R. Agrícola , G. Ribeiro , J. Borges , L. Carvalho , I. Roquet , L.M. Carvalho , J. Prazeres
{"title":"Advanced equine duodenoscopy technique","authors":"R. Agrícola , G. Ribeiro , J. Borges , L. Carvalho , I. Roquet , L.M. Carvalho , J. Prazeres","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Duodenal pathologies are underreported in equine medicine, probably not due to little occurrence, but due to the limitations of current diagnostic techniques. The aim of this report is to describe a novel duodenoscopic approach, that allows a complete visualization of a region inaccessible via standard techniques. Gastroduodenoscopy was performed in a clinical setting in 60 adult horses referred to us due to complaints suspected to be related to gastroduodenal diseases. The initial steps of the procedure were performed using previously published techniques. Once the video-endoscope reached the cranial duodenum and before direct visualization of the major duodenal papilla, a slow and controlled retroflexion maneuver was performed, allowing a complete examination of the duodenal face of the pyloric sphincter and the whole cranial aspect of the duodenum. The technique described allowed better duodenoscopy examination, without risking lesions of the adjacent mucosa and allowed a wide field of view avoiding blind spots.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 105659"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144756777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C J McGuire, E J Knowles, P A Harris, N J Menzies-Gow
{"title":"Plasma Activin A concentrations are not a useful biomarker for detecting insulin dysregulation and predicting laminitis risk in ponies.","authors":"C J McGuire, E J Knowles, P A Harris, N J Menzies-Gow","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105660","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105660","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Circulating insulin concentrations are used to quantify risk of laminitis in currently non-laminitic ponies. Basal serum activin A (AA) concentration has previously been positively correlated with serum insulin concentrations 60 minutes (T60) following an oral sugar test (OST) in ponies with equine metabolic syndrome. Therefore, circulating AA might be a useful marker for insulin dysregulation (ID) and laminitis risk.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore the relationship between circulating AA concentrations at baseline (T0) and T60 in ponies that developed laminitis within six months and non-laminitic ponies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Case-control study. Forty-three ponies that developed laminitis (PLP) during a four-year surveillance period were selected from a larger cohort; 43 ponies from the same cohort that remained non-laminitic (NLP) were selected as controls. Plasma AA concentrations were measured using a validated ELISA at T0 and T60 and compared between groups at both time points using a Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Correlations with other previously measured metabolic markers were investigated using 's rank correlation coefficients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a significant difference between T0 plasma AA (median 8.8; interquartile range [6.2, 13.1]ng/mL) and T60 (13.1; [8.8, 20.1]ng/mL) within the NLP group (P= <0.001) and between plasma AA at T0 (7.4 [5.5, 12.4]ng/mL) and T60 (12.3 [6.9, 16.6]ng/ml) in the PLP group (P= <0.001). There were no significant correlations between plasma AA (T0 or T60) and any other measured metabolic marker. Single timepoints and retrospective analysis were the main limitations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Plasma AA concentration is not a useful marker for ID or predicting laminitis development in ponies.</p>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":" ","pages":"105660"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Banafsheh Bazvand , Amir Rashidi , Mohammad Bagher Zandi , Mohammad Hossein Moradi , Jalal Rostamzadeh , Peyman Mahmoudi
{"title":"Population structure and signature of selection for body size in some Iranian and exotic horse breeds","authors":"Banafsheh Bazvand , Amir Rashidi , Mohammad Bagher Zandi , Mohammad Hossein Moradi , Jalal Rostamzadeh , Peyman Mahmoudi","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Iran is home to genetically distinct horse breeds shaped by geography and history. Breeds like the Kurdish, Caspian pony, and Turkmen reflect deep-rooted diversity and unique adaptive traits.</div></div><div><h3>Aims/Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to identify genomic regions exhibiting signatures of selection and to detect candidate genes and biological pathways related to body size that may influence performance in various Iranian and exotic horse breeds.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Samples were collected from three Iranian native breeds (Caspian pony, Turkmen, and Kurdish) and three exotic breeds (Fell pony, Arabian, and Akhal-Teke) originating from England, the Middle East, and Turkmenistan, respectively. Genotyping data included 50 K SNPs for the exotic breeds and 70 K SNPs for the Iranian breeds. To explore population structure and genetic differentiation, Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC) was conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Population structure analysis showed clear separation between pony and light horse breeds, with Akhal-Teke and Turkmen clustering together and Fell ponies forming a distinct group. Using FLK and hapFLK tests, we identified 124 and 127 candidate genes under selection, respectively. Several genes were linked to body size traits, including those involved in bone mineralization, osteoblast differentiation, growth factor signaling, and tissue development. Notably, we identified novel genes including <em>SAMD7, SPARC1, IBSP, MEPE, DEUP12, PLAAT1</em>, and <em>SPP1</em> that not previously reported in horse studies, offering new insights into equine morphology.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Results revealed selection signatures linked to genes influencing body size and development, including several novel candidates. These findings deepen our understanding of equine morphology and warrant further investigation using larger sample sizes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 105658"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lorenzo Segabinazzi, Fernando P Lisboa, Bruna Zutter
