bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of co‐culture on the development ofin vitromatured equine oocytes after intracytoplastic sperm injection
Authors: ROSATI I. , BERLINGUER F. , BOGLIOLO L. , LEONI G. , LEDDA S. , NAITANA S. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryIt is clear that, in the horse, there are many weak links in the process ofin vitroembryo production; an optimal culture system for equine oocytes does not exist, and related data are conflicting. Therefore, the ability of 3 different culture systems to support embryonic development of ICSI horse oocytes was examined. Oocytes (n = 261) suitable for culture were collected from 55 ovaries and divided, according to cumulus morphology, into 2 categories: expanded cumulus and compacted cumulus. Oocytes with expanded and compacted cumulus were cultured forin vitromaturation in TCM 199 + 10% FCS + 0.1 iu/ml FSH/LH at 38.5°C under 5% CO2in air for 24 and 40 h, respectively. Oocytes (n = 149) reached metaphase II and were subjected to ICSI with frozen semen and then incubated in 3 different culture systems: A) TCM 199 + 10% FCS alone or B) on granulosa cell monolayer, C) SOF + MEM aminoacids + 0.8% BSA. Cultural conditions were 39°C and 5% CO2in air for A and B, while a gas mixture (5% CO2, 5% O2, 90% N2) was used for C. The fertilisation rate was 32%. The cleavage rate inGroup Awas 74.4% (32/43); 18 embryos reached 2–6 cell stage, eight 8–16 cell, four 16–32 cell and two >32 cell. InGroup B, the cleavage rate was 73.5% (36/49) with better results in embryonic development; 14 reached 2–6 cell stage, eighteen 8–16 cell, twelve 16–32 cell and five >32 cell. InGroup C, the cleavage rate was significantly lower then inAandB; only 15 of 47 ICSI oocytes (39.1%) cleaved with maximum development to 2–6 cell stage. The remaining oocytes (68.1%) degenerated during culture. In conclusion, IVM horse oocytes can be fertilisedin vitrowith high efficiency with ICSI and co‐culture systems showed to be superior in supportingin vitroembryo culture compared to simple ones. The identification of the factors beneficial toin vitroembryo development provided by the somatic cells could be important to optimise the embryo culture systems for equine embryos.
Expression of a 4‐(hydroxy‐3‐nitro‐phenyl) acetyl (NP) specific equi‐murine IgE antibody that mediates histamine release in vitro and a type I skin reaction in vivo
Authors: WAGNER B. , SIEBENKOTTEN G. , LEIBOLD W. , RADBRUCH A. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryDue to characteristic clinical signs, immunoglobulins of isotype E (IgE) are believed to be involved in several allergic diseases of the horse. To date, closer investigations have been hampered by the fact that neither purified equine IgE nor anti‐equine IgE monoclonal antibodies were available for IgE isotype determination. As an approach to solve this problem, we constructed a stable cell line (EqE6) that expresses recombinant equi‐murine IgE specific for 4‐(hydroxy‐3‐nitro‐phenyl) acetyl (NP). Biochemical analysis of the purified protein revealed a highly glycosilated IgE monomer of approximately 230,000 Da. The biological ability of the NP‐IgE to mediate histamine release after crosslinking with antigen was demonstrated in vitro using equine blood leucocytes. In vivo, the intradermal application of NP‐IgE followed by antigen crosslinking induced a type I hypersensitivity skin reaction in horses. Both results indicate that the recombinant NP‐IgE contains an intact and functional FceRI binding site and mediates effector functions in equine basophils and cutaneous mast cells. This equi‐murine IgE can be used for the production of IgE‐specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. In addition, the NP specificity allows the antigen‐specific activation of equine Fce‐receptor‐expressing cells, such as mast cells and basophils. This property could be used to investigate IgE‐mediated mechanisms for a better understanding of equine type I allergic diseases.
