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Serum levels of the myokines receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and irisin in young horses during ontogeny and in response to exercise.
American journal of veterinary research    October 24, 2025   Volume 87, Issue 2 ajvr.25.04.0112 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.25.04.0112
Hammack SM, Moshage SG, Kersh ME, McCoy AM.To quantify circulating levels of myokines with a known role in bone remodeling (receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand [RANK-L], matrix metalloproteinase 2 [MMP-2], and irisin) in foals in response to exercise and over the first year of life. Unassigned: 12 foals were enrolled in the study; 6 underwent an 8-week exercise program, and 6 were nonexercised controls. Blood samples were collected between 2 and 11 months of age. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand, MMP-2, and irisin were quantified using equine-specific ELISAs. Unassigned: RANK-L, MMP-2, and irisin did not ch...
A de novo FBN1 variant likely causes congenital bilateral ectopia lentis in a crossbred horse.
Scientific reports    October 24, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 1 37238 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-21139-7
Esdaile E, Houston K, Till BJ, Sutton RB, Scurrell E, Ling M, Hartley C, Bellone RR.Although several inherited ocular disorders have been extensively studied in horses, few reports of equine ectopia lentis exist and no genetic investigations have been reported. Ectopia lentis in humans and other species is reported to be caused by trauma, genetic variants, and systemic diseases. The most commonly reported genetic causes are dominant alleles in FBN1. Here we examined a 3-day old Oldenburg x Thoroughbred colt due to concerns over bilateral ocular anomalies and hypothesized that either a recessively inherited allele or a dominant de novo allele was the genetic cause. Examination...
Heart rate and heart rate variability responses during three exercise tests and recovery in horses participating in the Fédération Équestre Internationale Eventing World Challenge.
BMC veterinary research    October 24, 2025   Volume 21, Issue 1 631 doi: 10.1186/s12917-025-05090-3
Wonghanchao T, Sanigavatee K, Pongnarudech P, Suchairat T, Jitsopin S, Wanichayanon B, Rattanakarn D, Jantakanangkoon P, Jaraswutiwong T, Kalanuson N....Horses competing in eventing competitions encounter significant challenges that increase their risk of severe injuries and metabolic disorders. Numerous studies have focused on the risk of such injuries and disorders during the cross-country segment. While one study has examined autonomic responses during this segment, research on these responses across all three phases of competition, particularly during one-day events, is still limited. The objective of this study was to analyse the autonomic responses of horses by measuring heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) during three exerc...
Stress-related bone injuries of the carpal joints in show jumping horses rarely limit long-term performance: a retrospective study of 15 cases.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association    October 24, 2025   Volume 264, Issue 2 218-226 doi: 10.2460/javma.25.07.0443
Micheau L, Jacquet-Guibon S, Tallaj A, Bertoni L, Denoix JM, Coudry V.To describe the type and distribution of carpal joint lesions causing lameness in show jumping horses and describe their 1-year performance outcomes. Unassigned: 15 show jumping horses (median age, 9 years; IQR, 8 to 11 years) of 3 different breeds, mostly Selle Français, evaluated at a referral center between 2013 and 2023. The inclusion criterion was forelimb lameness localized to the carpus, confirmed by perineural or IA analgesia and/or increased radiopharmaceutical uptake on scintigraphy. Horses with limb conformation abnormalities, a history of trauma, or extra-articular soft tissue les...
Using detrended fluctuation analysis and fast Fourier transformation of major peaks to estimate maximal lactate steady state from electrocardiograms of exercising horses.
American journal of veterinary research    October 24, 2025   Volume 87, Issue 2 ajvr.25.06.0192 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.25.06.0192
Sande A, Santosuosso E, Scharf JE, Shoemaker SJ, Temple S, Hemmerling K, Kell T, Leguillette R, Bayly WM.To compare maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) speeds determined using a treadmill-dependent invasive reference method (RM) with 2 noninvasive methods based on heart rate variability-focused analysis of exercise ECGs. Unassigned: This was a randomized, blinded study using 7 fit Thoroughbreds. A standardized incremental exercise treadmill test (SET) where blood lactate concentration ([La]) was measured after every step facilitated calculation of speeds at which [La] was 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mmol/L. The RM required steady-state exercise (SS) at each of these speeds for 25 minutes or until [La] incr...
