bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dosage titration of methylprednisolone acetate and triamcinolone acetonide on interleukin‐1‐conditioned equine articular cartilage explantsin vitro
Authors: DECHANT J. E. , BAXTER G. M. , FRISBIE D. D. , TROTTER G. W. , McILWRAITH C. W. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Osteoarthritis is a frequent sequela of joint disease, especially with severe injuries or if attempts at therapy are unsuccessful. Negative and positive effects of corticosteroid treatment of articular cartilage have been demonstrated byin vitroandin vivostudies.Objectives: To assess the metabolic effects of varying dosages of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on interleukin‐1α (IL‐1) conditioned equine cartilage explants. Our hypothesis was that lower dosages of corticosteroids would be less detrimental to cartilage metabolism than higher dosages. TA would be less detrimental to cartilage metabolism than MPA.Methods: Treatment groups included articular cartilage explants with no IL‐1 (control), IL‐1 alone, and IL‐1 plus 10, 5, 1 and 0.5 mg/ml MPA or 1.2, 0.6, 0.12 and 0.06 mg/ml TA. Explants were labelled with35SO4priorto the beginning and end of the experiment to assess glycosaminoglycan (GAG) degradation and synthesis, respectively. Total GAG content in media and explants and total cartilage DNA were also analysed.Results: MPA and TA reduced GAG synthesis compared to control and IL‐1 alone. The highest dosage of MPA (10 mg/ml) reduced GAG synthesis less than lower dosages of MPA and all dosages of TA Compared to IL‐1 alone, all dosages of TA and lower dosages of MPA increased GAG degradation. MPA at 10 mg/ml reduced GAG degradation. Both MPA and TA increased media GAG content compared to control and IL‐1 explants. Total cartilage GAGs were unchanged with MPA, but reduced with TA, compared with IL‐1 alone. Total cartilage DNA was decreased with MPA and increased with TA compared to IL‐1 and control explants.Conclusions: MPA and TA did not counteract the negative effects of IL‐1 and did not maintain cartilage metabolism at control levels. Lower dosages of MPA and TA were not less detrimental to cartilage metabolism than higher dosages. TA did not appear to be less harmful than MPA on cartilage metabolism. The results of this study differ from the findings of comparablein vivostudies.Potential relevance: The low numbers of horses used in this study limits extrapolation of these findings to the equine population; however, this study also questions the clinical relevance of thisin vitromodel.
Clostridium difficile: prevalence in horses and environment, and antimicrobial susceptibility
Authors: BÅVERUD V. , GUSTAFSSON A. , FRANKLIN A. , ASPÁN A. , GUNNARSSON A. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Clostridium difficilehas been associated with acute colitis in mature horses.Objectives: To surveyC. difficilecolonisation of the alimentary tract with age, occurrence of diarrhoea and history of antibiotic therapy; and to study the occurrence and survival ofC. difficilein the environment and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated strains.Methods: A total of 777 horses of different breeds, age and sex were studied. Further, 598 soil samples and 434 indoor surface samples were examined. Antimicrobial susceptibility of 52 strains was investigated by Etest for 10 antibiotics.Results: In horses that developed acute colitis during antibiotic treatment, 18 of 43 (42%) were positive toC. difficileculture and 12 of these (28%) were positive in the cytotoxin B test Furthermore,C. difficilewas isolated from a small number of diarrhoeic mature horses (4 of 72 [6%]) with no history of antibiotic treatment, but not from 273 healthy mature horses examined or 65 horses with colic An interesting new finding was that, in normal healthy foals age <14 days,C. difficilewas isolated from 1/3 of foals (16 of 56 [29%]). All older foals (170) except one were negative. Seven of 16 (44%) nondiarrhoeic foals treated with erythromycin or gentamicin in combination with rifampicin were also excretors ofC. difficile.On studfarms, 14 of 132 (11%) outdoorsoil samples were positive forC. difficilein culture, whereas only 2 of 220 (1%) soil samples from farms with mature horses were positive forC. difficile(P = <0.001). By PCR, it was demonstrated that strains from the environment and healthy foals can serve as a potential reservoir of toxigenicC. difficile.The experimental study conducted here found thatC. difficilesurvived in nature and indoors for at least 4 years in inoculated equine faeces. The susceptibility of 52 strains was investigated for 10 antibiotics and all were susceptible to metronidazole (MIC≤4 mg/l) and vancomycin (MIC≤2 mg/l).Conclusions: C. difficileis associated with acute colitis in mature horses, following antibiotic treatment. Furthermore,C. difficilewas isolated from 1 in 3 normal healthy foals age <14 days.Potential relevance: Strains from healthy foals and the environment can serve as a potential reservoir of toxigenicC. difficile.
