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Acta veterinaria Scandinavica2023; 65(1); 22; doi: 10.1186/s13028-023-00687-w

Prevalence and risk factors for laminitis within the Norwegian pony breed Nordlandshest/Lyngshest.

Abstract: Laminitis is a systemic condition resulting in debilitating pain and structural changes within the feet, and hence has major welfare implications. Causes include endocrine and systemic inflammatory conditions. Ponies are frequently affected, and observations in the field suggest that occurrence of laminitis is also common in Norwegian breeds. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for laminitis within the Norwegian pony breed Nordlandshest/Lyngshest. Results: The study was a cross-sectional study based on questionnaires sent to members of the Norwegian Nordlandshest/Lyngshest breed association. Questionnaires were received for 504 animals, of which 464 records were eligible and included in analyses. The population comprised 71 stallions, 156 geldings, and 237 mares, with an age between 1 and 40 years (median and interquartile ranges: 12 (6-18) years). The estimated 3-year period prevalence of laminitis was 8.4% (95% confidence interval (CI95): 6.0-11.3%), whereas lifetime prevalence was 12.5% (CI95: 9.6-15.9%). Mares had a significantly higher period- and lifetime prevalence of laminitis than male horses, and horses 10 years and older had a significantly higher prevalence than younger horses. The lifetime prevalence of laminitis was 3.2% in horses 9 years and younger, whereas from 17.3-20.5% in older horses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age, sex, and regional adiposity as significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the 3-year period outcome of laminitis: Horses older than 9 years had a three-fold increase in the likelihood of having laminitis compared to the younger horses (Odds Ratio (OR)10-14 years = 3.37 (CI95 = 1.19-9.50), OR15-19 years = 3.06 (CI95 = 1.04-9.05), and OR>20 years = 2.70 (CI95 = 0.90-8.02). Mares were more than twice as likely (OR = 2.44 (CI95 = 1.17-5.12) to have laminitis compared to male horses, and horses with regional adiposity had increased odds (OR = 2.35 (CI95 = 1.15-4.82) of laminitis compared to horses without regional adiposity. Conclusions: Laminitis appears to be a considerable welfare issue in the Norwegian pony breed Nordlandshest/Lyngshest. The identified risk factors age, sex, and regional adiposity highlight the need for improved owner education and awareness of strategies to reduce laminitis risk.
© 2023. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2023-06-16 PubMed ID: 37328910PubMed Central: PMC10276406DOI: 10.1186/s13028-023-00687-wGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for laminitis, a debilitating and painful systemic condition, in a Norwegian pony breed called Nordlandshest/Lyngshest and found it to be a major welfare issue for the animals. Older horses, female horses, and horses with regional adiposity were found to be at a significantly higher risk.

Research Study Design and Respondents

  • The research used a cross-sectional study design relying on questionnaires sent to members of the Norwegian Nordlandshest/Lyngshest breed association.
  • Questionnaires were received for 504 horses. After screening, data from 464 horses were utilized in the analyses.
  • The population included 71 stallions, 156 geldings (neutered male horses), and 237 mares. Their ages ranged from one to 40 years with a median age of 12 years.

Findings on Laminitis Prevalence

  • The estimated period prevalence of laminitis over three years was determined to be 8.4%, with a confidence interval of 6.0-11.3%.
  • The lifetime prevalence, or the proportion of horses that had suffered the condition at any point in their lives, was 12.5%, with a confidence interval of 9.6-15.9%.
  • Mares were found to have a significantly higher period and lifetime prevalence of laminitis than male horses.
  • Horses aged 10 years and older displayed a significantly higher prevalence than their younger counterparts.

Identified Risk Factors

  • Older horses (above 9 years) had three times higher odds of having laminitis compared to younger ones.
  • Female horses (mares) had more than twice the likelihood of contracting laminitis than male horses.
  • Horses with regional adiposity, which is unusual fat distribution in certain body regions, also had increased odds of getting laminitis.

Conclusion

  • The findings revealed laminitis as a significant welfare issue in the Nordlandshest/Lyngshest breed.
  • The risk factors identified by the study included age, sex, and regional adiposity.
  • These results underline the need for better owner education and implementation of strategies to mitigate the risk of laminitis among these horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Lykkjen S, Stenbakk LK, Holmøy IH. (2023). Prevalence and risk factors for laminitis within the Norwegian pony breed Nordlandshest/Lyngshest. Acta Vet Scand, 65(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-023-00687-w

Publication

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica
ISSN: 1751-0147
NlmUniqueID: 0370400
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 65
Issue: 1
Pages: 22

Researcher Affiliations

Lykkjen, Sigrid
  • Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Equine Section, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 5003, NO-1432, Ås, Norway. sigrid.lykkjen@nmbu.no.
Stenbakk, Linda Koldal
  • Forus Hesteklinikk, 4031, Stavanger, Norway.
Holmøy, Ingrid Hunter
  • Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 5003, NO-1432, Ås, Norway.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Male
  • Female
  • Prevalence
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Foot Diseases / epidemiology
  • Foot Diseases / etiology
  • Foot Diseases / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Dermatitis / veterinary
  • Obesity / veterinary

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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