Positron emission tomography using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose reveals digital perfusion deficits associated with continuous weight-bearing in healthy standing horses.
American journal of veterinary research    October 24, 2025   Volume 87, Issue 1 ajvr.25.07.0268 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.25.07.0268
Skelton G, Wulster-Bills K, Ciamillo S, Anishchenko S, van Eps A.To characterize healthy foot perfusion patterns under static weight-bearing load using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET. Unassigned: In 8 healthy adult light-breed horses (from May 2021 through September 2024), 18F-FDG was injected while horses stood continuously weight-bearing (CWB) for a 20-minute scan period. A repeat scan was then performed after 20 minutes of ambulation. On a separate occasion, scans were performed with ambulation allowed between injection and scanning (Amb_Control). 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was quantified via metabolic volume and standardized uptake values for c...
The next hurdle – Female jockeys, motherhood and the horse racing industry.
Acta psychologica    October 23, 2025   Volume 261 105822 doi: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105822
Losty C, Sreenivas S.Feminist sport researchers examine the unique experiences of female athletes as crucial in promoting women's sport participation and parity in opportunities (Lebel et al., 2021). Insight into the unique stressors encountered by female jockeys in Ireland (Irl) and the United Kingdom (UK) may provide sport scientists, practitioners and policy makers with a greater awareness of the specific supports they need (Losty & Sreenivas, 2023). Deeply personal and complex decisions for female athletes, such as starting a family, can be shaped by various professional performance factors. The impact of beco...
The Role of Genetic and Environmental Factors in White Leg Markings: Prevalence and Heritability Analysis in Pura Raza Española Horses.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)    October 23, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 11 1661 doi: 10.3390/life15111661
Encina A, Sánchez-Guerrero MJ, Ligero M, Rodríguez-Sainz de Los Terreros A, Valera M.White leg markings in horses are phenotypic traits influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This study analyzed their prevalence, symmetry, and genetic parameters in 38,825 Pura Raza Española (PRE) horses registered in the official studbook. White markings were scored using a binary (affected/unaffected) and a four-level ordinal scale. Most horses (38,341 out of 38,825; 98.8%) had at least one limb without white markings. The prevalence of white markings was higher in the hindlegs (17.9% LH; 14.5% RH) than in the forelegs (5.3% LF; 4.6% RF). Markings were most frequent above the fetlo...
Locomotory Profile, Heart Rate Variability, and Blood Parameters Reveal Adaptive Responses in Endurance Horses Trained on Deep Sand.
Veterinary sciences    October 23, 2025   Volume 12, Issue 11 1028 doi: 10.3390/vetsci12111028
Training on deep sand is commonly employed in endurance horses, but its physiological adaptation remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to characterize locomotor adaptations during a 7 km controlled-speed canter on deep sand in eighteen endurance horses, to identify heart rate variability (HRV) components, and to investigate changes in hematological variables before and after exercise. Stride frequency (SF) and stride length (SL), HRV, and hematological profiles were recorded during exercise and recovery with a fitness tracker. Associations between maximum speed and locomotor parameter...
Bioanalytical Uncertainty Assessment of Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Method for Caffeine and Lidocaine in Equine Antidoping: A Dual Perspective on Bottom-up and Top-Down Approaches.
Journal of separation science    October 23, 2025   Volume 48, Issue 10 e70308 doi: 10.1002/jssc.70308
El-Ghaly W, El Kamli T, Zaari Lambarki L, El Hamdani M, Lahkak FE, Benmoussa A, Balouch L, Bakkali F, Saffaj T, Jhilal F.The quality of quantitative results in bioanalysis requires not only a validated analytical method but also a rigorous estimation of measurement uncertainty. This study examines the challenges associated with the implementation of two distinct approaches in equine anti-doping control for the assessment of uncertainty associated with an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry quantitative method for caffeine and lidocaine in horse urine. The bottom-up approach, based on the ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (ISO GUM), was compared t...
