Equine Veterinary Journal最新文献

{"title":"Computed tomographic myelography of the cranial cervical spine in Warmblood horses with no spinal pathology-Inter- and intravertebral ratios and distribution of contrast columns in neutral and flexed cervical spine.","authors":"Maren Hellige, Caroline Schröder, Frauke Seehusen, Jessika-M Cavalleri, Karl Rohn, Peter Stadler, Florian Geburek","doi":"10.1111/evj.14552","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14552","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Computed tomographic myelography (CTM) and radiographic myelography (RxM) are diagnostic for extradural spinal cord compression, but knowledge about the contrast distribution in flexion and normal position of nonaffected horses is lacking.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>(1) To determine the inter- and intravertebral ratios at C3-C4 of CTM in neutral and flexed positions in Warmbloods. (2) To compare the diameters of the spinal cord and the contrast columns at C3-C4 between neutral and flexed positions in CTM and RxM. (3) To evaluate the variability of measurements.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Terminal in vivo method-comparison study with histological confirmation of absence of spinal pathology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>RxM and CTM were performed in 13 neurologically normal Warmbloods in neutral and flexed cervical spine positions. Inter- and intravertebral ratios, the sagittal diameters of the spinal cord, the dorsal (dcc) and ventral contrast column (vcc) were calculated (in mm) and compared between the cervical spine positions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The flexion angle was 24° in both modalities. Flexion of the cervical spine led to a significant reduction of the diameter of the spinal cord in CTM (sc_inter2: 9.2 ± 1.1 (mean ± standard deviation) and 8.0 ± 1.4, p = 0.02; sc inter 3: 9.2 ± 1.3 and 7.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.007) and of the heights of the contrast columns in both modalities (dcc inter2: RxM: 10.2 ± 1.9 and 8.5 ± 2.1, p = 0.005; CTM: 8.8 ± 1.4 and 7.2 ± 2.0, p = 0.004; vcc inter3: RxM: 2.7 ± 1.3 and 0.9 ± 0.7, p < 0.001; CTM: 2.2 ± 1.2 and 0.0 ± 0.1, p < 0.001) at intervertebral locations.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Small group size, no calibration of radiographs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Flexion of the cervical spine decreased the diameter of the spinal cord and the dorsal and ventral myelographic contrast columns in Warmbloods with no spinal pathology.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474332","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":"Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries associated with lameness in Australian campdraft horses.","authors":"Brodie J Argue, Raphael Labens","doi":"10.1111/evj.14551","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14551","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Campdrafting is a unique Australian cow horse sport, which evolved from mustering cattle and is one of Australia's fastest growing equine sports. This discipline is associated with its own unique set of musculoskeletal injuries yet to be reported.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the prevalence, anatomical location, and diagnostic modality used to localise lameness in campdrafting horses to better assist efficient orthopaedic management of the campdraft horse.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective case series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Medical records were examined from one private practice equine group and one university veterinary hospital between 2017 and 2024. Lameness examinations conducted by 5 veterinarians were included. Data were collected regarding signalment, history, findings on physical and lameness examinations, results of diagnostic procedures performed, and final diagnoses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two hundred and sixty-seven horses were observed; the most common lameness grade was 2/5 (AAEP; 116; 43%), and the most common breed was Australian stock horses (109; 40%). Forelimb lameness was observed in 53% (143/267) and hindlimb lameness in 41% (112/267) of horses. Forelimb lameness was bilateral in 36 (13%) horses, and bilateral hindlimb lameness was observed in 19 horses. Diagnostic anaesthesia was utilised in 187 (70%) of the 267 horses, with anaesthesia of the abaxial sesamoid nerve block rendering most commonly a positive response (43; 22%). Diagnostic anaesthesia followed by radiography sufficed to obtain a final diagnosis in 110 (41%) cases. Diagnostic anaesthesia, radiographic, and ultrasonographic examination was used to achieve a final diagnosis in 67 (25%) cases. Lameness associated with the distal interphalangeal joint was the most common finding (23%; 63/267), followed by the metacarpus and metatarsus (19%; 53/267).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Responses to diagnostic anaesthesia and lameness were evaluated subjectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In the study sample of campdraft horses, lameness was more commonly observed in the distal forelimb compared with samples from other disciplines in cow horse sports.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474333","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":"Ultrasonographic diagnosis of caudoproximal humeral stress fracture in thoroughbred racehorses.","authors":"Betsy Vaughan, Erin R McKerney, Carolyn Wollenberger, Ashton Cloninger, Mathieu Spriet, Larry Galuppo, Susan M Stover","doi":"10.1111/evj.14546","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14546","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Humeral stress fractures in racehorses can progress to catastrophic fracture if unrecognised. Scintigraphy is the gold standard diagnostic technique but is limited by accessibility and cost. It was hypothesised that ultrasonography could be used to visualise caudoproximal humeral stress fractures.