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Topic:Veterinary Science
Veterinary science and horses encompass the study and application of medical, surgical, and therapeutic practices to maintain and improve the health and welfare of equines. This field addresses a wide range of topics, including disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as nutrition, reproduction, and behavior. Research in veterinary science for horses often involves understanding the pathophysiology of equine-specific diseases, developing advanced diagnostic techniques, and improving treatment protocols. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore various aspects of veterinary science related to horses, providing insights into the latest advancements and methodologies in equine healthcare.
Spatial and temporal radiation exposure during equine bone scintigraphy: Implications for occupational safety and post-scintigraphy isolation. Bone scintigraphy is a valuable diagnostic modality in equine orthopaedics, but it is associated with occupational radiation exposure and regulatory requirements for post-procedural isolation. Objective: To quantify radiation dose rates emitted from horses undergoing bone scintigraphy, to evaluate the effects of distance (spatial) and time (temporal) on radiation exposure, and to derive evidence-based recommendations for post-scintigraphy isolation periods. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty warmblood horses underwent musculoskeletal scintigraphy following intravenous...
Challenges for interpreting results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing for treating infections of foals with Rhodococcus equi. Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular pathogen and a major cause of pneumonia in foals worldwide. The standard treatment for affected foals is a combination of a macrolide with rifampicin. The widespread use of this combination has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of R. equi. Consequently, antimicrobial susceptibility testing is essential for guiding treatment of rhodococcal pneumonia. Unfortunately, clinical breakpoints for macrolides and other antimicrobials against R. equi for foals are lacking, thereby complicating clinical interpretation of in vitro resu...
Relationship Between Feed Olfactory Exploration and Consumption in Horses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between horses' behaviour during olfactory exploration and following consumption of the same food containing herbs, either previously exposed to the herb odour or not. Twenty horses' responses to 14 herbs were compared in a smelling test, when the horses sniffed a herb, and after 20 min a consumption test, when they consumed oats mixed with the same herb. Before the tests, the horses were exposed to the scent of seven herbs, whereas the remaining seven herbs were non-pre-exposed. The results show that horses consumed oats with herbal additi...
Measuring Activity-Rest Condition by Using Two Different Accelerometer Devices in Trained and Retired Horses. To advance technological applications in animal welfare assessment, this study evaluated resting activity as a component of total locomotor activity (TLA) in horses using two different accelerometer devices: a collar-mounted device containing a single-axis accelerometer that records physical movement, and a three axes accelerometer that classifies the measured physical activity into nine different activities. Ten clinically healthy Italian saddle horses were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups on the basis of their lifestyle. Group A consisted of regularly trained horses housed c...
Infrared Thermographic Assessment of Exercise-Induced Changes in Local Surface Temperature in Horses Following Treadmill Training: Preliminary Findings. Physical exercise induces physiological adaptations associated with increased muscular activity, metabolic heat production, and changes in body surface temperature. Infrared thermography has emerged as a non-invasive technique for assessing these thermal responses in horses. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of infrared thermography to detect changes in mean local surface temperature and to qualitatively assess alterations in thermal distribution patterns following treadmill exercise. Methods: Three clinically healthy Warmblood horses were monitored over 10 consecutive training s...
Efficiency of a Combination of Polyethylene Glycol and Psyllium on the Evacuation of Sand Compared to Established Treatment Regimes in Sand Enteropathy of the Horse. The accumulation of sand in the abdomen is a rising risk for colic in horses. Sand mainly accumulates in the ascending colon in the cranioventral abdomen. Evacuation of sand is facilitated by the application of psyllium supported with a laxative via nasogastric intubation. Laxatives currently used are either sodium sulfate/magnesium sulfate or mineral oil. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of polyethylene glycol, a laxative already used in human medicine for chronic constipation, with that of the above-described, established therapy options. Therefore, 44 horses diagnosed wit...
Horse Anatomy and Art: Carlo Ruini. Carlo Ruini's Dell'Anotomia et dell'infirmità del cavallo (1598) is widely regarded as the first scientific treatise on veterinary anatomy. This paper reviews the historical circumstances of its composition and printing history, the structure and scientific content of its five anatomical books, the long-standing controversy over Ruini's authorship - including the plagiarisms it subsequently suffered - and the disputed attribution of its woodcut illustrations to artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Titian and Agostino Carracci. Ruini's description of the pulmonary circulation is situated within ...
