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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.
Intradermal skin testing in Icelandic horses in Austria. Icelandic horses in Austria are commonly affected by an allergic inflammatory skin disease recurring during the summer seasons, which shares characteristic features with Culicoides hypersensitivity. However, the causative agents have not yet been identified. Therefore, intradermal skin testing (IDST) with a standardised extract of Culicoides variipennis and 21 other allergens relevant within Austria was performed in 81 Icelandic horses. All horses included into the study were treated regularly with ivermectin and had no history of administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. Forty-three of these...
Interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma gene expression in summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease affected horses. We hypothesised that horses affected with summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD) react to an allergen or allergens in their summer environment that is either absent or present at lower levels in their winter environment; and that such allergens stimulate SPAOPD-affected horses to produce a different T helper lymphocyte cytokine profile from that of control horses. The primary objective of this study was to determine the cytokine mRNA profile of T helper lymphocytes obtained from summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD) affected horses when 1) t...
Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in horses. Marbofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic expected to be effective in the treatment of infections involving gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria in horses. In order to design a rational dosage regimen for the substance in horses, the pharmacokinetic properties of marbofloxacin were investigated in 6 horses after i.v., subcutaneous and oral administration of a single dose of 2 mg/kg bwt and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) assessed for bacteria isolated from equine infectious pathologies. The clearance of marbofloxacin was mean +/- s.d. 0.25 +/- 0.05 l/kg/h and the termi...
Characterisation of reconstituted equine cartilage formed in vitro. Lesions in cartilage of equine weightbearing joints commonly result in lameness. Cell-based resurfacing techniques are currently being developed for human and veterinary applications. Biopsies of stifle joint cartilage (1 g) were harvested aseptically and chondrocytes were isolated by sequential enzyme digestion. The cells were grown in vitro on filter inserts. Analysis of cultures 8 weeks later showed that the cells had accumulated extracellular matrix and formed a continuous layer of cartilagenous tissue as determined histologically. The cells maintained their phenotype as they synthesised t...
Molecular characterisation of carbohydrate digestion and absorption in equine small intestine. Dietary carbohydrates, when digested and absorbed in the small intestine of the horse, provide a substantial fraction of metabolisable energy. However, if levels in diets exceed the capacity of the equine small intestine to digest and absorb them, they reach the hindgut, cause alterations in microbial populations and the metabolite products and predispose the horse to gastrointestinal diseases. We set out to determine, at the molecular level, the mechanisms, properties and the site of expression of carbohydrate digestive and absorptive functions of the equine small intestinal brush-border memb...
Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in mature horses after single intravenous and intramuscular administration. The pharmacokinetic behaviour of marbofloxacin, a new fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent developed exclusively for veterinary use, was studied in mature horses (n = 5) after single-dose i.v. and i.m. administrations of 2 mg/kg bwt. Drug concentrations in plasma were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and data obtained were subjected to compartmental and noncompartmental kinetic analysis. This compound presents a relatively high volume of distribution (V(SS) = 1.17 +/- 0.18 l/kg), which suggests good tissue penetration, and a total body clearance (Cl) of 0.19 +/- 0.042...
Modelling equine influenza 1: a stochastic model of within-yard epidemics. This paper demonstrates that a simple stochastic model can capture the features of an epidemic of equine influenza in unvaccinated horses. When the model is modified to consider vaccinated horses, we find that vaccination dramatically reduces the incidence and size of epidemics. Although occasional larger outbreaks can still occur, these are exceptional. We then look at the effects of vaccination on a yard of horses, and in particular at the relationship between pre-challenge antibody level and quantity of virus shed when challenged with the virus. While on average, a high antibody level impli...
Comparison of VHS video recording system with apple Macintosh-based image analysis and modified CODA-3 systems in equine motion analysis. A VHS video--computer-based image analysis combination is described as a low sampling rate motion analysis system. Video recordings were taken indoor without any artificial illumination at 25 fps sampling rate. The horse studied was running on a high-speed treadmill and observed at 1.6, 4 and 7 m/s velocities at walk, trot and canter, respectively. Left forelimb and hindlimb were recorded separately from lateral view. For comparison, parallel CODA-3 recordings were taken at the same time from the same position. Joint angles were expressed and compared in angle-time diagrams. Sampling of both s...
