Time In Horses Research Articles

Preemptive Analgesia, Including Morphine, Does Not Affect Recovery Quality and Times in Either Pain-Free Horses or Horses Undergoing Orchiectomy

Recovery quality and times from general anesthesia in horses may be influenced by surgery, analgesia with morphine or combinations of both. Twenty-three adult healthy horses were enrolled in this prospective experimental trial in a clinical setting and were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: anesthesia only (GA; n = 6), preemptive analgesia and anesthesia (GAA; n = 5), anesthesia and castration (GC; n = 6), or preemptive analgesia, anesthesia, castration, and intraoperative local analgesia (GCA; n = 6). All horses were sedated with intramuscular (IM) xylazine (0.5 mg/kg). Anesthesia was induced with intravenous (IV) guaifenesin (100 mg/kg) and thiopental (5 mg/kg) and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Animals in groups with preemptive analgesia received IM morphine (0.2 mg/kg) and dipyrone (10 mg/kg) and IV flunixin meglumine (1.0 mg/kg) immediately before sedation. Recoveries from general anesthesia were rope-assisted. Recovery scores (from 8 [excellent recovery] to 70 [worst recovery]) and times were compared between groups, using a one-way analysis of variance followed by a Tukey's test (P < .05). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) and range recovery scores were 22 ± 14 (8–45), 9 ± 2 (8–12), 14 ± 5 (8–22), and 12 ± 1 (10–13) in groups GA, GAA, GC, and GCA, respectively. Mean ± SD times to stand in minutes were 21 ± 10, 18 ± 7, 33 ± 12, and 35 ± 21 in groups GA, GAA, GC and GCA, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found for any of the variables. Neither preoperative administration of analgesics, including morphine, nor castration interfered with the recovery qualities and times in horses undergoing general anesthesia. Preemptive morphine did not worsen anesthetic recovery quality in horses.

Interstitial glucose concentrations over time in horses fed sweet feed or a low-moisture, molasses-based block supplement

ABSTRACT This preliminary study compares the effects of a twice-daily meal of sweet feed (SF) to a free-choice molasses-based block (BL) on interstitial glucose patterns in horses. Six geldings were equipped with continuous glucose monitoring systems and used in a crossover design over two 6-d periods. Diets consisted of free-choice prairie hay with either SF fed twice daily or free-choice access to a BL. Total intake was not different, with 10.6 kg of DM for horses on both dietary treatments (P > 0.05). A novelty effect was observed where horses consumed more BL in the first 12 h of exposure than during any remaining time period. Mean interstitial glucose concentration was 3.55 ± 0.15 and 4.18 ± 0.13 mM for horses consuming SF and BL, respectively (P = 0.44). Horses consuming SF had an initial glucose response that ranged from immediate to 2 h, and there was a second significant glucose response in 1 to 2 horses per time period that ranged from 2 to 4 h after feeding. The amount of BL consumed was significantly positively correlated with glucose response in 3 of 4 horses over multiple time periods (P ≤ 0.05). The maximum correlation between BL consumed and glucose response was r = 0.25 for 2 horses and r = 0.42 for the third horse. Patterns of postprandial glucose response varied from an immediate effect, to a delay of 15 min, to a delay of 4.5 h (P ≤ 0.05). Glucose responses were similar between treatments, although variability among horses was noted in quantity of BL consumed as well as timing and magnitude of glucose responses.

