bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of biochemical parameters to predict metabolic elimination in endurance rides
Authors: TRIGO P. , CASTEJON F. , RIBER C. , MUÑOZ A. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Endurance races are the competition with the biggest metabolic demands for the sport horse. During races, some horses show homeostasis alterations, having repercussions in diverse biochemical parameters and negative consequences on performance and health.Objectives:To evaluate the utility of biochemical analysis in the early diagnosis of metabolic stress and to determine cut‐off values of biochemical parameters to assist in the prevention of metabolic alterations in endurance horses.Methods:This study involved 36 CEI races and 283 horses (41 eliminated because of metabolic disturbances). Blood samples were taken before competition, after the vet‐gates and after finishing the race or veterinary disqualification. Packed cell volume (PCV), activities of CK, AST and LDH, and concentrations of total plasma proteins (PP), urea, creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA) and plasma lactate were determined. Successful horses were compared with horses eliminated due to metabolic conditions in the values obtained in the phase prior to being removed from the competition. Factors associated with metabolic elimination were further analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Dichotomisation for each variable was made using the receiver‐operating characteristic curve to enter into the model.Results:PCV>52%, PP>82 g/l, standardised Cr>30 mg/l 100 km, UA>72 mg/l, standardised CK>12.6 ui/l km and standardised AST>6.2 ui/l km were associated with the development of metabolic alterations. Of the horses with an imbalance between PCV and PP, 30% had metabolic elimination in the following phases. Muscle enzymes and Cr were directly related to the distance covered.Conclusions:Selected biochemical markers are evident in some endurance horses before their elimination. However, most horses developed metabolic disturbances without any important alterations in the variables determined in this study.Potential relevance:Analysis of selected plasma biochemical parameters could be useful in the prevention and early diagnosis of metabolic stress in endurance horses.
Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilisation on trunk flexibility and stiffness in horses: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: HAUSSLER K. K. , MARTIN C. E. , HILL A. E. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing the study: Spinal mobilisation and spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) are being applied to horses; however, there are limited objective measures of their effects on spinal mobility or stiffness in actively ridden horses.Objectives: To quantify passive spinal movements induced during dorsoventral mobilisation of the trunk and to identify any potential effects of SMT on measures of spinal mobility within the thoracolumbar region in standing horses. We hypothesise that displacement amplitudes will be significantly increased across vertebral levels after SMT, compared to spinal mobilisation only within the control group.Methods: Passive spinal mobility was assessed in 24 actively ridden mature horses once a week for 3 weeks. Peak vertical displacement, loading and unloading velocities, applied force, stiffness and the frequency of truncal oscillations induced during dorsoventral spinal mobilisation were measured at 5 thoracolumbar sites and compared between treatment (n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups. Each week, outcome parameters were measured pre‐ and post intervention, 10 min apart. Treatment consisted of manually‐applied, high‐velocity, low‐amplitude (HVLA) thrusts directed at the 5 intervertebral sites. Control horses received no additional intervention. A mixed‐effects linear regression model was used to assess the interactive effects of treatment group, vertebral level, week and pre‐/post intervention.Results: Post intervention displacement amplitudes of the trunk and applied forces were significantly higher in the SMT group, compared to the control group. A similar trend was found for increased spinal stiffness within the SMT group. Across vertebral levels, SMT induced a 40% increase in displacement, a 20% increase in applied force and a 7% increase in stiffness.Conclusions and potential relevance: SMT increased dorsoventral displacement of the trunk, which is indicative of producing increased passive spinal flexibility in actively ridden horses. Further clinical research is needed on the effectiveness of manual therapies in horses with objective measures of back pain, stiffness and poor performance.
