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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.
In vitro anthelmintic activity of the monoterpene linalool, alone and combined with the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans, in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in horses. This study evaluated, in vitro, the anthelmintic activity of the monoterpene linalool, alone and in association with the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans, against gastrointestinal nematodes of horses. Nematodes from the superfamily Strongyloidea, obtained from naturally infected horses, were used. The ovicidal activity of linalool was evaluated using the Egg Hatch Test (EHT). The larvicidal activity was evaluated using the Larval Motility Inhibition Test (LMIT), in which infective larvae (L3) were assigned to experimental groups treated with linalool alone (0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40...
Left Ventricular Volume Indexing in Athletic Brazilian Sport Horses Using Body Weight. Left ventricular (LV) volume assessment evaluates cardiac size and remodelling in horses. Single-plane Simpson method of discs (SMOD) provides volumetric measurements requiring body size normalization. Objective: We described LV volumes using SMOD in healthy Brazilian Sport Horses (BH) and evaluated thoracic-girth-estimated body weight (BWe) versus scale-measured weight (BWs) for indexing. Methods: Thirty BH horses (15 males, 15 females; 4-16 years) underwent echocardiography. LV end-diastolic (LVEDV), end-systolic volumes (LVESV), and ejection fraction (EF%) were obtained using SMOD. Body wei...
Barriers to Australian veterinary students choosing an equine career. The equine veterinary profession is experiencing a global recruitment and retention crisis with fewer graduates entering equine practice. We aimed to investigate perceived and actual barriers to Australian veterinary students' considering an equine veterinary career. Methods: A mixed methods design was used. The study population consisted of veterinary students from seven universities in Australia. An online survey was distributed that comprised demographic, Likert-scale and open-ended questions and covered themes of equine experience, perceptions of clients, salary, Higher Education Contribut...
Evaluation of Machine Learning Models for Predicting Breeding Values of Key Performance Traits in Iranian Crossbred (Thoroughbred × Turkmen) Racehorses. Accurate prediction of breeding values (BVs) is fundamental to genetic improvement in racehorses. Although single-trait mixed models (STM), typically implemented using BLUP-based procedures, remain the standard framework for genetic evaluation, machine learning (ML) methods offer a flexible, data-driven approach for learning complex relationships among phenotypic, environmental, and pedigree-derived information. These capabilities have encouraged researchers to explore the application of ML methods for predicting breeding values. Objective: This study compared the performance of 13 ML algorith...
New Noninvasive Long-Term Stress indicator in Horses: Analysis of Cortisol Levels in the Hoof of Foals. Noninvasive sampling methods are recommended in animals as far as possible. However, there has been no way to safely measure long-term stress in all horses including foals and stallions. Currently, nail cortisol in humans has been reported to be a promising noninvasive long-term stress indicator. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a horse's hoof as a noninvasive long-term stress indicator by determining whether hoof cortisol levels varied similarly to hair cortisol levels noted in a previous study. All hooves were sampled by one farrier after a foal's birth. They were divided into ...
Superior Post-Thaw Sperm Quality and Fertility of Epididymal Compared with Ejaculated Sperm in Subfertile Stallions. Despite the benefits of seminal plasma during breeding, its value is questionable when utilizing biotechnological approaches such as artificial insemination. In addition, deleterious effects of secretions from accessory glands on sperm viability and conception rate have been reported, especially in stallions with poor semen quality. Objective: The present study aimed to compare the kinetics, structural and functional viability, and fertility parameters of spermatozoa obtained from the ejaculate and from the cauda epididymis of subfertile stallions, as well as to evaluate the differences in the...
Echocardiographic characteristics and evidence of ventricular remodeling in subclinical insulin-dysregulated Warmblood horses. In humans, systemic hypertension and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy are common sequelae of metabolic syndrome and pre-diabetes warranting investigation in horses with insulin dysregulation (ID). Objective: To compare echocardiographic variables, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), and adipokines between Warmblood (WB) horses with and without ID. Methods: Nineteen client-owned WB horses, 5-15 years of age, presenting for elective procedures were included. Horses had no history of metabolic disease, ID, laminitis, renal or cardiac disease. Methods: Blinded cross-sectional study. Horses were ...
