Normal Horses Research Articles

Interleukin 31 mediates pruritus in horses.

This study investigated the effects of recombinant equine IL-31 (eIL-31) in vivo and in vitro. Equine IL-31 mRNA sequences were verified by sequencing. Recombinant eIL-31 was produced using mammalian and bacterial expression systems. From November 2019 through February 2021, 12 normal horses, 6 to 10 years old with no history or clinical signs consistent with allergic skin disease, were injected ID with eIL-31 and saline in 2 challenge studies. Pruritus-associated behaviors were recorded for a minimum of 15 minutes preinjection and 4 hours postinjection. Adherent monocytes from 3 pruritic horses, exhibiting insect bite hypersensitivity and/or atopic dermatitis, were stimulated with bacterial eIL-31, and subsequent phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was measured by western blot and AlphaLISA. The bacterial eIL-31 was produced with greater purity than the mammalian eIL-31 (> 95% vs 70%). Pruritus was elicited by both recombinant proteins. The mammalian eIL-31 induced mild pruritus (cumulative seconds spent itching postinjection ranged from 6 to 313). The bacterial eIL-31 induced marked pruritus in some horses (a cumulative maximum of 5,529 seconds spent itching in 1 horse) and a milder response in others (range of cumulative seconds spent itching, 17 to 2,313). Most pruritus occurred after 2 hours and subsided by 4 hours postinjection. Bacterial eIL-31 induced STAT3 phosphorylation in adherent monocytes from allergic horses. In this proof-of-concept study, IL-31 was found to mediate pruritus and was associated with STAT3 phosphorylation in horses as in other species. Interleukin 31 is a promising therapeutic target for equine allergic pruritus.

Transdermal carbon dioxide may accelerate hoof growth in healthy, sound horses in a short-term, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Slow hoof growth poses a clinical challenge when hoof wear exceeds natural growth. Many treatment options have been reported without controlled prospective trials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of transdermal CO2 on the rate of growth in treated hooves. A prospective, randomized, blinded, crossover study of 14 Warmblood mares. Horses were randomly assigned a number and allocated for treatment of the front feet with room air or CO2 for 30 minutes 3 times per week, and groups were switched after 5 weeks. Hoof growth was measured on the dorsal midline and the quarters of each front foot. The distance from coronary band to lines made on the hoof wall was measured at the beginning, middle, and end of the study. The percentage of change in length at each location relative to baseline was evaluated at 5 weeks and 10 weeks using nonparametric analyses. All treatments were successfully administered. The left front medial (P = .028) and right front lateral (P = .03) sites of the CO2-treated hooves increased growth compared to the room air group at the 5-week point. The results of this study suggest that repeated, noninvasive transdermal application of CO2 may accelerate hoof growth in normal horses over a 5-week treatment period. This study suggests that transdermal CO2 may increase the rate of hoof growth in normal horses. The mechanism of action of this treatment is unclear, and further studies are required to fully elucidate the potential effects.

Kinematic Responses to Water Treadmill Exercise When Used Regularly within a Sport Horse Training Programme: A Longitudinal, Observational Study.

Repeated exposure to water treadmill (WT) exercise could elicit kinematic responses reflecting adaptation to WT exercise. The study's aim was to compare the responses of a group of sport horses to a standardised WT exercise test (WTSET) carried out at three time points, week 0 (n = 48), week 20 (n = 38), and week 40 (n = 29), throughout a normal training programme incorporating WT exercise. Horses were recruited from the existing client populations of two commercial water treadmill venues for the purpose of this longitudinal, observational study. Limb, back, poll, wither, and pelvic kinematics were measured during the WTSET using videography, optical motion capture, and inertial motion sensors. Forelimb and hindlimb protraction increased (p < 0.001 for both), and forelimb and hindlimb retraction decreased (p < 0.001 for both) at week 40 compared to week 0. Caudal thoracic flexion-extension and lateral bend ranges of movement were greater at week 40 compared to week 0 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively). Increased training speed was associated with increased craniocaudal poll movement (p = 0.021), decreased forelimb protraction (p = 0.008), and increased forelimb retraction (p = 0.021). In addition to characteristic changes in kinematics due to increasing water depth, regular WT exercise resulted in kinematic adaptation to movement in water. Factors such as the frequency of WT sessions and the type of session used with respect to depth and speed were seen to influence the nature of the adaptation. The results suggest that WT exercise sessions could be designed in accordance with specific training goals when used within a normal sport horse training programme.

