bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of respiratory function by impulse oscillometry in horses
Authors: Van Erck E. , Votion D. , Art T. , Lekeux P. 
Published: April 2007

Reasons for performing study: Due to technical implementations and lack of sensitivity, pulmonary function tests are seldom used in clinical practice. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) could represent an alternative method.Objectives: To define feasibility, methodology and repeatability of IOS, a forced oscillation technique that measures respiratory resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) from 5 to 35 Hz during spontaneous breathing, in horses.Methods: Using 38 healthy horses, Rrsand Xrsreference values were defined and influence of individual biometrical parameters was investigated. In addition, IOS measurements of 6 horses showing clinical signs of heaves were compared to those of 6 healthy horses.Results: Airtightness and minimal dead space in the facemask were prerequisites to IOS testing and standardisation of head position was necessary to avoid variations in Rrsdue to modified upper airway geometry. In both healthy and diseased animals, measurements were repeatable. In standard‐type breeds, the influence of the horse's size on IOS parameters was negligible. An increase in R5Hzgreater than 0.10 kPa/l/sec and R5Hz>R10Hz, combined with negative values of Xrsbetween 5 and 20 Hz, was indicative of heaves crisis.Conclusions: IOS is a quick, minimally invasive and informative method for pulmonary function testing in healthy and diseased horses.Potential relevance: IOS is a promising method for routine and/or field respiratory clinical testing in the equine species.
Is isoflurane safer than halothane in equine anaesthesia? Results from a prospective multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Johnston G. M. , Eastment J. K. , Taylor P. M. , Wood J. L. N. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Approximately 1 in 100 horses suffer unexpectedly from anaesthetic‐related death. Identification and use of the safest anaesthetic drugs should support this aim. Experimental evidence has suggested that isoflurane should be a safer maintenance agent in equine anaesthesia than halothane.Hypothesis: The death rate would be reduced in horses being maintained with isoflurane compared to halothane.Methods: A multicentre randomised controlled trial was undertaken to compare the effects of isoflurane and halothane for maintenance of equine anaesthesia for all types of operation. Data were analysed from 8242 horses in which anaesthesia was maintained with either halothane or isoflurane using mixed effects logistic regression models.Results: No overall benefit of either drug was detected. However, although not part of the primary hypothesis, data showed that the overall death rate was significantly reduced in horses age 2–5 years with isoflurane and that death from cardiac arrest was also reduced with isoflurane, particularly in high risk cases.Conclusions and potential relevance: Halothane remains an acceptable anaesthetic for maintenance of anaesthesia in horses, but isoflurane may be safer in the young horse and in high risk cases.
Radiographic evaluation of sclerosis of the third carpal bone associated with exercise and the development of lameness in Standardbred racehorses
Authors: HOPPER B. J. , STEEL C. , RICHARDSON J. L. , ALEXANDER G. R. , ROBERTSON I. D. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Sclerosis of the third carpal bone is a common radiographic finding in both lame and sound racehorses, but there are no guidelines correlating degree of sclerosis and incidence of lameness.Objectives: To develop a protocol for describing subchondral bone sclerosis in C3 on dorsoproximal‐dorsodistal oblique (DPr‐DDiO) radiographs of the carpus and to correlate these changes with exercise history and carpal lameness.Methods: One hundred and six Standardbreds entering their first year of training (exercise group) and 7 age‐matched Standardbreds at pasture (controls) were examined at approximately 3 month intervals over 12‐18 months. Examinations consisted of lameness evaluation and carpal radiographs (DPr‐DDiO and flexed lateromedial projections). A grading system (very mild, mild, moderate and severe) for C3 sclerosis seen on the DPr‐DDiO radiograph was developed that utilised a combination of the criteria of trabecular thickening (trabecular score; TS) and total percent area of the C3 radial facet affected (TAA).Results: Exercise group horses showed significant increase in TS and TAA throughout training compared to control horses. Middle carpal joint lameness developed in 32/106 (30%) exercise group horses and none of the control horses. Incidence of middle carpal joint (MCJ) lameness was lower in horses with mild (2/30, 6.7%) than moderate (10/32, 31.2%) and severe (20/44, 45.4%) sclerosis throughout training.Conclusions: Horses with higher grades of sclerosis, as defined by this novel grading system, were more likely to develop MCJ lameness at some point of training. The proposed grading system gave a quantitative assessment of radiographic sclerosis that could then be used to correlate increasing severity of sclerosis with increasing incidences of lameness.Potential relevance: These results serve as a basis for further investigation into determining the degree of C3 sclerosis at which pathological changes and lameness can be expected.
