bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Laryngeal Computed Tomography for Noninvasive Assessment of Laryngeal Function in Horses with Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy
Authors: Tulloch L.K. , Piercy R.J. , Troester S. , Carruthers R. , Tast V. , Grimes L. , Perkins J.D. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyRecurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) is a common equine distal axonopathy associated with neurogenic atrophy of intrinsic laryngeal muscles (particularly the left) causing laryngeal paresis and poor performance. An objective, reliable method of assessing changes in structure that correlates with laryngeal muscle function in vivo is necessary to determine response to novel treatments, including functional electrical stimulation. This study aimed to determine whether laryngeal muscle and nerve morphology (determined by CT and histopathology) correlated with laryngeal function.Study designProspective cohort study.MethodsResting (grades 1–4) and exercising (grades A–C) laryngeal function was graded in adult Thoroughbred horses. Standing CT of the larynx was performed to compare volume, cross‐sectional area (XSA) and tissue density between left and right cricoarytenoideus dorsalis (CAD) muscles in 22 horses. CAD muscles and recurrent laryngeal nerves were collected in a subgroup of 10 horses and analysed for fibrosis, fat infiltration and nerve fibre density (axons/μm2).ResultsHorses with grade C RLN on exercising endoscopy had significantly (P<0.005) smaller left CAD muscles and reduced nerve fibre density than horses with grades A or B. Horses with grade 4 RLN on resting endoscopy had significantly (P<0.005) smaller left CAD muscles than horses with grades 1 or 2. Left CAD muscles had significantly more collagen than the right in horses with grade C RLN. CT measurements of the CAD muscles were significantly associated with % collagen/fat and nerve fibre density (P<0.05).ConclusionsLaryngeal CT results correlate with laryngeal function at rest and exercise in the horse and provide a noninvasive method of monitoring changes in CAD morphology in response to novel treatments. CAD CT appearance is dependent on % collagen and fat in the muscle and is associated with nerve fibre density.Ethical animal research: Horses destined for euthanasia were recruited for this study with approval of the Institutional Ethical Committee and under UK Home Office Licence. Sources of funding: Med‐El Elektro‐medizinische Geräte GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria. Competing interests: None.
Dimensions of 65 Extracted Equine First Premolar (Wolf) Teeth
Authors: Hole S.L. , Manfredi J.M. , Clayton H.M. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyThe maxillary first premolar (wolf tooth) is present in a significant proportion (13–40%) of horses and is frequently extracted. The size of these teeth has been reported to vary but the authors are not aware of published descriptions of the dimensions of these teeth.ObjectivesTo measure the dimensions of a sample of equine first premolar teeth and to seek correlations between dimensions of the crown and the root.Study designA retrospective descriptive study.MethodsCalipers were used to measure total length, root length, crown height, and crown width of 65 first premolar teeth extracted in their entirety from 2 populations of horses (UK population: n = 30, USA population: n = 35). Most of the variables were not normally distributed so nonparametric statistics (Spearman correlation coefficients) were used to describe tooth size and seek correlations between different measurements.ResultsDimensions expressed as median (range) were total length: 21 (12–34) mm; root length: 13.2 (0–19.6) mm; crown height 7 (2–20) mm; and crown width 7 (2.6–16) mm. Root length was longer than crown height in 61/65 teeth. Total length was poorly correlated with crown height (r = 0.443) but had a good correlation with root length (r = 0.799). Crown height and crown width were poorly correlated with root length (r = ‐0.093 and r = 0.463), respectively.ConclusionsThe dimensions of 65 first premolar teeth indicate that the root is usually longer than the crown but that the dimensions of the clinical crown of the tooth do not provide a good estimate of the length of the root.Ethical animal research: Ethical committee oversight not currently required by this congress: material was collected as part of clinical procedures. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
Clinical Experiences with Desflurane Inhalational Anaesthesia in Horses
Authors: Parker R.A. , Hollis R.A. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyEquine general anaesthesia carries a higher risk of perioperative fatality compared with humans and companion animals. Multiple studies have examined the risk factors associated with general anaesthesia, most notably the ongoing confidential enquiry into perioperative equine fatalities (CEPEF) studies initially published by Johnston et al. [1]. Desflurane is a modern inhalational anaesthetic with low solubility and potentially beneficial reduced cardiorespiratory effects, but its use in a large number of horses has not been investigated.ObjectivesTo evaluate the perioperative mortality rates of horses undergoing general anaesthesia maintained using desflurane.Study designRetrospective analysis.MethodsAnaesthetic records of all horses undergoing general anaesthesia over a 4‐year period at a single hospital were retrospectively examined. Horses were excluded if general anaesthesia was not maintained using inhaled desflurane. Outcome variables of dead (anaesthetic related), alive or euthanased (for other reasons) were recorded consistent with previous CEPEF studies.Results427 horses met the inclusion criteria, of which 406 (95.1%) were alive at 7 days post operatively, 16 (3.7%) were euthanased and 5 (1.2%) died. Four of the perioperative fatalities suffered cardiac arrest, one suffered a catastrophic fracture. Mean age was 7.6 years (range 1 month–26 years), mean weight was 503.3 kg (range 60–828 kg). Mean duration of anaesthesia was 63.0 min (range 15–200 min). Mean recovery time to standing was 28.3 min (range 5–70 min) with mean recovery score 1.4/5 (range 1–4).ConclusionsUse of desflurane led to comparable mortality rates to other inhalational anaesthetics in this small number of horses at a single hospital. Further multicentre studies with larger numbers are warranted to examine any potential benefits.Ethical animal research: Ethical committee approval not currently required by this congress: retrospective study of clinical records. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