[Atlantoaxial luxation in a neonatal Warmblood foal]. Atlantoaxial luxation represents a rare but clinically relevant differential diagnosis in neonatal foals presenting with neurological abnormalities or dysphagia. This case report describes a newborn filly without apparent ataxia, but presenting with a stiff head-neck posture and milky nasal discharge. Clinical examination revealed a compromised general condition and abnormal swelling in the region of the fossa retromandibularis. Radiographic examination confirmed the diagnosis of an atlantoaxial luxation. Due to the poor prognosis the foal was euthanized. This case highlights the diagnostic ap...
Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of tinctures derived from the roots or leaves and stems of Althaea officinalis L.: Marsh mallow root tincture for use in all animal species and marsh mallow leaf tincture for use in horses and dogs (FEFANA asbl). Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of two tinctures obtained from the roots (marsh mallow root tincture) or leaves and stems (marsh mallow leaf tincture) of L. when used as sensory additives. The additives are water/ethanol tinctures, with a specified dry matter content of 2%-3% (w/w) (marsh mallow root tincture) and not more than 25% (w/w) (marsh mallow leaf tincture). Marsh mallow root tincture is intended for use in feed or water for drinking for all animal species, while marsh mallow leaf tincture is ...
Quantitative assessment of specific bacterial taxa of the intestinal microbiota of healthy and diarrheic horses. Alterations in intestinal microbiota composition, as determined by DNA sequencing, are reported in horses with acute colitis compared with healthy horses. Objective: Changes in specific bacterial populations can detect overall intestinal disruption of the normal intestinal microbiota. Identify bacterial taxa that indicate intestinal dysbiosis or health in horses using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Methods: Thirty horses with undifferentiated colitis, 13 with colitis associated with Salmonella spp., 14 with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), 52 healthy horses from Canada and 48 from the United St...
Cervical articular process joint versus ventral cervical stabilization in horses: A biomechanical study. To determine the biomechanical properties and modes of failure of a single level equine cervical spine immobilized with unilateral or bilateral articular process joint (APJ) stabilization, ventral cervical stabilization (VCS) and non-stabilized controls. Methods: Ex vivo experimental study. Methods: A total of 24 equine cadaver cervical spines. Methods: Cervical spinal units (C4-C5) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6/group): unilateral APJ stabilization, bilateral APJ stabilization, VCS using pedicle screws and rod constructs, or non-stabilized. Non-destructive testing assessed k...
Optical neuronavigation facilitates transcranial surgical access to the equine pituitary gland. To evaluate the feasibility of an optical neuronavigation-guided transcranial approach to the equine pituitary gland, compare pituitary tissue acquisition using MRI versus CT guidance, and assess an automated tissue resection device versus a standard biopsy needle. Unassigned: 13 equine cadaver heads from horses euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study were used. A fiducial array was secured to the frontal bone before imaging; 7 heads underwent CT, and 6 heads underwent MRI. Images were imported into a neuronavigation system for 3-D reconstruction, surgical planning, and registration. Eig...
Jejunal Perforation Associated With a Horseshoe-Shaped Abdominal Contusion After a Horse Kick: A Case Report. A horseshoe-shaped abdominal contusion after a horse kick may indicate the site of underlying bowel injury. When accompanied by persistent abdominal pain or peritoneal signs, hollow viscus injury should be considered. Contrast-enhanced CT can identify free air and focal bowel abnormalities at the impact site, facilitating timely surgical management.
