{"title":"Urine sediment characterisation in physically healthy adult jennies (Equus asinus). A cross-sectional study","authors":"I.M. Țăpuc , A.N. Mureșan , M. Mircean , I. Papuc","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105761","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105761","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urinalysis is a valuable, non-invasive method for evaluating renal function, yet data on donkey urinary parameters remain scarce. This study characterised urinary sediment in fifty-four healthy adult jennies, established urine specific gravity (USG) reference intervals, and proposed a preliminary semi-quantitative sediment grading scale. Urine samples were collected via catheterisation and analysed using refractometry, dipstick testing, and microscopy. The median USG was 1.048 (IQR: 1.040–1.055) with a pH of 7.6 (IQR: 7.2–8.0). Leukocytes and glucose were absent; erythrocytes were found in one sample. Calcium carbonate crystals were present in all samples, followed by calcium oxalate monohydrate (74.07%), mucus filaments (66.67%), and epithelial cells (57.41%). Granular casts were observed in 27.77% and hyaline casts in 7.41% of samples.</div><div>Healthy jennies show USG values similar to horses. Urinary sediment had abundant calcium carbonate and notable calcium oxalate crystals. These findings establish baseline sediment profiles and support the future validation of a grading scale for sediment evaluation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"157 ","pages":"Article 105761"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145906171","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}
M. Vernaccini, L. de Marchi, F. Bindi, V. Meucci, G. Sala, D. Cingottini, M. Sgorbini
{"title":"Antibiotics prescribing patterns and association with system-specific pathologies in equine veterinary practice: Insights from a 12-year study at a veterinary teaching hospital","authors":"M. Vernaccini, L. de Marchi, F. Bindi, V. Meucci, G. Sala, D. Cingottini, M. Sgorbini","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105779","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105779","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Antibiotics are essential in veterinary medicine, enhancing animal health and welfare. However, widespread use contributes to resistance, increasing the risk of treatment failure and the transmission to humans.</div></div><div><h3>Aims/objectives</h3><div>Analyze antibiotic prescribing practices in an equine internal medicine unit, focusing on factors influencing use, particularly Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials (HPCIAs).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>1315 adult equids, including horses, donkeys and mules, presented for different diseases to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the University of Pisa from 2011 to 2023. Retrospective study focused on the prudent antibiotics use in equids. Medical records were reviewed, and data were extracted from the VTH management system, including antimicrobial class, patient characteristics, and body system/system-specific pathology.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Antibiotic use varied significantly across system-specific pathology (<em>p</em> < 0.001), with highest usage in integumentary, ocular, and respiratory conditions. Aminoglycosides were the most frequently administered class, followed by tetracyclines and fixed-dose combinations (preparations containing two or more antimicrobial active ingredients). Over time, antibiotic class usage shifted significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Ceftiofur and gentamicin were used in pneumonia and pleuropneumonia, oxytetracycline was mainly used for piroplasmosis, and tobramycin for corneal ulcers. Combination therapy, particularly gentamicin-ceftiofur, was most commonly used for respiratory infections.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Antibiotic prescribing patterns in equine practice are heterogeneous and directly linked to system-specific pathologies. The observed use of HPCIAs, coupled with the dominance of aminoglycosides and tetracyclines, highlights areas where prescribing practices could be optimized. These results suggest the relevance of developing and implementing targeted Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) strategies, focusing on evidence-based diagnostics and educational programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"157 ","pages":"Article 105779"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922759","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":"Addition of cholesterol linked to cyclodextrin in processing of cryopreserved equine spermatozoa and addition of motility stimulants post-thaw","authors":"V.M.T. Vilela , B.M. Zutter , L.L.O. Gomes , D.F. Silva , J.H.W. Diniz , Y.F.R. Sancler-Silva , F.S. Ignácio , F.O. Papa , G.A. Monteiro","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105760","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105760","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study investigated the effects of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) before cryopreservation and the use of FertTalp (FT) after thawing on the structural and functional quality of equine spermatozoa.