Researchers at Utrecht University in the Netherlands have succeeded in diagnosing equine overtraining syndrome by measuring nocturnal growth hormone secretion.
Dr Ellen de Graaf-Roelfsema and colleagues conducted the study in conjunction with researchers at Maastricht University, the Free University of Brussels and the University of Virginia (USA).
The study involved twelve Standardbred geldings (average 20 months old) - trained in pairs. Both horses in the pair were managed identically apart from their exercise regime. One was trained normally, the other received an intensified training schedule.
“The intensively trained group clearly showed a loss of performance, indicative for over-reaching or maybe even over training.” Dr Graaf-Roelfsema reports.
"We were able to distinguish between overtrained and control horses by evaluation of their nocturnal GH secretion pattern. However, it is a very labor intensive method and not very practical to use for the individual patient. We are working on that right now."
Read more...
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Search for new approach to equine stereotypies.
Pharmaceutical manufacturer CEVA Animal Health is looking to develop an equine pheromone to be used in the control of stereotypies, and is asking horse owners for help.
Pheromones are substances secreted by the body that have an effect on the behaviour of other animals of the same species. Lactating female mammals release substances called appeasing pheromones. Their function is to calm, and provide reassurance to the offspring, especially in unknown situations. They contribute to the foal bonding with the mare.
Equine appeasing pheromone has been shown to help calm horses in stressful situations. Could it also have a place in modifying stereotypies such as weaving and cribbing?
CEVA Animal Health already markets behaviour modifying produtcs based on pheromones for cats and dogs. These products reproduce natural pheromones that provide a feeling of comfort and help prevent or reduce stress-related behaviours such as urine spraying in cats and firework fears in dogs.
The company is working in partnership with the University of Nottingham’s Veterinary School to carry out initial research in the UK. They are asking owners of horses that display any type of stereotypical behaviour such a crib biting, weaving or box walking to complete a simple online survey about their horse and their management regime.
Liz Mossop BVM&S MRCVS at Nottingham Vet School said “Equine stereotypical behaviour, such as crib biting and weaving, is a difficult problem to manage for many owners. Nottingham Vet School is delighted to be involved with this project which should help to provide some new ideas and answers for both owners and the veterinary surgeons dealing with their horses and ponies. Pheromones have been shown to be very effective in supporting behaviour management of dogs and cats and we hope that an equine pheromone would prove equally useful.”
If you would like to take part please go to
www.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/Horseownersurvey and click on the survey link. It should take no more than 15 minutes of your time to complete the survey and your involvement would be very much appreciated.
Pheromones are substances secreted by the body that have an effect on the behaviour of other animals of the same species. Lactating female mammals release substances called appeasing pheromones. Their function is to calm, and provide reassurance to the offspring, especially in unknown situations. They contribute to the foal bonding with the mare.
Equine appeasing pheromone has been shown to help calm horses in stressful situations. Could it also have a place in modifying stereotypies such as weaving and cribbing?
CEVA Animal Health already markets behaviour modifying produtcs based on pheromones for cats and dogs. These products reproduce natural pheromones that provide a feeling of comfort and help prevent or reduce stress-related behaviours such as urine spraying in cats and firework fears in dogs.
The company is working in partnership with the University of Nottingham’s Veterinary School to carry out initial research in the UK. They are asking owners of horses that display any type of stereotypical behaviour such a crib biting, weaving or box walking to complete a simple online survey about their horse and their management regime.
Liz Mossop BVM&S MRCVS at Nottingham Vet School said “Equine stereotypical behaviour, such as crib biting and weaving, is a difficult problem to manage for many owners. Nottingham Vet School is delighted to be involved with this project which should help to provide some new ideas and answers for both owners and the veterinary surgeons dealing with their horses and ponies. Pheromones have been shown to be very effective in supporting behaviour management of dogs and cats and we hope that an equine pheromone would prove equally useful.”
If you would like to take part please go to
www.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/Horseownersurvey and click on the survey link. It should take no more than 15 minutes of your time to complete the survey and your involvement would be very much appreciated.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Iris scanning to identify horses.
Tattoos, brands, passport pictures and microchips may all become obsolete if a project to develop a portable iris scanner for horses is successful.
In the future, it could be that all a horse has to do to have its identity confirmed would be to glance at an iris scanner. The technology is already up and runnning for use in people. Airports throughout the world have started using iris cameras for passenger screening and immigration control as an alternative to checking passports.