Leptomeningeal dissemination of a poorly differentiated carcinoma involving the trigeminal ganglion in a horse: a case report. Neoplastic conditions involving cranial nerves are uncommon in horses and represent a significant diagnostic challenge. Leptomeningeal dissemination is a recognized mechanism of tumor progression in aggressive neoplasms but is rarely reported in this species. A 15-year-old mixed-breed horse with a history of periocular squamous cell carcinoma treated by enucleation three years earlier developed progressive neurological signs. Initial differential diagnoses included metastatic neoplasia and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Due to rapid neurological deterioration, euthanasia and necropsy were...
Detection of Cyclosporine in Horse Hair After Ocular Implant Administration. This study describes the detection and temporal distribution of cyclosporine in equine hair following ocular implant administration in a Thoroughbred gelding. Mane hair samples were collected at 172- and 217-day post-implantation and analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) after alkaline hydrolysis and liquid-liquid extraction. The method achieved an estimated limit of detection of 0.1 pg/mg. Cyclosporine was detected in hair at both sampling time points, with segmental analysis revealing distribution patterns consistent with systemic exposure and incorporation ...
Implications of dominance deviations for reproductive and morphological traits in the genetic management of the Pura Raza Española horse. Dominance is a non-additive genetic effect involving allele interaction at the same locus. In animal breeding, it has often been ignored due to its complexity and the low accuracy of pedigree-based estimates. This study analysed dominance variance components for reproductive traits [age at first foaling (AFF), reproductive efficiency (RE), interval between first and second foaling (I12)] and morphological traits [scapulo-ischial length (SIL), dorsal sternal diameter (DSD), knee circumference (KC)] in Pura Raza Española (PRE) mares. The aim was to assess the magnitude of dominance effects acro...
Pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging of the left ventricle in foals: Feasibility, inter- and intra-observer variability and wave pattern over the first days of life. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) may improve the assessment of myocardial function in neonatal foals. Objective: To document the feasibility of left ventricular pulsed wave (PW) TDI, inter- and intra-observer variability and wave pattern over the first 5 days of life. Methods: Prospective observational study. Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 25 healthy Standardbred foals within the first 24 h after birth (T1), between 60-84 h (T2), and 108-132 h (T3) after birth using right parasternal short-axis (R-LV SAX) and subcostal long-axis views at the mitral annulus, both a...
Comparison of xylazine-ketamine-guaifenesin and xylazine-tiletamine-zolazepam protocols for constant rate infusion anesthesia in horses undergoing field castration. The common use of "triple drip" (xylazine, ketamine, and guaifenesin; XKG) is a popular protocol for constant rate infusion (CRI) in equine practice. However, due to restrictions on ketamine and guaifenesin in many countries, tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) could serve as an alternative. To date, there have been limited studies evaluating the use of xylazine in combination with TZ (XTZ) administered via CRI to maintain surgical anesthesia in equine field practice. Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of XTZ infusion with the classical XKG protocol for field anesthesia. Methods: Twelve ...
Seroprevalence, risk factors and hematological parameters associated with Equine Infectious Anemia from Casanare, Colombia. Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a persistent lentiviral disease with important sanitary and economic implications in tropical regions; however, epidemiological information in Colombia remains limited. Objective: To estimate seroprevalence, identify risk factors, and evaluate hematological alterations associated with EIA in horses from Casanare, Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 1,228 horses from 204 production units across 121 rural districts. Serological diagnosis was performed using agar gel immunodiffusion. Demographic and management data were obtained through an epidem...
Antimicrobial effects of equine regenerative medicine products: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies. Equine regenerative medicine products involving platelet-rich plasma (PRP), mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and their derivatives are increasingly explored for antimicrobial and therapeutic roles, but their efficacy and between-study variability remain unclear. Objective: To systematically review and meta-analyse in vitro and in vivo evidence on antimicrobial effects of equine regenerative medicine products and to evaluate their efficacy against key pathogens. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis: METHODS: We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses...
