Raphael Labens, Corey Saba, Jarred Williams, Anna Hollis, Jos Ensink, Eduard L V José-Cunilleras, Mireia Jordana-Garcia, Kerstin Bergvall, Mick Ruppin, Frank Condon, Caroline Spelta, Yvonne Elce, Thomas De Ridder, John Morton, Cassandra McGee, Paul Reddell
{"title":"Intratumoural tigilanol tiglate in the multicentre treatment of equine sarcoids and cutaneous melanomas.","authors":"Raphael Labens, Corey Saba, Jarred Williams, Anna Hollis, Jos Ensink, Eduard L V José-Cunilleras, Mireia Jordana-Garcia, Kerstin Bergvall, Mick Ruppin, Frank Condon, Caroline Spelta, Yvonne Elce, Thomas De Ridder, John Morton, Cassandra McGee, Paul Reddell","doi":"10.1111/evj.14502","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14502","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intralesional chemotherapeutic administration represents an important treatment option for equine cutaneous neoplasia. Tigilanol-tiglate (TT), a novel molecule extracted from Fontainea picrosperma, an Australian rainforest plant, is registered for intratumoural treatment of canine MCT, leading to rapid oncosis and tumour slough. Evidence from horses is limited but suggests that efficacy may be similar.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the response to intratumoural TT treatment in horses with sarcoids (fibroblastic/nodular) and cutaneous melanomas.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Two noncontrolled prospective multicentre clinical trials, one for each of sarcoids and melanomas.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cases were enrolled across multiple sites and treated by the same site-specific clinician with intralesional TT (sarcoids: 0.35 mg/cm<sup>3</sup>; melanomas: 0.2 mg/cm<sup>3</sup> of tumour volume - T<sub>vol</sub>; max dose 2 mg). Quantitative (T<sub>vol</sub> regression) and qualitative outcomes (likely tumour free (LTF) per expert opinion) were recorded, and potential determinants of efficacy were assessed using random effects logistic models. A full clinical response was complete T<sub>vol</sub> regression and a LTF treatment site.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-one sarcoids and 97 melanomas were enrolled and treated. 73/74% of treated sarcoids/melanomas showed complete T<sub>vol</sub> regression. 64/61% (sarcoids/melanomas) showed a full clinical response at medians of 546/247 days post final treatment. For both tumour types, this response was dependent on initial tumour volume (P<sub>sarcoids</sub> = 0.006; P<sub>melanomas</sub> <0.001). The predicted probability of a full clinical response was 6 times greater for initially small sarcoids (T<sub>vol</sub> = 1 cm<sup>3</sup>) than for the maximum study volume (T<sub>vol</sub> = 6 cm<sup>3</sup>). For melanomas in the perineal region, this was 11 times greater for T<sub>vol</sub> ≤0.3 cm<sup>3</sup> than for tumours ≥2.0 cm<sup>3</sup>. For melanomas, tumour location further affected treatment efficacy = 0.005). In total, 5 adverse events were reported.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Lack of treatment control and histologic/biomolecular follow-up data.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The observed therapeutic efficacy of TT supports clinical use as well as early interventions in horses. Successful use necessitates knowledge of the drug's mode of action and management of associated local site responses.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amare Bihon, Daniel Amognehegn, Getachew Derbew, Tsedalu Yirsa
{"title":"Working equines: Assessment of welfare and management practices in and around Debre Markos District, Northwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Amare Bihon, Daniel Amognehegn, Getachew Derbew, Tsedalu Yirsa","doi":"10.1111/evj.14497","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14497","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Working equines play a crucial role in human livelihoods globally, yet their management is often inadequate.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the welfare and management practices of working equines.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023 in and around Debre Markos, Northwest Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Physical examination and structured interviews were used as data collection tools. A total of 384 equines (186 donkeys, 144 horses, and 54 mules) and their owners were selected through a purposive sampling method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that 60.4% of the equines were used for transporting goods. While the majority of the respondents used both traditional and modern treatments for disease control, regular check-ups were infrequently practised. Notably, 54.2% of owners refrained from using saddles for their equines, 72.4% of individuals did not engage in hoof care for their equines, and 13% neglected enclosure cleaning. The prevalence of different lesions was 52.1%, with donkeys being more likely to develop skin, mouth, and foot lesions than horses (Adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.008, 95% CI 1.572-5.752, p = 0.001). Farmers were more likely to practise regular check-ups for their equines compared to merchants, while controlling for other factors (OR 0.441, 0.286-0.679, p < 0.001), and literate individuals were more likely to conduct regular check-ups than unschooled individuals (OR: 3.867, 2.436-6.139, p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Main limitation: </strong>Seasonal variations-welfare and management practices may change depending on the season, affecting factors such as workload, feed availability, and disease prevalence. Subjectivity in welfare assessment-some welfare indicators, such as body condition scoring and behavioural observations, may involve subjective judgement, leading to potential observer bias. Reliance on owner reports - information obtained through interviews and questionnaires may be influenced by recall bias or social desirability bias, as owners may not always report poor management practices accurately.