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the utility of ultrasonography to identify caudoproximal humeral stress fractures in racehorses.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Clinical case series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seven racehorses that had a clinical history consistent with the presence of a humeral stress fracture were examined using humeral ultrasonography and radiography with or without scintigraphy from June 2013 to June 2021. Clinical and imaging findings, outcomes and descriptive statistics are reported.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven Thoroughbred racehorses aged 2-4 years had a history of acute onset of a severe lameness, with four returning to training 3-12 months after layup for an unrelated reason. Nine of 10 humeral stress fractures (2 bilateral, 3 left, 2 right) were identified with ultrasonography. Ultrasonographic abnormalities included a step defect (5 humeri, 5 horses), periosteal callus/roughening (7 humeri, 4 horses) and/or an abnormally convex contour of the caudal aspect of the humeral neck (6 humeri, 5 horses). Radiographs revealed periosteal (8 humeri, 6 horses) and/or endosteal (6 humeri, 4 horses) proliferation adjacent to the caudoproximal aspect of the humeral cortex. Scintigraphy of five horses identified increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the caudoproximal aspect of seven humeri. Serial recheck radiography and ultrasonography (5 horses) revealed bone remodelling. Horses were returned to intended use as racehorses (4) riding horses (2) or were retired (1).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Small case series in only Thoroughbred racehorses with a clinical indication of possible humeral stress fracture. Ultrasonographic examination was limited to the caudoproximal aspect of the humerus. Not all cases underwent all imaging modalities.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Ultrasonography is useful for caudoproximal humeral stress fracture detection and can be used to monitor healing.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144368716","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":"Equine botulism.","authors":"Kali Slavik, Robert Whitlock, Amy Johnson","doi":"10.1111/evj.14542","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14542","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Botulism is a severe and often fatal disease in equine patients worldwide. Clostridium botulinum is a ubiquitous soil organism which produces a potent neurotoxin resulting in neuromuscular blockade and flaccid paralysis in affected animals. Definitive diagnosis is often impractical or impossible, leading to diagnosis and treatment based on clinical experience and presenting signs. Delay in case identification and treatment results in rapid deterioration of the patient. Treatment of recumbent equine botulism cases presents challenges due to patient size and requires intensive nursing care. This review summarises the current knowledge on equine botulism, including pathophysiology, clinical presentations, diagnostic and treatment options and prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144301395","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":"Desmitis of the palmar or plantar ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal joint: A descriptive case series.","authors":"Manon W J Peeters, Stephan Ott, Elisabeth van Veggel, Dagmar Berner, Melanie Perrier","doi":"10.1111/evj.14547","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14547","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Limited reports in the literature are available regarding desmitis of the palmar/plantar ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PL-PIPJ); the clinical significance of such injuries is unknown.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the ability to differentiate the PL-PIPJ on low-field magnetic resonance (MR) examination. To describe the injury characteristics of the PL-PIPJ on MR examination and the correlation with clinical features and lameness.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective case series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data and MR images of 29 horses were collected from the databases of three institutions. Horses were included when desmitis of the PL-PIPJ was present, specifically the axial palmar/plantar ligament, the abaxial palmar/plantar ligament, the proximal enthesis of the distal digital annular ligament, and the distal enthesis of the proximal digital annular ligament. The clinical features and lameness scores were noted for all cases. The MR examinations were reviewed. Ligaments were graded for visibility and degree of pathology by a board-certified diagnostic imaging specialist.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Differentiation between the different ligaments is not always reliably possible, especially as the abaxial palmar/plantar ligament was only distinctly visible in 4 out of 80 ligaments (5%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1%-12%). Desmitis of the PL-PIPJ was the main MR finding in 13 out of 29 (45%, CI: 26%-64%) clinical cases. Periligamentous oedema was evident in 53 of the 71 (74%, CI: 63%-84%) abaxially located ligaments with desmitis. Enthesophyte formation was present in 34 out of 102 ligaments with desmitis (33%, CI: 24%-43%).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Retrospective nature of the study, lack of control.