Physical examination for horses is a systematic process used to assess the health and well-being of the animal. It involves a thorough evaluation of various physiological parameters to detect signs of illness, injury, or abnormalities. Key components of a physical examination include observing the horse's general appearance and behavior, measuring vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate, and conducting a detailed assessment of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. Additional evaluations may include examining the eyes, ears, mouth, and skin for any irregularities. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, diagnostic value, and clinical applications of physical examination in equine practice.
Martin RA, Taylor WJ, Surgenor LJ, Graham FP, Levack WMM, Blampied NM. Therapeutic horse riding aims to improve the health of children and young people experiencing disability; however, its benefits across a range of health domains, particularly the impact on participation outcomes, are not well known. This research evaluated to what extent there was a change in riders balance, functional performance, social responsiveness, quality of life and participation outcomes as a result of therapeutic horse riding. A multiple-baseline across participants ( = 12) single-case experimental design, with randomly allocated baseline phase lengths, quantitatively evaluated ...
Bonomo CCM, Michelotto PV, Viccino C, Barussi FCM, Fernandes WR.Pulmonary haemorrhage occurs in sport horses performing high-intensity exercise, but the factors involved in the occurrence of pulmonary haemorrhage in jumping horses have not been elucidated. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of pulmonary haemorrhage and factors involved in competitive jumping horses. Fifty adult jumping horses competing in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were included. The horses were divided into two groups based on jump height at competition: Low group (LG, n=26), with jump height between 1.00 and 1.20m, and High group (HG, n=24), with jump height between 1.30 a...
Swor TM, Dabareiner RM, Honnas CM, Cohen ND, Black JB.OBJECTIVE To describe the chief complaints by owners and the types and prevalences of musculoskeletal problems associated with lameness or poor performance in cutting horses. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 200 client-owned cutting horses examined at the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2015, because of lameness or poor performance. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed, and data were collected regarding signalment, history, findings on physical and lameness examinations, results of diagnostic procedures performed,...
Davidson EJ.Lameness examination is commonly performed in the athletic horse. A skilled lameness diagnostician must have keen clinical and observational skills. Evaluation starts with a detailed history and thorough physical examination. Next, gait evaluation in the moving horse is performed. Lame horses have asymmetrical body movement due to unconscious shift of body weight. Recognition of the resultant head nod and pelvic hike is the basis for lameness diagnosis. Lameness identification is enhanced by circling, limb flexions, and riding. Most lame horses do not exhibit pathognomonic gait characteristics...
García-López JM.Pain localized to the neck, back, and or pelvis can result in a profound effect on the horse's performance. These conditions can present with a varied and nonspecific set of clinical signs. A careful and thorough examination of these areas by means of physical examination, lameness evaluation both in hand and under saddle, diagnostic anesthesia, and the use of multiple imaging modalities in combination is often necessary to have an accurate prognosis. Medical and surgical management where appropriate of the conditions highlighted in this article are discussed as well as their individual progno...
Hunt RJ, Baker WT.In order to recognize abnormalities on the physical evaluation, it is mandatory to understand normal developmental variations of the musculoskeletal system. Many abnormalities are self-limiting and, therefore, it is important to recognize which problems require intervention for a successful outcome and which may be complicated by treatment. The importance of a complete and thorough physical evaluation cannot be overemphasized and is the most productive diagnostic tool for recognizing most abnormalities of the skeletal system whether as a component of an after-foaling examination or for lamenes...
Raschka C, Feuerbach L.Using an online questionnaire, the injuries of 649 acrobats on horseback were recorded (636 female, 13 male, average age 20.8 years, average sports time 12.1 years). 64% of the athletes practised their sport in the upper and 34% in the lower performance classes. 62.7% of the athletes hurt themselves on vaulting at least once during their sports time. Most injuries occured at the lower limbs (57.5%), particularly on foot (31.2%) and knee (22.2%). At the upper limbs (26.1%), injuries were most often registered at hands (8.4%) and shoulders (6.0%). 16.4% of the athletes hurt themselves on trunk, ...
