Veterinary medicine for horses encompasses the study and application of medical practices to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in equine species. This field involves a comprehensive understanding of equine anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Veterinary practitioners employ a range of diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions to address health issues in horses, including lameness, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory conditions, and infectious diseases. Preventative care, such as vaccination and deworming programs, is also a significant aspect of equine veterinary medicine. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore various aspects of veterinary medicine as it pertains to horses, including advancements in diagnostic techniques, treatment protocols, and preventive health strategies.
Ravanetti P, Lechartier A, Hamon M, Zucca E.In the last 30 years, several treatments have been proposed to treat subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) but there have been no randomised studies to compare different methods and there is no consensus as to the optimal treatment. Objective: To evaluate a biocompatible absorbable implant for the treatment of SCLs in young horses in different anatomical locations. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses with SCLs were treated with debridement through a trans-cortical extra-articular approach and an absorbable implant was inserted in the cavity. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was...
Doerksen T, Bird E, Henningson J, Palinski R.Here, we report the near-complete genome sequences of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) serotype Indiana isolates from the 2020 U.S. outbreak. The sequences were obtained from swabs collected from Kansas horses in July and August. The four genome sequences help improve our understanding of VSV outbreak dynamics in the United States.
Ohta M, Bannai H, Kambayashi Y, Tamura N, Tsujimura K, Yamayoshi S, Kawaoka Y, Nemoto M.Keeping vaccine strains up to date is the key to controlling equine influenza (EI). Viruses generated by reverse genetics (RG) are likely to be effective for quickly updating a vaccine strain. Objective: To evaluate the growth properties of an RG virus in embryonated chicken eggs, and to evaluate antibody responses to a formalin-inactivated vaccine derived from the RG virus in Thoroughbred horses. Methods: In vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods: Wild-type (WT) viruses (A/equine/Ibaraki/1/2007) or RG viruses (consisting of haemagglutinin [HA] and neuraminidase genes derived from A/equine/Iba...
Fedorka CE, Ball BA, Walker OF, McCormick ME, Scoggin KE, Kennedy LA, Squires EL, Troedsson MHT.Equine abortions are attributed to both infectious and noninfectious causes. Clinical extrapolations are often made from the experimental model for ascending placentitis towards other causes of fetal compromise, including various markers of inflammation, including the cytokines IL-2, 5, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, and TNF. It is unknown if these cytokine changes are noted under field conditions, or if they increase preceding other pregnancy related complications. To assess this, Thoroughbred mares (n = 702) had weekly blood obtained beginning in December 2013 and continuing until parturition. Fet...
Pavulraj S, Bergmann T, Trombetta CM, Marchi S, Montomoli E, Alami SSE, Ragni-Alunni R, Osterrieder N, Azab W.Equine influenza (EI) is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of equines that is caused mainly by the H3N8 subtype of influenza A virus. Vaccinating horses against EI is the most effective strategy to prevent the infection. The current study aimed to compare the kinetics of EI-specific humoral- and cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in horses receiving either identical or mixed vaccinations. Two groups of horses were previously (six months prior) vaccinated with either Calvenza 03 EIV EHV (G1) or Fluvac Innovator (G2) vaccine. Subsequently, both groups received a booster single dose of Calv...
Pezzanite LM, Griffenhagen GM, Krause DM, Hendrickson DA.Prophylactic perioperative antimicrobial protocols in equine synovial endoscopy have been described but not compared with respect to post-operative outcomes and complications. Increasing antimicrobial resistance in equine practice and interest in promoting judicious use of antimicrobials has prompted reevaluation of drug selection and dosing strategies. To determine the frequency of and compare post-operative complications following elective synovial endoscopy between horses receiving different perioperative antimicrobial protocols. Records from the Colorado State University Veterinary Teachin...
de Oliveira AR, Gozalo-Marcilla M, Ringer SK, Schauvliege S, Fonseca MW, Trindade PHE, Puoli Filho JNP, Luna SPL.The lack of standardization of sedation scales in horses limits the reproducibility between different studies. This prospective, randomized, blinded, horizontal and controlled trial aimed to validate a scale for sedation in horses (EquiSed). Seven horses were treated with intravenous detomidine in low/high doses alone (DL 2.5 μg/kg + 6.25 μg/kg/h; DH 5 μg/kg +12.5 μg/kg/h) or associated with methadone (DLM and DHM, 0.2 mg/kg + 0.05 mg/kg/h) and with low (ACPL 0.02 mg/kg) or high (ACPH 0.09 mg/kg) doses of acepromazine alone. Horses were filmed at (i) baseline (ii) peak, (iii) intermediate,...