Comparison of unfractioned and low molecular weight heparin for prophylaxis of coagulopathies in 52 horses with colic: a randomised double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: FEIGE K. , SCHWARZWALD C. C. , BOMBELI TH. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Unfractioned heparin (UFH) is widely used for prophylaxis of coagulation disorders, especially in colic‐affected horses. However, it is accompanied by certain side effects.Objectives: To compare the efficacy and side effects of unfractioned and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in horses with colic.Methods: The study was carried out as a randomised, double‐blind, controlled clinical trial. Fifty‐two horses with colic were treated subcutaneously with either UFH (heparin calcium, 150 iu/kg bwt initially, followed by 125 iu/kg bwt q. 12 h for 3 days and then 100 iu/kg bwt q. 12 h) or LMWH (dalteparin, 50 iu/kg bwt q. 24 h). All horses underwent daily physical examination including assessment of jugular veins, local reaction to heparin injections, haematological evaluation and coagulation profiles over up to 9 days.Results: The type of heparin used did not affect the general behaviour and condition. There were significantly more jugular vein changes in horses treated with UFH. Packed cell volume decreased significantly within the first few days of UFH treatment, but did not change significantly in horses treated with LMWH. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and thrombin time (TT) were prolonged in horses treated with UFH but not in those treated with LMWH.Conclusions: It was concluded that, in comparison to UFH, LMWH has markedly fewer side effects in horses.Potential relevance: Therefore, LMWH is recommended for prophylaxis of coagulation disorders in colic patients.
Lysosomal storage disease in Sida carpinifolia toxicosis: an induced mannosidosis in horses
Authors: LORETTI A. P. , COLODEL E. M. , GIMENO E. J. , DRIEMEIER D. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: This study reports a neurological disease unrecognised until now in ponies in southern Brazil. Hypothesis: Epidemiological data strongly suggests that the ingestion of Sida carpinifolia is involved in the aetiology. We tested the hypothesis that it is an acquired lyosomal storage disease. Methods: Following the death of 3 ponies, all ponies from the premises were closely monitored; epidemiological data and clinical findings carefully recorded. Fragments of several organs, including CNS, were fixed in neutral formalin and embedded in paraffin‐wax. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Representative sections of the cerebellum and trigeminal ganglia were submitted to lectin histochemical procedures. Results: The neurological disorder, characterised by stiff gait, muscle tremors, abdominal pain and death, was observed on a farm with 3 hectares of pasture. Three of 11 ponies died 15–20 days after they had been introduced into a new paddock heavily infested by the plant Sida carpinifolia. No significant gross lesions were observed.The main histological findings included multiple cytoplasmatic vacuoles in swollen neurones in the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, autonomic ganglia (trigeminal and celiac ganglia), and submucosal and myenteric plexus of the intestines. In the kidneys, there was marked vacuolation of the proximal convoluted tubular cells. Sections of cerebellum and trigeminal ganglion were submitted to lectin histochemistry. The vacuoles in different cerebellar and ganglion cells reacted strongly to the following lectins: Concanavalia ensiformis, Triticum vulgaris and succinylated‐Triticum vulgaris. Conclusions: The pattern of staining coincides with that of both swainsonine toxicosis and inherited mannosidosis reports. The histopathological changes were similar to those described in S. carpinifolia spontaneous and experimental poisoning in goats. This disease seems to be similar to Swainsona, Oxytropis and Astragalus toxicosis. Potential relevance: S. carpinifolia should be evaluated as a possible cause in the diagnosis of equine neuropathies.