The effects of bit chewing on gastric emptying and orocecal transit times in clinically normal horses

The effects of bit chewing on gastric emptying and orocecal transit times in clinically normal horses

Myoelectrical activity of the cecum and colon measured by electrointestinography does not increase after hand‐walking in clinically normal horses

Myoelectrical activity of the cecum and colon measured by electrointestinography does not increase after hand‐walking in clinically normal horses

Radiological measurements of the feet of normal Straight Egyptian Arabian horses in Qatar

The Arabian horse has been identified as carrying a risk locus for equine metabolic syndrome, predisposing this breed to development of laminitis. Radigraphy of the equine foot is widely considered the main diagnostic imaging technique for evaluation of the laminitic horse. Knowledge of ‘normal’ breed values allows assessment of the degree and severity of radiological changes associated with laminitis. The objective of this study was to investigate the normal values for radiological measurements of the feet of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse in Qatar. The design was a clinical prospective study. Radiographs of the fore and hind feet of 10 clinically normal adult Straight Egyptian Arabian horses were taken. On the lateromedial views, 17 measurements were taken (13 distances and four angles). On the horizontal dorsopalmar/plantar views, two measurements were taken. On the dorsal 45 degree, proximo-palmarodistal oblique projections, four measurements were taken. Normal reference ranges were reported for radiological measurements of the feet of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse. Several variables showed significant differences between fore and hind feet, including hoof angle, distal wall thickness, and two proximal inner layer measurements (p < 0.05). In addition, the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse was found to have a number of measurements which varied from previously published reports. The results reported within provide a useful reference for normal radiographic measurements of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse with relevance for laminitis.

Should cervical radiographs be included in a pre‐purchase examination?

SummaryCervical radiographs are more frequently being acquired or requested as part of a pre‐purchase examination (PPE). Evaluating radiographs allows for detection of diseases which may prejudice the horse's suitability for its intended purpose. A thorough clinical examination is the most important element of a PPE and limits the list of possible radiographic findings to those that can be subclinical. Radiographic findings such as morphological variations of the vertebrae, osteoarthritis and osteochondral fragmentation are often present in asymptomatic horses. Furthermore, current evidence suggests that most findings present on cervical radiographs acquired at PPE are of unknown or low significance in a clinically normal horse. There is also minimal evidence of the progression of subclinical cervical radiographic abnormalities and their future impact on performance. Due to the high level of superimposition that is inherent to cervical radiographs, the reliability of interpretation of these findings is often variable. Additionally, PPE radiographs are often acquired in the ambulatory setting and the limitations of the equipment and environment can compromise their diagnostic value. Therefore, at this time, there is little evidence to support the acquisition of cervical radiographs as part of a PPE.

Testicular expression of heat SHOCK proteins 60, 70, and 90 in cryptorchid horses

Heat shock proteins are the most evolutionarily conserved protein families induced by stressors including hyperthermia. In the context of pathologies of the male reproductive tract, cryptorchidism is the most common genital defect that compromises the reproductive potential of the male because it induces an increase in intratesticular temperature. In equine species, cryptorchidism affects almost 9 % of newborns and few studies have been carried out on the molecular aspects of the retained testis. In this study, the expression pattern of HSP60, 70, and 90 in abdominal and inguinal testes, in their contralateral descended normally testes, and in testes of normal horses were investigated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The histomorphological investigation of retained and scrotal testes was also investigated. The seminiferous epithelium of the retained testes showed a vacuolized appearance and displayed a completely blocked spermatogenesis for lacking meiotic and spermiogenetic cells. On the contrary, the contralateral scrotal testes did not show morphological damage and the seminiferous epithelium displayed all phases of the spermatogenetic cycle as in the normal testes. The morphology of Leydig cells was not affected by the cryptorchid state. Western blot and immunohistochemistry evidenced that equine testis (both scrotal and retained) expresses the three investigated HSPs. More in detail, the Western blot evidenced that HSP70 is the more expressed chaperone and that together with HSP90 it is highly expressed in the retained gonad (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of the three HSPs in the spermatogonia of normal and cryptorchid testes. Spermatogonia of retained testes showed the lowest expression of HSP60 and the highest expression of HSP90. Spermatocytes, spermatids of scrotal testes, and the Sertoli cells of retained and scrotal testes did not display HSP60 whereas expressed HSP70 and HSP90. These two proteins were also localized in the nucleus of the premeiotic cells. The Leydig cells displayed the three HSPs with the higher immunostaining of HSP70 and 90 in the cryptorchid testes. The results indicate that the heat stress condition occurring in the cryptorchid testis influences the expression of HSPs.

