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ABSTRACT Seeking the improvement of equine sports medicine, the present work aimed to determine quantitative data from different bone structures. Therefore, the objective of this work was to quantify the thickness of the cortex in a comparative way to determine the bone densitometry and also the bone density of the bone trabeculae of the spongy substance of the radius, calcaneus, and metacarpal III bones of horses practicing equestrian enduro long-distance running tests. Six thoroughbred Arabian horses and long-distance competitors (120 and 160km) were evaluated for metacarpal III, calcaneus, and accessory carpal bone. Long bones have a different micro functional structure than short bones. The sites that received and dissipated energy varied in distal, proximal epiphysis, and diaphysis according to the bone. The calcaneus and accessory carpal bone had a lower transverse thickness of the compact substance and greater density of the same, this increase was related to the improvement of local resistance. The density of the spongy substance varied with different bones. Thus, it was concluded that stress directly influenced the quantity and quality of the compact and spongy substance.

Abstract Background Poor performance is a multifactorial syndrome of racehorses, commonly associated with subclinical disorders, which can be diagnosed by exercise testing. Objectives Describe the prevalence of medical causes of poor performance in Standardbreds unassociated with lameness, and evaluate their relationships with fitness variables measured by exercise treadmill test. Animals Hospital population of 259 nonlame Standardbred trotters referred for poor performance. Methods The horses' medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Horses underwent a diagnostic protocol including resting examination, plasma lactate concentration, treadmill test with continuous ECG and assessment of fitness variables, creatine kinase activity, treadmill endoscopy, postexercise tracheobronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and gastroscopy. The prevalence of different disorders was evaluated, including cardiac arrhythmias, exertional myopathies, dynamic upper airway obstructions (DUAOs), exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), moderate equine asthma (MEA), and gastric ulcers (EGUS). The associations of these disorders with fitness variables were investigated individually and using multivariable models. Results Moderate equine asthma and EGUS were the most common disorders, followed by EIPH, DUAOs, cardiac arrhythmias, and exertional myopathies. Hemosiderin score was positively correlated with BAL neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells; increased creatine kinase activity was associated with BAL neutrophilia, DUAOs, premature complexes, and squamous gastric disease. Treadmill velocity at a plasma lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L and at heart rate of 200 beats per minute was negatively affected by BAL neutrophilia, multiple DUAOs, exertional myopathies, and squamous gastric disease. Conclusions The multifactorial nature of poor performance was confirmed, with MEA, DUAOs, myopathies and EGUS representing the main diseases involved in fitness impairment.

Simple Summary: Many subclinical medical disorders are considered as possible causes of decreased performance in racehorses. The present study aims to evaluate the associations between different disorders diagnosed in 248 poorly performing Standardbreds and their racing outcomes in the periods of time around hospitalization and their lifetime careers. In particular, the effects of respiratory, cardiovascular, gastric, and muscular conditions on number of starts, wins, placings, and earnings were investigated. Inflammation of the lower airways was associated with worse racing results in the periods before and after hospitalization and with a shorter and less successful career, confirming its role in performance impairment. Other conditions negatively influencing short-term racing outcomes included dynamic obstructions of the upper airway and gastric ulcers, while the role of exertional rhabdomyolysis was not clear. Finally, exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and cardiac arrhythmias did not seem to affect Standardbred trotters' performance. Poor performance in racehorses is commonly associated with subclinical diseases. This study aims to evaluate the associations between medical disorders and racing results in Standardbred trotters. The clinical records of 248 poorly performing Standardbreds were retrospectively reviewed, and their racing results were extracted from an online database, concerning the periods 3 months before and 6 months after hospitalization and the entire lifetime. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the effects of different disorders on racing outcomes. Airway neutrophilia was associated with limiting lifetime starts and wins pre- and post-hospitalization, while mastocytosis was associated with less wins in the post-hospitalization period. Therefore, lower airway inflammation showed both short- and long-term impacts on racing performance. Severe upper airway obstructions and gastric ulcers showed associations with less placings in the post-discharge period but no long-term influence on performance. The significance of exertional rhabdomyolysis was indeterminable, yet interference with the number of starts in the post-discharge period was reported and associated with lower total career earnings. Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and cardiac arrhythmias were not associated with worse racing outcomes: therefore, their role in poor performance remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor performance is a multifactorial syndrome of racehorses, commonly associated with subclinical disorders, which can be diagnosed by exercise testing. Objectives: Describe the prevalence of medical causes of poor performance in Standardbreds unassociated with lameness, and evaluate their relationships with fitness variables measured by exercise treadmill test. Animals: Hospital population of 259 nonlame Standardbred trotters referred for poor performance. Methods: The horses' medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Horses underwent a diagnostic protocol including resting examination, plasma lactate concentration, treadmill test with continuous ECG and assessment of fitness variables, creatine kinase activity, treadmill endoscopy, postexercise tracheobronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and gastroscopy. The prevalence of different disorders was evaluated, including cardiac arrhythmias, exertional myopathies, dynamic upper airway obstructions (DUAOs), exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), moderate equine asthma (MEA), and gastric ulcers (EGUS). The associations of these disorders with fitness variables were investigated individually and using multivariable models. Results: Moderate equine asthma and EGUS were the most common disorders, followed by EIPH, DUAOs, cardiac arrhythmias, and exertional myopathies. Hemosiderin score was positively correlated with BAL neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells; increased creatine kinase activity was associated with BAL neutrophilia, DUAOs, premature complexes, and squamous gastric disease. Treadmill velocity at a plasma lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L and at heart rate of 200 beats per minute was negatively affected by BAL neutrophilia, multiple DUAOs, exertional myopathies, and squamous gastric disease. Conclusions: The multifactorial nature of poor performance was confirmed, with MEA, DUAOs, myopathies and EGUS representing the main diseases involved in fitness impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Among racehorses, mild–moderate equine asthma (MEA) represents the second most frequent cause of poor performance. Multiple authors have tried to identify the direct effects of tracheal mucus accumulation and the cytological profile of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on athletic capacity, obtaining contrasting results. The present retrospective study aims to investigate the associations between different signs of airway inflammation and a series of fitness parameters obtained through a standardized incremental treadmill test in a population of 116 poorly performing Standardbred racehorses. The possible relationships between treadmill parameters and endoscopic scores, BAL leukocyte populations, and bacterial cultures of tracheal wash were statistically evaluated. The percentage of neutrophils in the BAL was correlated with several fitness parameters, negatively affecting aerobic capacity; analogously, horses with neutrophilic or mixed MEA showed worse athletic capacity compared with those with eosinophilic–mastocytic MEA. These results suggest that lower airway neutrophilia negatively affects sports performance. Mild–moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a common respiratory disorder among racehorses, characterized by lower airway inflammation. Although it is generally agreed that MEA causes poor performance, contrasting results have been reported about the effects of tracheal mucus and the leukocyte populations of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on performance. This study aims to investigate the associations between airway inflammation and fitness parameters measured during an incremental treadmill test on Standardbred racehorses. For this purpose, the clinical records of 116 Standardbreds subjected to a diagnostic protocol for poor performance were retrospectively reviewed. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used to evaluate the relationships between endoscopic scores, BAL cytological results, and fitness parameters. Moreover, horses were divided into MEA and non-MEA groups and into neutrophilic, eosinophilic–mastocytic, and mixed MEA groups; fitness parameters were compared between groups. Neutrophils percentages were inversely correlated with the speed at a heart rate of 200 bpm, the speed and heart rate at a plasma lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L (VLa4 and HRLa4), and the maximal speed, while they were positively correlated with higher lactate concentrations. Moreover, significant differences were detected between different MEA subtypes concerning VLa4, HRLa4, and lactate concentrations. These results suggest that airway neutrophilic inflammation impairs athletic capacity in Standardbreds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor performance in racehorses is commonly associated with subclinical diseases. This study aims to evaluate the associations between medical disorders and racing results in Standardbred trotters. The clinical records of 248 poorly performing Standardbreds were retrospectively reviewed, and their racing results were extracted from an online database, concerning the periods 3 months before and 6 months after hospitalization and the entire lifetime. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the effects of different disorders on racing outcomes. Airway neutrophilia was associated with limiting lifetime starts and wins pre- and post-hospitalization, while mastocytosis was associated with less wins in the post-hospitalization period. Therefore, lower airway inflammation showed both short- and long-term impacts on racing performance. Severe upper airway obstructions and gastric ulcers showed associations with less placings in the post-discharge period but no long-term influence on performance. The significance of exertional rhabdomyolysis was indeterminable, yet interference with the number of starts in the post-discharge period was reported and associated with lower total career earnings. Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and cardiac arrhythmias were not associated with worse racing outcomes: therefore, their role in poor performance remains unclear.