Gómez-Torres FA, Estupiñán HY, Ruíz-Saurí A.The principal function of the ventricular conduction system is rapid electrical activation of the ventricles. The aim of this study is to conduct a morphometric study to pinpoint the morphological parameters that define cardiac conduction cells, allowing us to distinguish them from other cells. Five male horse hearts and five male dog hearts were used in the study. The hearts were fixed in a 5% formaldehyde solution. Histological sections of 5 μm thickness were acquired and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome and cardiac conduction cells and their junctions were identified ...
Elschner MC, Melzer F, Singha H, Muhammad S, Gardner I, Neubauer H.Glanders, caused by Burkholderia (B.) mallei is a notifiable zoonotic disease in equidae. For international trade and movement of equids, certificates of negative serological test results for antibodies against B. mallei are required. To date, the complement fixation test (CFT) is the mandatory test to issue these health certificates. The CFT is difficult to standardize and, due to its poor specificity, often leads to false-positive reactions resulting in trade restrictions with considerable financial consequences. In the present study, the new ID Screen Glanders Double Antigen Multispecies EL...
Atiba A, Ghazy A, Hamad MH.Cutaneous pythiosis in horses is a chronic ulcerative granulomatous disease caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the response of cutaneous pythiosis in horses to surgical excision and topical dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). Methods: Thirty horses were presented clinically with pruritus, fistulae discharging serosanguineous fluid, and output kunkers in different body areas (limb, abdomen, neck, and face). The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by isolation of the causative agent and histopathology. All animals were treated by surgica...
Ganiev I, Alexandrova N, Aimaletdinov A, Rutland C, Malanyeva A, Rizvanov A, Zakirova E.One of the major problems observed in veterinary practice is articular cartilage injuries in animals. In terms of agriculture, it leads to their culling from the herd, even if they are highly productive animals. With companion animals, owners usually have to decide between euthanasia or long-term sometimes lifelong treatment of the injury by a veterinarian. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of cartilage injury in veterinary medicine is based on the good results observed in preclinical studies, where large animals have been used as experimental models to study the regen...
Page AE, Adam E, Arthur R, Barker V, Franklin F, Friedman R, Grande T, Hardy M, Howard B, Partridge E, Rutledge M, Scollay M, Stewart JC, Vale A....The ability to identify horses at risk for catastrophic injuries continues to be a pressing issue for the racing industry, especially given recent events in North America. Objective: Since most catastrophic injuries occur in areas of existing pathology and this pathology is likely to elicit an inflammatory response, it was hypothesised that analysis of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression would detect significant changes in select genes in horses at risk for a catastrophic injury. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Five racing jurisdictions across the United States participated in this stu...
Darby S, Sanchez LC, Mallicote MF, House AM, Plummer CE, Nadruz V, Benmoha RH, Roberts SM, Derendorf H, Silva-Sanchez C, Claire J, MacKay RJ.Creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata) toxicosis is an emerging problem among horses in Florida and bordering states. Objective: To quantify the putative toxins l-indospicine (IND) and 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA) in creeping indigo collected from multiple sites and to measure plasma toxin concentrations in ponies fed creeping indigo and horses with presumptive creeping indigo toxicosis. Methods: Experimental descriptive study with descriptive observational field investigation. Methods: Air-dried creeping indigo was assayed for IND and NPA content. Five ponies were fed chopped creeping indigo con...
Wimmer-Scherr C, Taminiau B, Renaud B, van Loon G, Palmers K, Votion D, Amory H, Daube G, Cesarini C.Equine atypical myopathy (AM) is caused by hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG) intoxication resulting from the ingestion of seeds or seedlings of some Acer tree species. Interestingly, not all horses pasturing in the same toxic environment develop signs of the disease. In other species, it has been shown that the intestinal microbiota has an impact on digestion, metabolism, immune stimulation and protection from disease. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare fecal microbiota of horses suffering from AM and healthy co-grazers. Furthermore, potential d...
