Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Nervous System
The nervous system in horses is a complex network responsible for transmitting signals between different parts of the body. It consists of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which comprises nerves that extend throughout the body. The nervous system regulates various physiological processes, including movement, sensation, and the coordination of bodily functions. It plays a critical role in processing sensory information and initiating appropriate responses. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the structure, function, and clinical implications of the equine nervous system, including its role in behavior, response to stimuli, and neurological disorders.
Bibliometric Analysis on Equine-Assisted Interventions. Equine Assisted Interventions (EAIs) integrate the active participation of horses in therapeutic or educational interventions. A bibliometric analysis was carried out on this topic, using traditional bibliometric laws and recommendations. For this purpose, a search on the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database was carried out, obtaining 333 documents. Annual publications followed an exponentially increasing trend (R = 86%), pointing out that this topic is a growing interest among researchers, publishers, and journals. The USA was the most productive country worldwide and Jeong-yi Kwon a...
Primary phenotypic features associated with caudal neck pathology in warmblood horses. Detailed descriptions of clinical signs associated with radiological findings of the caudal cervical vertebral column are not available. Objective: Describe the clinical features associated with neck pain or stiffness, neck-related thoracic limb lameness, proprioceptive ataxia consistent with a cervicothoracic spinal cord or nerve lesion, and their frequency of occurrence compared with control horses. Methods: A total of 223 Warmblood horses. Methods: Case-control study. Controls and cases were recruited prospectively. All horses underwent predetermined lameness and neurologic examinations. Th...
Bilateral stringhalt associated with Hypochaeris radicata in Uruguayan horses. We reported thirteen cases of bilateral stringhalt associated with Hypochaeris radicata that occurred in horses in Uruguay during a severe drought in the summer of 2023. All horses were affected chronically and progressively by bilateral hyperflexion of hindlimbs. In two severely affected horses, the main histological lesions included neuronal chromatolysis and axonal spheroids in the ventral gray horn in the lumbar and sacral spinal cord and axonal degeneration and digestion chambers in ventral roots fibers and long peripheral nerves. We suggest that in addition to injuries to peripheral nerv...
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Healthy Non-Sedated Horses: A Feasibility Study. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (tAVNS) in healthy horses and its effect on heart rate variability (HRV). The study comprised three phases: the selection of mares, their acclimatization to the tAVNS, and the stimulation phase. Stimulation was performed with two electrodes positioned on the right pinna. The settings were 0.5 mA, 250 μs, and 25 Hz for pulse amplitude, pulse width, and pulse frequency, respectively. HRV was analysed before (B1), during (T), and after (B2) the tAVNS. From the 44 mares initially included, only 7 comp...
Ground-based adaptive horsemanship lessons for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled pilot study. Equine-assisted services (EAS) has received attention as a potential treatment strategy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as existing literature indicates that symptoms may decrease following EAS. Relatively little is known about the mechanisms at play during lessons and if physiological measures are impacted. The objectives of this pilot study were to 1) explore the effects of adaptive horsemanship (AH) lessons on symptoms of PTSD, hormone concentrations, and social motor synchrony; 2) determine if physiological changes occur as veterans interact with horses; and 3) explore if the in...
Evaluation of stem-cell therapies in companion animal disease models: a concise review (2015-2023). Companion animals in veterinary medicine develop multiple naturally occurring diseases analogous to human conditions. We previously reported a comprehensive review on the feasibility, safety, and biologic activity of using novel stem cell therapies to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions in dogs and cats (2008-2015) [Hoffman AM, Dow SW. Concise review: stem cell trials using companion animal disease models. Stem Cells. 2016;34(7):1709-1729. https://doi.org/10.1002/stem.2377]. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated summary of current studies in companion animal disease models...
