Large or Food Animal and Equine Medicine Commons^™

Effects Of Acepromazine On Intraocular Pressure, Anterior Chamber Depth In Horses: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study, Abdelhaleem Elkasapy, Magdy Elgioushy, Mohamed Marzok, Sayed Elhawari, Adel Almubarak, Mohamed Rizk, Sabry El-Khodery, Adel Al-Akraa

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acepromazine on intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), cardiovascular and respiratory rates in horses. In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, twelve horses were equally allocated randomly into two groups: treatment and control (n = 6 each). Horses of the treatment group received 0.1 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of acepromazine intravenously, while those in the control group received 0.4 mL/100 kg bwt of 0.9% sodium chloride intravenously. IOP, ACD, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded before (T0) and then at T10, T20, T30, T40, T50, T60, T70, T80, and T120 min …

Public Perception Of Equine Rabies And Its Implications For Future Education And Preventative Strategies, Kya Walton

Honors College Theses

This study examined the rabies knowledge, vaccination, and risks of exposures of horse owners/overseers across the state of Kentucky. Research was conducted to determine the need for public health educators and veterinarians to inform the public on rabies. Survey results concluded that respondents' general knowledge of rabies transmission and mortality rate was respectable, but knowledge relating to equine vaccination was comparatively lower. A weak inverse relationship was observed between general rabies knowledge and concern over an individual’s horses contracting rabies. A weak positive correlation was determined when looking into general rabies knowledge and the likelihood of vaccinating an individual’s horses. …

Improving Health In Overweight Equines, Mikayla Joy, Karl Hoopes

All Current Publications

The primary treatments for overweight horses include diet modifications and incorporating exercise routines, with the most effective solution being a combination of both. There are special considerations and treatments for horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), which is prevalent in obese equines. This fact sheet provides information on determining body condition, managing nutrition, and incorporating exercise to improve a horse's health.

Evaluating Viability, Developmental Competence, And Chromatin Configurations Of Cryopreserved Equine Oocytes, Tricia Adams

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Assisted reproduction technology and the use of specialized laboratories have increased in the horse breeding industry over the last decade. This expansion has highlighted the inability to routinely cryopreserve oocytes and preserve female genetics. Oocyte vitrification, a cryopreservation process, continues to be characterized as an experimental procedure in horses. The goal of this dissertation was to evaluate the viability, developmental competence, and nuclear structures of cryopreserved equine oocytes to illuminate potential areas of improvement in the vitrification process. Oocytes were collected from abattoir derived ovaries and exposed to either varying lengths of in vitro maturation (IVM) or pretreated with a …

Preventing And Managing Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, Kylie Bell, Karl Hoopes

All Current Publications

Current industry trends regarding equine management practices largely contribute to the development of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Research on effective medical management exists; however, we lack studies on the efficacy of equine-welfare-minded solutions. This fact sheet reviews current literature, including diagnosing, treating, and preventing EGUS. It also provides a general overview of the natural equine, promoting a greater understanding of the connection between strategies to prevent and manage EGUS.

Pilot Study: Effects Of Whole Body Vibrational Therapy On Equine Epaxial Muscle Soreness, Riley Leibeck

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Whole body vibrational therapy (WBV) is well-studied in people, but there is a paucity of research of its effect on horses. It is suggested that WBV use in horses increases performance, aids in recovery, and stimulates nerves, bones, and muscles in ways that normal exercise does not. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if frequent WBV therapy sessions affect back soreness in horses using pressure algometry. Most sporthorses will experience back soreness in their careers, and it is regarded as one of the most common causes of poor performance in equine athletes. Five horses were measured for …

Equine Fecal Microbiota Response To Short Term Antibiotic Administration, Jordan Lacey Parker

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Though generally regarded as safe, research continues to demonstrate negative side effects of antibiotic administration on the gastrointestinal (GIT) microbiota across species. In horses, antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) is a life-threatening side effect linked to the GIT microbiota. This study tested the hypothesis that short term antibiotic administration to healthy horses would negatively impact the fecal microbiota as measured by their ability to digest nutrients and produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Twenty-four horses were assigned to one of four treatments: control (CO); potassium penicillin/gentamicin sulfate (KPG); ceftiofur crystalline free acid (EX); trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SMZ); and treated for 4 days. Fecal …