Heel movement in horses: comparison between glued and nailed horse shoes at different speeds
Authors: YOSHIHARA E. , TAKAHASHI T. , OTSUKA N. , ISAYAMA T. , TOMIYAMA T. , HIRAGA A. , WADA S. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:It has been suggested that the heel of the horse's hoof expands in the stance phase and this reduces the concussion at impact and helps pump blood into the hoof. Therefore, farriers usually leave a gap in the heel region when using the traditional nailed shoe. Recently glued shoes which are attached firmly to the heel have been developed and these could restrict heel movement.Objective:To compare the degree of mediolateral heel movement between glued and nailed shoes.Methods:Seven Thoroughbreds were used. Either their fore‐ or hind hooves were shod with plain aluminium shoes, attached first with glue and later with nails. Measurements were collected continuously with a displacement sensor fixed between the medial and lateral hoof walls at the heel. The horses ran on a treadmill at a walk (1.8 m/s), trot (3.5 m/s), canter (8 m/s) and gallop (12 m/s). The mediolateral heel movement in a nonweightbearing position was set at zero for each hoof and thus positive and negative numbers represented expansion and contraction, respectively. Average values of 10 consecutive strides at each speed were compared between the 2 shoeing methods by pairedttest.Results:At all running speeds, the heels expanded in the first 70–80% of the stance phase and contracted at breakover. The total heel movement calculated as the sum of the maximum expansion and contraction value was less with glued shoeing than with nailed shoeing for walking (all limbs), trotting (all limbs), cantering (leading forelimb and both hindlimbs) and galloping (both hindlimbs).Conclusions:Glueing restricted heel movement, suggesting possible interference with shock absorption and blood pumping in the hoof. Further study is needed to evaluate the influence of glued shoeing on hoof mechanics.
Effects of intravenous aminocaproic acid on exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH)
Authors: BUCHHOLZ B. M. , MURDOCK A. , BAYLY W. M. , SIDES R. H. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:The antifibrinolytic, 6‐aminohexanoic acid, also named aminocaproic acid (ACA), has been used empirically as a treatment for exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) on the unsubstantiated basis that transient coagulation dysfunction may contribute to its development.Objective:To assess the effect of ACA on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) erythrocyte counts in horses performing treadmill exercise at an intensity greater than that needed to reach maximal oxygen consumption.Methods:Eight Thoroughbreds were exercised to fatigue 3 times on a 10% inclined treadmill at a speed for which the calculated oxygen requirement was 1.15 times. Horses were treated with a saline placebo, 2 and 7 g ACA i.v. 4 h before exercise, with a crossover design being used to determine the order of the injections. Exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage severity was quantified via the erythrocyte count in BALF. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected 4 h before and 30–60 min post exercise. Results were expressed as mean ± s.e.m. and analysed by one way repeated measures ANOVA (P<0.05).Results:Aminocaproic acid administration had no effect on any measured variables ( = 148 ± 3.0 [C]; 148 ± 3.0 [2 g ACA]; 145 ± 3.0 [7 g ACA] ml/kg bwt/min, respectively; run time = 77 ± 3 [C]; 75 ± 2 [2 g ACA]; 79 ± 3 [7 g ACA] seconds, respectively). All horses developed EIPH: 1691 ± 690 vs. 9637 ± 3923 (C); 2149 ± 935 vs. 3378 ± 893 (2 g ACA); 1058 ± 340 vs. 4533 ± 791 (7 g ACA) erythrocytes/µl pre‐ vs. post exercise recovered in BALF, respectively.Conclusion:Aminocaproic acid was not effective in preventing or reducing the severity of EIPH or improving performance under the exercise conditions of this study.
