Effects of season and lower ambient temperature on the structure of the sweat glands in anhidrotic horses.

The research examines whether the sweat glands of horses that are unable to sweat (anhidrotic horses) undergo any form of regeneration in different climates. It concludes that the extent of potential glandular regeneration can predict the severity of anhidrosis in horses and their likely recovery possibilities in cooler climates.

Study Overview

• The researchers conducted histological investigations on sweat glands of horses that do not normally sweat, known as anhidrotic horses, during the Hong Kong summer and under reduced temperature stress. The aim was to determine if any regeneration occurs in the glands under varying environmental conditions.
• They collected clinical data for comparison with the results from the histological studies in every case.

Categorization of Horses

• The examined horses were divided into three groups depending on the observed changes in the number of thin glandular profiles when in a cooler environment.
• Group 1 had a low initial measure which remained low, hence they were classified as normal horses.
• For Group 2, made up of horses mildly or moderately affected with anhidrosis, the initial value was high but reduced significantly after spending about six weeks in the cooler climate.
• Group 3 horses, severely affected, had a high initial value which persisted even after prolonged exposure to cool conditions.

Assessment Methodology

• The researchers used light microscopic examination to check the sweat glands when in hot climates and after six weeks in cooler environments. This served as a tool for predicting the severity of anhidrosis and the likelihood of recovery when the environment changes to a cool condition.
• The research found out that this examination method was superior to merely observing the clinical condition of the horses, though a diagnostic test based on actual glandular function is still required.