Lindåse S, Nostell K, Bergsten P, Forslund A, Bröjer J.Proxies are mathematical calculations based on fasting glucose and/or insulin concentrations developed to allow prediction of insulin sensitivity (IS) and β-cell response. These proxies have not been evaluated in horses with insulin dysregulation. The first objective of this study was to evaluate how fasting insulin (FI) and proxies for IS (1/Insulin, reciprocal of the square root of insulin (RISQI) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)) and β-cell response (the modified insulin-to-glucose ratio (MIRG) and the homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β)...
Worsman FCF, Miller ZJ, Shaw DJ, Blissitt KJ, Keen JA.Left atrial size predicts cardiac morbidity and mortality in humans and dogs. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) may be reliable for assessing left atrial volume (LAV) in horses. Objective: To determine intra- and interobserver variability estimates of 3DE-LAV and compare it to that of 2DE-LAV estimates. Methods: Method comparison. Methods: 3DE datasets were obtained from 40 horses, then graded for quality, creating a final study population of 22 horses. The 3DE and 2DE maximum LAV (LAV ) and minimum LAV (LAV ) were measured, and left atrial emptying volume (LA EV) and left atr...
Tucker R, Hall YS, Hughes TK, Parker RA.Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the cervical spine of mature horses under general anaesthesia is becoming increasingly accessible. Osteochondral fragmentation (OF) of the cervical articular process joints (APJs) has been identified on CT imaging; the prevalence, clinical features and significance of this finding are currently unknown. Objective: To describe the prevalence and clinical features of a population of horses with CT evidence of OF within the cervical APJs. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive case series. Methods: The study population consisted of all horses undergoing CT imaging...
Derham AM, Schumacher J, O' Leary JM, Kelly G, Hahn CN.Impinging/overriding dorsal spinous processes (DSPs) of the thoracolumbar vertebrae are a common cause of poor performance in horses. In the last five decades, numerous surgical treatments have been reported on, from transverse transection of the affected DSPs, and endoscopic resection of the affected DSPs, to transection of the interspinous ligament. Until recently, cosmetic outcomes have been reported as good to excellent in studies. However, a previously unreported complication of neurogenic atrophy of the contralateral epaxial muscle following desmotomy of the interspinous ligament has bee...
Mesoangioblasts (MABs) are vessel-associated stem cells that express pericyte markers and are originally isolated from the embryonic dorsal aorta. From postnatal small vessels of skeletal muscle and heart, it is possible to isolate cells with similar characteristics to embryonic MABs. Adult MABs have the capacity to self-renew and to differentiate into cell types of mesodermal lineages upon proper culture conditions. To date, the origin of MABs and the relationship with other muscle stem cells are still debated. Recently, in a phase I-II clinical trial, intra-arterial HLA-matched MABs were pro...
Gretler SR, Finno CJ, Kass PH, Knych HK.In humans, the drug metabolizing enzyme CYP2D6 is highly polymorphic resulting in substantial differences in the metabolism of drugs including anti-arrhythmics, neuroleptics, and opioids. The objective of this study was to phenotype a population of 100 horses from five different breeds and assess differences in the metabolic activity of the equine CYP2D6 homolog using codeine as a probe drug. Administration of a probe drug is a common method used for patient phenotyping in human medicine, whereby the ratio of parent drug to metabolite (metabolic ratio, MR) can be used to compare relative enzym...
Lee MC, Seonwoo H, Jang KJ, Pandey S, Lim J, Park S, Kim JE, Choung YH, Garg P, Chung JH.Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a representative substance that induces bone regeneration. Our research team extracted nanohydroxyapatite (EH) from natural resources, especially equine bones, and developed it as a molecular biological tool. Polyethylenimine (PEI) was used to coat the EH to develop a gene carrier. To verify that PEI is well coated in the EH, we first observed the morphology and dispersity of PEI-coated EH (pEH) by electron microscopy. The pEH particles were well distributed, while only the EH particles were not distributed and aggregated. Then, the existence of nitrogen elements of PEI ...
Droboniku MJ, Mychailyszyn MP.Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) has garnered public interest and has been implemented for youth with autism spectrum disorders-a practice supported by anecdotal evidence. While investigations of AAI for children with autism have been conducted, the extant literature is characterized by significant variability in methodology and practice. The present meta-analysis examines the aggregated effects of equine AAI on adaptive functioning among children with autism. Results indicated that interacting with an equine specifically during AAI produced small-to-medium effects (g = 0.40) on the adap...
