bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cortisol and haematochemical variables of horses during a two day trekking event: effects of preliminary transport
Authors: MEDICA P. , GIACOPPO E. , FAZIO E. , AVENI F. , PELLIZZOTTO R. , FERLAZZO A. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Trekking is a noncompetitive sport, involving maximal skeletal muscle effort. Exercise and transport may involve significant energy expenditure and give rise to substantial stress. Few studies have examined the combined effect of exercise and additional preliminary transport on adrenocortical and haematochemical responses in horses during trekking.Objectives:To ascertain whether exercise and additional preliminary transport before trekking would affect the circulating cortisol levels and haematochemical variables of horses during a 2 day trekking event.Materials and methods:Twenty‐nine healthy horses were used. Twenty‐four horses were transported over distances of 70 km the day before trekking and 5 horses were stabled at the starting place. Blood samples were taken from horses at 16.00 h the day before trekking; and at 08.30 h and 17.30 h before and after the first day of trekking; at 08.30 h and at 13.30 h before and after the second day of trekking. Serum cortisol and haematochemical variables were determined in duplicate by using commercial test kits. One‐way analysis of variance for repeated measures (RM‐ANOVA) was applied to determine whether trekking and transport had any effects.Results:Trekking significantly (P<0.01) affected total protein, albumin, urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), PCV and cortisol changes in transported horses and only urea and PCV (P<0.01) changes in untransported horses. Untransported horses showed lower basal total protein (P<0.05) and albumin (P<0.01) concentrations, higher urea concentrations (P<0.001) at the second day and lower cortisol levels after the first and the second (P<0.05) day of trekking than transported horses.Conclusion:These data show that the preliminary transport stress induced additional significant changes of cortisol and haematochemical patterns in horses after trekking.
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone‐vasopressin axis in successful and unsuccessful endurance horses
Authors: MUÑOZ A. , RIBER C. , TRIGO P. , CASTEJÓN‐RIBER C. , CASTEJÓN F. M. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReason for performing study:Limited information exists concerning the defence of homeostasis during endurance competitions and the relationship with performance.Objectives:This research analysed renin (REN), angiotensin II (ANG), aldosterone (ALD) and vasopressin (AVP) in horses covering different distances, assesses differences between successful and eliminated horses and evaluates correlations between hydration status, renal function, electrolytes, REN, ANG, ALD and AVP.Methods:Packed cell volume (PCV), velocity and serum concentrations of REN, ANG, ALD, AVP, Na, K, Cl, Ca, Mg, P, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total proteins (TSP), albumin (ALB), serum ureic nitrogen (SUN), creatinine (CREAT) and lactate were analysed in both successful horses (SH) and in horses eliminated due to metabolic problems (MH). Two types of competition were studied: 91 km in one day (Competition A: 20 SH, 9 MH) and 166 km in 2 days, 83 km/day (Competition B: 10 SH and 5 MH).Results:Research analysed renin was not affected by exercise, whereas ANG, ALD and AVP increased. In the SH group, resting ALD and AVP concentrations at the beginning of the second day ofCompetition Bwere higher than preride values. Vasopressin did not change during the second day ofCompetition B, whereas ALD progressively increased. Metabolic problems of both groups showed more evident dehydration (higher PCV, TSP, ALB, SUN and CREAT) and electrolyte alterations (more intense decreases of Na and Cl) than SH at the different sampling times. Metabolic problems presented higher ALD and AVP concentrations. Angiotensin II was higher at certain sampling times in the horses.Conclusions:Endurance horses with dehydration and electrolyte disturbances showed a more intense activation of the REN‐ANG‐ALD‐AVP axis.Potential relevance:The study of the response of the REN‐ANG‐ALD‐AVP axis during prolonged exercise in horses with different performance will aid to minimise the risk of metabolic diseases during competitions.