Efficacy of a Combination of Apolectol, Live Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae [CNCM I-1077]), and Magnesium Hydroxide in the Management of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in Thoroughbred Racehorses: A Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

To date, prevention of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) has relied on management changes or pharmaceutical agents. The identification of an alternative means of prevention would be useful. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the combination of Apolectol, a live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae [CNCM I-1077]), and magnesium hydroxide for the prevention of development of, or exacerbation of existing, EGUS in Thoroughbred racehorses. Twenty-four Thoroughbred racehorses without significant gastric ulceration (grade, ≤2 of 4) were identified on gastroscopy. Treated horses received 95 g Apolectol, 2 g S. cerevisiae, and 20 g magnesium hydroxide 1–4 hours before exercise. Control horses received 95 g of a feed pellet as a placebo. Gastroscopy was repeated at 24–27 days. There was no change in squamous (P = .45) or glandular (P = 1.0) ulcer grade over time in horses in the treatment group. In the placebo group, ulcer grade increased in both the squamous (P = .04) and glandular (P = .19) mucosa but only reached significance in the squamous mucosa group. Worsening of the ulcer grade was more likely in the placebo group in the glandular (P = .04) but not in squamous (P = .10) mucosa. The combination studied may be an effective prophylactic against EGUS development or exacerbation.

Comparison of heart rate and heart rate variability obtained by heart rate monitors and simultaneously recorded electrocardiogram signals in nonexercising horses

Abstract Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) are often determined with Polar heart rate monitors (HRMs; S810i; Polar, Kempele, Finland). The aims of this study were to compare data from horses obtained by Polar HRMs and a portable Televet electrocardiogram (ECG; 100 version 4.2.3; Kruuse, Marslev, Denmark) device and to determine appropriate recording times in horses (n=14). Correlations were calculated and a Bland-Altman analysis was carried out to examine agreement between recording systems. For beat-to-beat (RR) interval, uncorrected and corrected data were highly correlated irrespective of the recording system and recording time ( r >0.99, P P r >0.9, P

Digestibilidade e tempo de retenção dos grãos de sorgo processados durante a ensilagem em equinos

Objetivou-se determinar em equinos a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e o tempo médio de retenção dos grãos de sorgo de baixo e alto teores de tanino submetidos na ensilagem a dois processamentos, prensagem e moagem. Foram utilizados quatro cavalos castrados sem raça definida delineados em blocos casualizados, resultando em quatro repetições por tratamento. Os tratamentos consistiram de silagens de grãos úmidos de sorgo de baixo tanino e alto teor de tanino submetidos a dois tipos de processamentos, prensagem e moagem, arranjados em esquema fatorial 2x2 (2 genótipos de sorgo e 2 processamentos na ensilagem). Observaram-se diferenças significativas entre as silagens com baixo e alto teor de tanino, bem como dos processamentos na ensilagem, no qual os melhores resultados obtidos foram para a silagem de grãos úmidos de sorgo de baixo tanino moída, com os valores para CDMS, CDMO, CDEB, CDPB e CDAmido, de 83,82; 83,91; 85,17; 86,56 e 84,72%, respectivamente. Ainda, não se identificou efeito significativo entre os grãos estudados, bem como dos processamentos, sobre o tempo médio de retenção, com média de 17,5h. Concluiu-se que a moagem dos grãos de sorgo na ensilagem aumenta a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. O tempo médio de retenção em equinos apresentou-se similar entre os grãos de sorgo ensilados sob a forma prensada e moída.

Evaluation of risk factors, including fluconazole administration, for prolonged anesthetic recovery times in horses undergoing general anesthesia for ocular surgery: 81 cases (2006–2013)

OBJECTIVE--To determine risk factors for prolonged anesthetic recovery time in horses that underwent general anesthesia for ocular surgery. DESIGN--Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS--81 horses that underwent general anesthesia for ocular surgery between 2006 and 2013. PROCEDURES--Descriptive information recorded included the ocular procedure performed, concurrent fluconazole treatments, analgesic and anesthetic agents administered, procedure duration, use of sedation for recovery, and recovery time. Data were analyzed for associations between recovery time and other variables. RESULTS--81 horses met inclusion criteria. In 72 horses, anesthesia was induced with ketamine and midazolam; 16 horses treated concurrently with fluconazole had significantly longer mean recovery time (109 minutes [95% confidence interval {CI}, 94 to 124 minutes]) than did 56 horses that were not treated with fluconazole (50 minutes [95% CI, 44 to 55 minutes]). In 9 horses anesthetized with a protocol that included ketamine but did not include midazolam, there was no difference between mean recovery time in horses that either received (59 minutes [95% CI, 36 to 81 minutes]; n = 5) or did not receive (42 minutes [95% CI, 16 to 68 minutes]; 4) fluconazole. Other variables identified as risk factors for prolonged recovery included duration of anesthesia and use of acepromazine for premedication. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE--Fluconazole administration was associated with prolonged anesthetic recovery time in horses when ketamine and midazolam were used to induce anesthesia for ocular surgery. Duration of anesthesia and premedication with acepromazine were also identified as risk factors for prolonged recovery time.