The iris has a delicate pattern and, like a fingerprint, each one is unique. No two individuals have the same iris patterns - not even identical twins.
The Sarnoff Corporation has been commissioned to develop the first portable equine iris capture and identification system to help identify and track horses.
Mark Clifton, Sarnoff Corporation’s Vice President for Products and Services, said that the system would allow users to identify horses quickly and accurately, and without undue stress on the animal.
Read more...
In the future, it could be that all a horse has to do to have its identity confirmed would be to glance at an iris scanner. The technology is already up and runnning for use in people. Airports throughout the world have started using iris cameras for passenger screening and immigration control as an alternative to checking passports.
The iris has a delicate pattern and, like a fingerprint, each one is unique. No two individuals have the same iris patterns - not even identical twins.
The Sarnoff Corporation has been commissioned to develop the first portable equine iris capture and identification system to help identify and track horses.
Mark Clifton, Sarnoff Corporation’s Vice President for Products and Services, said that the system would allow users to identify horses quickly and accurately, and without undue stress on the animal.
Read more...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Seminar
I have just received news of the programme for this year's Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Seminar, which will be held at Cheltenham Racecourse on 12th November.
The Seminar presents the latest research and thinking on horse health and welfare. It offers owners, trainers and breeders the chance to hear about the latest scientific work and learn how the findings can be applied to the day-to-day management of their horses.
Although it is aimed at Thoroughbred breeders and trainers, most horse owners will find the information relevant and useful.
The morning session looks at infectious diseases. Professor Jose Vasquez-Boland discusses advances in understanding Rhodococcus equi - the cause of a particularly troublesome pneumonia in foals. Professor Jacqui Matthews considers the growing problem of anthelmintic resistance.
The morning finishes with a veterinary student, deemed to be a rising star in the field of equine research, giving a short presentation of their recent project.
In the afternoon, attention turns to jet lag and how it affects the horse's performance. Dr Domingo Tortonese explains the work carried out at Bristol University. Dr Richard Piercy will consider practical and state of the art approaches to diagnosis and treatment of setfast and other muscle disorders. The final speaker, Professor Stephen May, describes the use of the different imaging techniques used to resolve complex musculoskeletal problems.
There is plenty of opportunity to ask questions during the day including, just before lunch, an "Ask the panel" session, which is always lively and often contentious.
For more details see:
www.thoroughbred-seminar.co.uk
The Seminar presents the latest research and thinking on horse health and welfare. It offers owners, trainers and breeders the chance to hear about the latest scientific work and learn how the findings can be applied to the day-to-day management of their horses.
Although it is aimed at Thoroughbred breeders and trainers, most horse owners will find the information relevant and useful.
The morning session looks at infectious diseases. Professor Jose Vasquez-Boland discusses advances in understanding Rhodococcus equi - the cause of a particularly troublesome pneumonia in foals. Professor Jacqui Matthews considers the growing problem of anthelmintic resistance.
The morning finishes with a veterinary student, deemed to be a rising star in the field of equine research, giving a short presentation of their recent project.
In the afternoon, attention turns to jet lag and how it affects the horse's performance. Dr Domingo Tortonese explains the work carried out at Bristol University. Dr Richard Piercy will consider practical and state of the art approaches to diagnosis and treatment of setfast and other muscle disorders. The final speaker, Professor Stephen May, describes the use of the different imaging techniques used to resolve complex musculoskeletal problems.
There is plenty of opportunity to ask questions during the day including, just before lunch, an "Ask the panel" session, which is always lively and often contentious.
For more details see:
www.thoroughbred-seminar.co.uk
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Welfare of European horses transported for slaughter.
A recent study highlights concerns about the welfare of horses transported long distances by road for slaughter.
The study was carried out between March and September 2008. Groups of horses were inspected in Romania before being transported to Italy. Other horses were inspected on arrival at slaughterhouses in Italy. A few horses were observed both before and after transportation.
Many of the horses observed in the study, either at the start of their journey, or on arrival at the slaughterhouse, showed evidence of poor health and welfare.
The researchers observed 1519 horses being loaded onto lorries in Romania. They judged that fourteen percent of the animals were not fit to travel in accordance with EU Council Regulation 1/2005 on the Welfare of Animals during Transport. Both recent and long-term injuries were seen. Lameness was common.
