Horses know when you are happy or sad

 

A horse in the experimental set-up, wearing the heart rate monitor belt.
Two video projectors at the back of the testing box project images
onto two screens in front of the horse. Photo: Plotine Jordan

New research shows that horses can distinguish between human expressions of happiness and sadness conveyed through facial movements or vocal tones. The study found that horses were more attracted by facial expressions of happiness than sadness, and they seemed more excited by the happy voices. 

Emotions are a part of how people interact and talk to each other, and they could also play a role when we interact with other species. 

 

Many types of animals, as diverse as orangutans and pigeons, are known to sense human emotions. Recently, studies on domestic animals such as dogs, cats, horses, and goats have shown they can recognize various human emotions shown on our faces. However, this area of research has mainly focused on two emotions: joy and anger. What about other emotions, such as sadness?

 

The study, conducted by an international research team from the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) in France, the University of Tours in France and the University of Turku in Finland, observed and analysed horses’ behaviour when presented with human faces and voices expressing joy or sadness. The heart rate of the horses was also recorded during the experiment.

 

“Sadness is a particularly interesting emotion, because it is not only of negative valence – contrary to joy, which is positive – but it is also of low arousal. Previous studies have shown that horses react to high-arousal emotions like anger or joy. Could they also detect signals of sadness, a low-arousal emotion? We wanted to study whether horses can associate the vocal and facial signals of human sadness, as they can for joy and anger,” says the lead author of the study, Doctoral Researcher Plotine Jardat from the French National Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment and the University of Tours, France.

 

During the study, horses faced two screens. One showed a video of a person looking happy, while the other showed the same person looking sad. At the same time, a voice played, either sounding happy or sad.

 

The horses’ first look indicated they matched the face and voice expressing sadness or happiness. The researchers noticed that when the horses first saw the pictures, more of them spent longer looking at the picture that didn't match the sound, compared to the one that did match.

 

So, when the horses looked at the pictures for the first time, they were surprised when a sad face was paired with a happy voice, and the other way around. The researchers suggest this implies that horses can link a human face and voice showing the same emotion, whether it's sadness or happiness.

 

“This is interesting because it would mean that when horses observe our faces and hear our voices, they don’t just see and hear separate things, but they are able to match them across different modalities. You could imagine that they have a particular box in their mind labelled ‘human sadness’ containing the characteristics of both a human sad face and a human sad voice,” says Doctoral Researcher Océane Liehrmann from the University of Turku.

A similar setup has been used in several previous experiments by the team. Its purpose is to explore the animals’ mental processing of the images and sounds and their congruence. In the previous experiments on anger and joy as well as on the perception of adults and children, the horses reacted to the setup by looking more at the image that did not match the sound. The researchers believe that horses look more at the incongruent image because they are intrigued by the lack of correspondence between this image and what they hear.

 

After the first glance, the researchers saw that horses paid more attention to the screen displaying the happy face. They looked at it more often and for a longer time. Also, the horses’ heart rates went up more when they heard the happy voice compared to the sad one. This indicates that the horses were more alert and excited when the voice was joyful.

 

The researchers suggest three possible explanations for these findings. First, the horses might have been more interested in the happy images due to their movement, and more excited by the joyful voices because of the way they sounded, like changes in pitch. Second, the horses could have connected human happy faces with positive situations, making them want to look at these expressions that remind them of good memories. Third, the horses might have felt more positive when looking at the happy pictures and more stimulated when hearing joyful voices due to something called "emotional contagion." This is when the emotions of an observer match the emotions of the one they're observing. It has been seen in humans and primates, and studies suggest it could also happen between humans and other animals, like horses. This phenomenon is often seen as a basis for empathy.

 

“Overall, our study shows that horses can differentiate audible and visual signals of human joy and sadness, and associate the corresponding vocal and facial expressions. Horses were also more attracted and seemed more animated by joyful expressions, so people who interact with horses could benefit from expressing joy during these interactions,” Plotine Jardat concludes.

 

The researchers point out that further studies are needed to better understand horses’ perception of human sadness. In the future, they aim to find out, for example, whether horses can also differentiate sadness from other negative emotions, or whether sad expressions from humans can influence horses’ behaviour, especially during human-horse interactions.