Comprehensive Protein Profiling of Synovial Fluid in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Peffers M. , Riggs C. , McDermott B. , Clegg P. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studySynovial fluid (SF) is located in joint cavities, tendon sheaths and bursae. In joints it comprises a serum filtrate with additional contributions from articular cartilage, synovium and bone. It represents a potential source of disease specific proteins that could aid in the understanding of the pathogenesis of joint disease and be used in the early diagnosis of disease.ObjectivesTo comprehensively profile the protein complement of SF in health and osteoarthritis (OA) using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) and identify potential OA biomarkers.Study designSF was used from the metacarpophalangeal joints of 9 normal and 9 OA Thoroughbred horses following macroscopic, microscopic and synovitis scoring.MethodsSamples were analysed with LC‐MS/MS using a NanoAcquity LC coupled to a LTQ Orbitrap Velos. ProgenesisTM LC‐MS software was used for label‐free quantification with data searched using Mascot in the Ensembl database for horse. Adjusted ANOVA values of P<0.05 and regulation of >2‐fold were regarded as significant.Results754 proteins were identified in SF. Thus ProteominerTM beads concentrated the lower abundance proteins enabling the most comprehensive SF proteome to date. Proteins identified included those relating to matrix proteins, inflammatory factors, complement activation proteins and proteases. A subset of 10 proteins was identified which were differentially expressed in OA SF.ConclusionsA number of proteins were identified for the first time in SF which may be involved in the pathogenesis of OA. We identified a distinct set of proteins that may act as potential biomarkers to distinguish between normal and OA joints. S100‐A10, a calcium binding protein has upregulated in OA. This may have a role in the synthesis and activation of matrix degrading proteases. CD109 is a TGF‐β co‐receptor, released from the chondrocyte cell surface that inhibits TGF‐β signalling. Its contribution to the disregulation of TGF‐β is unknown.Ethical animal research: Ethical committee oversight not currently required by this congress: the study was performed on material collected during post mortem examination. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: Horserace Betting Levy Board, Wellcome Trust. Competing interests: None.
Validation of a Technique for Measuring Muscle Protein Synthesis In Vivo in the Horse
Authors: Naylor R.J. , Smith K. , Blake V. , Rankin D. , Atherton P. , Piercy R.J. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing the studyMeasurement of incorporation of stable isotope‐containing amino acids into muscle is the gold‐standard technique for measuring muscle protein synthesis (MPS), but its use in horses has not been evaluated.Objectives1) To establish a technique for measuring MPS in vivo in the horse using a labelled amino acid tracer and 2) to determine basal MPS in the horse using this technique.MethodsThree mature Thoroughbred geldings received 0.1 mg/kg bwt D5‐phenylalanine (D5‐Phe) i.v. and plasma D5‐Phe enrichment was measured over 3 h. Pharmacokinetic modelling determined the rate of appearance and phenylalanine pool size, from which a loading dose and infusion rate that would achieve a steady 5–10% plasma enrichment were calculated. Subsequently, steady‐state was confirmed by measuring plasma enrichment during 6 h of infusion and the effect of treadmill exercise and sedation (0.4 mg/kg bwt) were also determined. Horses subsequently received the calculated D5‐Phe infusion rate and skeletal muscle biopsy samples were collected after 1 and 3 h, allowing basal MPS to be calculated. Precursor intramuscular phe labelling was measured by GC‐MS and tracer phe incorporation into muscle myofibrillar protein was determined using GC‐pyrolysis‐IRMS to calculate fractional synthetic rate.ResultsThe mean rate of whole body phenylalanine appearance in the horse was 56 μmol/kg bwt/h (s.d. 24) and mean phenylalanine pool size 41 μmol/kg bwt (s.d. 8.8). From this a priming dose of 3.3 μmol/kg bwt and an infusion rate of 4.5 μmol/kg bwt/h D5‐Phenylalanine was calculated and subsequently confirmed to achieve steady state tracer enrichment from 5.6–9.1 APE in sedentary horses. Exercise caused a transitory, and sedation a more prolonged reduction in plasma enrichment (up to 20%). D5‐Phe incorporation revealed a basal FSR of 0.029%/h (s.d. 0.013) in the horse.ConclusionsD5‐Phenylalanine is a suitable amino acid tracer for measurement of MPS in the horse yielding rates of MPS in line with other large mammals.Ethical animal research: The study was performed with local Ethics Committee approval and Home Office project license (PPL 70/7523) under the UK A(SP)A Act 1986. Sources of funding: This work was generously funded by Boehringer Ingelheim. Competing interests: None.