Endurance veterinarians detect physiologically compromised horses in a 160 km ride
Authors: BARNES A. , KINGSTON J. , BEETSON S. , KUIPER C. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:This study investigated the physiology of endurance horses competing in warm weather over technical terrain, a situation where horses may become metabolically compromised.Hypotheses:There will be changes in physiological, haematological and biochemical variables as horses progress through the 160 km ride and horses detected clinically at the veterinary inspections as metabolically compromised will have significant differences in measured laboratory variables compared to horses that complete the ride successfully.Methods:Forty‐eight horses competing in the Australian Tom Quilty 160 km endurance ride were monitored and weighed, and blood samples collected for analysis of electrolytes, packed cell volume (PCV), plasma protein and acid‐base variables, preride, mid‐ride, at the end of their ride and the following morning after a period of recovery. Statistical analysis was performed using multinomial logistic regression and repeated measures ANOVA.Results:Of the 48 horses participating in the study, only 18 successfully completed the ride (SC), 16 were eliminated for lameness (VOL) and 10 for metabolic reasons (VOM); 4 were voluntarily withdrawn by the riders. A lighter preride bodyweight was predictive for VOM. PCV and total plasma protein increased mid‐ride in all groups compared to preride, with significantly greater increases in PCV for VOM compared to the other horses. Changes were detected in blood concentrations of sodium, chloride and calcium over time and between the groups, with lower mid‐ride sodium and chloride in VOM compared to SC and VOL.Conclusions:VOM horses weighed less preride and were, on analysis of blood and physiological variables mid‐ride, more dehydrated with greater electrolyte depletion than the SC or VOL horses.
The effect of ex vivo flexion and extension on intervertebral foramina dimensions in the equine cervical spine
Authors: SLEUTJENS J. , VOORHOUT G. , Van Der KOLK J. H. , WIJNBERG I. D. , BACK W. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: In dressage, the head and neck position has become an issue of concern as certain extreme positions may imply a welfare risk for the horse. In man, extension and flexion of the cervical spine cause a decrease and increase in intervertebral foramina dimensions, respectively. However, in horses, the influence of flexion and extension on foramina dimensions and its possible interference with peripheral nerve functioning remains unknown.Objectives: To determine the effect of ex vivo flexion and extension on intervertebral foramina dimensions in the equine cervical spine.Methods: Computed tomography was performed on 6 cadaver cervical spines from adult Warmblood horses subjected to euthanasia for reasons unrelated to cervical spine abnormalities, in a neutral position, in 20 and 40° extension, and in 20 and 40° flexion. Multiplanar reconstructions were made to obtain transverse images perpendicular to the long axis of each pair of intervertebral foramina from C2–T1. Intervertebral foramina dimensions were measured in the 5 positions.Results: Compared to the neutral position, 40° extension caused a decrease in foramina dimensions at segments C4–C5, C5–C6, C6–C7 (P<0.001) and C7–T1 (P<0.002); 20° extension caused a decrease in foramina dimensions at segments C5–C6 (P<0.02), C6–C7 (P<0.001) and C7–T1 (P<0.01); 20° flexion caused an increase in foramen length at segment C6–C7 (P<0.01).Conclusions: Ex vivo extension of the cervical spine causes a decrease in intervertebral foramina dimensions at segments C4–T1, similar to that found in man.Potential relevance: In vivo extension of the cervical spine could possibly interfere with peripheral nerve functioning at segments C4–T1. This effect may be even more profound in patients with a reduced intervertebral foramina space, for example in the presence of facet joint arthrosis.