Serum amyloid A (SAA) as an aid in the management of infectious disease in the foal: comparison with total leucocyte count, neutrophil count and fibrinogen
Authors: HULTÉN C. , DEMMERS S. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryDifferentiation between infectious and noninfectious disease and rapid initiation of accurate treatment are essential in managing diseases in the neonatal and young foal. Identification of useful inflammatory markers for these purposes is, therefore, of great importance. The aim of this study was to compare the responses of the acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) with the responses of fibrinogen and total leucocyte and neutrophil counts in infectious diseases encountered in the young foal, and to assess whether SAA measurements give additional information useful in the management of these diseases. In a prospective study, foals (n = 25) showing clinical signs indicative of infectious disease were blood sampled on admission and then daily or every second day during hospitalisation. The main presenting signs were neonatal weakness (n = 9), pneumonia (n = 6) and diarrhoea (n = 10). SAA and fibrinogen concentrations on admission were higher in foals with bacterial infections (n = 8) than in foals with nonbacterial or uncertain diagnoses (n = 17). On admission, weak foals with negative blood cultures (n = 3) had normal SAA and fibrinogen concentrations and varying total leucocyte and neutrophil counts. Foals with positive blood cultures (n = 2) had markedly increased SAA, decreased or increased fibrinogen concentration and leuco‐ and neutropenia. Those with ambiguous blood cultures (n = 3) had moderate to markedly increased SAA concentrations and normal fibrinogen concentration, leucocyte and neutrophil counts on admission. All foals with negative or ambiguous blood cultures recovered and had normal or decreasing SAA concentration on discharge. Both foals with a positive blood culture were subjected to euthanasia. One foal born with equine herpesvirus‐1 infection had moderately increased SAA and normal fibrinogen concentration and leuco‐ and neutropenia. Foals withRhodococcus equipneumonia had increased concentrations of all parameters on admission. On discharge, recovered foals had normal SAA concentrations, whereas fibrinogen and total white blood cell count and neutrophil counts were still increased. There were no consistent inflammatory changes in the parameters measured in diarrhoeic foals and there was no statistical difference between rotavirus‐positive (n = 4) and ‐negative (n = 6) foals in this respect.The results of this investigation suggest that SAA might be an aid in the differential diagnostic procedure of neonatally weak foals and in foals with diarrhoea as the main presenting clinical sign and that SAA measurements could add information in the monitoring of treatment inRhodococcus equipneumonia by responding more rapidly than the markers used to date.
In vitroevaluation of nonrigid support systems for the equine metacarpophalangeal joint
Authors: SMITH R. K. W. , McGUIGAN M. P. , HYDE J. T. , DALY A. S. G. , PARDOE C. H. , LOCK A. N. , WILSON A. M. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryMetacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint extension is primarily resisted by the digital flexortendons and suspensory ligament. A variety of external support techniques are used to protect these supporting structures from or after injury by resisting MCP joint extension, although not all are effective and/or practical for use in an exercising horse. In this study, 7 forelimbs were loadedin vitroto determine the effect of a simple gamgee bandage, a 3‐layered bandage with and without a contoured palmar splint, a neoprene exercise boot, and an innovative carbon fibre composite exercise boot (Dalmar tendon support boot). There was no significant resistance to MCP joint extension by the gamgee or neoprene exercise boot. The 3‐layered bandage had a significant (P < 0.01) supporting effect at MCP angles of ≥245°, and when combined with the contoured splint at angles of ≥230°. The Dalmartendon support boot resisted MCP extension at angles of ≥245° (settings 1 and 2) and ≥225° (setting 3). These data demonstrate that the contoured splint and the Dalmar tendon support boot (which is also easily fitted for use during exercise) are useful for the management of tendon/ligament injury and during rehabilitation.
Foraging enrichment for stabled horses: effects on behaviour and selection
Authors: GOODWIN D. , DAVIDSON H. P. B. , HARRIS P. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryThe restricted access to pasture experienced by many competition horses has been linked to the exhibition of stereotypic and redirected behaviour patterns. It has been suggested that racehorses provided with more than one source of forage are less likely to perform these patterns; however, the reasons for this are currently unclear. To investigate this in 4 replicated trials, up to 12 horses were introduced into each of 2 identical stables containing a single forage, or 6 forages for 5 min. To detect novelty effects, in the first and third trials the single forage was hay. In the second and fourth, it was the preferred forage from the preceding trial. Trials were videotaped and 12 mutually exclusive behaviour patterns compared. When hay was presented as the single forage (Trials 1 and 3), all recorded behaviour patterns were significantly different between stables; e.g. during Trial 3 in the ‘Single’ stable, horses looked over the stable door more frequently (P < 0.001), moved for longer (P < 0.001), foraged on straw bedding longer (P < 0.001), and exhibited behaviour indicative of motivation to search for alternative resources (P < 0.001) more frequently. When a previously preferred forage was presented as the single forage (Trials 2 and 4) behaviour was also significantly different between stables, e.g. in Trial 4 horses looked out over the stable door more frequently (P < 0.005) and foraged for longer in their straw bedding (P < 0.005).Further study is required to determine whether these effects persist over longer periods. However, these trials indicate that enrichment of the stable environment through provision of multiple forages may have welfare benefits for horses, in reducing straw consumption and facilitating the expression of highly motivated foraging behaviour.