Connard SS, Linardi RL, Even KM, Berglund AK, Schnabel LV, Ortved KF.The immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied extensively due to their increasing clinical application for tissue regeneration and repair following culture expansion. We have studied the effect of continuous passage on the immunomodulatory capacity of equine bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). Equine BM-MSCs were isolated and culture expanded to passage three, six, and nine (P3, P6, P9). Immunomodulatory properties of each passage were assessed using a T cell proliferation assay and cytokine synthesis following stimulation with interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Re...
Elashry MI, Baulig N, Wagner AS, Klymiuk MC, Kruppke B, Hanke T, Wenisch S, Arnhold S.Combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and biomaterials is a rapidly growing approach in regenerative medicine particularly for chronic degenerative disorders including osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The present study examined the effect of biomaterial scaffolds on equine adipose-derived MSC morphology, viability, adherence, migration, and osteogenic differentiation. MSCs were cultivated in conjunction with collagen CultiSpher-S Microcarrier (MC), nanocomposite xerogels B30 and combined B30 with strontium (B30Str) biomaterials in osteogenic differentiation medium either under static or...
Bradbery AN, Coverdale JA, Hartz CJ, Millican AA, Goehring MS, Fikes KK, Picking E, Hammer CJ, Dunlap KA, Cardoso RC, Wickersham TA, Leatherwood JL....Results from previous studies indicate that maternal overnutrition during late gestation predisposes foals to metabolic disease, however, specific mechanisms resulting in disease remain unknown. Quarter Horse mares (n = 16), were randomly assigned to dietary treatments, beginning on gestational day 235, and consisted of a control group (CON- diet meeting nutrient requirement; n = 8) or an overfed diet (HIGH; n = 8) where mares received an additional 40 % above CON. On gestational days 285 and 315, an intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT) was conducted. Following parturition, foals were s...
Shane SE, Langston VC, Wills RW, Denney WS, Knych H, Fontenot RL, Meyer RE, Natalini CC.An ideal dexmedetomidine protocol has yet to be determined for standing sedation in horses. It was hypothesized that an IV bolus followed by CRI dexmedetomidine would have a quicker increase in plasma concentrations compared with repeated IM injections. In a crossover design, eight adult, female horses were randomly placed into two groups: the CRI group (IV bolus dexmedetomidine at 0.005 mg/kg followed by a CRI at 0.01 mg/kg/h for 15 min then 0.005 mg/kg/h for 60 min) and the IM group (dexmedetomidine at 0.01 mg/kg, followed by 0.005 mg/kg in 30-min intervals for 60 min). Clearance and...
Mondo E, Rinnovati R, Spadari A, Giacometti F, Serraino A, Savini F, Piva S.Respiratory diseases are the second most common cause of illnesses in horses, their etiology can be viral, bacterial, immune-mediated, or mechanical (Racklyeft and Love DN, Aust Vet J 78:549-59, 2000; Austin et al., J Am Vet Med Assoc 207:325-328, 1995; Arroyo et al., J Vet Intern Med 31:894-900, 2017). Klebsiella variicola is a Gram-negative bacterium that was initially identified as an endophyte in soil and plants such as bananas, rice, sugar cane and maize but recent studies have identified this microorganism as an emerging pathogen in humans (Rodríguez-Medina et al., Emerg Microbes Infec...
Cooke CG, Gibb Z, Harnett JE.Probiotic bacteria are used widely as nutritional supplements and treatment interventions in the management of livestock and companion animals. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence reporting on the safety, tolerability and efficacy of probiotic bacteria use in horses. An online search of five databases for studies reporting on the use of probiotic bacteria use in horses which were either healthy or had a gastrointestinal or extraintestinal disease was conducted. A total of 18 articles were eligible for full review. No clear benefits were identified to support supplementa...
Kim A, Sasaki N, Lee I, Seo JP.The purpose of this study was to assess the cardiorespiratory and behavioral responses to the combination of medetomidine and tramadol (M-T) or butorphanol (M-B) in standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in horses. One ovary was removed under M-T and the contralateral ovary was removed under M-B with at least 4 weeks between operations at random. Horses were sedated using intravenous medetomidine (5 µg/kg) followed by tramadol (1 mg/kg) or butorphanol (10 µg/kg) after 5 min. Sedation was maintained through the repeated injection of medetomidine (1 µg/kg) and tramadol (0.4 mg/kg) or medetomidine ...