Effects of three warm‐up regimens of equal distance onV̇o2kinetics during supramaximal exercise in Thoroughbred horses
Authors: MUKAI K. , HIRAGA A. , TAKAHASHI T. , OHMURA H. , JONES J. H. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Several studies have indicated that even low‐intensity warm‐up increases O2transport kinetics and that high‐intensity warm‐up may not be needed in horses. However, conventional warm‐up exercise for Thoroughbred races is more intense than those utilised in previous studies of equine warm‐up responses.Objectives:To test the hypothesis that warm‐up exercise at different intensities alters the kinetics and total contribution of aerobic power to total metabolic power in subsequent supramaximal (sprint) exercise in Thoroughbred horses.Methods:Nine well‐trained Thoroughbreds ran until fatigue at 115% of maximal oxygen consumption () 10 min after warming‐up under each of 3 protocols of equal running distance: 400 s at 30%(LoWU), 200 s at 60%(MoWU) and 120 s at 100%(HiWU). Variables measured during exercise were rates of O2and CO2consumption/production (,), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate, blood lactate concentration and accumulation rate and blood gas variables.Results:was significantly higher in HiWU than in LoWU at the onset of the sprint exercise andHRwas significantly higher in HiWU than in LoWU throughout the sprint. Accumulation of blood lactate,RER,Paco2andin the first 60 s were significantly lower in HiWU than in LoWU and MoWU. There were no significant differences in stroke volume, run time or arterial‐mixed venous O2concentration.Conclusions:These results suggest HiWU accelerateskinetics and reduces reliance on net anaerobic power compared with LoWU at the onset of the subsequent sprint.
Efficacy of single‐dose intravenous phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine before, during and after exercise in an experimental reversible model of foot lameness in horses
Authors: FOREMAN J. H. , GRUBB T. L. , INOUE O. J. , BANNER S. E. , BALL K. T. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Objective blinded efficacy data during exercise are lacking on the use of single‐dose i.v. nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before, during and after exercise.Hypothesis:Single i.v. doses of either phenylbutazone (PBZ) or flunixin meglumine (FM) would prove more efficacious than negative saline control (SAL) before, during and after exercise in a reversible model of foot lameness.Methods:Six Quarter Horse mares had lameness induced by tightening a set screw against a heart bar shoe 1 h prior to treatment. Randomised blinded treatments included PBZ (4.4 mg/kg bwt i.v.), FM (1.1 mg/kg bwt i.v.), and SAL (1 ml/45 kg i.v.). Heart rate and lameness score (LS) were recorded at rest; every 20 min after lameness induction for 5 h and at the end of 2 min treadmill workloads of 2 and 4 m/s. Heart rate was also recorded from 0.5–60 min post exercise. Results were compared using RM ANOVA and Student‐Newman‐Keul's test (HR) and Wilcoxon signed rank test (%ΔLS) with significance set at P<0.05.Results:Pre‐exercise mean HR was decreased for both NSAIDs compared to SAL from 1:20–4 h post treatment (P<0.05). Pre‐exercise mean %ΔLS was decreased for PBZ (1:20–4 h) and FM (1–4 h) compared to SAL (P<0.01). With exercise, there were no HR differences between treatments (P>0.05), but mean %ΔLS was decreased for both NSAIDs compared to SAL (P<0.01). Mean recovery HR was decreased for PBZ and FM from 1–60 min compared to SAL (P<0.05).Conclusions:PBZ and FM demonstrated definitive clinical efficacy after single i.v. doses before, during and after exercise. Use of single i.v. doses during competition may mask lameness and may affect the ability of judges in determining the soundness of horses in competition.
