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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.
The effects of cAMP modulation upon the adhesion and respiratory burst activity of immune complex-stimulated equine neutrophils. Toxic products such as reactive oxygen intermediates released by activated polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) have an important role in the pathophysiology of diseases associated with the deposition of immune complexes (IC) in tissues. IC-induced activation of PMN requires adhesion mediated by integrin adhesion receptors. Of the integrins expressed on PMN, the beta(2) family has been found to be of particular importance for activation of PMN by IC. beta(2) Integrin ligand binding must be activated to enable adhesion to IC. Both activating and inhibitory signals regulate beta(2) integrin ligand...
IgG antibody subclass response against equine herpesvirus type 4 in horses. In this study, IgG subclass responses against equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a type-specific region of EHV-4 glycoprotein G (gG). ELISA using sera collected from horses experimentally infected with EHV-4 revealed that IgGa and IgGb antibodies were detected at high level, but IgGc and IgG(T) antibody responses were detected at low level or were undetectable. The IgGa antibody response reached its peak on day 10 post-infection, and then dropped. The IgGb antibody response reached its maximum level on day 12 post-infection, and t...
Lead poisoning of horses in the vicinity of a battery recycling plant. The diagnosis of lead poisoning in horses living on farmland in the vicinity of a battery recycling plant was based on clinical signs as well as on laboratory findings. Chemical analysis of six surface soils (0-15 cm) and herbage samples taken at different distances to the recycling plant showed very high total lead levels in the closest sites to the facility and a clear decrease with distance. Total lead levels in soil samples ranged from 127 to 5657 mg kg(-1), with more than 70% of lead extractable by EDTA in the most polluted soils. Lead levels in the aerial part of herbage samples were in ...
West Nile virus in livestock and wildlife. WN virus is one of the most ubiquitous arboviruses occurring over a broad geographical range and in a wide diversity of vertebrate host and vector species. The virus appears to be maintained in endemic foci on the African continent and is transported annually to temperate climates to the north in Europe and to the south in South Africa. Reports of clinical disease due to natural WN virus infection in wild or domestic animals were much less common than reports of infection (virus isolation or antibody detection). Until recently, records of morbidity and mortality in wild birds were confined to ...
The influence of exercise on the composition of developing equine joints. An overview is given of the direct and long-term effects of exercise on the biochemical characteristics of cartilage and subchondral bone, and on the metabolic activity of chondrocytes in the juvenile horse. In the experimental setup 43 foals were reared until weaning at 5 months of age under similar conditions, except for the type and amount of exercise. Fifteen foals remained at pasture (Pasture group and also control group), 14 foals were kept in box stalls (Box group), and 14 foals were kept in the same box stalls but were subjected daily to an increasing number of gallop sprints (Training...
A comparative study of the intestinal microbiota of healthy horses and those suffering from equine grass sickness. This study compares quantitatively the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract of healthy horses with that of horses with equine grass sickness (EGS). Faecal and ileal samples were cultured quantitatively on selective and non-selective media. Confirmed anaerobes were identified to species level. Overall faecal counts gave a ratio of aerobes:anaerobes of approximately 1:1. However, the mean counts in healthy horses of 4.4x10(8) aerobes:3.7x10(8) anaerobes per gram wet weight were different from counts in EGS (means were 10-100-fold higher), with statistically significant differences for the an...
In vitro fertilization of in vitro-matured equine oocytes: effect of maturation medium, duration of maturation, and sperm calcium ionophore treatment, and comparison with rates of fertilization in vivo after oviductal transfer. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of oocyte and sperm treatments on rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the horse and to determine the capacity of in vitro-matured horse oocytes to be fertilized in vivo. There was no effect of duration of oocyte maturation (24 vs. 42 h) or calcium ionophore concentration during sperm capacitation (3 microM vs. 7.14 microM) on in vitro fertilization rates. Oocytes matured in 100% follicular fluid had significantly higher fertilization (13% to 24%) than did oocytes matured in maturation medium or in 20% follicular fluid (0% to 12%; P <...
