Journal of Equine Veterinary Science最新文献

Concentrations of starch, mono- and disaccharides, fructans, hemicellulose and cellulose were analysed in feed and gastric digesta of horses in relation to acid insoluble ash as a marker indigestible in the stomach. Twenty-four horses were allocated to pasture 24 h/d (PST; n = 4), hay ad libitum (HAY; n = 8), hay ad lib. and oats at 1 g starch/kg body weight (BWT)/meal (OS1; n = 6) and hay ad lib. and oats at 2 g starch/kg BWT/meal (OS2; n = 5). One horse was excluded from the analysis. The horses were fed the ration a minimum of 34 days. Following euthanasia and dissection, digesta was sampled from Pars nonglandularis (PNG) and Pars glandularis (PG). Oat starch concentration in gastric digesta decreased from 309 to 174 g/kg dry matter (DM) in OS1 (44 %-reduction) and from 367 to 261 g/kg DM in OS2 (29 %-reduction) (P < 0.001). Glucose, fructose and sucrose disappeared from gastric digesta distinctly more in PST, HAY and OS1 than in OS2. In PST and HAY, sucrose concentration was completely cleared (P < 0.001). The concentration of fructans was reduced predominantly in PST (84 %-reduction) and HAY (54 %-reduction), mainly in the PNG (P < 0.05). Fructan degradation did not occur in the high-starch diet (OS2). Some evidence for fibre degradation was observed in PST (P < 0.01). Soluble carbohydrates disappear from the stomach dependent on the type of ration, which may lead to changes in the composition of the gastric microbial community and the endogenous response.

Insulin dysregulation (ID), core to equine metabolic syndrome, may present without obesity. Testing for ID risk is commonly based on breed and obese phenotype but might be valuable for non-obese stock-type horses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ID in non-obese stock-type horses and evaluate if morphometric neck measurements (MNM) correlate with ID. Sixty-two, non-obese (BCS 5, range 2.5-6/9) stock-type horses were assessed for MNM: neck circumference at 25%, 50% (NC50), and 75% (NC75) length, and crest height. An oral sugar test (OST; 0.15 mL/kg BW corn syrup) was performed with blood taken pre- and 60 min post-OST for insulin (PREI, POSTI) and glucose (PREG, POSTG). Insulin dysregulation was defined as insulin concentration > 45 µIU/mL POSTI. Three of 62 horses were ID (4.8%; 95% CI 1.0%-13.5%). Horses with ID had greater PREG (121.0 ± 7.56 vs. 105.3 ± 1.72 mg/dL; LS means ± SEM; P = 0.04) and PREI (15.7 ± 2.63 vs. 10.5 ± 0.59 µIU/mL; P = 0.05) than normal responders. Mares had greater PREI than geldings (11.7 ± 0.76 vs. 9.4 ± 0.89 µIU/mL; P = 0.04). Stepwise regression indicated a weak relationship with crest height and POSTG (y = 51.27 + (0.88 x NC50); R² = 0.09; P = 0.02). Post-glucose correlated with NC50 (r = 0.30; P = 0.04) and NC75 (r = 0.29; P = 0.03). This study showed 4.8% of non-obese horses had ID, warranting testing irrespective of phenotype, but only a weak association between MNM and POSTG was found.

Musculoskeletal abnormalities in neonate equids represent a common condition, which includes angular limb deformities, defective carpal/tarsal bone ossification, contracted limb and mandibular/maxillary prognathism. The present case report described the presentation and surgical management of multiple musculoskeletal abnormalities in a mule foal. A newborn mule foal was presented for several musculoskeletal abnormalities, such as angular deviation from the sagittal plane of both carpal joints, hind limb ligament laxity, and severe mandibular prognathism. Surgical management of mandibular prognathism was then treated through the application of a tension orthodontic wire. Postoperatively, there was a significant improvement in the correction of mandibular malocclusion and no further correction was needed. Management of other anomalies was mainly conservative, with stall rest and exercise limitations, with a considerable improvement in the first month of life. Thus, jaw malformations might be observed also in mule foals, and might be associated with multiple congenital abnormalities. Early recognition, appropriate management, and surgical treatment were essential.

Surgical-site infections (SSIs) at implant sites in horses are sometimes difficult to control with systemic antimicrobials. Because one of the likely reasons is insufficient antimicrobial concentrations, there is a need to increase these concentrations in and around the infected tissue. Marbofloxacin (MAR)-encapsulated microparticles (MAR-MPs) made of biodegradable poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid are capable of sustained release in vitro. We examined the concentration of MAR in the subcutaneous tissue fluid at sites where MAR-MPs had been administered. On day 0, six 3- × 4-cm subcutaneous pockets were created in the neck of each of six Thoroughbred horses under sedation and local anesthesia. MAR-MPs containing 50 mg of MAR were added to each pocket, which was then sutured. On days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7, subcutaneous tissue fluid from one pocket per horse was collected and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. From days 1 to 7, the median MAR concentration in the subcutaneous tissue fluid ranged from 17.7 (4.89–125.6) to 33.05 (15.1–71.6) µg/mL. The median concentrations in the subcutaneous tissue fluid exceeded the MIC₉₀ (the minimum inhibitory concentration that would inhibit the growth of 90 % of the tested bacterial isolates) of MAR for clinical isolates reported previously. The area of swelling at the site of administration was significantly larger on days 1 to 4 than just after administration (P < 0.05). MAR-MPs could be useful for controlling SSIs that require high antimicrobial concentrations for extended periods when they are used with strategies that reduce side effects.