Bazzano M, Giudice E, Rizzo M, Congiu F, Zumbo A, Arfuso F, Di Pietro S, Bruschetta D, Piccione G.The aim of this study was to investigate whether a combined global positioning system (GPS)/heart rate (HR) monitoring system is a valuable tool to assess, step by step, the physiological response of HR and its relationship with speed in healthy horses competing in an official show jumping class. Six mares performing a standardised warm-up and jumping course were monitored using a HR/GPS device. Venous blood lactate (BL), assessed before and after exercise, showed a significant increase (P = 0.0004) following the physical effort. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant changes ...
Rigby BR, Grandjean PW.To summarize the physical benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and hippotherapy and suggest directions for future research. Methods: Review of databases for peer-reviewed articles related to equine-assisted activities and therapies. Databases included MEDLINE via EBSCO, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Academic Search Complete. Articles were limited to those with full-text access published in English since 1987. Results: Acute and residual improvements in physical benefits, such as gross motor function (e.g., walking, running, jumping), spasticity, muscle symmetry, posture, bala...
Löfqvist L, Osvalder AL, Bligård LO, Pinzke S.Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common reason for health problems and sick leave in many professions. A work arena where MSDs have not been sufficiently studied is stable work. Here many heavy and repetitive work tasks are performed manually with old-fashioned working tools. Objective: The aim of this study was to use an analytical approach to identify, evaluate and grade ergonomic problems in physical work performed during daily activities in horse stables and relate these to MSDs among the workers and to the design of the tools. Methods: Three common work tasks were studied to identif...
Tanase M, Ambe Y, Aoi S, Matsuno F.Among quadrupedal gaits, the galloping gait has specific characteristics in terms of locomotor behavior. In particular, it shows a left-right asymmetry in gait parameters such as touchdown angle and the relative phase of limb movements. In addition, asymmetric gait parameters show a characteristic dependence on locomotion speed. There are two types of galloping gaits in quadruped animals: the transverse gallop, often observed in horses; and the rotary gallop, often observed in dogs and cheetahs. These two gaits have different footfall sequences. Although these specific characteristics in quadr...
Cullen S, OʼLoughlin G, McGoldrick A, Smyth B, May G, Warrington GD.The physiological demands of jockeys during competition remain largely unknown, thereby creating challenges when attempting to prescribe sport-specific nutrition and training guidelines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological demands and energy requirements of jockeys during flat racing. Oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2) and heart rate (HR) were assessed in 18 male trainee jockeys during a race simulation trial on a mechanical horse racing simulator for the typical time duration to cover a common flat race distance of 1,400 m. In addition, 8 male apprentice jockeys ...
Aranda-García S, Iricibar A, Planas A, Prat-Subiran JA, Angulo-Barroso RM.This study evaluates the separate effect and retention of 12-week traditional (TE) and horse (HE) exercise programs on physical function in healthy older participants (61 to 87 years old). Thirty-eight participants were randomly assigned to three groups: TE (n = 17), HE (n = 10), and control group (n = 11). TE and HE underwent a supervised exercise program (3 day/week). Maximal gait speed, muscle strength, and body balance were assessed at weeks 0, 12, and 16. Only TE and HE displayed significant improvements (P < .05) in knee extensor strength, and only HE had faster gait speed. Marginal b...
Rosychuk RA.Noninflammatory, nonpruritic alopecias are uncommonly encountered in the horse. Alopecia areata, an apparently autoimmune hair follicle bulbitis produces focal, multifocal to widespread hair loss. The skin is otherwise normal. Diseases that can mimic the widespread hair loss associated with alopecia areata include telogen and anagen effluvium, seasonal alopecias, follicular dysplasias (including color dilution alopecia), various nutritional deficiencies and chemical toxicosis, and diseases that result in defective hair shafts (eg, trichorrhexis nodosa and piedra). These problems are differenti...
Hovanessian N, Davis JL, McKenzie HC, Hodgson JL, Hodgson DR, Crisman MV.The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of firocoxib in neonatal foals. Seven healthy foals were administered 0.1 mg/kg firocoxib orally q24 h for nine consecutive days, commencing at 36 h of age. Blood was collected for firocoxib analysis using high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection at 0 (dose #1 only), 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after doses 1, 5, and 9. For all other doses (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8), blood was collected immediately prior to the next dose (24 h trough). Elimination samples (36, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 1...
