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

University of Minnesota Study Investigates Genetic Influence on PPID Treatment Response in Horses

A research team at the University of Minnesota is investigating the role genetics may play in how
horses respond to treatment for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), commonly known as equine Cushing’s disease. This condition, which affects up to 30% of older horses, can have serious consequences ranging from diminished performance to death.

 

PPID develops when neurons in the hypothalamus become damaged, resulting in the loss of control over the pituitary gland’s pars intermedia. While there is currently no cure, treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and managing clinical signs. The gold-standard medication for PPID is pergolide, a dopamine receptor agonist originally used to treat Parkinson’s disease in humans. Pergolide helps compensate for dopamine loss in hypothalamic neurons and is the most widely prescribed drug for PPID.

 

However, horses vary significantly in their response to pergolide. Treatment success rates are reported to range from 60–80%, but comparisons across studies are difficult due to differing definitions of “success.” Additionally, adverse effects are relatively common, with some studies reporting anorexia in up to 32% of treated horses. Other side effects may include colic, weight loss, and behavioural changes. These reactions often lead owners or veterinarians to reduce or discontinue treatment - causing symptoms to return or worsen and allowing the disease to progress.

 

It is well established in human medicine that genetic differences can influence how individuals respond to medications. Now, the same principle is being explored in horses.

 

The study, led by Dr. Molly McCue and Dr. Lauren Hughes from the UMN Equine Genetics and Genomics Laboratory, in collaboration with Dr. Dianne McFarlane from the University of Florida, aims to uncover genetic factors that affect pergolide response and adverse event susceptibility in horses with PPID.

 

“Our goal is to identify genetic variants that influence treatment outcomes,” explain the researchers. “If we find specific alleles that predict poor response or higher risk of side effects, this could lead to more personalised treatment—such as adjusted dosing strategies to improve safety and effectiveness.”

 

“As a veterinarian, I understand just how devastating PPID can be for horses and the owners that love them,” said Dr. Hughes in a UMN College of Veterinary Medicine news release. “I’m very excited about the potential of this research to improve how we diagnose, treat, and manage this important disease.”

 

The research team is actively seeking suitable horses to enrol in the study. They are looking for horses that meet the following criteria:

• Over the age of 15 at time of PPID diagnosis
• Diagnosis made by veterinarian and diagnosis included bloodwork
• Horse has/had clinical signs consistent with PPID (long shaggy haircoat, muscle atrophy, changes in mentation, or recurrent infections)
• Horse has been on pergolide therapy for a minimum of 6 months and has had recheck blood values (including ACTH, TRH stim, or dexamethasone suppression blood work)

 

If your horse meets the criteria, you are encouraged to participate. Your involvement is essential - this research would not be possible without the support of dedicated horse owners and their animals.

 

For more details, see:

 

https://vetmed.umn.edu/equine/research/equine-genetics-and-genomics-laboratory/projects/equine-pituitary-pars-intermedia-dysfunction-ppid/pergolide-study/pergolide-study-participation-requirements

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZl2WvUBt1w

Survey on SGLT2 Inhibitor Use in Horses with EMS or PPID

(c) Brian Sedgbeer Dreamstime.com

Have you used an SGLT2 inhibitor (one of the          "-flozin" drugs) to treat your horse? If so, the Equine
Cushing's and Insulin Resistance Group (ECIR) invites you to contribute to an important research initiative.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), such as ertugliflozin and canagliflozin, are increasingly used to manage equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), particularly in horses with laminitis that has not responded to dietary changes. These drugs have shown potential benefits, including reducing serum insulin levels, aiding weight loss, and improving laminitis associated with hyperinsulinemia.

However, concerns have arisen about possible side effects, such as elevated serum triglycerides and liver enzyme levels, lethargy, and increased drinking and urination.

Dr. Kellon of the ECIR Group has created a survey to investigate factors that may influence the outcomes of SGLT2 inhibitor use in horses. This includes individual horse characteristics, comorbidities, and dietary factors that may contribute to or mitigate adverse effects.

If you are an owner, veterinarian, or caretaker of a horse receiving one of these drugs—such as canagliflozin, ertugliflozin, or dapagliflozin—you are encouraged to participate in the survey. Your insights will help enhance understanding and improve the management of metabolic disorders in horses and ponies.

