bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standardized Exercise Test in Young Endurance Horses
Authors: Robert C , Younes M , Borgetto B , Barrey E 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to validate a field standardized exercise test (SET) adapted for young endurance horses and to evaluate the effects of age/conditioning level on speed and heart rate values.MethodsThe study involved 31 horses of Arabian origin bred specifically for endurance and aged 4 yo (n = 11), 5 yo (n = 13) or 6 yo (n = 7). The SET consisted of a warm‐up, followed by 15 (4 yo), 30 (5 yo) or 45 (6 yo) minutes of canter at a comfortable steady speed, and finished with 500 meters of fast gallop. Heart rate (HR) was recorded continuously during the SET. The velocities at which HR reached 160 and 200 beats per minute (V160 and V200) were calculated by the linear regression of HR versus speed.ResultsAll horses were able to complete the SET. Resting HR was higher in 4 y than in 5 y and 6 y (P<0.05 via Student's t test). HR and velocities during the SET did not vary significantly with age. Mean ± SD values for 4 yo, 5 yo and 6 yo respectively are as follows: Resting HR: 47.5 ± 7.2, 42.3 ± 3.2, 41.3 ± 5.4 bpm; HRcanter: 162.7 ± 14.3, 156.9 ± 17.3, 161.4 ± 10.7 bpm; Vcanter: 22.6 ± 0.9, 22.4 ± 1.2, 23.3 ± 1.6 km/h; HRsprint: 191.3 ± 18.1, 181.7 ± 18.5, 184.1 ± 16.2 bpm; Vsprint: 30.3 ± 3.0, 31.5 ± 6.4, 35.3 ± 6.9 km/h; V160: 25.8 ± 3.5, 24.8 ± 5.0, 27.1 ± 5.8 km/h; V200: 36.8 ± 6.1, 37.4 ± 7.3, 44.3 ± 10.9 km/h; Post‐exercice lactatemia: 7.4 ± 4.5, 13.5 ± 3.6, 5.6 ± 3.4 mmol/l. These values perfectly fit with those described previously for adult endurance horses.ConclusionsThe proposed field SET involved both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism reproducing the progress of an endurance race. Further studies are being conducted to discriminate if possible the effects of age from those of conditioning.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the Ethics Committee for the Alfort Veterinary School and the University of Paris‐Est; Owner informed consent for participation was obtained. Sources of funding: National Studs (IFCE), The Eperon Funds and the Arabian Horse Association (ACA). Competing interests: none.
Relationship Between Judges′ Comments on Pace and Horses′ Plasma Lactate Concentration in an Official Breed Evaluation Field Test in Icelandic Horses
Authors: Stefánsdóttir G , Kullberg NM , Jansson A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionIn an official breed evaluation field test (BEFT) for Icelandic horses, gaits are scored from 5–10 and there is an option for judges to add standardized comments on the gaits. The aim of this study was to test if comments given on pace were related to horses′ plasma lactate concentration (Lac) post BEFT, with the hypothesis that some of the comments would be related to Lac.MethodsData was collected from 157 horses (age 4–11 years) at a BEFT in Iceland in 2011. Venous blood samples were obtained after exercise and lactate concentration determined. Judges′ comments were obtained from Worldfengur. The comments that could be given were: ‘good speed’, ‘clear beat’, ‘sure’, ‘big movements’, ‘good suspension’, ‘long strides’ (positive comments); and ‘lack of speed’, ‘unsure’, ‘four‐beat’, ‘short strides’, ‘changing gait’ and ‘jumping out of gait’ (negative comments). Results were separated into two groups (within each comment); horses/pace with the comment and horses/pace without the comment. Data were analysed via ANOVA (Proc GLM, SAS) including sex, age group, comment, average speed and distance (P<0.05).ResultsLac was higher when pace had comments ‘good speed’ and ‘sure’ than when no comment was given (23.6 ± 1.2 vs. 17.9 ± 0.5, P<0.001; and 20.2 ± 0.9 vs. 18.1 ± 0.6, P<0.05) and was lower when pace had comments ‘lack of speed’ and ‘unsure’ (16.8 ± 1.0 vs. 19.2 ± 0.6; and 16.2 ± 1.0 vs. 19.3 ± 0.5, P<0.05). No other significant effects on Lac were observed.ConclusionsHorses with pace subjectively judged as fast and ‘sure’ had higher blood lactate concentration indicating that successful pace is more anaerobic than less successful pace.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the National Animal Research Committee of Iceland. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: Developmental Fund of the Icelandic Horse Breeding, the Pálmi Jónsson Natural Conservation Fund and the Stock Protection Fund of the Icelandic Horse breed. Competing interests: none.
