bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in equine colic: an immunohistochemical study of horses with obstructive disorders of the small and large intestines
Authors: FINTL C. , HUDSON N. P. H. , MAYHEW I. G. , EDWARDS G. B. , PROUDMAN C. J. , PEARSON G. T. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: The gastrointestinal pacemaker cells, the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), have been implicated in several human gastrointestinal dysmotility syndromes. Recently, the involvement of these cells in equine gastrointestinal diseases has been investigated in cases of equine grass sickness where a significant reduction in ICC density was observed.Objective: To investigate ICC density in equine obstructive gastrointestinal disorders using immunohistochemical labelling methods.Methods: Intestinal samples were analysed from 44 horses undergoing exploratory surgery for colic and from 11 control animals subjected to euthanasia for conditions not related to the gastrointestinal tract. Immunohistochemical labelling of ICC was carried out using an anti‐c‐Kit antibody. Two independent observers assessed ICC density using a semiquantitative grading system.Results: There was a significant reduction in ICC density in horses with large colon disorders compared to the controls (P<0.01). Horses with strangulating lesions of the small intestine showed no difference when compared to the controls.Conclusions: There was a reduction in ICC density in horses with large intestinal disorders.Potential relevance: The reduction in ICC density may be associated with the clinical findings as well as recurrent colic episodes observed in a number of these cases. This immunohistochemical study provides a basis for future functional electrophysiological investigations to determine the precise effect of ICC reduction on equine intestinal motility.
The effects of a single acupuncture treatment in horses with severe recurrent airway obstruction
Authors: WILSON D. V. , LANKENAU C. , BERNEY C. E. , PERONI D. L. , MULLINEAUX D. R. , ROBINSON N. E. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Acupuncture may be recommended for horses with ‘heaves’ because it is being increasingly applied to treat human asthma. Therefore, its efficacy was investigated in horses with this asthmalike disease.Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a single acupuncture treatment for the relief of airway obstruction in heaves‐affected horses.Methods: The efficacy of a single acupuncture treatment was tested in 10 heaves‐affected horses, and the effect of removal from the dusty stall environment in 5 heaves‐affected horses. Before treatment, horses were stabled to induce airway obstruction and, apart from trips to the laboratory for pulmonary function measurements, they remained stabled for the duration of each treatment. The severity of airway obstruction was quantified by measurement of lung function before treatment (baseline), and at 20, 60, 120 and 240 mins and 24 h after the following treatments administered in random order: halter restraint and patting, a single acupuncture treatment by an experienced acupuncturist, and a single acupuncture treatment using predetermined points (recipe) by a veterinarian with no acupuncture training. In a second study, horses were untreated and remained either in their stall or in a paddock for all measurements of lung function, after baseline readings were made.Results: In the first study, after all treatments, there was a temporal improvement in maximal change in pleural pressure, pulmonary resistance, dynamic compliance, respiratory rate, and tidal volume that lasted less than 24 h. There was no specific effect of acupuncture treatment. In the second study, removal from the dusty environment did not produce an improvement in lung function in the first 6 h. We conclude that most of the improvements in lung function observed in the study were due to handling.Conclusions: Assessed objectively, a single acupuncture treatment during an attack of heaves causes no more improvement in lung function than does handling the horse.Potential relevance: Acupuncture should not replace conventional medical treatments for heaves.