The survey can be found here www.surveymonkey.com/r/YM5JD9G 

 

See also:

Eleanor M. Kellon, V.M.D. (Equine Nutritional Solutions) 

www.drkellon.com

 

Equine Cushing's and Insulin Resistance Group Inc.

www.ecirhorse.org

Joint Helicopter Command Horse Rider Safety Survey

 Are you a horse rider? Do you have friends or family members who also enjoy riding horses?
You can help promote horse and rider safety by completing an online survey.

The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) is collaborating with the British Horse Society (BHS) to raise awareness about a crucial initiative concerning horse and rider safety.

 

Helicopters present a significant risk of startling horses. Due to their flight instincts, horses can easily become alarmed by sudden movements or loud noises, prompting them to flee from potential threats. The sudden appearance and noise of a helicopter can trigger such a response in horses, potentially leading to hazardous situations for both the animals and individuals involved.

 

Understanding the natural instincts and sensitivities of horses is crucial, as it allows pilots and horse owners to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of horses in areas where helicopters are present.

 

As part of ongoing efforts, JHC, in partnership with The British Horse Society, has developed the Horse Riding Safety Survey aimed at collecting valuable insights from riders across the UK. 

 

As a member of the horse-riding community, you can help to shape future safety measures by completing the survey.

To take part, go to:

 

 https://forms.office.com/e/adyKzB3D3x

Survey on Behavioural Challenges in Horses

(c) Kseniya Abramova Dreamstime.com

 Is your horse facing behavioural issues? How do you handle these challenges? Whether you're
a horse owner, rider, or work closely with horses, Dr. Orla Doherty would welcome your valuable input.

Dr. Doherty is conducting a research survey to gather insights on how problem behaviours in horses impact riders, handlers, and individuals involved in equine care, as well as the strategies employed to address these issues. Any additional perspectives or knowledge you can provide on this subject will be greatly appreciated. 

A veterinary surgeon, Dr. Doherty graduated from University College Dublin in 1992 and earned a Master's Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from Edinburgh University in 1993. Her commitment to animal welfare led to the establishment of the Animal Behaviour Clinic in Ireland in 1994, where she has been actively addressing behaviour-related concerns in animals across the nation.

 

The survey results will be made publicly available. 

 

To take part, go to:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/International_Survey_on_Problem_Behaviours_in_Horses

Chance to influence forthcoming NAHMS study

 Horse enthusiasts in the United States are urged to take part in a survey that can help shape the next NAHMS Equine study.

The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) is responsible for nationwide research on animal health and management, including horses, and has conducted studies in 1998, 2005, and 2015. It has also published important reports on issues like EHV-1 and piroplasmosis.

 

Now, NAHMS is planning its fourth U.S. national equine industry study, tentatively scheduled for 2026. 

 

At this stage, your involvement will ensure that the study addresses your interests and concerns, allowing you to have a say in what you'd like to learn about the equine industry.

 

You can contribute by completing a quick 10-minute survey, available until October 1, 2023.

Go to:

https://usdaanimalhealth.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5njhmSQkd7ijmZM?Channel=1&Link=Web

What do retired racehorses do?

(c) Nigel Baker Dreamtime.com

 Britain’s first ever thoroughbred census has been launched to help improve traceability of former racehorses after they retire from the sport.

All ex-racehorse owners are urged to participate by completing the census before the deadline of December 31, 2023.

 

The census is being conducted by equine research specialists at Hartpury University and is designed to address a significant data gap arising from the infrequent updates to equine passports once thoroughbreds retire from racing.

 

By collecting information such as equine identification document (passport) numbers, microchip numbers, ages, current residences, second careers, and more, the census hopes to construct a comprehensive and detailed database concerning the lives of former racehorses.

 

Partnering with key bodies like Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), the official aftercare charity of British Racing, the census is supported by the Racing Foundation, World Horse Welfare, and Weatherbys General Stud Book. 

 

By enhancing the traceability of retired thoroughbreds, it is hoped it will be easier to support owners in terms of access to educational resources, avenues for participation in competitions, and the cultivation of informed and supportive communities.

