Equine Veterinary Journal最新文献

{"title":"Changes in measurable ultrasonographic parameters in growing Arabian foals from birth to 1 year.","authors":"Tiago Fernandes, Benjamin Uberti, Matthew Robin","doi":"10.1111/evj.14520","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14520","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Utrasonographic measurements of the abdominal viscera and the heart in growing Arabian foals have not been described.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To establish normal intervals for ultrasonographic measurements of cardiac indices and abdominal viscera in growing Arabian foals from birth to 1 year of age.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Prospective longitudinal descriptive study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ultrasonographic images were captured from 15 foals every 3 months from 1 week to 1 year of age. During each examination, at least three images were obtained at each location and measurements were obtained using standardised ultrasonographic approaches. Reference intervals were established for 11 indices of abdominal viscera (left and right kidney length, width and cortical thickness; left and right caudal aorta diameter, caecal wall thickness and vasculature diameter; and stomach wall thickness) and 11 cardiac indices (pulmonary artery diameter at end-diastole, aortic diameter at end-diastole, left atrial diameter at end-diastole, right ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole, interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole, interventricular septal thickness at peak-systole, left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole, left ventricular internal diameter at peak-systole, left ventricular free wall thickness at end-diastole, left ventricular free wall thickness at peak-systole and fractional shortening).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All abdominal structures grew in size from the first week of life up to 1 year of age. All cardiac variables, except for interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole and fractional shortening, increased with age up to 1 year. No sex differences were detected.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Small sample size.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study provides age-appropriate reference intervals for several ultrasonographically visible structures in Arabian foals up to 1 year of age. This information is essential for clinical management and decision-making in this sub-population of equine patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143973198","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":"Effect of high-speed exercise on subchondral bone in the metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal joints of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses in their first year of training.","authors":"Sarah A Ciamillo, Kathryn W Bills, Taryn M Gassert, Dean W Richardson, Kara A Brown, Darko Stefanovski, Kyla F Ortved","doi":"10.1111/evj.14524","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14524","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stress-induced bone injury can lead to catastrophic injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses. Accumulation of high-speed exercise can increase the risk of subchondral bone injury.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the effect of high-speed exercise on the subchondral bone of the metacarpo-metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joints using standing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in young racing Thoroughbreds.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Observational cohort study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-one 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses during their first year of training were evaluated at 0, 6 and 12 months. Horses were evaluated for lameness and effusion of the MCP/MTP joints, and then standing CBCT was performed of the MCP/MTP joints. Subchondral bone hyperdensity (sclerosis) was measured (mm) at defined locations in the distal aspect of the third metacarpal (MC3)/metatarsal (MT3) bone and proximal phalanx (P1). CBCT scans were evaluated for subchondral bone hypodensity (pathology) in MC3/MT3, P1 and proximal sesamoid bones. Racing and training records were obtained from a national online database and trainers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Subchondral bone sclerosis (coefficient = 0.45; p < 0.003; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.74) and pathology (IRR = 1.01; p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.00-1.01) increased significantly with the number of high-speed furlongs accumulated. Lameness was not associated with sclerosis or pathology; however, joint effusion was associated with both sclerosis (IRR = 1.01; p = 0.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.02) and pathology lesion (IRR = 1.14; p < 0.01; 95% CI 1.04-1.25).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Limitations include attrition of horses over time and lack of control over training and husbandry.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>An increase in high-speed work was associated with both an increase in subchondral bone sclerosis and pathology.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143985020","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":"Computed tomography of the equine temporohyoid joint: Association between imaging changes and potential risk factors.","authors":"Rupert F Dash, Justin D Perkins, Yu-Mei Chang, Rhiannon E Morgan","doi":"10.1111/evj.14495","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is characterised by bone proliferation and cartilage ossification caused by infectious and degenerative conditions, amongst others.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the variable appearance of the temporohyoid joint (THJ) on computed tomography (CT) and investigate associations between CT changes and potential risk factors.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Head CT examinations were assessed. A grading system was developed for osseous proliferation (grade 0 [normal] to 3 [severe]) and tympanohyoid cartilage change (grade 0 [normal] to 3 [complete ossification]). Grades were also summed to create an overall sum grade. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to produce a multivariable model that assessed the association between THJ grade and signalment, presenting signs, CT features, and final diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The horses included (n = 424) most commonly presented for dental and sinus disorders (37.7%). The most frequently observed (mode) bone grade, cartilage grade and overall grade were 2 (41.9%), 0 (52.6%) and 2 (27.0%), respectively. Bone proliferation was most common medially and caudally. Soft tissue swelling (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.1, p < 0.05) and temporal bone fragmentation (OR 26.6, 95% CI 5.1-141.4, p < 0.05) were associated with increased bone grade. There was no correlation between increased grade and any presenting sign. Increased sum grade was significantly associated with increased age (OR per year 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.1, p < 0.05), Arabians (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.3-14.0, p < 0.05) and Thoroughbreds (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.5-5.4, p < 0.05) relative to Warmbloods.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Following training, a single observer evaluated images.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Moderate caudomedial osseous proliferation of the THJ is common in horses presented for unrelated disease. Cartilage mineralisation, soft tissue swelling, and temporal bone fragmentation may serve as markers of disease. Thoroughbreds and Arabians are at increased risk of greater THJ remodelling. Increased THJ change was associated with age but not otitis, suggesting THO is predominantly degenerative.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143973540","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":"Magnetic resonance Imaging for diagnosing and managing deep digital flexor tendinopathy in equine athletes: Insights, advances and future directions.","authors":"Alexandra Scharf, Elizabeth Acutt, Kathryn Bills, Natasha Werpy","doi":"10.1111/evj.14508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14508","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Deep digital flexor (DDF) tendinopathy is a significant cause of lameness and poor performance in equine athletes with substantial implications for their return to athletic performance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly integrated into the diagnostic workup of horses with foot pain and has revolutionised the diagnosis and management of these injuries. This review discusses the principles of MRI in the context of deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injury, comparing high-field and low-field systems and highlighting the clinical relevance of technical parameters, including field strength and sequence selection, in achieving an accurate diagnosis. This review also critically evaluates how different configurations and/or imaging features of tendon lesions may impact patient prognosis, considers the complementary role of computed tomography and ultrasonography in cases where MRI may not be feasible, and discusses emerging imaging techniques including positron emission tomography (PET)-MRI and quantitative MRI. Lastly, this review underscores the importance of serial imaging to monitor lesion progression and guide rehabilitation, while identifying knowledge gaps and proposing future research directions. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach incorporating advanced imaging and tailored rehabilitation is essential to improving clinical outcomes in horses with DDFT injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143973704","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":"Development of a health-related quality-of-life assessment tool for equines with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.","authors":"Aline Bouquet, Christine Nicol, Edward J Knowles, Imogen Schofield, Nicola J Menzies-Gow","doi":"10.1111/evj.14513","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14513","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Clinical signs of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) are frequently mistaken for 'normal' ageing and may not be optimally assessed. Objective quality of life (QoL) assessment could improve clinical decision-making.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To develop an owner-reported health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) assessment tool for equines with PPID. To assess factors associated with HRQoL scores.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Quantitative, cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>HRQoL tool development followed a standard psychometric process of item (any aspect of PPID and its management that could impact QoL) identification (following interviews with veterinarians, owners and clinical record reviews), selection (online owner questionnaire) and refinement (statistical analyses; chi-squared and Cronbach's alpha). General Linear Models were used to identify factors associated with HRQoL scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-two items associated with PPID were identified. Thirty-seven items were selected for the online questionnaire. In total, 612 complete responses (n = 343 PPID and n = 269 non-PPID horses) were obtained. Through stepwise statistical item refinement, 24 items remained in the final HRQoL tool (overall Cronbach's α = 0.835). HRQoL scores ranged from 0 (best) to 1 (worst) QoL. Median (interquartile range) HRQoL scores were 0.33 (0.22-0.44) and 0.20 (0.14-0.27) for PPID and non-PPID horses respectively. HRQoL scores for all horses were worse if they had PPID (p < 0.001) or other chronic medical conditions and were older (p < 0.015). For PPID horses specifically, HRQoL scores were also worse if they had other chronic medical conditions (p = 0.02), but HRQoL scores were not associated with current PPID treatment (treated vs. untreated horses with a PPID diagnosis), bodyweight, age, breed, sex or years since diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Limited numbers of untreated PPID horses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The HRQoL tool is valid and reliable for use in horses with PPID and can be applied in further research. PPID horses with another chronic disease had worse HRQoL scores, which should be considered in other studies evaluating disease impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143998229","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":"Standing repair of long frontal plane fractures of the proximal phalanx in UK Thoroughbred racehorses: A retrospective analysis of 13 fractures.","authors":"Judith A Findley, Bruce M Bladon, Henry D O'Neill","doi":"10.1111/evj.14521","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14521","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sagittal plane fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) are commonly observed in the UK Thoroughbred racehorse, with the technique and outcome following standing lag screw fixation widely reported. Long frontal plane P1 fractures propagating from the central third of the proximal articular surface occur less frequently, with information concerning repair methods and outcomes currently lacking.