bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different Methods to Identify Pain after Routine Surgical Castration of Equine Stallions: Composite Pain Scale, Facial Expressions, Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites and Plasma Cytokines
Authors: Stucke D. , Hall S. , Morrone B. , Große Ruse M. , Lebelt D. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyLack of ‘gold standard’ for pain assessment in horses.ObjectivesTo assess different approaches of quantifying pain in horses. Castration was chosen as a pain model because of its wide clinical relevance.Study designExploratory study.Methods51 equine stallions undergoing castration under general anaesthesia were divided in 3 pain‐relieving treatment groups: A) single perioperative administration of flunixin (n = 19), B) additional subsequent flunixin administrations (n = 21), D) like A but with intra‐operative mepivacaine injections into the spermatic cord (n = 11). All horses were assessed before and 5 times after surgery (up to 44 h) by means of a modified composite pain scale (CPS), a newly developed facial expression pain scale (FEPS), faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) and plasma cytokine profiles. The same parameters were measured in a control group C, undergoing general anaesthesia for different nonpainful procedures (n = 6). Data were analysed with nonparametric statistical tests (Wilcoxon, Mann Whitney U).ResultsTime had an influence on CPS and FEPS scores in treatment groups A, B and D but not in C. Scores of groups A and B were higher compared to groups D and C at 4 (CPS, FEPS) and 8 h (CPS), whereas there was no difference between groups A and B nor between groups D and C. Only in group AB was there an increase of faecal GCMs 20 h after surgery. GCMs in group AB were higher compared with groups C and D at 32 h. No effects by time or treatment could be identified for the different plasma cytokines.ConclusionsCPS and FEPS seem to be able to detect different levels of post castration pain differentiating from possible anaesthesia effect. Additional local anaesthesia of the spermatic cord was associated with lower post surgical pain scores when compared to perioperative flunixin application alone, whereas subsequent applications of flunixin had no obvious effect.Ethical animal research: This study was registered as an animal experiment by the Brandenburg state authority (V3‐2347‐A‐42‐1‐2012). Client‐owned horses were included with informed consent. Sources of funding: EU‐funded FP7‐project “Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN)” (FP7‐KBBE‐2010‐4). Competing interests: None.
Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES) as a Possible Novel Alternative to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Assess the Motor Function of the Spinal Cord for Clinical Diagnosis in Horses
Authors: Journée S.L. , Delesalle C.J.G. , de Bruijn C.M. , Bergmann W. , Journée H.L. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyTo introduce and assess the feasibility of multipulse transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) in horses.ObjectivesTo assess latency times of muscular motor evoked potentials (MEP) in the m. extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and the m. tibialis cranialis (TC), elicited by transcranially applied multipulse stimulation in 12 healthy horses.Study designProspective observational study applied in 12 healthy horses.MethodsHorses with a mean age of 11.0 (range 3.6–20.5) years and a height of 160 (s.d. ± 10.0) cm were studied. Horses were sedated with detomidin (1.5 μg/kg bwt) and butorphanol (1.5 μg/kg bwt) i.v. A subcutaneous ring block with lidocaine 2% + adrenaline was placed on the forehead. TES was performed using biphasic high frequency multipulse voltage trains (pulse width: 0.1 ms, interpulse interval: 1.3 ms, 3 pulses/train) applied to 2 subcutaneous needle electrodes bilateral from the centre of the forehead. Latency times (30 V above motor threshold (MT) and amplitude of MEP were recorded bilaterally at the ECR and the TC muscles. Motor latency times are expressed as mean ± 2 s.d.ResultsMean latency times (at MT + 30 V) for the ECR muscles were respectively 20.18 ± 1.85 ms (left side) and 19.7 ± 1.69 ms (right side) and for the TC muscles respectively: 34.6 ± 2.01 ms (left) and 34.9 ± 2.43 ms (right).ConclusionsTES is well tolerated. Interestingly, recorded motor latency times at the level of front and hind legs appear to be shorter for TES when compared to TMS from literature data [1].Ethical animal research: Ethical approval was granted by the animal ethics committee of the Groningen University. Sources of funding: JS Center and Wolvega Equine Clinic. Competing interests: None.