Relationship of foot conformation and force applied to the navicular bone of sound horses at the trot
Authors: ELIASHAR E. , McGUIGAN M. P. , WILSON A. M. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Collapsed heels conformation has been implicated as causing radical biomechanical alterations, predisposing horses to navicular disease. However, the correlation between hoof conformation and the forces exerted on the navicular bone has not been documented. Hypothesis: The angle of the distal phalanx in relation to the ground is correlated to the degree of heel collapse and foot conformation is correlated to the compressive force exerted by the deep digital flexor tendon on the navicular bone. Methods: Thirty‐one shod Irish Draught‐cross type horses in routine work and farriery care were trotted over a forceplate, with 3‐dimensional (3D) motion analysis system. A lateromedial radiograph of the right fore foot was obtained for each horse, and various measurements taken. Correlation coefficients were determined between hoof conformation measurements and between each of these and the force parameters at the beginning (15%) of stance phase, the middle of stance (50%) and at the beginning of breakover (86% of stance phase). Significance was defined as P<0.05. Results: The force exerted on the navicular bone was negatively correlated (P<0.05) to the angle of the distal phalanx to the ground and to the ratio between heel and toe height. This was attributed to a smaller extending moment at the distal interphalangeal joint. There was not a significant correlation between the angle of the distal phalanx and the degree of heel collapse, and heel collapse was not significantly correlated to any of the force parameters. Conclusions: Hoof conformation has a marked correlation to the forces applied to the equine foot. Heel collapse, as defined by the change in heel angle in relation to toe angle, appears to be an inaccurate parameter. The forces applied on the foot are well correlated to the changes in the ratio of heel to toe heights and the angles of the distal phalanx. Potential relevance: Assessment of hoof conformation should be judged based on these parameters, as they may have clinical significance, whereas parallelism of the heel and toe is of less importance.
Whip use and race progress are associated with horse falls in hurdle and steeplechase racing in the UK
Authors: PINCHBECK G. L. , CLEGG P. D. , PROUDMAN C. J. , MORGAN K. L. , FRENCH N. P. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Falls during racing present a risk of injury to both horse and jockey and a risk of fatality to horses.Objectives: To use video recordings of races to describe the circumstances surrounding horse falls at hurdle and steeplechase fences and to identify and quantify within‐race risk factors for horse falls in National Hunt racing in the UK.Methods: A retrospective, matched, nested case‐control study using video recordings of races was conducted on 6 UK racecourses. Cases and controls were matched on both race type and jump number at which the fall occurred. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to examine the univariable and multivariable relationship between predictor variables and the risk of falling.Results: The risk of falling was significantly associated with whip use and race progress. Horses which were being whipped and progressing through the race were at greater than 7 times the risk of falling compared to horses which were not being whipped and which had no change in position or lost position through the field.Conclusions: This study has identified whip use and the position of the horse with respect to others in the field as potential risk factors for horse falls.Potential relevance: If these findings are confirmed by the use of intervention trials (e.g. with whip‐free or restricted whip use races), modifications could be introduced which would reduce the frequency of horse falls, leading to improved equine welfare.
What is the likelihood that Thoroughbred foals treated for septic arthritis will race?
Authors: SMITH L. J. , MARR C. M. , PAYNE R. J. , STONEHAM S. J. , REID S. W. J. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Septic arthritis is a serious problem in the neonate, with a poor prognosis being reported for recovery. The impact of neonatal septic arthritis on the likelihood that Thoroughbred (TB) foals will start on a racecourse is not known.Hypothesis: The development of septic arthritis in a TB foal significantly reduces the likelihood that it will race when compared to foals from the same dam.Methods: Medical records of 69 foals treated for septic arthritis were reviewed. The dam's foaling records were reviewed and lifetime racing records were then retrieved for both the affected foals and at least one of their siblings (controls). Outcomes that were statistically evaluated included discharge from the hospital and whether the foal eventually raced. Univariate analyses of categorical variables were conducted for each outcome. The number of affected and unaffected foals that raced at least once were compared using regression analysis. Survival analysis was used to compare age at first race between the study and comparison groups.Results: Foals with septic arthritis were less likely to start on a racecourse compared to controls (odds ratio [OR] 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12‐0.62, P = 0.001), while those foals that were discharged from the hospital were also less likely to start on a racecourse compared to controls (OR 0.36; CI 0.15–0.83, P = 0.008). The presence of multisystem disease was associated with a decreased likelihood of surviving to be discharged (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.02‐0.90; P = 0.005), but did not affect the likelihood that they would start in at least one race if discharged successfully (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.04‐2.81; P = 0.34) compared to the other foals with septic arthritis. Log‐rank comparison of survival curves confirmed that foals discharged following treatment for septic arthritis took significantly longer to start in their first race compared to the sibling population (mean age of study group 1757 days, CI 1604‐1909; mean age of sibling group 1273 days, CI 1197‐1349; P = 0.0006).Conclusions: The development of septic arthritis in a TB foal significantly reduces the likelihood that it will start on a racecourse when compared to controls.Potential relevance: Accurate figures allowing a realistic assessment of the athletic future of a foal following treatment for septic arthritis are of significance for both owner and treating veterinarian.