Laser Surgery as A Sole Treatment of Histologically Confirmed Equine Sarcoids: Outcome and Risk Factors for Recurrence

AimsTo evaluate laser surgery as a sole treatment for sarcoid resection; and determine risk factors for recurrence.MethodsHorses included had diode laser surgery to remove ≥1 sarcoid. No previous/concurrent veterinary treatment was administered. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology in all cases. Clinical data were retrieved from the hospital database. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire.ResultsFollow‐up data are currently available for 290 sarcoids, in 73 horses, over 177 horse‐years. Overall recurrence rate was 1.31 sarcoids per 10 horse‐years (95% CI 0.80–2.02). For horses with 1–5 sarcoids, recurrence rate was 0.95 sarcoids per 10 horse‐years (95% CI 0.52–1.62). For each additional sarcoid removed, that horse was 1.24 (odds ratio) as likely to have at least one sarcoid recur (95% CI 1.03–1.50; P&lt;0.001). Initial univariable analyses on this preliminary dataset revealed no risk associated with age, breed, sarcoid location (grouped as lower limb; upper limb/ventral abdomen; body; head and neck), sarcoid size or month of removal (all P&gt;0.05). Horses with mixed‐type sarcoids were more likely to have recurrence than horses with sarcoids of other types (P = 0.007). Time‐to‐recurrence (mean 7.6 months, 99% CI 3.2–11.9) was significantly shorter than follow‐up time for horses without recurrence (mean 30.0 months, 99% CI 19.8–32.1; P&lt;0.001).ConclusionsIf a horse has 5 or less sarcoids removed by laser surgery alone, recurrence will occur in &lt;1 horse every 10 horse‐years. Risk factors for recurrence include number of sarcoids and mixed‐type sarcoid. Recurrence is most likely within 12 months of original surgery. Full time‐to‐event regression analysis is intended.Practical significanceThese preliminary findings indicate laser removal of sarcoids as a sole treatment method carries a high success rate. These results provide evidence‐based support for decision making in equine practice, where sarcoids are the most commonly encountered skin tumour.Ethical animal researchNot required by this Congress: retrospective clinical study. Sources of funding: Polly Compston is supported by the Margaret Giffen Trust. Competing interests: None.

Effects of added chelated trace minerals, organic selenium, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract in horses. Part I: Blood nutrient concentration and digestibility1