Equine intervertebral disc disease with dorsal protrusion and spinal cord compression: A computed tomography, myelography, MRI, and histopathologic case study. A 3-year-old American Saddlebred gelding presented for progressive tetraparesis, ataxia, and cervical hyperaesthesia. Radiographic myelography identified spinal cord compression at C6-7 in neutral, extended, and flexed positions and at C4-5 in the flexed position. CT myelography and postmortem MRI identified severe vertebral canal stenosis/compression at C6-7. MRI further identified severe intervertebral disc herniation at C6-7 with intramedullary changes. Disc protrusion was confirmed macroscopically at postmortem. Lesions consistent with compressive myelopathy were confirmed microscopically ...
Imaging diagnosis: Disseminated hemangiosarcoma in a Welsh pony. A 16-year-old pony gelding presented with epistaxis and a head tilt. Referral skull radiographs suggested an ethmoid hematoma. Concurrent neurologic abnormalities prompted contrast-enhanced CT of the head and cranial neck, revealing numerous hyperattenuating masses throughout the brain and paranasal sinuses, along with a large osteolytic mass in the second cervical vertebra. The vertebral mass extended into the vertebral canal, causing focal extradural compressive myelopathy. These findings were inconsistent with ethmoid hematoma and metastatic hemangiosarcoma or malignant melanoma were priori...
Neurosurgical Injuries Associated with Recreational Horseback Riding: A 6-year Retrospective Analysis. Horseback riding can cause severe brain and spinal injuries. This study aimed to identify the spectrum of neurosurgical injuries related to recreational horseback riding. A retrospective study was performed utilizing the University of Puerto Rico neurosurgery database to identify patients who were consulted to the neurosurgery service between 2018 and 2023 after a horse fall during recreational activities. The outcome upon discharge using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was documented. Descriptive statistics were used to report frequency and median values. The neurosurgery service evaluated an...
Sensory nerve conduction stimulus threshold measurements of the infraorbital nerve and its applicability as a diagnostic tool in horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking. To determine whether sensory nerve conduction stimulus threshold measurements of the infraorbital nerve are able to differentiate horses with idiopathic trigeminal-mediated headshaking (i-TMHS) from healthy horses and from horses with secondary trigeminal-mediated headshaking (s-TMHS). In a prospective trial, headshaking horses were examined using a standardized diagnostic protocol, including advanced diagnostics such as computed tomography and 3-Tesla-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to differentiate s-TMHS from i-TMHS. Clinically healthy horses served as controls. Within this process, patie...
Surgical treatment of headshaking by removal of a paracondylar process fragment via modified hyovertebrotomy approach: A detailed anatomical and surgical description in an adult horse. To describe, in detail, the relevant anatomy and surgical approach to access the paracondylar process (PCP) and report its application in a clinical case of headshaking. Methods: A seven-year-old, mixed breed mare. Methods: Experimental study/case report. Methods: A seven-year-old mixed breed mare was presented for investigation of acute onset progressing violent headshaking, resulting in the horse falling on multiple occasions. The horse was highly reactive to palpation over the right PCP. Standing computed tomographic (CT) investigation and ultrasonographic examination of the head detected a...
Comparison of daily heart rate and heart rate variability in trained and sedentary aged horses. Athletic horses are usually retired from equestrian competition at an advanced age. Aged horses may then continue to have regular exercise or are sedentary. The comparison of autonomic regulation between sedentary aged horses (SAH) and trained aged horses (TAH) after retirement remains unpublished. This study compared daily heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability between 11 SAH and 11 TAH over 22 hours (07.00 h to 05.00 h on an alternate day) and during the day and night. An increase in mean beat-to-beat (RR) intervals (p < 0.01-0.0001) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) index (p &...
A network meta-analysis of the effect of physical exercise on core symptoms in patients with autism spectrum disorders. To compare the effects of various sports exercise programs on the core symptoms of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unassigned: We searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP databases, Wanfang databases, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from their inception to February 2023 for randomized controlled trial that investigated the effect of sports exercise on the core symptoms of ASD. The overall risk of bias in the included literature was summarized using the revised Cochrane Randomized Trial Risk of Bias Tool (ROB2), and network meta-anal...
