bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy and Complication Rates of Maxillary Nerve Blocks: A Comparison of Techniques Using Surface Landmarks, Ultrasound and GPS‐Guidance
Authors: Cordner B. , Dixon J. , Witte T. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyPerineural analgesia of the equine maxillary nerve is used for diagnostic and surgical procedures. Little data exists to evaluate accuracy and complication rates with current techniques.ObjectivesThis study compared 2 previously described approaches to maxillary nerve analgesia, and a novel needle guidance positioning system (SonixGPS™, Ultrasonix Medical Corporation, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada), assessing relative accuracy and complication rates of each method when performed by inexperienced operators.Study designCadaver study.MethodsClinical veterinary students performed surface landmark, ultrasound and GPS guided contrast injections, to simulate maxillary nerve blocks in 38 equine cadaver heads. Computed tomography was then used to assess accuracy (successful deposition of contrast in contact with the maxillary nerve), and complication rate (contrast identified within surrounding vasculature or periocular structures), associated with each method.ResultsPerineural injection of contrast around the maxillary nerve was attempted 76 times, with an overall success rate of 65.8% (50/76), and complication rate of 53.9% (41/76). Success rates were 50% (13/26) with surface landmark, 65.4% (17/26) with ultrasound and 83.3% (20/24) with GPS guided approaches (Fisher's exact P = 0.046). No significant difference in complication rate was found between the 3 methods.ConclusionsUltrasound guided maxillary nerve blocks are significantly more accurate than surface landmark approaches when performed by inexperienced operators, and best success rates are achieved with GPS needle guidance. All 3 methods were equivalent in terms of complication rates when performed in cadavers.Ethical animal research: This study was authorised by the Ethics and Welfare Committee of the Royal Veterinary College. The study was performed on material obtained from abattoirs. Source of funding: Royal Veterinary College. Competing interests: None declared. Acknowledgements: We thank the technical teams of the Equine Referral Hospital Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology departments and the clinical veterinary students.
Detection of the Toxin Hypoglycin A in Pastured Horses and in the European Sycamore Maple Tree (Acer Pseudoplatanus) During Two Outbreaks of Atypical Myopathy in Sweden
Authors: Gröndahl G. , Berglund A. , Skidell J. , Bondesson U. , Salomonsson M. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyHypoglycin A (HG) appears to cause atypical myopathy (AM), but to our knowledge, detection of HG in affected and unaffected horses and concurrently in plants that they were exposed to has not previously been reported.ObjectivesTo investigate HG in samples from horses exposed to Acer pseudoplatanus (European sycamore maple) and in such plant material, at the time of clinical cases of AM in the herd.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsBlood was collected from 2 horses with AM and 22 clinically healthy co‐grazing horses in 2 Swedish farms within one week of onset of signs (May 2014) and one month later, after horses were moved to other pastures. Ten healthy control horses from unaffected farms were sampled once. Samaras, seedlings, flowers and leaves from Acer pseudoplatanus and from Acer platanoides L (Norway maple) were collected from affected pastures. Hypoglycin A was analysed using chemical derivatisation with dansyl chloride (DNS) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Hypoglycin A was detected as derivatised compound HG‐DNS [M+H]+ with selected reaction monitoring.ResultsHypoglycin A was detected in the horses affected with AM, and also in 20 out of 22 co‐grazing horses. One month later, a surviving case horse and 9/20 co‐grazing horses were still positive for HG. Controls from other farms were negative for HG. Hypoglycin A was detected in plant material from Acer pseudoplatanus, but not from Acer platanoides L.ConclusionsHorses grazing in pastures with HG‐containing Acer pseudoplatanus were positive for HG in blood, and some showed severe signs of myopathy.Ethical animal research: Ethical consent for blood sampling was granted (C113/11) and horse owners gave their informed consent to inclusion of horses in the study. Source of funding: National Veterinary Institute, Sweden. Competing interests: None declared.