 

It is also expected that this data-driven approach will improve communication in the event of an equine disease outbreak, safeguarding the equine population. 

 

Ultimately, the census endeavours to bring about positive transformations in the aftercare and welfare of retired racehorses in Britain.

 

Jane Williams, Head of Research at Hartpury University, stated: “We’re delighted to be part of this proactive initiative as Hartpury is committed to supporting the equine sector to improve the quality of life of the horses we all love. The census will present an opportunity to understand more about the lifetime care of thoroughbreds, generate evidence to safeguard against future disease outbreaks, and showcase the huge benefits thoroughbreds bring to so many people.”

 

David Catlow, Managing Director, Retraining of Racehorses, added: “We are pleased to be teaming up with the Horse Welfare Board and Hartpury University to encourage owners of former racehorses to participate in the census survey. The ‘social licence’ for the use of horses in sport is under increasing scrutiny and what happens to former racehorses after they retire from racing is identified as a particular concern. This is a significant step towards ensuring thoroughbreds enjoy a healthy and caring existence during their lifetimes and will provide the racing industry with the relevant data to guide future decisions”. 

For more details, and to complete the census, see:

 

https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8bNJFzR2FB95ZlQ

Help needed for study of effects of Cushing’s disease

A new study to explore the effects of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), commonly
known as Equine Cushing’s disease, in adult and older horses and ponies in the UK has been launched by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), in partnership with CVS Group plc.

The primary objective of the study is to gain deeper insights into how the disease affects the quality of life of these animals. Ultimately, the findings aim to improve monitoring and decision-making, concerning the treatment of PPID in horses and ponies, benefiting their well-being around the world.

 

PPID is a common hormonal disorder that typically affects older equines. It is estimated to impact around 25% of horses and ponies aged 15 years and older. The disease manifests with various clinical signs such as laminitis, weight loss, and lethargy, that can significantly affect the animals' quality of life (QoL).

 

However, in the absence of validated equine QoL assessment tools, it is a challenge to make objective evaluations and informed decisions regarding the treatment and, in some cases, euthanasia for horses suffering from PPID. 

 

In a bid to enhance the support provided to animals, veterinarians, and owners, the RVC study aims to create a validated equine quality of life tool. This tool will serve as an objective assessment measure to understand the impact of PPID on the individual horse's quality of life. By having such a tool, veterinarians will be better equipped to make well-informed decisions concerning treatment and, if necessary, euthanasia options for horses and ponies diagnosed with PPID.

 

Heading this research is Aline Bouquet, a PhD Candidate and Research Assistant, with the support of Professor Nicola Menzies-Gow, Professor in Equine Medicine, and Professor Christine Nicol, Professor of Animal Welfare.

 

To achieve their goals, the RVC team is reaching out to horse and pony owners, requesting their participation in an online survey. The data collected from this survey will play a crucial role in the initial development of the quality-of-life tool, providing much-needed insights into the real-world experiences of animals affected by PPID. By participating in the survey, horse owners can actively contribute to improving the well-being and care of their beloved animals and those around the world facing the same condition.

 

Following the development of the validated equine quality of life tool, the RVC's research team plans to conduct a comprehensive study involving more than 100 horses recently diagnosed with PPID. This study will span over a two-year period, during which the impact of the disease and its treatment on the animals' quality of life will be closely observed.

 

Owners of the participating horses will be asked to complete a standardized online questionnaire every 3 months. This questionnaire will include the assessment of the animal's quality of life using the developed HRQoL (Health-Related Quality of Life) tool. Moreover, owners will be required to record details relating to the clinical signs associated with PPID and any other veterinary-related problems their horses may encounter during the study.

 

Owners of horses and ponies over ten years of age, both with and without PPID, are encouraged to participate in the study. The completion of the survey will take no more than 15 minutes, providing valuable data for evaluating the animal's quality of life, the presence and impact of PPID-related clinical signs, and any other associated veterinary issues.

 

By involving a substantial number of horses and closely monitoring them over a significant period, this study aims to shed light on how PPID affects equine quality of life and improve decision-making regarding treatment options and overall care for these animals.