Analysis of protein ions in the range 3000-12000 Th under partial (no discharge) atmospheric pressure chemical ionization conditions using ion trap mass spectrometry. A new approach, based on the use of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (APCI-ITMS), but without a corona discharge, was investigated for application to creating and monitoring protein ions. It must be emphasized that APCI is not usually used in protein analysis. In order to verify the applicability of the proposed method to the analysis of proteins, two standard proteins (horse cytochrome c and horse myoglobin) were analyzed. A mixture of the two proteins was also analyzed showing that this novel approach, based on the use of APCI, can be used in the analysis o...
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic approach to assess irrelevant plasma or urine drug concentrations in postcompetition samples for drug control in the horse. The current performance of analytical techniques used for drug control in horses lead the Regulatory Authorities to decide whether trace levels of drugs legitimately used for therapeutic medication should or should not be reported. Here, we propose a well-ordered and nonexperimental pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic approach for the determination of irrelevant drug plasma (IPC) and urine concentrations (IUC). The published plasma clearance is used to transform an effective (marketed) dose into an effective concentration (EPC). EPC is transformed into an IPC by applying a safety factor (SF). This...
Age-related morphometry of equine calcified cartilage. Although there are many studies in the equine literature focused on articular diseases and the aetiology of osteoarthritis, few have concentrated on normal articular structures and how they change with age. The objective of this investigation was to study the thickness and morphology of the calcified cartilage layer of the distal metacarpus over a range of ages. A parasagittal slab of bone was sectioned from the region of sesamoid contact on the medial condyle of the metacarpi from 34 horses. The slab of bone was preserved, dehydrated and embedded, undecalcified, in methylmethacrylate and then...
Parenteral nutrition for horses with gastrointestinal disease: a retrospective study of 79 cases. Parenteral nutrition is advocated for sick foals and horses, although there is no report which has critically evaluated its benefits in this species. Therefore, the hypothesis that parenteral nutrition (PN) is beneficial for horses with severe gastrointestinal disease was investigated in a retrospective study. Records from 79 treatment courses in horses with gastrointestinal disease were reviewed for the years 1992-2000. The fatality rate (48.1%) was attributed to the severity of the primary disease. Complications due to PN were recorded and hyperglycaemia was the most common complication asso...
A study of the ultrastructure and staining characteristics of the ‘dental star’ of equine incisors. The objective of this study was to examine the diameter, extent, orientation and contents of dentinal tubules in order to validate the hypothesis of pigment penetration into the dental star of equine incisival occlusal surfaces. The time of appearance and the configuration of the dental star on the incisival occlusal surface are macroscopically visible features that, along with other more reliable parameters, are used for the determination of horses' age. Although dental stars are an integral part of the equine incisor occlusive surface, the exact nature and microstructure of the dental star a...
Cytological analysis of equine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Part 2: Comparison of smear and cytocentrifuged preparations. The aim of this study was to develop a diagnostically useful smear method for preparation of equine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for use by practitioners. A smear method for equine BALF preparation which included the addition of serum was developed, and cell morphology, differential cell counts (DCC) and repeatability of counting DCC compared with those of cytocentrifuged BALF preparations. BALF samples (n = 21) were collected from 5 control horses and 5 heaves-susceptible horses. Smear preparations of BALF produced smaller, darker, staining cells, making cytological identification more...
Cytological analysis of equine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Part 3: The effect of time, temperature and fixatives. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples are often subject to time delays, possibly with temperature fluctuations, between collection and processing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of time, temperature and 2 different fixatives on equine BALF cytology, in order to develop guidelines for optimal equine BALF storage conditions. Total nucleated cell count (TCC), differential cell counts (DCC), absolute cell counts (ACC), cell viability, cell morphology and bacterial growth of BALF samples stored at 4, 18 (+/- addition of formalin- or alcohol-based fixatives) and 38 degrees C...