Equine Kinesiology Tape Application To Equine Hock Joints: Impact On Lameness And Movement Evaluation, Kiara Jones

Honors College Theses

Discomfort in the hocks of horses can cause lameness, resulting in poor performance. Diagnosis by veterinarians typically includes evaluating movement or use of ultrasound or radiography to evaluate tendons, ligaments, or bones. Treatment methods and times vary depending on diagnosis, but often include joint injections, medications, and stall rest. Treatments can be costly both financially and regarding time off from practice or competition. Alternative practices such as using equine kinesiology tape to support joints may improve comfort and movement for lower cost. The objective of this project was to evaluate the ease of use and effects of equine kinesiology tape …

Seroprevalence And Titer Concentration Testing For Leptospirosis In Equine, Ashley Himmelsbaugh

Honors College Theses

The most common best management practice used to combat diseases in horses is vaccination, which can decrease the incidence or severity of illness. However, the duration of immunity will vary for each vaccination and must be considered for revaccination purposes. Titer concentration, which evaluates antibodies in the blood, may be a helpful way of determining how long an animal has immunity to a disease. Leptospirosis, a zoonotic, bacterial disease, can result in uveitis, potentially leading to blindness, and abortion in mares. One serovar, Leptospirosis pomona (L. pomona), is associated with most cases of clinical disease in horses in North America. …

Ex Vivo Biomechanical Comparison Of A Novel Compression Screw Fastener And Traditional Ao Cortical Bone Screw For Fixation Of A Simulated Slab Fracture In The Equine Third Carpal Bone, Allison Salinger

Theses and Dissertations

Frontal plane slab fractures account for the majority of third carpal bone (C3) fractures in performance horses. Treatment is stabilization with an AO cortical screw. Complications are fragment splitting, fragment spinning, and irritation of dorsal soft tissue structures. A novel, headless, cannulated screw with interlocking threads (the Headless Compression Screw Fastener, HCSF) has been developed to resist multidirectional forces. Simulated C3 slab fractures were created in nine paired equine carpi. HCSF or AO cortical screws were loaded in shear to failure. Stiffness, maximum load to failure, and yield load was assessed in linear mixed models. No significant difference was detected …

Biomechanical Comparisons Of Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Techniques In The Horse, Lawrence Ivan M. Kadic

LSU Master's Theses

INTRODUCTION - Break down injuries resulting in the disruption of the suspensory apparatus, or the development of moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and/or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, are well documented reasons to perform a surgical arthrodesis in horses. The objective of this thesis was to compare the biomechanical characteristics of different arthrodesis techniques for the equine MCP joint.

MATERIALS AND METHODS - The first cadaveric study evaluated the biomechanical properties of two constructs with 5.5 mm broad 10-hole LCP alone or in combination with a 2.0 mm stainless-steel cable under cyclic fatigue testing and single cycle to failure …

The Effect Of Intra-Articular Corticosteroids On The Systemic Messenger Rna Response In An Equine Experimental Inflammation Model, Emma Elaine Partridge

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Intra-articular (IA) corticosteroids are regularly used in equine athletes for the control of joint inflammation. The goal of this study was to utilize an acute synovitis inflammation model to determine the residual effects of IA betamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide on various inflammatory parameters and lameness.

Five mixed-breed, 2-year-old horses were randomly allocated to an IA treatment of the radiocarpal joint with 9 mg of either betamethasone or triamcinolone acetonide. Two weeks following treatment, horses were injected with 1μg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) diluted in 1 mL of 0.9% sterile saline. Following LPS injection, horses were crossed-over and both sets of injections …

Estrogens Regulate Placental Angiogenesis In Horses, Shingo Haneda, Pouya Dini, Alejandro Esteller-Vico, Kirsten E. Scoggin, Edward L. Squires, Mats H. T. Troedsson, Peter Daels, Yasuo Nambo, Barry A. Ball

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

A sufficient vascular network within the feto-maternal interface is necessary for placental function. Several pregnancy abnormalities have been associated with abnormal vascular formations in the placenta. We hypothesized that growth and expansion of the placental vascular network in the equine (Equus caballus) placenta is regulated by estrogens (estrogen family hormones), a hormone with a high circulating concentration during equine gestation. Administration of letrozole, a potent and specific inhibitor of aromatase, during the first trimester (D30 to D118), decreased circulatory estrone sulfate concentrations, increased circulatory testosterone and androstenedione concentrations, and tended to reduce the weight of the fetus ( …