Measurement of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of horses with neuroaxonal degeneration and other causes of proprioceptive ataxia.

Eight-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of oxidative damage evaluated in human neurodegenerative disease, has potential to correlate with postmortem diagnosis of neuroaxonal dystrophy/degenerative myeloencephalopathy (NAD/DM) in horses. We hypothesized that 8-OHdG will be higher in CSF and serum from NAD/DM horses compared with horses with other neurologic diseases (CVSM, EPM) and a control group of neurologically normal horses. We also hypothesized that 8-OHdG will be higher in CSF compared with serum from NAD/DM horses. Fifty client-owned horses with postmortem diagnoses: 20 NAD/DM, 10 CVSM, 10 EPM, and 10 control horses. Serum and CSF samples were obtained between November 2010 and March 2022. Case-control study using biobanked samples was performed and commercial competitive ELISA kit (Highly Sensitive 8-OHdG Check ELISA) utilized. Concentration of 8-OHdG was quantitated in both CSF and serum and compared between groups. No correlation was established between the measures of 8-OHdG in serum and CSF and group. CSF median [8-OHdG] for NAD/DM was 169.9 pg/mL (IQR25-75 : 67.18-210.6), CVSM 157.1 pg/mL (IQR25-75 : 132.1-229.1), EPM 131.4 pg/mL (IQR25-75 : 102.1-193.2), and control 149.8 pg/mL (IQR25-75 : 113.3-196.4). Serum median [8-OHdG] for NAD/DM was 130 pg/mL (IQR25-75 : 51.73-157.2), CVSM 125.8 pg/mL (IQR25-75 : 62.8-170.8), EPM 120.6 pg/mL (IQR25-75 : 87.23-229.7), and control 157.6 pg/mL (IQR25-75 : 97.15-245.6). Poisson regression analysis showed no difference established once confounding variables were considered. Eight-OHdG did not aid in antemortem diagnosis of NAD/DM in this cohort of horses. At the time of diagnosis horses with NAD/DM do not have ongoing oxidative stress.

Serum amino acid profiles in clinically normal Noma horses.

Plasma or serum amino acids are used to evaluate nutritional status and metabolic disorders. In this study, we aimed to set reference values of serum amino acid concentrations in the Noma horse, a Japanese native horse. Thirty-one horses were classified into six age groups: neonatal foal (0-4 days), foal (0.5-1 years), youth (5 years), middle age (10 years), old (15 years), and extra-old (>20 years). Horses >5 years of age were analyzed together as the adult group. In the adult horses, there were no significant differences among the serum amino acid concentrations of each age group. The foal group had higher concentrations of alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, α-aminoadipic acid, and 3-methyl-histidine than the adult group. The neonatal foal group had higher serum concentrations of phenylalanine, lysine, alanine, proline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, β-alanine, and β-amino-iso-butyric acid and lower tryptophan concentrations and Fischer's ratios than the adult group. The neonatal foal group had higher β-amino-iso-butyric acid concentrations and lower tryptophan and 3-methyl-histidine concentrations than the foal group. Therefore, reference values might be set separately in neonatal foals, foals, and adult horses. The data for the serum amino acid concentrations can be used for health care through physiological and pathological evaluations in Noma horses.

A real-time PCR assay for the quantification of Mycoplasma equirhinis in tracheal wash samples from Thoroughbred horses.