1271 horses were observed on arrival in Italy. Of those, the observers considered that 37% were not fit to travel. Many horses showed clear signs of disease, including coughing and nasal discharge, which would have rendered them unsuitable to enter into the human food chain. One in 3 had recent injuries that were likely to have arisen on the journey.
More details...
The study was carried out between March and September 2008. Groups of horses were inspected in Romania before being transported to Italy. Other horses were inspected on arrival at slaughterhouses in Italy. A few horses were observed both before and after transportation.
Many of the horses observed in the study, either at the start of their journey, or on arrival at the slaughterhouse, showed evidence of poor health and welfare.
The researchers observed 1519 horses being loaded onto lorries in Romania. They judged that fourteen percent of the animals were not fit to travel in accordance with EU Council Regulation 1/2005 on the Welfare of Animals during Transport. Both recent and long-term injuries were seen. Lameness was common.
1271 horses were observed on arrival in Italy. Of those, the observers considered that 37% were not fit to travel. Many horses showed clear signs of disease, including coughing and nasal discharge, which would have rendered them unsuitable to enter into the human food chain. One in 3 had recent injuries that were likely to have arisen on the journey.
More details...
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Diagnostic deworming for tapeworm.
Scientists in Japan have been looking for a more reliable way of diagnosing tapeworm infections in horses.
They have found that fecal exmination the day after deworming provides a reliable way of detecting tapeworm eggs.
A pilot study of 12 horses examined fecal samples before and one day after treating with bithionol. All horses had a higher tapeworm egg count the day after treatment.
In a further study they found that tapeworm egg counts were dramatically higher on the first day after treatment. By the second day they had fallen back to pretreatment levels.
See more details..
They have found that fecal exmination the day after deworming provides a reliable way of detecting tapeworm eggs.
A pilot study of 12 horses examined fecal samples before and one day after treating with bithionol. All horses had a higher tapeworm egg count the day after treatment.
In a further study they found that tapeworm egg counts were dramatically higher on the first day after treatment. By the second day they had fallen back to pretreatment levels.
See more details..
Friday, August 28, 2009
Jockey’s posture has dramatic effect on speed.
Research carried out at the Structure and Motion Laboratory at London's Royal Veterinary College explains how the familiar crouched racing posture adopted by the jockey improves the speed of the horse.
By crouching in the saddle, jockeys isolate themselves from the motion of the horse. This reduces the energy that the horse needs to expend to carry the jockey, and so enhances performance.
Read more about it here...
By crouching in the saddle, jockeys isolate themselves from the motion of the horse. This reduces the energy that the horse needs to expend to carry the jockey, and so enhances performance.
Read more about it here...
Botox as laminitis treatment.
Dr Daniel W Carter and Dr J Ben Renfroe have patented a technique using botulinum toxin to reduce the tension in the deep digital flexor tendon of horses with laminitis.
Increased tension is one of the factors thought to contribute to rotation of the pedal bone. So relieving the tension may limit the deleterious changes in the foot.
The technique involves injecting a diluted solution of Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) into the deep digital flexor tendon in several places. The toxin blocks the release of the neuro- transmitter (acetylcholine) from the nerve endings. This temporarily prevents the muscle contracting.
Read more about it here
Increased tension is one of the factors thought to contribute to rotation of the pedal bone. So relieving the tension may limit the deleterious changes in the foot.
The technique involves injecting a diluted solution of Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) into the deep digital flexor tendon in several places. The toxin blocks the release of the neuro- transmitter (acetylcholine) from the nerve endings. This temporarily prevents the muscle contracting.
Read more about it here
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Night vision in horses.
Research at the Equine Research Foundation shows that horses can distinguish simple geometrical shapes under low light conditions.
Horses were trained to choose between two shapes - a circle and a triangle. The next step was to see if they could still distinguish the shapes in conditions of increasing darkness. The lighting was controlled to give conditions ranging from the equivalent of twilight to a moonless night in a dense forest.
The study showed that the horses could see at very low light levels. They were able to choose between the two shapes in almost complete darkness. Only when it was as dark as a moonless night in dense forest were they unable to differentiatebetween the two shapes.
Read more here
Horses were trained to choose between two shapes - a circle and a triangle. The next step was to see if they could still distinguish the shapes in conditions of increasing darkness. The lighting was controlled to give conditions ranging from the equivalent of twilight to a moonless night in a dense forest.