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that feed additives such as chelated minerals, organic Se, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract would improve nutrient digestibility when included in an equine diet. Horses (Quarter Horse geldings 4.5 to 16 yr of age; mean BW 522 kg ± 46 kg) were acclimated to 100% pelleted diets formulated with (ADD) and without (CTRL) commercially available sources of the aforementioned additives followed by a 14-d collection period of feces and urine. Chelated sources of Cu, Zn, Mn and Co were utilized versus sulfated forms, at a 100% replacement rate. No significant differences among apparent the digestibility of DM, ADF, or NDF (P= 0.665, P = 0.866, P = 0.747, respectively) were detected between dietary treatments. Likewise, no differences in apparent digestibility of Cu (P = 0.724), Zn (P = 0.256), Mn (P = 0.888), Co (P = 0.71), or Se (P = 0.588) were observed. No differences were observed in serum Cu, Mn, or Co concentrations between ADD and CTRL at acclimation or collection time points (P > 0.05). While no difference in serum Zn concentrations were observed between ADD and CTRL groups at acclimation (P > 0.05), they were statistically higher at the collection time period for horses consuming CTRL (P < 0.0001). Whole blood Se concentration was greater in the CTRL group versus the ADD group both at acclimation (P = 0.041) and collection (P = 0.005) time periods. In reference to time, serum Cu concentrations increased (P = 0.012) for animals consuming CTRL, but not ADD (P > 0.05). Serum Zn concentrations of horses consuming both ADD (P = 0.021) and CTRL (P < 0.0001) increased over time from acclimation to collection time points. No time differences (P > 0.05) were observed in serum Mn concentrations. Serum Co concentrations increased over time in horses consuming both ADD (P = 0.001) and CTRL (P = 0.021). From acclimation to collection, whole blood Se concentration increased for horses consuming CTRL (P = 0.01) but not for ADD (P > 0.05). The results of this study indicate no effect on nutrient digestibility due to the inclusion of chelated minerals, organic Se, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract for horses at maintenance.

A Bayesian approach for estimating detection times in horses: exploring the pharmacokinetics of a urinary acepromazine metabolite

We describe the population pharmacokinetics of an acepromazine (ACP) metabolite (2-(1-hydroxyethyl)promazine) (HEPS) in horses for the estimation of likely detection times in plasma and urine. ACP (30 mg) was administered to 12 horses, and blood and urine samples were taken at frequent intervals for chemical analysis. A bayesian hierarchical model was fitted to describe concentration-time data and cumulative urine amounts for HEPS. The metabolite HEPS was modelled separately from the parent ACP as the half-life of the parent was considerably less than that of the metabolite. The clearance (Cl/F(PM)) and volume of distribution (V/F(PM)), scaled by the fraction of parent converted to metabolite, were estimated as 769 L/h and 6874 L, respectively. For a typical horse in the study, after receiving 30 mg of ACP, the upper limit of the detection time was 35 h in plasma and 100 h in urine, assuming an arbitrary limit of detection of 1 lg/L and a small (≈0.01) probability of detection. The model derived allowed the probability of detection to be estimated at the population level. This analysis was conducted on data collected from only 12 horses, but we assume that this is representative of the wider population.

Survival of horses following strangulating large colon volvulus

The pattern of long-term survival and specific factors associated with long-term survival have not previously been evaluated in horses with a strangulating large colon volvulus (LCV). To provide data on the long-term survival of horses with LCV and to identify pre-, intra- and post operative variables associated with survival. Clinical data and long-term follow-up information were obtained from 116 horses with a strangulating LCV (≥360°) undergoing general anaesthesia. Two multivariable Cox proportional hazards models for post operative survival time were developed: Model 1 included all horses and evaluated preoperative variables and Model 2 included horses that survived anaesthesia and evaluated pre-, intra- and post operative variables. The study population comprised 116 horses. Eighty-nine (76.7%) survived general anaesthesia. Of these, the percentage that survived until discharge, to one year and to 2 years was 70.7%, 48.3% and 33.7%, respectively. Median survival time for horses that survived general anaesthesia was 365 days. In Model 1 increased preoperative packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly associated with reduced post operative survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.11). However, this effect changed over time. In Model 2 abnormal serosal colour intraoperatively (HR 3.61, 95% CI 1.55-8.44), increased heart rate at 48 h post surgery (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06), and colic during post operative hospitalisation (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.00-6.95), were all significantly associated with reduced post operative survival. Survival time in horses with a LCV was associated with preoperative PCV, serosal colour, heart rate at 48 h post operatively and colic during post operative hospitalisation. This study provides evidence-based information on the long-term survival of horses with LCV and identifies parameters that may assist decision-making by clinicians and owners.