The Relationship Between Foot Conformation, Foot Placement and Motion Symmetry in the Equine Hindlimb
Authors: Agass R.F. , Wilson A.M. , Weller R. , Pfau T. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyThe relationships between hind foot conformation, placement and motion symmetry in the equine hindlimb are poorly defined. Little research has been carried out into the potential interactions between these variables despite the commonality of hindlimb lameness in sports and leisure horses.ObjectivesTo determine hind foot placement and describe the relationships between hind foot conformation, placement and motion symmetry.Study designObservational study.MethodsOverall foot placement of 43 horses was determined from simultaneous orthogonal filming at walk and trot, foot conformation was measured from digital photographs and motion symmetry data was collected using horse mounted inertial sensors.ResultsLeft and right hind foot conformation differed significantly (P = 0.001–0.036). Foot placement was not significantly different between left and right feet, despite these conformational differences. Foot placement was significantly different between walk and trot (P<0.001). Lateral heel landing was the most common landing pattern observed at walk (55.81%) and trot (43.12%). Lateral and lateral toe landings were more common at trot, though relatively uncommon at both gaits. Foot conformation was significantly associated with motion symmetry (P<0.001–0.007) and with placement at trot (P = 0.002–0.005) but not walk.ConclusionsHind feet land preferentially laterally and heel first at both the walk and trot. Foot conformation appeared to be associated with landing patterns at the trot but not walk. Foot conformation was also associated with motion symmetry, although it is difficult to say whether conformation affects symmetry or vice versa. Multiple factors contribute to equine locomotion, foot conformation, landing patterns and the maintenance of orthopaedic health.Ethical animal research: This study was granted approval by the Royal Veterinary College Ethics Committee. Informed consent was obtained from all owners involved. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
The Effect of Hindlimb Studs on Movement Symmetry in Horses During Lungeing
Authors: Sharp H. , Pfau T. , Hopkins S. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyHorseshoe studs are commonly used to increase traction between the foot and the ground in competition horses. Here we investigate the question of how hindlimb studs alter limb function by quantifying upper body kinematics during circular motion (lungeing).ObjectivesThis study quantified the effects of studs placed in the hind shoes on head and pelvic movement symmetry parameters commonly used for objective assessment of lameness.Study designProspective longitudinal interventional study.Methods15 horses were trotted on the straight and lunged on left and right circles on turf with/without a pair of studs in both hind shoes. Movement symmetry was assessed using inertial sensors mounted on poll, os sacrum and left and right tuber coxae. To eliminate the influence of the number of left/right asymmetrical horses in the sample, symmetry values were standardised to show left fore and/or right hind asymmetry on the straight. Differences in standardised head and pelvic symmetry index (SI) with and without studs were calculated and paired t tests were used to compare SI values with and without studs on the straight and on both reins.ResultsUse of studs resulted in a significant difference (P = 0.02) in pelvic SI on the right lunge only but no difference for straight line and left lunge (both P>0.05). No significant difference was found for head movement symmetry (all P>0.05).ConclusionsPelvic movement was altered with the ‘weaker’ right hindlimb (based on the calculation of standardised SI values) on the inside of the circle creating an increased ‘hip hike’. In general, horses show increased limb angles and lower peak vertical force with the inside limb; our kinematic results show that this effect is exacerbated with studs. Future studies should investigate whether this ‘intervention’ is of diagnostic potential in sub‐clinically hindlimb lame horses.Acknowledgements: The authors would like to thank the owners and trainers whose horses were used in this study.Ethical animal research: The Royal Veterinary College Ethics and Welfare Committee approved this study and all procedures were performed with informed owner consent. Sources of funding: Funding was provided by The Royal Veterinary College for Harriet Sharp and Sophie Hopkins’ research projects. Competing interests: None.
