Equine Veterinary Journal最新文献

{"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}

{"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}