Effect of nitric oxide enzyme (NOS) inhibition and effect of nitric oxide (NO) scavenger on motility patterns and hyperactivated population of cryopreserved equine sperm

collected from10 stallions, aged from10 to 23 years. Seminal plasma was removed by centrifugation and spermatozoa were washed by two successive centrifugations in Tyrode extender. Analysis was performed by immunocytochemistry, western-blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry with MC-20 (ESR1), H-150 (ESR2) antibodies. GPER identification in equine species was confirmed by RT-PCR and sequencing. Both estrogen receptors ESR1 and ESR2 are present in stallion spermatozoa. For ESR1, western-blot analysis shows a single 66kDa band corresponding to the wild-type isoform; immunofluorescence analysis showed a flagellar staining. For ESR2, western-blot analysis shows a single 61 kDa band, corresponding to themolecularweight described for the wild type form of this receptor and confocal analysis demonstrated also a flagellar localization. The rate of spermatozoa positive for the detection of both of these receptors was analyzed by flow cytometry. 98% of spermatozoa were positive for ESR1 and 94% positive for ESR2 in samples from 3 stallions collected in April. The estrogen transmembrane receptor, GPERwas also identified. Genome from Equus Caballus contains a GPER-like gene but identification and expression of this gene in horses has not been reported so far. We proceeded to extract RNA from a colt testis and spermatozoa from 3 stallions and with primers designed from the DNA sequence, RT-PCR amplification was performed. The products were sequenced and allowed to describe the expression of GPER in the equine species for the first time. In conclusion, the presence of estrogen receptors in stallion spermatozoa was demonstrated suggesting that sperm are a putative estrogen target. Moreover, GPER was described for the first time in horses. This is opening new possibilities to study estradiol action in male as well as in female reproduction.

Effects of hypercapnic hyperpnea on recovery from isoflurane or sevoflurane anesthesia in horses

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that hypercapnic hyperpnea produced using endotracheal insufflation with 5–10% CO2 in oxygen could be used to shorten anesthetic recovery time in horses, and that recovery from sevoflurane would be faster than from isoflurane. Study designRandomized crossover study design. AnimalsEight healthy adult horses. MethodsAfter 2 hours’ administration of constant 1.2 times MAC isoflurane or sevoflurane, horses were disconnected from the anesthetic circuit and administered 0, 5, or 10% CO2 in balance O2 via endotracheal tube insufflation. End-tidal gas samples were collected to measure anesthetic washout kinetics, and arterial and venous blood samples were collected to measure respiratory gas partial pressures. Horses recovered in padded stalls without assistance, and each recovery was videotaped and evaluated by reviewers who were blinded to the anesthetic agent and insufflation treatment used. ResultsCompared to isoflurane, sevoflurane caused greater hypoventilation and was associated with longer times until standing recovery. CO2 insufflation significantly decreased anesthetic recovery time compared to insufflation with O2 alone without significantly increasing PaCO2. Pharmacokinetic parameters during recovery from isoflurane with CO2 insufflation were statistically indistinguishable from sevoflurane recovery without CO2. Neither anesthetic agent nor insufflation treatment affected recovery quality from anesthesia. Conclusions and clinical relevanceHypercapnic hyperpnea decreases time to standing without influencing anesthetic recovery quality. Although the lower blood gas solubility of sevoflurane should favor a shorter recovery time compared to isoflurane, this advantage is negated by the greater respiratory depression from sevoflurane in horses.