Cervical Computed Tomography (CT) and CT Myelography in Live Horses: 16 Cases
Authors: Kristoffersen M. , Puchalski S. , Skog S. , Lindegaard C. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyCervical spine lesions are often suspected in horses with neurological signs, abnormal head/neck position and obscure forelimb lameness. Computed tomography (CT) has the potential to image the cervical spine in 3 dimensions in superior anatomical detail; e.g. lesions that cause compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, small fragments, and osteoarthritis of the articular process joints may be more easily detected.ObjectivesTo investigate if CT and CT myelography of the entire cervical spine is possible in horses, describe the technique used, the type of horses and distribution of cervical lesions detected.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsHorses undergoing cervical CT and CT myelography from June 2013 to February 2014 were reviewed. The horses were anaesthetised in left lateral recumbency using continuous intravenous anaesthesia. A Philips Brilliance Big Bore 16 slice scanner and a custom made equine CT table (Solving, Finland) were used.ResultsCervical CT was performed on 16 horses, 11 of which also had CT myelography: 12 Warmblood, 2 ponies, 1 Standardbred and 1 Paint Horse. Horses ranged in age from 1 to 21 years, and in weight from 406 to 670 kg. Presenting complaints were: neurological symptoms (n = 8), abnormal head/neck position (n = 5), forelimb lameness (n = 4), Horners syndrome (n = 1). In all cases (n = 16) the cervical spine from the skull to C7 could be imaged, in 3 cases T1 was imaged and in one case T3. Significant lesions were detected in 14 horses. The sites of the most significant lesions were: C4–C5 (n = 3), C5–C6 (n = 2), C6–C7 (n = 5) and C7–T1 (n = 2), cervical stenosis C5–T2 (n = 1) and muscle injury (n = 1). Length of anaesthesia ranged from 35 to 70 min (median 60 min), with one complicated recovery.ConclusionsCervical CT and CT myelography can be performed in large adult horses. CT may be the future gold standard to evaluate equine cervical lesions. Further studies are needed.Ethical animal research: Ethical committee oversight 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.
Comparison and Clinical Application of CT and MRI for Evaluation of the Equine Cranial Nerves
Authors: Dixon J. , Lam R. , Weller R. , Smith M. , Piercy R.J. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyAdvanced imaging modalities enable assessment of the equine skull and brain. Horses are susceptible to neurological dysfunction of the cranial nerves; however, our understanding of these structures’ imaging anatomy is limited.HypothesisMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be superior to computed tomography (CT) for the identification of cranial nerves, but optimal assessment may depend on both modalities.ObjectivesIdentify cranial nerves and compare and contrast the utility of MRI and CT images of cadaver and clinical material. Interpret images from both modalities and determine the cranial nerve imaging anatomy.Study designProspective cadaver anatomical study combined with retrospective clinical case study.MethodsThe head of a neurologically normal 9‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding was scanned immediately following euthanasia (performed for reasons unrelated to this study). High resolution MRI (1.5 Tesla) and CT examinations were conducted over a 12 h interval following euthanasia. Images obtained were compared with selected clinical cases which were scanned during anaesthesia (MRI; approximately 30–60 min) or standing sedation (CT; approximately 30 s).ResultsOn a high resolution MRI scan of a cadaver equine skull, each of the 12 cranial nerves and their topographic location was readily appreciated. Cranial nerves 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8 were more easily identified in clinically relevant MRI scans. CT allowed visualisation of the stylomastoid foramen, the inner and middle ear and cranial nerves 2, 3, 5 and 7.ConclusionsHigh field MRI allows for excellent visualisation of equine cranial nerves. CT allows for detailed visualisation of the osseous canals and foramina. This study advances anatomical knowledge of the normal equine cranial nerves to aid interpretation in horses that display neurological dysfunction localising to the brain and brainstem.Ethical animal research: Horse owners gave their consent for their animals to be included in the study. Sources of funding: Institutional. Competing interests: None.