West Nile Virus activity–United States, 2001. In 2001, West Nile virus (WNV) activity was reported from 359 counties in 27 states and the District of Columbia (DC) to ArboNET, a web-based, surveillance data network maintained by 54 state and local public health agencies and CDC. This activity represented a marked increase from 2000, when WNV activity was reported from 138 counties in 12 states and DC. This report summarizes surveillance data for 2001, which indicate that 66 human illnesses were reported from 10 states and that widespread WNV activity in birds, horses, and mosquitoes extended into the midwestern United States and several s...
Evaluation of tests for anthelmintic resistance in cyathostomes. Resistance, especially to the anthelmintic benzimidazoles (BZ), has been reported in horse cyathostomes world-wide. Diagnosis of resistance has traditionally been made by faecal egg count reduction (FECR) trials, however, this technique has limitations. Some of the shortcomings may be resolved by refining the test or by using an in vitro test. FECR tests and the larval development assay (LDA) were performed on adult horses held on 15 different horse properties across a wide geographical area of NSW, Australia. FECR were measured before and 10-14 after days treatment with oxibendazole (OBZ), mo...
Cytosolic ratio of malate dehyrogenase/lactate dehydrogenase activity in peripheral leukocytes of race horses with training. The activities of the enzymes involved in the malate-aspartate shuttle and m RNA expression of malate dehydrogenase (MDH), a crucial enzyme for the NADH shuttle that produces ATP in glucose metabolism in the peripheral leukocytes of horses, were measured to investigate the change in metabolic states with training. There were no significant differences in plasma glucose and immunoreactive insulin concentrations between race horses and riding horses, used as a comparable reference. The cytosolic and mitochondrial MDH activities in leukocytes of race horses were significantly higher than those of...
The apo-enzyme content of aminotransferases in healthy and diseased domestic animals. We investigated the apo-enzyme content of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in clinically normal and ill canine, feline, equine and bovine patients. Aminotransferase activity was measured with and without the addition of exogenous pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (P5P). The amount of apo-enzyme was expressed as the percentage change in aminotransferase activity with the inclusion of P5P. The results of aminotransferase assays without P5P (holo-enzyme activity) were highly correlated to the results obtained with P5P (total enzyme activity) in all four species (Spearman r...
Hematology of equine fetuses with comparisons to their dams. The Hematologic values of 19 equine fetuses between 202 and 238 days gestation were compared with those of their dams. The red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly lower in fetal blood, while the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and red cell distribution width were significantly higher. Mares had a significantly higher nucleated blood cell count than fetuses, and all nucleated cells were leukocytes (WBC). Most WBC in mare blood were segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes. In contrast, ...
Analysis of feline, canine and equine hemograms using the QBC VetAutoread. Blood samples form 120 consecutive clinical cases (40 cats, 40 dogs and 40 horses) were analyzed on the QBC VetAutoread analyzer and the results compared with those obtained by a Baker 9000 electronic resistance cell counter and a 100-cell manual differential leukocyte (WBC) count. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet, total WBC, granulocytes, and lymphocyte plus monocyte (L+M) counts were determined. Indistinct separation of red blood cell and granulocytes layers on the QBC VetAutoread was observed in samples from fiv...
A novel model for equine recurrent airway obstruction. Equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO; a term combining both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and summer pasture associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD)) is one of the most common equine respiratory diseases with up to 50% of horses affected worldwide. The etiopathogenesis of RAO is unknown although pulmonary hypersensitivity to inhaled mold antigens may be involved. Recent work in our laboratory demonstrating elevated levels of IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA in the airways and peripheral blood of horses with RAO is consistent with an atopic component to RAO. Little is known rega...
