bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in fibre type composition of gluteus medius and semitendinosus muscles of Dutch Warmblood foals and the effect of exercise during the first year postpartum
Authors: DINGBOOM E. G. , van OUDHEUSDEN H. , EIZEMA K. , WEIJS W. A. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryIn order to obtain broader insights into the equine musculoskeletal system, we studied the fibre type composition of 2 locomotory muscles in biopsies from Dutch Warmblood foals taken at 3 different ages in the first year postpartum. The muscle fibre types were determined histochemically as well as immunohistochemically. ATPase‐characterised IIB fibres appear to express either IId or type IIa plus IId myosin heavy chain (MHC). A high percentage of fibres classified as IIA with ATPase expressed both fast types of MHC. The type I classification by the 2 methods matched almost completely. There was an increase with age of fibres expressing I and IIa MHC in the gluteus medius. At the same time, there was a decrease of fibres expressing IId MHC and fibres co‐expressing MHC IIa and IId. MHC expression of the semitendinosus muscle did not change over time at first, but from age 22–48 weeks there was a decrease in the percentage of type IId fibres. In general, the gluteus medius contained more type I fibres but fewer type IId fibres compared to the semitendinosus. At most ages the fibre type compositions of both muscles correlated with one another. To examine the effect of exercise, one‐third of the foals were given box rest, one‐third received training and one‐third kept at pasture during the first 22 weeks of life. The 3 exercise groups differed in their fibre type composition; however, these differences could not be attributed to the effect of exercise.
Development and application of a scoring system for prognostic evaluation of equine liver biopsies
Authors: DURHAM A. E. , SMITH K. C. , NEWTON J. R. , HILLYER M. H. , HILLYER L. L. , SMITH M. R. W. , MARR C. M. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: The study was designed to investigate the prognostic value of liver biopsy during investigation of cases of suspected liver disease in mature horses.Hypothesis: That liver biopsy is the most prognostically useful technique in common usage in the investigation of suspected liver disease.Methods: This study examined the prognostic value of liver biopsy during the investigation of suspected liver disease in 73 mature horses. Histopathological variables comprising fibrosis, irreversible cytopathology, inflammatory infiltration, haemosiderin accumulation and biliary hyperplasia were found to be significant predictors of nonsurvival and were used to formulate a weighted biopsy score representing a prognostically useful broad comparative index of histopathological severity. Minimum and maximum possible scores were 0 and 14 points, respectively.Results: Retrospective application of the biopsy scoring system to the study population indicated that horses with scores of 0 or 1 were equally likely to survive to 6 months with a combined mortality of 4%. Horses with biopsy scores between 2 and 6 had a combined mortality of 33% and were at a 12‐fold increased risk of nonsurvival within 6 months (hazard ratio = 12.04, 95%CI 1.34–107.81, P = 0.026) compared to horses with a biopsy score of 0. Horses with biopsy scores between 7 and 14 had a combined mortality of 86% and were at a 46‐fold increased risk of nonsurvival (hazard ratio = 46.01, 95%CI 5.92–357.5, P < 0.001) compared to horses with biopsy score 0.Conclusions: Application of the biopsy scoring system to histopathological findings in liver biopsy specimens was very useful in predicting survival of cases of suspected liver disease.Potential relevance: Application of the findings in this study may not be directly applicable to other case populations. However, liver biopsy appears to be the most valuable prognostic technique employed during the investigation of suspected cases of liver disease in mature horses.