Parker RA, Clegg PD, Taylor SE.To investigate the effects of commonly used antibiotics on cell viability and gene expression of equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in vitro. Methods: Bone marrow-derived MSC were cultured in media containing gentamicin, amikacin, penicillin, enrofloxacin or ceftiofur at concentrations of 50, 100, 200 and 500 µg/ml. The alamarBlue fluorescence assay was used to assess cell viability over 48 h. After 5 days the cells were released and lysed prior to RNA extraction and reverse transcription. RNA levels were assessed using spectrophotometry and quantitative PCR was used...
Klewitz J, Struebing C, Rohn K, Goergens A, Martinsson G, Orgies F, Probst J, Hollinshead F, Bollwein H, Sieme H.Color Doppler sonography has become routine for the evaluation of high-risk pregnancies in human medicine. Previous studies documenting uterine blood flow parameters in the pregnant mare have found a decrease in peripheral blood flow resistance in the first pregnancy weeks and an increase in uterine blood flow, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. However, these studies involved only a small number of mares. No naturally occurring pregnancy abnormalities occurred that would allow blood flow changes to be retrospectively examined and analyzed. The objective of the present study was to...
Love CC, Kenney RM.The relationship between fertility and susceptibility of sperm DNA to denaturation was determined in a group of 84 actively breeding, clinically fertile stallions. Susceptibility of DNA to denaturation was determined using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). The SCSA measures, mean of alpha-t (mean alpha t), standard deviation of alpha-t (SD alpha t), and the COMP of alpha-t (cells outside the main population)] were significantly correlated with the percentage seasonal pregnancy rate (SPR; mean alpha t, r = -0.24, P < or = 0.05; % COMP alpha t, r = -0.27, P < or = 0.05); percentage pre...
Whitlock F, Grewar J, Newton R.During 2019, an epidemic of equine influenza (EI) occurred in Europe. Objective: To describe the epidemiology of the 2019 EI epidemic within Great Britain (GB). Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of laboratory confirmed EI cases. Methods: Epidemiological data were obtained from veterinary surgeons referring samples for EI virus testing. Where available, data on confirmed cases and their wider resident population on EI-infected premises were collated and described. On a national level, spatial and temporal representations, consisting of choropleth maps and epidemic curves, described the s...
Choi YK, Kang MS, Yoo HS, Lee DY, Lee HC, Kim DY.Acute hemorrhagic myonecrosis accompanied by severe inter- and intrafascicular edema and hemorrhage of the right gluteal area was diagnosed in a 13-year-old male thoroughbred horse. Once the muscular and fascicular changes were subsided, the horse then developed acute respiratory problem. Histologically, the lung had diffuse severe hemorrhage with mild neutrophilic infiltration. The cause of death was acute respiratory failure that is believed to occur secondary to toxaemic event. Alpha and beta2 toxin secreting Clostiridum perfringens type A was isolated from the muscle and lung. The diagnosi...
Dowdall SM, Proudman CJ, Klei TR, Mair T, Matthews JB.Cyathostomins are the most common parasitic nematodes of horses. Larval stages, which inhabit the intestinal wall, are particularly pathogenic and can cause severe colitis and colic. Despite their clinical importance, diagnostic techniques for the prepatent stages do not exist. A method that could estimate mucosal infection intensity would have a major impact on the control and diagnosis of cyathostominosis. Here, serum IgG(T) responses to two larval antigen complexes of 25 and 20 kDa were quantified in horses with experimental infections, natural infections and in horses that presented with c...
Timoney PJ.In an era of increasing globalization, the risk of spread of infectious diseases in humans and animals, including equids, has never been greater. International movement of equids and trade in semen are the most important factors responsible for the dissemination of various equine pathogens. Other factors that can or do have the potential to influence the global distribution of equine infectious diseases include: multinational trade agreements, emergent diseases, mutation of pathogens, climate related phenomena, migration of amplifying/reservoir hosts or vectors, availability of new vectors, va...