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Significant issues were identified in regular check-ups, harness usage, enclosure cleaning, and hoof management. Therefore, improving owners' awareness and implementation of these practices is strongly recommended to enhance equine welfare in the study area.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Novel risk factors associated with fatal musculoskeletal injury in Thoroughbreds in North American racing (2009-2023).","authors":"Euan David Bennet, Tim D H Parkin","doi":"10.1111/evj.14503","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14503","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Equine Injury Database (EID) is a census-level record of Thoroughbred racing in North America, currently recording 95.6% of all race starts in 2023, along with partial training and veterinary histories of each horse.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To identify horse-, race- and track-level risk factors associated with race-related fatal musculoskeletal injury (MSI) of Thoroughbred racehorses in North America.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective cohort study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study cohort included all race starts made by horses born after 31 December 2006, at tracks that fully report to the EID and consisted of 3,851,659 race starts made by 250,840 Thoroughbred racehorses (median [IQR] starts per horse 11 [5-22]) at 115 racetracks in the USA and Canada between 2009 and 2023, inclusive. Ninety-seven potential risk factors were investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Exactly 5733 fatal MSIs were recorded, an incidence of 1.49 fatal MSIs per 1000 starts. Twenty risk factors had statistically significant associations with increased or decreased odds of fatal MSI. Previously unidentified risk factors included claiming race-related variables and void claim rules (VCR). Horses racing as claimers were at increased odds compared with those who were not (odds ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval 1.19-1.45, p < 0.001 for the lowest claim prices). Starts in races with the strictest VCR were at reduced odds compared with starts in races with no VCR (OR 0.76 [0.67-0.85], p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Availability of new data sources increased substantially during the 15-year time period of the study, meaning some new risk factors are limited in scope compared with others.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Thoughtful integration of new data sources with race-level data can lead to new insights into risk factors for deleterious outcomes affecting racehorses. Results can inform ongoing efforts to mitigate the risk of fatal MSI, through direct regulatory intervention and through building a risk profile based on individual history and track-level factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Combined standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging and fan-beam computed tomographic diagnosis of fetlock region pain in 27 sports horses.","authors":"Annamaria Nagy, Sue J Dyson","doi":"10.1111/evj.14504","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14504","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is no description of comparative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fan-beam computed tomography (CT) findings in the fetlock of lame sports horses.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To document low-field MRI and fan-beam CT diagnoses in the lame and nonlame limbs of sports horses with fetlock region pain, and to evaluate whether combined imaging provides superior information to either technique alone.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective descriptive study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Clinical records of sports horses with pain causing lameness localised to the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint region that had undergone fan-beam CT and low-field MRI were reviewed. Images of both lame and nonlame contralateral limbs were assessed subjectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Images of 52 limbs (lame n = 31, nonlame n = 21) were analysed. In 16 lame limbs of 13 horses, the most significant abnormality was in the subchondral and trabecular bone of the proximal phalanx (sagittal groove n = 14, medial fovea n = 1, sagittal groove and medial fovea n = 1). All had hyperintense STIR signal that was more extensive than CT abnormalities; CT provided useful information in all limbs. In five lame limbs, the most significant lesion was in the metacarpal condyle(s): an incomplete fracture (n = 1) or resorptive lesions (n = 4); the fracture and two resorptive lesions were not detected using MRI. In nine limbs of eight horses, lesions in multiple locations possibly contributed to pain. In one limb, abnormalities in the medial proximal sesamoid bone and in the palmar ligament were the main findings.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Small numbers of limbs with specific abnormalities. Comprehensive imaging of the contralateral limb was not performed in all horses. Absence of follow-up information.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Fan-beam CT and low-field MRI provided complementary information and yielded diagnoses and conclusions in some horses that could not have been achieved when using one modality only. Resorptive subchondral bone lesions in the fetlock may be present without associated low-field MRI abnormalities.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143691434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Melissa E Bain, Emma J Alsop, Caley A Knox, Michael A Tweedie, Derek C Knottenbelt
