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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.
The effect of general anesthesia and abdominal surgery upon plasma thromboxane B concentrations in horses. To compare the effect of anesthesia alone with anesthesia and abdominal surgery on plasma thromboxane B(2) concentrations in horses. Methods: Non-randomized experimental study. Methods: Six male mixed-bred horses (5-12 years, 350 +/- 18 kg). Methods: All horses were anesthetized for 2.5 hours using halothane, and a month later abdominal surgery was performed using the same anesthetic technique with a similar duration. The schedule of anesthesia included pre-medication with diazepam (0.1 mg kg(-1) IM), followed by xylazine (2.2 mg kg(-1) IV), and 10 minutes later anesthesia was induced with ket...
Streptococcus devriesei sp. nov., from equine teeth. Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on four unidentified Gram-positive staining, catalase-negative, alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus-like organisms recovered from the teeth of horses. SDS PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins and comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated the four strains were highly related to each other but that they did not correspond to any recognised species of the genus Streptococcus. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed the unidentified organisms form a hitherto unknown sub-line within the Streptococcus genus, displaying a clos...
Plasma endotoxin concentration in horses: a methods study. Accurate determination of plasma endotoxin concentration is critical for ex vivo and in vitro cellular and molecular studies of endotoxemia in horses. However, reports are conflicting with respect to anticoagulant, handling, and sample preparation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of blood sample fraction and handling time on measurement of endotoxin concentration in horses. Methods: Whole blood, anticoagulated with 3.8% (0.12 M) sodium citrate (9:1), was collected from 5 healthy horses. Whole blood (WB), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-poor plasma (PPP...
[Analysis of the prevalence of pastern dermatitis in German Coldblood horse breeds]. The prevalence of pastern dermatitis was investigated in 917 German Coldblood horses aged 2.5 to 26 years. Pastern dermatitis was prevalent in Black Forest Draught horses with 47.5% and in South German Draught horses with 58.5%. High prevalences were found in Mecklenburg (76.4%), Saxon-Thuringa (84.3%), Schleswig (86.0%), and Rhenisch German Coldblood (96.1%) horses. All four legs or both hind legs were affected most frequently. The most prevalent forms of pastern dermatitis were crusted and hyperkeratotic-hyperplastic. The occurrence of pastern dermatitis was dependent of age. The statistical...
Microbiological and serological study of leptospirosis in horses at slaughter: first isolations. A bacteriological survey of kidneys from 145 abattoir horses was performed, which resulted in the isolation of two Leptospira strains. The isolates were serologically typed as belonging to serogroups Australis and Pomona, and REA identified them as L. interrogans serovar Bratislava and L. kirschneri serovar Tsaratsovo, respectively. These are the first Leptospira isolates obtained from horses in Portugal and the Bratislava strain is the first serogroup Australis strain to be isolated in this country. The 145 horses were also serologically tested for leptospiral antibodies, and 37% had MAT titr...
Physiological and pathological expression of intermediate filaments in the equine endometrium. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the intermediate filaments cytokeratin, vimentin and desmin in the equine endometrium by immunohistological techniques. For this purpose, endometrial biopsies of 151 mares were examined to determine physiological cycle patterns and changes resulting from endometriosis. During the physiological cycle epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells express cytokeratin and vimentin, respectively, whilst desmin and vimentin were coexpressed by the smooth muscle cells. Epithelial coexpression of cytokeratin and vimentin was seen in numerous fibrotic...
Nonpharmacological suppression of oestrus in the mare. The maintenance of luteal function is essential for the
establishment of pregnancy in all mammals. While the lifespan of
the corpus luteum (CL) is independent of the presence of a
conceptus in carnivores (Lawson and Findlay 1977), prolongation
of luteal function in polyoestrous animals requires the presence of
the conceptus to defuse and suppress the cyclical luteolytic
mechanism in the nonpregnant state (Short 1969). In the horse, the
conceptus remains spherical and unattached (Van Niekerk and
Allen 1975) after it enters the uterus between 144 and 168 h after
ovulation (Battut et al....
Equine welfare: risk of horses falling in the Grand National. As in other competitive sports, the famous Grand National steeplechase, which is held at Aintree in the United Kingdom and is watched by 600 million people worldwide, sometimes results in injury. By analysing data from the past 15 Grand National races (consisting of 560 starts by horses), we are able to identify several factors that are significantly associated with failure to complete the race: no previous experience of the course and its unique obstacles, unfavourable ground conditions (too soft or too hard), a large number of runners, and the length of the odds ('starting price'). We also f...
Prospects for vaccination against equine grass sickness. Their is both historical and modern scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that equine grass sickness (EC'S) is caused by a toxico-infectious form of botulism involving a Clostridium botulism type C toxin 1114 is produced locally within the gastrointestinal tract of affected horses (Toc her et al. 1923: Tneher 1924: Hunter a aL 1999: Hunter and anion 2001: McCarthy 2002: McCarthy a aL 201)4a1. This report concerns a meeting convened to review the current state of knowledge and possible strategies for vaccination against EGS. including historical. clinical and pathological aspects of the...