Effects of collecting blood into plastic heparinised Vacutainer®tubes and storage conditions on blood gas analysis values in horses
Authors: NOËL P. G. , COUËTIL L. , CONSTABLE P. D. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Plastic heparinised Vacutainer®(registered trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company) tubes are used for blood gas analysis in horses. This collection method may not be ideal because influx of atmospheric O2through the permeable plastic wall of the Vacutainer®tube and loss of CO2into the gas phase above the blood sample should increase blood PO2and decrease PCO2, respectively.Objectives:To determine the effects of collecting blood into plastic Vacutainer®tubes and storage conditions on blood gas analysis values.Methods:Blood was obtained from 6 healthy horses and tonometered at 37°C with 12% O2and 5% CO2. Three ml aliquots of tonometered blood were collected using a glass syringe or Vacutainer®tube and stored in iced water or at room temperature for 0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min. Blood samples from Vacutainer®tubes were collected aerobically (tube opened for 5 s) or anaerobically (tube remained closed). Blood gas analysis was performed in duplicate using a Radiometer ABL5. Data was analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance and P<0.05 was significant.Results:Compared to the glass syringe, tonometered blood collected in Vacutainer®tubes had an immediate, significant, sustained and marked increase in PO2and an immediate, significant, transient but small decrease in PCO2. Blood PO2and PCO2were higher when Vacutainer®tubes were stored in iced water instead of at room temperature. Measured blood pH and calculated values for plasma bicarbonate and total CO2concentration and base excess of extracellular fluid were similar when blood was collected in glass syringes or Vacutainer®tubes and values were not altered by storage temperature or time.Conclusions:Plastic heparinised Vacutainer®tubes should not be used to collect samples for measurement of blood PCO2and PO2. Vacutainer®tubes provide an accurate method for measuring plasma bicarbonate concentration, total CO2concentration and base excess.
Altered systolic left ventricular function in horses completing a long distance endurance race
Authors: AMORY H. , VOTION D.‐M. , FRAIPONT A. , GOACHET A. G. , ROBERT C. , FARNIR F. , VAN ERCK E. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:It is unknown whether or not exercise‐induced cardiac fatigue (EICF), as demonstrated in human athletes performing long duration exercise, occurs in endurance horses.Objective:To examine the effects of a long distance endurance race on left ventricular systolic function in horses.Methods:Echocardiography was performed before, and after, a 2 or 3 star international endurance race (106–132 km) in 11 horses. Systolic (s) and diastolic (d) interventricular and left ventricular free wall thickness (IVS and LVFW, respectively), left ventricular, left atrial and aortic internal diameter (LVID, LA and Ao, respectively), fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) were measured by echocardiography. Heart rate (HR), peak flow velocity (Vmax), flow velocity integral (FVI), ejection time (ET), pre‐ejection period (PEP), velocity of circumferential fibre shortening (Vcf), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were measured from aortic Doppler wave recordings.Results:After the race, LVIDd, Ao, LA, EF, FS, FVI, SV, ET and ET indexed for HR were significantly lower and IVSd, LVFWd, HR, PEP, PEP/ET and Vcf significantly higher as compared with prerace values. Pre‐ to post exercise changes in those parameters were not significantly correlated with changes in HR or in LVIDd.Conclusions:Results suggest that EICF, with a decrease in left ventricular systolic function, could occur post exercise in horses performing long duration endurance races. However, a multanecus effect of altered preload and heart rate on the studied variables cannot be discounted.
Performance parameters and post exercise heart rate recovery in Warmblood sports horses of different performance levels
Authors: BITSCHNAU C. , WIESTNER T. , TRACHSEL D. S. , AUER J. A. , WEISHAUPT M. A. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Standardised exercise tests are used for fitness evaluation of sports horses. Standards are described for Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds; however, limited information is available for Warmbloods.Objectives:To establish normative standards of performance parameters and heart rate recovery (HRR) in Warmblood riding horses of different levels of fitness using a submaximal incremental exercise test (SIET) performed on a treadmill.Methods:A SIET was carried out with 29 healthy and treadmill‐accustomed Warmbloods: eleven 3‐day event horses (TDE) and 18 horses from the National Equestrian Centre (NEC) competing in amateur jumping and/or dressage events. After a warm‐up phase, horses performed 2 stages at trot and 3–5 stages at gallop at 6% incline. The first stage lasted 120 s, all others 90 s. Velocity (V) and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously and blood lactate concentration (LAC) at the end of each exercise stage. V at HR 150 and 200 beats/min (V150, V200), V and HR at 2 and 4 mmol/l LAC (V2, V4and HR2, HR4, respectively) were calculated and compared between discipline groups. For reference values, horses were divided on the basis of the V4‐results in good (GP) and average performers (AP) (performance groups). Five minute passive HRR was compared between performance groups. Fifteen NEC horses were retested within 1–3 months. Groups were compared withttests and P<0.05 considered significant.Results:Three‐day event horses had higher V150, V2and V4values than NEC. GP had higher values in all performance parameters compared to AP. No differences were found between test and retest. GP mean recovery HR was different from that of AP from 120 s of recovery onwards.Conclusion:Treadmill SIETs are suitable to objectify aerobic capacity in Warmblood riding horses. Normative standards were assessed for well and averagely‐trained horses. The results can be referred to when diagnosing patients with exercise intolerance.