Intradermal skin tests in equine dermatology: a study of 83 horses
Authors: LEBIS C. , BOURDEAU P. , MARZIN‐KELLER F. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryAllergic diseases are often diagnosed clinically in the horse without performing diagnostic tests. The purpose of this work was to contribute to the validation of intradermal skin tests in the horse. Eighty‐three horses, 14 showing skin or respiratory signs of supposed allergic origin, were subjected to an intradermal skin test using 6 different allergens, positive and negative controls. The tests were read for all animals after 20 min, and for 29 horses after 1 and 4 h. Additionally, 19 horses were tested a few months apart. The comparison after 20 min of the cutaneous reactions to allergens and to positive and negative controls allowed us to propose a threshold of positivity; skin reactions with a diameter above or equal to 15 mm, or with at least a 13 mm diameter and a skin thickness similar to the positive control. There was a marked difference between the healthy group and the allergic group forCulex pipiensandDermatophagoides farinae, although positive reactions were not rare in the healthy group.Tabanussp. gave positive reactions in both healthy and allergic animals. There was no significant variation in the reactions observed after 20 min and after 60 min. After 4 h, the progression of the reactions was highly variable and negative controls showed a certain number of positive reactions, which negated their reliability at the point in time, and made it difficult to interpret the other allergens. Finally, the repeatability of intradermal skin tests reactions after 20 min was poor, and probably related to the influence of seasonality for some of the allergens. Further studies are required, notably with others allergens, to interpret intradermal skin tests' responses in clinical practice.
Effectiveness of a two‐dose regimen of prostaglandin administration in inducing luteolysis without adverse side effects in mares
Authors: IRVINE C. H. G. , McKEOUGH V. ‐L. , TURNER J. E. , ALEXANDER S. L. , TAYLOR T. B. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryOur objectives were to determine whether repeated administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) to simulate the endogenous mode of secretion would be more effective than a single injection in inducing luteolysis and enable use of smaller doses less likely to cause adverse side effects. The main study comprised 43 dioestrous mares, who were given i.m. either a single 10 mg dose of natural PGF2α (n = 22) or 2 doses of 0.5 mg PGF2α 24 h apart (n = 21). The intensity of side effects was assessed in 8 dioestrous mares given 5, 1.5, 0.5 or 0 mg PGF2α in consecutive cycles.Two doses of 0.5 mg PGF2α 24 h apart caused lysis of the corpus luteum in all mares, whether this was determined from a fall in plasma progesterone concentrations or reproductive tract/behavioural changes; and when 10 mg PGF2α was given, the corpus luteum was lysed in 17 of 22 mares i.e. a lower proportion (P= 0.0485). A single dose of 0.5 mg PGF2α was no more effective than saline in inducing luteolysis. The intensity of side effects of PGF2α increased with dose. Although the 0.5 mg dose was no more likely than saline to cause sweating ormuscle spasms, it raised plasma cortisol concentrations and prevented the decline in heart rate seen after saline. We conclude that a 2 dose regimen of administration increases the luteolytic efficacy of PGF2α and thereby provides a way to minimise adverse side effects.