Mycoplasma equirhinis is the predominant equine Mycoplasma sp. isolated from clinically normal horses and is suspected to be associated with inflammatory airway disease in which cough is the primary sign. Quantitative evaluation of bacterial counts is useful in assessing the association between the bacteria in samples and observed clinical signs, but this evaluation has been difficult with conventional culture methods of M. equirhinis given the need for pre-enrichment using liquid cultures. We established a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for the quantification of M. equirhinis, targeting the hypothetical protein FJM08_00025. We confirmed its high species-specificity for M. equirhinis and a limit of detection of 2.9 copies/reaction. We quantified M. equirhinis in tracheal wash samples from 20 clinically normal horses and 22 coughing horses. The copy numbers detected by qPCR in 18 of the 22 samples from clinically affected horses were within the range detected in the 20 clinically normal horses (0-84 copies/reaction). The remaining 4 samples had considerably higher copy numbers (734-1,620,000 copies/reaction), suggesting the likely involvement of M. equirhinis infection. Quantitative evaluation of M. equirhinis over time using our qPCR assay may allow a more accurate assessment of M. equirhinis infection in coughing horses compared to culture methods.

Evaluation of hoof morphometry in normal and lame polo horses at Ibadan Polo Club.

This study evaluated the changes in hoof morphometric parameters between normal and lame polo horses. Cross-sectional survey of hoof morphometric parameters of polo horses was conducted at the Ibadan Polo club. Also, each horse was physically examined and severity of lameness scored based on the criteria by American Association of Equine Practitioners. Differences in morphometric parameters between sex, lameness status and shoeing status were analyzed using Student’s t test and values were considered significant at p&lt; 0.05) higher in females (118.8 ± 9.3mm; 117.1 ± 8.3mm) than male horses (109.8 ± 6.1 mm; 106.8 ± 12.1 mm). Hoof wall angles did not differ significantly (p &gt; 0.05) between the sexes. Majority of the hoof morphometric parameters were significantly (p&lt; 0.05) higher in shod horses compared to unshod horses. In addition, the dorsal hoof wall angle of the right hind limb was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in lame (61.3 ± 11.50) than normal horses (53.6 ± 8.30). It was concluded that shoeing conditions and lameness significantly alters hoof morphometric parameters of polo horses.

Radiographic analysis of the dorsal hoof wall thickness in clinically normal draft horses.

To evaluate the radiographic thickness of the dorsal hoof wall in normal draft horse feet. 33 adult draft horses with no history of laminitis, no clinically obvious lameness, and visibly unremarkable front feet were included. This was a prospective, descriptive study of clinically normal draft horses' front feet. Lateromedial radiographs were acquired of the front feet. A ratio of the dorsal hoof wall thickness to the length of the distal phalanx (DHWP3 ratio) was calculated. The dorsal hoof wall thickness to length of the distal phalanx was calculated as 0.33 ± 0.03 (range of 0.28 to 0.39) in this population of draft horses. With very few exceptions, the heterogeneous population of draft horses evaluated in this study had a DHWP3 ratio greater than previously published values in lighter breeds (< 0.30).

Dose effect and duration of action of liposomal bupivacaine administered as a perineural analgesic in a reversible and adjustable frog-pressure model of equine lameness.

To determine the dose effect of peri-neural liposomal bupivacaine (LB) in an induced forelimb lameness model. 12 clinically normal adult horses. A randomized cross-over design was performed with 1 limb receiving saline and the other LB: low dose (6), high dose (6). Lameness was induced in 1 forelimb using a frog-pressure model. In the lame limb, peri-neural injection of the palmar nerves at the proximal sesamoid bones was performed using saline, low dose LB (0.25 mg/kg) (LDLB), or high dose LB (0.5mg/kg) (HDLB) in random order with a 1-week washout period between treatments. Distal limb swelling, mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT), and objective lameness data were collected before and up to 72 hours after peri-neural anesthesia. Data analysis was performed with mixed model ANOVA, equality of medians test, and Kaplan Meier survival analysis. Compared with baseline, horses treated with LDLB and HDLB had improvements in MNT and lameness (P < .001). In the LDLB group, the median duration of analgesia was 4.5 hours (range = 3-6 hours) and the median return to lameness was 7 hours (range = 4-24 hours). In the HDLB group, the median duration of analgesia was 12 hours (range = 4-48 hours) and the median return to lameness was 9 hours (range = 3-48 hours). Mild to moderate swelling was identified in 11/12 (92%) LB limbs. Both LDLB and HDLB resulted in loss of skin sensation and improvement of lameness. There was high variability among horses in duration of action for both doses.

Comparison of Computed Tomography Assisted 3D Cephalometric Measurements in Straight Egyptian Arabian and Thoroughbred Horses.