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pathology to the PL-PIPJ can be a primary cause of lameness in horses and these structures should therefore be critically evaluated on MR examination. Differentiation between the abaxially located structures can be challenging. Periligamentous oedema is often present in cases of desmitis of the abaxially located ligaments; its presence should prompt closer assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282972","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":"Correction to 'Prejudicial findings regarding suitability for intended purpose during pre-purchase examinations in a mixed horse population-A retrospective observational study in the United Kingdom'.","authors":"","doi":"10.1111/evj.14544","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14544","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282971","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":"Use of a point prevalence survey to measure antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in equine veterinary hospitals.","authors":"E K Leus, N Collins, M Gruyaert, R N Kennedy, E McConnell, B C McGorum, D Luethy, M Sanz, A Versporten, A Viljoen, C H Lyle","doi":"10.1111/evj.14535","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14535","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly recognised in equine medicine. Antimicrobial use (AMU) is a key driver of AMR.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To pilot a point prevalence survey (PPS), based on the Global-PPS used in human hospitals, to obtain data on antibiotic prescribing and AMR in equine hospitals and to identify targets for improvement in AMU.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Point prevalence survey.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eight equine hospitals located in Australia, Belgium, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States were recruited. Data on AMU were collected from all in-patients on antibiotic treatment at 08h00 on four selected study days throughout the study year (2022).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 742 patients, 310 (41.8%) surgical and 432 (58.2%) nonsurgical cases, were evaluated and 58.7% (182/310) surgical and 25.9% (112/432) nonsurgical patients were on antibiotics. The most prescribed antibiotics were penicillin, gentamicin and trimethoprim sulfonamides. In 45.2% (215/476) of prescriptions, use was prophylactic. Therapeutic use was based on a biomarker in 48.8% (127/260) of treatments. A sample was submitted for culture in 56.9% (148/260) of therapeutic treatments. A positive culture result was reported from 49.3% (73/148) of samples, with an antibiogram available for 90.4% (66/73) of the positive cultures. An antibiotic use stop/review date was not recorded in 59.5% (283/476) of uses.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>This PPS was a pilot study with a relatively small sample size and likely does not reflect AMU in all types of equine hospitals in all geographic locations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and clinical relevance: </strong>The PPS identified multiple ways in which antibiotic prescribing could be improved. Targets identified for stewardship interventions included empiric use of European Medicines Agency Category A and B antibiotics, the high prevalence of prophylaxis and the lack of use of a stop/review date. The survey could be used as a repeatable tool to assess stewardship interventions in equine hospitals.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144224781","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":"Equine veterinarians' care priorities regarding vaccination, colic, lameness and pre-purchase scenarios.","authors":"Yteke Elte, Inga Wolframm, Hans Vernooij, Mirjam Nielen, René van Weeren","doi":"10.1111/evj.14537","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14537","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Equine veterinarians play a crucial role in maintaining equine health and ensuring client satisfaction. Understanding their perspectives on key aspects of veterinary care is essential for optimising outcomes for both clients and horses.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To identify and compare the importance equine veterinarians place on seven key aspects of client satisfaction in equine veterinary practice (quality of care, quality of service, horsemanship, interpersonal skills, transfer of knowledge, financial aspects and professionalism) across four different scenarios.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>A cross-sectional survey-based study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 246 equine veterinarians participated in the online survey, which included ranking the seven aspects of equine veterinary care across four scenarios. The data were analysed using Friedman tests to assess differences within and across scenarios, followed by Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Bonferroni correction for post-hoc comparisons. Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine differences between groups of veterinarians.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Quality of care was ranked most important in the colic (median rank: 1, interquartile range [IQR]: 1-2) and lameness (median rank: 1, IQR: 1-2) scenarios (p < 0.001), reflecting the critical nature of these conditions. Quality of service showed no differences in ranking across the scenarios. Professionalism was ranked significantly more important in the pre-purchase scenario (median rank: 2, IQR: 1-3) compared to other scenarios (p < 0.001). Financial aspects were consistently ranked least important (median rank: 7, IQR: 6-7, p < 0.001). No differences in ranking were found between different groups of veterinarians.