White SH, Warren LK, Li C, Wohlgemuth SE.We tested the hypothesis that, similar to humans and rodents, exercise training would enhance mitochondrial (Mt) biogenesis and function in skeletal muscle of young horses. Twenty-four Quarter Horse yearlings were randomly assigned to either submaximal exercise training or no forced exercise (untrained). Biopsies were collected from the gluteus medius and triceps brachii before and after 9 wk of treatment. Citrate synthase activity was lower (P < 0.0001) and cytochrome c oxidase activity per Mt unit was higher (P < 0.0001) in gluteus compared to triceps, but neither changed over ...
Valberg SJ, Mickelson JR, Gallant EM, MacLeay JM, Lentz L, de la Corte F.The purpose of this study was to determine if chronic exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) in Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds represents one or several distinct myopathies. Eighteen Quarter Horses and 18 Thoroughbreds with ER were selected from cases presented to the Veterinary Hospital on the basis of a history of ER, assessment of muscle histopathology, and serum CK activity before and 4 h post exercise. In addition, 2 of 3 of the following parameters were evaluated: muscle glycogen concentrations, thyroid hormones (T3, T4), fractional excretion (FE) of sodium, potassium and chloride. The CK resp...
Morgenthaler C, Diribarne M, Capitan A, Legendre R, Saintilan R, Gilles M, Esquerré D, Juras R, Khanshour A, Schibler L, Cothran G.Curly horses present a variety of curl phenotypes that are associated with various degrees of curliness of coat, mane, tail and ear hairs. Their origin is still a matter of debate and several genetic hypotheses have been formulated to explain the diversity in phenotype, including the combination of autosomal dominant and recessive alleles. Our purpose was to map the autosomal dominant curly hair locus and identify the causal variant using genome-wide association study (GWAS) and whole-genome sequencing approaches. Results: A GWAS was performed using a Bayesian sparse linear mixed model, based ...
Yoon JH, Brooks RL, Khan A, Pan H, Bryan J, Zhang J, Budsberg SC, Mueller PO, Halper J.Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been used widely in humans and domestic animals, including horses, because of their broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, and relative safety. The use of fluoroquinolones, however, is not without risk. Tendonitis and spontaneous tendon rupture have been reported in people during or following therapy with fluoroquinolones. We have studied the effects of enrofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used commonly in domestic animals, on tendon cell cultures established from equine superficial digital flexor tendons. Effects on cell proliferation and morphology were ...
Dubey JP, Kerber CE, Granstrom DE.To determine serologic prevalence of Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum in horses in Brazil. Methods: Prevalence survey. Methods: 101 Thoroughbreds in Brazil. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from horses and tested for serum antibodies against S neurona by use of an immunoblot procedure with culture-derived S neurona merozoites as antigen, and for serum antibodies against T gondii and N caninum by use of a modified agglutination test with formalin-preserved tachyzoites and mercaptoethanol. Results: Antibodies against S neurona and T gondii were detected in 36 and ...
Arfuso F, Assenza A, Fazio F, Rizzo M, Giannetto C, Piccione G.Physical exercise induces several adaptations involving modulation of the energetic pathways to meet the energy demand during physical exercise. The branched-chain amino acids, leucine in particular, are considered as the most relevant amino acids, especially for exercise physiology. In this study, the change of leucine, valine, and tryptophan concentration was investigated in athletic horses before and after different exercise type. A total of 40 sport horses were equally divided into 4 groups according to the exercise type: group A (jumping), group B (reining), group C (32 km ride), and grou...
Humblet MF, Vandeputte S, Fecher-Bourgeois F, Léonard P, Gosset C, Balenghien T, Durand B, Saegerman C.This study aimed at estimating, in a prospective scenario, the potential economic impact of a possible epidemic of WNV infection in Belgium, based on 2012 values for the equine and human health sectors, in order to increase preparedness and help decision-makers. Modelling of risk areas, based on the habitat suitable for Culex pipiens, the main vector of the virus, allowed us to determine equine and human populations at risk. Characteristics of the different clinical forms of the disease based on past epidemics in Europe allowed morbidity among horses and humans to be estimated. The main costs ...
van Eps A, Collins SN, Pollitt CC.Supporting limb laminitis poses a threat to all horses suffering from severe unilateral lameness. Despite its devastating effects, relatively little is known about the precise pathologic processes that lead to its development. This article reviews the potential mechanisms of supporting limb laminitis, and the authors present some preliminary data based on advanced imaging and computer-based modeling techniques aimed at further elucidating the etiology of this unique form of laminitis. Gaining a better understanding of the pathologic processes that lead to supporting limb laminitis is essential...
