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Topic:Veterinary Research
Veterinary research in horses encompasses the study of diseases, health management, and medical treatments specific to equine species. This field investigates various aspects of horse health, including infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions. Researchers focus on understanding the pathophysiology of equine ailments, developing diagnostic tools, and evaluating therapeutic interventions. The study of horse health also involves examining preventive measures such as vaccination protocols and nutritional management to promote overall well-being. This page collects peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the diverse areas of veterinary science related to horses, providing insights into disease mechanisms, treatment strategies, and advancements in equine healthcare.
Serum osteocalcin is associated with scintigraphic abnormalities in lame and clinically sound racehorses. Musculoskeletal injury is a major welfare and economic challenge in racehorses, with stress-related bone injury contributing to training interruption and catastrophic failure. Advanced imaging modalities can detect early skeletal pathology but remain limited in routine screening environments. Circulating biomarkers of bone turnover may provide complementary indicators of skeletal remodelling but require validation against objective imaging findings. Objective: Evaluate whether osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), or the CTX/OC ratio, are associated with scintig...
Association of submaximal exercise test variables with diagnosis of asthma in a mixed-breed cohort of leisure horses. Submaximal exercise tests (SET) are used to assess respiratory health in various contexts. The diagnostic value of SETs for the assessment of asthma in the field remains uncertain. Objective: A SET helps distinguish healthy horses and asthma phenotypes. Methods: Twenty-six privately owned mixed-breed leisure horses of a clinical cohort. Horses were healthy (8) or diagnosed with mild (miEA) (4), moderate (modEA) (7), or severe asthma (sEA) (7) according to history, clinical examination, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology. Methods: Cross-sectional study using clinical data and samp...
Distal limb wraps produce gait- and material-dependent post-exercise changes in stride timing and limb kinematics in horses. Distal limb wraps are widely used during equine exercise, but their effects on post-exercise kinematics and movement symmetry remain poorly defined. Objective: To determine whether elastic and fleece distal limb wraps alter temporal stride variables, distal limb kinematics, and axial movement symmetry after standardised round-pen exercise. Methods: Six adult horses completed a prospective crossover study with three conditions: no wraps, elastic wraps, and fleece wraps. Wraps were applied bilaterally to all distal limbs at an initial pressure of 20 mmHg. After 20 minutes of free round-pen exerc...
Comparison of blind end closure techniques in equine ileum. To determine the difference in bursting pressure (BP), bursting wall tension (BWT), and closure speed between commonly utilized methods of ileal stump closure. Methods: Randomized experimental study. Methods: A total of 71 ileal segments from 18 healthy horses. Methods: Ileum was collected postmortem from 18 horses and divided into four segments. One end of each segment was closed using one of three techniques: Parker-Kerr (PK), gastrointestinal staples (ST), or gastrointestinal staples with a Lembert staple oversew (SO). Closure time was recorded. Control (C) segments were not altered. Segmen...
Myocardial dysfunction associated with low-dose endotoxin administration in adult horses. Horses with endotoxemia have variable myocardial function, but little is known about the severity or persistence of myocardial dysfunction (MD). Objective: Horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia have systolic and diastolic MD. Methods: Twelve systemically healthy horses. Methods: Horses were given Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide 30 ng/kg over 60 min. Echocardiography and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) measurements were performed at baseline, 1, 3, and 5 h post-endotoxin. Fluid therapy (10 L), polymyxin B (6000 IU/kg), and flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg) were administered intravenou...
Seroprevalence and associated epidemiological drivers of glanders in horses: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2002-2026). Glanders (malleus), a highly contagious zoonotic disease caused by Burkholderia mallei, remains an important transboundary disease of equids despite extensive control efforts in many countries. However, its epidemiological patterns and associated drivers have not been comprehensively synthesized. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of glanders in horses and identify key epidemiological drivers based on studies published up to April 27, 2026. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, ProQu...
Residual contamination in nebulization medication cups after corticosteroid administration: an in vitro assessment with implications for equine doping control. Nebulization is increasingly used to administer respiratory medications in horses. However, the potential for residual contamination in medication cups after administering regulated substances raises concerns about inadvertent doping. Objective: To evaluate whether medication cups used for nebulization of corticosteroids can subsequently be used for administration of non-regulated substances without detectable carryover. Methods: In vitro experimental study. Methods: Three corticosteroids (budesonide, dexamethasone, fluticasone propionate) were nebulized using Flexineb™ medication cups. Foll...