For more details, see:

Horses discriminate between human facial and vocal expressions of sadness and joy. 

Plotine Jardat, Océane Liehrmann, Fabrice Reigner, Céline Parias, Ludovic Calandreau & Léa Lansade 

Anim Cogn (2023) 26, 1733–1742 

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-023-01817-7

Participants sought for behaviour study

 Would you like to help advance scientific research on horse behaviour? If you are 18 years old or older and own at least one horse, you can help to better understand the human-horse relationship by taking part in an online survey.

The survey is part of a research project conducted by Alisa Viitanen, Oceane Liehrman and Prof. Virpi Lummaa from the University of Turku, Finland. The survey aims to investigate how human and horse personality interact and how this is reflected in the horse's environment and behaviour. 

 

To accomplish this, they are looking for participants who are at least 18 years old and own at least one horse. The survey can be completed for multiple horses if applicable.

 

If you decide to participate, the researchers say that the survey will take at least 40 minutes to complete, but you can stop and come back to it later on the same device. 

 

In the survey, you will be asked to provide responses to personality assessments for both yourself and your horse. Additionally, information about your interactions with your horse and details regarding your horse's living environment will be requested. You can fill the survey anonymously, and you retain the option to withdraw your consent and prohibit the use of your information at a later point.

 

By taking part in the study, you will help researchers to get a better insight to the human-horse relationship and how it may affect horse behaviour.

 

For more details, and to fill out the survey, go to:

 https://link.webropol.com/s/humanhorsesurvey

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

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

Need for vitamin D supplementation

 Stabled, non-grazing Thoroughbred racehorses should receive vitamin D supplementation to
maintain an adequate vitamin D status, according to recent research. 

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for horses, as it is for many other animals and humans. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being by regulating various physiological processes. The primary function of vitamin D is to help the body absorb and utilize calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for strong bones, teeth, and proper muscle function.

 

Unlike some animals that can synthesize vitamin D in response to UV radiation on their skin, horses have little or no ability to produce vitamin D this way. Consequently, they rely heavily on dietary sources to obtain an adequate supply of the vitamin. Horses primarily obtain vitamin D from their diet, including fresh forage like pasture grasses and certain types of hay, which naturally contain vitamin D. Additionally, commercial horse feeds and supplements may be fortified with vitamin D to ensure the animals receive enough.

 

What effect does limited grazing have on vitamin D status in horses?

 

In a study conducted by Miranda Dosi and colleagues, the vitamin D status of racehorses in training from both Hong Kong (HK) and the United Kingdom was assessed. A full report is published in the journal Animals. The main objective was to investigate whether the management practices and athletic activity of these horses made them more susceptible to having low vitamin D status, and to determine if appropriate dietary vitamin D supplementation could help mitigate this risk.

 

The study encompassed 101 Thoroughbred horses in training, 79 of which were from Hong Kong (HK) and 22 from the United Kingdom (UK). The HK horses did not have access to grazing and received minimal sunlight exposure, usually less than 30 minutes daily, during training and in-hand walking. In contrast, the UK horses had the opportunity to graze for at least an hour each day.

 

The research team assessed the serum concentrations of three active forms of vitamin D, namely 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25OHD2), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (total 25OHD). 

 

Forty-one of the HK horses were sampled twice to investigate the impact of their duration in HK on their vitamin D status. By taking samples at two different time points, the researchers could assess how the length of time the horses spent in HK influenced their vitamin D levels.

 

According to the research findings, the HK horses had notably lower serum concentrations of total 25OHD and 25OHD2 compared to the horses from the UK. Additionally, 15 out of 79 HK horse sera showed undetectable levels of 25OHD2. The researchers also found that the serum concentrations of 25OHD2 decreased with the length of time the horses had spent in Hong Kong.

 

Furthermore, the research team observed an inverse relationship between 25OHD2 and 25OHD3 in the study subjects. This finding suggests that oral D3 supplementation might have a negative impact on the serum concentrations of 25OHD2. In other words, increasing the intake of vitamin D3 through oral supplements could potentially lead to a reduction in the levels of 25OHD2 in the blood. They suggest that this highlights the need for further investigation and consideration when administering vitamin D3 supplements to the horses.