Immunological and haematinic consequences of feeding a standardised Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) extract to healthy horses. This study was undertaken to compile new data on the efficacy of Echinacea in stimulating the immune system of the horse. Use of Echinacea is becoming widespread in horses, despite an absence of controlled laboratory research into its effectiveness or safety. This paper documents results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial investigating the effect of standardised Echinacea extract on 8 horses. Animals were supplemented with Echinacea or placebo for 42 days, and their response to supplements recorded. Treatment with Echinacea increased phagocytic ability of isolated neutroph...
Cytological analysis of equine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Part 1: Comparison of sequential and pooled aliquots. The aim of this study was to investigate whether initial equine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) aliquots were more representative of bronchial cytology that bronchiolar and alveolar cytology. Cell viability and total nucleated (TCC), differential (DCC) and absolute cell counts of cytocentrifuged preparations of 3 sequentially collected BALF aliquots (Aliquots 1-3) were compared with those of pooled BALF (Aliquot 4) to assess whether all aliquots were representative of the lavaged lung segment. BALF samples (n = 21) were collected from control horses (n = 5) or heaves-affected horses (n = 5...
Transforming growth factor-beta levels during second- intention healing are related to the different course of wound contraction in horses and ponies. Wound healing in horses is often complicated by wound infection, exuberant granulation tissue, and hypertrophic scars, especially when wounds are located on the limbs. Wound healing in ponies is less problematic, characterized by a greater degree of wound contraction and a more intense initial inflammatory response. Because both processes are influenced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), it was hypothesized that the better wound healing in ponies was associated with different TGF-beta profiles. A series of small wounds was created on the distal limbs and hindquarters of ponies and ...
[Hematogenous (suspected-)septic inflammation of the synovial fossa in the adult horse: rare but deceptive (3 case reports)]. Septic inflammation of the synovial fossa in the horse is a severe disorder that can lead to permanent invalidity. The synovitis can occur as a result of a perforating trauma, or via the blood (haematogenous). The latter route is rare in the adult horse. Three cases of suspected haematogenous septic synovitis are described in adult horses (older than 1 year). In two horses, timely and adequate treatment resulted in recovery, but this was followed by fatal recurrence. In one of these horses a persistent primary infection was found as cause; the other horse was not available for autopsy. The thi...
Equine herpesvirus 1 and 4 infections: an update. Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV1) and equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV4) are important ubiquitous equine viral pathogens, causing much damage to the horse industry. EHV1 strains are associated with respiratory disease, abortion, and paresis/paralysis, whereas EHV4 strains are predominantly associated with respiratory disease. In the past decades much research effort has been put into improving knowledge about these viruses. In this paper the current state of knowledge of these viruses and the most important aspects of these virus infections, e.g. epidemiology, clinical aspects, pathogenesis and pathology, ...
The effect of recombinant equine growth hormone on the biomechanical properties of healing superficial digital flexor tendons in horses. To evaluate the effect of recombinant equine growth hormone (rEGH) on the in vitro biomechanical properties of healing superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in horses. Methods: Completely randomized design. Methods: Twelve Standardbred horses, 3 to 7 years of age, with ultrasonographically normal forelimb SDFT. Methods: One week after induction of collagenase (2,000 U) induced superficial flexor tendonitis, horses were randomly divided into groups of 6. One group was administered intramuscular rEGH (10 microg/kg/day for 1 week, then 20 microg/kg/day for 5 weeks), whereas the other group (co...
A retrospective study of oesophageal endoscopy in cattle – oesophagoscopy for diagnosis of mucosal disease. Oesophageal endoscopy in cattle has been rarely reported in the literature. It has, however, been used for many years as an aid to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses of the upper gastrointestinal tract in small animals and horses. We have assessed the potential value of oesophagoscopy on 120 bovine patients presented at the 2nd Medical Clinic for Ruminants and Swine at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, over a period of three years. In the course of the study, cattle exhibiting symptoms such as salivation, regurgitation or swelling in the neck region were referred for endosco...