A Pilot Study on the Physiological Response to an Official Breed Evaluation Field Test in Icelandic Horses
Authors: Stefánsdóttir GJ , Ragnarsson S , Gunnarsson V , Jansson A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to describe the response in heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, hematocrit and plasma lactate concentration in Icelandic horses performing the riding assessment in an official breed evaluation field test (BEFT) in Iceland (April 2011). It was hypothesized that the riding assessment constituted high intensity exercise.MethodsData was collected from 15 of 28 horses shown at the BEFT. Horses were judged for riding abilities (all gaits) on a straight track. Respiratory rate and rectal temperature were recorded and blood samples were taken from the jugular vein before the warm‐up and within 5 min after the riding assessment. Hematocrit was analysed by centrifugation of capillary tubes and plasma lactate concentration using an enzymatic and spectrophotometric method. Velocity, distance and heart rate were recorded (Polar, Kempele, Finland) during the riding assessment. Anova (Proc GLM) was performed in SAS and data is presented as LSMean ± SE (P<0.05).ResultsThe distance covered was 2.7 ± 0.1 km, the duration 9:13 ± 0:21 min : sec and the average speed 17.5 ± 0.3 km/h. The peak heart rate was 214 ± 3 bpm. Post‐exercise plasma lactate concentration was 18.6 ± 1.7 mmol/L and there was an increase (P<0.001) in respiratory rate (40 ± 6 to 118 ± 6 breaths/min), rectal temperature (38.1 ± 0.1 to 39.8 ± 0.1°C) and hematocrit (35 ± 2 to 47 ± 2%) following the breed evaluation field test.ConclusionsThe physiological responses indicate that the riding assessment in BEFT is a demanding exercise, requiring some contribution of anaerobic metabolism.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the National Animal Research Committee of Iceland. Owners and trainers were informed that participation was voluntary. Sources of funding: Developmental Fund of the Icelandic Horse Breeding, the Pálmi Jónsson Natural Conservation Fund and the Stock Protection Fund of the Icelandic Horse breed. Competing interests: none.
Field Investigation of Poor Performance in Thoroughbred Racehorses
Authors: Van Erck Westergren E , Richard E , Audrey A , Art T , Lekeux P 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionRacehorses suffering from subclinical diseases are frequently kept in training until they fail expectations during competition. The diagnosis of medical causes of poor performance remains challenging in the field. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of subclinical causes of poor performance in working Thoroughbreds (TB) and to determine which clinical field tests could most appropriately identify them.MethodsDuring the course of a training session, a complete clinical screening was performed in 11 healthy controls (C) and 38 poor performing (PP) TB without obvious clinical signs. Exercising ECG and GPS monitoring, blood sample analysis including oxidative stress markers, Doppler echocardiography, respiratory function testing (RFT), post‐exercise endoscopy, tracheal wash (TW) and broncho‐alveolar lavage (BAL) were performed. Statistics included ANOVA and Spearman's test (P<0.05).ResultsSubclinical causes of PP included muscular, respiratory and cardiac disorders. Variables derived from velocity and HR showed significant differences between groups. Lower airway diseases (LAD) were the most frequently diagnosed (33/38), causing significant differences in RFT. Endoscopic observations correlated with TW cytology, but unlike BAL analysis, were insufficient to diagnose all LAD cases. Supra‐ or ventricular premature beats were present only in the PP group but were not associated with echocardiographic abnormalities. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly lower in PP.ConclusionsVelocity, ECG and HR monitoring during a training session can be used as non‐specific predictive indicators of performance, help assess functional consequences of diseases and guide ancillary diagnostic investigations. As LAD is highly prevalent, BAL sampling would be indicated in any case of poor performance.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the Ethical committee of the University of Liege. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: University of Liege, Frank Duncombe Laboratory and the French Haras Nationaux. Competing interests: none.