 

For more details, see:

 

Thoroughbred Racehorses in Hong Kong Require Vitamin D Supplementation to Mitigate the Risk of Low Vitamin D Status

Miranda C.M. Dosi, Chris M. Riggs, Jessica May, Adele Lee, Eugenio Cillan-Garcia, Joe Pagan, and Bruce C. McGorum. 

Animals (2023) 13, no. 13: 2145. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132145

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

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

Belief in animals’ capacity for emotion linked to better health and welfare

 

Study participant and her animal.
Credit: University of Portsmouth/Dr Emily Haddy 

According to recent research, equids whose owners believe in their capacity to experience
emotions or share an emotional bond with them tend to be in significantly better health. 

The study, conducted by the University of Portsmouth and The Donkey Sanctuary, an international animal welfare charity, has found that working equids, such as donkeys, horses, and mules, whose owners believe in their capacity to feel emotions, experience significantly better health and welfare outcomes compared to those whose owners do not share such beliefs. 

 

This study is the first to establish a direct link between the well-being of working equids and the attitudes and beliefs of their owners, encompassing diverse countries and contexts worldwide.

 

The researchers visited equid-owning communities in Egypt, Mexico, Pakistan, Senegal, Spain, and Portugal, conducting thorough welfare assessments. This involved a comprehensive questionnaire for owners, probing their beliefs, values, and attitudes towards their animals, along with a detailed assessment of the equids' welfare.

 

The findings, published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, revealed that animals whose owners believed in their emotional capacity or had an emotional bond with them exhibited significantly better health and higher body condition scores compared to those whose owners did not hold such beliefs or primarily focused on their profitability or utility. This research highlights the crucial role that human perceptions and attitudes play in shaping the well-being of working equids across diverse global settings.

 

Nearly 400 participants from six different countries were assessed using a welfare assessment protocol and a questionnaire to explore their attitudes as owners. The study revealed that equids belonging to owners with an affective perspective (emotional bond) and those who believed their animals could feel emotions showed significantly better general health status and body condition. Additionally, equids owned by individuals who believed in their animals' capacity to feel pain were significantly less likely to experience lameness.

 

Lead author, Dr Emily Haddy, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth’s ​Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology​, said: “We know people’s feelings toward their animals can impact their welfare, but we wanted to know if this differs across cultures. Our research involved equid-owning communities in six countries, whose animals worked in a diverse range of contexts including agriculture, tourism and construction. 

 

“​This​​ ​is the first study to link owner attitudes to the welfare of their working equids across multiple countries and contexts. Our findings highlight the importance of the relationship between owners and their animals, and its significant impact on animal health and welfare.” 

 

Co-author and Executive Director of Equine Operations at The Donkey Sanctuary, ​​​Dr ​Faith Burden, said: “We have long understood that donkeys and mules are sensitive and sentient beings, who fare best when they are treated​ as individuals and​ with the kindness and respect they deserve. This study provides further peer-reviewed, scientific evidence​ to support our work across the world​.  

 

“What’s really exciting is these findings could inform and increase the efficacy of future welfare initiatives. For example, promoting emotional connection and awareness of animal sentience among owners of working equids could potentially influence attitudes and lead to improvements in the welfare of working equids around the world.” 

 

Co-author, ​Dr Leanne Proops​, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour at the​ University of Portsmouth’s Department of Psychology​, ​added​​​: “This is a fascinating study that highlights the link between attitudes to animal sentience and welfare. However, it’s important to avoid assumptions about the owners of animals who had poorer health and welfare indicators. 

 

​​“​It’s possible these owners simply don’t have the resources to look after their animals as well, and because they don’t like to think of them suffering, they adjust their beliefs to think that their animals don’t feel pain. This is a well-documented psychological technique that people use to minimise psychological distress when their behaviour and beliefs don’t align. 

 

“This is a very important study that paves the way for further research to establish causality, and a greater understanding of compassion and animal welfare.” 

 

For more details, see:

Belief in animal sentience and affective owner attitudes are linked to positive working equid welfare across six countries, 

Emily Haddy, Faith Burden, Zoe Raw, João B. Rodrigues, Jaime Humberto Zappi Bello, Julia Brown, Juliane Kaminski & Leanne Proops 

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, (2023)

https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2023.2228029

New research projects receive funding

 Morris Animal Foundation has provided funding for seven new research projects focused on
equine health. These studies aim to address various equine health issues, including contagious upper respiratory disease, and sepsis in foals. 