Antimicrobial Sensitivity of Bacteria Isolated from Neonatal Foal Samples in New Zealand (2004 to 2013)
Authors: Toombs‐Ruane L.J. , Riley C.B. , Rosanowski S.M. , Kendall A.T. , Hill K.E. , Benschop J. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyGuidelines for the rational use of antimicrobials enable practitioners to improve antimicrobial stewardship and slow the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) [1]; these must be regionally relevant [2]. New Zealand (NZ) is geographically isolated and the importance of AMR on equine studs is unknown.ObjectivesTo identify AMR patterns of bacteria isolated from NZ foals so as to provide regionally specific information for the development of antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.Study designRetrospective study of clinical pathology records.MethodsA database search of bacterial culture submissions from foals <3 weeks of age from April 2004 to December 2013 was completed. Culture results, antimicrobial sensitivities, and demographic factors were tabulated. The Kirby‐Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test was used to define sensitivity. Multi‐drug resistance (MDR) was defined as non‐sensitivity to 3 or more core antimicrobials in a panel (ceftiofur, enrofloxaxin, gentamicin, penicillin [not included for Gram‐negative bacteria], tetracycline, trimethoprim‐ sulfamethoxazole).ResultsBacterial isolates (n = 127) were cultured from 64/102 (62.7%) of foal submissions. Four bacterial groups (Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli) accounted for 100 (79%) of bacterial isolates cultured. At least one or 2 MDR isolates were cultured from 24 (38%) and 8 (12%) foals, respectively. Culture positive and negative foals were demographically similar.ConclusionsA significant number of bacterial isolates from foals have reduced antimicrobial susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobial drugs. The results are of concern from treatment and stewardship perspectives. Multi‐drug resistance was found, indicating a need for regionally relevant antimicrobial use recommendations.Ethical animal research: Not applicable. Sources of funding: Massey University McGeorge fund; New Zealand Equine Research Foundation. Competing interests: None declared.
Expression of Insulin‐Related Genes and Release of Non‐Essential Fatty Acids (Nefa) From Neck Crest Fat Compared to Abdominal, Mesenteric, and Tail Pad Fat in Horses
Authors: Bernhardsson M.G. , Berg L.C. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyRegional adiposity on the neck crest has been linked to increased risk of developing equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). However, little is known about inherent metabolic differences between adipose tissues.ObjectivesTo investigate innate differences between adipose tissue from neck crest compared to abdominal, mesenteric, and tail head in horses with no diagnosis of EMS.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsSeven horses with no history of metabolic disorders were subjected to euthanasia for nonclinical reasons. They were selected randomly (5 geldings/2 mares; age 6–26 years; 110–165 cm height; BCS 3–8) and included with owners' consent. Adipose tissue was collected from neck crest, abdominal tissue, small intestine mesentery, and tail pad. mRNA expression of insulin‐associated genes GLUT1, GLUT4, INSR and RBP4, and inflammation‐associated genes SAA, TNFα, IL‐1β, IL‐6, MCP‐1 and PAI‐1 were investigated using RT‐qPCR. Morphology and adipocyte size were investigated by histology. Release of non‐essential fatty acids (NEFA) was investigated before/after adrenaline stimulation in 4 horses.ResultsNo significant differences were found in mRNA expression of metabolic and inflammation related genes between tissues. Adipose tissue from neck crest was more heterogeneous than abdominal fat (P = 0.001) and mesenteric fat (P = 0.01). Neck crest adipocytes were similar in size to abdominal adipocytes, and larger than adipocytes from tail head and mesentery. Basal levels of NEFA release were not different between tissues. Adrenaline stimulation caused a significant release of NEFA from visceral fat (abdominal P = 0.03; mesenteric P = 0.048).ConclusionsThis preliminary study introduces new metabolic genetic markers and NEFA to the field of metabolic research. No innate differences were shown for neck crest fat except in histology. Further studies in a case–control study design are needed to determine if neck crest fat is a risk factor for EMS.Ethical animal research: Horses were subjected to euthanasia according to Danish Law and Danish ethical regulatory guidelines. Samples were used for research purposes with owners' consent. Source of funding: Hesteafgiftsfonden (Danish Horse Levy Board). Competing interests: None declared.