 

Aline Bouquet, PhD Candidate and Research Assistant in the Assessment of Quality of Life in Equines with PPID, said: “Results from this project will better our understanding in how this disease and its treatment impact the quality of life of individual horses and ponies, which can hopefully then help vets and owners to assess and monitor the impact, guide management decision-making and thus improve the welfare of affected horses and ponies.”

 

Owners who wish to participate can sign up for the study at:

https://rvc.uk.com/PPID-survey-2023-stage1

 

More information about the study can be found at:

https://www.rvc.ac.uk/research/projects/objective-assessment-of-the-quality-of-life-of-equines-with-pituitary-pars-intermedia-dysfunction

Survey: medicines and horse health in Wales

(c) Miles Haegebaert Dreamtime.com

Horse owners across Wales are invited to take part in a survey: “Understanding Welsh horse
owner perceptions of medicines use and horse health care.”

The survey is run by scientists at Aberystwyth University as part of the Arwain DGC (Responsible Antimicrobial Use) project. Arwain DGC aims to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals and the environment in Wales. 

 

By improving productivity, animal health and welfare through new and innovative technology and ‘good practice’, the goal is to reduce the need to use antimicrobials such as antibiotics.

 

It is hoped that the survey will bring about a greater understanding of the how Welsh horse owners view medicine usage and aspects of horse health care. Lead researchers are Rebekah Stuart or Alison Bard.

 

“We hope this study will generate information that will help target future research, support and funding within the Welsh equine sector, as currently very little is known about Welsh horse owners’ views on these topics.”

 

“Our questions will explore how you view your relationship with your horse or horses, how they receive husbandry and health care and how you interact with your vet and other individuals regarding medicines use.”

 

 

For more details, and to complete the survey, go to:

 

 

https://aber.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/arwain-dgc-equinesurvey

Horse training survey

(c) Silviu-florin Salomia Dreamstime.com

How do you train your horse?

Ella Bartlett at the University of Bristol is conducting an online survey looking into different horse training approaches, to see how widely they are used, and how people within the equestrian industry view them.

 

This study forms part of a PhD project which aims to improve our understanding of how horse owners make decisions in relation to the training of their horses.

 

The questionnaire is open to anyone aged over 18 years, who owns a horse, or has at least one horse on loan/ lease. Participants are welcome from around the world.

 

Twenty-two questions address topics relating to different horse training methods, including asking about your own approach, training beliefs and role in the equestrian industry. It should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous.

 

To take part, or for more details, see:

 

https://svs.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/horse-training-questionnaire?fbclid=IwAR0MvyYQp9TwAgkJ7wovsyF0A8_3skPOyle7LObFIlhfY-12lSRPe4kW13w

Can you help with a senior horse survey?

 If your horse or pony is 15 years or over, the team at the SPILLERS feed company is urging you to spare five minutes to participate in their senior horse survey. The results will help them learn more about the specific needs of older horses and every participant will have the chance to win free feed.

Traditionally, senior horses and ponies were classed as being 15 years or over, but perspectives are changing. Management and care continue to improve, and around 40% of horses and ponies in the UK now sit in this 15+ category. 

 

“If you own or care for a horse or pony who is 15 years or over, we would be very grateful if you could spare five minutes to participate in our survey,” said SPILLERS Product Manager Sarah Nelson. “The results will help us to help more senior horses nutritionally, in the very best ways we can.” 

 

If you would like access to the survey results, just add your email address at the end of the survey. If you submit your email address, you’ll also be added to a prize draw for your chance to win a £50 SPILLERS Feed voucher.

 

The survey is set up with one horse or pony in mind. If you own more than one horse or pony of 15 years or over, they ask you to complete a survey for each horse. Every completion will provide an additional entry into the prize draw.

 

Click here to complete the survey https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Seniorsurvey/

Smoothing the transition for retired Australian racehorses

What physical and behavioural qualities are desired in retired racehorses to help them adapt to a new equestrian career? 

Mollie Buckley, at the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, in Australia, is conducting research to address the current lack of knowledge about what makes former racehorses succeed in their new occupations. 

 

She is looking for owners of retired racehorses in Australia to take part in an online survey. The project aims to identify attributes shown in retired racehorses (Thoroughbred and Standardbred) that are enjoying a successful post-racing career.