The research initiatives receiving support are as follows:

 

• Impact of cyproheptadine on blood variables and clinical signs of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in Horses. (Dr. Nicholas Frank, Mississippi State University) 

• Development of an effective intramuscular vaccine against strangles, based on the "S" protein of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (SEE). (Dr. Noah Cohen, Texas A&M University.)

• A novel diagnostic test for Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID).( Dr. Dianne McFarlane, University of Florida )

• Increasing understanding of foal sepsis and potential new treatment options (Dr. Katarzyna Dembek, North Carolina State University)

• Examination of a faecal-based test to aid in the diagnosis of gastric ulcers in horses (Dr. Canaan M. Whitfield-Cargile, University of Georgia)

• A study of remote behavioural and physiologic monitoring to assess changes in equine discomfort behaviours and their association with epidural morphine administration. (Dr. Hope Douglas, University of Pennsylvania)

• Investigation into drugs targeting the non-structural protein 4 of African Horse Sickness (Dr. Constantinos Kurt Wibmer, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa )

 

Dr. Kathy Tietje, Chief Program Officer at Morris Animal Foundation, expressed excitement about supporting these projects, which aim to advance equine health and welfare through innovative research. The studies are scheduled to commence in the current year, contributing valuable insights to improve equid health and well-being.

For more about Morris Animal Foundation, see:

 morrisanimalfoundation.org

Hair analysis for long-term detection of bisphosphonates

(c) Miltudog Dreamstime.com

Hair analysis has shown promise as a method for detecting bisphosphonate use, even up to six months after its administration. 

 

Bisphosphonates, commonly used in human medicine to treat bone disorders, have been approved for use in adult horses. However, there is a growing interest in off-label use of bisphosphonates in young racehorses to manage and prevent certain musculoskeletal conditions.

The safety and effectiveness of bisphosphonates specifically in young racehorses have not been extensively studied or established. These drugs work by inhibiting bone resorption, the natural process of breaking down old bone tissue to make way for new bone formation. In young animals, maintaining the delicate balance between bone formation and resorption is crucial for proper bone growth and remodelling.

 

Modifying this balance through bisphosphonate use may have unforeseen consequences on the development and integrity of the skeletal system. It is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits before using bisphosphonates in young racehorses.

 

Due to the concerns surrounding bisphosphonate use in horseracing, strict regulations are in place. However, enforcing these regulations requires an effective method of detecting unauthorized use.

 

Hair analysis has emerged as a reliable approach for detecting drug administration in horses, as it can detect drugs for an extended period after their administration. Recognizing this potential, a research team consisting of scientists from the University of California, Davis, and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, MH Gluck Equine Research Center, conducted a study to develop an assay and evaluate the viability of hair as a matrix for long-term detection of clodronate, a bisphosphonate, in horses. This research initiative was initiated in response to a specific request for bisphosphonate-related research by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in 2019.

 

“Over the past few years, bisphosphonate use has become a concern with regard to the welfare of Thoroughbred racehorses,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson. “We are very thankful for the generous support by Vinnie and Teresa Viola’s St. Elias Stables and their ability to recognize the importance of this research in promoting equine safety and welfare.”

“Bisphosphonates are labelled for horses 4 years and older to manage navicular symptoms,” said Dr. Johnny Smith, A. Gary Lavin Research Chair of Grayson. “Unfortunately, people were using them in young horses, which is detrimental because bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption, can stay in a horse’s system for years, and can have long-term effects on bone.”

In this study, the researchers administered a single intramuscular dose of clodronate (1.8 mg/kg) to seven horses. They collected hair samples before the administration and at various time points up to 6 months afterward.

 

The presence of the drug was initially detected on day 7 in four out of the seven horses. In the remaining three horses, clodronate was detected on days 14, 28, and 35, respectively.

The drug was still detectable in four out of the seven horses even 6 months after administration.