Alterations in the gut resistomes of endangered wild equids associated with anthropogenic activities: Insights for One Health surveillance. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are emerging environmental contaminants, but how human-associated management practices are associated with mobile resistomes in endangered wildlife remains poorly resolved. Here, we used fecal metagenomics to compare Przewalski's horses, Mongolian khulans, and domestic horses from Xinjiang, China, including Przewalski's horses from a protected area and a captive-breeding setting under human management. Across 47 fecal metagenomes, we identified 380 ARG subtypes, 23 metal resistance gene (MRG) types, and 26 mobile genetic element (MGE) subtypes. Przewalski's h...
Factors influencing veterinary student interest in equine practice in the United States: A focus group study. The number of new veterinary graduates entering equine practice in the United States continues to decline, and more than half leave the field within 5 years. Understanding the perspectives of veterinary students is critical for developing interventions that promote retention and long-term career satisfaction in equine medicine. Objective: To explore what factors influence veterinary student interest in and commitment to equine practice using the Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory as a guiding framework. Methods: Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured student focus groups. Me...
Correlation of 2D Linear and 3D Volumetric Measurement Techniques for Subchondral Bone Sclerosis in the Equine Distal Limb Using Standing Computed Tomography. Subchondral bone sclerosis of the distal third palmar/plantar metacarpal/metatarsal condyles is a common radiographic finding in Thoroughbred racehorses. Traditionally, assessment has relied on two-dimensional (2D) linear measurements; however, advances in imaging software now allow three-dimensional (3D) volumetric quantification of subchondral bone. This study aimed to assess the relationship and agreement between computed tomography (CT)-derived 2D linear and volumetric measurements of condylar sclerosis and computer-generated 3D volumetric measurements and determine whether 2D measurements...
Diagnostic Accuracy of Scintigraphy for Detecting Morphological Variation of the Sixth Cervical Vertebral Ventral Lamina in Horses: A Retrospective Study. Morphological variations or transposition of the ventral lamina of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6) are well documented in horses. Radiography remains the primary modality for identifying these osseous variations, whereas scintigraphy provides a functional assessment of bone activity; however, its diagnostic accuracy for this condition has not been established. This retrospective single-center study evaluated the diagnostic performance of scintigraphy compared with radiography for detecting C6/C7 ventral laminar anomalies and determined an optimal C6:C7 uptake ratio cutoff. Thirty-four horses ...
Correction: Sleep architecture and lying behavior in horses across age groups and two housing systems: an overnight non-invasive EEG study. [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1898580.].
Use of a caudal intercostal block in horses undergoing surgery for colic. In humans and companion animals, regional anaesthesia is used in multimodal analgesic protocols for abdominal wall surgery. Benefits include earlier patient mobilisation and improved pain scores. Regional anaesthetic techniques for horses undergoing abdominal surgery could provide similar benefits and warrant investigation. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a caudal intercostal block for abdominal surgery (CIBAS) in horses undergoing surgery for colic. Methods: Blinded, randomised clinical trial. Methods: Horses (n = 22) undergoing exploratory celiotomy for colic were rando...
Effects of sympathomimetic agents on heart rate variability during general anesthesia in Thoroughbred horses. Heart rate variability (HRV) is widely used as a noninvasive index of autonomic nervous system activity. The objective of this study was to determine whether the administration of sympathomimetic agents alters HRV indices during general anesthesia in Thoroughbred horses. Five healthy Thoroughbred horses were anesthetized with sevoflurane in oxygen. During 2-5 hr of general anesthesia, five treatments were administered to each horse in a randomized order. Two doses (µg·kg·min) of epinephrine (0.1 and 0.5), norepinephrine (0.5 and 1), dobutamine (1 and 5), dopamine (5 and 15), and saline (as ...