Draper ACE, Piercy RJ.Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy (RLN) is a highly prevalent and predominantly left-sided, degenerative disorder of the recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLn) of tall horses, that causes inspiratory stridor at exercise because of intrinsic laryngeal muscle paresis. The associated laryngeal dysfunction and exercise intolerance in athletic horses commonly leads to surgical intervention, retirement or euthanasia with associated financial and welfare implications. Despite speculation, there is a lack of consensus and conflicting evidence supporting the primary classification of RLN, as either a distal ("d...
Certoma A, Lunt RA, Vosloo W, Smith I, Colling A, Williams DT, Tran T, Blacksell SD.Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is closely related to the classical rabies virus and has been associated with three human fatalities and two equine fatalities in Australia. ABLV infection in humans causes encephalomyelitis, resulting in fatal disease, but has no effective therapy. The virus is maintained in enzootic circulation within fruit bats ( spp.) and at least one insectivorous bat variety ( ). Most frequently, laboratory testing is conducted on pteropodid bat brains, either following a potential human exposure through bites, scratches and other direct contacts with bats, or as opportun...
Stadejek T, Bj Rklund H, Bascu Ana CR, Ciabatti IM, Scicluna MT, Amaddeo D, McCollum WH, Autorino GL, Timoney PJ, Paton DJ, Klingeborn B, Bel K S.Equine arteritis viruses (EAV) from Europe and America were compared by phylogenetic analysis of 43 isolates obtained over four decades. An additional 22 virus sequences were retrieved from GenBank. Fragments of the glycoprotein G(L) and the replicase genes were amplified by RT-PCR, prior to sequencing and construction of phylogenetic trees. The trees revealed many distinctive lineages, consistent with prolonged diversification within geographically separated host populations. Two large groups and five subgroups were distinguished. Group I consisted mainly of viruses from North America, whilst...
Chambers TM.Equine influenza virus (EIV) is a common respiratory pathogen of horses and other equids in most parts of the world. EIV are Type A influenza viruses and two subtypes are known: H3N8 and H7N7. Both are believed to have evolved from avian influenza virus ancestors. The H3N8 subtype circulates widely, but the H7N7 subtype is thought to be extinct. The clinical disease in horses, caused by either subtype, is an upper respiratory infection of varying severity depending upon the immune status of the individual animal. It is not normally life-threatening in itself except in very young foals; however...
Galuppi R, Piva S, Castagnetti C, Sarli G, Iacono E, Fioravanti ML, Caffara M.This paper describes the transmission of a zoonotic subtype of Cryptosporidium parvum between two foals hospitalized in an Equine Perinatology Unit (EPU) linked to an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in veterinary students. Fecal specimens of 36 mares (105 samples) and 28 foals (122 samples) were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen staining, nested PCR of 18S rDNA. Two foals tested positive for Cryptosporidium; PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis and subtyping by nested PCR of the 60kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene revealed C. parvum subtype IIdA23G1. The introduction of Cryptospo...
Cook RF, Gann SJ, Mumford JA.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection of serum antibodies to equine arteritis virus (EAV). Results from this assay produced a good correlation with results from virus neutralisation tests in horses which had not been regularly vaccinated with commercially available mammalian tissue culture-derived viral vaccines. Vaccination of some horses with tissue culture-derived vaccines induced the formation of antibodies to bovine serum. These antibodies reacted with the bovine protein contaminants in the EAV ELISA antigen, producing false-positive results. Non-vir...
Park AW, Wood JL, Newton JR, Daly J, Mumford JA, Grenfell BT.A stochastic model of equine influenza (EI) is constructed to assess the risk of an outbreak in a Thoroughbred population at a typical flat race training yard. The model is parameterised using data from equine challenge experiments conducted by the Animal Health Trust (relating to the latent and infectious period of animals) and also published data on previous epidemics (to estimate the transmission rate for equine influenza). Using 89 ponies, an empirical relationship between pre-challenge antibody and the probability of becoming infectious is established using logistic regression. Changes in...