Embryo Development And Reproductive Parameters Of Aluteal Cycles In Mares, Chun Kuen Mak

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Progestagen is crucial for regulating early pregnancy in most mammalian species, including the horse. This dissertation research sought to elucidate the effect of endogenous and exogenous progestagens on the early development of equine embryos and to characterize reproductive parameters in the subsequent estrus using a prostaglandin F_2α-induced hypoluteal environment, namely the aluteal pregnancy model. The first chapter reviewed the life cycle of the corpus luteum and its progesterone secretory function in mares. The existing literature supports the notion that the early developing corpus luteum is responsive to prostaglandin F_2α, and complete luteolysis or prevention of luteal …

Potential Role Of Acetylation On Equine Sperm Capacitation, Luis H. De Aguiar

LSU Master's Theses

A series of biochemical and physical modifications in the sperm during the transport in the female reproductive tract that make the sperm capable of fertilization are called capacitation. It is an important process since ejaculated sperm is not capable of fertilizing an oocyte before capacitation. The sperm modifications during the capacitation process include changes in membrane fluidity, tyrosine phosphorylation, calcium influx, pH increase and hyperpolarization, leading the sperm to achieve hypermotility and the acrosome reaction, which are also required for conventional in vitrofertilization (IVF). In vitro production of embryos leading to viable offspring has been successful in different …

Transcriptomic Analysis Of Equine Chorioallantois Reveals Immune Networks And Molecular Mechanisms Involved In Nocardioform Placentitis, Hossam El-Sheikh Ali, Shavahn C. Loux, Laura Kennedy, Kirsten E. Scoggin, Pouya Dini, Carleigh E. Fedorka, Theodore S. Kalbfleisch, Alejandro Esteller-Vico, David W. Horohov, Erdal Erol, Craig N. Carter, Jackie L. Smith, Barry A. Ball

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Nocardioform placentitis (NP) continues to result in episodic outbreaks of abortion and preterm birth in mares and remains a poorly understood disease. The objective of this study was to characterize the transcriptome of the chorioallantois (CA) of mares with NP. The CA were collected from mares with confirmed NP based upon histopathology, microbiological culture and PCR for Amycolatopsis spp. Samples were collected from the margin of the NP lesion (NPL, n = 4) and grossly normal region (NPN, n = 4). Additionally, CA samples were collected from normal postpartum mares (Control; CRL, n = 4). Transcriptome analysis identified 2892 differentially …

Intrauterine Blood Plasma Platelet-Therapy Mitigates Persistent Breeding-Induced Endometritis, Reduces Uterine Infections, And Improves Embryo Recovery In Mares, Lorenzo G. T. M. Segabinazzi, Igor F. Canisso, Giorgia Podico, Lais L. Cunha, Guilherme Novello, Michael F. Rosser, Shavanh C. Loux, Fabio S. Lima, Marco A. Alvarenga

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Microorganisms, including pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria and fungi, may gain access to the uterus during breeding, and infectious endometritis plays a major role in equine subfertility. This study aimed to assess the post-breeding inflammatory response, endometrial culture, and embryo recovery of mares susceptible to persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE) treated with plasma-rich (PRP) or -poor (PPP) plasma. Mares (n = 12) susceptible to PBIE had three cycles randomly assigned to receive intrauterine infusions of lactate ringer solution (LRS, control), or autologous PRP or PPP pre- (−48 and −24 h) and post-breeding (6 and 24 h). Mares were bred with fresh …

The Pelvic Flexure Separates Distinct Microbial Communities In The Equine Hindgut, Kailee J. Reed, Isabelle G. Z. Kunz, Jessica A. Scare, Martin K. Nielsen, Philip J. Turk, Robert J. Coleman, Stephen J. Coleman

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

As hindgut fermenters, horses are especially dependent on the microbiota residing in their cecum and large intestines. Interactions between these microbial populations and the horse are critical for maintaining gut homeostasis, which supports proper digestion. The current project was motivated to determine if any features of the fecal microbiota are informative of the microbial communities from the cecum, ventral colon, or dorsal colon. Digesta from the cecum, ventral colon, dorsal colon and feces were collected from 6 yearling miniature horses. Microbial DNA was isolated and the microbiota from each sample was characterized by profiling the V4 region of the 16S …

The Effect Of Whole-Body Vibration On Thermographic Readings Of The Equine Back And Distal Forelimb, Megan Leclerc

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Modern horses are sophisticated athletes, which puts them at a high risk for injury. One therapy now being utilized is whole-body vibration. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of whole-body vibration on the distal forelimb and the back of the healthy horse using thermography.