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Two ejaculates from twelve stallions were divided into four groups: G1 (0 mg CLC), G2 (1.0 mg), G3 (1.5 mg), and G4 (2.0 mg). Post-thaw semen quality was evaluated through computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In Experiment I, supplementation with 1.5 mg (G3) significantly improved total motility (64.9 ± 10.1 %) and progressive motility (40.5 ± 8.8 %) compared with the control group (G1) (55.5 ± 15.7 % and 31.9 ± 10.8 %; P < 0.05). No differences were observed for mitochondrial potential or membrane lipid disorder. Cholesterol supplementation did not influence overall longevity during the thermoresistance test, although G3 maintained higher velocity parameters (VSL, VCL, VAP) at several time points compared with G2 (P < 0.05). In Experiment II, FT did not alter sperm kinetics during the first 40 min after thawing; however, at 80 and 120 min, FT-treated samples presented higher proportions of rapid spermatozoa, greater VSL and VAP, and increased linearity (P < 0.05). FT also increased the proportion of viable spermatozoa without intracellular H₂O₂, although the magnitude of this effect was small.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Supplementation with 1.5 mg of CLC before freezing improved initial post-thaw motility without affecting mitochondrial activity or membrane organization. Post-thaw FT enhanced velocity-related parameters and supported sperm functional longevity. The combined approach may represent a practical strategy to optimize the post-thaw performance of stallion semen.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"157 ","pages":"Article 105760"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145892514","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}
W.A. Khalil , M.I. Sharf , M.K. Derbala , M.A. Alfattah , M.A.E. Hassan , W. Alhujaili , M.A. El-Harairy , S.A. Abdelnour
{"title":"Myo-Inositol Nano-Emulsion for Enhancing Stallion Chilled Semen: Insights from In Vivo and In Silico Analyses of Sperm Quality, Oxidative Stress, Ultrastructure, Mitochondrial Response, and Semen Bacteriology","authors":"W.A. Khalil , M.I. Sharf , M.K. Derbala , M.A. Alfattah , M.A.E. Hassan , W. Alhujaili , M.A. El-Harairy , S.A. Abdelnour","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105766","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105766","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> Oxidative stress is a major contributor to male infertility. Therefore, fortifying assisted reproductive technology with nanotechnology could enhance sperm preservation.</div><div><strong><em>Aims/objectives:</em></strong> This study aimed to examine the impact of myo-inositol nano-emulsion (MINE) supplementation in semen extender on sperm quality, redox balance, semen bacteriology, apoptosis, ultrastructure, and acrosome status of chilled stallion semen.</div><div><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> Semen samples were collected and preserved with 0 (MINE0), 1 (MINE1), and 2 (MINE2) mg of MINE/mL of extender.</div><div><strong><em>Results:</em></strong> Results revealed that extender fortified with 1 or 2 mg of MINE significantly improved sperm progressive motility, viability, and membrane integrity after 72 hours of cooling (p < 0.05). All MINE levels significantly reduced the sperm abnormalities of chilled stallions’ semen (p < 0.01) and significantly improved the number of intact acrosomes (p < 0.05). Fortified chilled stallion semen with MINE significantly boosted antioxidant defenses (total antioxidant capacity and catalase), while significantly lowering oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide) (p < 0.05). MINE significantly reduced the populations of total bacteria, <em>coliform</em>, and spore-forming bacteria in the treated groups (p < 0.01). The molecular docking study showed that myo-inositol has a strong binding affinity to key mitochondrial proteins (GPX2, ALDH1A1, UQCRC2, VDAC2, and AKAP3), with calculated binding energies of -4.0, -3.62, -2.94, -2.72, and -2.31 kcal/mol indicating antioxidant defense mechanisms. The inclusion of MINE preserved the sperm ultrastructure, as evidenced by normal acrosome, mitochondria, nucleus, and plasma membrane integrity when observed using SEM.</div><div><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> MINE's potent antioxidants and anti-apoptotic properties effectively mitigate oxidative stress and boost mitochondrial function in stallion sperm cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"157 ","pages":"Article 105766"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145917802","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}
Kira C. Sayre , Patricia Flores-Ahlschwede , Alexandra B. Wethington , Susanne K. Kahn , Jocelyne M. Bray , Devynn M. Volding , Scott Ahlschwede , Angela I. Bordin , Noah D. Cohen , Thomas H. Welsh Jr.
