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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / New Model of Disuse-Induced Bone Density Loss in Horses.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(21); 3137; doi: 10.3390/ani15213137

New Model of Disuse-Induced Bone Density Loss in Horses.

Abstract: Disuse-induced bone loss during stall confinement and immobilization is a major concern in horses because it impairs recovery and increases susceptibility to further injury. Experimental models are needed to evaluate therapeutic options, but most available equine models rely on cast immobilization, which is technically demanding and may be associated with complications. This study aimed to assess a simpler and less restrictive model to induce a quantifiable decrease in bone density in horses. Six French Standardbred horses underwent eight weeks of stall confinement, with a wooden wedge fitted to one front foot to elevate the heels during the last four weeks. Bone density was assessed using computed tomography (CT) examinations of both forelimbs performed at the beginning (M0) and after the confinement period (M2). Serum markers of bone metabolism (CTX-I, osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and hydroxyproline) were analyzed monthly from baseline to 2 months post confinement. Statistical analysis used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and mixed models as appropriate. Computed tomography revealed a significant decrease in bone density after confinement ( < 0.05), more pronounced distally in the wedge limb. CTX-I levels varied with physical activity. This model provides a practical and reproducible alternative to cast immobilization for inducing equine bone demineralization.
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Publication Date: 2025-10-29 PubMed ID: 41227467PubMed Central: PMC12607326DOI: 10.3390/ani15213137Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research developed and tested a new, simpler method to induce bone density loss in horses by using stall confinement combined with heel elevation, providing a practical alternative to traditional cast immobilization models.

Background and Purpose

  • Disuse-induced bone loss is a significant problem in horses during periods of stall confinement or immobilization.
  • Such bone loss can delay recovery and make horses more prone to injuries.
  • Existing experimental models to study bone loss often use cast immobilization, which is complex and can cause complications.
  • The study aimed to develop a less complicated, less restrictive model that could reliably induce measurable bone density loss.

Methodology

  • Subjects: Six French Standardbred horses.
  • Intervention: Horses were confined to a stall for eight weeks. For the final four weeks, a wooden wedge was applied to one front foot to elevate the heels, thereby modifying limb loading.
  • Measurements:
    • Bone density in both forelimbs was assessed through computed tomography (CT) scans at baseline (M0) and at the end of the confinement period (M2).
    • Serum markers of bone metabolism were monitored monthly from baseline up to two months post confinement. These markers included:
      • CTX-I (a marker of bone resorption)
      • Osteocalcin (bone formation marker)
      • Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (indicative of bone formation)
      • Hydroxyproline (reflective of collagen turnover)
  • Data Analysis: Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and mixed models were used to evaluate the significance of the observed changes.

Results

  • Significant decrease in bone density was observed after the confinement period (p < 0.05), particularly in the limb fitted with the wedge.
  • The bone density loss was more pronounced in the distal regions of the wedge limb, indicating localized effects of altered loading.
  • Serum CTX-I levels varied according to physical activity, reflecting changes in bone turnover associated with disuse.

Conclusions and Implications

  • The study established a practical and reproducible model for inducing bone demineralization in horses without the need for complex cast immobilization.
  • This wedge-and-stall confinement approach is less restrictive and carries fewer complications than casting methods.
  • The model can be used for future research to evaluate therapies aimed at preventing or reversing disuse-induced bone loss in equine patients.

Cite This Article

APA
Micheau L, Audigié F, Moiroud C, Jacquet S. (2025). New Model of Disuse-Induced Bone Density Loss in Horses. Animals (Basel), 15(21), 3137. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15213137

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 21
PII: 3137

Researcher Affiliations

Micheau, Lisa
  • Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ACAP3, F-14430 Goustranville, France.
  • Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
Audigié, Fabrice
  • Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ACAP3, F-14430 Goustranville, France.
  • Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
Moiroud, Claire
  • Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ACAP3, F-14430 Goustranville, France.
  • Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
Jacquet, Sandrine
  • Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ACAP3, F-14430 Goustranville, France.
  • Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.

Grant Funding

  • None / Nutri-Earth

Conflict of Interest Statement

The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

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