Polysaccharide storage myopathy in theM. longissimus lumborumof showjumpers and dressage horses with back pain
Authors: QUIROZ‐ROTHE E. , NOVALES M. , AGUILERA‐TEJERO E. , RIVERO J. L. L. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryThis study was designed to investigate whether horses with clinical signs of back pain due to suspected soft tissue injuries were affected by polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). Diagnosis of PSSM in muscle biopsies obtained from theM. longissimus lumborumof 5 showjumpers and 4 dressage horses with a history of back pain is reported.M. longissimus lumborumbiopsies of these horses were characterised histopathologically and in 3/9 cases also by electron microscopy. Observations were compared withM. gluteusbiopsies of the same horses, and withM. gluteusbiopsies obtained from 6 Standardbreds with recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis and from 6 healthy trotters.M. longissimusbiopsies from horses with back pain showed pathognomonic signs of PSSM, i.e. high glycogen and/or abnormal complex amylase‐resistant polysaccharide deposits. Similar features were found inM. gluteusbiopsies of the same horses. Sections of horses with rhabdomyolysis had increased PAS stain when compared with healthy horses, but did not show amylase‐resistant material. Qualitative observations were corroborated by quantitative histochemistry (optical densities) of sections stained with PAS and amylase PAS. This study demonstrated the presence of PSSM in theM. longissimusof showjumpers and dressage horses with back pain and indicates that epaxial muscle biopsy is an option in diagnosing back problems in horses when clinical examination and imaging techniques do not provide a precise diagnosis.
Ventriculocordectomy reduces respiratory noise in horses with laryngeal hemiplegia
Authors: BROWN J. A. , DERKSEN F. J. , STICK J. A. , HARTMANN W. M. , ROBINSON N. E. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Show and performance horse with laryngeal hemiplegia (LH) often present for excessive respiratory noise ratherthan significant exercise intolerance. Therefore, the goal of surgery in these horses is to reduce re spiratory noise but there are no quantitative studies evaluating the effect of any upper‐airway surgery in LH‐affected horses.Objective: To determine whether bilateral ventriculocordectomy (VC) reduces respiratory noise in exercising horses with laryngeal hemiplegia.Methods: Six Standardbred horses with normal upperairways were used in this study. Respiratory sounds and inspiratory trans‐upper airway pressure (Pui) were measured in all horses before and after induction of LH, and 30, 90 and 120 days after VC. In horses with LH, spectrogram analysis revealed 3 inspiratory sound formants centred at approximately 400, 1700 and 3700 Hz. Inspiratory sound levels (SL) and the sound intensity of the 3 inspiratory formants (F1, F2, F3respectively) were measured using a computer‐based sound analysis programme.Results: In LH‐affected horses, Pui, inspiratory SL and the sound intensity of F2and F3were significantly increased compared to baseline values. At 90 and 120 days afterVC the sound intensities of F2and F3returned to baseline values. The Puiand SL, were significantly decreased compared to LH values, but remained different from baseline.Conclusions: VC effectively reduces inspiratory noise in LH‐affected horses by 90 days following surgery. Inspiratory trans‐upperairway pressures are improved 30 days following VC, but do not return to baseline values.Potential relevance: VC can be recommended as a surgical treatment of LH‐affected horses if reduction of respiratory noise is the primary objective of surgery. Further studies are required to determine if variations of the surgical technique used in this study will have similar results.
Lateral transmission of equine arteritis virus among Lipizzaner stallions in South Africa
Authors: GUTHRIE A. J. , HOWELL P. G. , HEDGES J. F. , BOSMAN A.‐M. , BALASURIYA U. B. R. , McCOLLUM W. H. , TIMONEY P. J. , MacLACHLAN N. J. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study:A serological study conducted in 1995 revealed that 7 stallions at the Lipizzaner Centre, Gauteng, South Africa, were seropositive for antibody to equine arteritis virus (EAV). A Lipizzaner stallion imported into South Africa from Yugoslavia in 1981 had previously (1988) been confirmed to be an EAV carrier. Despite being placed under life‐long breeding quarantine, EAV had been transmitted between stallions at the Lipizzaner Centre. Objectives: To investigate the phylogenetic relationships between the strain of EAV shed in the semen of the original carrier stallion and strains recovered from the semen of 5 other stallions; and to investigate the means whereby lateral transmission of EAV occurred among 7 in‐contact, nonbreeding stallions at the Centre. Methods: EAV was isolated from semen collected from the seropositive stallions using RK‐13 cells. Viral RNA was reverse transcribed and amplified by polymerase chain reaction using ORF5‐specific primers, subjected to sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Phylogenetic analysis of strains of EAV recovered from the semen of 6 persistently infected stal lions confirmed that all viruses were closely related and probably derived from a common ancestor, i.e. the stallion imported from Yugoslavia. Lateral transmission subsequently occurred among 7 in‐contact, nonbreeding stallions at the Centre. It is speculated that these stallions may have been exposed to virus from be dding or fo mites contaminated with semen. Conclusions: These data confirm that lateral transmission of EAV can occur from shedding stallions to susceptible, in‐contact horses, including other stallions, which may become persistently infected with the virus. Potential relevance: The findings are consistent with lateral spread of a single, unique strain of EAV among a group; and suggest that transmission of EAV may be initiated by infection of one or more stallions with virus on bedding or other fomites contaminated with EAV‐infected semen.