Changes in trunk postural control with different types of mounts with relevance for hippotherapy. Hippotherapy uses horseback riding movements for therapeutic purposes. In addition to the horse's movement, the choice of equipment and types of positions are also useful in the intervention. Trunk postural control demands can be manipulated through varying mounting materials and patient positioning on the horse. The quantification of trunk dynamic parameters under the interaction of the different types of riding material and the position variations act upon trunk postural control provides insight into how children with neurotypical development respond to a similar hippotherapy session. This s...
Medical management and positive outcome after prolonged recumbency in a case of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy. A 17-year-old mare presenting with acute fever, weakness and bladder dysfunction was diagnosed with equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The mare become transiently recumbent, underwent parenteral fluid therapy, plasma infusion, steroidal/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAID/NSAIDs) and bladder catheterization. After 10 days the mare was hospitalized. Neurological evaluation revealed ataxia and proprioceptive deficits mainly in the hind limbs. The mare was able to stand but unable to rise from recumbency or walk. Secondary complications included Escherichia coli cystitis, cornea...
The Management of Xylazine Overdose With Naloxone. This article discusses a rare case of isolated xylazine overdose in a human, treated successfully with naloxone. Xylazine, typically used as a veterinary tranquilizer, acts as a potent α2 adrenergic agonist, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and potential respiratory depression. In this case, a female mistakenly injected herself with xylazine mistaking it for a different medication. The report discusses naloxone's role beyond opioid overdose, especially regarding substances causing central nervous system (CNS) depression via mechanisms similar to those of opioids. While naloxone is trad...
The role of animal-assisted programs in physical health improvement of children and adolescents with special education needs – a systematic review. Programs involving animals in therapeutic programs are becoming increasingly prevalent. These programs can vary greatly in their approach, scope, and objectives, and they can significantly impact the development of healthy children and those with various disorders. In this systematic review, we sought to investigate the psychological ramifications of animal-assisted activities (AAA), therapies (AAT), and interventions (AAI). We searched for relevant studies using the EBSCO Discovery Service search engine across 85 databases, utilising appropriate keywords. Our search generated 262 results, of ...
Impact of different cooling solutions on autonomic modulation in horses in a novice endurance ride. Cooling down is essential for horse recovery before veterinary inspection during an endurance ride. As salt potentially decreases water temperature, we tested whether adding salt to the water used to cool horses could aid their recovery. Twelve healthy Arabian horses participating in a novice endurance ride were divided evenly into two groups. Heart rate variability (HRV) variables, including time and frequency domains, non-linear results, and autonomic nervous system indices, were determined before recovery and at 1-min intervals for 9 min during recovery using either cold or cold-saline wa...
Efficacy of hippotherapy simulator exercise program in patients with stroke: a randomized single-blind clinical trial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hippotherapy simulator on balance, postural control, mobility, functional capacity and independence level in people with stroke. This study involved 26 people with stroke aged 18-65, who were randomly assigned to a Hippotherapy Simulator Group (HSG; = 13) and a Conventional Exercise Group (CEG; = 13). Patients underwent assessments using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PAS-S), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), 2-Minute Walking Test (2-MWT), and Barthel Daily Living Act...
[Not Available]. Introduction Imaging experience made us suspect an overrepresentation of ponytails in riders admitted as polytrauma after falling from their horse. Methods In a single-centre case-control study conducted over three months, we reviewed the records of all admitted polytraumatised patients for trauma mechanism and presence of ponytail on CT. Cerebral CTs were reviewed in the three standard imaging planes using a bone or lung window. Ponytail was diagnosed if most or all of the hair on the head was gathered and secured at the back of the head with a hair tie. Data were analysed with Fisher's exact...
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M2 are upregulated in the atrioventricular nodal tract in horses with a high burden of second-degree atrioventricular block. Second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block at rest is very common in horses. The underlying molecular mechanisms are unexplored, but commonly attributed to high vagal tone. Unassigned: To assess whether AV block in horses is due to altered expression of the effectors of vagal signalling in the AV node, with specific emphasis on the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M) and the G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K (GIRK4) channel that mediates the cardiac current. Unassigned: Eighteen horses with a low burden of second-degree AV block (median 8 block per 20 h, IQR: 32 per 20 h) were assign...