Post‐Race Plasma Angiotensin Converting Enzyme in Thoroughbred Horses with or without Furosemide
Authors: De Mello Costa M , Ivanow A , MGB Silva A , Ronchi F , Casarini D 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionExercise‐Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage (EIPH) results from hypertensive episodes associated with intense exercise and can negatively impact athletic performance. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) secretion from pulmonary endothelium is increased during pulmonary disease. This study investigated the effects of furosemide administration on ACE activity, and hypothesised a positive association between EIPH and post‐race plasma ACE.MethodsBlood samples from 73 horses were collected after racing. ACE activity was measured using a fluorometric method. Respiratory endoscopy determined occurrence and grade of EIPH. Comparison of horses treated or not with furosemide before racing and the occurrence of EIPH were conducted by independent sample t‐tests. In addition, regression analysis was used to investigate the association between ACE activity and EIPH grade for all horses. Other variables analysed included time to endoscopy and haematocrit.ResultsMean ACE activity in horses not treated with furosemide (n = 47; 91.7 ± 15.9) was significantly higher (P = 0.002) than in treated horses (n = 26; 79.6 ± 13.9). When EIPH positive horses were analysed separately, those treated with furosemide (n = 20; ACE 78.2 ± 11.9) had significantly lower ACE (P = 0.009) than non‐treated horses (n = 17; ACE 90.9 ± 15.9). Regression analysis indicated a polynomial relationship between mean ACE activity and EIPH grade (0, 1, 2 or 3 + 4 + 5; adjusted r2 = 0.99; P<0.001). No other comparisons were statistically significant.ConclusionsResults indicated associations between ACE activity, EIPH grade and furosemide administration and investigation of the potential use of ACE as a biomarker for EIPH severity in controlled studies are warranted.Ethical Animal ResearchThis research was conducted with approval from The Animal Ethics Committee at WINTEC, and informed owner consent was obtained for horses included in this study. Sources of funding: partially funded by a Research Grant from WINTEC. Competing interests: none.
Effect of Head and Neck Position on Upper Airway Function in Standardbred Racehorses
Authors: Johnson K , Noschka E , Allen K , Tilbrook A , Ryan T , Franklin S 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionPoll flexion may play an important role in the development of dynamic upper respiratory tract (URT) collapse. However, limited investigations have been performed in Standardbred racehorses.MethodsEight Standardbreds were examined during training, once flexed and once in extension, using a randomised crossover design. Head position was maintained using modified check‐reins and head‐neck angle was recorded. On each occasion horses performed 2 rounds of exercise of 2400 m at ∼35 km/h. Speed and heart rate (HR) were measured and blood obtained before and after exercise. URT endoscopy was performed during the second round. Videos were blinded and URT function assessed. HR, plasma lactate (Lac) and speed were compared for different head positions using paired t‐tests. Cortisol was analysed using repeated‐measures ANOVA and URT function using Fisher's exact tests and paired t‐tests (P<0.05).ResultsData were excluded for one horse where head‐neck angle could not be measured. Flexed and extended head‐neck angles differed significantly (mean: 85.0° vs 97.8°; P = 0.001). All horses showed some form of URT collapse during exercise, although this was only deemed clinically significant in 4 horses with a history of abnormal noise. These horses showed additional abnormalities during flexion. However, mean severity scores did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.08). No significant difference was found for speed, HR or Lac. A significant increase in cortisol was found with exercise (P<0.001). The interaction between time and head position approached significance (P = 0.09) with higher concentrations of cortisol generally occurring in extension rather than flexion.ConclusionsURT abnormalities may be exacerbated with poll flexion. The use of equipment to modify head position may induce a stress response.Ethical Animal ResearchThis study was approved by the University of Adelaide Animal Ethics Committee and owner informed consent obtained. Sources of funding: University of Adelaide honours projects. Competing interests: none.
Evaluation of a Portable System Designed to Measure Ventilatory Parameters and Oxygen Consumption in Unridden Horses
Authors: Katz L , Gough K , Herdan C , McGivney B , Bayly W , Sides R , Hill E 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionMeasurement of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is the gold standard for assessing aerobic capacity, but in horses requires use of stationary equipment and a high‐speed treadmill. Study objectives were to evaluate a portable system designed to measure VO2 in a field setting and to describe these measurements in a cohort of untrained Thoroughbreds.MethodsVentilatory parameters and VO2 were measured in 41 untrained Thoroughbreds (16 colts, 25 fillies, 19.8 ± 1.4 months) using an ergospirometry and oximetry mask with customized software validated for horses galloping on a treadmill with an open‐circuit flow‐through gas collection system. Horses were instrumented with a GPS‐HR monitor, light‐weight mask and data‐capture equipment. Data was collected as horses travelled riderless up a 2% inclined woodchip track. Pre‐ and 5 minute post‐exercise plasma lactate ([La5]), HRpeak, maximal velocity (Vmax) and exercise distance were recorded and analysed by unpaired t‐test and Pearson's correlation (P ≤ 0.05).ResultsAll horses tolerated the mask and saddle pad. Exercise distance was 1700.5 ± 33.4 m, Vmax 15.0 ± 1.4 m/s, HRpeak 221.2 ± 9.6 bpm and [La5] 22.7 ± 5.5 mmol/l. Average VO2peak, based on 6 breaths, was 117.7 ± 24.1 ml/kg/min, breathing frequency 125.8 ± 7.1 bpm, inspiratory volume 13.2 ± 1.7 L, expiratory volume 13.4 ± 1.9 L and minute ventilation 1669.3 ± 193.3 L/min. VO2peak was not significantly different between colts (112.2 ± 27.7 ml/kg/min) and fillies (121.4 ± 21.3 ml/kg/min). There were no correlations between VO2peak and other measured parameters. There was a positive linear correlation between VO2peak and HRpeak (P = 0.046, R2 = 0.16).ConclusionsVO2peak values were similar to published reports for yearling Thoroughbreds. The high exercise intensity and linear relationship between VO2peak and HRpeak provides confidence in the system for field studies of aerobic capacity in untrained, unridden horses.Ethical Animal ResearchInstitutional Animal Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained. Sources of funding: Science Foundation Ireland (11‐P1‐ 1166). Competing interests: None.