Dental malocclusions are commonly encountered in horses. The objective of this study was to report the normal cephalometric values from skull computed tomography (CT) scans of adult Straight Egyptian Arabian (SEAR) and thoroughbred (TB) horses and to compare differences in the measurements between the two breeds. Standing skull CTs were performed on 29 clinically normal adult horses (15 SEAR; 14 TB) and cephalometric measurements were taken. All 9 cephalometric measurements, as well as the interincisal angle, were found to be significantly greater in TB than SEAR (P < 0.05). TB were found to have significantly greater facial line: mandibular length (FL/ML) ratios compared to SEAR (P = 0.002) whereas for the maxillary cheek teeth length: ethmoidal line ratio (Mxa/EtL), SEAR were found to have significantly greater values than TB (P = 0.0007). SEAR cephalometric measurements, as well as certain ratios, differ significantly from TB and could have an impact on the development of dental malocclusions in this breed. Further investigation is needed to ascertain whether these cephalometric differences between the two breeds predispose the SEAR to the development of dental malocclusions.

Molecular and Cellular Evaluation of Horses With Summer Pasture Associated Asthma Syndrome

Equine asthma is an airway disease that affects a large number of horses annually leading to considerable economic losses in the horse industry. Despite advances in research in this area, there is still a lack of information on its etiology and molecular characterization in pasture associated asthma. The objective of the current study was to characterize the inflammatory disease of lower airways in horses maintained on pasture through cytologic and immunologic profile during the summer in a tropical environment by analysis of the gene expression of Th1 cytokines (IFN- λ, IL-8), Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α) in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in healthy and asthma horses on pasture. A group 39 of clinically healthy horses maintained on native pasture and supplemented with concentrate was evaluated by BAL analyzed for differential cellular count and assigned into a control and an asthma group. The gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was analyzed in the BAL by reverse time PCR (RT-PCR) (IL-1α (alpha), IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, TNF-α alpha and IFN-λ), using β-actin as housekeeping gene. Higher gene expression of IL-1, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IFN-λ in the BAL of asthma horses was found. Current results indicate an increase in Th2, characterizing an allergic inflammatory reaction due to the significant increase in IL-5 in asthmatic horses (10.3 ± 1.13), when compared to the values ​​obtained in normal horses (3.27 ± 0.46). The only down regulated cytokine in the asthma group was TNF-α, suggesting a chronic antigenic reaction.

Comparison of the Effects of 0.1% Fluorometholone and 1% Prednisolone on Intraocular Pressure and Schirmer Tear Test in Equine Eye.

This research was performed to compare the effects of prednisolone and fluorometholone on intraocular pressure (IOP) and Schirmer tear test (STT) in the normal equine eye. Sixteen normal mares aged between 6 and 10 years were used for this study. Horses were randomly assigned to two groups. Eight horses in the first group received 0.2 mL of topical 1% prednisolone in one eye and the contralateral eye was used as control (0.2 mL of saline was instilled). The second group received 0.2 mL of 0.1% fluorometholone in a randomly selected eye and the contralateral eye served as control and received 0.2 mL of saline. STT values and IOP were determined using STT strips and rebound, respectively, at the baseline, and 30-, 60-, 90-, and 180-minutes post eyedrop instillation. Mean (SD) IOPs at the baseline in the treated eyes of the first and second groups were 28.5 (5.4) and 27.5 (4.9) mm Hg, respectively. STT values at the baseline in the treated eyes of the first and second groups were 26.0 (1.8) mm/min and 24.0 (4.0) mm/min, respectively. Neither prednisolone nor fluorometholone caused significant changes in the IOP during 3 hours of monitoring (P > .05). There were no significant differences in the mean levels of STT in the control and treatment eyes, either between groups or within each group (P > .05). In conclusion, one dose (0.2 mL) of 1% prednisolone or 0.1% fluorometholone after 3 hours did not alter the IOP and STT in healthy horses. Further research for a longer period on normal horses and horses with uveitis is warranted.

Effects of Bit Chewing on Gastric Emptying, Small Intestinal Transit, and Orocecal Transit Times in Clinically Normal Horses.