 

The survey will ask questions related to the characteristics and temperament of the retired racehorse, both on the ground and when ridden.

 

Buckley hopes that this research will help the Australian racing industry smooth the process of re-homing racehorses after they retire from the track.

All previous and current owners of retired racehorses are encouraged to participate in the research.

 

The online survey closes on Monday 25 July, and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

 

For more details, and to complete the survey, go to:

 

https://www.research.net/r/Retired-Racehorses

US vets help sought for back pain study

 Equine veterinarians in the United States are asked to complete a short online survey on the diagnosis, treatment and management of primary back pain.

 Marianne E. Marshall-Gibson is conducting the research as part of her American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation residency studies.

 

The goal is to determine 1) the preference of practitioners when treating primary back pain and 2) the preference of practitioners for treating impinging spinous processes ("kissing spine") in horses in the United States.

 

The survey is open until May 31^st, and can be accessed by the following link:

 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeaseBD40iLcO2VEO3B8zsMkO-4heQ-IfcqDEmM6sS_Lb-6hQ/viewform

Have you organized an equestrian event in Ontario?

 
The COVID-19 pandemic and recent Equine Herpes virus outbreaks have highlighted the need for enhanced biosecurity at equine events. 

An Ontario Veterinary College research study would like to interview equestrian competition organizers (within the past 5 years) about their experiences and perspectives towards biosecurity at equestrian events in Ontario, Canada.

 

If you are interested in participating in this study, they ask that you read the full details and complete the pre-interview questionnaire:

 

https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cZ2dgMpIFSy0Prg?jfefe=new

USA horse transport survey

 Do you transport horses in the United States? If so, researchers at the University of Kentucky would appreciate your help in a survey about equine transportation.

The research team comprises Dr. Amanda Adams (University of Kentucky), Dr. C. Jill Stowe (University of Kentucky), Dr. Patricia Harris (WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group), Dr. Bridget McIntosh (MARS EQUESTRIAN™), and Erica Jacquay M.S., Ph.D. Student (University of Kentucky).

 

They hope that the survey will help them gain a better understanding of common types of journeys taken, as well as different management practices involved in transporting horses. 

 

To participate, you must be at least 18 years old and own, lease, or be in the full care of at least one horse or pony that resides in the USA. This survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Your response is anonymous which means no names, IP addresses, email addresses, or any other identifying information will be collected with the survey responses.

Participants will have the option of entering a drawing for an ETHEL M® Chocolates prize basket courtesy of MARS EQUESTRIAN (Your email address will be recorded separately from your survey responses so that your survey answers remain anonymous.)

 

To ensure your responses are included, you should complete the survey by April 1, 2022.

 

For further information, go to:

 

https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bK5B8c5CJIgwqAC

Sustainability in British racing

Concerned about the impact of climate change on equine welfare in the racing industry? Here’s your chance to have a say. 

An online questionnaire, open to anyone involved in racing, has opened to help identify environmental activity, expertise and interest across British racing and breeding.

 

The questionnaire forms part of a wider assessment of progress on environmental sustainability, commissioned last year by industry leaders and initiated and funded by the Racing Foundation.

 

The work aims to build a clearer overall picture of current environmental activities and expertise across racing and breeding. It is hoped that this will identify some of the key issues, risks, and opportunities for British racing, and make recommendations about what steps the industry could take to start embedding environmental sustainability in its long-term planning.

 

In a statement, Brant Dunshea, British Horseracing Authority Chief Regulatory Officer, said: “Climate change and sustainability are major challenges for our sport, given how dependent we are on the environment, transportation, and the use of essential resources.

“There is a real opportunity here for British racing to lead progress in this area, taking positive action to find effective solutions to the challenges we face – and crucially grasp some of the opportunities.

 

Rob Hezel, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation, said: “A large amount of work has already been carried out across the industry, ranging from decarbonisation efforts to grassland management and waste reduction, so this work will help build an overall picture of where we are and where we want to be.

 

To complete the questionnaire, which runs until 14^th February, go to:

 

https://form.jotform.com/220072452759355

Irish sport horse survey

 Irish horse owners of all levels and disciplines are invited to take part in a survey to help research sport horse health.

