Equine Veterinary Journal最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence and molecular epidemiology of the novel equine parasite Theileria haneyi in China.","authors":"Guangpu Yang, Yongyan Chen, Kewei Chen, Zhe Hu, Jingkun Li, Jingfei Wang, Wei Guo, Xiaojun Wang, Cheng Du","doi":"10.1111/evj.14505","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14505","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by Theileria equi (T. equi) and Babesia caballi (B. caballi), is a tick-borne disease with significant economic impacts on the equine industry. Theileria haneyi (T. haneyi), a newly identified pathogen of EP, is globally distributed but has not been reported in China, where its epidemiological patterns remain undefined.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To develop diagnostic techniques for T. haneyi and to assess its prevalence and risk factors in China.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Assay development and cross sectional survey.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A nested PCR (nPCR) nucleic acid diagnostic technique targeting the chromosome 1 single-copy (chr1sco) open reading frame (ORF) was developed. This method was applied to 1318 equine nucleic acid samples. Additionally, an iELISA serological diagnostic method was established based on the EMA11 gene. This method was utilised in a cross-sectional analysis of 2627 equine samples. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The nPCR assay showed an 11.76% positive detection rate, while iELISA indicated a 16.41% seroprevalence. Both assays were successfully applied for the epidemiological investigation of T. haneyi. Logistic regression analysis identified host species, age, altitude, soil type, and forest and grassland coverage as the main risk factors influencing seropositivity. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA from 29 positive samples confirmed the presence of T. haneyi in China.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Data on clinical signs were not collected. The logistic regression model's performance metrics were not calculated.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study provides the first evidence of T. haneyi infection in China and establishes a scientific basis for understanding its prevalence and geographical distribution.</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":"143992459","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":"Motor pathway evaluation by transcranial magnetic stimulation in Swedish horses with acquired equine polyneuropathy.","authors":"Anna May, Siv Hanche-Olsen, Lutz S Goehring, Kaspar Matiasek, Karin Hultin Jäderlund, Yury Zablotski, Gittan Gröndahl","doi":"10.1111/evj.14506","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14506","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acquired equine polyneuropathy in Nordic horses (AEP) is the most prevalent equine polyneuropathy in Norway, Sweden, and Finland and is characterised by pelvic limb knuckling due to metatarsophalangeal extension dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the function of descending motor pathways in AEP using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>An analytical, observational cohort design.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Clinical findings and TMS results of 20 horses from an AEP outbreak in Sweden were evaluated at 5-month intervals. Latency time (LT) in milliseconds (ms) between coil discharge and onset of muscle potential was recorded for thoracic and pelvic limbs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen affected horses showed knuckling, 2 horses showed lameness, and 6 horses were neurologically sound and showed no clinical signs at the first visit. Thirteen of 14 neurologically affected horses had improved clinically 5 months later, four no longer showed knuckling. Motor neurological dysfunction with increased LT was confirmed by TMS in all 14 affected horses at both visits. Mean difference in LT from normalised reference values (ΔLT) in the pelvic limbs of affected horses was +12.95 ms (+38%) at the first examination (1.9-29.6 ms; SD 1.23; n = 14), and +8.1 ms (+24%) 5 months later (1.0-18.9 ms; SD 1.21; n = 14), cutoff >0.8 ms. Eleven of 14 affected horses also presented delayed TMS responses in the thoracic limbs, with up to 14% ΔLT increase. Neurologically sound, non-lame horses (n = 8) showed mean ΔLT -0.5 ms (-1.8 to 0.2 ms; SD = 0.64) in pelvic, and -0.35 ms (range, -0.7 to 0 ms; SD = 0.26; n = 8) in thoracic limbs, cutoff >0.2 ms.</p><p><strong>Limitations: </strong>Examinations were only repeated once.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study confirms the involvement of motor pathways in AEP and adds to the previously established involvement of sensory nerve fibres. Sensory and motor involvement contributes to the mismatch of ascending and descending nerve signals and to the clinical manifestations. TMS may be useful in evaluating clinical and subclinical cases of AEP.</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":"144062969","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":"Agreement between subjective gait assessment and markerless video gait-analysis in endurance horses.","authors":"Mariaelena de Chiara, Chiara Montano, Andrea De Matteis, Livia Guidi, Francesco Buono, Luigi Auletta, Chiara Del Prete, Maria Pia Pasolini","doi":"10.1111/evj.14516","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14516","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Subjective evaluation of gait by official endurance veterinarians (OEVs) is used to determine 'fitness-to-compete' in horses participating in endurance competitions. Objective gait analysis systems could aid in quick and verifiable judgements.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the agreement between objective analysis of head and pelvis vertical movement asymmetry performed with a markerless artificial intelligence motion tracking system (AI-MTS) and subjective lameness assessment performed by an accredited FEI OEV to judge horse gaits.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>During three endurance competitions, 110 horses were enrolled. The OEV performed 188 gait examinations, which were simultaneously recorded with a smartphone. The vertical motion asymmetry of the head and pelvis was later analysed from the videos through the AI-MTS application. The gaits were scored as 'no asymmetry', 'mild asymmetry' or 'severe asymmetry'. The agreement was evaluated using Fleiss' multi-rater kappa statistic (κ).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall agreement between the two methods was fair (k = 0.26, p < 0.001). Within the three gait asymmetry categories, substantial agreement was obtained for the 'severe' (k = 0.75, p < 0.001) category, fair agreement was detected for the 'no asymmetry' category (k = 0.25, p < 0.001), and no agreement was identified for the 'mild' category (k = 0.13, p = 0.08).