{"title":"Serum cortisol concentrations in newborn foals are increased by transfusion with anti-rhodococcal hyperimmune plasma and inversely associated with immunoglobulin activity","authors":"Kira C. Sayre , Patricia Flores-Ahlschwede , Alexandra B. Wethington , Susanne K. Kahn , Jocelyne M. Bray , Devynn M. Volding , Scott Ahlschwede , Angela I. Bordin , Noah D. Cohen , Thomas H. Welsh Jr.","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105759","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105759","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Transfusion of <em>Rhodococcus equi</em> hyperimmune plasma (REHIP) to neonatal foals is done to reduce the incidence of rhodococcal pneumonia.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To determine effects in newborn foals of REHIP transfusion on serum cortisol concentrations; the association of serum cortisol concentrations with serum globulin concentration and anti-rhodococcal immunoglobulin activity; and cumulative incidence of rhodococcal pneumonia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Serum samples were collected from 356 newborn foals from 13 New York farms immediately before and after transfusion of 1 L or 2 L of REHIP. Serum samples were assayed for concentrations of cortisol, total globulins and immunoglobulin activities against virulence associated protein A (VapA). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression, chi-squared testing, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>REHIP transfusion increased (P < 0.05) cortisol concentration from a mean of 21.9 ng/mL to 44.1 ng/mL. Post-transfusion serum cortisol concentration was less (P < 0.05) for foals transfused with 1 L REHIP than with 2 L REHIP. Pre-transfusion serum cortisol was negatively associated (P < 0.05) with total globulins (r = −0.19) and anti-rhodococcal activities of immunoglobulin G<sub>1</sub> (IgG<sub>1;</sub> r = −0.22) and immunoglobulin G<sub>4/7</sub> (IgG<sub>4/7</sub>; r = −0.16). Pre- and post-transfusion cortisol concentrations were not associated with pneumonia development.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Cortisol concentrations are significantly increased by REHIP transfusion, and serum cortisol concentrations are inversely associated with serum immunoglobulin concentrations in foals. However, serum cortisol concentration was not associated with increased risk of rhodococcal pneumonia in this population of foals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"157 ","pages":"Article 105759"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145888890","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":"Weekly riding frequency has a greater impact than rider skill level on western riders' identification of stirrup asymmetry","authors":"Emily N Jolley, Ariel H Higgins, Alyssa A Logan","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Asymmetry of stirrups and rider experience level has shown to impact rider symmetry and position.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aims to determine if novice and advanced riders can detect stirrup asymmetry in the same frequency, hypothesizing that advanced riders would detect asymmetry in a greater frequency.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ten stock-type horses and 10 (5 advanced, 5 novice) riders, paired together to test random stirrup treatments. Riders were assigned to a horse for 2 rides, one with asymmetric stirrups, the other with symmetric stirrups, but blinded to their treatments. At the end of both rides, they took a survey and answered questions about the ride and symmetry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Correct stirrup identification was found in 60 % of advanced and 50 % of novice riders (<em>P</em> = 0.10). Advanced riders were found to ride a greater hours per week than novice (<em>P</em> = 0.033).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Weekly riding frequency may impact asymmetry identification, not just experience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"157 ","pages":"Article 105758"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145900270","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}
AI Gmel , EH Haraldsdóttir , TV Rosa , LP Lamas , M Neuditschko , MA Weishaupt
{"title":"Upwards or onwards? Assessment of objective gait quality parameters in three European horse breeds at walk and trot","authors":"AI Gmel , EH Haraldsdóttir , TV Rosa , LP Lamas , M Neuditschko , MA Weishaupt","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105764","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105764","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Europe has many horse breeds differing in conformation, gaits and genetics due to diverging breeding goals. Research studies comparing objective gait parameters between different horse breeds are limited and date back a decade.