Relationship between scintigraphic and radiographic evaluations of spinous processes in the thoracolumbar spine in riding horses without clinical signs of back problems
Authors: ERICHSEN C. , EKSELL P. , HOLM K. ROETHLISBERGER , LORD P. , JOHNSTON C. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Radiography and scintigraphy are used to aid diagnosis of the cause of back pain, but a large variation in appearance and radiopharmaceutical uptake in fully functioning horses make diagnosis difficult.Objectives: To describe the range of and compare scintigraphic and radiographic findings in the spinous processes of horses without clinical signs of back problems.Methods: Thirty‐three apparently normal riding horses underwent scintigraphic and radiographic examinations of the spinous processes in the thoracolumbar spine. Scintigraphic images were evaluated in a continuous blue, green and red colour scale, and the level of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the spinous processes from T10–L2 was graded into none, mild, moderate or severe increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. Structural changes along the borders of the spinous processes and the width of the interspinous spaces from T10–L2 were recorded.Results: Only 7 horses had no scintigraphic or radiographic findings. Nine horses had no increased radiopharmaceutical uptake, 17 had no sclerosis, 21 had no radiolucencies and 11 had normal spacing of the spinous processes (>4 mm wide). The majority of findings in 26 horses were located from T13–18 and were mild.Conclusions: The findings of a wide spectrum of scintigraphic and radiographic changes leads to the conclusion that changes within this range found in affected horses cannot be interpreted as clinically significant.Potential relevance: To determine whether scintigraphy and/or radiography can be used to separate horses with back pain from horses without clinical signs, the results from this study should be compared to the scintigraphic and radiographic findings in horses with clinical signs.
Molecular characterisation of fructose transport in equine small intestine
Authors: MEREDIZ E. FERNANDEZ‐CASTAÑO , DYER J. , SALMON K. S. H. , SHIRAZI‐BEECHEY S. P. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Fructose can be a suitable carbohydrate supplement for horses before and/or during endurance exercise. In comparison to glucose, the ingestion of fructose results in a lower insulin peak and less marked fluctuations in blood glucose during exercise, potentially avoiding hypoglycaemia‐induced exhaustion. Objectives: To assess the capacity of the equine small intestine to absorb fructose and to determine the mechanism, molecular structure and properties of equine intestinal fructose transport. Methods: Using PCR‐based strategies, RNA isolated from equine small intestine and primers designed to homologous regions of the fructose transporter, GLUT5, cDNA of other species, we cloned and sequenced equine GLUT5 (eGLUT5). Northern and western blot analyses, in conjunction with immunohistochemistry, utilising eGLUT5 cDNA and antibodies, assessed expression of eGLUT5 along the longitudinal and radial axes of the small intestine. Functional properties of fructose transport in intestinal brush‐border membrane vesicles were measured using the rapid‐filtration technique. Results: eGLUT5 is expressed in the villus enterocytes with highest levels in duodenum>jejunum and lowest in the ileum. Kinetic studies indicate eGLUT5 is a low affinity, high capacity transporter. Conclusions: Equine small intestine has the capacity to absorb fructose. Potential relevance: The molecular probes produced in these studies can be used as diagnostic aids to determine equine intestinal monosaccharide malabsorption.
Kinematic evaluation of the back in fully functioning riding horses
Authors: JOHNSTON C. , HOLM K. ROETHLISBERGER , ERICHSEN C. , EKSELL P. , DREVEMO S. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Clinical history and examination are important features in diagnosis of equine back dysfunction. However, interpretation is subjective and therefore may vary substantially. Objectives: To establish a clinical tool to objectively evaluate the function of the equine back, in the form of a database on the kinematics of the back at the walk and trot in fully functioning riding horses. Methods: Thirty‐three fully functioning riding horses walked and trotted on a treadmill. Morphometrics and kinematics were tested for correlations to age, height, weight and stride length, and differences between gender (geldings and mares) and use (dressage and showjumping). Results: A database for range of movement and symmetry of movement for extension and flexion, lateral bending, lateral excursion and axial rotation was presented. Symmetry values were very high for all variables. Significant differences were observed in use and gender. Age was negatively correlated to extension and flexion of the thoracolumbar junction. Conclusions: Interrelationships between use, gender and age to conformation and movement were established. Potential relevance: The database provides a basis for objective reference for diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation of clinical cases of back dysfunction.