Oocyte and Embryo Vitrification in Horses. Vitrification has emerged as a decisive technique in assisted reproductive technology, offering superior cryopreservation outcomes for both oocytes and embryos compared with traditional slow freezing. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the vitrification of equine oocytes and embryos, emphasizing the influence of technical factors, including cryoprotectant selection, exposure time, temperature control, and device volume, on vitrification outcomes. Biological factors such as the oocyte maturation stage, the presence of cumulus cells, and embryo size are also explored, highlighting...
Context-aware machine learning for lameness side and severity prediction in trotting horses: A proof-of-concept study. In clinical practice, lameness evaluation often relies on visual assessment under different examination conditions, including ground and figures, and remains subjective. Although objective symmetry indices provide quantitative measures of gait asymmetry, their interpretation across multiple conditions remains challenging because several complementary indices are required and their thresholds vary with context. Objective: To assess the ability of a context-aware machine learning approach to predict lameness side and severity at the trot using trunk-mounted IMUs. Methods: Retrospective observati...
Computed tomographic findings in 1600 cases of equine sinonasal disease and associations with case outcome. No study has described the computed tomographic (CT) sinonasal findings in a large cohort of referred sinonasal disease cases. Objective: To report the CT imaging findings in equine sinonasal disease and examine associations between case outcome and CT findings. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records from 19 equine hospitals on sinonasal disease cases which had undergone CT imaging. Case outcome was obtained from clinical records, and/or by contacting clients and referring veterinarians. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to exami...
Cyathostomin species richness and alpha diversity at egg reappearance following fecal egg count-based selective ivermectin treatment. Cyathostomin nematodes are ubiquitous in grazing horses. The overuse of anthelmintics has led to increasing problems with drug resistance to benzimidazoles and pyrantel. Although macrocyclic lactones (ML), such as ivermectin, generally retain the highest efficacy, reduced ML efficacy has increasingly been reported. A shortened egg reappearance period (ERP) is frequently used as an indicator of reduced susceptibility. However, the species-specific response dynamics after ivermectin treatment are inadequately characterized in cyathostomins. The objective of this study was to compare the cyathost...
Anesthetic Recovery Following a Midazolam-Containing Co-Induction Protocol in Horses Undergoing Total Intravenous Anesthesia. Anesthetic recovery is a critical phase in horses under field conditions, and induction protocols may influence recovery quality during total intravenous anesthesia. Objective: To compare two anesthetic induction protocols, one including midazolam and the other based solely on xylazine and ketamine, regarding anesthetic induction and recovery quality, total recovery time, and attempts to achieve standing in horses undergoing total intravenous anesthesia. Methods: Twelve healthy male horses older than 2 years were randomly assigned to XC (xylazine 1 mg/kg and ketamine 2 mg/kg) or XCM (xylazine ...
Pelvic Flexure Enterotomy in Horses: Scoping Review and Synthesis of the Literature (1996-2026). This scoping review maps the available literature aimed at identifying the most appropriate technique for suturing pelvic flexure enterotomies in horses. A comprehensive search of Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information was conducted for studies published between January 1996 and February 2026, using terms related to pelvic flexure enterotomy and equine patients. From 22,146 records, only five ex vivo studies on healthy equine colon specimens met the inclusion criteria. The studies compared variables such as suturing time, suture pattern, material,...
Exhaled breath condensate in horses: a first microbiological insight. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a non-invasive method for obtaining samples reflecting the airway lining fluid; however, its microbiological composition remains poorly characterized. Objective: To perform an exploratory microbiological comparison of EBC in clinically healthy horses maintained under different environmental conditions. Methods: An observational study included 30 mares equally distributed into two groups: horses housed in stalls (Racetrack group) and horses maintained under pasture conditions (Farm group). EBC samples were collected using a validated device developed by the re...
Use of Sildenafil Citrate for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Stallions: First Case Reports. Pharmacological aids can be useful alternatives to enhance penile erection and/or improve ejaculatory function, thereby prolonging the reproductive life of stallions with ejaculatory disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and on semen quality in two aged stallions, a Quarter Horse (18 years) and a Mangalarga Marchador (25 years), presented to the Veterinary Hospital of FMVZ-UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. The treatment consisted of oral administration of sildenafil citrate at 0.2 mg/kg. Thirty minutes after administ...