Use of serial measurements of peritoneal fluid lactate concentration to identify strangulating intestinal lesions in referred horses with signs of colic

To determine the value of serial measurements of peritoneal fluid lactate concentration (PFL) for detecting strangulating intestinal lesions (SLs) in referred horses with signs of colic. Retrospective cohort study. 94 horses with signs of colic. Medical records of horses evaluated between September 2006 and February 2010 because of signs of colic were reviewed. All included horses had ≥ 2 peritoneal fluid samples collected, including one at admission and another within 1 to 6 hours after admission. Of the 94 horses, 26 were assigned to the SL group on the basis of findings at surgery or necropsy and 68 were assigned to the nonstrangulating intestinal lesion group because their signs of colic resolved with medical management. Peritoneal fluid lactate concentration was measured by use of a handheld lactate monitor. Data were analyzed by use of univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. PFL at admission > 4 mmol/L, an increase in PFL over time, and especially an increase in PFL over time in horses with a PFL < 4 mmol/L at admission (OR, 62; sensitivity, 95%; specificity, 77%) were significant predictors of horses with an SL. Serially determined PFL was a strong predictor for differentiating horses with SLs from horses with nonstrangulating intestinal lesions. Given the high OR, sensitivity, and specificity of these tests, serially determined PFL may have potential as a screening test for identifying horses with SLs. Further evaluation of the clinical value of PFL for predicting SLs in a prospective, multicenter study is warranted.

A Bayesian approach for estimating detection times in horses: exploring the pharmacokinetics of a urinary acepromazine metabolite

We describe the population pharmacokinetics of an acepromazine (ACP) metabolite (2-(1-hydroxyethyl)promazine) (HEPS) in horses for the estimation of likely detection times in plasma and urine. ACP (30 mg) was administered to 12 horses, and blood and urine samples were taken at frequent intervals for chemical analysis. A Bayesian hierarchical model was fitted to describe concentration–time data and cumulative urine amounts for HEPS. The metabolite HEPS was modelled separately from the parent ACP as the half-life of the parent was considerably less than that of the metabolite. The clearance (Cl/FPM) and volume of distribution (V/FPM), scaled by the fraction of parent converted to metabolite, were estimated as 769 L/h and 6874 L, respectively. For a typical horse in the study, after receiving 30 mg of ACP, the upper limit of the detection time was 35 h in plasma and 100 h in urine, assuming an arbitrary limit of detection of 1 lg/L and a small (≈0.01) probability of detection. The model derived allowed the probability of detection to be estimated at the population level. This analysis was conducted on data collected from only 12 horses, but we assume that this is representative of the wider population.

Trichinellosis, a Romanian Never-Ending Story. An Overview of Traditions, Culinary Customs, and Public Health Conditions

Over the years, pork was the most frequent source of human trichinellosis in Romania. Cases generally occurred in foci, family, and group clusters and were rarely aggregated in extensive outbreaks. A study regarding the social consequences of trichinellosis in humans concluded that 84.8% of the patients diagnosed with the condition required an average of 53 days of sick leave. Cardiac complications are the most frequent causes of significant health status impairment. "Pig's alms," a specific custom representing the thanksgiving meal offered to relatives, friends, or neighbors who participated in the slaughtering process may be a very good source of infection with Trichinella parasites, leading to unfortunate consequences, especially when animals are not veterinary tested. Beside pork, other concerns for acquiring the disease are represented by game meat and horsemeat, the latter was introduced in public consumption in 2001. Although in Romania Trichinella sp. infection was documented for the first time in horses in 1993, no consequent human cases were detected at that time. Numerous trichinellosis outbreaks involve individuals from the gipsy community, most of whom are very poor, illiterate, unemployed, and live in unsanitary conditions raising backyard pigs without any compliance with hygienic rules. Measures aimed at limiting the spread of the infection in humans and animals should be widely available to be known, understood, and adequately applied by the great mass of pig breeders, hunters, and consumers.