Nutrition‐associated problems facing elite level three‐day eventing horses
Authors: LEAHY E. R. , BURK A. O. , GREENE E. A. , WILLIAMS C. A. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: The main goal of feeding elite 3‐day event horses is to deliver nutrients in optimal amounts to allow the horse to maximize its health and performance. However, improper nutritional management and/or physiological stressors related to intense training and competition may increase the risk of nutrition‐associated disorders in these horses. An understanding of the nutrition‐associated problems contributing to poor performance is critical to the health and welfare of the horse.Objectives: To characterize the nutrition‐associated problems affecting top level 3‐day event horses during 2008.Methods: Contact information for riders competing in the 2 highest levels of 3‐day eventing in 2008 was obtained from the United States Eventing Association. A survey containing 10 questions pertaining to participant demographics and nutrition‐associated problems experienced by their horses was mailed and e‐mailed to the 81 individuals fitting our criteria of living in USA and Canada. Data was collected in April and May 2009.Results: Twenty‐nine of 81 riders completed the survey (35.8%). Respondents rode a total of 45 horses in top level 3‐day events in 2008. The top 5 nutrition‐associated problems that horses faced at a significantly higher level than the other problems (P<0.0001) were gastric ulcers (42.2%), joint problems (37.7%), decreased appetite (31.1%), weight loss (31.1%) and hyperexcitability (22.2%). There was no significant difference in frequency of problems between home and competition (P = 0.22).Conclusions: Horses competing at a high level of 3‐day eventing in 2008 were at risk of reduced performance given the significant rate of gastric ulcers, decreased appetite and weight loss. Research addressing specific causes of and/or feeding management changes that would reduce the incidence of these problems in these horses is needed to ensure optimal health and performance.
Effects of short‐term training on thermoregulatory and sweat responses during exercise in hot conditions
Authors: McCUTCHEON L. J. , GEOR R. J. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:There is evidence that extensive training in cool conditions results in improvements to heat dissipation that contribute to successful acclimatisation. In horses, the effects of a less extensive training regimen have not been determined.Objective:This study investigated whether 10 consecutive days of moderate intensity treadmill training in cool conditions would improve thermoregulatory and sweating responses of horses to exercise in the heat.Methods:Six unfit Thoroughbred horses completed a standardised treadmill exercise test (SET) in hot, dry conditions (32–34°C, 45–55% RH) before (SET1) and after (SET2) 10 consecutive days of running at 55% VO2maxfor 60 min in cool conditions (19–21°C, 45–55% RH). Each SET consisted of a 5 min warm‐up and cool down at a walk, 40 min of trotting (50% VO2max), 7 min at 75% VO2maxand a 30 min standing recovery. Bodyweight was determined pre‐ and post SET. Heart rate, rectal, skin, pulmonary artery and muscle temperatures were measured throughout the SETs and sweating rate (SR) and sweat ion losses determined for each 5 min interval.Results:Following training, mean VO2maxincreased by 8.9% (P<0.05). In SET2, PCV was lower during the last 30 min of exercise and end‐exercise rectal, muscle and pulmonary artery temperatures were decreased by 1.5 ± 0.2, 0.8 ± 0.1 and 1.0 ± 0.2°C, respectively (P<0.05). Peak SR and the pattern of sweat ion losses during exercise was unchanged post training whereas SR and sweat losses during recovery were decreased (P<0.05).Conclusions:Similar SRs for a given core temperature during exercise but a more rapid decrease in recovery resulted in an overall reduction in sweat fluid losses with no change in sweat ion losses after training.Relevance:The results provide insight into the extent to which short‐term training can improve the capacity of horses to exercise in hot conditions.
The effect of exercise regimens on racing performance in National Hunt racehorses
Authors: ELY E. R. , PRICE J. S. , SMITH R. K. , WOOD J. L. N. , VERHEYEN K. L. P. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: A previous study has identified exercise undertaken during training to be associated with racing performance in flat racehorses. However, no such studies have been conducted in National Hunt (NH) horses.Aim: To determine whether exercise undertaken during training is associated with racing performance in NH racehorses.Methods: Data were collected as part of a larger study investigating injury occurrence in NH racehorses. Race records and daily exercise data were obtained from NH racehorses at 14 training yards. Canter, gallop and race distances accumulated in the 30 days preceding a ‘case race’ were calculated. Associations between exercise‐, horse‐ and race‐level variables and the odds of winning, winning prize money, being pulled up and falling were identified using mixed effects logistic regression.Results: Data from 4444 races run by 858 horses were included in analyses. Horses accumulating longer canter distances in the preceding 30 days were more likely to win or win prize money and less likely to be pulled‐up. Horses accumulating longer race distances in a 30 day period were more likely to win, whilst those accumulating longer gallop distances in a 30 day period were more likely to win prize money. Horses that had jump‐schooled in the preceding 30 days were more likely to fall during the race than those that had not. Trainer and horse were associated with racing performance after adjusting for exercise.Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that NH race performance may be improved through modification of exercise regimens. After controlling for the abilities of individual trainers and horses and conditions of the case race, horses accumulating longer exercise distances in the 30 days preceding a race were more likely to be successful. However, horses that had jump‐schooled in the 30 days preceding a race were more likely to fall.