 

Previously published studies, including one conducted by the same group and funded under the same special call, demonstrated that in some cases bisphosphonates can be detected in blood and urine for extended periods of time, but detection using these matrices can be unpredictable and less consistent.

“Our study from 2020 showed that clodronate and tiludronate reside in the bone for extended periods,” said the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Heather K. Knych, who is with the K.L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab’s Pharmacology section and the Department of Molecular Biosciences, at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. “This can lead to lasting pharmacologic effects and increase the risks of injury to racehorses. Being able to detect bisphosphonates long term in hair benefits the athletes and increases the integrity of the sport.”

 

For more details, see:

 

Long-term monitoring of clodronate in equine hair using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. 

Heather K. Knych, D.S. McKemie, S. Yim, S.D. Stanley, R.M. Arthur. 

Journal of Chromatography B, Volume 1226, 2023, 123789, 

 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123789

Study of horse movement in UK

 Researchers at London’s Royal Veterinary College are conducting a study to improve
understanding of equine infectious disease risks associated with the contact networks and risks created by competition and leisure horse movements within the United Kingdom. 

Recent outbreaks of equine influenza, strangles and equine herpes virus have highlighted the impact these diseases can have on horse health, welfare, and the equine industry itself.

 

So they can better understand the disease risks in UK competition and leisure horses, the research team need to gather information on the movement of horses – to competitions, shows, rides or even just out hacking.

 

The RVC project is seeking to capture data to create an overall picture of horse movement throughout the country with the aim of ultimately improving biosecurity in the equine herd. 

 

The researchers hope that understanding these networks and clusters will allow them to develop strategies to target potential hotspots of disease risk, resulting in positive impacts on equine wellbeing by informing current and future UK horse industry disease surveillance and control programmes. 

 

To do this they have teamed up with the Equine Register, who run the Digital Stable smartphone app. Horse riders are asked to use the app to share details of their rides and journeys with their horse.

 

According to the researchers, whether it’s a hack, competing at a show or event or transporting their horse somewhere, by recording this information riders can be a part of this vital research. 

 

As an incentive to take part in this study, participants will be entered into a free prize draw offering a chance to win £500 for themselves and £500 for charity.

 

For more details, see: 

https://www.equineregister.co.uk/charity-ride

Study of ertugliflozin in management of hyperinsulinaemia and laminitis

 A recent report suggests that a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes in people could be effective in reducing insulin levels in horses and ponies with equine metabolic syndrome. 

Hyperinsulinaemia, characterised by abnormally high insulin levels in the bloodstream, is a primary contributor to most cases of laminitis. The exact mechanism by which elevated insulin levels lead to laminitis is still not fully understood.

 

Managing insulin dysregulation can be challenging, with diet and exercise (unless laminitis is already present) being the primary strategies. Unfortunately, these methods may not always yield satisfactory results.

 

Currently, there are no approved medications specifically designed to address this issue. 

 

However, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), a class of drugs commonly employed in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in humans, show promise in reducing insulin concentrations in horses by promoting the excretion of glucose through urine.

 

Studies have demonstrated that these drugs can limit the increase in insulin levels after meals and prevent diet-induced laminitis. One such drug in this class is ertugliflozin, which some veterinarians have been using off-label to manage laminitis associated with hyperinsulinaemia.

 

A study conducted by Tania Sundra from Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services, in Western Australia, along with Erin Kelty and David Rendle, reviewed the clinical records of 51 horses that received ertugliflozin for the treatment of hyperinsulinaemia. The findings of this study are published in Equine Veterinary Education.

 

According to the authors, horse owners were informed about potential side effects such as loss of appetite, colic, increased drinking and urination, lethargy, or changes in behaviour, and were instructed to report any unusual signs or events immediately.

 

All horses had already been placed on a restricted diet. The diet and management for each horse remained consistent during the treatment period, allowing for a comparison of pre- and post-treatment results. Similarly, the timing of testing in relation to feeding was kept consistent for each horse.

 

After 30 days of treatment with ertugliflozin, the authors report a significant reduction in insulin levels, with the median dropping from >300 μu/ml to 43 μu/ml. This reduction was accompanied by a significant improvement in lameness, as indicated by Modified Obel lameness scores, which decreased from a median of 10/12 to 1/12.