Retrospective Analysis of Suspensory Ligament Branch Injuries in 70 Dressage Horses.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 23, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 21 3079 doi: 10.3390/ani15213079
Boado A, Pollard D, Dyson S.There are no studies that have investigated factors influencing the outcome of dressage horses with suspensory ligament (SL) branch injuries. The aim was to determine if age, breed, work level, injury severity, anatomical localisation of injury, number of injured branches, periligamentous fibrosis, persistence of power Doppler signal or coexistent osteoarthritis of a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint influenced the prognosis of 70 dressage horses. Outcome was defined as good (return to pre-injury level of work or higher), poor (return to a lower level of work) or ret...
Ultrasound-guided versus blind intercostal nerve injection in equine cadavers.
Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia    October 23, 2025   Volume 53, Issue 1 101147 doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2025.10.003
Serighelli-Júnior G, Strugava L, de Oliveira Franco JD, Kulik K, Dornbusch PT, Machado M, Moreno JCD.To describe the detailed anatomy of the equine thoracoabdominal region and to compare the accuracy of ultrasound-guided versus blind intercostal nerve injection techniques, targeting the thoracic intercostal nerves (T12-T18) in equine cadavers. Methods: Randomized, blinded, cadaveric study. Methods: Eight fresh adult equine cadavers. Methods: Eight horse cadavers were used: one in phase I (436 kg; 4 years old) for anatomic landmarks identification and seven in phase II [420 (317-560 kg); 16 (3-22 years old) [median (minimum-maximum)] for comparative study. In phase I, dissections were performe...
Fetometry in Arabian horses.
Frontiers in veterinary science    October 23, 2025   Volume 12 1689769 doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1689769
Ali A, Derar DR, Alaeyeari AA, Alharbi YM.This study aimed to monitor intrauterine fetal growth, establish predictive equations for gestational age estimation, and determine the optimal period for fetal sexing in Arabian horses using ultrasonography. Unassigned: Seven Arabian mares were monitored from insemination to parturition using transrectal ultrasonography. The following fetal and embryonic parameters were measured: embryonic vesicle (EV), crown-rump length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BIP), stomach diameter (STD), chest depth (CHD), abdominal diameter (ABD), kidney length (KDL), eyeball diameter (EBD), and eye lens length (ELL)....
Identification and whole-genome characterization of a novel equine papillomavirus.
Virus genes    October 23, 2025   Volume 61, Issue 6 747-751 doi: 10.1007/s11262-025-02190-y
Blomström AL, Hansen S, Riihimäki M.Papillomaviruses (PVs) are small, non-enveloped viruses with double-stranded circular DNA genomes that infect a wide range of hosts, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. While human papillomaviruses are extensively studied, recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing techniques have increased the detection and genetic characterization of PVs from various animal species. Here, we describe the identification and whole-genome characterization of a divergent equine papillomavirus (EcPV) detected through a viral metagenomic investigation of a horse in Denmark exhibiting neurological ...
Surgical stabilization of flail sternum and bilateral chest wall injury in an octogenarian after horse trampling injury.
Trauma surgery & acute care open    October 23, 2025   Volume 10, Issue 4 e001999 doi: 10.1136/tsaco-2025-001999
Tai JW, Ko B, Adams ME, Nobuhara CK, Knight AW, Forrester JD.No abstract available
Equine trypanosomiasis, a systematic review and meta-analyses: Prevalence, morbidity and mortality.