The effects of maternal age and parity on placental and fetal development in the mare
Authors: WILSHER S. , ALLEN W. R. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: The normality of equine placentation is essential for fetal health and development. Substantial information exists on the gross morphological status of the placenta but few studies have addressed the problem of degenerative lesions that interfere with placental morphology and placental efficiency. Hypothesis: Degenerative changes in the endometrium with increasing age and parity are reflected in the morphology and density of the placental microcotyledons. Objective: To assess placental efficiency on the basis of foal birthweight as a function of total microscopic area of fetomaternal contact. Methods: Stereology was used to examine the placentae of 84 Thoroughbred mares grouped on the basis of age and parity. Placental efficiency, assessed by expressing foal birthweight as a function of total microscopic area of fetomaternal contact, was also determined. Results: Mare age and parity influenced the development of the microcotyledons and microcotyledon surface density (Sv) was lowest in aged multiparous mares, presumably due to degenerative changes in their endometrium. However, primiparous mares also showed significantly lower Sv values than young multiparous mares, despite the virginal endometrium of the former group. This apparent ‘priming’ effect of a first pregnancy on microcotyledonary Sv was illustrated further by 11 maiden mares followed in 2 successive pregnancies. They all showed significant increases in Sv values in their second parity, with equivalent improvements in foal birthweight. Conclusions: Foal birthweight is a reflection of the balance between fetomaternal contact and placental efficiency. In creases in fetomaternal contact are correlated to reductions in placental efficiency, which may reflect the ability of the placenta to modify its exchange capabilities. Potential relevance: Further work is needed to elucidate how such changes in microcotyledon morphology and efficiency are brought about.
The efficacy of dantrolene sodium in controlling exertional rhabdomyolysis in the Thoroughbred racehorse
Authors: Edwards J. G. T. , Newton J. R. , Ramzan P. H. L. , Pilsworth R. C. , Shepherd M. C. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Dantrolene sodium (Dantrium) has been used extensively for the treatment of myopathies in man and anecdotal evidence suggests it is of clinical benefit in the control of exercise‐induced rhabdomyolysis (ER) in racehorses, although data to support this are currently lacking.Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of oral dantrolene sodium in controlling ER in a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial involving 77 Thoroughbred racehorses in Newmarket, UK.Methods: Horses were treated on 2 occasions 1 week apart, with treatment days coinciding with a return to exercise following 2 days box rest on each occasion. For the first treatment, each horse was randomly selected to receive either 800 mg dantrolene sodium or a colour‐ matched placebo administered orally 1 h before exercise. This was followed by crossover to the other treatment on the second occasion, with each horse thereby acting as its own control.Degree of ER was assessed using rising serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, by subtracting pre‐exercise blood CK levels from those measured in 6 h post exercise blood samples. For each horse, the difference in change between pre‐ and post exercise CK values between placebo and dantrolene treatments was calculated, with positive values indicating a greater rise with placebo than with dantrolene sodium treatment.Results: The overall mean difference for all horses was +104.8 iu/l and the null hypothesis, that there was no true difference in non‐normally distributed post exercise rises in CK values between placebo and dantrolene treatments, was rejected (P = 0.0013) using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test. Additionally, no horses given dantrolene sodium showed clinical signs of ER, whereas 3 horses given the placebo developed ER following exercise. The incidence of ER in the study was 4% (3/77).Conclusions: The results confirmed that oral administration of dantrolene sodium, 1 h before exercise, had a statistically significant effect on reducing the difference between pre ‐ and post exercise plasma CK levels compared with a placebo in the same animals, and preventing clinical ER in susceptible individuals.Potential relevance: This study suggested that dantrolene sodium is of use in controlling ER in the Thoroughbred racehorse. Further investigation into pre‐ and post exercise myoplasmic calcium levels and the repeat of the study late in the season when horses receive a much higher energy ration and more strenuous exercise would appear to be warranted.