Systematic Review of Risk Factors for Equine Colic
Authors: Curtis L. , Bayes T.C. , England G.C.W. , Burford J.H. , Freeman S.L. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing the studyThere are several epidemiological studies that have reported on risk factors for colic, this data has not been systematically reviewed.ObjectivesTo systematically review the current evidence on risk factors for colic in the horse.Study designSystematic review in compliance with PRISMA guidelines.MethodsThe primary literature search was conducted in CAB Winner of Voorjaarsdagen Award 2014 (1910–2012), Web of Science (1950–2012) and MEDLINE (1946–2012) (between 23–26 November 2012), using the following terms: (horses OR horse OR equine OR equines OR equus OR equidae OR equids OR equid) AND colic. Publications were assessed independently against inclusion criteria (peer‐reviewed articles relating to risk, causes, aetiology or predictors of colic) and exclusion criteria (nongastrointestinal or specific conditions, <3 cases) by LC and SF. Those selected were reviewed using a specifically developed quality assessment criteria (QAC) scoring system. Articles were ranked according to the QAC with those scoring greater than a specific critical threshold considered to be of the highest level of evidence.ResultsThe search identified 1385 publications; 90 related to risk factors, 36 met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using the QAC. Nine publications were selected for final evaluation. Eight studies were based in the USA, and one multi‐centre study in Europe. Individual papers identified risk factors pertaining to signalment, use of horse, clinical history, diet and other management details; however, there was inconclusive agreement for the majority of factors investigated. Consistent consensus between ≥3 studies identified increasing age, Arab and Thoroughbred breeds, recent change in diet or housing and a previous history of colic as significant risk factors for colic.ConclusionsEvidence for many risk factors is weak and inconsistent, with a variety of confounders and interactions across the studies. There is strong evidence for age, breed, management changes and recent clinical history as risk factors.Ethical animal research: The study was reviewed and approved by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham Ethics Committee. Sources of funding: Laila Curtis was funded by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham. Competing interests: None.
Equine Grass Sickness in Scotland: A Case–Control Study of Environmental Geochemical Risk Factors
Authors: Wylie C.E. , Shaw D.J. , Fordyce F.M. , Lilly A. , McGorum B.C. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyEpidemiological investigations suggest that soil macro‐ and micro‐nutrients may be a trigger for the occurrence of equine grass sickness (EGS). However, there is limited information regarding relationships between exposure to geochemical elements and the occurrence of EGS.ObjectivesTo determine whether the geographical distribution of EGS cases referred to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies was associated with the presence or absence of particular geochemical elements in the environment.Study designA retrospective time‐matched case–control study.Methods455 EGS geo‐referenced cases were identified between 1 January 1990 and 1 June 2006. Each case had 2 time‐matched geo‐referenced controls (n = 910). For study purposes, cases or controls originating outwith Scotland were excluded. Environmental concentrations of a range of elements, most with known biological function, were collated from 2 geochemical point datasets and spatially extrapolated giving continuous cover across Scotland: the British Geological Survey (BGS) Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment (G‐BASE) stream sediment dataset and the James Hutton Institute (JHI), National Soil Inventory of Scotland (NSIS). Data were analysed using multivariable conditional logistic regression.ResultsStatistically significant associations were obtained between the distribution of EGS cases and (i) higher environmental levels of Ca, K, Mo, Na, Se and Ti, and (ii) lower environmental levels of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb. This study identified no association between EGS cases and the environmental concentrations of Ba, Ga, Fe, Mg, Mn, P or Sr.ConclusionsA number of statistically significant associations were identified between EGS cases and element concentrations in the spatially extrapolated stream sediment and soil data. This information will assist future studies on the aetiology of EGS, with further research suggested to focus on those identified significant associations with greatest biological plausibility such as reduced levels of Cu and Zn, and higher levels of K and Se.Ethical animal research: Informed client consent was obtained for the use of clinical records. Sources of funding: Part‐funded by The BGS University Funding Initiative. A.L. is funded by the Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division. C.E.W. is supported by The Margaret Giffen Trust. F.F. is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Competing interests: None.