IntroductionEquine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a highly prevalent disorder in horses, which can be classified, based on the localization of the lesions, as Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) or Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD). Although EGUS is recognized as a common cause of poor performance in racehorses, objective investigations about its relation with athletic capacity are lacking. Therefore, the present retrospective study aims to evaluate the associations between EGUS severity and some fitness parameters measured during an incremental treadmill test in Standardbred racehorses in training.MethodsWith this aim, data from 87 Standard bred racehorses which underwent a complete diagnostic evaluation for poor performance was reviewed. During gastroscopic examination, a 0-4 score was assigned to ESGD, while EGGD was evaluated for absence/presence; a total EGUS score was obtained by adding 1 point to ESGD score in horses showing concomitant EGGD. Fitness parameters obtained during incremental treadmill test included speed at a heart rate of 200 bpm (V200), speed and heart rate at a blood lactate of 4 mmol/L (VLa4, HRLa4), peak lactate, lactate and heart rate at 30 minutes post-exercise, maximum speed, minimum pH and maximum hematocrit. The associations between fitness parameters and EGUS and ESGD scores were evaluated by Spearman correlation, while Mann-Whitney test was used to compare them between horses with or without EGGD. Statistical significance was set at p

Simple Summary: Dynamic upper airway obstructions (DUAO) are a common cause of poor performance in racehorses, including different forms which vary in severity. Previous studies reported contrasting results concerning the contribution of abnormal pharyngo-laryngeal appearance and airway inflammation to the pathogenesis of DUAO. The present study aimed to evaluate possible associations between the development of DUAO and resting airway endoscopic findings, epiglottis size, airways inflammation and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). These relationships were statistically investigated retrospectively in 360 racehorses (Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds) with poor performance or abnormal respiratory noises. A flaccid appearance of the epiglottis was associated with the occurrence of the dorsal displacement of the soft palate, while no relationship was detected between DUAO and epiglottis length. Inflammation of the upper and lower airways was not related with the development of DUAO, nor were horses with DUAO more prone to experience EIPH. These results suggest that epiglottis may contribute to upper airway stability, while inflammation does not predispose horses to the onset of DUAO. Dynamic upper airway obstructions (DUAO) are common in racehorses, but their pathogenetic mechanisms have not been completely clarified yet. Multiple studies suggest that alterations of the pharyngo-laryngeal region visible at resting endoscopy may be predictive of the onset of DUAO, and the development of DUAO may be associated with pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (PLH), lower airway inflammation (LAI) and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). The present study aims to investigate the possible relationship between the findings of a complete resting evaluation of the upper and lower airways and DUAO. In this retrospective study, 360 racehorses (Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds) referred for poor performance or abnormal respiratory noises were enrolled and underwent a diagnostic protocol including resting and high-speed treadmill endoscopy, cytological examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and radiographic assessment of the epiglottis length. In this population, epiglottis flaccidity was associated with dorsal displacement of the soft palate, while no relationship was detected between DUAO and epiglottis length. No associations were detected between DUAO and PLH, LAI or EIPH. In conclusion, it is likely that epiglottis plays a role in upper airway stability, while airways inflammation does not seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of DUAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mild–moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a common respiratory disorder among racehorses, characterized by lower airway inflammation. Although it is generally agreed that MEA causes poor performance, contrasting results have been reported about the effects of tracheal mucus and the leukocyte populations of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on performance. This study aims to investigate the associations between airway inflammation and fitness parameters measured during an incremental treadmill test on Standardbred racehorses. For this purpose, the clinical records of 116 Standardbreds subjected to a diagnostic protocol for poor performance were retrospectively reviewed. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used to evaluate the relationships between endoscopic scores, BAL cytological results, and fitness parameters. Moreover, horses were divided into MEA and non-MEA groups and into neutrophilic, eosinophilic–mastocytic, and mixed MEA groups; fitness parameters were compared between groups. Neutrophils percentages were inversely correlated with the speed at a heart rate of 200 bpm, the speed and heart rate at a plasma lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L (VLa4 and HRLa4), and the maximal speed, while they were positively correlated with higher lactate concentrations. Moreover, significant differences were detected between different MEA subtypes concerning VLa4, HRLa4, and lactate concentrations. These results suggest that airway neutrophilic inflammation impairs athletic capacity in Standardbreds.