Data were collected over a 30-day period. Test horses stood on the vibration plate (n=10) 3 days a week for 30-minute sessions with the plate vibrating at 30-40 Hz. The control horses (n=10) received no treatment during the study. Baseline thermographic images were taken for all horses, and post treatment images were …

Clinical Signs Associated With A Case Of Iatrogenic Poisoning By A Turpentine-Based Commercial Product In A 3-Day-Old Foal, Abelardo Morales Briceño, Hilal Al Mahrouqi, Abdallah Al Kayyoomi, Harmon Oliva, Kimberly Brewer, Thomas Tobin

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

The aim of this study is to report a case of iatrogenic poisoning by a turpentine-based commercial product in a 3-day-old foal and the successful treatment of this condition. A 3-day-old male foal presented with acute cardio-respiratory collapse, anaphylactic shock, severe respiratory distress, dyspnea and pulmonary edema. The animal’s history included previous administration of a commercial veterinary product (UNITIPAN). Clinical examination revealed: temperature: (39.9 °C), pulse: 135 bpm, respiration: 51 bpm, mucous membranes: moist and congested, capillary refill time: 3 sec or less. The foal was treated with emergency hydration, duphalyte, steroidal anti-inflammatory, atropine sulphate and antibiotic. After 6 h …

Host-Parasite Interaction In Horses: Mucosal Responses To Naturally Acquired Cyathostomin Infections And Anthelmintic Treatment, Ashley Elaine Steuer

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Cyathostomins are ubiquitous parasites in equids. In rare cases, cyathostomins lead to a generalized typhlocolitis and death. In healthy horses, local reactions are noted to the mucosal larvae; however, the mechanisms and importance of these reactions have not been elucidated. It has been hypothesized that anthelmintics can alter these reactions. Currently, three drug classes are approved for use in horses against cyathostomins; while all products target the adults, only two products are labeled as larvicidal. Adulticidal therapy is implicated in triggering the typhlocolitis, however, current evidence is contradictory. There is also conjecture that the larvicidal drugs can increase the risk …

Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Analysis Of The Equine Aortic Valve, Amber Mcelhinney

Honors Theses and Capstones

This research focused on 3D echocardiography of the aortic valve (AV) in horses. Aortic regurgitation (AR) can be a common finding in older horses, and in severe cases can result in decreased performance and even sudden cardiac death. Standard AR diagnosis includes 2D echocardiography from the right side of the horse. Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) records a pyramid of tissue, showing structures in the heart difficult to visualize in 2D methods, and can be more accurate as it does not rely as heavily on placement of the transducer. Nine images of normal AV’s were assessed, and still frames of anatomical structures …

Effects Of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction And Prascend® Treatment On Endocrine And Immune Function In Senior Horses, Ashton B. Miller

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is one of the most common endocrine diseases affecting senior horses. PPID causes abnormally high concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the plasma and a very distinct, long, shaggy haircoat (hypertrichosis). At present, the recommended treatment for PPID is daily oral administration of pergolide mesylate. Due to the increased ACTH levels associated with PPID, it is commonly thought that these horses are immunosuppressed and at increased risk of opportunistic infections, although current research in this area is sparse. Additionally, it is not well-understood how treatment with Prascend^® (pergolide tablets) affects endocrine measures other than …

Effects Of Benzyl Isothiocyanate And Papain On The Hatching And Migration Of Equine Cyathostomes, Jessie Kmietsch

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Cyathostomes are widespread and can affect horses of any life stage. Many common anthelmintics are no longer effective at treating cyathostomes due to parasitic resistance. The objective of this in vitrostudy was to use egg hatch and larval migration tests to determine if compounds found in papaya seeds (papain or benzyl isothiocyanate) reduce cyathostome egg hatching and migration. The experiments were conducted between August 2016 and March 2018. Cyathostome eggs were obtained from horse fecal samples. Egg hatch tests were performed by adding papain and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) to wells separately at different concentrations in triplicate. After incubation, the …