The relationship between massage to the equine caudal hindlimb muscles and hindlimb protraction
Authors: HILL C. , CROOK T. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: Massage is widely used in physiotherapy, but there has been little previous research examining its effectiveness in increasing equine soft tissue length.Objectives: To determine the effect of massage on equine hindlimb protraction. We hypothesised that massage to the caudal muscles of the equine hindlimb, specifically the superficial gluteal, semitendinosus, biceps femoris and semimembranosus muscles, can increase passive and active hindlimb protraction.Materials and methods: The study used a crossover design in which 8 horses were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 4, A and B. Group A received massage for 30 min, group B received sham treatment for 30 min. The procedure was repeated following a 7 day ‘washout’ period, when group A received the 30 min sham treatment and group B, 30 min of massage. Passive hindlimb protraction was measured before and after each intervention, using a modified version of the human ‘Sit and Reach test’ for general muscle flexibility. Active protraction was measured using 2 dimensional kinematic analysis of stride length. The data analysis used the Wilcoxon signed rank test at a significance of P<0.05.Results: Massage to the caudal limb muscles significantly increased passive (P = 0.01) and active limb (P = 0.01) protraction.Conclusions: This study indicates that massage can increase protraction of the equine hindlimb. Massage may, therefore, play a valuable role in the development of strategies used to improve a horse's locomotor function, e.g. during rehabilitation or optimum performance for competition.
Serum amyloid A level as a potential indicator of the status of endurance horses
Authors: CYWINSKA A. , GORECKA R. , SZARSKA E. , WITKOWSKI L. , DZIEKAN P. , SCHOLLENBERGER A. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: Changes in serum levels of acute phase proteins (APPs) reflect the acute phase reaction, a rapid and nonspecific response to any tissue damage. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is the main APP in horses, which increases in various diseases, surgical injuries and after long distance endurance rides; however, this nonspecific parameter has not been investigated as an indicator of subclinical disorders, which may result in elimination during endurance competitions.Objectives: To evaluate the serum concentration of SAA as a potential indicator for the status of horses prepared for long distance endurance rides (120 and 160 km).Materials and methods: Twenty Arabian horses were tested and 12 were eliminated during the ride and 8 completed the distances. Routine haematological and biochemical tests and measurement of serum concentrations of SAA were carried out before and after the competition. Results were compared using the Mann Whitney U test.Results: Before the competition all haematological and biochemical parameters varied within reference ranges with no differences between the eliminated horses and the ones that successfully finished the competition. After the rides creatine phosphokinase activity and neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio reflecting exercise‐induced leukogram changes increased (P<0.05) in both groups. Before the competition, the concentration of SAA remained within reference ranges; however, it was significantly (P<0.05) lower in horses that successfully finished the competition than in eliminated ones (411.7 ± 144 ng/ml vs. 5809.5 ± 2242.7 ng/ml). After the ride SAA levels increased (P<0.05) and were similar in both groups (13 833.8 ± 1354.3 ng/ml and 12 831.2 ± 1317.6 ng/ml).Conclusions: Serum SAA level was the only laboratory parameter that indicated most (66.6%) of the eliminated horses before entering the competition. None of the horses with SAA level higher than 1000 ng/ml completed the distance. Thus, it may be postulated that serum SAA concentration may indicate a poor status of a horse, resulting in elimination during a competition.