Validation of the Coulter AcT Diff hematology analyzer for analysis of blood of common domestic animals. The objective of this study was to compare and assess the agreement between the Coulter AcT Diff hematology analyzer (CAD) and the Bayer Technicon H1 (H1) using blood samples from 391 animals of 4 species. The H1 has been used in veterinary laboratories for many years. Recently, Coulter modified the CAD and added veterinary software for hematologic analysis of feline, canine, and equine samples. A comparison of hemograms from dogs, cats, horses, and cattle was made using EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples. Both instruments were calibrated using human blood products. Performance characteristics ...
Equine endotoxemia: pathomorphological aspects of endotoxin-induced damage in equine mesenteric arteries. To evaluate the effects of endotoxin on the morphology of the equine mesenteric vasculature, each of two thoroughbred horses were given two intravenous injections (24 h apart) of a sublethal dose of endotoxin (10 microg/kg). Each injection produced results similar to those of clinical cases of equine colic with obstructive nature of the loop of bowel: diarrhoea within 2 h after administration, followed by cessation of both faecal excretion and sounds of intestinal peristalsis. The most prominent morphological change was the development of moniliform appearance of small mesenteric arteries, in ...
Discriminant and multiple regression analysis of anemia and opportunistic infection in Fell pony foals. A condition resembling acquired immunodeficiency with anemia has been described in British Fell pony foals. The pathogenesis is unknown. The present study involved 322 foals of which 164 were of Fell breed and 12 were affected. Discriminant and multiple regression analyses were used to test the results of all clinical pathology parameters from these foals for statistical association with (1) breed origin and (2) presence of disease. Only hematocrit associated significantly with presence of disease. However, significant associations were found with Fell breed origin, including serum albumin con...
Every man his own farrier in Australia: the origins and growth of a veterinary business in colonial New South Wales. The life and work is told of John Pottie (1832-1908), a Scotsman who graduated from Edinburgh Veterinary College in 1858. A year later, he contracted to provide veterinary care to a consignment of horses bound for Australia. Once there, he founded a firm that has survived to the present day, still marketing products that originated in his own veterinary remedies. John Pottie brought with him a European tradition of livestock care and treatment that was epitomised in Clater's title and book, Every man his own farrier. His career is of interest for several reasons. Firstly it is because he used ...
Immunohistochemical characterization of estrogen and progesterone receptors in lymphoma of horses. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to examine 29 cases of equine lymphoma for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression. The lymphomas examined included T-cell-rich large B-cell lymphomas, B-cell neoplasms, and T-cell lymphomas. The individual cases were also classified according to the anatomic location of the tumors. One normal equine lymph node was also examined for ER and PR expression. All of the cases of equine lymphoma and the normal lymph node were negative for Er. A total of 16/29 (55%) PR-positive lymphomas were identified. Seven of the 12 (58%) T-cell-ri...
The concentration of plasma triacylglycerols in horses fed diets containing either medium chain triacylglycerols or an isoenergetic amount of starch or cellulose. In a Latin square design, six horses were fed hay and concentrates with isoenergetic amounts of either starch, cellulose or medium chain triacylglycerols (MCT). The dietary variables provided on average 22% of total dietary net energy. Plasma triacylglycerols and other variables of lipid metabolism were determined. The experimental periods lasted 21 days. Blood samples were taken just before the morning meal and three and six hours later. The diet rich in MCT significantly raised the plasma level of triacylglycerols when compared to either the starch- or cellulose-rich diet. The plasma concent...
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists as analgesics in horses. Administration of alpha-2 agonists to horses produces a variety of behavioral effects (sedation, somnolence, analgesia), and physiological effects. One of the most significant beneficial effects of administering alpha-2 agonists is the degree of analgesia they provide. Alpha-2 agonists have been the mainstay of analgesia for colic pain in horses since their introduction to clinical veterinary medicine. The increased potency of the more recently introduced alpha-2 agonists allows the provision of analgesia for conditions not previously relieved by other drugs. Unfortunately, there are significa...