Effect of feed restriction on plasma dantrolene concentrations in horses
Authors: Mc KENZIE E. C. , GARRETT R. L. , PAYTON M. E. , RIEHL J. H. , FIRSHMAN A. M. , VALBERG S. J. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Dantrolene sodium is used to prevent exertional rhabdomyolysis in predisposed horses. Food intake might negatively impact dantrolene bioavailability in horses; however, prolonged feed restriction might be detrimental to performance.Objective:To determine a minimum duration of feed restriction that would optimise plasma dantrolene concentrations in horses after nasogastric administration. It was hypothesised that feed restriction for 4, 8 or 12 h before dantrolene administration would result in higher plasma dantrolene concentrations than achieved with no feed restriction before treatment.Methods:Five healthy horses were randomly rotated through 4 feed restriction periods of 0, 4, 8 and 12 h duration prior to nasogastric administration of dantrolene sodium (6 mg/kg bwt). Plasma dantrolene concentration was measured by spectrofluorometry at 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 min after administration. Data were analysed via repeated measures ANOVA.Results:Peak plasma dantrolene concentration was highest when horses had 0 and 4 h of feed restriction (0.65 ± 0.10 µg/ml at 120 min; 0.66 ± 0.17 at 180 min, respectively) and was lower when horses were restricted from feed for 8 h (0.45 ± 0.15 at 150 min) and 12 h (0.21 ± 0.09 at 180 min). Mean plasma dantrolene concentration did not differ between 0 and 4 h feed restriction at any sample time, but feed restriction for 8 h resulted in significantly lower plasma dantrolene concentration at 60 and 180 min after treatment than when horses were restricted 0 and 4 h, respectively. Plasma dantrolene concentration was significantly lower at all sample times when horses were restricted from feed 12 h compared to 0 or 4 h.Conclusions:Absorption of nasogastrically administered dantrolene is inhibited by feed restriction before administration. To achieve optimal plasma dantrolene concentrations, feed restriction before oral administration should not exceed 4 h.
The incidence and severity of gastric ulceration does not increase in overtrained Standardbred horses
Authors: De GRAAF‐ROELFSEMA E. , KEIZER H. A. , WIJNBERG I. D. , Van Der KOLK J. H. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Gastric ulceration can be caused by different pathophysiological mechanisms including dietary factors, psychological stress and exercise. Overtraining is a medical syndrome in performance horses associated with altered hormone levels, altered feed intake, altered behaviour and decreased performance. These components might lead to a higher incidence of gastric ulceration in overtrained horses.Objectives:To investigate whether the incidence of gastric ulceration is increased in overtrained compared to control horses.Methods:A longitudinal training study with twelve 1.5 years old Standardbred horses was performed on a treadmill for a total of 32 weeks. Training was divided into 4 periods: (1) acclimatisation (2) training (3) intensified training, and (4) detraining. In period 3, the horses were randomly divided into 2 groups: control (C) and intensified trained group (IT). At the end of each period, gastroscopy was performed in conscious horses after withholding feed for 12 h and water for 6 h using a 3.5 m video gastroendoscope. Lesion scores were assigned to areas of the stomach and graded 1–4. Logistic regression was used for statistical calculations.Results:Evaluation of the stomach revealed only minor changes (grades 1or2) on each occasion. There were no significant differences in gastric lesion scores between groups or periods. Most lesions (70%) were found around the minor curvature. After detraining no lesions (0%) were found in contrast to periods 1 (40%, P = 0.056), 2 (30%) and 3 (30%).Conclusions:Experimentally‐induced overtraining does not increase the incidence of gastric ulceration in normally fed Standardbred horses and detraining appears to reduce gastric ulceration.