Relationship between clinical signs and pulmonary function estimated by the single breath diagram for CO(2) (SBD-CO(2)) in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The pulmonary health of 66 horses was assessed by a clinical examination and simple supplementary diagnostic methods. Single breath diagrams for CO(2) (SBD-CO(2)) and derived lung function indices were used to determine pulmonary function. The clinical signs in different groups were related to the results of the lung function indices derived from the SBD-CO(2). In horses with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a significant relationship was found between the respiratory frequency and the ratio of Bohr's dead space to the tidal volume (VD(Bohr)/VT), and between the...
The effect of equine recombinant growth hormone on second intention wound healing in horses. To evaluate the effect of intramuscular administration of recombinant equine growth hormone on healing of full thickness skin wounds on equine limbs. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Nine Standardbred horses. Methods: In study 1, standardized full thickness skin wounds (2.5 x 2.5 cm) were made over the dorsomedial aspect of the mid-cannon bone of 1 forelimb and 1 hindlimb in 9 horses. Wounds were bandaged without treatment (control subjects) and videorecorded twice weekly until healed. Then, in study 2, similar wounds were created on the opposite limbs; 6 horses were administered intramuscular ...
Pharmacokinetics of doramectin and ivermectin after oral administration in horses. A study was undertaken in order to compare plasma disposition kinetic parameters of doramectin (DRM) and ivermectin (IVM) in horses after oral administration. Ten crossbreed adult horses, clinically healthy, weighing 380-470 kg body weight (bw) were selected for study. Faecal examinations were performed to determine faecal parasite egg counts. Horses were allocated to two groups of five animals to provide an even distribution considering the variables sex, body weight and faecal egg count. Group I, were treated with an oral paste formulation of IVM at 0.2 mg/kg b/w and Group II, were treated w...
Evaluation of early fetal losses on four equine farms in central Kentucky: 73 cases (2001). To determine features of an early fetal loss (EFL) syndrome and evaluate potential risk factors for EFL in Thoroughbred broodmares on 4 farms in central Kentucky. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 288 pregnant broodmares. Methods: Year-2001 breeding records for 288 Thoroughbred broodmares were examined. Early fetal loss was defined as loss of a fetus that was viable at > or = 40 days of gestation but was subsequently lost by 5 months of gestation. Results: Overall 2001 EFL rate was 25% (73/288), median gestational age at time of fetal loss was 77 days, and median date of loss was May 7...
Synovial regeneration in the equine carpus after arthroscopic mechanical or carbon dioxide laser synovectomy. To compare synovial regeneration in the equine carpus after mechanical or CO(2) laser synovectomy. Methods: Arthroscopic partial synovectomy was performed in the radiocarpal and intercarpal joints. Methods: Twelve horses, 3 to 6 years of age, were randomly divided into 3 groups. Methods: The antebrachiocarpal and intercarpal joints in each horse were randomly assigned a treatment such that each horse had one joint treated as a control (arthroscopic lavage), one in which a mechanical or CO(2) laser partial dorsal carpal synovectomy was performed, and one in which a combination of the mechanical...
Growth characteristics of a highly virulent, a moderately virulent, and an avirulent strain of equine arteritis virus in primary equine endothelial cells are predictive of their virulence to horses. Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is an endotheliotropic viral disease of horses caused by equine arteritis virus (EAV). Although there is only one serotype of EAV, there is marked variation in the virulence of different strains of the virus. The replication and cytopathogenicity of three well-characterized strains of EAV of different virulence to horses were compared in rabbit kidney (RK-13) and primary equine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (ECs). Viral protein expression, plaque size, and cytopathogenicity of all three viruses were similar in RK-13 cells, whereas two virulent strains of EAV w...
Recombinant equine growth hormone does not affect the in vitro biomechanical properties of equine superficial digital flexor tendon. To evaluate the effect of recombinant equine growth hormone (rEGH) on the in vitro biomechanical properties of normal adult equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Methods: Completely randomized design. Methods: Nine Standardbred horses, 6 to 9 years of age with ultrasonographically normal forelimb SDFT. Methods: Six horses were administered intramuscular (IM) rEGH at 10 microg/kg/day for 1 week, and then 20 microg/kg/day for another 5 weeks; 3 horses (control subjects) were administered an equivalent daily volume of sterile water IM. Horses were killed at the end of the 6-week treatm...