West Nile virus infection of Thoroughbred horses in South Africa (2000–2001)
Authors: GUTHRIE A. J. , HOWELL P. G. , GARDNER I. A. , SWANEPOEL R. E. , NURTON J. P. , HARPER C. K. , PARDINI A. , GROENEWALD D. , VISAGE C. W. , HEDGES J. F. , BALASURIYA U. B. , CORNEL A J. , MacLACHLAN N. J. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: West Nile virus (WNV) infection is endemic in southern Africa. With the recent emergence of WNV infection of horses in Europe and the USAthe present study was performed to estimate the risk of seroconversion to WNV in a cohort of 488 young Thoroughbred (TB) horses. Objectives: To estimate the risk of seroconversion to WNV among a cohort of South African TB yearlings sold at the 2001 National Yearling Sales (NYS) and to determine whetherthe risk varied geographically. Two horses were also infected with a recent South African isolate of WNV to evaluate its virulence in horses. Methods: Serum samples were collected from the cohort of 488 TB yearlings at the 2001 NYS. Serum samples that were collected from the same horses at the time that they were identified were sourced from ourserum bank. Sera from 243 of the dams that were collected at the time that the foals were identified were also sourced from our serum bank. These sera were subjected to serum neutralisation (SN) tests for antibody to WNV. Results: Approximately 11% of yearlings seroconverted to WNV on paired serum samples collected from each animal approximately 12 months apart. Studfarms with WNV‐seropositive yearlings were widely distributed throughout South Africa and SN tests on sera from theirdams indicated that exposure to WNVwas even more prevalent (75%) in this population. Neurological disease was not described in any of the horses included in this study and 2 horses inoculated with a recent lineage 2 South African isolate of WNV showed no clinical signs of disease after infection and virus was not detected in their blood. Conclusions: Infection of horses with WNV is common in South Africa, but infection is not associated with neurological disease. Potential relevance: In contrast to recent reports from Europe, North Africa, Asia and North America, the results of our field and experimental studies indicated that exposure of horses to the endemic southern African strains of WNV was not associated with neurological disease.
Inclined running increases pulmonary haemorrhage in the Thoroughbred horse
Authors: KINDIG C. A. , RAMSEL C. , McDONOUGH P. , POOLE D. C. , ERICKSON H. H. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Capillary stress failure‐induced (exercise‐induced) pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) during intense running in horses is thought to involve both intravascular (i.e. mean pulmonary arterial pressure [Ppa] >100 mmHg) and extravascular (e.g. negative inspiratory pressure swings) mechanisms.Hypothesis: That inclined running would reduce breathing frequency (coupled to stride frequency) and increase tidal volume thus increasing lung volume changes and intrapleural pressure swings resulting in more pronounced EIPH.Methods: Six Thoroughbred horses were run to volitional fatigue (incremental step test) on a level (L) and inclined (I; 10%) treadmill in random order. Pulmonary minute ventilation, arterial blood gases and mean Ppa were obtained during each run while EIPH severity was quantified via bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) 30 mins post run.Results: Time to fatigue did not differ between trials (P>0.05). At end‐exercise, breathing frequency was reduced (L, 127.8 ± 3.0; I, 122.6 ± 2.1 breaths/min; P<0.05) and tidal volume increased (L, 11.5 ± 0.6; I, 13.1 ± 0.5 L; P<0.05) during inclined running. No differences existed in end‐exercise plasma [lactate] between trials (L, 24.5 ± 2.9; I, 26.2 ± 3.4 mmol/l, P>0.05); however, the mean peak Ppa was reduced during the inclined run (L, 105+5; I, 96 ± 4 mmHg, P<0.05). In the face of reduced Ppa, EIPH severity was increased significantly (P<0.05) during the inclined vs. level run (L, 37.0 ± 11.7; I, 49.6 ± 17.0 times106red blood cells/ml BAL fluid).Conclusions: Although inclined running lowered peak Ppa, EIPH severity was increased. It is likely that this effect resulted, in part, from an altered ventilatory pattern (i.e. increased tidal volumes and associated intrapleural pressure changes).Potential relevance: This conclusion supports an important role for extravascular factors in the aetiology of EIPH.
