Ulcerative keratitis in thoroughbred racehorses in Japan from 1997 to 2008.
Abstract: To describe the number of cases, etiologies, healing times, and results of microbial culture and susceptibility testing of corneal ulcers in thoroughbred racehorses in Japan. Methods: Retrospective study of the medical records of racehorses belonging to the Japan Racing Association (JRA) from 1997 to 2008. Results: A total of 2846 horses suffered ulcerative keratitis. These horses accounted for 90.5% of all the corneal problems and 54.9% of the entire number of horses with ocular diseases. Running in races was the cause in 64.3% of the cases. The mean healing time of the ulcers developed in races was 5.5 + or - 9.6 days, which was shorter than that of the ulcers unrelated to racing (8.6 + or - 11.7 days). In horses presented for examination by the next day after the race, healing was even more rapid (4.1 + or - 7.5 days) than in horses presented later (12.4 + or - 14.7 days). Microbial culture was performed on 74 samples of 58 horses. Forty-four bacterial and four fungal organisms were isolated from 35 samples of 29 horses. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10) and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (5) were the bacteria most frequently isolated. There was no tendency of increasing antibiotic resistance of these organisms. Conclusions: Ulcerative keratitis is the most frequent corneal and ocular disease of the racehorse in Japan. Careful observation of the eyes after racing is necessary as early diagnosis and treatment of corneal ulcers speeds healing. Many antibiotic have efficacy against the bacterial isolates, however, potent antibiotics should be reserved for the most severe corneal ulcers.
Publication Date: 2010-05-08 PubMed ID: 20447028DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-5224.2010.00767.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article focuses on the analysis of ulcerative keratitis cases among thoroughbred racehorses in Japan over a period of 11 years, from 1997 to 2008, which revealed that ulcerative keratitis is the most common eye condition in these horses and prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce healing times.
Objective of the Research
- The main intent of the study was to determine the incidence, causative factors, healing duration, and results of microbial culture and susceptibility testing of corneal ulcers in thoroughbred racehorses in Japan.
Research Method
- The research is a retrospective study involving the medical records of racehorses belonging to the Japan Racing Association (JRA).
- A vast data spanning 11 years, from 1997 to 2008, was reviewed to obtain the necessary information.
Findings of the Study
- The study found that ulcerative keratitis was present in 2,846 horses, contributing to 90.5% of all the corneal issues and 54.9% of all horses with ocular diseases.
- Running in races was identified as the primary cause in 64.3% of the cases. The mean healing time for ulcers developed during races was notably less than that of the ulcers unrelated to racing.
- There was a correlation observed between the time a horse was presented for examination post-race and the healing time. Horses which were examined the day following the race had a more rapid healing rate than those presented later.
Microbial Culture and Antibiotic Resistance
- Microbial culture was carried out on 74 samples from 58 horses. Forty-four bacterial and four fungal organisms were isolated, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus being the most common isolates.
- Interestingly, the study found no evidence of increasing antibiotic resistance among these organisms.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- Ulcerative keratitis is identified as the most prevalent corneal and ocular disease among racehorses in Japan, indicating a potential need for additional preventative and protective measures.
- The study emphasizes the importance of immediate attention and treatment of corneal ulcers, as this markedly speeds up healing.
- While many antibiotics were found effective against bacterial isolates, the study recommends keeping the potent antibiotics as a reserve for the most severe corneal ulcers to minimize the potential development of antibiotic resistance.
Cite This Article
APA
Wada S, Hobo S, Niwa H.
(2010).
Ulcerative keratitis in thoroughbred racehorses in Japan from 1997 to 2008.
Vet Ophthalmol, 13(2), 99-105.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-5224.2010.00767.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Clinical Science and Pathobiology Division, Equine Research Institute (ERI), Japan Racing Association (JRA), 321-4, Tokami-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 320-0856, Japan. Shinya_Wada@jra.go.jp
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Corneal Ulcer / epidemiology
- Corneal Ulcer / veterinary
- Eye Infections, Bacterial / epidemiology
- Eye Infections, Bacterial / microbiology
- Eye Infections, Bacterial / veterinary
- Eye Infections, Fungal / epidemiology
- Eye Infections, Fungal / microbiology
- Eye Infections, Fungal / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horses
- Japan / epidemiology
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
Citations
This article has been cited 18 times.- Stolle LM, Oltmanns H, Meißner J, Heun F, Schieder AK, Wolff HT, Ohnesorge B, Busse C. Polyhexanide, Povidone-Iodine, and Hypochlorous Acid Show High In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy Against Pathogens Commonly Associated With Equine Infectious Keratitis. Vet Ophthalmol 2026 Jan;29(1):e70141.
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