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Participants may not accurately represent the diversity and characteristics of the entire equine veterinary population. The scenarios do not fully encompass the diversity of equine veterinary practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Equine veterinarians prioritise quality of care, quality of service and professionalism in their practice, with some variations depending on the clinical scenario. Financial aspects were consistently given the lowest priority.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198518","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":"Spinal articular dysfunction is common in athletic horses.","authors":"Claudia R Patricio, Gustavo H Z Winter, Petra Garbade","doi":"10.1111/evj.14541","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14541","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Spinal articular dysfunction disrupts normal neural function and may lead to stiffness, pain or poor performance. Back pain is common in equine athletes, and it is a common complaint by horse owners requesting chiropractic evaluations.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the prevalence of spinal articular dysfunction in showjumping horses.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective analysis of clinical records.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Records from 3 years of examinations in horses, from beginners to high-performance levels. Each horse had 30 spinal segments evaluated for the presence of dysfunctional articulations. Exams were performed by a certified International Veterinary Chiropractic Association veterinarian. Data recorded included age, sex, complaint and history of previous veterinary chiropractic examinations. Descriptive and statistical analysis was performed by age groups: G1 up to 6 years old, G2 from 7 to 10 years, G3 from 11 to 14 years, and G4 from 15 years and above. Significance was set as p < 0.05; results were presented as mean ± SD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four hundred and ninety-two jumping horses were included (4-19 years old). On average, animals had 11.9 (±3.5) dysfunctional spinal segments. The minimal number observed was 2 and the maximum was 23. No animals were free of spinal dysfunction, and 442 (89.8%) were found to have segmental dysfunction in all 3 spinal regions. The most affected vertebrae were L3, L2, L4, C1 and T7. Dysfunctional segments in the cervical region were diagnosed less frequently in G1 horses (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Objective pain measurements were unavailable. Lameness, when present, was not graded and was not directly correlated with spinal dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Jumping horses had a high prevalence of spinal articular dysfunction, mainly in the lumbar spine, thoracic sling area and atlanto-occipital joint. The prevalence of dysfunction of the cervical spine increases with age. No equine athlete in this study was free of spinal articular dysfunction.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198469","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":"Blood amino acid changes associated with Lawsonia intracellularis infection in horses.","authors":"Yuya Mizuguchi, Hidekazu Niwa, Hiroki Inoue, Hidetomo Iwano","doi":"10.1111/evj.14533","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14533","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypoproteinaemia/hypoalbuminaemia is a typical clinical feature of Lawsonia intracellularis infection in horses, but amino acid perturbations in these horses have not been investigated.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Clarifying blood amino acid levels in horses suffering from Lawsonia intracellularis infection to identify novel aspects of the disease.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective observational study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 135 serum samples collected from horses from 59 farms were used in this study. Horses diagnosed with the clinical form of equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) were enrolled as a clinical group (n = 46). Clinically normal herd mates of EPE patients were assigned to a subclinical EPE group (n = 22) or Lawsonia intracellularis exposure group (n = 41). Horses from EPE-naïve farms were used for control horses (n = 26). Amino acid profiles of each group were reviewed through principal component analysis, and subsequently, the Steel-Dwass multiple comparison test or Tukey's honestly significant difference test was used to clarify substantial amino acid changes characteristic of the horse populations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant perturbations in amino acid concentrations were observed in horses with clinical and subclinical forms of the disease and in the exposure group compared to control horses. Asparagine, glutamine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and glycine were significantly perturbed in the clinical, subclinical, and exposure groups compared to the control group, while alanine, citrulline, and tryptophan were characteristically perturbed in the clinical group relative to the other horse groups.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Variability of the original farms from which study populations were derived due to the retrospective nature of the study might have influenced the aminogram.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Amino acid concentrations show substantial perturbations in relation to the clinical status of EPE. Evaluation of the aminograms of horses with Lawsonia intracellularis infection provides novel information on this disease, which would be of clinical and, potentially, therapeutic relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127002","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}