Estimates of heritability for ossification of the cartilages of the front feet in the Finnhorse
Authors: RUOHONIEMI M. , AHTIAINEN H. , OJALA M. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Ossification of the cartilages in the foot is common in coldblooded horses, but prevalence as well as ossification pattern varies between breeds; research on estimation of heritability for the condition has been limited. Objectives: Our purpose was to calculate estimates of 1) heritability for ossification parameters of the cartilages in the front feet of the Finnhorse and 2) genetic correlations between the different ossification parameters. Methods: Estimates of heritability for different ossification parameters of the cartilages in the front feet and of genetic correlations between different parameters were evaluated in data consisting of dorsopalmar radiographs of the front feet and pedigree up to the fourth generation of 964 Finnhorses (age ≥2 years; 345 females and 619 males). Ossification at the base of the cartilages and total ossification, including separate centres of ossification, were graded 0–5 according to the most proximal point of ossification and the presence of separate centres of ossification was recorded separately. The data were analysed using a model including a fixed sex‐age subclass effect and a random animal effect. Variance and covariance components were estimated with the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method assuming an animal model. Results: Females had more ossification than males and this difference increased with age. The ossification in the medial cartilages progressed significantly with age in females but not in males. In the lateral cartilages, the increase in ossification with age was evident in both sexes. Separate centres of ossification were an incidental finding. Estimates of heritability for the ossification parameters varied slightly between the cartilages as well as between the front feet. For total ossification, the estimates of heritability varied between 0.31 (right lateral) and 0.50 (left medial) and were slightly higher for ossification at the base of the cartilages. High genetic correlations were found for total ossification between the medial and lateral cartilages in the foot and for parallel ossification parameters between the right and left foot. Conclusions: The estimates of heritability were relatively high, and both cartilages and front feet have a similar genetic tendency to ossify. Potential relevance: This information is useful in further studies assessing other factors contributing to the ossification process and also in the planning and modifying breeding programmes.
Dystocia in a referral hospital setting: approach and results
Authors: BYRON C. R. , EMBERTSON R. M. , BERNARD W. V. , HANCE S. R. , BRAMLAGE L. R. , HOPPER S. A. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Dystocia in the mare is an emergency in which duration has a profound effect on survival of the foal. Specific examination of the effects of dystocia duration on foal survival provides information to enable horse care personnel and veterinarians to manage these cases more effectively and maximise the chances of obtaining a live foal. Hypothesis: Dystocia duration would have a negative impact on foal survival while method of dystocia resolution would not have an effect on foal survival. Additionally, we were interested in determining the effects of dystocia on subsequent fertility. Methods and results: In the years 1986–1999, 247 dystocias were admitted. Of these, 91% resulted in survival and discharge of the mare, 42% in delivery of a live foal, and 29% of foals survived to discharge. Period from hospital arrival to delivery for foals alive at discharge (23.0 ± 14.1 mins) was not significantly different than for foals not surviving (24.8 ± 10.6 mins) (P>0.05); and from chorioallantoic rupture to delivery for foals alive at discharge (71.7 ± 34.3 mins) was significantly less than for foals not surviving (85.3 ± 37.4 mins) (P<0.05). Average predystocia live foaling rates for all mares with available records was 84%. Overall post dystocia live foaling rates over the entire period of this study were 67%. Of mares bred in the year of the dystocia, 59% had a live foal in the year following. Conclusions: Based on these results, dystocia duration has a significant effect on foal survival and resolution methods should be chosen to minimise this time, as the difference between mean dystocia duration for foals that lived and those that did not in this study was 13.6 mins. Post dystocia foaling rates reported here are higher than previously reported for both same‐season and overall breedings, indicating same‐season breeding may be rewarding for select dystocia cases. Potential relevance: Dystocia resolution methods that minimise delivery time may maximise foal survival. Post dystoicia breeding may be rewarding in select cases.