Critical tests evaluating efficacy of moxidectin against small strongyles in horses from a herd for which reduced activity had been found in field tests in Central Kentucky

Critical tests were performed in 2009 and 2010 in four 2-year-old horses naturally infected with internal parasites. The horses were from a herd (Farm MC) where reduced activity of ivermectin and moxidectin on small strongyles was demonstrated previously from EPG (eggs/gram of feces) data in field tests. Also, in critical tests in horses from the same herd, ivermectin was less effective on immature small strongyles in the lumen of the large intestine than when the drug was first marketed. The main interest in the present critical tests was to determine the efficacy of moxidectin (400 μg/kg) on small strongyles. This was done to try and find indications of why there has been a return of strongyle EPG counts sooner after treatment in field tests than when moxidectin was first commercially available. Removal of adult small strongyles for the four treated horses was >99% to 100%. Efficacy on immature (L(4)) small strongyles was 82%, 96%, 98%, and >99% for the individual horses. Identification of small strongyles recovered from two of the horses revealed that three genera and 11 species were present. Specimens of Cylicocyclus ashworthi are reported for the first time in horses in Kentucky although eggs of this species have been identified. Moxidectin, in the present study, was excellent on removing adult small strongyles but was less effective on immatures (L(4)) in the intestinal contents. The question as to why moxidectin efficacy on small strongyles has declined in field tests may have been answered at least to a certain extent. It seems that a significant factor is "quick development" of a few remaining immatures in the gut lumen of horses. Also, possible activity may have decreased on encysted stages in the large intestinal lining. In any event, after treatment of some horses with moxidectin, the life cycle of small strongyles is shorter now than at the onset of usage of this compound.

Effects of ginger and cranberry extracts on the physiological response to exercise and markers of inflammation in horses

This study hypothesized that ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) extracts would alter the physiological response to exercise as well as markers of muscle damage, and mRNA expression for the inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) after an exhaustive bout of exercise in horses. Nine unfit Standardbred mares (age 10 ± 4 years, ~450 kg) completed three graded exercise tests (GXTs) in a crossover design, where they were assigned to the initial order of treatment in a randomized fashion. The GXTs were conducted between 07.00 and 12.00 hours, 7 days apart. Mares received either water (2 l), cranberry (~30 g in 2 l of water) or ginger (~30 g in 2 l of water) extract 1 h prior to testing. Blood samples were taken prior to dosing (pre-exercise), at the end of each step of the GXT, at the end of the exercise and at 2, 5 and 30 min, 1, 2, 4 and 24 h post-GXT. Plasma total protein (TP) concentration and haematocrit (HCT) were analysed immediately following the tests. Analysis of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was done commercially. There was no effect of treatment (P>0.05) on VO2max, run-time to fatigue, core temperature, TP or HCT. CK was substantially elevated (P 0.05) was noted in AST. A slight increase (P 0.05) was seen on IL-6 mRNA expression. Results suggest that cranberry extract blunts the upregulation and expression of TNF-α mRNA, while ginger extract reduces cardiovascular recovery time in horses completing a short, exhaustive bout of exercise.

Multivariate analysis of factors associated with post-anesthetic times to standing in isoflurane-anesthetized horses: 381 cases

ObjectiveTo identify anesthesia-related variables which may independently predict time to standing in horses anesthetized with ketamine/diazepam/isoflurane. Study designRetrospective case series. AnimalsThree hundred and eighty-one horses. MethodsCase records were searched for the years 2000–2003 and 381 horses older than 12 months which weighed at least 200 kg were identified. Data were extracted from the records, and only horses that were anesthetized with xylazine, ketamine, diazepam and isoflurane were included in the analysis. Multiple linear regression was used to relate time to standing with demographic, intraoperative and anesthetic variables. ResultsMost (326; 86%) horses recovered unassisted and 55 (14%) were assisted in recovery. The model for unassisted recovery had an R2 of 0.228 with colic (p < 0.0001), anesthesia duration (p < 0.02), temperature nadir (p < 0.02) and duration of hypotension (p < 0.0001) being significant predictors of time to standing. The final model for predicting assisted recovery time had an R2 of 0.314 with emergency status (p < 0.0001), warm-blood breed (p < 0.04) and intraoperative administration of ketamine (p < 0.004) being the significant predictor. Conclusions and clinical relevanceVariables which could be impacted by the anesthetist which would result in a faster time to standing include duration of anesthesia, hypothermia and intraoperative hypotension. However, the contribution of anesthesia factors explained <23% of the variability in recovery time, suggesting that other, more important factors contribute to anesthesia recovery time in horses.