 

During the treatment, there was an increase in serum triglyceride concentrations (from 0.6 mmol/L before treatment to 1.4 mmol/L after treatment). However, none of the horses developed clinical signs of hyperlipaemia.

 

Owners reported that 10 horses experienced increased drinking and urination while undergoing treatment with ertugliflozin, but no other adverse effects were noticed.

 

The authors suggest that ertugliflozin could potentially reduce insulin levels in horses and ponies affected by equine metabolic syndrome. Moreover, they propose that its use might speed up the recovery from laminitis that is linked to hyperinsulinaemia.

 

 

For more details, see:

 

Preliminary observations on the use of ertugliflozin in the management of hyperinsulinaemia and laminitis in 51 horses: A case series.

Tania Sundra, Erin Kelty, David Rendle

Equine Veterinary Education (2023) Vol 35, Pp 311-320

https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.13738  

Looking for biomarkers of intestinal health in the equine gut

 Dr. Luis Arroyo, a researcher at the Ontario Veterinary College, is undertaking a investigation aimed at detecting early indications
of gastro-intestinal (GI) disease. This work hopes to identify biomarkers that could offer swift, cost-effective early diagnostics and treatment.

Together with research partner Dr. Marcio Costa from the University of Montreal, the researchers will be looking for biomarkers that indicate changes in the inhabitants of the equine gut that take place during the early onset of illness.

 

“A biomarker is a biological molecule that you can find in different places,” explains Arroyo.  “For example, you might find them in tissue, blood, urine, or different body fluids.  They can signal normal or abnormal processes or could reveal a marker of a disease.  For example, a biomarker can be used to see how well the body might respond to a treatment or to a disease condition.”

 

Before and during the onset of diseases, as well as after antibiotic treatment, changes in the intestinal microbiota, a process known as dysbiosis, become evident. In various species, bacterial biomarkers have been successfully employed to accurately predict intestinal dysbiosis. For example, Dr. Arroyo highlights the decreased presence of Lachnospiraceae as a common indicator of intestinal inflammation.

 

To identify potential markers of intestinal dysbiosis in horses, the researchers will study an extensive bio-bank of samples. They will analyse various factors such as the diversity and composition of the microbiota, as well as the presence of specific bacterial species or groups known to be associated with intestinal health. These biomarkers and indicators can help detect early signs of gastrointestinal issues, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.

 

The screening process will involve advanced techniques such as PCR testing, which provides a faster and more efficient means of identifying and analysing the equine microbiota compared to traditional methods like DNA sequencing. By establishing reliable screening protocols, the researchers aim to provide veterinarians with practical tools for assessing the intestinal health of horses, ultimately leading to improved management and care.

 

For more details, see: 

 

https://thehorseportal.ca/2023/05/screening-for-biomarkers-indicators-of-intestinal-health-among-the-equine-microbiota/

Ivermectin resistance in small redworms

 In a recent study conducted in Brazil, it was discovered that there is widespread resistance to ivermectin among cyathostomins (small redworms) in most of the properties evaluated. This finding is concerning, as it has been increasingly recognised that important equine worms are developing resistance to commonly used anthelmintics.

The severity of this issue is underscored by the fact that resistance to all currently available classes of anthelmintics has been reported not only in cyathostomins but also in ascarids (large roundworms). Compounding the problem is the lack of new drugs on the horizon to combat this resistance.

 

Brazil is home to one of the largest horse populations globally, estimated to range from 5 to 6 million. In light of this, Giordani Mascoli de Favare and colleagues undertook a year-long research study in the western region of São Paulo state. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ivermectin as an anthelmintic in naturally infected horses on 12 breeding farms, involving a total of 123 horses.

 

To evaluate resistance in cyathostomins, the standard faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test was employed. If the FECR does not show a reduction of 95% or more after treatment with a macrocyclic lactone like ivermectin, it is indicative of resistance. Prior to the study, the horses had not received any anthelmintic treatment for at least 60 days. Each horse was orally administered the recommended dose of ivermectin paste based on its weight. Faecal samples were collected at the beginning of the treatment and 14 days later.

 

The results of the study revealed that in five of the properties, the FECR was below 90%, indicating significant cyathostomin resistance to ivermectin. Additionally, three properties showed a FECR between 90% and 95%, further indicating the presence of resistance. Only on four of the twelve properties did the faecal egg count reduction exceed 95%.