Layer-Specific Quantitative Assessment of Collagen Distribution in Equine Uteri Using Masson’s Trichrome and Digital Image Analysis: A Comparative Study. Equine endometrial fibrosis is a chronic and progressive equine uterine condition characterized by fibrosis that affects mares' fertility, with a wide range of fertility outcomes being reported for these mares. Therefore, assessing layer-specific collagen (COL) distribution is essential for a comprehensive understanding of endometrial remodelling and its impact on equine reproductive potential. Full-thickness uterine samples, including stratum functionalis (SF), stratum basalis (SB) and myometrium, were collected post-mortem from healthy control mares (Category I; n = 10) and those with mo...
Effect of Uncoated Magnetic Nanoparticles on Stallion Sperm Parameters: Influence of Semen Quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of uncoated, non-functionalised magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) on stallion sperm and to determine whether these effects depend on initial semen quality. Ten cooled ejaculates from 3 stallions were exposed to different MNP concentrations ([MNPs] = 0, 5, 25, and 50 mg/mL), agitated, and exposed to an external magnet to recover the unbound sperm fraction. Ejaculates were classified as high- or low-quality groups according to initial evaluation sperm quality index (HSQi and LSQi), and the effect of [MNPs] was evaluated within groups using GLM. ...
Oxidative and Mitochondrial Status of Vitrified Equine In Vitro Matured Oocytes Using Temperature-Specific Equilibration Protocols. Cryopreservation of equine in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes remains a major challenge in assisted reproduction due to their high susceptibility to cryoinjury, including oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological status of vitrified/warmed equine IVM oocytes following vitrification using two temperature-specific equilibration protocols by assessing reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and mitochondrial oxidative activity and distribution patterns. Oocytes were vitrified after 28 h of IVM either at 25...
Differential Gene Expression of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell and Granulosa Cell Markers in Equine Follicular Aspirates. Equine follicular aspirates obtained during ovum pick-up contain a heterogeneous mixture of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and granulosa cells (GC). This study evaluates how selective isolation and expansion of MSC decrease GC populations. Follicular aspirates-derived cells were cultured up to passage four (P4) following a previously validated protocol. While freshly isolated follicular aspirates cells (FAC) displayed heterogeneous morphologies, early passages (P3-P4) showed a uniform, spindle-shaped phenotype compatible with MSC. Gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR revealed a marked upregula...
Recent Advances and Emerging Applications in Embryo Vitrification for Livestock. Vitrification has progressively supplanted conventional slow freezing as the method of choice for embryo cryopreservation in both human medicine and animal production, particularly for in vitro-produced embryos and for species or developmental stages highly sensitive to conventional freezing. By combining very high cooling and warming rates with concentrated cryoprotectant solutions and minimal sample volumes, it largely prevents intracellular ice formation and, in experienced hands, consistently yields post-warming survival and developmental rates that exceed those obtained with traditional ...
Effect of erythromycin and colistin ophthalmic ointment on post-race keratitis in Thoroughbred racehorses. This study investigated the prophylactic efficacy of administering an ophthalmic ointment containing erythromycin and colistin (EC ointment) after racing to prevent post-race keratitis in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: The incidence of post-race keratitis following turf and dirt races was compared between treatment groups (non-ointment group: eye flushing only; ointment group: eye flushing and application of EC ointment) and between two randomly assigned groups (non-antimicrobial group: application of ophthalmic white petrolatum; antimicrobial group: application of EC ointment). Results: Af...
Liposomal bupivacaine local analgesia reduces systemic inflammatory responses following equine laparoscopic surgery. Liposomal local anesthetics have been shown to extend analgesia duration and improve pain scores dose-dependently in horses. Our objective was to assess concurrent impact on systemic inflammatory markers. Unassigned: 18 mares (age, 2 to 20 years) with normal ovarian anatomy were enrolled. Laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomies were performed standing with sedation. Local analgesia was: 80 mL bupivacaine hydrochloride (BHCl; n = 6), 30 mL 0.75% BHCl + 20 mL (low-dose) liposomal bupivacaine (LB) expanded to 80 mL with saline (LB20, n = 6), or 30 mL 0.75% BHCl + 40 mL (high-dose) LB expanded to equ...