Sales Consignment and Nasal Shedding of Equine Herpesvirus‐1 (EHV‐1) and 4 (EHV‐4) in Young Thoroughbred Horses in South Africa
Authors: Badenhorst M. , Page P.C. , Ganswindt A. , Guthrie A.J. , Schulman M.L. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyCommingling of horses from various populations, together with stress associated with transport and confinement at a sales complex, may predispose horses to EHV‐1 and ‐4 shedding and transmission. Current information on the prevalence and associated risk factors of EHV‐1 and ‐4 in South Africa is limited. Relevant research could enhance scientific‐based risk management strategies for horses attending sales events.ObjectivesDetect nasal shedding of EHV‐1 and ‐4 at a sales event. Identify the temporal pattern of viral shedding. Investigate the association between clinical signs and EHV‐1 and ‐4 shedding. Identify risk factors for EHV‐1 and ‐4 shedding and transmission.Study designProspective cohort study.MethodsData was collected over a 9 day period during August 2013 at the National Two Year Old Sales in Germiston, South Africa. The study population included 90 Thoroughbreds (51 colts, 39 fillies) in their second year of life that originated from 8 studs situated in 3 provinces. Nasal swabs were collected from each horse on arrival and on departure from the event. During their stay horses were monitored twice daily for pyrexia and once daily for nasal discharge. Nasal swabs were collected daily from any horse with nasal discharge and/or pyrexia. Nasal swabs were submitted for qPCR to detect EHV‐1 and ‐4.ResultsNo EHV‐1 shedding was detected; however, 14.4% of the population shed EHV‐4. A biphasic shedding pattern with peaks one day post arrival and on the first day of auction was observed. Pyrexia, with or without nasal discharge, was observed prior to first shedding in 61.5% of EHV‐4‐positive horses. Province, associated longer travel duration and smaller resident horse populations on farms of origin were associated with increased risk of EHV‐4 shedding.ConclusionsYoung Thoroughbreds consigned to a South African sale shed EHV‐4. Pyrexia proved useful to identify impending EHV‐4 shedding.Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) of the University of Pretoria (Study V040‐13). Informed, written consent for participation was obtained from the owners of each of the studs included in the study. Sources of funding: Funding for this study was provided by Racing South Africa and the Departments of Companion Animal Clinical Studies and Production Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria. Competing interests: None.
EHV‐5 Associated with Respiratory Disease in a Survey of Alpha‐ and Gammaherpesviruses in 409 Australian Horses
Authors: El‐Hage C.M. , Mekuria Z.H. , Hartley C.A. , Gilkerson J.R. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyTo determine the prevalence of EHV‐1, ‐2, ‐4 and ‐5 in respiratory samples from a large number of horses using quantitative PCR methods. Samples from horses with, and without mild signs of respiratory disease provided an opportunity to examine associations with single or multiple herpesviral infections.ObjectivesTo determine any correlation between quantitative detection of these equine herpesviruses and mild clinical respiratory disease in horses.MethodsNasal swabs were taken from horses with, and without, clinical respiratory disease. Nucleic acid was extracted from all swabs prior to PCR testing for EHV‐1, ‐2, ‐4 and ‐5. Clinical signs of respiratory disease included coughing, fever (temperature >38.5°C) or nasal discharge.ResultsOf the 409 horses, 250 (61%) were clinically normal, 121 (30%) presented with clinical signs consistent with mild respiratory disease and 38 (9%) horses had no traceable clinical history. One‐fifth (83/409) of horses sampled were infected with EHV‐2 and almost two‐thirds 249/409 (60.9%) with EHV‐5. Infection with EHV‐5 was significantly associated with mild respiratory disease (85/121; 70.2%) compared to nondiseased horses (137/249; 55%) P = 0.005. The proportion of EHV‐2 infected horses, however, did not differ significantly between those in the diseased (18/121) and nondiseased (61/250) groups. Too few horses were detected with alphaherpesviruses to determine any association with clinical signs of disease. Mean nasal shedding loads of herpesviruses were not significantly different between diseased and nondiseased horses.ConclusionsThere was a significant association between horses displaying clinical signs of mild respiratory disease and infection with EHV‐5, however, no such association was evident for neither horses with EHV‐2 nor the alphaherpesviruses EHV‐1 and ‐4. The clinical significance of respiratory gammaherpesvirus infections in horses remains yet to be determined; however, these findings add to the mounting body of evidence incriminating EHV‐5 in association with equine respiratory disease.Acknowledgements: The authors are grateful to veterinarians and animal health staff who took samples. Garry Anderson provided valued and erudite statistical assistance.Ethical animal research: Ethical committee oversight not currently required by this congress: the study was performed on archived material collected for the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries’ Equine Influenza surveillance programme. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: Special Virology Fund at the University of Melbourne and the Chief Veterinary Officer's unit DEPI Victoria. Competing interests: None.