Dynamic upper airway obstructions (DUAO) are common in racehorses, but their pathogenetic mechanisms have not been completely clarified yet. Multiple studies suggest that alterations of the pharyngo-laryngeal region visible at resting endoscopy may be predictive of the onset of DUAO, and the development of DUAO may be associated with pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (PLH), lower airway inflammation (LAI) and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). The present study aims to investigate the possible relationship between the findings of a complete resting evaluation of the upper and lower airways and DUAO. In this retrospective study, 360 racehorses (Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds) referred for poor performance or abnormal respiratory noises were enrolled and underwent a diagnostic protocol including resting and high-speed treadmill endoscopy, cytological examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and radiographic assessment of the epiglottis length. In this population, epiglottis flaccidity was associated with dorsal displacement of the soft palate, while no relationship was detected between DUAO and epiglottis length. No associations were detected between DUAO and PLH, LAI or EIPH. In conclusion, it is likely that epiglottis plays a role in upper airway stability, while airways inflammation does not seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of DUAO.

Criollo horse breeding is an important economic activity in South America. Because of their athletic performance, these animals tend to show great incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, many of them diagnosed by means of perineural blocks. However, incorrect interpretation of these blocks may be due to anatomical differences in nerve distribution. The objective of this study was to describe the innervation of the digit region of thoracic limbs in Criollo horses, in order to improve the interpretation of tests for claudication diagnosis based on nerve block. Thirty thoracic limbs from Criollo horses were dissected. It could be observed that in 90% of the limbs, dorsal branches of the palmar nerve originated proximally to the proximal sesamoid bone. In 93% of the cases, the palmar digital nerve and the dorsal branches communicated; in 87% of the cases, communication between branches of the dorsal branch was observed; and in 27% (8/30) of the limbs, the palmar metacarpal nerve and the dorsal branch presented communications. None of the specimens showed complete symmetry in the distribution of nerves in contralateral limbs. The high frequency of communication between the nerves may be a particularity of the Criollo breed that may interfere with the interpretation of perineural blocks. Based on the anatomical position, it may be inferred that divergent results in Criollo horses may occur when abaxial sesamoid nerve block is used. Palmar digital nerve block may be less influenced by these variations, provided it is performed as distal as possible from the ungular cartilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Appropriate dosing with antimicrobial agents is critical for effective treatment and to prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance. Methods: A review was undertaken of equine journal articles (Equine Veterinary Journal, Equine Veterinary Education, Australian Veterinary Journal, Australian Equine Veterinarian, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Journal of Equine Veterinary Science) between January 2015 and August 2018. Those with dosing regimens for procaine penicillin G, gentamicin or trimethoprim‐sulfonamide in adult horses were examined and evaluated. Pharmacokinetics and ‐dynamics of these drugs were also reviewed. Results & Conclusion: The most frequently reported doses for penicillin, gentamicin and trimethoprim‐sulfonamide were 20–25,000 IU/kg, 6.6 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively. Veterinarians treating equine patients in Australia should be aware of the current recommended doses and inter‐dosing intervals to ensure efficacy in therapy and to preserve the usefulness of these antimicrobials for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor performance in racehorses is commonly associated with subclinical diseases. This study aims to evaluate the associations between medical disorders and racing results in Standardbred trotters. The clinical records of 248 poorly performing Standardbreds were retrospectively reviewed, and their racing results were extracted from an online database, concerning the periods 3 months before and 6 months after hospitalization and the entire lifetime. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the effects of different disorders on racing outcomes. Airway neutrophilia was associated with limiting lifetime starts and wins pre- and post-hospitalization, while mastocytosis was associated with less wins in the post-hospitalization period. Therefore, lower airway inflammation showed both short- and long-term impacts on racing performance. Severe upper airway obstructions and gastric ulcers showed associations with less placings in the post-discharge period but no long-term influence on performance. The significance of exertional rhabdomyolysis was indeterminable, yet interference with the number of starts in the post-discharge period was reported and associated with lower total career earnings. Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and cardiac arrhythmias were not associated with worse racing outcomes: therefore, their role in poor performance remains unclear.

In this paper, several finite element models of an equine stifle joint with varying meniscal properties and attachments are compared to understand the effects of meniscal attachment complexity and material property changes on bone stresses. We found that the complexity in the meniscal attachment is critical when evaluating tensile stresses in the bone. We also demonstrate that simplified material properties may be justified when the relationship between each material property and the desired output variables is well understood. The choice of the most efficient, and yet appropriate, meniscal modeling method depends on the goals of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Six weeks of conditioning on the lactate minimum speed did not induce hypervolemia. • Plasma volume remained more stable after lactate minimun speed-guided conditioning. • Na+ and plasma protein concentration did not change after 6 weeks of conditioning. During exercise, equines can suffer severe water and electrolyte imbalances depending on the intensity and duration. In this sense, conditioning aims to promote adaptations to the organism in order to maintain cardiovascular and thermoregulatory stability during exertion. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of conditioning guided by lactate minimum speed (LMS) test on the blood osmolality of horses. We hypothesized that after conditioning the blood osmolality would vary less during exercise and that LMS could be used in equine conditioning program. Ten Arabian horses were evaluated before (ET 1) and after (ET 2) 6 weeks of conditioning. The conditioning intensity was established from the LMS during ET 1. The blood was obtained at rest and during the ETs. An increase in LMS and a decrease in lactate were seen in individual horses; however, these differences were not significant at a group level. No change in blood osmolality was observed when comparing the ETs. The plasma volume remained unchanged in ET 2. The conditioning guided by LMS improved the animals' fitness, which was evidenced by the lower lactate production in ET 2. The fact that the osmolality kept unchanged proves the effectiveness of the osmotic blood balance during exercise, as its control involves the interaction of different systems. Body adaptations occurred with conditioning, providing greater homeostasis control since the plasma volume remained stable in ET 2. It was concluded that the LMS test can be used to define an effective equine conditioning program even though some adjustments are still necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) is a common disorder of equine athletes. The role of polymorphisms in genes encoding hemostasis-regulatory proteins in horses with abnormal hemorrhage is unknown. Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate the genes encoding 2 ectonucleotidases, CD39/NTPDase-1 and CD39L1/NTPDase-2, and one ecto-5′ nucleotidase, CD73, in horses with abnormal hemorrhage or pathologic changes consistent with EIPH. Methods: Twenty-three horses with histories of abnormal hemorrhage, 8 horses with gastrointestinal signs, and 45 healthy horses were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction-based techniques. Formalin-fixed tissues from 21 horses with pathologic changes consistent with EIPH were also evaluated. Results: Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the gene encoding CD39 and one SNP was identified in the gene encoding CD39L1. No SNPs were identified in the gene encoding CD73. CD39 SNPs were identified in 19 of 20 (95%) horses with unexplained hemorrhage and 20 of 21 (95%) horses with pathologic features consistent with EIPH. CD39L1 SNPs were identified in 6 of 20 (30%) horses with unexplained hemorrhage and 8 of 21 (38%) horses with pathologic features consistent with EIPH. CD39 and CD39L1 SNPs were identified in 5 of 8 (62.5%) and one of 8 (12.5%) horses, respectively, presenting with colic or weight loss. CD39 and CD39L1 SNPs were identified in 