Validation of the 13C‐octanoic acid breath test for measurement of equine gastric emptying rate of solids using radioscintigraphy
Authors: SUTTON D. G. M. , BAHR A. , PRESTON T. , CHRISTLEY R. M. , LOVE S. , ROUSSEL A. J. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Disordered gastric motility may be a significant factor in the pathogenesis of many equine conditions. Although tests for liquid phase emptying rate have been validated in the horse, there are no effective tests for solid phase emptying measurement that can be performed routinely in the field.Objectives: The objective of this study was the assessment of a novel stable isotope technique, the13C‐octane acid breath test (13C‐OABT), for the measurement of gastric emptying of solid ingesta, by direct comparison with the optimum method of gastric scintigraphy.Methods: To facilitate dual measurement of gastric emptying, a test meal was used containing baked egg yolk labelled with both13C‐octanoic acid and99mtechnetium sulphur colloid. Simultaneous, serial lateral gastric scintigraphs and expiratory breath samples were obtained in 12 healthy horses after voluntary ingestion of the test meal. Analysis of breath13CO2:12CO2ratio was performed by continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Power regression was used to determine the gastric emptying coefficient, the gastric half‐emptying time (t1/2) and duration of the lag phase (tlag).Results: Significant correlations (P<0.001) were found between the 2 techniques for measurement of both t1/2and tlag. In addition, scintigraphic left t1/2was correlated significantly to breath test gastric emptying coefficient (P<0.001).Conclusions: It was concluded that the13C‐octanoic acid breath test is a reliable diagnostic procedure to measure gastric emptying rate of solids in the horse.Potential relevance: Being safe, noninvasive and easy to perform, this test has potential value as both sensitive diagnostic modality and humane research tool for motility studies.
Thoracic trauma in foals:post mortemfindings
Authors: SCHAMBOURG M. A. , LAVERTY S. , MULLIM S. , FOGARTY U. M. , HALLEY J. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Thoracic trauma occurs in newborn foals and may cause associated clinical signs; this condition remains poorly documented.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the pathological features of thoracic trauma in newborn foals presented for necropsy examination between 1990 and 2000.Methods: Necropsy reports of foals with thoracic trauma from 1990–2000 were reviewed. Subject details, clinical signs, thoracic and abdominal lesions were noted and analysed statistically.Results: Sixty‐seven (9%) of 760 necropsied foals had thoracic trauma. In 19 foals, fractured ribs were considered to be the cause of death (Group A). The remaining foals had fractured ribs (Group B, n = 20) or rib contusions (Group C, n = 28) that were incidental findings. Ribs 3 to 8 accounted for 86% of the traumatised bones. The most common site of injury was the costochondral junction and an area immediately above it (94%). InGroup A, all but 2 foals died within the first 8 dayspost partum.Haemothorax and subsequent pulmonary collapse was cited most commonly as the cause of death (53%). Diaphragmatic rupture and hernia (n = 2) also occurred.Conclusions: The focal site, consistent location and presence of lesions during the first weekpost partum, all suggest that thoracic trauma in newborn foals probably occurs during parturition.Potential relevance: The description of lesions and site of occurrence of thoracic trauma in foals will increase awareness and improve the diagnosis and treatment of this life threatening condition.