Ragle CA, Yiannikouris S, Tibary AA, Fransson BA.A 4-year-old castrated Arabian horse was evaluated for a history of a right-sided nonstrangulating inguinal hernia that was manually reducable. Results: Physical examination revealed a right-sided hydrocele and bilateral enlargement of the inguinal rings detectable by both external digital and rectal palpation. Results: Biportal laparoscopic internal inguinal ring closure was performed with a continuous suture line of unidirectional barbed suture applied with a mechanical suturing instrument. The barbed suture contributed to a secure closure with the added benefit of not requiring knots to be ...
Arens AM, Puchalski SM, Whitcomb MB, Bell R, Gardner IA, Stover SM.To define scintigraphic, physical examination, and scapular ultrasonographic findings consistent with bone fragility syndrome (BFS) in horses; develop indices of BFS severity; and assess accuracy of physical examination, scapular ultrasonography, and serum biomarkers for BFS diagnosis. Methods: Prospective case-control study. Methods: 48 horses (20 horses with BFS and 28 control horses). Methods: Horses underwent forelimb scintigraphic evaluation, physical examination, scapular ultrasonography, and serum collection. Scintigraphy was used as a reference standard to which physical examination, s...
Asselin G, Penning JH, Ramanujam S, Neri R, Ward C.To determine an incomplete spinal cord injured veteran's experience following participation in a therapeutic horseback riding program. Methods: Following the establishment of a nationwide therapeutic riding program for America's wounded service veterans in 2007, a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse from the Michael E. DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center worked with an incomplete spinal cord injured veteran who participated in the Horses for Heroes program. Results: This program resulted in many benefits for the veteran, including an increase in balance, muscle strength, and self-este...
Clayton HM, Belock B, Lavagnino M, Kaiser LJ.The objectives of this study were to measure forces and pressure profiles when riding with a conventional saddle compared to bareback riding. An electronic pressure mat was used to compare contact area, mean total force and pressure variables for one rider riding seven horses at sitting trot with a conventional saddle or bareback. The use of a saddle was associated with a larger contact area and higher mean total force compared with the bareback condition. Mass normalized mean total force for bareback riding was lower than expected based on the rider's body mass, suggesting that shear forces e...
Hoffmann G, Bentke A, Rose-Meierhöfer S, Berg W, Mazetti P, Hardarson GH.Horses are often stabled in individual boxes, a method that does not meet their natural needs and may cause psychical and musculoskeletal diseases. This problem is particularly evident in Iceland, where horses often spend the long winter periods in cramped boxes. The aim of this study was to analyze the suitability of a group housing system in Iceland, but the results are also applicable to horses of other regions. Eight Icelandic horses were observed in an active stable system, and their behavior and time budget were recorded. Movement and lying behavior were studied with ALT (Activity, Lying...
Piskoty G, Jäggin S, Michel SA, Weisse B, Terrasi GP, Fürst A.There are no detailed studies describing the resistance of equine tibiae and radii to side impact loads, such as a horse kick and a better understanding of the general long bone impact behavioural model is required. Objective: To quantify the typical impact energy required to fracture or fissure an equine long bone, as well as to determine the range and time course of the impact force under conditions similar to that of a horse kick. Methods: Seventy-two equine tibiae and radii were investigated using a drop impact tester. The prepared bones were preloaded with an axial force of 2.5 kN and wer...
McCormack J, Stover SM, Gibeling JC, Fyhrie DP.We recently developed a method to measure cortical bone fracture initiation toughness using a double-notched beam in four-point bending. This method was used to test the hypothesis that mineralization around the two notch roots is correlated with fracture toughness and crack extension (physical damage). Total energy absorbed to failure negatively correlated with average mineralization of the beam (r(2)=0.62), but not with notch root mineralization. Fracture initiation toughness was positively correlated to mineralization at the broken notch root (r(2)=0.34). Crack length extension at the unbro...
Harland MM, Stewart AJ, Böse R.A comprehensive purchase examination is expected by American clients intent on importing a horse from a foreign country. American veterinarians may be involved in performing purchase examinations in foreign countries or, more often, interpreting findings from foreign veterinarians for their American clients. Exportation and importation requirements for horses and semen vary from country to country. Detailed knowledge of the requirements by all involved veterinarians is essential for efficient and successful international equine travel.