Existing data on the equine hay market and buying preferences in Pennsylvania (PA) is outdated and more recent data is needed. The objective of this project was to characterize the practices and attitudes of PA horse hay buyers. An online survey was created and distributed. It received 435 total responses (of these, 346 were complete responses) from PA horse hay buyers from October 2021 to February 2022. Data presented (descriptive statistics) represents the percentage of respondents answering that question. Most (76%) respondents were in the recreational sector of the horse industry and the majority (62%) purchased hay for 2-5 horses. Small square bales (2-string) were most commonly purchased (93%), and most respondents bought their hay exclusively by the bale (75%). The most common reasons for not purchasing large bales were not being able to transport or handle them (70%), followed by not having adequate storage (60%). Horse owners were most likely to buy hay directly from local farmers (90%) than any other source. The top three most important factors when purchasing hay were absence of mold, absence of weeds, and smell (rated “very important” by 98, 53, and 52% of respondents, respectively). Most respondents did not use hay feeders in stalls or outside (38 and 50%, respectively). Most hay buyers (63%) never have their hay analyzed for nutrient content. The data collected from this survey can help hay producers understand buying practices of horse owners and help equine nutritionists identify areas of need for horse owner education about hay.

Providing plasma with immunoglobulins is essential for the health of foals with failure of passive transfer of immunity. The use of lyophilized plasma (LP) offers a simple and affordable option in terms of transportation and storage. This study aimed to measure the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), total protein (TP), and total solids (TS) in fresh equine plasma before and after lyophilization. Plasma was collected from six healthy male horses. The samples underwent freeze-drying and were reconstituted in deionized water to their original volume. The concentrations of IgG in both fresh and reconstituted LP were determined by simple radial immunodiffusion and TS and TP concentrations measured using refractometry. Results indicated that the IgG concentration in fresh plasma (8.9 ± 3.2 g/L) was not different from LP (7.1 ± 2.2 g/L; P > 0.05). The TP concentration in fresh plasma was 6.6 ± 0.5 g/dL, which decreased to 5.7 ± 0.2 g/dL after lyophilization (P < 0.05). The TS of fresh plasma were 7.5 ± 0.8 %, and also lower in LP 6.3 ± 0.5 % (P < 0.05). The findings revealed that the lyophilization process preserves IgG concentration with small losses in TS and TP upon reconstitution. The research supports the potential of lyophilized equine plasma as a promising treatment option, with future efforts focused on optimizing the product, validating its efficacy and stability through clinical trials, and developing practical packaging solutions for use in the equine industry.

Vipera berus berus is the only venomous snake present in the Nordic countries and cases of envenomation in horses are reported during the warmer months. Little is known about the presentation, treatment and survival of horses with common European adder envenomation.

Clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome are reported for 28 horses admitted to Helsinki University Equine Hospital in 2008–2023 due to suspicion of snake bite. Eleven of these horses received antivenom treatment. Other common treatments included non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (22/28), antimicrobials (19/28), intravenous fluid therapy (11/28), corticosteroids (9/28) and local treatment (11/28). All horses survived until discharge. No difference was detected in the length of hospital stay between horses with moderate envenomation that had or had not received antivenom treatment.

Horses with moderate envenomation are more likely to receive antivenom treatment and require longer hospital stay than horses with mild envenomation. Antivenom treatment is not associated with shorter hospital stay. Little evidence supports the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics in treatment of envenomation. Studies with larger numbers of animals are warranted to evaluate the effect of treatment, including administration of antivenom, on long-term outcome and survival from envenomation.

Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) competitions evaluate riders on equitation and skills when riding randomly drawn horses. This study considered demographic and competition-related variables of horses involved in IHSA competitions, and their correlation to performance through points accumulated. Demographics were recorded for fifty-nine horses in two-day Hunter Seat and Western IHSA shows along with use of artificial riding aids, day of competition, number of rides, and points, to evaluate performance. Data were analyzed using a mixed effect model and correlation coefficients with significance set at P < 0.05 (SAS 9.4). Hunter Seat horses averaged more rides per day than Western (P < 0.0001), but points per ride were not different between disciplines (P = 0.57) or days of shows (P = 0.47). Use of artificial aids did not impact points per ride a horse accumulated (P = 0.63 Hunter Seat, P = 0.41 Western). Age, (r = -0.10, P = 0.60; r = 0.02, P = 0.90), BCS (r = 0.15, P = 0.42; r = 0.17, P = 0.34), height (r = 0.20, P = 0.28; r = 0.15, P = 0.39), and weight (r = 0.23, P = 0.23; r = 0.20, P = 0.25) were weakly correlated with points earned for Hunter Seat and Western horses, respectively. Random draw in IHSA is suggested to be effective for equitation competitions, allowing a fair opportunity for riders, regardless of the horse-related factors evaluated in this study.