Development and Efficacy of the Recombinant Canarypox‐Based Equine Influenza (EI) Vaccine Updated According to the Last OIE Expert Surveillance Panel Recommendations
Authors: Paillot R. , Lemaitre L. , Dancer A. , Thibault J‐C. , Minke J. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studySince 2010, the OIE expert surveillance panel (ESP) recommends that EI vaccines contain representative equine influenza virus (EIV) strains from the Florida clade 1 and 2 sub‐lineages for optimal protection against EIV currently circulating worldwide. To date, no EI vaccine commercially available in the EU meets this recommendation.ObjectivesThis report summarises the development process of a fully updated recombinant canarypox‐based EI vaccine, including clinical efficacy results against EIV strain A/eq/Richmond/1/07.Study designThe EI vaccine ProteqFlu containing 2 recombinant canarypox viruses expressing the haemagglutinin of EIV strains was updated by replacing the A/eq/Newmarket/2/93 strain with the A/eq/Richmond/1/07 isolate (Florida clade 2 sub‐lineage) and keeping A/eq/Ohio/03 (Florida clade 1 sub‐lineage), to meet the last OIE recommendations. The updated EI vaccine was tested for efficacy in the Welsh mountain pony model.MethodsThe mode of action, production steps and efficacy of the updated EI vaccine will be presented. Efficacy was tested in a group of 7 ponies vaccinated twice, 5 weeks apart. Protective antibody response were measured and challenged by experimental infection with the A/eq/Richmond/1/07 EIV strain. Clinical signs of disease and virus shedding were compared with control unvaccinated ponies (n = 7).ResultsSignificant protection was measured in vaccinated ponies, which supports the vaccine registration.ConclusionsThe recombinant canarypox‐based EI vaccine was already the first EI vaccine to meet the 2004 OIE ESP recommendations and was successfully used in Australia during the 2007 EI outbreak. This new version will be the first fully updated EI vaccine available in the EU, which will help to minimise the increasing risk of vaccine breakdown due to constant EIV evolution through antigenic drift. EI vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to prevent or limit the impact of EI, as clearly illustrated by the limited frequency and scale of EI outbreaks.Ethical animal research: All animal work received ethical approval. Sources of funding: The study was funded by Merial SAS. Competing interests: R.P. reports no conflict of interest. L.L., A.D., J‐L.T. and J.M. are employed by the study sponsor.
Investigation of Equine Encephalitis Cases During the West Nile Virus (WNV) Epidemics in Greece
Authors: Diakakis N. , Chaintoutis S.C. , Bouzalas I. , Brellou G.D. , Vlemmas I. , Papanastassopoulou M. , Dovas C.I. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyClinicopathological and laboratory investigation of horses showing severe neurological signs during the 2010 WNV‐lineage 2 human epidemic in Central Macedonia (Northern Greece). Implementation of preventive measures was also addressed.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical signs, supportive treatment and outcome in WNV cases and report the use of an inactivated WNV vaccine used for the protection of horses during the following epidemic periods.Study designClinical study.MethodsLaboratory testing included serology, real‐time RT‐PCR and histopathology. All affected animals received supportive treatment (furosemide, dexamethasone, B‐complex vitamins and NSAIDs). The Equip WNV vaccine was used for immunisation of horses.ResultsWNV‐specific IgM antibodies were detected in 17 horses with neurological signs. The specificity of the detected antibodies was confirmed by seroneutralisation tests. The maximum duration of IgM was determined to be 60 days. Clinical signs included weakness of hindlimbs, ataxia and tremors (17/17), altered mental state (10/17), hypersensitivity (7/17), inability to swallow (3/17), recumbency (3/17) and convulsions (3/17). Supportive treatment was successful in 14/17 horses. The 3 recumbent horses died as a result of the infection, or were subjected to euthanasia. Histopathological findings observed in the CNS were mild perivascular cuffing of mononuclear cells, axonal swelling, glial nodules, microhaemorrhages and neuronal necrosis. None of the vaccinated horses showed clinical signs. Three unvaccinated horses showed clinical signs and developed WNV‐specific IgM antibodies.ConclusionsThe Nea Santa‐Greece‐lineage 2 strain responsible for the massive human epidemic of 2010 was also highly pathogenic for horses. Timely administration of supportive treatment is important to the prognosis of the cases. WNV infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of horses with encephalitis in Greece. Vaccinations can effectively protect horses, especially in areas of Greece where the virus seems to have become endemic.Ethical animal research: All owners gave their consent prior to the commencement of the study. Sources of funding: Funding for this project came from Zoetis. Competing interests: None.