Informed Hypothetico‐Deductive Reasoning Based on Clinical Signs for Diagnosis of Equine Laminitis Using Decision Tree Analysis
Authors: Wylie C.E. , Shaw D.J. , Verheyen K.L.P. , Newton J.R. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyEffective diagnosis of equine laminitis is necessary to allow prompt instigation of palliative and therapeutic treatments, yet there has been limited work regarding diagnostic accuracy.ObjectivesTo compare the prevalence of clinical signs in laminitis and non‐laminitis lamenesses to evaluate the capabilities of discrimination for differential diagnosis.Study designAnalytical epidemiological study.MethodsVeterinary practitioners completed a pre‐designed checklist of laminitis‐associated clinical signs identified by literature review, for equine lameness of any origin. A case was defined as a horse/pony with veterinary‐diagnosed, clinically apparent laminitis, attended by a participating practitioner. Associations between clinical signs and case/control status were tested by logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, with veterinary practice as a fixed effect, and Wald P‐value calculated. Multivariable analysis using graphical classification tree‐based statistical models allowed comprehension of the prevalence in the data associated with particular clusters of clinical signs.ResultsData were collected for 588 laminitis cases and 201 non‐laminitis lamenesses. The overall prevalence of specific clinical signs ranged from 2.7% for ‘sole prolapse’ to 85.0% for ‘lame at trot’. Differences in prevalence ranged from −14.1% for ‘lame at trot’ (more common in controls) to +71.9% for ‘short stilted gait at walk’ (more common in cases). Five clinical signs had a difference in prevalence of greater than +50%: ‘reluctance to walk’, ‘short, stilted gait at walk’, ‘difficulty turning’, ‘shifting weight’ and ‘increased digital pulse’. Bilateral forelimb lameness was the best discriminator (92% of animals with this clinical sign had laminitis). The additional presence of increased digital pulses improved this to 99%. Flat/convex sole, shifting weight and short stilted gait at walk were also useful discriminators.ConclusionsThis is the first study to provide information aiding diagnostic hypothetico‐deductive reasoning based on clinical signs to differentially diagnose laminitis from other lamenesses.Ethical animal research: Ethical approval obtained from Royal Veterinary College. Owners gave informed consent for their horses' inclusion in the study. Sources of funding: Project funded by World Horse Welfare. C.E. Wylie currently funded by The Margaret Giffen Charitable Trust. Competing interests: None declared.
Comparison of Nanoparticulate CpG Immunotherapy with and without Allergens in Rao‐Affected Horses
Authors: Klier J. , Geis S. , Steuer J. , Reese S. , Fuchs S. , Mueller R.S. , Winter G. , Gehlen H. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyNew therapeutic strategies to modulate immune responses in human and equine allergic airway diseases are under extensive investigation. Stimulation of Treg cells with immune modulating agents is a novel therapeutic option.ObjectivesThe aim of this field study was to compare the effects of a nebulised nanoparticulate CpG immunotherapy (CpG‐GNP) with and without specific allergens.Study designLongitudinal clinical study comparing 2 therapeutic options.MethodsTwenty RAO‐affected horses were divided into 2 treatment groups (CpG alone and CpG with allergens). Two specific allergens were selected for each horse according to anamnesis and a functional in vitro test. Treatments were given by nebulisation 7 times and the horses were examined 3 times: baseline (I), after the treatment course (II), and after 6 weeks later (III). Clinical parameters, indirect intrapleural measurement, arterial blood gas, amount of tracheal mucus and neutrophil percentage were evaluated.ResultsCpG alone resulted in a significant improvement in clinical parameters and a significant reduction of tracheal mucus after treatment and at 6 weeks post treatment. After CpG plus specific allergens, there was significant improvement of 70% of examined parameters. However, there were no significant differences in the results compared with CpG‐GNP treatment alone.ConclusionsThere were no significant differences between treatment groups. CpG‐GNP immunotherapy alone produced a potent and persistent effect on allergic and inflammatory parameters and may have potential as for treatment of equine and human allergic inflammatory airway diseases.Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the regional legal agency for animal experiments of the Government of Bavaria, Germany (No. 55.2‐1‐54‐2531‐31‐10). Owners gave informed consent for their horses' inclusion in the study. Sources of funding: Partly supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) (Germany) (GE'2044/4‐1). The AeroNeb Go™ vibrating mesh nebuliser (Aerogen, Galway, Ireland) was sponsored by Inspiration Medical (Bochum, Germany). Competing interests: None declared.