Species-specific effects of spinal stiffness on gait and actuation-cost proxy in simulated cheetah and horse galloping. Cursorial quadrupeds employ distinct mechanical strategies for high-speed locomotion, with felids relying more strongly on axial motion than equids. The biomechanical role of spinal stiffness, however, is difficult to isolate experimentally because it is coupled to limb mechanics, morphology, and coordination. Here, we used comparative three-dimensional trajectory optimization to test how spinal stiffness influences gait mechanics and actuation-demand proxies in simulated cheetah-like and horse-like galloping. Homologous cheetah and horse models were evaluated across spinal-stiffness values, p...
Approaches to Thoroughbred Horse Identification in Diverse Sample Types Using Multiplexed SNP-PCR Sequencing Panels. The ability to determine the identity of equine samples would be highly advantageous in cases of ambiguous sample source, as individual-specific controls for gene editing detection, or forensic examination of suspect biological materials in potential doping cases. To this end, a SNP-PCR sequencing-based panel comprising 93 markers in one reaction was designed and investigated for use in Thoroughbred horses. Marker amplification performance and discriminating power were calculated against a population survey of 264 Thoroughbred whole blood samples from routine doping testing. The sensitivity of...
Factors associated with equine influenza during the 2025 outbreak in a draft horse population at the Obihiro Racecourse, Japan. In April 2025, equine influenza re-emerged in Japan for the first time in 17 years, resulting in an outbreak at a horse racecourse for Ban'ei racing, a unique form of horse racing in which draft horses pull heavy sleds. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak and identify individual- and management-level factors associated with equine influenza cases in order to develop improved control programs. A retrospective analysis was conducted using clinical records reported to the racecourse authority between April 21 and June 18, 2025. Cases were defined based...
Species-Specific Mechanisms of Sperm Transport: Predominant Roles of Motility in Ewes and Uterine Contractility in Mares. The factors controlling sperm transport within the female genital tract vary among species. The aim of this study was to quantify the respective roles of sperm motility and uterine contractions in passage of sperm within the reproductive tract of the mare and ewe. Sperm imaging was performed in vivo within the female genital tract of mares and ewes using probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) after intrauterine insemination during two stages of the cycle characterized by high (oestrus) or low (luteal phase) uterine contractility. Fluorescent microbeads (2 µm in diameter) were insemi...
Efficiency of transvaginal oocyte aspiration (TVA), post-mortem ovary harvest (OH), and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in a Quarter Horse mare population in North America. In a clinical setting, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)-derived equine blastocysts can be obtained either by transvaginal oocyte aspiration (TVA) or post-mortem ovary harvest (OH). Most peer-reviewed retrospective reports have described the suitability of these techniques for obtaining blastocysts, pregnancies, and live foals, particularly in Warmblood horse populations in Europe. In this study, retrospective data from Quarter Horse client-owned mares subjected to TVA-ICSI (n = 105; 151 cycles) or OH-ICSI (n = 42) at an academic institution in North America between 2023 and 2025...
First experience with radiofrequency catheter ablation in horses with recurrent, persistent naturally occurring atrial fibrillation. Myocardial sleeves in the caudal vena cava and pulmonary veins are a potential trigger for initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in horses. Objective: Isolation of myocardial sleeves in the caudal vena cava or pulmonary veins might reduce the risk for AF recurrence. Methods: Case series. Methods: Records from seven horses with persistent, recurrent, naturally-occurring AF that were treated with three-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in order to reduce recurrence risk were reviewed. Mapping of the caudal vena cava was performed...
The effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on stallion spermatozoa motility and vitality in vitro. This study evaluated the effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) seed extract on stallion spermatozoa quality in vitro, focusing on motility, vitality, and functional competence. In vitro spermatozoa analyses showed that fenugreek seed extract did not demonstrate overt cytotoxicity under the tested conditions: S1 = 1562 µg/mL; S2 = 781 µg/mL; S3 = 390.5 µg/mL; S4 = 195.25 µg/mL; S5 = 97.62 µg/mL; S6 = 48.81 µg/mL; S7 = 24.40 µg/mL. Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) revealed a concentration- and time-dependent Treatment × Time interac...
Intratumoral para-toluenesulfonamide as a tumor-ablative therapy for equine cutaneous tumors: a case series of three horses. Equine neoplasia, including sarcoids, melanomas, and squamous cell carcinomas, presents therapeutic challenges due to recurrence and limitations of conventional treatments. Para-toluenesulfonamide (p-TLS) is a tumor-ablating agent that is associated with localized tumor necrosis and subsequent lesion resolution. It has been evaluated in human clinical settings as an intratumoral treatment of malignant airway obstruction caused by non-small cell lung cancer. This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes and tolerability of intratumoral p-TLS in equine neoplasia. Three equine cases, includi...