</div></div><div><h3>Aim and methods</h3><div>In this study, objective gait parameters were measured in three European breeds, namely Lusitanos (LUS; <em>n</em> = 52), Franches-Montagnes (FM; <em>n</em> = 311) and Swiss Warmblood (WB; <em>n</em> = 40) using an inertial measurement system (sensors at poll, withers, pelvis and all four canon bones) at walk and trot.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At walk and trot, LUS moved significantly slower than WB and FM (mean -0.65 m/s at walk, mean -1.35 m/s at trot), while FM had the highest stride frequencies and WB made longer strides at lower frequency. Furthermore, FM and WB also had significantly larger hind limb protraction angles than LUS. Warmblood horses had significantly larger front limb protraction angles at walk than FM and LUS, but not at trot. At trot, FM had significantly longer suspension durations but smaller vertical range of motion measured by the withers’ sensor, suggesting a more horizontal, efficient way of moving, compared to the more aerial and dressage movements of LUS and WB. Each breed has evolved gait patterns to the demands of their most prominent equestrian sport (e.g. collected vertical movements for LUS, horizontal pulling of carriages for FM, vertical elasticity and ground coverage for show jumping and dressage for WB).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The assessment of objective gait parameters revealed clear breed-specific differences, thereby advancing the exploration of the genetic architecture of movement patterns in horses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"157 ","pages":"Article 105764"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145888970","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":"Femoral nerve neuropathy of an endurance horse as a sequela of iliopsoas muscle myopathy diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography","authors":"M. Puccetti , F. Beccati , N. Pilati","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105757","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105757","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Femoral nerve neuropathy causes lameness, a condition clinically characterized by stifle's lack of extension with subsequent diminished lower limb function. This case report describes the ultrasonographic diagnosis of femoral neuropathy secondary to compression caused by myopathy of the iliopsoas muscle of an endurance horse during a competition. Transrectal ultrasonography played a pivotal role in diagnosis of the injury by assessment of the involved structures and monitoring of the healing process throughout the recovery period. The horse achieved complete recovery and successfully returned to competition one year post-injury. Transrectal ultrasonography is recommended to evaluate involvement of the femoral nerve in cases with clinical signs suggesting nerve dysfunction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"157 ","pages":"Article 105757"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882968","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":"A pilot study to investigate the effect of insemination on secretory cell activity post-ovulation in the isthmus of the equine oviduct","authors":"C.J.P. Jones , J.D. Aplin , S. Wilsher","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105765","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105765","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is little information on non-ciliated secretory cell numbers in the equine oviduct isthmus over the course of the estrous cycle and the effect, if any, of insemination. Lectin histochemistry was used on a series of 13 oviducts taken at different stages of the estrous cycle, with and without insemination, to monitor glycosylation changes and the distribution of secretory cells characterised by a prominent cytoplasmic accumulation of glycoconjugates. There appeared to be an increase in secretory cells expressing a wide range of glycans in all specimens at estrus. One day after ovulation, observation suggested a marked decrease in binding of most of the lectins except in inseminated specimens in which a subset of specific intracellular sugar structures (containing terminal fucose and/or certain N-glycans) seemed to be preserved at a level similar to that seen during estrus. At diestrus, there was an apparent further reduction in the number of lectin-positive secretory cells. Spermatozoa in the oviduct can produce changes in the oviductal transcriptome in mice, as well as altering the extracellular vesicle cargo released from oviductal epithelial cells. Hence, it is possible that the upregulation and maintenance of fucosylated, N-linked glycans in the inseminated specimens may reflect a continuing need for glycoprotein secretion into oviductal fluid in the horse. These preliminary data suggest that changes in the fluid may play a role in maintaining the sperm reservoir, the events leading to capacitation and possibly early embryo development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"157 ","pages":"Article 105765"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145906084","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}