Development and validation of a periarticular injection technique of the sacroiliac joint in horses
Authors: ENGELI E. , HAUSSLER K. K. , ERB H. N. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis has been recognised as a significant cause of poor performance in competition and racehorses. Reliable diagnostic tools are currently lacking. The diagnosis has been based typically on exclusion of other possible causes of poor performance, back pain and hindlimb lameness.Objectives: To develop a safe, reliable and minimally invasive periarticular or intra‐articular injection technique of potential use for diagnosis and therapy of sacroiliac joint disease in horses.Methods: Twenty‐six horses were used to develop and assess a medial approach to the sacroiliac joint with a 15 gauge, 25 cm long spinal needle. InPart I, the cadaveric study, the spinal needle was introduced cranial to the contralateraltuber sacraleand advanced along the medial aspect of the ipsilateral iliac wing until the dorsal surface of the sacrum was encountered. One ml methylene blue (MB) was injected in both sacroiliac joint regions of the sacropelvic specimens. The location of MB‐stained tissues relative to the sacroiliac joints was recorded after dissection and disarticulation of the sacroiliac joint. InPart II, thein vivostudy, 18 horses were used to validate thein vivoapplication of the sacroiliac joint injection technique. Horses were restrained in stocks and sedated in preparation for needle placement. One ml MB was injected bilaterally prior to euthanasia. Stained tissues were identified and recorded at necropsy. Successful joint injections were characterised as having MB located intra‐articularly or ≤2 cm periarticularly from the sacroiliac joint margin and localised to the middle or caudal third of the sacroiliac joint.Results: Intra‐articular MB was not observed in any specimen. However, MB‐stained tissue was identified periarticularly in all injection sites (n = 48). Based on the predetermined success criteria, 96% of the methylene blue depots were located at the middle or caudal third of the sacroiliac joint. Dye‐stained tissue was located ≤2 cm from the sacroiliac joint margins in 88% of the specimens. Median distance of the MB from the sacroiliac joint margins was 1.0 cm (range 0.2–3.8 cm). The overall success rate considering both location and distance of the MB‐stained tissue relative to sacroiliac joint margins was 83% (40 of 48 joints).Conclusions: The injection technique provides a reliable, easy to perform and consistent access to the medial periarticular aspect of the sacroiliac joint.Potential relevance: The described injection technique has the potential for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the medical management of equine sacroiliac joint disease. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate clinical efficacy and potential adverse effects.
Screening of the equine intestinal microflora for potential probiotic organisms
Authors: WEESE J. S. , ANDERSON M. E. C. , LOWE A. , PENNO R. , DA COSTA T. M. , BUTTON L. , GOTH K. C. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Probiotics have not been demonstrated to provide any beneficial health effects in horses, possibly because of improper selection of probiotic organisms. This study was designed to identify lactic acid bacteria of equine origin with predetermined beneficial properties which might make them useful as therapeutic probiotics.Hypothesis: A small percentage of lactic acid bacteria that are native to the intestinal tract of horses possess properties that may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of gastrointestinal disease in horses.Methods: Faecal samples were collected from healthy mature horses and foals. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated and tested for the ability to grow in acid and bile environments, aerotolerance andin vitroinhibition of enteropathogens. One isolate that possessed these properties was administered orally to healthy mature horses and foals and gastrointestinal survival was assessed.Results: Of the 47 tested organisms, 18 were deemed to be adequately acid‐ and bile‐tolerant. All were aerotolerant. Four organisms markedly inhibitedSalmonellaspp. One isolate,Lactobacillus pentosusWE7, was subjectively superior and chosen for further study. It was also inhibitory againstE. coli, moderately inhibitory againstS. zooepidemicusandC. difficileand mildly inhibitory againstC. perfringens.After oral administration, this isolate was recovered from the faeces of 8/9 (89%) foals and 7/8 (87.5%) mature horses.Conclusions:Lactobacillus pentosusWE7 possessesin vitroandin vivoproperties that may be useful for the prevention and treatment of enteric disease in horses.Potential relevance: The beneficialin vitroandin vivoproperties thatL. pentosusWE7 possesses indicate that randomised, blinded, placebo‐controlled efficacy studies are warranted.
