammatory response. Modifying this inflammatory response may be useful in the treatment of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 3 treatments, an oral bronchodilator, inhaled steroid and oral steroid in modifying the cellular response to intrapulmonary blood inoculation. Methods: Experimental design was a randomised block divided into 4 experimental segments of 2 weeks. Eight normal horses were randomly assigned to pairs and treatments. Autologous blood was inoculated into the lungs on 4 occasions over an 8 week ...
Effect of conditioning horses with short intervals at high speed on biochemical variables in blood. There is limited published work on the effect of training using intensive and short intervals of exercise to condition horses for racing. Objective: To examine the effect of conditioning horses 1, 2 or 3 x a week using 2 short fast exercise intervals on blood lactate (LA), plasma ammonia (NH3) and urea (urea) as well as creatine kinase (CK) activity. Methods: Thoroughbreds (age 4-5 years) were conditioned at near maximal speed (12-14 m/sec) over 100 m, on 2 occasions separated by a 10 min period at walk, on dirt track (conditioning exercise; CE) during a 6 week conditioning period (CP). The CE...
A nonsurgical method allowing continuous core temperature monitoring in mares for extended periods, including during endurance exercise. Body temperature can be a useful measure of how well the horse responds to thermal challenges of exercise and environment. Currently there is little information available about how body temperature changes throughout an endurance ride, and no nonsurgical methods to evaluate internal temperature of exercising horses during prolonged periods and during long distances. Objective: To develop and test a nonsurgical method, using temperature loggers, of continuously recording internal temperature during exercise and over an extended period. Methods: Loggers were inserted transcervically into the ute...
The effect of long-term exercise on glucose metabolism and peripheral insulin sensitivity in standardbred horses. To study the possible long-term effect of improved glucose tolerance in horses after long-term training, as the impact of exercise training on glucose metabolism is still unclear in the equine species. It is not known whether there is a direct long-term effect of training or if the measurable effect on glucose metabolism is the residual effect of the last exercise session. Objective: To determine the chronic effect on glucose metabolism and peripheral insulin sensitivity of long-term training in horses by use of the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique. Methods: Eleven Standardbred ho...
Hormone response to training and competition in athletic horses. It is recognised that the amount of psychological stress that an animal encounters determines the degree of response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In human athletes, the added emotive stress of competition is an important element in the adrenal response. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of show-jumping as well as dressage on stress levels by comparing horses' stress response at a horse show compared to their familiar home. Methods: Fifty-one horses involved in competition were used. EDTA blood samples were collected before exercise, upon arrived to the school...
The effect of gallop training on hoof angle in thoroughbred racehorses. The economic impact of soundness problems in racehorses is very high and low hoof angle at the toe has been associated with a lack of soundness. However, it is not clear what environmental and management factors might contribute to a low hoof angle. Objective: To investigate the hypothesis that the hooves of racehorses become flatter when in gallop training, as well as to determine factors contributing to this trend. Methods: Weekly hoof measurements were taken with a hoof gauge from 45 Thoroughbred racehorses; 4 Thoroughbred show horses kept in consistent conditions and shod by the same farri...
Effects of prior exercise on components of insulin signalling in equine skeletal muscle. Exercise is an important stimulus for the regulation of numerous metabolic functions in muscle, but there has been little investigation of the mechanism of exercise-enhanced glucose utilisation. Objective: To examine the effects of exercise on the signalling components Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) involved in insulin regulation of glycogen synthase (GS) activity. It was hypothesised that hyperinsulinaemia and prior exercise would alter the extent of Akt phosphorylation and GSK3beta deactivation and increase insulin stimulation of GS activity in skeletal muscle. Methods: Eight Stan...
Associations between exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, right ventricular dimensions and atrioventricular valve regurgitation in conditioned national hunt racehorses. Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) and tricuspid (TR) and mitral valve regurgitation (MR) are conditions with high prevalence in conditioned Thoroughbreds. Stress failure of pulmonary capillaries, leading to EIPH, is most likely when pulmonary vascular pressure is increased, and mitral regurgitation can result in pulmonary venous hypertension. Objective: There might be an association between MR and EIPH and the right ventricle (RV) of horses known to suffer repeated episodes of EIPH, as their hearts would be subject to higher pulmonary vascular pressures and cardiac output during tr...
Characterization of enterococci populations in livestock manure using BIOLOG. The BIOLOG system was used to generate knowledge of enterococci populations found in fresh and dry manure of livestock (cattle (Bos taurus), horse (Equus caballus), and sheep (Ovis aires)). Six-hundred and forty Enterococcus isolates from the host sources were observed as a combined fresh manure unit and a combined dry manure unit, E. casseliflavus and E. mundtii were predominant in fresh manure (36% and 35%, respectively) as well as in dry manure (51% and 28%, respectively). The other species were found at a frequency of less than 10%. A chi-square test of the two most predominant Enterococcu...
The effect of physical exercise on the daily rhythm of platelet aggregation and body temperature in horses. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of physical activity on the daily rhythm of platelet aggregation and body temperature in horses. Blood samples from 12 Thoroughbred horses, six sedentary animals and six athletes (studied both before and after a period of inactivity) were collected at 4h intervals for 48h via an intravenous cannula inserted into the jugular vein. Body temperature was recorded every 4h for 48h with a rectal probe. Platelet aggregation was measured with an aggregometer. Collagen was used to test the aggregation of the plasma samples. Statistical analysis of...