28 of 45 (62%) and 13 of 45 (28.8%) healthy horses, respectively. Conclusions: CD39 and CD39L1 are critically important in maintaining normal hemostasis and limiting inflammation. Further studies are needed to evaluate their role in the pathogenesis of equine EIPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Temporomandibular joint ( TMJ) pathology is a rarely reported cause of decreased performance among equine athletes or at least seldom recognised. This case report describes the work-up of a high level dressage horse with decreased performance. Temporomandibular joint pathology was suspected based on computed tomography ( CT) and the horse responded very well to joint treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Bulletin of Medical History is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a highly prevalent disorder in horses, which can be classified, based on the localization of the lesions, as Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) or Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD). Although EGUS is recognized as a common cause of poor performance in racehorses, objective investigations about its relation with athletic capacity are lacking. Therefore, the present retrospective study aims to evaluate the associations between EGUS severity and some fitness parameters measured during an incremental treadmill test in Standardbred racehorses in training., Methods: With this aim, data from 87 Standard bred racehorses which underwent a complete diagnostic evaluation for poor performance was reviewed. During gastroscopic examination, a 0-4 score was assigned to ESGD, while EGGD was evaluated for absence/presence; a total EGUS score was obtained by adding 1 point to ESGD score in horses showing concomitant EGGD. Fitness parameters obtained during incremental treadmill test included speed at a heart rate of 200 bpm (V200), speed and heart rate at a blood lactate of 4 mmol/L (VLa4, HRLa4), peak lactate, lactate and heart rate at 30 minutes post-exercise, maximum speed, minimum pH and maximum hematocrit. The associations between fitness parameters and EGUS and ESGD scores were evaluated by Spearman correlation, while Mann-Whitney test was used to compare them between horses with or without EGGD. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05., Results: EGUS grade was inversely correlated with V200 ( p = 0.0025) and minimum pH ( p = 0.0469); ESGD grade was inversely correlated with V200 ( p = 0.0025) and VLa4 ( p = 0.0363). Although a trend was observed, no significant differences in V200 were observed between horses with or without EGGD ( p = 0.073); horses with EGGD reached a lower minimum pH ( p = 0.0087)., Discussion: These results show a negative association between aerobic capacity and EGUS, in particular ESGD. Although different hypotheses have been proposed, including abdominal pain and decreased appetite due to lactate accumulation, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown, and it is not clear whether EGUS represents a cause or a consequence of an early lactate accumulation and post-exercise acidosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Lo Feudo, Stucchi, Conturba, Stancari, Zucca and Ferrucci.)

Mild-moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a common respiratory disorder among racehorses, characterized by lower airway inflammation. Although it is generally agreed that MEA causes poor performance, contrasting results have been reported about the effects of tracheal mucus and the leukocyte populations of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on performance. This study aims to investigate the associations between airway inflammation and fitness parameters measured during an incremental treadmill test on Standardbred racehorses. For this purpose, the clinical records of 116 Standardbreds subjected to a diagnostic protocol for poor performance were retrospectively reviewed. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used to evaluate the relationships between endoscopic scores, BAL cytological results, and fitness parameters. Moreover, horses were divided into MEA and non-MEA groups and into neutrophilic, eosinophilic-mastocytic, and mixed MEA groups; fitness parameters were compared between groups. Neutrophils percentages were inversely correlated with the speed at a heart rate of 200 bpm, the speed and heart rate at a plasma lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L (VLa4 and HRLa4), and the maximal speed, while they were positively correlated with higher lactate concentrations. Moreover, significant differences were detected between different MEA subtypes concerning VLa4, HRLa4, and lactate concentrations. These results suggest that airway neutrophilic inflammation impairs athletic capacity in Standardbreds.