Do Balf Cytokine Profiles Vary Depending on the Sampled Lung in Horses with Unilateral IAD‐Consistent Cytology?
Authors: Hue E. , Orard M. , Depecker M. , Couroucé‐Malblanc A. , Paillot R. , Pronost S. , Richard E.A. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyLittle data on BALF cytokine profiles are available from racehorses with IAD; cytological diagnosis being most frequently made from one lung only per horse.ObjectivesTo compare cytokine mRNA expressions and protein concentrations in BALF from both lungs of horses with unilateral IAD‐consistent cytology.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsAs part of a larger study, 250 ml saline was randomly instilled in one lung and 500 ml in the contralateral lung of 30 clinically healthy Standardbred racehorses. This procedure was repeated 72 h later, inversing the volume per lung. Cytological cut‐off values for IAD diagnosis was neutrophil proportions >10% when instilling 250 ml. For these samples, mRNA expression and concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐17, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ were determined by RT‐qPCR and ELISA.ResultsEleven horses had BALF with IAD‐ and CTL‐consistent cytology from, respectively, each lung, and were enrolled in the study (22 samples). Data were not significantly influenced by the sampling day, and BALF total cell counts or cytokine concentrations were not significantly different among lungs. Relative mRNA expression of IL‐1β (3.887 ± 3.082; P = 0.01) and IL‐10 (3.225 ± 1.710; P = 0.005) were significantly higher in BALF of IAD‐ compared to CTL consistent lungs (respectively 1.408 ± 1.118 and 1.488 ± 1.393); and also correlated to neutrophil proportions (respectively r = 0.54; P = 0.01 and r = 0.65; P = 0.001).ConclusionsDifferences in cytokine mRNA expression were associated with IAD‐ or CTL consistent BALF cytology in the same racehorses in training. These findings suggest that specific local immune reactions or regulation within the lower airways should be considered in IAD.Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the Regional Animal Ethic Committee, and informed consent was provided by all horse owners. Sources of funding: LABÉO, CISCO‐Oniris and AVEF (French Association of Equine Practitioners). Competing interests: None declared.
Retrospective Observational Study on the Outcome of Medical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lotstra R.J. , van den Broek J. , Power T. , Marr C.M. , Wijnberg I.D. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyAtrial fibrillation is a common equine arrhythmia. Quinidine alone, or with digoxin are common treatments. Studies on outcome in Warmblood populations in which duration of the AF is often unknown are limited.ObjectivesTo identify the factors that are associated with the success of full treatment cardioversion with oral medication, and establish whether there are differences in these factors between institutions.Study designRetrospective case series using patient records of Equine University Clinic of Utrecht University and Rossdales Equine Hospital, Newmarket.MethodsForty‐nine horses treated with quinidine were identified (29 Warmbloods, 20 Thorougbreds, 1 Anglo‐Arabian). Details of signalment, history, duration physical examination and echocardiography including left atrial size and presence of mitral regurgitation were retrieved. Clinical details including mean weight, age and left atrial size were compared between clinics using independent samples t test. Association between variables and cardioconversion were evaluated in a backwards logistic regression using Akaike's information criterium (AIC) and odds ratios were calculated. Factors were sex, clinic, breed, mitral regurgitation, duration and poor performance. Covariates were age, weight and the size of the left atrium. Significance was set at 0.05.ResultsFifty‐one horses (mean age 8.8 s.d. 4.5 years) were treated with quinidine sulfate, 18 also received digoxin. Eighty per cent converted to sinus rhythm. In 8 horses the known duration was less than 3 months. The only factor associated with successful treatment was the use of digoxin in combination with quinidine sulfate (odds ratio 12.4; 95% CI 2.61 and 91.85 according to AIC analysis).ConclusionsIn this retrospective case series, there is much potential for bias in the data; however, the use of digoxin in addition to quinidine was associated with improved conversion rates regardless of breed even though AF duration was unknown in most horses.Ethical animal research: Research ethics committee oversight not currently required by this conference: retrospective study of clinical records. Explicit owner informed consent for inclusion of animals in this study was not stated. Source of funding: None. Competing interests: None declared.