Detection of EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 DNA in unweaned Thoroughbred foals from vaccinated mares on a large stud farm
Authors: FOOTE C. E. , LOVE D. N. , GILKERSON J. R. , WHALLEY J. M. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: A silent cycle of equine herpesvirus 1 infection has been described following epidemiological studies in unvaccinated mares and foals. In 1997, an inactivated whole virus EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 vaccine was released commercially in Australia and used on many stud farms. However, it was not known what effect vaccination might have on the cycle of infection of EHV‐1. Objective: To investigate whether EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 could be detected in young foals from vaccinated mares. Methods: Nasal and blood samples were tested by PCR and ELISA after collection from 237 unvaccinated, unweaned foals and vaccinated and nonvaccinated mares during the breeding season of 2000. Results: EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 DNA was detected in nasal swab samples from foals as young as age 11 days. Conclusions: These results confirm that EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 circulate in vaccinated populations of mares and their unweaned, unvaccinated foals. Potential relevance: The evidence that the cycle of EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 infection is continuing and that very young foals are becoming infected should assist stud farms in their management of the threat posed by these viruses.
Arthroscopic debridement of subchondral bone cysts in the distal phalanx of 11 horses (1994–2000)
Authors: STORY M. R. , BRAMLAGE L. R. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Historically, there has been a consensus that conservative management of subchondral cystic lesions of the distal phalanx carries a poor prognosis. Surgical management has been advocated; however, there are no reports documenting its routine use and successful surgical treatment.Objectives: To describe arthroscopically‐guided curettage of distal phalangeal subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) and report the qualitative and quantitative results in 11 affected horses age 16–33 months.Methods: Medical records of horses with previously treated lameness resulting from SCLs of the third phalanx were reviewed. Arthroscopic debridement of the SCLs was described. Follow‐up information was obtained from race records and telephone contact with owners and trainers. The sign‐rank test was used to compare performance of operated racehorses to that of unoperated siblings.Results: Ten of the 11 horses (91%) in the study returned to athletic soundness after surgical treatment and had performance records similar to their siblings.Conclusions: Data show that arthroscopic debridement of distal phalangeal SCLs is a viable treatment for affected horses age 16–33 months and can result in a successful return to intended athletic performance. No horses younger than 16 months or older than 33 months were treated and results in horses younger or older than this group may vary in success.Potential relevance: The description of treatment and approach used for arthroscopic curettage will increase awareness of this option and increase treatment options for this condition.
Reliability and repeatability of thermographic examination and the normal thermographic image of the thoracolumbar region in the horse
Authors: TUNLEY B. V. , HENSON F. M. D. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Thermographic imaging is an increasingly used diagnostic tool. When performing thermography, guidelines suggest that horses should be left for 10–20 mins to ‘acclimatise’ to the thermographic imaging environment, with no experimental data to substantiate this recommendation. In addition, little objective work has been published on the repeatability and reliability of the data obtained. Thermography has been widely used to identify areas of abnormal body surface temperature in horses with back pathology; however, no normal data is available on the thermographic ‘map’ of the thoracolumbar region with which to compare horses with suspected pathology. Objectives: To i) investigate whether equilibration of the thermographic subject was required and, if so, how long it should take, ii) investigate what factors affect time to equilibration, iii) investigate the repeatability and reliability of the technique and iv) generate a topographic thermographic ‘map’ of the thoracolumbar region. Methods: A total of 52 horses were used. The following investigations were undertaken: thermal imaging validation, i.e. detection of movement around the baseline of an object of constant temperature; factors affecting equilibration; pattern reproducibility during equilibration and over time (n = 25); and imaging of the thoracolumbar region (n = 27). Results: A 1°C change was detected in an object of stable temperature using this detection system, i.e the ‘noise’ in the system. The average time taken to equilibrate, i.e. reach a plateau temperature, was 39 mins (40.2 in the gluteal region, 36.2 in lateral thoracic region and 40.4 in metacarpophalangeal region). Only 19% of horses reached plateau within 10–20 mins. Of the factors analysed hair length and difference between the external environment and the internal environment where the measurements were being taken both significantly affected time to plateau (P<0.05). However, during equilibration, the thermographic patterns obtained did not change, nor when assessed over a 7 day period. A ‘normal’ map of the surface temperature of the thoracolumbar region has been produced, demonstrating that the midline is the hottest, with a fall off of 3°C either side of the midline. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that horses may not need time to equilibrate prior to taking thermographic images and that thermographic patterns are reproducible over periods up to 7 days. A topographical thermographic ‘map’ of the thoracolumbar region has been obtained. Potential relevance: Clinicians can obtain relevant thermographic images without the need for prior equilibration and can compare cases with thoracolumbar pathology to a normal topographic thermographic map.