Equine veterinary journal    October 23, 2025   Volume 58, Issue 2 291-319 doi: 10.1111/evj.70101
Raftery AG, Gummery L, Garcia K, Mohite D, Capewell P, Sutton DGM.Equine trypanosomiasis is a neglected protozoal disease. Objective: To perform a systematic search of literature to explore: (1) In equines what is the global geographical distribution and prevalence of trypanosomiasis? In low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is trypanosomiasis more prevalent than in higher-income countries (HICs)? (2) Is trypanosomiasis infection a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality? Methods: Systematic review and meta-analyses. Methods: Studies were identified that described naturally occurring equine trypanosomiasis worldwide following 'Preferred R...
Impact of sequential administration of detomidine, butorphanol, and midazolam on sedation, ataxia, stimulus response, and bispectral index in horses.
Frontiers in veterinary science    October 23, 2025   Volume 12 1691137 doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1691137
Thorn CA, Wilson DV, Wang S, Horne WA.Standing sedation is a safe and cost-effective alternative to general anesthesia in horses, but challenges include achieving adequate drug effect to block the stimulus response without inducing ataxia or recumbency. A benefit of midazolam has been reported in equine dental procedures. Seeking synergy, a combination of lower doses of several pharmacologic agents, including midazolam, may improve the quality of sedation while minimizing adverse effects. Bispectral index (BIS) correlates with sedation scores in human ICU patients, but the correlation between sedation scores and BIS has not been e...
Comparing the Performance of McMaster, FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC Techniques in the Diagnosis of Strongylid Infections in Two Horse Populations in Portugal.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)    October 22, 2025   Volume 14, Issue 11 1075 doi: 10.3390/pathogens14111075
Varandas M, Lozano J, Agrícola R, Gomes L, Rosa T, Magalhães M, Lamas L, Rinaldi L, Oliveira M, Paz-Silva A, Madeira de Carvalho L.The diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) strongyle infections in equids is still mainly performed using quantitative coprological techniques, like the McMaster (McM), but more sensitive and precise techniques, like FLOTAC (FL) and Mini-FLOTAC (MF), have been proposed over the past 20 years. The present study aimed to compare the analytical performance of these three methods in the diagnosis of strongyle infections in horses. Between October 2023 and June 2024, 32 fecal samples were processed using the McM, FL and MF techniques to identify strongyles' eggs, estimate their shedding (eggs per gram ...
Understanding the roles of equine veterinary nursing teams in UK practices: A cross-sectional study.
The Veterinary record    October 22, 2025   Volume 197, Issue 10 e264-e270 doi: 10.1002/vetr.6021
Saul A, Pritchard P, Shrubb J, Robinson N, Stavisky J.Feeling undervalued, having limited opportunities to utilise clinical skills and lack of career progression have been identified as factors negatively affecting the job satisfaction and retention of small animal registered veterinary nurses (RVNs). The aim of this study was to explore the roles and activities of equine veterinary nurses, and the barriers and facilitators associated with their professional progression. Methods: An anonymous, cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed to all RVNs and student veterinary nurses working with equids in VetPartners practices. The questions ...
Optimising Stallion Semen Cryopreservation: Preliminary Insights Into Pre-Centrifugation Extender Effects.
Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene    October 22, 2025   Volume 60, Issue 10 e70135 doi: 10.1111/rda.70135
de Zutter BM, de Paula Freitas-Dell'Aqua C, Dell'Aqua-Junior JA, Monteiro GA, Troncarelli T, Papa FO.This study evaluated the effects of cholesterol, pentoxifylline and casein, with or without skim milk, added to extenders during pre-centrifugation on equine sperm cryosurvival. Seven ejaculates from four stallions (n = 28) were divided into four groups: SM (skim milk), SMP (SM + pentoxifylline), SMCho (SM + cholesterol) and ChoCa (cholesterol + casein). After centrifugation and freezing, sperm kinematics and plasma membrane integrity were assessed immediately and 30 min post-thaw. SMCho and ChoCa showed superior results compared with SM and SMP. These findings indicate that chol...
Associations between immunological and hormonal parameters during healthy pregnancy in mares.