{"title":"Clinical safety of intrauterine infusion of a uterine sanitizer in mares.","authors":"Lorenzo Segabinazzi, Fernando P Lisboa, Bruna Zutter","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105657","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105657","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Limited response to conventional therapies and rising antibiotic resistance emphasize the need for alternative treatments for infectious endometritis. A recent in vitro study showed promising antimicrobial activity of a commercial uterine cleaning sanitizer (UCS) against endometritis pathogens. However, its safety and efficacy in mares remain untested.</p><p><strong>Aims/objectives: </strong>This study aimed to assess the clinical safety of intrauterine infusion of UCS in reproductively sound mares.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Exp. 1. Six healthy mares with endometrial biopsies classified as I or IIA had two intrauterine infusions of UCS performed during estrus. Biopsies were taken 3 days post-treatment and 8- and 21-days post-ovulation. Exp. 2. Eleven reproductive sound mares had two estrous cycles randomly assigned to receive two intrauterine infusions of UCS or placebo (lactate ringer) at the beginning of estrus. Mares were inseminated 24h after the last treatment. Embryo flushing was performed 8 days post-ovulation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Exp. 1. There was a slight change in endometrial biopsy scores, primarily due to an increased inflammatory infiltrate in the endometrium, three days post-treatment with complete recovery to baselines at 8- and 21-days post-ovulation. Exp. 2. Embryo recovery rates were similar between UCS (9/11) and placebo (8/11) cycles.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, intrauterine infusion of UCS appears to be a safe therapy in broodmare practice and may offer a promising adjuvant therapy for endometritis in mares.</p>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":" ","pages":"105657"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How accurate are riders in assessing saddle position?","authors":"M. Douglas , J. Williams , H. Randle","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105655","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105655","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Recent research has highlighted the detrimental impact of an ill-fitting saddle on equine health, welfare and performance. A correctly fitting saddle may not fit if positioned incorrectly.</div></div><div><h3>Aims</h3><div>This study assessed riders’ ability to visually evaluate saddle position and examine factors that influenced accuracy of assessment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Survey participants were provided with photographs of a series of saddles on horses obtained from the lateral aspect of the left side of the horse. Saddles were either correctly positioned (<em>n</em> = 5), too far forward (<em>n</em> = 5) or too far back (<em>n</em> = 2). This was independently confirmed by three accredited saddle fitting professionals. The survey was distributed via snowball sampling on social media over an 3-week period in 2021.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were 401 participants, who, on average, correctly identified 58.25 % of the saddle positions. Riders’ ability to correctly assess saddle position (mean 58.25 % correct) was not related to rider age, experience and discipline (all Kruskal-Wallis tests <em>P</em> > 0.05). However, participants who had previously had their own saddle fitted professionally were better able to correctly assess saddle position (60.8 ± 19.0 % correct) compared to those who had not (52.2 ± 19.0 %; KW (1) = 12.59, <em>P</em> < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Given a substantial proportion of riders in this study were unable to identify correct saddle position these results are concerning due to a likely increased risk of causing the horse discomfort and compromising welfare. Given the increasing focus on ethical and sustainable equitation practice, this lack of knowledge regarding a fundamental piece of horse-riding equipment must be addressed as a priority.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 105655"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tight nosebands apply high pressures on the horses’ face and alter stride kinematics","authors":"E. Hopkins , S. Whitrod , D. Marlin , R. Blake","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105654","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105654","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Noseband tightness has received increasing attention within equitation science, however, there is little research into how this effects equine behaviour or performance.</div></div><div><h3>Aims/objectives</h3><div>1) determine the peak pressures under noseband <em>in vivo</em> at three different tightness; 2) assess limb and back kinematics at different noseband tightness.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Noseband tightness (n = 8 horses) was set using an International Society for Equine Science (ISES) taper gauge with the three settings being; “two fingers (2F)”, “one finger (1F)” and “zero fingers (0F)”. Peak pressure under noseband was determined using pressure sensors under. Motion capture was used to analyse kinematics of limb and back.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Peak pressures at 1F (40.9 ± 7.2 kPa) and 0F (115.8 ± 52.6 kPa), when compared to 2F (26.4 ± 7.2 kPa), showed a 54% and 338% increase, respectively (F (1.027, 7.192) = 21.012, P = 0.002). As the noseband tightness increased, stride length decreased, showing a statistically significant negative correlation (r<sub>s</sub>(22) = -0.592, P = 0.004). A mean decrease in stride length of 6.2% was seen with the 1F when compared to 2F and an 11.1% decrease was seen at 0F when compared to 2F.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, as the noseband was tightened, peak pressure increased and this has a detrimental effect on horses’ kinematics, markedly stride kinematics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 105654"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144682695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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-assisted interventions in Germany: animal welfare knowledge and practices among equine-assisted professionals","authors":"T.F. Braun , K. Ameli , S. Krämer","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105656","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105656","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Numerous studies have shown the positive effects that horses in equine-assisted interventions can have on a variety of recipients. The importance of animal welfare and implementation of animal welfare practices in equine-assisted interventions has not yet been extensively researched.