Equine health and quality of life research project

Horse owners and caretakers are being invited to participate in a new research project designed
to improve equine health and wellbeing. The project focuses on developing a questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life (HRQL) in horses.

 

Zoetis, in collaboration with VetMetrica, is leading this initiative. The work builds on many years of pain research carried out at the University of Glasgow, where similar HRQL instruments have already been successfully developed for dogs and cats. These tools are now licensed for use by veterinary surgeons in clinical practice and trials, enabling them to monitor how animals are feeling and assess the effects of health conditions on quality of life. Following the success of these tools for dogs and cats, the same approach is now being extended to horses.

 

The researchers explain that their primary focus is on chronic conditions, such as arthritis or chronic laminitis, which are long-term health problems that may persist continuously or flare up periodically. This differs from acute conditions, such as colic or injury, which tend to arise suddenly but are usually short-lived. By concentrating on chronic conditions, the study aims to capture the ongoing impact of these issues on horses’ daily lives and wellbeing.

 

As part of the project, the research team has compiled a list of words and phrases commonly used to describe horses when they are well or unwell. Horse owners are now being asked to complete a survey to help evaluate the clarity and relevance of these terms. Their input will contribute directly to the development of a practical and effective tool for monitoring equine quality of life.

 

“The survey results will support the development and validity of our new measurement tool”, said Prof Jacky Reid, “especially when used in horses living with chronic conditions like arthritis or laminitis where their quality of life is significantly compromised.”

 

All responses are anonymous and used solely for research. 

For more details, see:

https://zoetis.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5mq13ASuyVTAqLc?Q_CHL=qr

 

For further information contact Dr Cory Noble at cory.noble@zoetis.com

UF researchers seeking Central Florida horses for arthritis pain study

(c) Virgonira Dreamstime.com

 Do you own a horse with osteoarthritis, especially in the fetlock joint? Researchers at the
University of Florida are inviting horse owners to take part in a new study that could lead to better ways of identifying and managing joint pain — both in horses and in humans.

This research effort is a collaboration between UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, the UF College of Dentistry, and the UF Department of Biomedical Engineering. Their goal is to improve how veterinarians detect joint pain in horses before it becomes visibly severe — giving your horse a better shot at long-term joint health and comfort.

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of lameness and discomfort in horses. Like humans, horses develop arthritis from repetitive stress on the joints — often due to performance activities like racing, jumping, or even frequent trail work. While joint pain in horses is common, it's often not diagnosed until the horse shows clear signs of discomfort. By that point, valuable joint function may already be lost.

Dr. Samantha Brooks, associate professor of equine physiology and genetics at UF/IFAS, says this new study uses a non-invasive screening process designed to catch signs of pain earlier and more objectively than traditional evaluations.

“We tend to treat symptomatically when horses show obvious clinical signs of pain, but if we can detect subtle joint pain sooner, we might be able to start pain treatments in time to better preserve joint function, and tailor that treatment for each horse,” Brooks said. “And our horses undergo a lot of the same joint diseases that we have. Any tools that we can build to better understand the discomfort caused by arthritis in horses gives us a better understanding of arthritis pain in people.”

Because horses can’t tell us when or where it hurts, the UF team is aiming to build a more accurate way to assess pain — something that could ultimately improve not only equine care but also the way doctors understand arthritis pain in humans.

For this field study, UF is recruiting horses already diagnosed with osteoarthritis — ideally in the fetlock joint — who live in Central Florida. Horses enrolled in the study will receive a free initial screening, which includes:

• A basic lameness exam (e.g., walk/trot in a straight line)

• Radiographs (X-rays) of the fetlocks

• A simple blood draw

After the initial evaluation, the research team will make follow-up visits a few times a year over a two-year period. These visits are designed to observe the horses in their usual environment — there’s no change expected in your horse’s routine. Researchers will track movement patterns and behaviors using new, non-invasive technologies to better understand the signs of discomfort.

Kaylee Young, research coordinator in UF’s Animal Sciences department, emphasized how important horse owners are to this work.

“Participating in this study could lead to better pain management and care for not only our horse companions but for people,” she said. “This research could be something that could be life changing not only for horses but for humans.”

Interested in participating?
If your horse meets the criteria and you’d like to be part of this important study, email uf-gallop@ufl.edu with the subject line “Study Participation.” Be sure to include your location and a few details about your horse’s health, including whether they’ve been diagnosed with fetlock osteoarthritis.

Correlation between mild changes on back radiographs and performance

(c) Sergii Kumer Dreamstime.com

 Mild radiographic abnormalities of the thoracolumbar spinous processes do not necessarily impair performance in warmblood jumping horses.