Efficacy of oral and intravenous dexamethasone in horses with recurrent airway obstruction
Authors: CORNELISSE C. J. , ROBINSON N. E. , BERNEY C. E. A. , KOBE C. A. , BORUTA D. T. , DERKSEN F. J. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Although the efficacy of dexamethasone for the treatment of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) has been documented, the speed of onset of effect and duration of action are unknown, as is the efficacy of orally administered dexamethasone with or without fasting.Objectives: To document the time of onset of effect and duration of action of a dexamethasone solution i.v. or orally with and without fasting.Methods: Protocol 1used 8 RAO‐affected horses with airway obstruction in a crossover design experiment that compared the effect of i.v. saline and dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg bwt) on pulmonary function over 4 h.Protocol 2used 6 similar horses to compare, in a crossover design, the effects of dexamethasone i.v. (0.1 mg/kg bwt), dexamethasoneper os(0.164 mg/kg bwt) with and without prior fasting, and dexamethasoneper os(0.082 mg/kg) with fasting.Results: Dexamethasone i.v. caused significant improvement in lung function within 2 h with a peak effect at 4–6 h. Dexamethasoneper oswas effective within 6 h with peak effect at 24 h at a dose of 0.164 mg/kg bwt prior to feeding. The duration of effect was, for all dexamethasone treatments, statistically significant for 30 h when compared to saline and tended to have a longer duration of effect when used orally. Dexamethasoneper osat a dose of 0.164 mg/kg bwt to fed horses had mean effects comparable to dexamethasone at a dose of 0.082 mg/kg bwtper osgiven to fasted horses, indicating that feeding decreases bioavailability.Conclusions: Dexamethasone administered i.v. has a rapid onset of action in RAO‐affected horses. Oral administration of a bioequivalent dose of the same solution to fasted horses is as effective as i.v. administration and tends to have longer duration of action. Fasting horses before oral administration of dexamethasone improves the efficacy of treatment.Potential relevance: Oral administration to fasted horses of a dexamethasone solution intended for i.v. use provides an effective treatment for RAO‐affected animals.
Prevention of ischaemia‐induced small intestinal adhesions in foals
Authors: SULLINS K. E. , WHITE N. A. , LUNDIN C. S. , DABAREINER R. , GAULIN G. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Treatments addressing variously theorised pathophysiological mechanisms of small intestinal adhesions have been reported. This study applied those classes of treatments to the most clinically relevant aetiology of post operative adhesions.Hypothesis: Treatments addressing the pathophysiology of ischaemia‐reperfusion induced adhesions would accordingly reduce the incidence of adhesions from this model.Methods: Four classes of treatments were administered for 72 h to 16 foals subjected to complete ischaemia followed by reperfusion to create peritoneal adhesions. These groups were: 1) FPG group ‐ flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg bwt i.v., divided q.i.d.), potassium penicillin G (22,000 iu/kg bwt i.v., q.i.d.) and gentamicin (2.2 mg/kg bwt i.v., t.i.d.); 2) HEP group ‐ heparin (80 iu/kg bwt subcut., b.i.d.); 3) DMSO group ‐ dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) (20 mg/kg bwt [diluted in 500 ml normal saline] i.v., b.i.d.); and 4) SCMC group ‐ sodium carboxymethylcellulose (500 ml 3% sterile solution intraperitoneally, administered only at the beginning of surgery).Results: Post operative intestinal obstruction did not occur in any foal. After 10 days, necropsy revealed bowel‐to‐bowel adhesions in none of the FPG or DMSO groups, in 2/4 of the SCMC group, in 3/4 of the HEP group and 5/6 foals subjected to the procedure without treatment (UIR group).Conclusions: Inhibition of the inflammation associated with ischaemia and reperfusion in foals treated with FPG or DMSO decreased small intestinal adhesions in foals.Potential relevance: Although anti‐inflammatory therapy was shown to eliminate bowel‐bowel adhesions in this controlled study, it must be remembered that clinical cases are without control. These therapies are advised to improve the result but are unlikely to eliminate the problem.