Redox homeostasis modulation promotes capacitation-associated events in equine sperm. Sperm capacitation, a crucial process for successful fertilization, is modulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and involves molecular changes including increased membrane fluidity, cholesterol depletion, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Although an effective equine in vitro fertilization protocol has recently been described, its requirement for prolonged capacitation limits applicability to high-quality ejaculates. Because stallion spermatozoa possess endogenous antioxidant systems that may mitigate ROS accumulation and delay ROS-mediated capacitation, this study investigated whether i...
Thymidine kinase 1 activity in serum and body cavity fluids of horses with lymphoma. The accuracy of serum thymidine kinase 1 (TK1S) as a biomarker of lymphoma in horses is variable. The value of measurement in body cavity fluid (TK1F) has not been established. Objective: (1) TK1F and TK1S will be higher in horses with lymphoma compared to diseased controls (DCs); (2) TK1F will be higher than TK1S; and (3) there will be a strong correlation between both measurements. Methods: Twenty animals in the lymphoma and 31 animals with nonneoplastic, gastrointestinal/respiratory disorders in DC group. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using prospectively collected data and sampl...
Bacterial isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in tracheal wash samples from horses with equine asthma in Poland. Equine asthma (EA) is a chronic inflammatory lower-airway disease. Bacterial growth from tracheal wash (TW) may occur in samples from horses with EA, but may represent colonisation rather than active infection. This study described cultivable bacterial isolates recovered from TW samples from horses with EA in Poland and assessed their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and association with month/season of sampling and airway neutrophil percentage. Unassigned: In total, 165 adult horses diagnosed with EA according to American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine-based criteria underwent e...
Correction: First-time description of MHC diversity in Straight Egyptian Arabian horses using immune-linked microsatellite markers. [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1859977.].
Effect of conditioned medium from equine Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem/stromal cells on cool-stored stallion semen. Artificial insemination in horses largely relies on cooled transported semen, but stallion spermatozoa are highly sensitive to cold stress, limiting storage duration. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-derived conditioned medium (CM) has shown protective effects on sperm in other species, yet its impact on equine semen remains unexplored. This study investigated the effects of equine Wharton's jelly-derived MSC-CM (eWJ-MSC-CM), on the quality of cooled stallion semen. Semen from five stallions of proven fertility was extended in INRA96 supplemented with 0, 5, or 15% eWJ-MSC-CM at 5 °C for 0, 24 a...
Phenotypic and Genetic Evaluation of Morphometric and Dynamic Traits in Mangalarga Horses. Genetic evaluation of morphometric and locomotor traits supports objective selection, avoiding exclusive reliance on subjective methods that may fixate breed traits over functionality or cause undesirable indirect selection. Objective: To evaluate genetic and phenotypic parameters for morphometric and dynamic traits in horses of the Mangalarga breed. Methods: The pedigree included 212,361 animals born between 1919 and 2019. Phenotypic subsets for morphometric and dynamic traits comprised 54,617 and 45,010 horses, respectively, born between 1977 and 2019. Variance components were estimated usin...
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...
Prolyl-Hydroxyproline Promotes Structural Matrix Organization in 3D Equine Tendon Proper and Peritenon Post-Injury Model. Tendinopathy of the superficial digital flexor tendon affects horse health and performance, with slow healing and high re-injury rates due to the formation of mechanically weaker scar tissue. Tendons are rich in Type I collagen and may benefit from supplementation with collagen-derived dipeptide prolyl hydroxyproline (H-Pro-Hyp-OH) which improves collagen regeneration and reduces scarring in murine injury models. However, its effects on equine tenocytes in the tendon proper (TP) and peritenon (PERI) under stress are unknown. Three-dimensional fibrin-based TP and PERI constructs were used to ev...