{"title":"Cutaneous non-tuberculous Mycobacterium ulcerans infection: A serious cause for concern.","authors":"Melissa E Bain, Emma J Alsop, Caley A Knox, Michael A Tweedie, Derek C Knottenbelt","doi":"10.1111/evj.14501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14501","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mycobacterium ulcerans infection in horses is under-reported.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To document the successful multimodal treatment of M. ulcerans and highlight the need for further investigation due to the zoonotic nature of M. ulcerans with its related potential public health concerns.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Case report CASE DESCRIPTION: A 14-year-old gelding in the Southeastern region of Australia was diagnosed with M. ulcerans infection, initially presenting as a non-healing wound of the right flank progressing to extensive necrotic ulceration. Ziehl-Neelsen and Wade-Fite stained incisional biopsies revealed large numbers of intralesional acid-fast bacilli predominantly within the areas of necrosis, supportive of M. ulcerans infection. Real-time PCR confirmed the presence of mycobacteria. The close relationship between M. ulcerans and M. marinum meant that PCR was unable to distinguish these species. Due to the equine host and non-aquatic environment, there was a presumptive diagnosis of M. ulcerans. Multimodal treatment involving surgical debridement, biological debridement with maggots, cryosurgery, systemic antimicrobials, and analgesia was applied in a singular case of necrotising M. ulcerans. The horse had made a full recovery at the time of publication.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>A single case is described.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Infection with M. ulcerans should be considered in necrotising soft-tissue lesions in regions where the organism is endemic. This case report highlights the need for specific staining and rapid PCR testing. A combination of antimicrobial therapy, surgical debridement and biological debridement with maggot therapy led to a successful outcome. In temperate or tropical regions, M. ulcerans infection should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis for necrotising, nonhealing, ulcerative lesions. A better understanding of the epidemiology and mode of transmission is essential to improve our ability to prevent, control, and potentially eliminate this pathogen.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143691355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nanako Kawanishi, Yuta Kinoshita, Stephanie E Reedy, Marie Garvey, Yoshinori Kambayashi, Hiroshi Bannai, Koji Tsujimura, Takashi Yamanaka, Ann Cullinane, Thomas M Chambers, Manabu Nemoto
{"title":"A comparative evaluation of seven commercial human influenza virus antigen detection kits for the diagnosis of equine influenza.","authors":"Nanako Kawanishi, Yuta Kinoshita, Stephanie E Reedy, Marie Garvey, Yoshinori Kambayashi, Hiroshi Bannai, Koji Tsujimura, Takashi Yamanaka, Ann Cullinane, Thomas M Chambers, Manabu Nemoto","doi":"10.1111/evj.14500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14500","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Equine influenza virus (EIV) is one of the most important pathogens causing respiratory signs in equids. Rapid antigen detection (RAD) kits are useful for point-of-care testing because they are user-friendly and provide fast results. Although sensitive and broad-reactive RAD kits are needed for controlling horse movement, no RAD kits specified for EIV are available.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study evaluated the usefulness of seven RAD kits originally developed for human influenza and available in Japan during 2023-2024 for EIV antigen detection.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Experimental assay comparison.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The detection limits of each RAD kit were determined using five-fold serial dilutions of two H3N8 EIV strains. According to the results of the detection limits, the three most sensitive RAD kits (Quick Chaser Auto Flu A, B, Finevision Influenza, and RapidTesta Flu·NEXT) were further evaluated using nasopharyngeal swabs of horses experimentally infected with EIV.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>With reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) as a reference assay, the sensitivities of Quick Chaser Auto Flu A, B, RapidTesta Flu·NEXT, and Finevision Influenza were 63%, 61%, and 54%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Main limitation: </strong>Samples from naturally infected horses were not tested.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Since the sensitivities for detecting EIV antigens vary, choosing the appropriate RAD kits is essential. Although RAD kits are less sensitive than RT-qPCR, RAD kits are useful for detecting EIV antigens as ancillary diagnostic tools in the field.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143691431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bartlomiej Obrochta, Heidi Tapio, Marja Raekallio, Luis Alfonso Gracia Calvo, Rebecca Rivera Pöyhönen, Kati Hagman, Noora Jantunen, Ninja Karikoski