Anatomopathological aspects of osteoarticular lesions associated with Rhodococcus equi infection in two foals. Rhodococcus equi is an important bacterium that affects foals up to six months of age, especially those that are immunocompromised. The main manifestation is pyogranulomatous pneumonia; nevertheless, extrapulmonary lesions have not only been reported, but are not uncommon, including arthritis and osteomyelitis. Despite the widespread occurrence of rhodococcosis, the macro- and microscopic lesions in the musculoskeletal system are still poorly understood, and a detailed study is needed to better understand the pathogenic potential of the organism. The aim of this report is to present the anatom...
Global distribution of cattle, horses, goats, sheep and buffaloes at 1 km resolution for 2000-2022 based on subnational census data and spatiotemporal machine learning. The article describes the production and evaluation of annual livestock densities and headcounts of cattle, horses, sheep, goats and buffaloes (including 95% probability prediction intervals) at 1 km spatial resolution for the 2000-2022 period using spatiotemporal machine learning. A compilation of subnational livestock census data has been imported, harmonized and used as reference data (55,336 census polygons and 939,257 individual data entries; covering 147 countries) to build predictive models. A large stack of multi-source harmonized raster data sets (128 individual layers) were used as f...
Differential shaping of equine gut microbiota structure and function by breed and feeding regimen. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in host energy metabolism and immune function. Horses are non-ruminant herbivores that rely heavily on hindgut microbial fermentation to meet their energy requirements. However, the relative contributions of host genetic background (breed) and environmental factors (feeding regimen and geographical location) to shaping the equine gut microbiota remain poorly understood. Unassigned: In this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and functional prediction analysis were performed on 139 equine fecal samples to systematically investigate the differential effects...
Anatomical Insights Into the Equine Cervical Intervertebral Foramina: Implications for Veterinary Practice. The equine cervical intervertebral foramina (IVF) represent vital anatomical regions facilitating the passage of spinal nerves and associated vasculature. An in-depth understanding of their anatomy is imperative for the safe implementation of diagnostic and surgical interventions. Despite their clinical significance, anatomical descriptions of the equine cervical IVF remain under-characterised in the existing literature, particularly in relation to the needs of equine veterinary surgeons. Our study provides comprehensive anatomical analysis of the IVF at the cervical vertebral levels C5/C6 and...
Recognition of unfamiliar predators in domestic horses through only visual predator cues. Acoustic, olfactory, and visual predator cues trigger various adaptive responses among a variety of prey species even when they are under human protection since birth. Previous studies have found that domesticated animals show increased vigilance, stress, flight, and aggregation behaviors in response to predation threats. These investigations, however, did not directly test visual threatening cues alone in animals that communicate more with body language than vocalizations while considering individual temperament and social status. The current study aims to address this issue. Eighteen horses ...
Hoist failure during recovery transfer in an anaesthetised horse: a near miss analysed through a Safety-II lens. A 660 kg, 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding underwent general anaesthesia for an out-of-hours emergency exploratory laparotomy. After approximately 5 hours of anaesthesia, transfer to the recovery box began, using a ceiling-mounted hoist. As the horse crossed the theatre-recovery interface, the hoist failed due to mechanical disengagement. This resulted in loss of electrical power, leaving the anaesthetised horse suspended approximately 150 cm above the floor for approximately 10 minutes. The horse could not be advanced, reversed, or lowered using standard controls. Activity was paused, an...
Improving concussion assessment in jockeys: normative benchmarks and web-based tool for ImPACT interpretation. Despite horse racing's exceptionally high concussion risk, there is no jockey-specific ImPACT study. This work aimed to develop demographically adjusted, jockey-specific ImPACT norms and to evaluate complementary approaches to clinical classification. Unassigned: Retrospective baseline data from 663 Irish jockeys (2021-2024) were analyzed. Two normative methods were applied: (i) a univariate regression-based approach estimating expected scores for each cognitive domain independently, adjusting for age, sex, and education, with percentile-based classification; and (ii) a multivariate regression...