Influence of Manual Double-Spin Preparation Protocols on the Cellular and Growth Factor Composition of Equine Platelet-Rich Plasma. This prospective, randomised, ex vivo study investigated the effects of manual double-spin centrifugation protocols on the cellular and growth factor composition of equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Blood from 20 healthy horses was evaluated in two phases. In Phase A (n = 10), nine first-spin protocols were compared, and two were selected based on platelet enrichment and leukocyte reduction. In Phase B (n = 10), these were combined with nine second-spin conditions, generating 18 PRP preparations. Platelet (PLT), leukocyte (WBC) and erythrocyte (RBC) concentrations and PDGF-BB and TGF-β conce...
Morphological Characterization of Turkish Ambling Horses. Morphometric information on ambling horses raised in Türkiye remains limited. This study aimed to characterize the morphometric traits of ambling horses according to breeding origin, age, and sex and to provide baseline phenotypic information on the studied population. A total of 102 naturally ambling horses were evaluated, including indigenous horses raised in Bursa ( = 28), indigenous horses raised in Nazilli, Aydın Province ( = 65), and Afghan-origin horses raised in Bursa ( = 9). Morphometric measurements of the head, body, and limbs were recorded, and the effects of breeding origin, age...
Evaluation of a new immunoassay for measuring equine serum insulin and plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone: A method comparison study. Insulin dysregulation (ID) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) are common equine endocrinopathies detected by measurement of circulating insulin and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. Different assays may yield variable results, limiting comparability. Objective: To compare immunoassays developed specifically to measure equine insulin (VIDAS® Equine Insulin; enzyme-linked fluorescent assay [ELFA]) and equine ACTH (VIDAS® Equine ACTH; ELFA) with results obtained from a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) measured using IMMULITE 2000XPi, a chemiluminescence enzym...
Randomized study of the effects of testosterone administration on severity of asthma in horses. Low testosterone concentrations are associated with poor lung function in human asthmatics, and androgen administration improves airway obstruction in women with asthma. Objective: Testosterone improves clinical scores, lung function, airway neutrophilia, and airway remodeling in horses with severe asthma. Methods: Ten horses affected by severe asthma from a research herd. Methods: In a randomized, blinded, crossover study, horses received dexamethasone (0.06 mg/kg PO q24h for 10 days) or a single intramuscular injection of testosterone cypionate (0.35 mg/kg), with a 2-week washout period. ...
Population Pharmacokinetics and Detection Times of Betamethasone After Intravenous, Intramuscular, and Intranasal Jet Administration of Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate in Horses. Betamethasone sodium phosphate (BETP) is a glucocorticosteroid used in humans. The primary objective was to estimate irrelevant plasma (IPC) and urine (IUC) concentrations using a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic approach based on systemic clearance estimated from intravenous (IV) pharmacokinetic data. As a secondary objective, detection times (DTs) following IV, intramuscular (IM), and intranasal jet (INJ) administration were estimated for medication control. Plasma and urine concentrations were obtained from a total of 20 horses in Japan and Germany, with some horses contributing to more than...
Anatomy and Ultrasound-Guided Injection of the Deep Branch of the Lateral Palmar Nerve in the Horse: A Cadaveric Study. Proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) injuries are a common cause of lameness in horses. Localization of pain in the proximal metacarpal and carpal region remains challenging. Current diagnostic analgesic techniques are not PSL-specific. The aim of this study was to investigate the nerve supply of the PSL, with particular focus on the deep branch of the lateral palmar nerve (DBLPaN), and to develop a landmark-based, ultrasound-guided injection technique targeting this nerve. Unassigned: Eighteen limbs from euthanized horses were dissected to describe the anatomy of the DBLPaN and branches, measur...
Effects of two different fluid rates on tissue oxygenation and haemodynamic stability in anaesthetised horses. Perianaesthetic fluid therapy can influence oxygen delivery and tissue oxygenation, yet the optimal fluid rate in horses remains undefined. Objective: To compare two fluid strategies on peripheral tissue oxygenation (StO) and cardiorespiratory variables in isoflurane-anaesthetised horses. Methods: Randomised, controlled, experimental design with two independent groups. Methods: Sixteen euvolemic adult horses undergoing coeliotomy were anaesthetised with xylazine, ketamine, and midazolam, maintained on isoflurane with lidocaine infusion, and randomised to lactated Ringer's solution at 2.5 mL/...