{"title":"Effects of vatinoxan on gastrointestinal motility, sedation, and antinociception during and after long-lasting detomidine infusion in horses.","authors":"Bartlomiej Obrochta, Heidi Tapio, Marja Raekallio, Luis Alfonso Gracia Calvo, Rebecca Rivera Pöyhönen, Kati Hagman, Noora Jantunen, Ninja Karikoski","doi":"10.1111/evj.14499","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14499","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sedation in horses is typically achieved using alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, although their use is associated with multiple side effects. A peripheral alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, vatinoxan, can alleviate many of these.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the effects of vatinoxan infusion on gastrointestinal motility, sedation, and antinociception in horses sedated with detomidine infusion.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Randomised, blinded cross-over in vivo experiments.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eight horses were given two 4-h infusions: detomidine (0.01 mg/kg + 0.015 mg/kg/h IV) (DET) and a combination of detomidine and vatinoxan (0.15 mg/kg + 0.05 mg/kg/h IV) (DET + VAT). Plastic marker balls were administered via nasogastric entubation before the start of the infusion. Borborygmi score was monitored. The expelling of balls and faecal output were repeatedly monitored for 72 h after the infusion. Sedation score (SS) and antinociception were monitored during the infusion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Borborygmi score remained significantly higher during DET + VAT infusion and the following hour than with DET (p < 0.05) at different time points. Median (range) cumulative weight of faeces was significantly higher with DET + VAT [6.25 kg (3.52-8.65)] than with DET [2.85 kg (1.7-6.6)] (p = 0.007) during the first 8 h after the end of infusion. The markers were expelled significantly faster after DET (mean AUC<sub>12-72</sub> 3928 ± 1620) than after DET + VAT (mean AUC<sub>12-72</sub> 2460 ± 1199) infusion (p = 0.02). All animals were appropriately sedated. Median SS was significantly lower at 60 min during DET + VAT [7 (5-7)] than during DET [7.5 (7, 8)] (p = 0.04). No other significant differences were detected in SS or antinociception between treatments.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Vatinoxan significantly improved the borborygmi score. Horses treated with DET + VAT passed more faeces in the initial period after infusion, although the expelling of plastic balls was faster with DET. Combining vatinoxan with detomidine infusion may slightly reduce the level of sedation in the initial phase of infusion. Vatinoxan may improve gastrointestinal motility in horses treated with detomidine infusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143662925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maurice Thomas Connaughton, Eilidh Janet MacDonald, Jo L Ireland, Guido Rocchigiani, John David Stack
{"title":"Experimental comparison of caudal wedge ostectomy to cranial wedge ostectomy for surgical treatment of overriding/impinging spinous processes in horses.","authors":"Maurice Thomas Connaughton, Eilidh Janet MacDonald, Jo L Ireland, Guido Rocchigiani, John David Stack","doi":"10.1111/evj.14498","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14498","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Caudal wedge ostectomy has not been investigated for overriding or impinging spinous processes (SPs).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To establish the feasibility of caudal wedge ostectomy and compare measures of surgical trauma and error between hypothetical caudal and cranial wedge ostectomies on SPs of different inclinations.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Experimental, method comparison study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Computed tomography and caudal wedge ostectomy surgery were performed on four cadavers. Observations, technical difficulties, and surgical errors were recorded. Radiographs from 67 horses with overriding/impinging SPs were reviewed. Hypothetical 'ideal' caudal and cranial wedge ostectomies, and 'error' ostectomies 12° from ideal, were drawn at sites of impingement. Ostectomy area/SP width, ostectomy length/SP width, absolute difference of exit angles (angle ostectomy exits the SP) from 90°, and number of error ostectomies failing to exit the SP (never-ending-cuts [NEC]) were calculated. Continuous variables were compared between techniques in caudally and cranially inclined SP groups using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Proportions of NEC were compared using McNemar's tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No surgical errors were recorded with caudal wedge ostectomy. Median ostectomy area/SP width was lower for caudal versus cranial wedge ostectomy in caudally (14.32, interquartile-range [IQR] 9.72-20.34 vs. 25.57, IQR 17.74-33.06; p < 0.001) and cranially inclined SP groups (11.78, IQR 7.98-17.19 vs. 19.62, IQR 13.65-28.68; p < 0.001). Median difference in exit angles from 90° was smaller for caudal versus cranial wedge ostectomies in caudally (34.77°, IQR 26.85°-45.91° vs. 67.54°, IQR 58.13°-74.55°; p < 0.001) and cranially inclined SP groups (49.14°, IQR 35.61°-59.33° vs. 62.84°, IQR 55.34°-70.61°; p < 0.001). The proportion of NEC was lower for caudal versus cranial wedge ostectomy in caudally (37.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 29.4%-45.8%; n = 50/133 vs. 96.2%, 95% CI 93.0%-99.5%; n = 128/133; p < 0.001), but not in cranially inclined SP groups (76.8%, 95% CI 70.9%-82.7%; n = 152/198 vs. 84.3%, 95% CI 79.3%-89.4%, n = 167/198; p = 0.06).