Cohen JM, Richardson DW, McKnight AL, Ross MW, Boston RC.To (1) examine the outcome in horses with osteoarthritis or intra-articular soft tissue injuries of the stifle after arthroscopic exploration and debridement and (2) to determine any imaging or surgical findings that may influence prognosis. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n=44) with lameness referable to the stifle, diagnosed with osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, or other intra-articular soft tissue injuries based on arthroscopic examination. Methods: Medical records of horses with stifle lameness that had arthroscopic exploration were reviewed. Horses with osteochondrosis lesions, intr...
Bordin AI, Liu M, Nerren JR, Buntain SL, Brake CN, Kogut MH, Cohen ND.Rhodococcus equi is an intracellular bacterium that causes pneumonia in foals and immunocompromised adult horses. Evidence exists that foals become infected with R. equi early in life, a period when innate immune responses are critically important for protection against infection. Neutrophils are innate immune cells that play a key role in defense against this bacterium. Enhancing neutrophil function during early life could thus help to protect foals against R. equi infection. The objective of our study was to determine whether in vitro incubation with the TLR9 agonist CpG 2142 would enhance d...
Tallmadge RL, McLaughlin K, Secor E, Ruano D, Matychak MB, Flaminio MJ.Many features of the equine immune system develop during fetal life, yet the naïve or immature immune state of the neonate renders the foal uniquely susceptible to particular pathogens. RT-PCR and immunohistochemical experiments investigated the progressive expression of developmental B cell markers and immunoglobulins in lymphoid tissues from equine fetus, pre-suckle neonate, foal, and adult horses. Serum IgM, IgG isotype, and IgA concentrations were also quantified in pre-suckle foals and adult horses. The expression of essential B cell genes suggests active development and gene recombinati...
Hurtig M, Pearce S, Warren S, Kalra M, Miniaci A.To investigate survival and function of autogenous heterotopic osteochondral grafts in a site where injuries are common. Methods: Three osteochondral grafts were harvested arthroscopically from the femoropatellar joint and transplanted to the third carpal bone (C(3)). Nine months later, histologic, histomorphometric, and biochemical comparisons were made between the transplanted grafts in C(3) and tissue adjacent to the recipient site, the opposing radial carpal bone (C(r)), the donor site in the femoropatellar joint, and the sham-operated contralateral C(3). Methods: One mixed-breed pony and ...
Kaiser-Thom S, Hilty M, Axiak S, Gerber V.Equine pastern dermatitis (EPD), a multifactorial syndrome, manifests as skin lesions of variable severity in the pastern area. Despite the widespread use of antibacterial therapy for treating this condition, little is known about the contributing bacteria. Objective: To investigate the bacterial skin microbiota in EPD-affected and unaffected (control) pasterns. Methods: Case-control study with 80 client-owned horses; each with at least one EPD-affected and one control pastern. Methods: Horses were grouped by the form of EPD (mild, exudative or proliferative), the assigned severity grade and t...
Hemmann K, Raekallio M, Kanerva K, Hänninen L, Pastell M, Palviainen M, Vainio O.Crib-biting is classified as an oral stereotypy, which may be initiated by stress susceptibility, management factors, genetic factors and gastrointestinal irritation. Ghrelin has been identified in the gastric mucosa and is involved in the control of food intake and reward, but its relationship to crib-biting is not yet known. The aim of this study was to examine the concentration and circadian variation of plasma ghrelin, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and β-endorphin in crib-biting horses and non-crib-biting controls. Plasma samples were collected every second hour for 24h in ...
Faccin M, Wiener DJ, Rech RR, Santoro D, Rodrigues Hoffmann A.The skin covers the external surface of animals, and it is constantly exposed to and inhabited by different microorganisms, including bacteria. Alterations in the skin barrier allow commensal and/or pathogenic bacteria to proliferate and penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin. Being the first barrier to the external environment, the skin is prone to injuries, allowing the penetration of microorganisms that may lead to severe deep infections. Companion animals, especially dogs, are prone to bacterial infections, often secondary to allergic dermatitis. When environmental conditions are...
Bromfield EG, Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, Lambourne SR, Nixon B.While IVF has been widely successful in many domesticated species, the development of a robust IVF system for the horse remains an elusive and highly valued goal. A major impediment to the development of equine IVF is the fact that optimised conditions for the capacitation of equine spermatozoa are yet to be developed. Conversely, it is known that stallion spermatozoa are particularly susceptible to damage arising as a consequence of capacitation-like changes induced prematurely in response to semen handling and transport conditions. To address these limitations, this study sought to develop a...