Back pain is a well-recognised contributor to reduced performance in sport horses. However, the precise relationship between clinical signs of back discomfort and radiographic abnormalities of the spine remains poorly defined.

A recent descriptive observational study, published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, aimed to characterise radiographic findings of the thoracolumbar spinous processes in actively competing Warmblood show jumpers and to assess any associations with performance outcomes.

The study evaluated 100 Warmblood jumping horses, all competing in 2018, with a median fence height of 1.35 m (mean 1.3 m; range 0.90–1.60 m). All horses included were free from observable lameness and neurological deficits. Lateral radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine were obtained and assessed by four independent observers, who graded each image for the presence and severity (absent, mild, moderate-to-severe) of four specific abnormalities: narrowed interspinous spaces, sclerosis, lucency, and enthesopathy.

Inter-observer agreement was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), revealing moderate to good consistency across observers.

In addition to radiographic evaluation, signalment, years of competition, current level of performance, and highest career performance level were recorded for each horse. These variables were then analysed for correlation with radiographic findings.

Strikingly, no horse in the study population was entirely free from radiographic abnormalities, highlighting the high prevalence of such changes among active sport horses. Narrowed interspinous spaces and sclerosis were the most commonly observed findings, predominantly located between thoracic vertebrae T15 and lumbar vertebra L1. Enthesopathy was most frequently identified at the withers, specifically between T8 and T13.

Despite the high prevalence of abnormalities, the research team found no significant correlations between radiographic changes and the horse's age, current performance level, or total years of competition (p > 0.05). Interestingly, the highest career performance level showed a weak but statistically significant positive correlation with the presence of narrowed interspinous spaces and sclerosis. These findings suggest that some radiographic abnormalities may not only be tolerated by high-performing horses but could also reflect adaptive or age-related changes without clinical relevance.

In conclusion, mild radiographic changes of the thoracolumbar spinous processes—particularly narrowing of interspinous spaces and sclerosis—were commonly observed in this cohort of active Warmblood jumpers. Importantly, these findings were not associated with impaired performance, indicating that such abnormalities, when mild and absent of clinical signs, may not adversely impact athletic function.

 

For more details, see:

 

M.P. Kerbert, S.S. le Jeune, K.L. Philips, K.L. Shaw, C.A. Erickson, P. Espinosa-Mur,

Mild radiographic abnormalities of thoracolumbar spinous processes are not associated with decreased performance in 100 Warmblood jumping horses in active competition,

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science,(2025)

Vol 147, 105366,           

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105366

Ultrasound appearance of patellar ligaments

(c) Sergeii Kumer Dreamstime.com

 A new report highlights that ultrasonography should not be solely relied upon to diagnose patellar ligament damage as a cause of lameness in horses.

Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for evaluating soft tissue injuries, but accurate interpretation requires an understanding of normal tissue appearance. Changes in tissue structure may be mistaken for disease when they are, in fact, normal variations.

Since tendons and ligaments do not appear well on X-rays, ultrasound is a preferred method for diagnosing soft tissue injuries in horses’ legs. Ultrasonography works by using high-frequency sound waves, which are emitted from a handheld transducer. These waves bounce off different tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, and return to the device to generate a live image on the screen.

When fluid accumulates between tissue fibres, it can disrupt the normal tissue structure. Because fluid does not reflect ultrasound waves, it appears dark on the screen, while tissue fibres, which reflect sound waves, appear as white spots or lines. Fatty tissue has a different ultrasound appearance compared to fibrous tendon and ligament tissue.

Ultrasonography is increasingly used to investigate potential patellar ligament damage in horses. However, researchers question how much variation in ligament appearance is normal.

A team from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, led by Ellen Law and colleagues from the Diagnostic Imaging Clinic and the Department of Animal Biosciences, conducted a study to examine the ultrasonographic appearance of patellar ligaments (PLs) and the patellar fat pad in healthy horses.

The prospective observational study included 116 horses in training—Cavalry horses, Warmbloods, and Standardbred Trotters. To be eligible, the horses had to be in training with no reported lameness or performance issues according to their riders or trainers.

Researchers used B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasound to examine the PLs and infrapatellar fat pad in both hind limbs. They also conducted objective gait analyses on all 116 horses.

Findings showed that hypoechoic (darker) regions in the intermediate patellar ligament were common (24/116), particularly in the caudal aspect of the mid-third of the ligament. The infrapatellar fat pad typically had a hypoechoic striated appearance, except in one horse, where it was hyperechoic.