Adaptations to standard approaches for measuring total tract apparent digestibility and gastro-intestinal retention time in horses in training

Conventional methods to assess total tract apparent digestibility and total mean retention time (MRT) in horses are based on a total collection of faeces during 5 or 6 consecutive days. The objective of this study was to assess some adaptations to these methods when applied to athletic horses, in order to minimize disturbances in their management and training schedule. The impact of a reduction of the collection period on both total tract apparent digestibility coefficients and MRT was evaluated. The reliability of acid insoluble ash (AIA) and lignin(sa) as markers for digestibility measurements and of a partial collection for liquid and solid phase MRT measurements was also examined, in comparison with the results obtained from total faecal collection. Six Arabian horses in endurance training, fed 8.0 kg meadow hay and 5.2 kg pelleted feed daily, were used. The total tract apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom), acid detergent fibre (ADFom) and hemicelluloses was measured from a total collection and a partial collection of faeces using AIA and lignin(sa) as markers, for 3-, 4- and 5-day collection period. Total MRT of Cr-EDTA, Eu-labelled hay and Yb-labelled concentrate was calculated using two algebraic methods based on the quantity or the concentration of excreted markers, for 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days collection periods. The digestibility coefficients obtained with a total faecal collection were not affected when the collection period was reduced to 4 or 3 days, for DM, OM and the different fibre fractions of the diet. When lignin(sa) was used as a marker, reducing the sampling period to 3 days did not affect the digestibility coefficients of any of the constituents, and total tract apparent digestibility coefficients were under-estimated ( P<0.001) in comparison to those obtained by total faecal collection. When AIA was the marker, total tract apparent digestibility coefficients were lower ( P<0.05) with a 3-day collection period, than with 4- or 5-day period and the digestibility coefficients were over-estimated ( P<0.01) in comparison to those obtained by total faecal collection. A spot sampling faecal collection of faeces vs. a total faecal collection led to the same MRT values for both solid and liquid phases. A 1.5-day faecal collection led to the same MRT values as a 5-day faecal collection, whatever phase (liquid or solid) was considered. However, due to horses reactions to experimental conditions, a minimum faecal collection period of 3 days is recommended for assessing total MRT.

Gastro-intestinal parasites in yearlings of wild Polish primitive horses from the Popielno Forest Reserve, Poland

Abstract To evaluate the gastro-intestinal parasite fauna of the wild Polish primitive horses (Equus caballus gmelini Ant., forma silvatica Vet.), 11 yearlings captured in the Reserve according to the control rules of population dynamics were diagnostically dewormed with abamectin+praziquantel. Expelled parasites were collected from the faeces 24, 36 and 48 hours after treatment. Among a total of 4456 specimens (a mean 405.1 per horse) 27 nematode species, one cestode and one species of botfly larvae were recovered. Strongylids were 100 % prevalent and represented by 24 species (2 large strongylid and 22 cyathostome species). Five cyathostome species (Cylicodontophorus bicoronatus, C. insigne, Poteriostomum imparidentatum, Parapoteriostomum mettami and Gyalocephalus capitatus) were recorded for the first time in Polish primitive horses, whereas two species (Cyathostomum montgomeryi and Cylicostephanus bidentatus) were found for the first time in the horse in Poland. Oxyuris equi was found in 100 % and Parascaris equorum in 63.6 % of yearlings surveyed. Tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata) were revealed in 72.7 %, while Gasterophilus intestinalis instars in 90.9 % of horses. At least three parasite species were highly prevalent (i.e. S. vulgaris, A. perfoliata and G. intestinalis), which might be a reason of serious abdominal disorders in Polish horses living freely in the reserve.