Clinical significance of ossification of the cartilages of the front feet based on nuclear bone scintigraphy, radiography and lameness examinations in 21 Finnhorses. Research on the clinical significance of ossification of the cartilages of the foot has been limited, despite the common nature of the condition and conflicting reports in previous literature. Objective: Some radiographic features in the ossification of the cartilages, such as incomplete fusion lines between separate centres of ossification and the ossified base, are of clinical significance. Methods: The relationships between radiopharmaceutical uptake in bone phase nuclear scintigraphy at the heels (palmar processes of the distal phalanx, including ossification of the cartilages of the foot)...
Hair analysis as a novel investigative tool for the detection of historical drug use/misuse in the horse: a pilot study. Analysis of human hair for drug residues is being used increasingly as a diagnostic tool in the investigation of drug use and abuse. Hair analysis is complementary to urine/blood testing in that it can provide an extensive historical record of drug use, is noninvasive, impersonal and can facilitate retesting. However, the technique has not been studied in horses. Objective: That the systemic administration of drugs in horses could be identified by the detection of drug residues in hair. Objective: To evaluate hair analysis as a potential retrospective diagnostic test for drug administration in...
Descriptive epidemiology of fractures occurring in British Thoroughbred racehorses in training. Musculoskeletal injury is the major cause of days lost from training and wastage in Thoroughbred racehorses. Little scientific information is available on the majority of injuries occurring in training. Objective: To estimate the incidence of fractures in British racehorses in training and describe the occurrence of different fracture types and bones involved. Methods: Thirteen UK racehorse trainers participated in a prospective study, providing data on horses in their care for 2 years. Details on horses, their daily exercise and fracture occurrence were recorded. Results: A total of 1178 hors...
Equine grass sickness is associated with low antibody levels to Clostridium botulinum: a matched case-control study. Equine grass sickness is a high mortality disease which, despite many years of investigation, is of unknown aetiology. Recent findings indicating that the disease is associated with Clostridium botulinum require support from an epidemiological study that recognises and controls for potential confounders, e.g. age, time of year and premises. Objective: EGS is associated with low antibody levels to C. botulinum antigens. Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted. Data were collected from 66 histologically confirmed cases of EGS and 132 premises-matched control horses. The probability o...
Collateral desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint in 18 horses (2001-2002). There have been no previously published case series of horses examined using either scintigraphy or MRI to diagnose collateral ligament injuries not detectable using ultrasonography or radiography, nor have other concurrent soft tissue lesions been described. Objective: To describe the clinical features of horses with desmitis of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and to evaluate the results of radiographic, ultrasonographic, scintigraphic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Methods: Horses were examined between January 2001 and January 2003 and w...
The influence of repeated arthrocentesis and exercise on matrix metalloproteinase and tumour necrosis factor alpha activities in normal equine joints. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) may be useful as biomarkers of joint disease or inflammation. However, activity of both MMPs and TNF-alpha in synovial fluid (SF) may be influenced by nonpathological factors such as arthrocentesis or exercise. Objective: To investigate the influence of repeated arthrocentesis and exercise on MMP and TNF-alpha activities in SF from normal equine joints. Methods: SF was collected from the left metacarpophalangeal, radiocarpal and tarsocrural joints of 16 horses. Eight of these horses were subsequently subjected to an ...
Epistaxis related to exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in south African Thoroughbreds. This study investigated if environmental factors had an effect on the incidence of epistaxis related to exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) among racehorses in southern Africa. Data covering the period 1986-2001 and involving 778 532 race runs were analysed. This included the following information: date of race, age, sex, name of breeder, trainer, distance, jockey, state of going, weight carried, racing centre and altitude. Veterinarians employed by the Jockey Club suspended officially entered horses that presented with epistaxis (frank bleeding from the nostrils) after racing. On-co...
Why are certain premises at increased risk of equine grass sickness? A matched case-control study. Equine grass sickness (EGS) occurs repeatedly on certain premises over time. Few studies have sought, or identified, the determinants of this phenomenon in order to inform advice on disease prevention strategies. Objective: Premises-level risk factors are important determinants of whether EGS occurs. Methods: A matched case-control study was undertaken. Sixty premises giving rise to one or more histologically confirmed case of EGS and 120 time-matched control premises were sampled. Data were collected on pasture management, soil nutrient content, pasture nutrient content and local weather cond...
An epidemiological study of risk factors associated with the recurrence of equine grass sickness (dysautonomia) on previously affected premises. The reasons why equine grass sickness (EGS) recurs on premises are unknown and, consequently, practical methods for reducing the risk of recurrence are not available. Objective: To identify risk factors associated with recurrence of EGS on premises and to gain possible insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. Methods: Data on disease history and risk factors were collected by postal questionnaire from premises with EGS cases between 1st January 1997 and 31st December 2001. Data on variation in rates of recurrence of EGS for different risk factors were analysed using Poisson regression an...