There was no association between ultrasonographic findings in the PLs and infrapatellar fat pad and lameness. 

The researchers emphasised that patellar ligament appearance varies among horses, and these variations may or may not be linked to pain. They stressed the importance of using local analgesia to accurately determine the source of lameness before making a diagnosis.

 

 

For more details, see: 

 

Ellen Law , Linda Wright , Margareta Uhlhorn , Elin Hernlund , Carolina Nilemo , Marie Rhodin 

Hypoechoic ultrasonographic findings in the patellar ligaments are common in riding and trotting horses in training (116 cases)

Vet Radiol Ultrasound (2025) 66(1):e13446

 https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.13446

Study into early detection of injury risk

Racing Australia’s Research and Development Fund, in collaboration with the Equine Genetics
Research Centre (EGRC) and Telemedvet, has announced a joint investment exceeding $400,000 for a 12-month project aimed at studying a serum biomarker in the clinical investigation of equine musculoskeletal injuries. This initiative has the potential to develop real-time capabilities that could help prevent injuries to both horses and jockeys.

The project focuses on evaluating the serum bone biomarker Osteocalcin (OC) as a potential predictor of equine lameness and fractures. Dr. Natasha Hamilton, a leading global equine geneticist and Director of the EGRC, highlights the significance of this research:

“Pilot studies have shown a correlation between OC level and abnormal radiomic scintigram findings that can indicate a horse is at elevated risk of catastrophic fracture. This study will investigate whether OC is an effective biomarker to identify at risk horses in a broader population. We are very excited to be able to support this work.”

The research is led by Prof. Dominique Blache from the University of Western Australia’s School of Agriculture and Environment, alongside a team of co-investigators headed by Dr. Peter Tually, Co-director and Nuclear Medicine Practitioner at Telemedvet. Dr. Tually envisions integrating advanced nuclear technology into Thoroughbred welfare practices:

“Our passion for horse racing and a lifelong dedication to science and advanced imaging has given us a unique perspective. The support of trainers has been essential and has shown us the enthusiasm the industry has for modern advancements. To be supported by the regulators in this important research is something we are immensely proud of.”

The Racing Australia Research and Development Fund is supported by industry contributions, with $20 from every Thoroughbred registration allocated to its investment initiatives. All research projects undergo rigorous assessment in alignment with Racing Australia’s commitment to horse welfare. Racing Australia CEO Paul Eriksson reinforces this dedication:

“Racing Australia has a national role and firm commitment to advance research and development to enhance and support positive welfare outcomes for athletes both human and horse. The Racing Australia Research and Development Fund and the EGRC led by Dr Natasha Hamilton is excited to invest in research that takes steps in assessing the risk of fractures to mitigate injuries and support trainers in managing the training schedules of their equine athletes.”

(edited press release)

Managing thin soles in performance horses

(c) Matz et al 2024

 Thin soles and poor palmar angles are common issues in performance horses, significantly impacting their comfort, movement, and hoof health. Horses with thin soles are more prone to lameness due to increased sensitivity, pain, bruising, and a higher risk of developing solar abscesses.

Managing thin soles can be challenging for farriers and hoof care professionals. Many owners turn to protective footwear, while supplements rich in biotin, methionine, and zinc are often used to promote hoof growth. 

One potential therapy gaining attention is Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency (PEMF) therapy. Widely used in equine therapy, PEMF promotes healing, reduces pain, and supports overall health and performance. Could it also play a role in managing thin soles?

 

A recent pilot study led by Madelyn Matz, published in the Journal of Equine Rehabilitation, explored the effect of PEMF therapy on hoof parameters in ten adult horses of various breeds. The horses were divided into a PEMF group (n=6) and a control group (n=4).

 

All horses underwent standard hoof trimming the day before the study began, with no further farriery work during the trial. Radiographs were taken before treatment and again 30 days later, measuring sole depth and palmar angles (see figure).

 

The PEMF group received treatment at a frequency of 22 Hz for ten minutes per session, applied to both hooves three times a week (on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) over a 30-day period, while the control group received no intervention.

 

The study found no significant differences between the PEMF and control groups in terms of sole depth under the apex of the proximal phalanx or palmar angles. However, there was a trend towards increased sole depth beneath the distal processes of the right hoof in the PEMF-treated horses.

 

While this pilot study showed no significant improvement overall, the trend towards increased sole depth suggests that PEMF therapy may offer some benefit. 

 

The researchers concluded that further investigation is warranted, as PEMF therapy could become a non-invasive option for managing thin soles in horses.