Effect of systemic lidocaine on visceral and somatic nociception in conscious horses
Authors: ROBERTSON S. A. , SANCHEZ L. C. , MERRITT A. M. , DOHERTY T. J. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Commonly used analgesics (nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents, opioids and α2‐agonists) have unwanted side effects. An effective alternative with minimal adverse effects would benefit clinical equine pain management.Objectives: To compare the effect of lidocaine or saline on duodenal and rectal distension threshold pressure and somatic thermal threshold in conscious mature horses.Hypothesis: Systemically administered lidocaine would increase somatic and visceral nociceptive thresholds.Methods: Lidocaine (2 mg/kg bwt bolus followed by 50 μg/kg bwt/min for 2 h) or saline was administered to 6 horses each carrying a permanently implanted gastric cannula, in a randomised, blinded cross‐over design. Thermal threshold was measured using a probe containing a heater element placed over the withers which supplied heat until the horse responded. A barostatically controlled intraduodenal balloon was distended until a discomfort response was obtained. A rectal balloon was inflated until extruded or signs of discomfort noted.Results: Thermal threshold was increased significantly 30 and 90 mins after the start of lidocaine infusion. There was no change in duodenal distension pressure and a small but clinically insignificant change in colorectal distension pressure in the lidocaine group.Conclusions: At the dose used, systemically administered lidocaine produced thermal antinociception but minimal changes in visceral nociception.Potential relevance: At these doses, lidocaine may play a role in somatic analgesia in horses.
Concentration of methylprednisolone in the centrodistal joint after administration of methylprednisolone acetate in the tarsometatarsal joint
Authors: SERENA A. , SCHUMACHER J. , SCHRAMME M. C. , DEGRAVES F. , BELL E. , RAVIS W. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: The centrodistal (CD) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints are often injected individually with a corticosteroid to resolve lameness caused by osteoarthritis (OA). There are no data available regarding diffusion of methylprednisolone (MP) from the TMT joint to the CD joint.Hypothesis: A therapeutic concentration of MP diffuses into the CD joint after methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) is administered into the TMT joint.Objective: To measure the concentration of MP in the CD joint after MPA was administered into the TMT joint.Methods: MPA was administered into a TMT joint of 16 horses. At different times, the ipsilateral CD joint of these horses was injected with a small amount of saline and recovered saline was measured for concentration of MP using high performance liquid chromatography.Results: Six hours after administration of MPA into the TMT joint, a therapeutic concentration of MP was found in all 10 CD joints sampled at this time.Conclusions: Horses with pain arising from the distal 2 joints of the hock can be treated by administering MPA into the TMT joint alone.Potential relevance: Administering MPA into the TMT joint only, to treat OA of the distal 2 hock joints, reduces the difficulties and risks associated with centesis of the CD joint.