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Potential bias drawing 'ideal' ostectomy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Experimentally, caudal wedge ostectomy was feasible, removed less bone, and resulted in fewer NEC in caudally inclined SPs. Further investigation of the technique is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143662853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Risk factors for superficial digital flexor tendinopathy in Thoroughbred racehorses in South Korea (2015-2019).","authors":"Yungi Choi, Tim Parkin","doi":"10.1111/evj.14493","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendinopathy is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases in Thoroughbreds and a major cause of retirement from racing among racehorses in South Korea. However, there are no previous epidemiological studies on SDF tendinopathy-related risk factors for racehorses in South Korea. The interventions derived from such a study could reduce the occurrence of SDF tendinopathy and, therefore, extend horses' racing careers.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To identify the risk factors associated with SDF tendinopathy for Thoroughbreds in South Korea.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective case-control study (2015-2019).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 101 Thoroughbreds that were diagnosed with SDF tendinopathy following a recorded fast-exercise (training gallop, trial racing, racing) between 2015 and 2019 were included in the study. Additionally, 304 healthy Thoroughbreds (319 events) with at least one recorded fast-exercise between 2015 and 2019 were also included as controls. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for SDF tendinopathy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SDF tendinopathy was significantly more likely to be diagnosed after racing or trial racing than after galloping. Horses with lower grades (6, ungraded) based on racing performance were associated with a higher risk of SDFT injuries. An increased risk of SDFT injury was observed with fewer gallop training days in the previous 60 days to the last fast-exercise, more canter training days in the previous 180 days, or having a period of no fast-exercise for over 90 days in the year prior to the event.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Information on the distance and speed of gallop training was not available.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The implementation of risk profiling and other preventive measures for horses with fewer gallop training days before racing could help minimise the number of horses sustaining SDF tendinopathy.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143656541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mariana Roccaro, Riccardo Rinnovati, Luca Stucchi, Federica La Rocca, Giuseppe Cascio, Angelo Peli
{"title":"Survey on 9 years of anti-doping controls in horse races in Italy.","authors":"Mariana Roccaro, Riccardo Rinnovati, Luca Stucchi, Federica La Rocca, Giuseppe Cascio, Angelo Peli","doi":"10.1111/evj.14496","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14496","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Doping in racehorses is a threat to horse welfare and the integrity of the sport. Despite its relevance, the literature on the prevalence of anti-doping violations worldwide is limited.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To analyse anti-doping violations in racehorses in Italy.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective observational study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data on horse races, anti-doping testing, and confirmed violations between 2014 and 2022 were collected and analysed. Positivity rates, most common drug classes and parent drugs, and differences between trotting and galloping horses were investigated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the considered 9-year timeframe, the national laboratory analysed a total of 104,770 samples. A total of 536 horses were confirmed to be positive (92.8% positivity rate at second analysis). The average prevalence over the years was 0.48 ± 0.15% in trotters and 0.50 ± 0.15% in gallopers. Seventy-seven parent drugs, belonging to 29 different drug classes, were detected. The five most represented drug classes were steroidal anti-inflammatories (19.0%), stimulants (16.4%), NSAIDs (15.5%), anabolic steroids (9.9%) and sedatives (9.7%). The five most frequent substances were dexamethasone (8.4%), cocaine (7.1%), testosterone (6.5%), caffeine (5.6%) and theophylline (4.1%).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Our data derive from official analyses performed in compliance with the national regulation on anti-doping controls in racehorses; information on the concentration of the detected analytes was not available. Testing only the best-placed horses does not allow for correlating drug administration and improved performance; horses with less chance of winning might slip through the control system with negative consequences on their welfare.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The percentage of confirmed doping violations in horse races in Italy in the 9 years (2014-2022) evaluated in this study was low (0.49 ± 0.15%). Considering the drug classes found most frequently, violations might have been more often the consequence of deliberate administration rather than accidental feed contamination.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143623904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}