 

 

For more details, see:

 

M.M. Matz, D.L. Alexander, J. Moore, C.E. Fedorka,

Evaluating the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on sole depth of the equine hoof: A pilot study,

Journal of Equine Rehabilitation, (2024) Vol 2,100010,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eqre.2024.100010

Research into possible markers of joint health

(c) Virgonira Dreamstime.com

 Recent research suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) present in blood and synovial fluid may one day serve as
valuable biomarkers for evaluating joint health.  

Osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent among horses, particularly in athletic and older individuals, characterised by the gradual deterioration of synovial cartilage, underlying bone, and the synovial membrane of joints. Inflammation significantly contributes to OA's pathogenesis.

 

MiRNAs are implicated in the onset and progression of various diseases, including OA. They participate in regulating processes such as inflammation, cartilage degradation, chondrocyte apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. By targeting genes involved in cytokine production, such as interleukins (ILs) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), miRNAs modulate inflammatory responses.

 

Chondrocytes, the primary cells in cartilage tissue, play a pivotal role in maintaining cartilage homeostasis. Dysregulation of miRNAs can disrupt chondrocyte function and induce apoptosis, thereby contributing to cartilage degradation in OA.

 

Joshua Antunes and his colleagues at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada, undertook a study comparing miRNA levels in healthy and diseased joints, with their findings published in PLoS One.

 

In this small-scale investigation, they examined synovial fluid and blood samples from five horses with osteoarthritis (OA), five with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and four control horses. Samples were obtained from client-owned horses undergoing joint arthroscopy for OA or OCD, while control samples came from the Arkell Equine Research Facility's herd at the University.

 

Analysis revealed 57 miRNAs with differential expression in OA versus control plasma, 45 in OCD versus control plasma, and 21 in OA versus OCD plasma. Notably, they observed higher expression of miR-140-5p in OA synovial fluid, suggesting its potential as an early protective marker against OA progression.

 

The researchers emphasize the need for larger study cohorts to validate miRNAs as joint health biomarkers before reaching definitive conclusions. 

 

They also highlight the possibility of exploring miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in OA, potentially leading to innovative miRNA-based diagnostic tools and therapies for this debilitating condition. Additionally, they propose further investigation into the therapeutic applications of these miRNAs for both OA treatment and prevention.

 

 

For more details, see:

 

microRNAs are differentially expressed in equine plasma of horses with osteoarthritis and osteochondritis dissecans versus control horses

Joshua Antunes, Ramés Salcedo-Jiménez, Starlee Lively, Pratibha Potla, Nathalie Coté, Marie-Soleil Dubois, Judith Koenig, Mohit Kapoor, Jonathan LaMarre, Thomas Gadegaard Koch

PLOS ONE

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297303

Collagen link to Thoroughbred fracture risk

 

Recent research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) sheds light on the genetic factors contributing to bone fractures in Thoroughbred horses. The study reveals that horses with diminished levels of collagen type III have a higher risk of fractures.

Previously, the underlying genetic mechanisms behind these fractures had remained elusive. However, these new findings have enabled the RVC to identify a novel DNA variant associated with fractures, impacting the expression of collagen type III.

 

Bone fractures are common in Thoroughbred racehorses, due to the forces the bones can experience, and are a leading cause of euthanasia. Approximately 60 horses each year are euthanised on UK racecourses as a result. However, fracture is a complex condition, with both environmental and genetic risk factors affecting a horse’s susceptibility.

Led by Dr. Debbie Guest, Senior Research Fellow at RVC, the team developed a polygenic risk score to gauge disease susceptibility based on various genes. They were then able to use this information to select cells from horses whose risk placed them at the extreme ends of the population with either very low or very high risk. These cells were then used in laboratory studies to establish a cell model and investigate the genetic factors involved in fracture risk.

 

The research team’s findings indicate that bone cells from horses predisposed to fractures express collagen type III at reduced levels due to alterations in their DNA sequence in the region which controls how much collagen III is produced. 

This discovery provides a crucial step forward in identifying genetically high-risk horses. By understanding the genetic causes of fractures,, this research can help identify, diagnose, and manage high-risk horses, improving the health and welfare of Thoroughbreds in the racing industry.

 

Ongoing research aims to validate the risk-scoring system across different horse populations and further explore genetic factors using the established cell model.

 

For more details, see:

 

Palomino Lago, E.; Baird, A.; Blott, S.C.; McPhail, R.E.; Ross, A.C.; Durward-Akhurst, S.A.; Guest, D.J. 