Fielding CL, Meier CA, Balch OK, Kass PH.To identify risk factors such as signalment, previous competition miles completed, ride characteristics, and physical examination variables associated with the elimination of horses during endurance competitions. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Veterinary records for 3,493 endurance horse competition starts. Methods: Records were requested of all sanctioned 2007 endurance horse competitions in the United States. Only rides that provided data from all horses were included. The horse's signalment, previous endurance competition record, specific ride characteristics, weight d...
Löfqvist L, Pinzke S.Most work in horse stables is performed manually in much the same way as a century ago. It is the least mechanized sector dealing with large animals. People working with horses are exposed to several types of risk for developing musculoskeletal problems, but the work tasks and workload have not been investigated in detail. The aim of this study was to estimate the postural load of the work tasks performed around horses to find those that were harmful and required measures to be taken to reduce physical strain. Altogether, 20 subjects (stable attendants and riding instructors) were video record...
Romero A, Rodgerson DH, Fontaine GL.A 3-year-old Thoroughbred was presented for evaluation of hematuria post exercise. On physical examination, an enlarged kidney was identified, as well as serum biochemical abnormalities such as an elevated creatine kinase (CK) and hypoalbuminemia. The kidney was removed laparoscopically and a nephroblastoma was identified. Un Thoroughbred âgé de 3 ans est présenté pour évaluation de l’hématurie après l’effort. À l’examen physique, un rein enflé est identifié ainsi que des anomalies biochimiques sériques comme une créatine kinase (CK) élevée et l’hypoalbuminémie. Le rein...
Johnson PJ, Wiedmeyer CE, LaCarrubba A, Ganjam VK, Messer NT.Although much has been written about laminitis in the context of its association with inflammatory processes, recognition is growing that most cases of laminitis examined by veterinarians in private practice are those associated with pasture grazing, obesity, and insulin resistance (IR). The term 'endocrinopathic laminitis' has been adopted to classify the instances of laminitis in which the origin seems to be more strongly associated with an underlying endocrinopathy, such as either IR or the influence of corticosteroids. Results of a recent study suggest that obesity and IR represent the mos...
Kaiser L, Smith KA, Heleski CR, Spence LJ.To determine the effects of a therapeutic riding program on psychosocial measurements among children considered at risk for poor performance or failure in school or life and among children in special education programs. Methods: Observational study. Methods: 17 at-risk children (6 boys and 11 girls) and 14 special education children (7 boys and 7 girls). Methods: For the at-risk children, anger, anxiety, perceived self-competence, and physical coordination were assessed. For the special education children, anger and cheerfulness were measured, and the children's and their mothers' perceptions ...
Zubrod CJ, Schneider RK, Tucker RL.Four horses were examined because of chronic forelimb lameness. In all horses, the cause of the lameness was localized to the metacarpus by means of physical examination and diagnostic anesthesia, and radiography of the affected limb revealed a small exostosis of the second metacarpal bone. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed suspensory desmitis in the region of this exostosis in all 4 horses. In addition, an abnormal area of low signal intensity, suggestive of an adhesion, was seen between the exostosis and the suspensory ligament. In all horses, an adhesion between the suspensory ligament an...
McGlinchey L, Boone LH, Munsterman AS, Coleridge MOD, Rosanowski SM, Farag R, Hanson RR.To evaluate the effect of exposure to a balanced electrolyte solution (BES), or equine abdominal fat on the knot-holding capacity (KHC), relative knot security (RKS), weight, and volume of forwarder knots versus surgeon's knots. Methods: 315 knots tied and tested in vitro. Methods: United States Pharmacopeia size-3 polyglactin 910 suture exposed to air (dry [control]), equine abdominal fat (fat-exposed), or BES (BES-exposed) was used to tie forwarder knots with 2, 3, and 4 throws and surgeon's knots with 5, 6, 7, and 8 throws. A universal materials testing machine was used to test the tensile ...
Cognie J, Freret S, Lansade L, Parias C, Barriere P, Gesbert A, Reigner F, Deleuze S.The impact of very early castration of foals has not yet been studied despite the many positive effects observed in dogs and cats. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare castration at 3 days and 18 months and assess their subsequent morphological and behavioural development. Methods: This was a randomised, blinded clinical study. Methods: Twenty-two Welsh ponies underwent either early (3-day old, EC group, n = 11) or traditional (18-month old, TC group, n = 11) castration. Animals were followed up to 3 years of age. All ponies were castrated using a primary closure techn...