Impact of Age at First Immunisation on Equine Influenza Short and Mid‐Term Protective Antibody Levels in Thoroughbred Foals
Authors: Fougerolle S. , Legrand L. , Foursin M. , D'Ablon X. , Bayssat P. , Pronost S. , Paillot R. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyEvery year, several equine influenza (EI) epidemics are reported worldwide. Equine influenza vaccination is the most efficient method of prevention; however, not all horses develop sufficient immunity after EI immunisation, increasing the risk of infection, infectious virus excretion and the spread of the disease.ObjectivesThis study aimed to better understand poor vaccine response mechanisms during the primary EI vaccination.Study designCohort study.MethodsThe EI humoral immune response was measured in 118 Thoroughbred foals set in 3 different stud farms (SF#1 to SF#3) after the primary course of EI vaccination. All foals were immunised with a recombinant canarypox‐based EI vaccine, following the vaccine manufacturer's recommendations. The age at first vaccination was 4 to 8 months. Sera were tested by single radial haemolysis (SRH) against the A/equine/Jouars/4/2006 EIV strain (Florida clade 2) at the time of the first vaccination (V1), 2 weeks and 3 months after the second immunisation (V2), 2 days and 3 months after the third immunisation (V3).ResultsShort (V2 + 2 weeks) and mid‐term (V3 + 3 months) SRH antibody levels were statistically different between the stud farms (P‐value = 0.0011 and 0.003, respectively), with SF#1<SF#3<SF#2 and SF#1 SRH antibody titres below the protection threshold (i.e. 85 mm2) at all time points studied. SRH antibody levels induced by EI vaccination were related to the age of foals at the first immunisation (SF#1 median age 143 days, SF#2 median age 181 days and SF#3 median age 156 days), but were independent of the presence of maternal derived antibodies (MDA; P‐value 0.41). Given the results in SF#1, a booster immunisation (V4) was brought forward to restore protective levels of antibody.ConclusionIndependently of the presence of MDA, the age of foals at first immunisation plays an important role in the establishment of adequate antibody levels.Ethical animal research: All animal work received ethical approval, and consent was obtained from the owners. Sources of funding: This study was supported by the Basse‐Normandie Region council (France) and the European Regional Development Fund. Competing interests: None declared.
Colic: Horse Owner Knowledge and Experience
Authors: Bowden A. , Brennan M.L. , England G.C.W. , Burford J.H. , Freeman S.L. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyColic is the most common equine emergency problem, and one of the main causes of equid deaths. The horse owners' ability to recognise colic is a critical first step in determining case outcome.ObjectivesTo assess equine owners' knowledge and recognition of colic.Study designOnline questionnaire of horse owners.MethodsAn online survey was designed to evaluate owners' approach to colic in the horse. The survey included questions on owner demographics, their recognition of colic (including owner's opinions of their ability to recognise colic, their approach, and their recognition of colic using case vignettes), and their knowledge of normal ranges for clinical parameters. Descriptive and chi squared statistical analysis was performed.ResultsThe survey was completed by 1061 UK respondents. Six per cent of owners thought they could recognise all types of colic, 61% said they could recognise most cases and 30% said they could recognise some but not all cases. Owners said they would assess faecal output (73% of respondents), gastrointestinal sounds (69%), respiratory rate (62%) and heart rate (50%) in horses with suspected colic. One fifth (22%) of owners would call a vet immediately without assessing any parameters. Many respondents either did not know, or provided incorrect estimates of normal values for clinical parameters: 30.4% were ‘unsure’ of the normal heart rate and 35.5% gave heart rate values which were outside reference ranges; only 24.5% gave appropriate values for normal respiratory rates and only 31% gave normal temperature values. There was no statistical significance between participants' age, educational qualifications, or their experience with horses and their knowledge of normal clinical parameters.ConclusionsOwners varied in their approach and ability to recognise colic, and many had significant gaps in their knowledge of normal parameters. Educational materials and/or training to assist owners could help address these issues.Ethical animal research: The study did not involve animal research. The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham. The questionnaire was conducted in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act, and the British Educational Research Association's Revised Ethical Guidelines for Educational Research (2004). Source of funding: Adelle Bowden's studentship is funded by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham. Competing interests: None declared.