A Functional Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Upstream of the Collagen Type III Gene Is Associated with Catastrophic Fracture Risk in Thoroughbred Horses. 

Animals 2024, 14, 116. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010116 

Lameness main cause of vetting “failures”

(c) Henktennapel Dreamstime.com

Research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found that lameness ranks as the most common adverse
finding in pre-purchase examinations (PPEs) conducted on horses in the UK.

The aim of the prepurchase examination is to carry out a thorough clinical examination of the horse on behalf of the potential purchaser to identify any cliiinical issues that might make the horse unsuitable for its intended purpose, whether that be elite competitions, breeding, or leisure riding.

 

In the United Kingdom, PPEs generally consist of either a two stage (two stage vetting [2SV], i.e., general physical examination at rest and basic trot in-hand) or a five stage-examination (five stage vetting [5SV], i.e., general physical exam at rest and after exercise, lameness evaluation including strenuous exercise with re-evaluation after a period of recovery).

 

In the United Kingdom, The standard PPE consists of five stages, (five stage vetting [5SV],ie general physical examination at rest; walk and trot in hand;  strenuous exercise; rest and a second trot up)

 

Sometimes it may not be possible to complete all five stages or the purchaser may request a limited examination, in which case the examination can be limited to the first two stages (two stage vetting, 2SV).

 

PPEs yield recommendations based on the veterinary surgeon's assessment at the time of examination. As such, PPEs are largely subjective and often the subject of impassioned debate.

Despite their widespread use in equine practice, PPEs have been the subject of limited research.

 

The research team from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), comprising Dr. David Bolt, Senior Lecturer in Equine Surgery; Dr. Jason Tupper, Head of the RVC Equine Practice; and Annabel Shelton, a graduate of RVC's BVetMed program in 2023, scrutinised 133 PPE certificates belonging to a mixed, non-racing horse population sourced from three primary equine practices. 

 

The analysis encompassed an evaluation of the examination format (e.g., 2SV or 5SV), use of diagnostic imaging modalities (e.g., radiographs), purchase price, animal characteristics, intended use of the horse, PPE outcomes, and any prejudicial findings uncovered during the examination.

They found that a 5SV was performed on 68.5% of horses compared to 34.1% which underwent a 2SV.

 

Of the 133 horses examined, 57.1% had prejudicial findings, the most common of which was lameness. Other prejudicial findings included diagnostic imaging findings (14.5%); respiratory system findings (6.6%); skin conditions (5.3%); and cardiac abnormalities (3.9%).

 

Unsurprisingly, horses with a higher purchase price were more likely to undergo the full 5SV, and undergo pre-purchase radiography. They were also more likely to have prejudicial findings identified.

 

Dr Tupper said: “A pre-purchase examination can discover a number of issues before buying a horse. This study reveals lameness to be the commonest issue. Few horses are perfect when it comes to temperament and health. The vetting process determines the issues and the vet can then help the purchaser weigh up their significance and decide if they can compromise and accept the issues or not. Further studies can now focus on the cost/benefit of radiology as part of the vetting procedure and the potential use of gait analysis.”

 

The researchers hope that their work will stimulate future investigations into the merits of 5-stage (5SV) and 2-stage (2SV) PPE formats, as well as the diagnostic techniques employed. This will, in turn, help to better inform prospective horse buyers when considering their purchase.

 

For more details, see:

 

Prejudicial findings regarding suitability for intended purpose during pre-purchase examinations in a mixed horse population—A retrospective observational study in the United Kingdom. 

Shelton AV, Tupper J, Bolt DM. 

Equine Vet J. 2024.

https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14061

Assessing the effects of chiropractic manipulation

 Chiropractic care in horses involves the application of manual manipulations, adjustments, and therapies to address musculoskeletal issues and promote overall well-being.

It is believed to offer several potential benefits, including improved range of motion, reduced pain, enhanced performance, and a positive impact on the horse’s overall well-being. 

 

While anecdotal evidence suggests positive outcomes, scientific research on the efficacy of chiropractic care in horses is limited. Some studies have shown potential benefits, but more research is needed to establish its effectiveness conclusively.

 

A study by Olivia Lorello and colleagues investigated the effect of chiropractic manipulation on stride characteristics and heart rate, and on rider-perceived quality of ridden work.

 

Thirty-eight hunter-jumper (show jumper) horses were recruited for a blinded randomised controlled trial. All horses participating in the study had no reported performance or medical issues.

 

Exercise tests were conducted the day before and two days after either chiropractic treatment or a sham procedure. Each horse was ridden by its regular rider in their typical riding setting. Riders were unaware of the treatment administered to their horse.