Geyer H, Schulze J.The influence of dietary biotin in horses with brittle hoof horn and chipped hooves was investigated in a long-term study, which was performed over a period from one to six years. 97 horses received 5 mg of biotin per 100 to 150 kg of body weight, per os, daily; 11 horses were not supplemented with biotin and served as controls. The hooves of all horses were evaluated macroscopically every three to four months. Hoof horn specimens of the proximal wall were examined histologically and physically in 25 and 15 horses, respectively. The tensile strength of normal coronary horn was 60 N/mm2 or grea...
Garcia-Lopez JM, Boudrieau RJ, Provost PJ.A 4-year-old castrated male Miniature Horse was evaluated because of severe right hind limb lameness of 5 days' duration. The diagnosis of craniodorsal luxation of the right coxofemoral joint was made by physical examination and radiographic imaging. Closed reduction was attempted but was unsuccessful. Surgical reduction was successfully performed, using toggle pin, synthetic capsular reconstruction, and trochanteric transposition techniques. No postoperative complications were observed. Follow-up 26 months after surgery revealed no recurrence of the luxation and no evidence of lameness. These...
Bienert A, Bartmann CP, von Oppen T, Poppe C, Schiemann V, Deegen E.Isofluorane is a modern, only slightly depressive inhalation anaesthetic with excellent pharmacologic characteristics in use in equine medicine. In contrast to halothane, isofluorane is hardly broken down in the liver, but is eliminated by the lung. It low solubility in blood permits excellent control of anaesthesia. However, due to its swift elimination from the organism there is heightened risk of premature recovery from isofluorane anaesthesia. In this study the recovery phases of 96 horses were monitored for its duration and the animals' physical coordination. The horses were divided into ...
Bell AJ.A 10-year-old Thoroughbred mare was presented with a 2.5-week history of headshaking. Based on a thorough physical examination, blood analysis, and a fine needle aspirate of an enlarged thyroid gland, a tentative diagnosis of seasonal idiopathic headshaking was made. Treatment with cyproheptadine was attempted. Une jument Thoroughbred âgée de 10 ans a été présentée pour un problème d’encensement qui durait depuis 2.5 semaines. Suite à un examen physique méticuleux, à une analyse de sang et à un prélèvement par aspiration à l’aiguille de la glande thyroïde hypertrophiée, un...
Suárez-Iglesias D, Bidaurrazaga-Letona I, Sanchez-Lastra MA, Gil SM, Ayán C.Scientific evidence has shown that equine-assisted therapies (EAT) lead to improvements in the physical function and the quality of life (QoL) of people with disabilities through the practice of hippotherapy or therapeutic riding (TR). There is a need to confirm whether people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) can also benefit from its practice. This review aimed to systematically evaluate and meta-analyze the available data on the potential health benefits of EAT in PwMS. Methods: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus) were searched systematically fro...
Reef VB.A thorough examination of the cardiovascular system is an integral part of a physical examination in the horse. The normal equine cardiovascular parameters are discussed, with an emphasis on auscultatory findings. The availability and application of other diagnostic techniques are discussed based upon findings of the physical examination.
Goulden BE, Anderson LJ, Cahill JI.An endoscopic survey was performed to assess arytenoid cartilage movement during quiet respiration in 48 Clydesdale horses. Physical characteristics which could influence the length of the recurrent laryngeal nerves were also recorded from these horses and the relationship of these characteristics to the presence of abnormal left arytenoid cartilage movements was assessed statistically. Some degree of abnormal arytenoid movement was observed in 50% of the animals over one year of age. No significant correlation between sex, age, estimated weight, height, or neck length could be found although ...
Scott GS, Crawford WH, Colahan PT.To determine arthroscopic findings in lame horses with subtle radiographic lesions of the medial femoral condyle. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 15 horses examined because of lameness that had subtle radiographic evidence of osteochondral lesions involving the medial femoral condyle in at least 1 joint. Methods: Medical records were reviewed, and results of physical examination, radiography, and arthroscopy were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained through reexamination of the horses or telephone conversations with the referring veterinarians, owners, or trainers. Results: Lame...