Arrhythmias in Thoroughbreds During and after Treadmill and Racetrack Exercise
Authors: Navas de Solis C , Green C , Sides R , Seino K , Bayly W 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionHealthy and poorly performing horses can display arrhythmias during exercise and immediately afterwards. The relationship of arrhythmias to exercise intensity or type, and their frequency of recurrence, are poorly understood. Clarification of these issues was the objective of this investigation.MethodsElectrocardiograms were recorded on 9 Thoroughbreds during maximal and submaximal exercise on a racetrack (RA) and treadmill (TM). The frequency of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias for RA and TM were compared using Fisher's Exact Test.Results65 workouts (TM = 46, RA = 19; median[range]: 4/horse[2–14]) were performed. Exercising arrhythmias were detected in 4/9 horses (12/65 workouts) and there were post‐exercise arrhythmias in 7/9 horses (20/65 workouts). A single exercising electrocardiogram per horse often did not display all arrhythmias detected over several workouts. 3/9 horses exhibited arrhythmias during the first and second runs while the other 6 had none. 4/9 had 1 post‐exercise arrhythmia. Of 6 horses with >3 runs, 1 displayed arrhythmias each time, 3 never had arrhythmias and 2 sometimes showed arrhythmias during exercise (1/9 and 4/8 workouts, respectively). All 6 intermittently had post‐exercise arrhythmias (median[range]: 50% [9–75%] of workouts). Presence of arrhythmias was positively related to intensity and all occurred at ≥94%HRmax. The frequency of arrhythmias following RA (29%) and TM (12.5%) was not statistically different.ConclusionsGallops on TM or RA were equally effective for detecting arrhythmias. The presence/absence of exercising arrhythmias was more repeatable than post‐exercise arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are more likely to be detected at maximal or near‐maximal intensities. A larger population needs to be studied before firm conclusions are drawn.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocol. Sources of funding: Department of VCS, Washington State University. Competing interests: none.
Cost of Transport as a Discriminator of Conditioning in Horses Submitted to Incremental Jumping Tests
Authors: Sotero RC , Soares BOA , Queiroz‐Neto A , Simões HG , Ferraz GC 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionHeart rate (HR) and blood lactate (LAC) are biomarkers whose responses to exercise are related to physical fitness. This study evaluated the cost of transport (CT) by assessing the cardiovascular and metabolic efficiency of jumping horses using an incremental jumping test.MethodsSixteen Brazilian Sport horses of two fitness levels were used: high‐level jumpers (HL, n = 8) and low‐level jumpers (LL, n = 8). Tests were performed in a sandy jumping arena at a mean velocity of 18 km/h; the tests were distributed into three steps of 4 laps of 74 m, each with 10 obstacles. Each stage consisted of simple obstacles that were 0.40, 0.60 and 0.80 m high. The costs of transport were determined as (HRstep‐HRrest/speed) and (LACstep‐LACrest/speed). During intervals between each stage, blood samples were drawn to determine LAC (mmol/L). Student's t‐test was used for the unpaired samples (P<0.05).ResultsThere was no difference in the stage 0.40 m for HR. There were differences in the HL and LL groups, respectively, in the HR related to the effort in the obstacle series 0.60 m [1.7 ± 0.2 bpm/(km/h) and 2.0 ± 0.2 bpm/(km/h) (P = 0.02)]; 0.80 m [1.5 ± 0.2 bpm/(km/h) and 1.7 ± 0.2 bpm/(km/h); (P = 0.04)], and in the LAC for the 0.40 m obstacle [0.05 ± 0.04 mmol/L/(km/h) and 0.10 ± 0.03 mmol/L/(km/h); P = 0.04]; 0.60 m [0.07 ± 0.06 mmol/L/(km/h) and 0.14 ± 0.03 mmol/L/(km/h); (P = 0.006)] and 0.80 m [0.11 ± 0.04 mmol/L/(km/h) and 0.19 ± 0.05 mmol/L/(km/h); P = 0.009].ConclusionsThe CT differentiated horses of high and low level jumping fitness. The HR method (rather than LAC) is particularly useful because it is simple, inexpensive and accessible to trainers and veterinarians.Ethical Animal ResearchAll procedures were approved by the institutional animal care and use committee of the university (CEUA, Process: 019281/13). Sources of funding: FAPESP ‐ Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Process 2011/11080‐0). Competing interests: none.