An Epidemiologic Study Of Antimicrobial Resistance Of Staphylococcus Species Isolated From Equine Samples Submitted To A Diagnostic Laboratory, Ronita Adams, Jackie Smith, Stephan Locke, Erica Phillips, Erdal Erol, Craig N. Carter, Agricola Odoi

Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Background

Antimicrobial resistance limits traditional treatment options and increases costs. It is therefore important to estimate the magnitude of the problem so as to provide empirical data to guide control efforts. The aim of this study was to investigate the burden and patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among equine Staphylococcus samples submitted to the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL) from 1993 to 2009. Retrospective data of 1711 equine Staphylococcus samples submitted to the UKVDL during the time period 1993 to 2009 were included in the study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, that included 16 drugs, were performed using cultures followed …

Detection Of Strongylus Vulgaris In Equine Faecal Samples By Real-Time Pcr And Larval Culture – Method Comparison And Occurrence Assessment, A. Kaspar, K. Pfister, Martin K. Nielsen, C. Silaghi, H. Fink, M. C. Scheuerle

Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Background: Strongylus vulgaris has become a rare parasite in Germany during the past 50 years due to the practice of frequent prophylactic anthelmintic therapy. To date, the emerging development of resistance in Cyathostominae and Parascaris spp. to numerous equine anthelmintics has changed deworming management and the frequency of anthelmintic usage. In this regard, reliable detection of parasitic infections, especially of the highly pathogenic S. vulgaris is essential. In the current study, two diagnostic methods for the detection of infections with S. vulgaris were compared and information on the occurrence of this parasite in German horses was gained. For this purpose, …

The Effect Of Whole Body Vibration On Equine Hoof Growth, Sharlee Lowe

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Equine foot pain can be a result of many conditions and disease processes, all of which lead to a loss of function in the horse. When the horse loads the foot, pressure applied to the frog translates to the digital cushion and lateral cartilages, compressing the blood vessels, perfusing the area, and circulating blood back up the leg; this constant flow of blood stimulates growth of the hoof wall. Whole body vibration plates are thought to result in rapid muscle contractions and subsequently, increased circulation through the foot. An increase in hoof growth could prove whole body vibration beneficial as …

Role Of Skeletal Paracrine Signals In The Proliferation And Chondrogenic Differentiation Of Interzone Cells, Parvathy Thampi

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Articular cartilage in mammals has a limited intrinsic capacity to repair structural injuries and defects, a fact that contributes to the chronic and progressive nature of osteoarthritis. Current treatment modalities do not enable articular cartilage to achieve a complete and permanent restoration of normal structure and function with large or partial thickness lesions. In contrast to mammals, Mexican axolotl salamanders (Ambystoma mexicanum) have demonstrated the remarkable ability to spontaneously and completely repair even large joint cartilage lesions, an intrinsic healing process that involves interzone cells in the intraarticular space. Further, when interzone tissue is transplanted into critical sized …

An Investigation Into Specific Seminal Plasma Proteins And Their Effect On The Innate Immune Response To Breeding In The Mare, Carleigh Elizabeth Fedorka

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

The mare experiences a transient innate immune response to breeding, the resolution of which is crucial for optimal fertility. The majority of mares are able to modulate this inflammation in a timely fashion, but a subpopulation exists which fail to do so and are considered susceptible to persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE). Seminal plasma has been shown to modulate aspects of this inflammation. Recently, two seminal plasma proteins have garnered interest for their immune modulating properties: cysteine-rich secretory protein-3 (CRISP-3) and lactoferrin. These proteins have been found to alter the binding between sperm and neutrophils based on sperm viability in vitro …

Development Of A Novel Ex Vivo Equine Corneal Model, Todd L. Marlo, Elizabeth A. Giuliano, Ajay Sharma, Rajiv R. Mohan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Objective

To develop an ex vivo equine corneal organ culture model. Specifically, to assess the equine cornea's extracellular matrix and cellularity after 7 days using two different culture techniques: either (i) immersion system or (ii) air/liquid interface system, to determine the best ex vivo equine corneal model.

Animals Studied

Fourteen healthy equine corneas of various breeds.

Procedures

Equine corneas with 2 mm of perilimbal sclera were freshly harvested from 7 horses undergoing humane euthanasia. One corneal–scleral ring (CSR) from each horse was randomly placed in the (i) immersion condition organ culture system (IC), with the contralateral CSR being placed in …