Sinead Devine, Assistant Professor in Equine Clinical Studies at UCD School of Veterinary Medicine is currently undertaking a PhD on Sport Horse Health in Ireland. 

Her interest in Sport horse health comes from over 20 years working as an equine vet in Ireland and the US. She is also a 3* FEI Veterinary Delegate for showjumping, eventing & reining, and 2*endurance.

Horse owners of all levels and disciplines are encouraged to take part in the survey. The results will help direct further research for the Irish Equine Industry. Survey questions will include common disease conditions and their impact. 

The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete. Responses are anonymous and participants will not be identified by their responses. 

For more details, and to take part in the survey go to:

http://bit.ly/horseownersurvey

Chance to help Equine Cushing's research

 

Horse owners and carers can help research into the underlying causes of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) also known as Equine Cushing’s Disease, a condition common in older horses and ponies. Typical signs include a long curly hair coat and weight loss. The condition is associated with a range of problems the most serious of which is laminitis. 

Researchers at the University of Melbourne are conducting a survey of horse owners as part of a broader, major international project to improve the understanding and knowledge of the fundamental causes of the condition, in order to improve early diagnosis, treatment, husbandry and nutritional management.

 

The short online survey is designed to better understand how owners manage horses or ponies with PPID, and what the important factors are for them including: the ability to feed separately and cost of medications.

 

Lead researcher at the Melbourne Veterinary School, Dr Nicolas Galinelli said that it was important to gain a better understanding of current management practices when it comes to PPID. 

 

“We need to get a broader sense of what is working for horse owners so that we can improve health outcomes for these animals both in terms of the early recognition of PPID signs and in the way we determine the most appropriate treatment, management and nutrition.”

 

“PPID affects approximately 20 per cent of horses and is slightly more common in ponies. Sometimes it is treated with specific drugs that target the excessive production of hormones from the pituitary gland, whilst other owners may choose to only treat the clinical signs of the disease such as laminitis. Adapting the diet can also be helpful. We want to understand how owners make treatment decisions and which decisions are having the best outcomes,” Dr Galinelli said.

 

Veterinary pharmacology expert, Professor Simon Bailey added that the survey will ask owners about what factors are important for them in treating PPID, including the cost and side-effects of medications and the ability for horses to be fed separately. He said “We encourage owners to get in touch once our results have been finalised and published. We are keen to help share this information with the equine community and thank them for their support.” 

 

The research, supported by the Australian Research Council, is being undertaken by the Melbourne Veterinary School and Queensland University of Technology with industry partners including WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute (UK), Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany) and The Liphook Equine Hospital (UK).

 

The results from this anonymous survey will provide valuable information and contribute to improved targeted education of the horse owning public.

 

To complete the survey, go to:

 

https://melbourneuni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0GPNcsoVqyB6lo2

Stirrup safety research

If you have had a fall in the past 12 months, you are urged to take part in research on stirrup safety.

 

If you ride, then falls go with the territory. One aspect of falls and injuries that is often speculated about but to date has not been properly studied is the role that the stirrups play in safety or risk of injury.

 

Dr David Marlin, Cambridge (UK) and Dr Jane Williams, Hartpury University (UK) have set up a survey to collect data on recent falls (within the past 12 months). The aim is to try and understand what factors related to the stirrups may increase or reduce the risk of injury in riders.

 

The survey consists of 19 short questions and should take about 4 minutes to complete. No personal data will be collected.

 

To take part in the survey go to:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Stirrup_Survey_2020

US equine industry survey

 Horse owners in the United States are invited to take part in a survey looking at the US equine industry.

The survey aims to gauge participation trends and management practices in the U.S. equine industry. It also seeks to gather information regarding the most important issues facing the industry.

If you currently own or manage at least one horse, pony, mule or donkey, are 18 years of age or over, and live in the United States, you are eligible to participate. It is anticipated that the survey, which the promoters emphasize is anonymous, will take 15 minutes to complete.

Organized by American Horse Publications, a non-profit association, and sponsored by pharmaceutical company Zoetis, the survey is open until March 30, 2021.

For more details, go to:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N9FPXFG