 

During the tests, horses wore fitness trackers and parameters such as stride length, rate, and symmetry, as well as heart rate were monitored. Each horse-rider combination underwent the test protocol four times.

 

Complete sets of before and after data were available for analysis from 27 horses.

 

More riders reported an improvement in the quality of the ridden work after chiropractic treatment than after sham treatment.

 

However, the research team found no difference in measurements of stride length, stride rate, stride symmetry, or heart rate between the two treatment groups.

 

They suggest that the quantitative variables chosen may not have enough sensitivity in a group of sound horses that were in routine ridden work when entering the study.

 

Additionally, differences in terrain, weather conditions, and rider characteristics among horses may make small changes difficult to identify. 

 

They suggest more sophisticated and in-depth motion measurements may be valuable for this purpose.

 

 

For more details, see:

 

Chiropractic effects on stride parameters and heart rate during exercise in sport horses

Lorello, Olivia; Rule, Emily; Haughan, Joanne; Wang, Kai; Niu, Mutian; Brown, Kara; Navas de Solis, Cristobal

Equine Veterinary Journal (2024)

https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14043

Free tendon research articles from the EVJ

  

Horse with acute injury to left fore
superficial digital flexor tendon.
(Roger Smith) 

Horses are unfortunately prone to tendon and ligament injuries in the lower limb, and finding a universal treatment remains elusive. Nevertheless, significant scientific progress has been made in this area.

 

In the new virtual issue of the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ), guest editor Roger Smith has chosen 13 articles on the subject. 

 

There have been major advances in tendon and ligament disease research during the past 30 years. The 13 papers published in this new EVJ collection have been selected from the past five years to show progress in three key areas: pathophysiology – understanding why injuries occur and how they heal; progress in regenerative medicine; uncommon tendon and ligament injuries.

 

Tendon and ligament disease of the distal limb and the factors affecting treatment are complex, with variation in the severity of injury and variability in outcome between similarly affected horses. Understanding of the pathogenesis and improved diagnostic and predictive tools should enable the development of more effective treatments in the future.

 

• Microdamage in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon provides a review of what is currently known about tendon pathophysiology as well as the effect of ageing and the response to injury.
• Modelling the effect of race surface and racehorse limb parameters on in silico fetlock motion and propensity for injury provides further evidence of how mechanical loading can adversely influence the palmar tendons and ligaments.
• Ultrasound tissue characterisation of the superficial digital flexor tendons in juvenile Thoroughbred racehorses during early race training suggests that there are short-term changes with the onset of training, although it is not possible to know, at this stage, whether these changes have any relationship to the risk of injury.
• The use of sonoelastography to assess the recovery of stiffness after equine superficial digital flexor tendon injuries: A preliminary prospective longitudinal study of the healing process. This study potentially presents another way to monitor tendon healing and predict outcomes.
• Ultrasonographic-based predictive factors influencing successful return to racing after superficial digital flexor tendon injuries in flat racehorses: A retrospective cohort study in 469 Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong: This work confirms that lesion size was predictive of outcome.
• Effect of circadian rhythm, age, training and acute lameness on serum concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) neo-epitope in horses. This study provides important information to establish a clinically useful blood assay for tendon and ligament injury in the future.
• Retrospective analysis of local injection site adverse reactions associated with 230 allogenic administrations of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in 164 horses. This work reports the highest frequency of reactions for synovial cavities and the injection of collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint.
• Ultrasound-guided injection of the cranial tibial artery for stem cell administration in horses reports an alternative delivery of stem cells via the cranial tibial artery to hindlimb structures where intralesional treatment is not possible.
• Extracellular vesicles from equine mesenchymal stem cells decrease inflammation markers in chondrocytes in vitro investigates how MSCs potentially act.
• Retrospective analysis of oblique and straight distal sesamoidean ligament desmitis in 52 horses includes a technique for optimising ultrasonography for imaging oblique DSL injuries.
• Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological evaluation of equine oblique sesamoidean ligaments raises the question of whether many of these ligament injuries are being missed in practice.
• Magnetic resonance imaging following regional limb perfusion of gadolinium contrast medium in 26 horses considers how this method may enhance the identification of pathology within the foot.
• Chondrosesamoidean ligament enthesopathy: Prevalence and findings in a population of lame horses imaged with positron emission tomography. This study looks at how this new diagnostic technique may identify a new soft tissue injury within the foot.