 

The authors of the study explain that in Brazil, the control of equine gastrointestinal parasites typically involves treating the entire herd without prior diagnosis and regularly rotating anthelmintic drugs. However, these findings highlight the urgent need for alternative strategies and interventions to effectively manage anthelmintic resistance in horses.

For more details, see:

Anthelmintic resistance of horse strongyle nematodes to ivermectin in São Paulo state, Brazil

Giordani Mascoli de Favare , Isabela de Almeida Cipriano, Tábata Alves do Carmo,  Mateus Oliveira Mena,   Gabriel Jabismar Guelpa, Alessandro Francisco Talamini do Amarante,  Ricardo Velludo Gomes de Soutello

Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports

Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports. (2023) Jun;41:100864.

 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100864

Detecting onset of foaling

 A device attached to the base of the tail was found to be useful for detecting foaling in a study in Japan.

Although most mares give birth smoothly, complications such as improper positioning of the foal can quickly become serious. Having assistance readily available during this time can be the determining factor between a successful delivery of a healthy foal and a complete disaster.

 

Mares typically exhibit few noticeable signs indicating the imminent birth, prompting stud farms to assign someone to monitor expectant mares constantly. On the other hand, individual mare owners may endure numerous sleepless nights while anxiously awaiting the foaling process.

 

An alarm that reliably indicates the onset of foaling would be extremely valuable.

 

Researchers in Japan have been assessing the value of a device that detects movement and   changes in skin temperature.

 

Takahiro Aoki and fellow workers used a device consisting of a thermistor and a tri-axial accelerometer, which they attached to the base of the pregnant mares’s tails. A comprehensive report detailing their research has been published in the journal PLoS One.

 

During the study, seventeen pregnant mares on two private stud farms were closely monitored. The sensors measured and recorded the surface temperature of the ventral tail base, activity intensity, roll angle, and y-axis acceleration every three minutes.

 

The researchers clarify that the sensors were affixed to the pregnant mares approximately one week before the anticipated foaling date (defined as 335 days from the last mating) and were kept in place until at least one day after the mares gave birth.

 

The tail sensor collected data on skin temperature (ST) within a range of 20 to 45°C, with a resolution of 0.05°C. It also measured activity intensity within a range of 0 to 102.3, with a resolution of 0.2. Additionally, the device recorded roll angle, which represents the rotation of the x- and z-axes around the y-axis, within a range of -3 to +3 rad, with a resolution of 0.05 rad. Finally, y-axis acceleration was measured within a range of -1000 to +1000 mg, with a resolution of 4 mg.

 

The researchers discovered that three physiological or behavioural indicators exhibited significant changes shortly before a horse gives birth: (1) a decrease in skin temperature below 35.5°C, (2) lying down (LD), and (3) tail raising (TR).

 

They investigated the possibility of foaling occurring within one hour after meeting one or a combination of two or three of these criteria.

 

When considering each criterion individually, they observed a sensitivity of 100% for all three indicators, but the precision was 13.1% for skin temperature drop (LST), 8.1% for lying down (LD), and 2.8% for tail raising (TR).

 

Combining two indicators resulted in a sensitivity of 100% for all combinations. The accuracies were 100% for the combination of LST and LD, 56.7% for LD and TR, and 32.1% for TR and LST. When all three criteria were combined, both the sensitivity and precision were 100%.

 

After fulfilling two or more of the indicators, the average to complete labour was found to be between 20 and 30 minutes.

 

The researchers conclude that the tail-attached multimodal device examined in the study was useful for detecting foaling.  “…the time of birth of the foal can be detected with high sensitivity and precision by combining LST, LD, and TR.”

 

They suggest that the detector may also be useful in detecting when a mare is in season as tail raising is more often seen in mares during the oestrus period.

 

For more details, see:

 

Detection of foaling using a tail-attached device with a thermistor and tri-axial accelerometer in pregnant mares

Takahiro Aoki, Makoto Shibata, Guilherme Violin, Shogo Higaki, Koji Yoshioka 

PLoS ONE (2023) 18(6): e0286807.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286807