Arens AM, Puchalski SM, Whitcomb MB, Bell R, Gardner IA, Stover SM.To define scintigraphic, physical examination, and scapular ultrasonographic findings consistent with bone fragility syndrome (BFS) in horses; develop indices of BFS severity; and assess accuracy of physical examination, scapular ultrasonography, and serum biomarkers for BFS diagnosis. Methods: Prospective case-control study. Methods: 48 horses (20 horses with BFS and 28 control horses). Methods: Horses underwent forelimb scintigraphic evaluation, physical examination, scapular ultrasonography, and serum collection. Scintigraphy was used as a reference standard to which physical examination, s...
Moss AL, Hritz RL, Hector RC, Wotman KL.To investigate the effects of orally administered trazodone on intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil diameter measured in the vertical plane (ie, vertical pupil diameter [VPD]), selected physical examination variables, and sedation level in healthy equids. Methods: 7 horses and 1 pony. Methods: Food was withheld for 12 hours prior to drug administration. After baseline (time 0) sedation scoring, physical examination, and measurement of IOP and VPD, equids received 1 dose (approx 6 mg/kg) of trazodone orally. Examination and measurement procedures were repeated 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours aft...
Dart AJ, Snyder JR, Pascoe JR, Meagher DM, Wilson WD.To quantify some components of prepurchase evaluations in horses, records from 134 evaluations performed during a 2-year period were reviewed and the outcome was determined via telephone follow-up interview. Sixty-two percent of the prepurchase evaluations had been performed at the clinic and 38% had been performed in the field by the ambulatory service. All evaluations included physical and lameness examinations, whereas radiography (49%), endoscopy (15%), nerve blocking (5%), transrectal palpation (3%), hematologic analysis (2%), electrocardiography (2%), drug testing for analgesic agents (2...
Gutiérrez Rincón JA, Vives Turcó J, Muro Martínez I, Casas Vaqué I.The three main Olympic horse riding disciplines are dressage, jumping, and three-day eventing (including dressage, cross country and jumping). In the jumping discipline (obstacle race), the 'team' (horse rider) is judged under the different conditions that might take place in a varied run. The horse is expected to show power and ability; the rider must show riding skill and good physical condition. However, the different conditions encountered by the rider during competition (duration of event, continuous isometric working level, especially in the inferior trunk, lead us to consider the need f...
Romero A, Rodgerson DH, Fontaine GL.A 3-year-old Thoroughbred was presented for evaluation of hematuria post exercise. On physical examination, an enlarged kidney was identified, as well as serum biochemical abnormalities such as an elevated creatine kinase (CK) and hypoalbuminemia. The kidney was removed laparoscopically and a nephroblastoma was identified. Un Thoroughbred âgé de 3 ans est présenté pour évaluation de l’hématurie après l’effort. À l’examen physique, un rein enflé est identifié ainsi que des anomalies biochimiques sériques comme une créatine kinase (CK) élevée et l’hypoalbuminémie. Le rein...
Savage CJ.Defining respiratory disease is not always easy in the horse because auscultation with accurate interpretation of lung sounds can be difficult. However, performing a thorough physical examination, including rebreathing auscultation and percussion of the thorax and sinuses, is very useful in elucidating the problem. Endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory system is also critical for definitively diagnosing certain conditions.
Muñoz A, Santisteban R, Rubio MD, Vivo R, Agüera EI, Escribano BM, Castejón FM.The physiological and metabolic adaptations to exercise of the Andalusian horse seem to differ slightly from those found in other breeds. The authors studied the locomotor adaptation of 18 Andalusian horses to a training programme in relation to anaerobic energy metabolism, efficacy of the training programme, and changes associated with the onset of fatigue. They also tried to find out if these changes had become diminished by training. Several locomotor variables during trotting and galloping were determined and plasma lactate concentrations were measured before training and after two trainin...
Hinterhofer C, Stanek C, Binder K.The elastic (E-) modulus of hoof horn samples as a function of moisture content was determined from different segments of the equine hoof. 110 hoof horn specimens with different pigmentation taken from six adult warm-blooded horses with no obvious pathological changes within t he foot were used for the 177 tension and bending tests which were performed in accordance with ASTM D 5026, ASTM D 5023 and DIN 53.457. E-moduli were determined under physiological conditions with mean 761.8, SD +/- 295.4 N/mm for dorsal wall samples, 708 +/- 280.4 N/mm2 for lateral wall samples, 230 +/- 92.4 N/mm2 for ...