Duration of Tetanus IgG Titres Following Basic Immunisation of Horses
Authors: Kendall A. , Domeij K. , Gånheim A. , Bergström K. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyRecommendations for prophylactic vaccination against tetanus in horses vary greatly between countries and have scarce scientific support in the peer‐reviewed literature. In human medicine, recommended booster vaccination intervals are also very variable, but are considerably longer than for horses.ObjectivesTo investigate if the duration of antibody titres previously determined to be protective against tetanus are likely to be longer than indicated by several recommended vaccination intervals for horses.Study designProspective clinical trial.MethodsThirty‐four horses were enrolled for basic immunisation with an ISCOM Matrix‐combination vaccine (Equilis® Prequenza TE). Horses received the first vaccination at 5–11 months of age, and the second dose 4 weeks later. A third vaccine dose was given 15–17 months after the second dose. Serum tetanus antibody titres were analysed by ToBi ELISA 2 weeks as well as 14–16 months after the second dose. After the third vaccine dose, titres were checked once yearly for 3 years.ResultsTwo weeks after the second dose all horses (34/34) had antibody levels that exceeded 0.03 iu/ml. After 16 months the levels were below 0.03 iu/ml in 5/33 horses. After the third vaccine dose antibody levels remained above 0.03 iu/ml in 25/26 horses for 1 year, 17/17 horses for 2 years, and 9/9 horses for 3 years.ConclusionsHorses that undergo basic immunisation with 3 doses of vaccine after the age of 6 months are likely to have serum antibody titres consistent with protection against tetanus for more than 3 years.Ethical animal research: This study was approved by the Uppsala Ethical Committee on Animal Experiments and informed owner's consent was obtained prior to enrolment of horses. Sources of funding: This study was funded by the Intervet Research Foundation. Competing interests: None.
Differential Expression of microRNAs in Equine Sarcoids: Preliminary Results from an In Vitro Model
Authors: Terron‐Canedo N. , Britton C. , Nicolson L. , Nasir L. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing the studyEquine sarcoids are locally aggressive fibroblastic cutaneous tumours, representing the third most common health problem in working horses. In developed countries they also have welfare and economic impact (e.g. prepurchase examination). No current treatment offers 100% success rate. It is now well established that Bovine Papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 play an important role in the pathogenesis of sarcoid tumours. In a number of human cancers, aberrant expression of microRNAs has been linked to the cancerous phenotype. microRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate essential biological and cellular processes. Currently there is much interest in their role as biomarkers and potential therapeutic agents for many diseases.ObjectivesIn an attempt to improve our understanding of the pathobiology of sarcoids, we aim to identify specific microRNAs associated with equine sarcoids.Study designDifferential expression of microRNAs was assessed in control equine fibroblasts (EqPalfs) and EqPalfs transformed with the BPV‐1 genome (S6‐2s).MethodsUsing a commercially available human microarray, 453 microRNAs were interrogated in RNA samples from both cell lines. Each cell line was analysed in triplicate.Results219 individual microRNAs were differentially expressed in control (EqPalFs) versus BPV‐transformed cells (S6‐2s) (P<0.05). of these, 148 microRNAs (68%) were underexpressed in S6‐2 cells relative to EqPalfs.ConclusionsWe have shown that BPV‐1 transformed equine cell lines exhibit a different microRNA profile to control equine fibroblasts and the aberrant expression of microRNAs in S6‐2 cells can be attributed to the presence of BPV‐1 genomes. Our future work will focus on studying the expression profiles of a subset of microRNAs in a larger panel of cell lines and sarcoid tumours to help elucidate the significance of the deregulated expression.Ethical animal research: Local ethical approval was granted to conduct this study. Sources of funding: This work is funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board with contribution from the Vet Trust Fund (James Herriot Scholarship). Competing interests: None.