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe a surgical technique for standing lag screw fixation of long frontal P1 fractures and report on post-operative performance in a UK Thoroughbred population.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Single centre retrospective case series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Horses with long frontal plane P1 fractures propagating from the central third of the proximal articular surface were identified within Donnington Grove Equine Hospital records. Patient history, fracture location, preoperative diagnostics, surgical rubrics, and follow-up examinations were documented. Pre- and post-operative performance data were collected using an online database. Descriptive data were generated including median and range and percentage success.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eleven horses fulfilled inclusion criteria. Two horses sustained frontal fractures of 2 separate limbs on different occasions for a total aggregate of 13 fractures. All fractures occurred in hindlimbs and were biarticular in two cases, uniarticular and complete in three cases, and incomplete in eight cases. Repair was performed with a median of four screws (range 2-5) and median surgical time was 30 min (18-104 min). Seventy-three per cent (8/11) of horses returned to racing at a median of 356 days (178-728 days); 2 horses had <6 months follow-up. A post-operative complication necessitating removal of the screws at 257 days occurred in one case.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Small number of patients fulfilling inclusion criteria.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Select long frontal fractures of P1 can be successfully repaired in the standing horse. The post-operative performance data are comparable to that of sagittal P1 fractures, with a good outcome for return to racing. This study provides data on a previously under-reported condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143967898","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":"Osteochondrosis in horses: An overview of genetic and other factors.","authors":"Lola Martinez-Saez, Pablo J Marín-García, M Lola Llobat","doi":"10.1111/evj.14518","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14518","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Osteochondrosis (OC) is a frequent manifestation of developmental orthopaedic disease, and its severe clinical presentation is known as OC dissecans (OCD). OC is defined as a disruption of the endochondral ossification process in the epiphyseal cartilage, and this disease has been reported in different mammalian species, including humans, dogs, pigs, and horses. OCD is an important cause of lameness in sport horses and is a common cause of impaired orthopaedic potential, whose clinical signs may be of minimal magnitude or manifest as severe joint effusion or clinically noticeable lameness. The aetiology of OCD is unknown, although it has traditionally been considered to be multifactorial. In addition to genetic factors, associated factors include both non-genetic elements such as rapid growth, nutrition, trauma, anatomical conformation, and biomechanics. Since the prevalence of the disease varies greatly depending on the horse breed, from 13% in Swedish Warmblood to 53% in Lusitano breed, genetic factors have a great relevance in the appearance and development of OCD in horses. Many genetic modifications have been related, and the genes involved can be grouped into five clusters, related to fundamental functions for the correct development and regeneration of cartilage, such as collagen, laminin, cell signalling, matrix turnover, and transcriptional regulation. Changes in genes such as COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, COL24A1, COL27A1 (collagen cluster), LAMB1 (laminin cluster), PTH, PHT receptors, and IHH (cell signalling), and genes encoding matrix metalloproteinases have been related to the occurrence and severity of diseases in different equine breeds. This review summarises the main factors associated with OC in horses, with particular emphasis on genetic factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143995796","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":"Integration of machine learning and viscoelastic testing to improve survival prediction in horses experiencing acute abdominal pain at a veterinary teaching hospital.","authors":"Brandi M Macleod, Pamela A Wilkins, Annette M McCoy, Rebecca C Bishop","doi":"10.1111/evj.14517","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14517","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Viscoelastic coagulation testing (VCT) identifies subclinical disruption of coagulation homeostasis and may improve prognostication, particularly for patients with severe systemic inflammation or shock. Machine learning (ML) algorithms may capture complex relationships between clinical variables better than linear regression (GLM).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the utility of ML models incorporating VCT and clinical data to predict survival outcomes in horses with acute abdominal pain.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective observational cohort study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>VCT (VCM Vet™) was performed on 57 horses with acute abdominal pain at admission, with clinical data collected retrospectively. Coagulopathy was defined as ≥2 abnormal VCT parameters. GLM and random forest (RF) classification models were developed to predict short-term survival. A training cohort of 40 horses was used for model development, and model performance was determined using the remaining 17 horses. RF models were implemented in a web-based application to demonstrate clinical application.