 

“The field of tendon research is generating a healthy amount of quality research to counter the commonly held belief that there is nothing better than a double helping of God and time,” said Roger Smith. “Bit by bit we are moving closer to the holy grail of ideally preventing, or successfully treating, these injuries.”

 

“This collection provides an essential educational insight into the significant progress that has been made in tendon and ligament disease research over the past five years,” said Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the EVJ. “By giving veterinary practitioners the opportunity to understand the science and the variables behind why a specific treatment may work is a fundamental step towards the ultimate goal of reliable treatment success.” 

 

The virtual issue can be found at 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1001/(ISSN)2042-3306.tendoninjury 

and will be free to view until 27 February 2024.

Prospects for osteo-arthritis treatment

(c) Goce Risteski Dreamstime.com

Researchers have unveiled a treatment that appears to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis (OA)
for the first time. 

A clinical study conducted jointly by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Gothenburg has yielded remarkable results. Horses afflicted with OA, treated with a novel drug combination, not only achieved freedom from lameness but also experienced a simultaneous inhibition of joint tissue degradation. 

 

Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative disease involving the whole joint, arises from the deterioration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone structure. This condition is the primary cause of joint pain and lameness in horses. Racehorses often become lame early in their careers, and every year many horses retire due to the disease.

 

The new potential treatment for OA is a result of a long-term collaboration between researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Gothenburg, resulting in a series of basic science publications. Through extensive cell culture studies, the researchers had been able to evaluate and present a drug combination consisting of a local anaesthetic drug and an anti-inflammatory drug (sildenafil), in extremely low concentrations, When coupled with glucose, this combination demonstrated the capacity to rejuvenate and repair damaged cartilage cells, known as chondrocytes, extracted from horses affected with OA.

 

“We have successfully demonstrated the drugs’ potential in receding inflammation and in restoring derailed chondrocytes from OA horses. Such restored cartilage cells began to produce more matrix molecules, which are important building blocks of cartilage tissue. This further strengthens the drug combinations’ potential to cure osteoarthritis," says Elisabeth Hansson, professor at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, who is one of the research leaders in the collaboration.

 

The research team has developed assays to screen horses’ synovial fluid from the joints and diagnose OA much earlier, i.e. even before the clinical indications of OA. They have found two biomarkers that are elevated in both synovial fluid and blood, in horses with OA. 

 

These biomarkers, (BGN262 , which reflects subchondral bone degradation, and COMP156 which  is associated with articular cartilage degradation in equine early OA) have been crucial in the development of the new drug treatment.

 

The current clinical study, published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, uses these assay methods both to diagnose the disease and to measure the efficacy of the new drug treatment.

 

"With the aid of these biomarkers, we can now diagnose the disease in an early stage (which was not possible previously), measure the efficacy of the drug and also screen for the drugs’ side effects," says Eva Skiöldebrand, professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

 

In this study, the new drug combination was tested in a randomised triple-blinded controlled clinical trial. The study was conducted at Hallands Djursjukhus (Kungsbacka Hästklinik). Principal investigator, Kristin Abrahamsson-Aurell was responsible for the study with veterinarian Cecilia Grahn as the treating veterinarian. 

 

Twenty lame trotters with mild radiological changes in the carpal joint were included in the study. The horses were randomised into groups for treatment with the novel drug combination or with a standard treatment (betamethasone  - Celeston® bifas®). The horses were followed up for 60 days after treatment.

 

“The horses treated with the new drug combination became free from lameness. The drug treatment efficiently lowered the analysed biomarkers’ levels in the synovial fluid when compared to the horses that received the control substance. The drug intervention did not cause any side effects in this study. Moreover, several of the treated horses remained sound during the follow up period, which gives great hope for the future of the drug as a disease-modifying agent. This will have a tremendous positive impact on horse welfare,” says Eva Skiöldebrand

 

In Sweden, OA is also the most common joint disease in humans, especially among the elderly. About one in four people over the age of 45 develop osteoarthritis. Currently there is no cure for this. Moreover, the available drugs on the market can only reduce pain and limit inflammation in the joint.

 

“Horses and humans are genetically very similar. Horses develop OA spontaneously, which makes the horse an excellent model for studies of OA in humans. Additionally, the biomarkers that were identified and evaluated in the clinical trial are identical in horses and humans. Therefore, the biomarkers and the analytical methods are equally relevant in human OA," says Eva Skiöldebrand.

 

The research team has a patent for the new drug combination and aims to commercialise it as a licensed drug for horses with OA, starting in Sweden. They will now also seek authorisation to conduct a clinical trial of the drug treatment in humans.