Piskoty G, Jäggin S, Michel SA, Weisse B, Terrasi GP, Fürst A.There are no detailed studies describing the resistance of equine tibiae and radii to side impact loads, such as a horse kick and a better understanding of the general long bone impact behavioural model is required. Objective: To quantify the typical impact energy required to fracture or fissure an equine long bone, as well as to determine the range and time course of the impact force under conditions similar to that of a horse kick. Methods: Seventy-two equine tibiae and radii were investigated using a drop impact tester. The prepared bones were preloaded with an axial force of 2.5 kN and wer...
Rosychuk RA.Noninflammatory, nonpruritic alopecias are uncommonly encountered in the horse. Alopecia areata, an apparently autoimmune hair follicle bulbitis produces focal, multifocal to widespread hair loss. The skin is otherwise normal. Diseases that can mimic the widespread hair loss associated with alopecia areata include telogen and anagen effluvium, seasonal alopecias, follicular dysplasias (including color dilution alopecia), various nutritional deficiencies and chemical toxicosis, and diseases that result in defective hair shafts (eg, trichorrhexis nodosa and piedra). These problems are differenti...
Löfqvist L, Osvalder AL, Bligård LO, Pinzke S.Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common reason for health problems and sick leave in many professions. A work arena where MSDs have not been sufficiently studied is stable work. Here many heavy and repetitive work tasks are performed manually with old-fashioned working tools. Objective: The aim of this study was to use an analytical approach to identify, evaluate and grade ergonomic problems in physical work performed during daily activities in horse stables and relate these to MSDs among the workers and to the design of the tools. Methods: Three common work tasks were studied to identif...
Kędzierski W, Cywińska A, Wawak T, Janczarek I, Wilk I, Kowalik S.Physical effort is one of the key aspects of keeping horses in good condition. The condition of the animal is reflected by multiple blood parameters. The newly discovered cytokine-apelin can pose one of them, however, so far, has not been studied in the horse population. Apelin is produced by adipocytes and myocytes and plays an important role in the energy metabolism of the body through the influence, for example, on the process of adipogenesis and lipolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate if physical effort of various intensity affects the plasma concentration of apelin in horses. ...
McCormack J, Stover SM, Gibeling JC, Fyhrie DP.We recently developed a method to measure cortical bone fracture initiation toughness using a double-notched beam in four-point bending. This method was used to test the hypothesis that mineralization around the two notch roots is correlated with fracture toughness and crack extension (physical damage). Total energy absorbed to failure negatively correlated with average mineralization of the beam (r(2)=0.62), but not with notch root mineralization. Fracture initiation toughness was positively correlated to mineralization at the broken notch root (r(2)=0.34). Crack length extension at the unbro...
Chakales PA, Locklear J, Wharton T.This study examined the use of an equine-assisted brief course module on stress and depression among medical students (n = 28), a demographic known to experience high pressure. Evidence supports that animal-assisted therapies can lead to the improvement of health and quality of life, particularly in terms of cognitive, psychological, and physical benefits. This study used the seven-session Kane Medicine and Horsemanship program; students completed pre- and post-measures one week before and after the course. Participation in the course significantly reduced perceived stress (p: 0.001), depressi...
de Moura Alonso J, de Melo-Neto GB, Dos Santos B, Mogollón García HD, Paim KP, Pinheiro Ferreira JC, Santos Schmidt EM, da Silva ANF, da Cunha GM....This study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response of miniature horses subjected to open and half-closed orchiectomy by physical examination, blood cell count, peritoneal fluid evaluation, total plasma protein, fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations. Methods: Thirteen male healthy miniature horses were divided into two groups, according to the surgical approach: half-closed technique (HCT) and open technique (OT). The HCT group was subjected to ligation of the spermatic cord followed by its sharp incision, and closure of the vaginal tunic, and the OT group was only submitted ...
Traub JL, Rantanen N, Reed S, Schecter L.Four cases of cholelithiasis in horses were reviewed. Two horses were examined because of recurrent abdominal pain. Clinical laboratory data, results of physical examination, and history indicated biliary obstruction. In 1 case, B-mode ultrasonography aided in the diagnosis, which was confirmed at necropsy. In 2 horses, the biliary calculi were incidental necropsy findings.