Assessment of the efficacy of composite surgery for the treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in a group of 53 racing Thoroughbreds (1990-1996). There has been no objectively assessed case-control study of the efficacy of surgery to correct dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) previously reported. Objective: Composite surgery has a beneficial result on racing performance in horses affected with DDSP as compared to a matched control population. Methods: Race records were obtained for 53 racing Thoroughbreds which underwent composite staphylectomy, sternothyrohyoideus myectomy and ventriculectomy for correction of idiopathic DDSP at the University of Bristol between 1990 and 1996. Each surgical case was matched for age, sex and ...
Weight prediction from linear measures of growing Thoroughbreds. Monitoring weight of foals is a useful management practice to aid in maximising athletic potential while minimising risks associated with deviations from normal growth. Objective: To develop predictive equations for weight, based on linear measurements of growing Thoroughbreds (TBs). Methods: Morphometric equations predicting weight from measurements of the trunk and legs were developed from data of 153 foals. The accuracy, precision and bias of the best fitting equation were compared to published equations using a naive data set of 22 foals. Results: Accuracy and precision were maximised with...
The beta-agonist clenbuterol in mane and tail hair of horses. The beta2-agonist clenbuterol is commonly administered for therapeutic purposes in the horse, but its use an an anabolic agent is illegal. Clenbuterol can be detected in blood and urine for a relatively short period after administration and detection in hair could enhance the analytical range and be used to determine the history of clenbuterol application. Objective: That detection in mane or tail hair is possible over an extended period. Methods: Four horses received 0.8 microg clenbuterol hydrochloride/kg bwt b.i.d. for 10 days. Four other horses were used as untreated controls. Blood, urine...
Pharmacokinetics of recombinant hirudin in healthy horses. Recombinant (r)-hirudin is a specific inhibitor of thrombin that is independent of the activity of antithrombin. Objective: To evaluate pharmacokinetic properties and coagulatory changes of r-hirudin in healthy horses. Methods: Two clinically healthy horses received a single i.v. bolus of 0.4 mg/kg bwt r-hirudin and 6 clinically healthy horses received the same dose subcutaneously (subcut.) q. 12 h for 3 days. Coagulation times and r-hirudin plasma concentration were determined over 720 mins and 3 days after i.v. and subcut. administration, respectively. Results: In all horses, treatment with ...
Genetic characterization of Pompeii and Herculaneum Equidae buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD. DNA extracted from the skeletons of five equids discovered in a Pompeii stable and of a horse found in Herculaneum was investigated. Amino acid racemization level was consistent with the presence of DNA. Post-mortem base modifications were excluded by sequencing a 146 bp fragment of the 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene. Sequencing of a 370 bp fragment of mitochondrial (mt)DNA control region allowed the construction of a phylogenetic tree that, along with sequencing of nuclear genes (epsilon globin, gamma interferon, and p53) fragments, gave us the possibility to address some questions puzzling arch...
The effect of exogenous estradiol benzoate and altrenogest on uterine and ovarian blood flow during the estrous cycle in mares. In recent years, a positive relationship between genital perfusion and fertility has been established; in species other than horses, uterine and ovarian perfusion was improved by exogenous estrogen but impaired by exogenous progestin. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of exogenous estrogen and progestin on uterine and ovarian blood flow in cycling mares. Five Trotter mares were examined daily during three estrous cycles. Mares were given no treatment, altrenogest (0.044 mg/kg BW) orally from Day 0 (ovulation) to Day 14 and estradiol benzoate (5mg i.m.) on Days 0, 5, a...
LH and testosterone responses to five doses of a GnRH analogue (buserelin acetate) in 12-month-old Thoroughbred colts. To determine the responsiveness of the pituitary-gonadal axis of peri-pubertal colts to GnRH, buserelin (0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 40 microg) was given to 13 male Thoroughbred yearlings ( n=3-8 colts per dose). Jugular venous blood samples were taken at -10, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 120 and 180 min relative to buserelin administration. Increases (P < 0.05) in LH concentrations occurred in colts that received 5, 10, or 40 microg buserelin, but not in those that received 0.5 or 1 microg. Peak LH concentrations and mean area under the curve were higher (P < 0.05) in colts receiving 40 microg busereli...
Ultrasonic characteristics of preovulatory follicle and ovulation in Caspian mares. The Caspian breed of horses is believed to be the direct descendant of the earliest equine animals. Some special characteristics of Caspian horse differentiate this breed of horses from other breeds. In the current study the ultrasonically observed characteristics of a preovulatory dominant follicle and the lengths of estrus, diestrus as well as some related parameters were studied during 42 interovulatory intervals in 11 healthy Caspian mares. The preovulatory dominant follicle deviated from subordinate follicles and became the largest follicle in the ovaries at Day -8.7 +/- 0.53 (Day 0=ovula...
[Incarcerated umbilical hernia in the horse: a case with a review of the literature]. Umbilical hernias are common in foals. This article provides a review of the literature and presents a case of an 1.5-year-old Friesian mare with an incarcerated umbilical hernia. After reposition of the incarcerated intestine (with a lot of effort), the practising veterinarian referred the mare to the Department of Equine Sciences. Preperforative peritonitis was diagnosed, presumed to be caused by necrotic bowel. After laparotomy, this tentative diagnosis was confirmed. The necrotic part of the small intestine was resected and intensive medical treatment was started. Initially, the mare recov...