Gender differences in bone turnover in 2‐year‐old Thoroughbreds
Authors: Jackson B. F. , Lonnell C. , Verheyen K. , Wood J. L. N. , Pfeiffer D. U. , Price J. S. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Injuries to the skeleton are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in racehorses and age, gender and season have all been shown to influence risk of injury.Objectives: To use biochemical markers of bone cell activity to establish to whether cellularprocesses in bone underlie these described effects.Methods: Blood samples were collected monthly from 2‐year‐old horses in race training between November 1998 and September 1999. Mean age at the start of the study was 20 months (range 18–23 months), with no significant difference in average age between colts (n = 84) and fillies (n = 63). Three markers were measured; osteocalcin (OC, bone formation), the carboxyte rminal cross‐linked telopeptide oftype Icollagen (ICTP, bone resorption) and the carboxyterminal propeptide oftype Icollagen (PICP), which is less ‘bone‐specific’ than the other 2 markers.Results: Colts had, on average, 3.62 ng/ml higher O C concentrations (P = 0.044) and 0.68 mg/l higher ICTP concentrations (P = 0.01) than fillies. The effect of gender was not statistically significant for PICP. However, in May, PI CP concentrations were on average 157 mg/l higher in fillies than colts. There was no effect of age or season on marker concentrations.Conclusions: This study has shown that there are gender differences in bone turnover markers in 2‐year‐old Thoroughbreds; however, age, within the limited range studied, did not have a significant effect on bone cell activity. Lower bone marker concentrations may reflect smaller bone size and/or earlier skeletal maturation in fillies. An increase in concentrations of PICP in fillies in spring and early summer may relect an influence of sex hormones on collagen turnover.Potential relevance: Gender differences in bone cell activity in 2‐year‐old colts and fillies may influence bone's adaptive responses to training and risk of injury.
Results of plate fixation oftype 1bolecranon fractures in 24 horses
Authors: Swor T.M. , Watkins J. P. , Bahr A. , Honnas C. M. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Previous olecranon fracture reports contain a small proportion oftype 1bfractures, with only a few repaired by tension band plate fixation.Objectives: To evaluate subject details, history, clinical findings and outcome oftype 1bolecranon fractures in a large group of horses treated by tension band plate fixation.Methods: Medical records of 77 horses diagnosed with an olecranon fracture were reviewed. Twenty‐fourhorses (31%) were classified as havingtype 1bolecranon fractures. Clinical details and follow‐up results (4–128 months postoperatively) were recorded.Results: Treatment included open reduction and internal fixation using a narrow dynamic compression plate (n = 20), conservative therapy (n = 2) and euthanasia (n = 2). Long‐term follow‐up was available for 16 plated horses. Four were sound and in training and 9 were sound and performing athletically. Articular surface involvement, comminution, open status orremoval of anconeal process fragments did not appear to affect prognosis or soundness.Conclusions: Internal plate fixation provides an excellent prognosis for an animal capable of athletic performance.Potential relevance: Describing tension band plate fixation and results offers a method of fracture repair that will improve the treatment and prognosis fortype 1bolecranon fractures.
Effect of controlled exercise on middle gluteal muscle fibre composition in Thoroughbred foals
Authors: Eto D. , Yamano S. , Kasashima Y. , Sugiura T. , Nasu T. , Tokuriki M. , Miyata H. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Most racehorses are trained regularly from about age 18 months; there fore, little information is available on the effect of training in Thoroughbred foals.Hypothesis: Well‐controlled exercise could improve muscle potential ability for endurance running.Methods: Thoroughbred foals at age 2 months were separated into control and training (treadmill exercise) groups and samples obtained from the middle gluteal muscle at 2 and 12 months post partum. Muscle fibre compositions were determined by histochemical and electrophoretical techniques and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) activity was analysed in each fibre type.Results: All fibre types were hypertrophied with growth andtype IandIIAfibres were significantly larger in the training than the control group at age 12 months. A significant increase of SDH activity was found intype IIXmuscle fibres in the training group.Conclusions: Training in young Thoroughbred horses can facilitate muscle fibre hy pert rophy and increase the oxidative capacity oftype IIXfibres, which could potentially enhance stamina at high speeds.Potential relevance: To apply this result to practical training, further studies are needed to determine more effective and safe intensities of controlled exercise.