As neurological diseases in horses share many overlapping clinical signs, the veterinarian is required to know how to perform a focused evaluation of this system as well as how to carry out complementary examinations to establish an aetiological diagnosis. This is a case report of an ataxic horse presenting with an extradural haematoma in the region of the 7th cervical vertebra. The 7-year-old Criollo mare presented with clinical signs of ataxia grade 3 (scale 1-5) in all limbs and a proprioceptive deficit. Radiological evaluation did not show bone changes or narrowing of the cervical canal. Samples of blood, serum and cerebrospinal fluid were collected and tested negative for antibodies to equine herpes virus type 1-4, Trypanosoma evansi and Sarcocystis neurona. The disease evolution was followed over a 4-week period, after which the animal showed worsening overall clinical signs, and thus euthanasia was performed. A necropsy did not reveal macroscopic changes in any organs, except for an extradural haematoma in the region of the 7th cervical vertebra causing spinal cord compression. Histological examinations showed that the nodular lesion consisted of fibrovascular tissue, granulation tissue at different stages of maturation, red blood cells, cellular debris, fibrin and macrophages. The white matter of the ventral horn of the spinal cord contained degenerative lesions. In addition, the brain tested negative for rabies virus encephalitis. Based on the history, the laboratory test results, anamnesis and the lesion observed at necropsy, it was concluded that the ataxia was due to spinal cord compression, which was caused by an extradural haematoma in the region of the 7th cervical vertebra. Evaluation of the equine neurological system is highly important in localising the area of lesions, and complementary examinations are useful in differentiating between diseases affecting this system. Spinal cord compression injuries, such as extradural haematomas, are rarely reported in the literature, and their pathophysiology is difficult to understand. Nevertheless, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of ataxia in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embryo transfer ( ET) is an accepted and successful technique for obtaining foals from mares without interrupting their competition careers. Recent research, however, suggests that the potential of factors including heat, exercise, repeated embryo flushing and repeated manipulation of the reproductive cycle using exogenous hormones to have a negative impact on fertility may have been underestimated. This paper reviews the evidence base for involvement of these factors in repeated failures to recover embryos from nongeriatric competition mares without obvious clinical or pathological indications of reproductive abnormalities. It concludes that, for some mares at least, a cessation of exercise for the periovulatory period and the period between ovulation and embryo flushing, combined with careful management of flushing-induced endometritis, and minimal hormonal manipulation of the reproductive cycle, may be necessary to optimise embryo recovery rates. Mare owners may have been encouraged to request ET for their mares following high-profile examples in the media of elite mares that have produced foals by ET whilst competing. The veterinarian should educate mare owners about the multiple factors that may affect the chances of recovering an embryo from their mares, and should manage the expectations of mare owners so that they do not approach ET programmes in the expectation that there will be no disruption to their training and competition plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this observational study is to describe clinical, haematological and serum biochemical findings of horses affected with alfalfa dodder (Cuscuta campestris) toxicity. Twenty horses naturally exposed to alfalfa dodder toxicity were examined and information was collected on history and clinical signs. Physical examination was done on horses in the premises (n=20), and venous blood samples of 12 horses were submitted for haematology and serum biochemical examination for each horse. Abnormal clinical signs started around 36 hours after horses were fed the contaminated alfalfa. Abnormal signs were seen in 11 horses and those included diarrhoea (n=8), decreased appetite (n=7), neurological signs (n=4) and abdominal pain (n=1). Some horses had multiple clinical signs of the above. The results of complete blood cell count revealed leukocytopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemical analysis revealed decreased ALP, AST and CPK levels and increased direct bilirubin level. The used alfalfa was stopped immediately and a different alfalfa from a new container that did not contain any weeds was fed. Horses on the premises were observed closely, and the abnormal clinical signs resolved within three days. No treatment was implemented. Knowledge about toxicity of horses by Cuscuta species is scarce in the English veterinary literature and very limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]