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 31 survivors and 26 non-survivors. The majority of cases were colitis (47.7%), with smaller proportions of impactions, strangulating obstructions and other causes of colic. Coagulopathy diagnosis alone performed poorly for survival prediction (sensitivity 81% [95% CI 64-94], specificity 31% [95% CI 15-50], AUC = 0.515). Final GLM included SIRS score (OR 0.37 [95% CI 0.071-1.68]; p = 0.2), L-lactate (OR 0.51 [0.25-0.82]; p = 0.02), clot time (CT; OR 1.0 [0.99-1.0], p = 0.39), and clot amplitude at 10 min (A10; OR 0.89 [0.74-1.02], p = 0.2). Final RF model included heart rate, PCV, L-lactate, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, clot amplitude at 20 min (A20) and CT. RF models improved sensitivity (RF_full 91% [95% CI 60-100]; RF_reduced 83% [95% CI 42-99]) and specificity (both 83% [95% CI 42-99]) compared to GLM (sensitivity 65% [95% CI 47-79], specificity 42% [95% CI 26-61]).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Small number of horses, convenience sampling. Model validation with an independent population is needed to support clinical applicability.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>L-lactate remains a key predictor of survival in horses with colic. The integration of VCT with clinical data in machine learning models may enhance prognostication.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143975768","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":"Chronic idiopathic myopathy in Icelandic horses: A case series.","authors":"Sanni Hansen, Charlotte Hopster-Iversen, Lise Berg, Julie Fjeldborg, Claire Massey, Richard J Piercy, Helena Carstensen","doi":"10.1111/evj.14519","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14519","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Exertional myopathies are recognised as a cause of poor performance in equines. In Icelandic horses presenting reduced performance and/or multi-limb lameness, no specific myopathy has been identified.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To characterise the clinical presentation and histopathological findings in muscle biopsy samples from Icelandic horses demonstrating poor performance.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Case series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Phenotypic characteristics, clinical examination and diagnoses of 17 Icelandic horses were studied. All horses had a resting serum creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate transaminase activities measured, and CK activities 4-6 and 24 h post-exercise were measured in some horses. The semimembranosus muscle was biopsied in all horses and used to categorise horses into two groups: those with histopathological evidence of chronic idiopathic myopathy and those with normal biopsy findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve horses displayed non-specific histological features of muscle degeneration and regeneration consistent with a myopathy. The affected horses had significantly increased CK activities after exercise (median 1637 U/L, IQR 861-2480 U/L) compared with the group with histologically normal muscle (median 234 U/L, IQR 211-457 U/L, p = 0.02). Phenotypic traits, such as tachypnoea, fatigue, stumbling and reluctance to tölt or canter, were present in both groups.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>The small sample size and absence of a control group with normal performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case series suggests the presence of a novel myopathy in Icelandic horses. In horses of this breed, exhibiting decreased performance, multi-limb lameness and/or increased serum CK activity at rest or post-exercise, an underlying myopathy should be considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143992820","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":"Effects of pasture consumption and obesity on insulin dysregulation and adiponectin concentrations in UK native-breed ponies.","authors":"Marine A Barnabé, Jonathan Elliott, Patricia A Harris, Nicola J Menzies-Gow","doi":"10.1111/evj.14507","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14507","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Insulin dysregulation (ID) and hypoadiponectinaemia (total [adiponectin] <7.9 μg/mL) are risk factors for laminitis. They are sometimes, but not always, associated with obesity.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the effects of pasture consumption and obesity on ID and circulating total [adiponectin] in ponies.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Longitudinal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seven native-breed ponies with normal basal and post-oral sugar test (OST) [insulin] and body condition score (BCS) 4.3-5.5/9 were allowed to graze until they reached BCS 7/9. Ponies were then maintained at BCS 7/9 until completion of the study (week 22). Morphometric measures, OST, insulin tolerance test (ITT), plasma [adiponectin], whole-blood expression of receptors for adiponectin, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1, and pasture conditions (height and vigour) were determined fortnightly.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median (range) BCS increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 5.0 (4.3-5.5; week 0) to 7.2 (5.7-7.5; week 22). Basal [insulin] did not change significantly over the study, but median post-OST [insulin] was significantly higher (p < 0.05) at week 14 (95.2 [17.9-114.0] μIU/mL), week 16 (103.0 [16.4-166.0] μIU/mL), and week 20 (93.6 [10.0-153.0] μIU/mL) than week 0 (25.0 [10.0-64.0] μIU/mL). Compared with week 0, ITT results were significantly lower at weeks 2-6 and 12-20, and [adiponectin] was significantly lower at weeks 10-22 (p < 0.05). [Adiponectin] decreased in all ponies during the study. Both low (3/10) and high (8-9/10) pasture scores were significantly associated with low ITT results. Low pasture scores were associated with low [adiponectin]. BCS was significantly associated with basal [insulin], post-OST [insulin], ITT results, but not [adiponectin].</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>No control group with maintenance of ideal BCS; small sample size comprising native UK ponies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Six ponies developed hypoadiponectinaemia, and all showed transient or consistent ID during the study. Both short, stressed grass and long, lush grass were associated with decreased tissue insulin sensitivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143997699","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}