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The aim of this exploratory study was therefore to investigate the understanding of animal welfare from the perspective of equine-assisted professionals and how it is ensured by them.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>111 equine-assisted professionals in Germany were surveyed about their knowledge of animal welfare and the individual implementation of animal welfare practices with their horses using questionnaires with closed and open questions. The quantitative data were analysed using the statistical software SPSS and Microsoft Excel and the qualitative data were analysed based on thematic coding with category formation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis of the collected data shows that most equine-assisted professionals (96,6%) assign a very high level of importance to animal welfare during equine-assisted interventions. The knowledge of aspects relevant to animal welfare among equine-assisted professionals is varied. To ensure animal welfare, consideration is given to the common physical and psychological needs of horses and stress-related communication signals. At the same time, the focus on more obvious stress signals from the horse shows that there may still be a need to improve the recognition of more subtle behaviours.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Animal welfare is very important to equine-assisted professionals. More studies are needed to assess further animal welfare-relevant aspects in equine-assisted interventions and to investigate the implementation of animal welfare-related measures by professionals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 105656"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144682694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Arteritis, aneurysm and thromboembolic colic caused by migration of Strongylus vulgaris larvae in equids","authors":"E.P.F. Souto , V.W. Dantas , A.M. Oliveira , D.S. Garcia , V.L.R. Vilela , E.G. Miranta Neto , R.A. Mota , A.F.M. Dantas","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Strongylus vulgaris</em> remains a significant cause of disease in equids, especially in regions with insufficient deworming practices.</div></div><div><h3>Aims/Objectives</h3><div>To describe the epidemiological, clinical, pathological, and parasitological findings of vascular and extravascular lesions associated with <em>S. vulgaris</em> in equids.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective analysis was conducted on necropsy reports from equids examined at the Animal Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Campina Grande (2000–2024), targeting cases of vascular lesions associated with <em>S. vulgaris</em>. Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings were reviewed. Tissue samples were routinely processed for histopathology, and nematodes within vascular lesions were identified by light microscopy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 938 necropsied equids, 804 (85.7 %) were horses, 89 (9.4 %) donkeys, and 45 (4.7 %) mules. Cranial mesenteric artery (CMA) lesions were identified in 54 animals (5.7 %), comprising 45 horses, 6 donkeys, and 3 mules. Affected equids ranged from 3 months to 30 years of age, and included 29 females and 25 males. Most were mixed-breed (66.7 %), raised under a semi-intensive system (98.1 %), and from states in northeastern Brazil. Nearly all cases (98.1 %) were incidental necropsy findings, except for one fatal case of thromboembolic colic. Gross vascular lesions included segmental focal thickening (92.6 %) or aneurysms (7.4 %), often with intralesional nematodes. Histopathology revealed endarteritis, fibrinocellular thrombi, and intralesional <em>S. vulgaris</em> larvae, identified by parasitological evaluation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Verminous lesions by <em>S. vulgaris</em> should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vascular and extravascular abnormalities in equids. This study highlights the importance of examining the CMA during necropsies and laparotomies in equids from endemic regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 105650"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144618551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Murase , S. Wachi , R. Matsuyama , K. Makita , F. Sato
{"title":"Influence of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction on reproductive performance in Thoroughbred mares","authors":"H. Murase , S. Wachi , R. Matsuyama , K. Makita , F. Sato","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is an age-related disease considered to have a negative impact on fertility. To understand the true impact of PPID on fertility, the influence of age must be considered.</div></div><div><h3>Aims/objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the impact of PPID on fertility while accounting for the effect of aging.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 332 Thoroughbred mares aged 10–20 years and managed across 137 private farms in Hidaka, Hokkaido, Japan were classified as PPID, equivocal, or non-PPID based on plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration in 2019 and 2020. The prevalence of PPID and its associations with age and blood biochemistry parameters, including prolactin, were investigated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjustments for potentially confounders including mare’s age, PPID status were conducted to evaluate their impact on fertility.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prevalence of PPID was 9.04 %. No significant differences in prolactin concentrations were observed among PPID status groups. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for the interaction between age and PPID status was 0.49 (95 %CI; 0.26-0.91, <em>p</em> = 0.02), indicating a greater age-related decline in pregnancy rate in PPID mares compared to non-PPID mares. Of the 30 PPID mares, 24 were assigned to either treated or untreated groups, and monitored for pregnancy outcomes in the following spring. Pregnancy rates were 80 % (12/15) in treated mares and 44.4 % (4/9) in untreated mares (<em>p</em> = 0.10). The AOR for pregnancy in treated mares, relative to untreated mares, was 2.98 (95 %CI; 0.26-24.61, <em>p</em> = 0.31).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>PPID was suggested to negatively impact on fertility with aging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 105651"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144618569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}