Theriogenology    October 22, 2025   Volume 250 117719 doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117719
Feijo LS, Ledeck J, Wolfsdorf K, Ponthier J, Parry S, Felippe MJB.Associations between the immune and endocrine systems during equine pregnancy remain poorly understood. Based on the hypothesis that distinct phases of the equine healthy gestation are characterized by specific associations between circulating immunological and hormonal parameters, contributing to pregnancy maintenance, this investigation aimed to: (i) evaluate how circulating immunological and hormonal parameters change across different phases of pregnancy; (ii) investigate associations between changes in circulating immunological and hormonal parameters; and (iii) propose potential hormonal ...
Equine adipose-derived stem cells modulate in vitro neutrophil extracellular trap release by polymorphonuclear neutrophils.
Frontiers in veterinary science    October 22, 2025   Volume 12 1685757 doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1685757
Salinas-Varas C, Espinosa G, Muñoz-Caro T, Conejeros I, Gärtner U, Fey K, Arnhold S, Taubert A, Hermosilla C.Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) are thin and long web-like structures composed of DNA and antimicrobial proteins released by activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) as part of the innate immune response. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) represent an accessible, abundant and minimal invasive source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with high regenerative potential, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Although recognized immunomodulatory properties of ADSCs, their interaction with PMN and their role on NET formation remains poorly characterized. The present study aimed...
Genetic inbreeding depression load for conformation defects and dressage traits in the Pura Raza Española horse.
Animal bioscience    October 22, 2025   doi: 10.5713/ab.25.0362
Ripollés-Lobo M, Perdomo-González DI, Azor P, Valera M.Investigate the genetic inbreeding depression load (IDL) on two dressage traits and two conformational defects in horses. Unassigned: The dataset included performance records for Walk and Points per Reprise (PPR) (N:43,838) and conformation data for Closed and Convergent hocks (N:57,949). Pedigree information spanned over 400,000 individuals. Inbreeding coefficients (F, F6, Fk) and partial inbreeding coefficient (Fij) were computed to quantify the IDL using Bayesian approach. Linear and ordinal logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between inbreeding and phenotypic values. ...
Revitalizing equine metabolism: how SHBG improves mitochondrial function and reduces inflammation.
BMC veterinary research    October 21, 2025   Volume 21, Issue 1 620 doi: 10.1186/s12917-025-05033-y
Bourebaba N, Domagała J, Bourebaba L.Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, disruptions in mitochondrial dynamics and function, and an increased risk of developing laminitis. Recent research has highlighted that reduced levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the bloodstream are linked to higher susceptibility to obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes, potentially contributing to broader metabolic imbalances. This study aimed to evaluate whether exogenously administered SHBG could protect adipose-derived stem cells from horses affected by EMS (EqASC) against mitochondrial dy...
Integrated molecular and serological survey of Rhodococcus equi in horses from three regions of Kazakhstan.
Frontiers in veterinary science    October 21, 2025   Volume 12 1650186 doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1650186
Zanilabdin M, Ilgekbayeva G, Otarbayev B, Nissanova R, Mussayeva G, Takai S, Suzuki Y, Kakuda T, Kurman S, Kassymov Y, Valiyeva B. is a facultative intracellular pathogen causing bronchopneumonia in foals; data from Central Asia are limited. We conducted a cross-sectional serological and molecular survey in horses from three regions of Kazakhstan (Kyzylorda, Almaty, Akmola). Unassigned: Sera from 312 animals (272 adults, 40 foals) on 20 farms were tested by indirect ELISA. Selected clinical samples underwent culture, PCR, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Unassigned: Overall seroprevalence was 8.3% (26/312; 95% CI 5.8-11.9). Positivity among foals was 25.0% (10/40; 95% CI 14.2-40.2) versus 5.9% (16/272; 95% CI 3.7-9.3) in adults,...
Early allergen introduction overrides allergy predisposition in offspring of horses with Culicoides hypersensitivity.