Equine hepatic disease: the effect of patient‐ and case‐specific variables on risk and prognosis
Authors: SMITH M. R. W. , STEVENS K. B. , DURHAM A. E. , MARR C. M. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Liver disease is fairly common in horses and, although previous literature suggests that fatality rates are high, impressions gained from current clinical practice suggest that this is no longer the case.Objectives: A case‐control study was undertaken in 2 hospitals to investigate whetherage, gender or breed type predisposed horses to developing hepatic disease, with the additional aim of determining whether these factors and disease category had any effect on outcome.Methods: Eighty‐eight cases were identified by review of computerised archives at 2 hospitals. Three cases admitted immediately before and afterthe cases were used as controls. Multivariant models were developed to explore the relationship between age, breed type and gender and the development of liverdisease, and within the clinical cases, to identify whetherany of these factors orspecific forms of liver disease were associated with fatality rate.Results: Ponies were more likely to develop hepatic disease than light riding horses, but neither age nor gender were significant risk factors. Overall, the fatality rate was fairly low; horses with unclassified hepatopathies had the lowest fatality rate and those with cholangiohepatitis, pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity and chronic active hepatitis had significantly higher fatality rates in comparison. However, age, breed type and gender had no detectable effect on outcome.Conclusions and potential relevance: Such data could be of particular value to equine practitioners, as the cases were drawn from both primary and referral practice, and were all seen within the last 5 years.
Severe hypertriglyceridaemia in clinically ill horses: diagnosis, treatment and outcome
Authors: DUNKEL B. , III H. C. McKENZIE 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Sporadic measurement of serum triglycerides in depressed and inappetant clinically ill horses revealed severe hypertriglyceridaemia without visible evidence of lipaemia on several occasions, leading to the inclusion of serum triglyceride concentrations in the routine serum biochemistry evaluation of our hospital. Since then, more cases have been identified and treated for hypertriglyceridaemia, raising questions about the prevalence, predisposing factors and significance of these findings.Hypotheses: 1) Severe hypertriglyceridaemia without visible opacity of the serum occurs more commonly in clinically ill and inappetant horses than previously described and 2) appropriate treatment using i.v. dextrose and/or partial parenteral nutrition would decrease serum triglycerides to normal limits and might result in improved appetite and attitude of the patient.Methods: The laboratory computer database from 2000 and 2001 was searched for increased serum triglycerides (>5.65 mmol/l) in any horse breed, ponies and miniature breeds excluded. Data analysed included subject details, diagnosis, clinical and laboratory parameters, treatment, response to treatment and outcome.Results: Severe hypertriglyceridaemia was identified in 13 horses, with serum triglyceride concentrations 6.17–18.29 mmol/l, while none showed visible lipaemia. All horses had clinical and laboratory findings consistent with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and all but one had an increased serum creatinine concentration. Treatment with i.v. dextrose and/or partial parenteral nutrition resulted in decrease of the serum triglycerides to normal limits.Conclusions: Severe hypertriglyceridaemia occurs in inappetant and clinically ill horses without evidence of serum opacity more commonly than previously described. The presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome might predispose horses to hypertriglyceridaemia, while the increased creatinine concentration might be a predisposing factor or result of the condition. Horses identified in our study readily responded to treatment and appetite and attitude improved coincident with decrease of the serum triglycerides to normal limits.Potential relevance: Hypertriglyceridaemia could perpetuate inappetance and depression in clinically ill horses and potentially predispose to fatty infiltration of the liver and other organ systems.