Biomechanical analysis of hoof landing and stride parameters in harness trotter horses running on different tracks of a sand beach (from wet to dry) and on an asphalt road
Authors: CHATEAU H. , HOLDEN L. , ROBIN D. , FALALA S. , POURCELOT P. , ESTOUP P. , DENOIX J.‐M. , CREVIER‐DENOIX N. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: Sandy beaches are often considered good training surfaces for trotter horses. However, their biomechanical effects on locomotion are insufficiently documented. Events at hoof impact have mostly been studied under laboratory conditions with accelerometers, but there is lack of data (acceleration, force, movement) on events occurring under every day practical conditions in the field.Objectives: To investigate hoof landing and stride parameters on different tracks (from wet to dry) of a sand beach and on an asphalt road.Methods: The right front hoof of 4 trotter horses was equipped with a triaxial accelerometer and a dynamometric horseshoe. Acceleration and force recordings (10 kHz) were synchronised with a high speed movie (600 Hz). Horses were driven on a sand beach where 3 tracks of decreasing water content had been delimited (from the sea to the shore): firm wet sand (FWS), deep wet sand (DWS) and deep dry sand (DDS). Firm wet sand and DWS were compared at 25 km/h and DDS compared to an asphalt road at 15 km/h. Recordings (10 strides) were randomly repeated 3 times. Statistical differences were tested using a GLM procedure (P<0.05).Results: Main significant results were 1) a decrease in the amplitude of the vertical deceleration (and force) of the hoof during impact on a softer surface (about 59% between DWS and FWS and 95% between DDS and asphalt), 2) a decrease in the longitudinal braking deceleration (and force) on softer grounds (50% for DWS vs. FWS and 55% for DDS vs. asphalt), 3) a decrease in the stride length and an increase in the stride frequency on a softer surface.Conclusions and clinical relevance: Drier sand surfaces reduce shock and impact forces during landing. For daily training, it should, however, be realised that improved damping characteristics are associated with a shorter stride length and a higher stride frequency.
Use of an implantable transducer to measure force in the superficial digital flexor tendon in horses at walk, trot and canter on a treadmill
Authors: TAKAHASHI T. , YOSHIHARA E. , MUKAI K. , OHMURA H. , HIRAGA A. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Although the main cause of injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is assumed to be high intensity loading of the tendon, to date the forces exerted on the SDFT during cantering have never been measured.Objective:To measure the force exerted on the SDFT at walk, trot and canter on a treadmill.Methods:Arthroscopically implantable force probes (AIFP) were implanted in the SDFT of the left and right forelimbs of 8 Thoroughbred horses (480–565 kg). The output of the AIFP was calibrated using the SDFT force calculated by inverse dynamics and anin vitromodel of the lower forelimb at trot. The AIFP output was recorded at 1000 Hz at the walk, trot and canter (9 m/s) on a flat treadmill.Results:AIFP data were analysed successfully in 13 measurement sessions at the walk and trot, in the leading forelimb in 8 sessions at canter and in the trailing forelimb in 5 sessions at canter. The mean ± s.d. maximal force in the SDFT was 3110 ± 1787 N at the walk, 5652 ± 2472 N at the trot, 7030 ± 2948 N in the leading forelimb and 6453 ± 2940 N in the trailing forelimb at canter.Conclusions:The force in the SDFT increases with running speed from the walk to the canter. The force in the SDFT could not be measured at the gallop. Further study is needed to determine the force in the SDFT at high speed, because it is important for preventing injuries to the SDFT to limit overloading of this tendon.