Meal size and starch content affect gastric emptying in horses
Authors: MÉTAYER N. , LHǑTE M. , BAHR A. , COHEN N. D. , KIM I. , ROUSSEL A. J. , JULLIAND V. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Feeding practices have been associated with colic in horses. If meal size and composition have an effect on gastric emptying, this could be one of the mechanisms by which feeding practices are related to the occurrence of colic.Objectives: To evaluate the effect of meal size and starch content on solid phase gastric emptying.Methods: Solid phase gastric emptying of 3 different radiolabelled meals, small low‐starch (SmLS), small high‐starch (SmHS) and large high‐starch (LgHS) meals, was measured in 5 horses by scintigraphy using99mTc‐disofenin. Data were compared among meals using nonlinear mixed‐effects models and pairedttests.Results: On a percentage basis, SmHS emptied significantly faster than LgHS and SmLS emptied significantly faster than SmHS meals. However, when meals of unequal size were compared by emptying rate in g/min and Keal/min, LgHS emptied significantly faster than SmHS.Conclusions: Meal size and composition affect gastric emptying.Potential relevance: Further work needs to be performed in order to substantiate the possibility of a relationship between digestive functions and occurrence of colic and gastric ulcers.
An epidemiological study of risk factors associated with the recurrence of equine grass sickness (dysautonomia) on previously affected premises
Authors: Newton J. R. , Hedderson E. J. , Adams V. J. , Mcgorum B. C. , Proudman C. J. , Wood J. L. N. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: The reasons why equine grass sickness (EGS) recurs on premises are unknown and, consequently, practical methods for reducing the risk of recurrence are not available. Objectives: To identify risk factors associated with recurrence of EGS on premises and to gain possible insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. Methods: Data on disease history and risk factors were collected by postal questionnaire from premises with EGS cases between 1st January 1997 and 31st December 2001. Data on variation in rates of recurrence of EGS for different risk factors were analysed using Poisson regression analysis. Results: Of 509 premises contacted, 305 (60%) returned useable questionnaires and 100 of these (33%) were classified as ‘recurrent’ premises. An overall median incidence rate for EGS of 2.1 EGS incidents/100 horses/premises/year was recorded. There was an increased rate of recurrence with higher numbers of horses, presence of younger animals, stud farms and livery/riding establishments, loam and sand soils, rearing of domestic birds and mechanical droppings removal. The rate of recurrence decreased with chalk soil, cograzing ruminants, grass cutting on pastures and removal of droppings by hand. Several statistically significant interactions were identified. Conclusions: Many of the findings are consistent with the theory that EGS is a toxico‐infectious form of botulism. Several of the significant factors identified may directly or indirectly relate to soil disturbance and consequent soil contamination of grass, thereby increasing the rate of exposure of grazing horses to Clostridium botulinum, which resides in soil. Potential relevance: Identification of potentially modifiable risk factors may, ideally following validation in appropriately designed, controlled and randomised intervention studies, lead to practical measures to reduce the incidence of EGS on previously affected premises.
Descriptive epidemiology of fractures occurring in British Thoroughbred racehorses in training
Authors: Verheyen K. L. P. , Wood J. L. N. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Musculoskeletal injury is the major cause of days lost from training and wastage in Thoroughbred racehorses. Little scientific information is available on the majority of injuries occurring in training.Objectives: To estimate the incidence of fractures in British racehorses in training and describe the occurrence of different fracture types and bones involved.Methods: Thirteen UK racehorse trainers participated in a prospective study, providing data on horses in their care for 2 years. Details on horses, their daily exercise and fracture occurrence were recorded.Results: A total of 1178 horses provided 12,893 months at risk. Nontraumatic fracture incidence was 1.15/100 horse months (95% CI = 0.98, 1.35) and 78% of fractures occurred during training. A wide variety of fracture types and bones were involved, although at least 57% were stress fractures. Pelvic and tibial stress injuries accounted for 28% of fractures diagnosed.Conclusions: It is important to study injuries in training as well as in racing. The number of stress fractures suggests that training regimes for young Thoroughbreds could often be improved to create a more robust skeleton, able to withstand injury.Potential relevance: Studying injuries in racehorses in training can provide a scientific basis for the design of safer training regimes.;