An epidemiologic study of anhidrosis in horses in Florida.

The research article estimates the prevalence and identifies factors associated with anhidrosis, a condition where a horse is unable to sweat, in Florida. The study has found that 11% of farms and 2% of horses were affected by the condition with higher odds in certain regions and types of operations.

Study Design

• The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study and a case-control study.
• The subjects of the study were 4,620 horses on 500 farms.
• A structured questionnaire was mailed to farm owners or managers to gather information on diagnosis of anhidrosis in horses and exposure factors linked with this condition.

Results at the Farm Level

• The prevalence of anhidrosis was estimated to be 11% at the farm level.
• The odds of anhidrosis were found to be 2.13 and 4.40 times higher in farms situated in central and southern Florida, respectively, in comparison with farms in northern Florida.
• The susceptibility to anhidrosis was noticed to be greater in show and riding instruction operations. The risk was 5.26 and 15.40 times higher than for ranch operations.

Results at the Animal Level

• The prevalence of anhidrosis was calculated to be 2% at the animal level.
• The breed of the horses (Thoroughbreds and warmblood horses), foaling place (western or midwestern region of the United States) and family history of anhidrosis significantly factored into the presence of anhidrosis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

• This research provides novel information on the prevalence of, and factors for, anhidrosis in horses in Florida.
• The study recommends that horses with a family history of anhidrosis should be examined by a veterinarian to diagnose the condition before they are exposed to exercise in a hot and humid climate.