Genome-Wide Detection of Copy Number Variations Associated with Miniature Features in Horses. Copy number variations (CNVs) are crucial structural genomic variants affecting complex traits in humans and livestock animals. The current study was designed to conduct a comprehensive comparative copy number variation analysis among three breeds, Debao (DB), Baise (BS), and Warmblood (WB), with a specific focus on identifying genomic regions associated with miniature features in horses. Using whole-genome next-generation resequencing data, we identified 18,974 CNVs across 31 autosomes. Among the breeds, we found 4279 breed-specific CNV regions (CNVRs). Baise, Debao, and Warmblood displayed 2...
UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS-Based Untargeted Lipidomic Analysis of Lipid Molecular Species in Spinal Cords from Different Domesticated Animals. Lipids are crucial components for the maintenance oof normal structure and function in the nervous system. Elucidating the diversity of lipids in spinal cords may contribute to our understanding of neurodevelopment. This study comprehensively analyzed the fatty acid (FA) compositions and lipidomes of the spinal cords of eight domesticated animal species: pig, cattle, yak, goat, horse, donkey, camel, and sika deer. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were the primary FAs in the spinal cords of t...
Effect of Exercise in a Vector-Protected Arena for Preventing African Horse Sickness Transmission on Physiological, Biochemical, and Behavioral Variables of Horses. During an African horse sickness (AHS) outbreak, horses were able to exercise daily in a net-covered arena, yet the physiological responses to exercise in a netted arena was unknown. In a cross-over study design, eight horses performed a 39-minute aerobic exercise in conventional (CA) and vector-protected arenas (VPA). Horses were slower in some gaits and covered less distance in the VPA arena (P < .01). Cortisol release, hematology, and heart rate variability (HRV) were also examined. An interaction between the riding arena and time was observed in hematocrit (P = .0013), hemoglobin (P ...
Snake Envenomation. Snakebite envenomation (SBE) in horses can have devastating outcomes. Tissue damage, cardiotoxicity, coagulopathy, and neurotoxicity can be concerns with SBE. Understanding the actions of venom components is important in developing a successful treatment plan. Antivenom is the mainstay of treatment. Long-term deleterious effects can occur including cardiac dysfunction and lameness.
Streptococcus zooepidemicus Meningitis in an HIV-Positive Horse Breeder Patient: A Case Study and Literature Review. subsp. is a rare etiologic agent of bacterial meningitis in humans. The disease is a zoonotic infection and is transmitted through close contact with domestic animals, mainly horses. Only 37 cases of meningitis have been reported in the literature until July 2023. The aim of this study is to present a rare clinical case of -related meningitis in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patient and analyze the literature. We present a 23-year-old horse breeder patient with advanced immunosuppression due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and meningitis, admitted at the Clinic...
Effects of pregnancy on electrocardiographic, vasovagal tonus index, and echocardiographic variables in horses. Pregnancy affects maternal hemodynamics. The changes in autonomic nervous system activity for hemodynamics adaptation in pregnant horses are still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effect of pregnancy on electrocardiographic, vasovagal tonus index, and echocardiographic variables in horses. Unassigned: A total of 23 Thai native crossbred mares without any cardiac abnormalities were included in this study. The animals were assigned into two groups, a non-pregnant mare group (n =12) and a pregnant mare group (n = 11). Electrocardiogram recordings (paper speed = 25 mm/s and calibrati...
In Vitro Transdifferentiation Potential of Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Schwann-Like Cells. Schwann cells (SCs) are essential for the regenerative processes of peripheral nerve injuries. However, their use in cell therapy is limited. In this context, several studies have demonstrated the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to transdifferentiate into Schwann-like cells (SLCs) using chemical protocols or co-culture with SCs. Here, we describe for the first time the in vitro transdifferentiation potential of MSCs derived from equine adipose tissue (AT) and equine bone marrow (BM) into SLCs using a practical method. In this study, the facial nerve of a horse was collected, cut into ...