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Comparison between AI-MTS and a single OEV; absence of a tripod during video recording; and video recording from a different point of view than the OEVs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Mild asymmetry was the most challenging gait category to identify. Substantial agreement between the subjective lameness evaluation by OEV and AI-MTS assessment was observed for the 'severe' category. AI-MTS may be a helpful tool to assist OEVs in decision-making during endurance competitions.</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":"143992708","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":"Welfare assessment of racehorses provides a baseline for continued monitoring.","authors":"Rachel Annan, Leah Trigg, Kate Allen, Joanna Hockenhull, Mathilde Valenchon, Siobhan Mullan","doi":"10.1111/evj.14510","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14510","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Racehorse welfare continues to be a focus of stakeholders both within and outside of the industry, and there is a need for evidence-based animal welfare data.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To gather data on racehorse welfare through a combination of animal-based observations and information about management practices, and to ascertain the feasibility of trained industry assessors carrying out a racehorse welfare assessment.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixteen trained industry assessors conducted individual observations of 737 racehorses in 21 Flat racing (F), 27 National Hunt (NH) and 26 Dual-purpose (D) training yards in Great Britain (GB). The welfare assessment protocol, including management and animal-based welfare measures, was carried out on up to 10 horses in each yard.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Horses were generally in good physical health, although external mouth corner lesions were reported in 18% of horses, with significant variation between yards (p ≤ 0.001). Forage was present in the stable of 86% of horses during the assessment. Daily turnout was available to 27% of all horses, and 55% of horses were reported to be turned out at least weekly. Of the horses that were turned out, 36% were done so in pairs or groups, and 75% were turned out on grass. In total, 47% of all horses had physical social contact when stabled, with 1% being housed in pairs, but 7% of horses had no visual or physical contact when stabled. In total, 7% of horses performed stereotypic behaviour during the individual welfare assessment. The majority of horses (69%-76%) reacted positively to three human reactivity tests.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Welfare measures used were constrained by the assessment being carried out on racehorses in an active training and racing schedule. Time available to the assessors was also a limiting factor.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This welfare assessment of racehorses in training in GB proved feasible to conduct and provided large-scale data to monitor welfare and highlight areas for targeted welfare improvement strategies. Depending on the ultimate objectives, various implementation options for continued welfare assessments of racehorses are available, working in partnership with trainers and other industry stakeholders.</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":"143990665","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 tomographic measurements in 110 front hooves of non-lame Thoroughbred racehorses and Warmblood showjumpers.","authors":"Luca Szabó, Danica Pollard, Annamária Nagy","doi":"10.1111/evj.14509","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14509","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There are no published reference ranges on computed tomographic (CT) hoof wall and sole measurements.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To establish reference ranges for CT measurements of the hoof wall and sole in non-lame horses, and to investigate associations between measurements and signalment, laterality, and medial or lateral sides.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective, cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Soft tissue reconstructions of fan-beam CT studies of 110 front feet of 56 non-lame horses (30 Thoroughbred racehorses, 26 Warmblood showjumpers), performed in non- to semi-weightbearing positions, were analysed. Hoof wall thickness and its layers were measured at standardised sites. The dorsal hoof wall to palmar length of the distal phalanx (DHWDP) ratio was calculated. Paired sample t-tests assessed differences in medial and lateral measurements. Multivariable mixed-effects linear regression models evaluated associations between the measurements and explanatory variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Reference ranges were established; the mean total dorsal hoof wall thickness was 14.03 ± 1.37 mm in Thoroughbred racehorses and 15.79 ± 1.41 mm in Warmblood showjumpers. The mean DHWDP ratio was 0.24 ± 0.02 in both breeds. The sole was significantly thicker laterally than medially at the palmar measurement site, perpendicular to the ground (mean difference: 2.12 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.57, 2.67) and to the surface of the sole (mean difference: 2.08 mm, 95% CI 1.50, 2.66) (p < 0.05). Only bodyweight:height ratio was significantly associated with proximal, middle, and distal dorsal hoof wall thickness across all layers (p < 0.05), except the middle dorsal combined corium and stratum internum measurement. Differences persisted between medial and lateral sides even after adjustment for signalment and laterality (p < 0.05), apart from the sole measurements at the middle measurement site.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Results may not be applicable to other breeds.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The established reference range of hoof wall and solar CT measurements in non-lame horses can aid accurate interpretation of CT studies of horses with foot pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143988567","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":"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/cm³; melanomas: 0.2 mg/cm³ of tumour volume - T_vol; max dose 2 mg). Quantitative (T_vol 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_vol 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_vol 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_sarcoids = 0.006; P_melanomas <0.001). The predicted probability of a full clinical response was 6 times greater for initially small sarcoids (T_vol = 1 cm³) than for the maximum study volume (T_vol = 6 cm³). For melanomas in the perineal region, this was 11 times greater for T_vol ≤0.3 cm³ than for tumours ≥2.0 cm³. 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}

{"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}

{"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}