Retrospective study of 24 cases of septic calcaneal bursitis in the horse
Authors: Post E. M. , Singer E. R. , Clegg P. D. , Smith R. K. , Cripps P. J. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Wounds to the plantar aspect of the tarsus present a diagnostic and treatment challenge. This study was undertaken to describe specific features of traumatic wounds involving the calcaneal bursa, with a view to determining which clinical examination findings and diagnostic tests results could provide reliable indicators of prognosis. Objectives: To report clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment and outcome of 24 cases of septic calcaneal bursitis; and to determine the importance of the involvement of specific anatomical structures in relation to the prognosis for survival and return to athletic function. Methods: Records of 24 horses that had suffered traumatic wounds involving the calcaneal bursae were reviewed and divided into 3 groups, based on the bursa involved and presence or absence of involvement of the tuber calcanei. Clinical, diagnostic imaging and surgical findings were recorded for each case. Differences between groups and outcome were examined for significance with Chi‐squared, Fisher's Exact or Kruskal‐Wallis tests, as appropriate. Results: Wounds involving only the subcutaneous bursa had an excellent prognosis for survival. Seventy‐five percent of horses with wounds involving the intertendinous calcaneal bursa survived. Involvement of the tuber calcanei presented a fair to guarded prognosis, with only 44% of horses with involvement of this structure surviving. Conclusions: In contrast to other studies of septic synovial structures, the time between initial injury and referral did not affect the outcome. Correct identification of invasion of the calcaneal bursa(e) and/or tuber calcanei in wounds to the plantar aspect of the tarsus allows for more accurate pronostication. Damage to the tuber calcanei presents a poorer prognosis than for cases that involve only the soft tissue structures in the region. Potential relevance: This study demonstrates the importance of correct anatomical identification of structures involved in wounds in the region of the calcaneal bursa. The use of radiography, ultrasonography and synoviocentesis are essential in these cases to provide the most appropriate treatment for the horse and accurate prognosis for the owner.
Effect of GastroGard and three compounded oral omeprazole preparations on 24 h intragastric pH in gastrically cannulated mature horses
Authors: Merritt A. M. , Sanchez L. C. , Burrow J. A. , Church M. , Ludzia S. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Ulceration of the squamous gastric mucosa is commonly associated with intensive training programmes in horses, but only one compound (‘Gastrogard’) has been subjected to controlled scrutiny as to therapeutic efficacy.Objectives: To compare the gastric acid inhibitory efficacy of one manufactured (‘GastroGard’) and 3 generic pharmacy‐compounded preparations of the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole (OME) in the mature horse.Hypothesis: All OME preparations tested would induce a clinically acceptable effect.Methods: Six healthy mature gastrically cannulated horses of various breeds, 3 mares and 3 geldings, were used. Each product was administeredper osonce daily (0730 h) at an equivalent dose of 4 mg OME/kg bwt, in a randomised complete repeated measures design for sequence of individual preparation treatment per horse. There was a minimum of 14 days between treatment regimens. A portable unit that recorded pH continuously was attached to a recording electrode fixed within the gastric lumen via the gastric cannula. Three 24 h recordings were made one day before and during Days 2 and 7 after commencement of a 7 day treatment with each of the 4 individual preparations. The horses were fed as usual throughout the study.Results: Only the GastroGard and one other preparation induced a significant increase over baseline in mean percentage of time that the pH was >4.0 and mean median intragastric pH, during the first 14 and 12 h post treatment respectively, forboth Days 2 and 7 post treatment. Both these products had a vehicle pH >8.0, in contrast to the 2 less effective products, where the vehicle pH was <6.0.Conclusions: OME at 4 mg/kgper oss.i.d. can effectively maintain intragastric pH at an accepted anti‐ulcerogenic level for at least 12 h post administration in mature horses. In contrast to GastroGard, it should not be expected that all compounded preparations of OME are equally effective in achieving this performance. It appears that vehicle pH might play an important part in determining preparation efficacy.Potential relevance: Optimal timing for daily dosing of athletic horses with an effective OME preparation, in order to suppress gastric squamous ulceration, might be 4–8 h prior to a training session.