 

For more details, see:

 

A randomized, triple-blinded controlled clinical study with a novel disease-modifying drug combination in equine lameness-associated osteoarthritis. 

E. Skiöldebrand, S. Adepu, C. Lützelschwab, S. Nyström, A. Lindahl, K. Abrahamsson-Aurell, E. Hansson. 

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, Volume 5, Issue 3, 2023.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocarto.2023.100381

Online Seminars from Horses Inside Out

Horses Inside Out have announced a series of online seminars to be held later this year. With
three expert speakers, these seminars are aimed at equine professionals and promise to enhance your knowledge in equine health, welfare, genetics, and performance.

 

Understanding Orthopaedic Problems with Dr Jessica Kidd : Saturday, 7 October 2023 

Dr Jessica Kidd will share her extensive knowledge of orthopaedic issues in horses, including caudal neck pain, neuropathic pain, and Wobbler's Syndrome. She will also address regenerative medicine, dispelling myths about joint injections and stem cell therapy. The seminar will cover common problem areas in horses such as the back, kissing spines, supraspinous ligament desmopathy, facet joint arthritis, and the sacroiliac region.

https://www.horsesinsideout.com/understanding-orthopaedic-problems

 

Nature Versus Nurture - Genetic Insights with Dr Andrew Hemmings : Saturday, 4 November 2023. 

Discover the fascinating world of equine genetics with Dr Andrew Hemmings. The seminar will explore evolutionary perspectives on anatomy, management, and behaviour in horses. You will learn about the inheritance of simple traits, such as coat colour, and delve into more complex traits like racing performance and abnormal behaviours, all while examining the interaction between genes and the environment.

https://www.horsesinsideout.com/nature-nurture

 

Equine Comfort and Performance with Dr Chris Pearce & Gillian Higgins : Saturday, 2 December 2023. 

This one-day seminar will focus on the integral role of dentistry, bridle fit, and understanding anatomy in equine comfort and performance. Dr Chris Pearce and Gillian Higgins will discuss the complex anatomical and biomechanical connections of the horse's head and how it can impact the rest of the body and performance. Dental disease, bit, and bridle fit can affect performance, and recognizing signs of discomfort is crucial.

https://www.horsesinsideout.com/getahead

Could high intensity laser help in the treatment of bone spavin?

(c) Silviu-florin Salomia Dreamstime.com

 High intensity laser therapy (HILT) uses high-powered (Class IV) lasers that emit light in the
infrared range, to deliver light energy to the affected area, The goal is to reduce inflammation and pain, and promote healing. 

Some studies have suggested that HILT may be effective in treating bone spavin, a condition characterized by degeneration and inflammation of the hock joint in horses.

 

To investigate this possibility, researchers in Poland, used HILT in clinical cases of bone spavin referred to the Department of Surgery in Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences.

 

Paulina Zielińska, Karolina Śniegucka, Zdzisław Kiełbowicz describe their findings in a report published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

 

For the study, horses were required to exhibit hindlimb lameness that was aggravated by flexion of the limb but improved with anaesthesia of the tarsometatarsal joint. They also needed to show radiographic evidence of hock changes consistent with bone spavin. None of the horses had received any treatment for spavin in the previous six months. Eleven horses met the criteria for inclusion.

 

A course of treatment consisted of 10 HILT sessions over a two-week period.

 

Using the American Association of Equine Practitioners 5-point lameness scale, the researchers evaluated the severity of lameness before and after treatment. They found that four horses (36%) improved by 2 lameness grades, four (36%) improved by 1 lameness grade, and three horses (28%) showed no improvement.  Of the horses that did improve after HILT, three were reported to be sound at the post-treatment examination. 

 

In terms of the limb flexion (spavin) test, 5 horses (45%) showed improvement after treatment, while 6 horses (55%) maintained the same spavin test grade as before treatment. However, all horses still exhibited lameness following the limb flexion (spavin) test.

 

The researchers' findings suggest that HILT can be safely used for horses with bone spavin, as it helps to decrease joint pain and lameness. However, it appears to have limited effectiveness in reducing the response to a flexion test in the short term.

 

Although it's still too early to definitively determine whether HILT is a viable alternative for managing joint pain in horses with bone spavin, the researchers note that the initial results are promising enough to warrant further investigation.

 

For more details, see:

 

Paulina Zielińska, Karolina Śniegucka, Zdzisław Kiełbowicz,

A Case Series of 11 Horses Diagnosed with Bone Spavin Treated with High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT),

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science,

Volume 120,

2023,

104188,

ISSN 0737-0806,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104188