Potentiation of the extracellular release of equine neutrophil elastase and alpha‐1‐proteinase inhibitor by a combination of two bacterial cell wall components: fMLP and LPS
Authors: DAGLEISH M. P. , BRAZIL T. J. , SCUDAMORE C. L. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP)‐like peptides are Gram‐negative bacterial cell wall components which, when released into the peripheral circulation in endotoxaemia, have the potential to activate leucocytes. In vitro, equine neutrophils require priming with LPS in order to generate reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in response to fMLP. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine whether the release of other neutrophil products is similarly dependent on priorpriming with LPS. In particular, neutrophil elastase (NE), a potent proteolytic enzyme, and its major inhibitor, alpha‐1 proteinase inhibitor, were investigated. Methods: Neutrophils were isolated from equine peripheral blood (n = 5) by discontinuous Percoll gradient preparative centrifugation and primed with LPS prior to stimulation with fMLP. ROI were measured by lucigenin dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL). Concentrations of NE and API were determined by ELISA on cell free supernatants taken at 0, 2, 10, 30, 60 and 90 mins post stimulus. Data was analysed by Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney Tests. Results: Sequential exposure of Percoll purified equine blood neutrophils in vitro to LPS followed by fMLP resulted in the greatest release of NE from equine neutrophils and was required for ROI generation. However, LPS or fMLP stimulation alone resulted in an in crease in NE release compared to unstimulated control cells. In contrast, significant API release was only induced by LPS stimulation or fMLP stimulation only after LPS priming, not fMLP on its own. Conclusions: These results suggest that different stimuli (fMLP or LPS) are capable of invoking similar responses from equine neutrophils with respect to NE release yet different ones with respect to API release. Potential relevance: In addition, demonstration of elastase release induced by LPS and/or fMLP suggests that monitoring serum elastase levels is a potential diagnostic tool for detecting the early onset of endotoxaemia in the horse.
Differential distribution of cathepsins B and L in articular cartilage during skeletal development in the horse
Authors: GLÄSER K. E. , DAVIES M. E. , JEFFCOTT L. B. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: This study was designed to examine a new role for cysteine proteinases in the process of endochondral ossification. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence and distribution of cathepsin B and cathepsin L in equine articular cartilage during development. Methods: Full‐depth cartilage samples from a total of 40 horses (age range: 4 month fetuses to 2 years) were examined and enzymes detected by immunocytochemical localisation. Results: Observations on the presence of cathepsins B and L revealed significant age‐related differences, resulting in clear division of the animals into 2 age groups: i) fetuses and neonates; ii) young growing horses (age 4 weeks to 2 years). Cathepsin B was not detected in cartilage from the majority of fetuses and neonates but was located characteristically in chondrocytes at the articular surface and hypertrophic zone in all growing horses. In contrast, cathepsin L was predominantly present in fetal and neonatal cartilage, located primarily in proliferating chondrocytes. Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate differential and site‐specific roles for cathepsin B and cathepsin L in skeletal development in the horse. Potential relevance: The demonstrated involvement of cathepsins B and L in endochondral ossification is of relevance to developmental orthopaedic diseases such as osteochondrosis in which there is a focal failure of bone formation.
Ultrasonographic abnormalities detected in the sacroiliac area in twenty cases of upper hindlimb lameness
Authors: TOMLINSON J. E. , SAGE A. M. , TURNER T.A. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: The pelvis is covered with extensive musculature and often presents a challenge in diagnostic imaging. Ultrasonography provides diagnostic information about soft tissue, articular cartilage and bone surfaces, although little information exists about the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the equine sacroiliac region.Objectives: To determine the clinical applicability of ultrasonographic examination in horses with sacroiliac pain.Methods: Horses presented to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital for hindlimb lameness were evaluated and lower limb lameness was ruled out with examination and local anaesthesia. Twenty cases were diagnosed with sacroiliac pain, characterised by response to palpation over thetuber sacrale.Seven of the 20 had visible a symmetry of thetuber sacrale.Ultrasonography was performed percutaneously andper rectum.Structures imaged were measured and compared to normal reference measurements. Other methods used to confirm diagnoses included thermography, scintigraphy and radiology.Results: All 20 cases with sacroiliac pain showed ultrasonographic abnormalities of the sacroiliac area. Abnormalities were detected in the dorsal sacroiliac ligaments. Ligament size was significantly different from the normal ranges (P<0.01). Malalignment of the sacroiliac area and sacral fractures were also imaged.Conclusions: Ultrasonography of the sacroiliac region aided diagnosis of ligament damage and displacement of bone surfaces; and may aid in monitoring the progression of healing.Potential relevance: Diagnostic ultrasound is readily available to most practitioners. Therefore the findings of this study show that diagnosis of sacroiliac injuries is possible in the field.