Evolution of Echocardiographic Dimensions with Age and Training in Young Endurance Horses
Authors: Trachsel DS , Giraudet A , Hervé G , Maso D , Robert C 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionIncreasing cardiac dimension with endurance training is well known in adult athletes. However, adaptation of the heart to training in growing Arabian type horses is less well documented.MethodsDuring the national finals for young endurance horses, standardized echocardiographic examinations were performed before the races by two experienced examiners. In 2011 left ventricle (LV) was assessed in 74 horses aged 4‐years (18), 5‐years (33) and 6‐years (23). In 2012 left atrial (LA) dimensions and the great heart vessels were measured in 122 horses aged 4‐years (32), 5‐years (40) and 6‐years (50). Data were normally distributed; age groups and gender were compared by one‐way ANOVA (Holm‐Sidak test for multiple comparisons, significance P<0.05); relationships between echocardiographic dimensions and body weight (BWT) were assessed by linear regressions.ResultsBWT was highest in 5‐year old horses. LV dimensions increased with age, but for most measurements the difference was significant only for the group of 6‐year old horses. The stroke volume (SV) increased (P = 0.0016) and the heart rate decreased (P = 0.06) with increasing age, leading to a constant cardiac output in all age groups. There was a weak relationship between BWT and SV. Two dimensional LA measurements increased between 4 and 5 years but remained constant between 5 and 6 years. LA area measurements and LA functional indices showed no evolution between the groups. Aortic dimension increased with age but pulmonary artery dimension showed no such increase. No influence of gender on echocardiographic dimensions and function could be found.ConclusionsGreat heart vessels, LA and LV dimensions showed different growth patterns between 4 and 6 years of age.Ethical Animal ResearchProcedures were approved by the Ethics Committee for the Alfort Veterinary School and the University of Paris‐Est under number 12/07/11‐1; owner informed consent was obtained. Sources of funding: National Studs (IFCE), The Eperon Funds and the Arabian Horse Association (ACA). Competing interests: none.
Efficacy of Phenylbutazone Versus Firocoxib in Experimental Lameness in Horses
Authors: Foreman J , Foreman C , Bergstrom B 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThere are few refereed blinded controlled documentations of skeletal analgesic efficacy of firocoxib, a selective COX‐2 inhibitor. The objective was to test the hypotheses that intravenous firocoxib and phenylbutazone are comparable in efficacy and that both are more efficacious in alleviating lameness than placebo in an adjustable heart bar shoe model of equine foot pain.MethodsEight healthy adult horses (5 Thoroughbreds, 3 Quarter horses, mean age 8.3 ± 0.9 years, age range 4–13 years) underwent weekly intravenous treatments 1 hour after lameness induction. Treatments were isotonic saline placebo (1 ml/45 kg body weight), phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg), and firocoxib (label dosage 0.09 mg/kg). Treatments were randomly assigned and administered by co‐investigators who had no input on Heart Rate (HR) and Lameness Score (LS) measurements. Another investigator who was unaware of treatment assignments monitored HR and LS every 20 min for 5 hours after lameness induction and then hourly through 12 hours after treatment. One and two weeks later treatments were shuffled and the experiment was repeated. Repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test were used to identify analgesic effects at a significance level of P<0.05.ResultsHR and LS were not different between saline and firocoxib. Post‐treatment phenylbutazone HR (2.3–3.3, 5, and 10 hours) and LS (2.3–8 hours) were lower than saline (P<0.05). Phenylbutazone HR (10 and 12 hours) and LS (1.67–11 hours) were lower than firocoxib (P<0.05).ConclusionsIt was concluded that firocoxib at this label dosage was not different than placebo and that phenylbutazone was more effective than firocoxib and saline.Ethical Animal ResearchStudy approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Sources of funding: Fédération Equestre Internationale. Competing interests: none.