Frontiers in immunology    October 21, 2025   Volume 16 1654693 doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1654693
Simonin EM, Torsteinsdóttir S, Svansson V, Björnsdóttir S, Freer H, Tarsillo J, Wagner B.The origins of allergy are both genetic and environmental. We performed a full-sibling study to determine the role of early-in-life or delayed allergen introduction on hypersensitivity development in a cohort with history of an allergic phenotype and Culicoides hypersensitivity. IgE-mediated allergies naturally develop in many mammalian species, and we used a horse model of allergy called hypersensitivity. hypersensitivity is a seasonal, recurrent, IgE-mediated allergy caused by the salivary proteins of biting midges. Unassigned: The study included four cohorts that lived together in the s...
Identification of Antibodies to Chondrocyte and Synoviocyte Antigens in Equine Osteoarthritis.
Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society    October 21, 2025   Volume 43, Issue 12 2152-2164 doi: 10.1002/jor.70085
Linde P, Kurihara J, Chow L, Williams ZJ, Hendrickson D, Bass L, Dow S, Pezzanite LM.Innate immune responses within the joint are now known to play a key role in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. However, comparatively little is known regarding the role of adaptive immune responses in OA, and whether they may be important for initiating and sustaining progressive low-level joint inflammation. Therefore, we evaluated spontaneous osteoarthritis in horses to investigate whether antibodies recognizing live joint cells (chondrocytes, synoviocytes) were present in blood or synovial fluid, and to identify possible cellular target antigens. We found that horses with advanced OA had an...
Computed tomography features of the fetlock joint in elite racing Thoroughbred horses.
Equine veterinary journal    October 18, 2025   doi: 10.1111/evj.70106
Beck C, Hitchens PL, Muir P, Whitton RC.Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used for metacarpo/tarsophalangeal or fetlock joint (MC/TPJ) evaluation in Thoroughbred racehorses. CT features and lesion prevalence in competing Thoroughbreds are unknown. Objective: To identify standing CT features within the MC/TPJ of elite Thoroughbred staying racehorses. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Computed tomography scans of the MC/TPJ were performed as part of pre-race screening for fracture risk and graded for CT features. Descriptive statistics and univariable logistic regression models were generated to investigate associat...
Neutralisation of the Immunoglobulin-Cleaving Activity of Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi IdeE by Blood Sera from Ponies Vaccinated with a Multicomponent Protein Vaccine.
Vaccines    October 17, 2025   Volume 13, Issue 10 1061 doi: 10.3390/vaccines13101061
Righetti F, Hentrich K, Flock M, Frosth S, Jacobsson K, Bjerketorp J, Pathak A, Ido N, Henriques-Normark B, Frykberg L, Paillot R, Guss B, Wood T.... subspecies () is the cause of strangles, one of the most prevalent diseases of horses worldwide. The disease is characterised by fever and the formation of abscesses in the lymph nodes of the head and neck, which can restrict the airway. A multicomponent subunit vaccine, Strangvac, has been shown to effectively reduce clinical signs of strangles and to reduce its incidence. The aim of this study was to determine the immune response against the immunoglobulin-cleaving endopeptidase IdeE, a key protective component within the vaccine and the ability of antibodies to neutralize the proteolytic...
Duration of continuous fetal gastrointestinal peristalsis before parturition in mares maintained at a breeding farm or in a university hospital.
Theriogenology    October 17, 2025   Volume 250 117716 doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117716
Roxon CA, Deacon LJ, Abraham M, Stefanovski D, Sertich PL.Gestation length is not a reliable indicator of fetal maturity due to the variability of normal gestation length in the mare. A standard method to accurately predict equine fetal maturity is not being used clinically. The presence of continuous gastrointestinal peristalsis, as detected ultrasonographically, is an indicator that both human and canine fetuses are mature (can survive after elective cesarean section). To determine if continuous gastrointestinal peristalsis, which we termed Phase 5, was a valid indicator of fetal maturity in the horse, and whether this indicator varied in late-gest...