Ileus is a common life-threatening problem in horses, and currently available treatments may be ineffective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether bit chewing, a form of sham feeding, decreases the gastric emptying time (GET), small intestinal transit time (SITT), and total orocecal transit time (OCTT) in clinically normal horses in a prospective crossover study. Nine healthy horses were acclimated and fed a standardized diet. Following 24 h of fasting, self-contained video endoscopy capsules and acetaminophen were administered into the stomach via a nasogastric tube. Each horse underwent experimental (bit chewing for 20 min every 6 h) or control (no bit chewing) conditions, with a 3-week minimum washout period between conditions. The horses were enrolled in either part of the study until all video capsules were retrieved and/or 30 days lapsed. The video capsules were recovered from manure, and GET, SITT, and OCTT were determined from a video analysis. Bit chewing significantly decreased OCTT (p = 0.015) compared to the control conditions. Bit chewing decreased GET and SITT, but the differences were not significant. The mean (median) times determined via the video capsule analysis for the bit-chewing conditions were as follows: GET, 2.34 h (2.86 h); SITT, 3.22 h (3.65 h); and OCTT, 5.13 h (6.15 h), and for the control conditions, they were as follows: GET, 3.93 h (5 h); SITT, 3.79 h (4.4 h); and OCTT, 8.02 h (9.92 h). Bit chewing decreased OCTT in healthy horses. Because this segment of the gastrointestinal tract is frequently affected by ileus, bit chewing may be a safe and inexpensive intervention for that condition in horses. Further investigation in clinical patients with ileus is warranted.

Longitudinal evaluation of fentanyl concentrations in equine plasma and synovial fluid following application of transdermal fentanyl patches over one carpal joint.

To determine if transdermally delivered fentanyl can achieve greater concentrations of fentanyl in synovial fluid when applied over a synovial structure. Randomized, experimental study. Six healthy adult horses. Each horse had two 100 μg/h fentanyl matrix patches applied on the dorsal aspect of one, randomly assigned, carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) for 48 h. Whole blood and bilateral synovial samples from the intercarpal joint were obtained at 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. Fentanyl concentrations were measured with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. All subjects achieved detectable concentrations of fentanyl in both plasma and synovial fluid. Time to peak synovial and plasma concentration was 12 h. At 6 h, the synovial concentration in the untreated carpus (0.104 ng/mL ± 0.106) was lower than plasma fentanyl concentrations 0.31 ± 0.27 (p = .036). At 12 h, both treated (0.55 ng/mL ± 0.3) and untreated (0.53 ng/mL ± 0.28) synovial fluid fentanyl concentrations were lower than plasma (0.87 ng/mL ± 0.48) concentrations (p < .001 and p = .001, respectively). Synovial concentrations of fentanyl did not differbetween treated and untreated joints (p > 0.608 for all time points). Application of fentanyl matrix patches directly over the CMCJ did not result in increased fentanyl concentrations in the synovial fluid of the treated intercarpal joint in normal horses. There is likely no analgesic advantage to placing fentanyl patches directly over the affected joint, as it did not result in increased synovial concentrations at the tested site.

Knowledge and Perceptions on recognizing Colic among Horse Handlers’ in Nigeria

Colic is one of the most common medical problems that horse handlers or owners encounter, and also one of the most prevalent emergency conditions of veterinarians concern. The capacity of a handler or owner to recognize colic and seek help is a crucial step in determining the outcome of a case. The purpose of this study was to evaluate horse handlers' knowledge and opinions on recognizing colic. Structured open and close ended questionnaires were used to obtain information from 77 participants. Information on demographic, understanding and recognition of the normal horse, understanding and recognition of colic in the horse, personal experiences with colic and sources of information on colic were obtained. Free text box was also provided. Descriptive statistics and Chi square were the analytic methods used. Most horse handlers did not know or gave erroneous values for their horse's normal clinical parameters. Only 5% (n= 4/77), 12% (n=9/77) and 3% (n=2/77) of participants gave answers that fell within the reference range values for heart rate, rectal temperature and respiratory rate respectively. There was a significant association between knowledge of normal heart rate (P&lt;0.05), respiratory rate (P&lt;0.05) and rectal temperature (P&lt;0.05), and participants level of education. Most horse handlers indicated they would check fecal output (90%; n = 70/77) and appetite (88%; n = 68/77) if they felt their horse had colic. Also, majority of the respondents said unless colic signs were severe and continuous, they would not call a veterinarian and prefer to ask other handlers or use their personal experience to get information on colic. In conclusion, horse handlers have a poor understanding of colic, with misunderstandings and gaps in their knowledge. Hence, the need for trainings and educational programmes are recommended for horse handlers to assist them in making decisions.