Epidural anesthesia and analgesia in horses. Intercoccygeal, or caudal, epidural injection of local anesthetics is a convenient method of producing analgesia and local anesthesia of the tail and perineal structures in conscious standing horses. This technique has been further developed to provide long duration analgesia and anesthesia by placement of catheters into the epidural space of horses. More recently, opioid, alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, ketamine and other analgesic agents have been administered by caudal epidural injection, providing pain relief in both conscious, standing and anesthetized, recumbent horses. This chapter describ...
Diagnosing and treating pain in the horse. Where are we today? This chapter begins by providing an overview of current philosophies relevant to equine pain management. Objective and subjective techniques for assessing pain and the limitations of these are then described in depth. The conclusion emphasizes the need for an evidence based approach to managing pain in the horse and sets the stage for subsequent chapters in this edition.
Management of gastrointestinal pain. Choice of an analgesic for gastrointestinal pain requires consideration of the cause of the pain, desired duration of pain relief, need for sedation, and potential side effects and toxicity, particularly in light of other drugs being used and effects on the gastrointestinal tract. It is imperative that close monitoring be continued to ensure that surgical lesions or worsening conditions are detected. Recent research in the field may lead to new drugs, drug combinations, and avenues of treatment that minimize the side effects of these drugs while maximizing their efficacy.
The role of complementary techniques in managing musculoskeletal pain in performance horses. The locomotor system requires normal movement for normal function. Movement restrictions of soft tissues and joints stimulate nociceptive pathways in the corresponding vertebral segment. Reflex-induced alterations of sensory and motor neuron activity within the segment lead to detrimental changes within many of the tissues associated with and distant from the area. Manual therapy is utilized in both diagnosis and treatment of tissue and joint movement restrictions. Early recognition and treatment of dysfunction in the equine athlete prevents permanent pathology and facilitates performance exce...
Use of opioids for pain and anesthetic management in horses. REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION: There is limited, but convincing, evidence that epidural administration of morphine and some other mu-agonist opioids consistently relieves regional pain in horses. In addition, this effect is not accompanied by notable undesirable effects. On the other hand, a clinically important analgesic action has not been demonstrated for similarly administered kappa-agonist opioids. There has been little objective data presented to support the analgesic effectiveness of intra-articularly administered opioids in horses. However, the evidence of local opioid receptors legitimately...
Traditional and non-traditional uses of anesthetic drugs–an update. Many new or modified injectable anesthetic techniques are available for use in horses. This increased availability allows the clinician to select the technique most appropriate for the patient and clinical circumstance. The use of sedative and anesthetic drugs in managing a variety of anesthesia-related and unrelated aspects of patient care is also increasing. As we begin to use these techniques in the clinical management of our patients, it is important to remember that, while there are more options, no single anesthetic agent or combination of agents is devoid of undesirable effects. Knowled...
Neuromuscular blocking agents. In summary, with proper vigilance, neuromuscular blocking agents can be used safely in anesthetized equine patients to optimize conditions for certain surgical procedures. By appropriate use of neuromuscular monitoring techniques and reversal agents, residual blockade and muscle weakness should be avoided, allowing the horse to recover to standing without difficulty. Research is ongoing to develop the ideal muscle relaxant, one that has a rapid onset, predictable duration and recovery times, and negligible hemodynamic effects. As newer agents become available, they should be evaluated for thei...
Recent advances in inhalation anesthesia. Both desflurane and sevoflurane offer theoretical and practical advantages over other inhalation anesthetics for horses. The lower solubility of both agents provides improved control of delivery and helps to counteract the confounding influence of the voluminous patient breathing circuit commonly used for anesthetizing horses. The lower solubility should account for faster rates of recovery compared with the older agents; whether or not the quality of recovery differs remains to be objectively evaluated in a broad range of circumstances. The pharmacodynamic effects are, in large part, similar ...