The study showed that the horses could see at very low light levels. They were able to choose between the two shapes in almost complete darkness. Only when it was as dark as a moonless night in dense forest were they unable to differentiatebetween the two shapes.
Read more here
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Nervous humans worry horses.
Recent research has confirmed that horses react to nervousness in their rider or handler.
The project, led by Linda Keeling, Professor of Animal Welfare at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, looked at how the heart rates of horses and riders responded to the rider anticipating a threatening situation.
More details...
The project, led by Linda Keeling, Professor of Animal Welfare at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, looked at how the heart rates of horses and riders responded to the rider anticipating a threatening situation.
More details...
Friday, July 24, 2009
Microchipping horses.
Should owners expect any adverse effects from having their horse implanted with a microchip?
A project at the Pennsylvania State University Department of Dairy and Agricultural Science, assessed the inflammatory response to microchip insertion - and whether the chips migrated after having been inserted.
Read more...
A project at the Pennsylvania State University Department of Dairy and Agricultural Science, assessed the inflammatory response to microchip insertion - and whether the chips migrated after having been inserted.
Read more...
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy
Four clinical syndromes have been attributed to Equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1): respiratory disease in younger horses, abortion in pregnant mares, stillbirth or weakness in newborn foals and paralysis ( equine herpes virus myeloencephalopathy (EHM)).
EHM has been identified more frequently in recent years. Knowledge gained in dealing with outbreaks of the disease is now available in a 74 page report published by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health.
The report, Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy: Mitigation Experiences, Lessons Learned, and Future Needs is based on interviews with 18 veterinarians or state equine program managers who worked to control recent outbreaks of the disease. You can download a copy here.
Also available is an educational brochure about EHM produced by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Veterinary Services. Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) Myeloencephalopathy: A Guide to Understanding the Neurologic Form of EHV Infection is available here.
Read more.
EHM has been identified more frequently in recent years. Knowledge gained in dealing with outbreaks of the disease is now available in a 74 page report published by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health.
The report, Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy: Mitigation Experiences, Lessons Learned, and Future Needs is based on interviews with 18 veterinarians or state equine program managers who worked to control recent outbreaks of the disease. You can download a copy here.
Also available is an educational brochure about EHM produced by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Veterinary Services. Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) Myeloencephalopathy: A Guide to Understanding the Neurologic Form of EHV Infection is available here.
Read more.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Laminitis: value of soaking hay?
Soaking hay before feeding cannot be relied on to make it safe for laminitis-prone horses, according to a recent study.
One of the factors that has been recognised as increasing the risk of laminitis is the over consumption of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC). It has been recommended that obese animals and those at risk of laminitis should be fed hay with a non-structural carbohydrate (WSC and starch) content of less than 10%. Soaking hay in water before being fed has been suggested in order to reduce the WSC.
The study, conducted by the Laminitis Consortium, examined the loss of water-soluble carbohydrates from different hays submerged in water for up to 16 hours. The nine different hay samples were analysed for WSC and then soaked in cold water. The soaked samples were subsequently analysed after 20 minutes, 40 minutes, three hours and 16 hours.
“The results showed a highly variable leaching of WSC and substantially less leaching than reported previously for chopped hay soaked for 30 minutes” explained Clare Barfoot. “Very few samples reached below 10% WSC, despite prolonged soaking. The concern is that this strongly suggests that soaking may not be sufficient to render some hays safe to feed to horses and ponies prone to laminitis.”
Read more...
One of the factors that has been recognised as increasing the risk of laminitis is the over consumption of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC). It has been recommended that obese animals and those at risk of laminitis should be fed hay with a non-structural carbohydrate (WSC and starch) content of less than 10%. Soaking hay in water before being fed has been suggested in order to reduce the WSC.
The study, conducted by the Laminitis Consortium, examined the loss of water-soluble carbohydrates from different hays submerged in water for up to 16 hours. The nine different hay samples were analysed for WSC and then soaked in cold water. The soaked samples were subsequently analysed after 20 minutes, 40 minutes, three hours and 16 hours.
“The results showed a highly variable leaching of WSC and substantially less leaching than reported previously for chopped hay soaked for 30 minutes” explained Clare Barfoot. “Very few samples reached below 10% WSC, despite prolonged soaking. The concern is that this strongly suggests that soaking may not be sufficient to render some hays safe to feed to horses and ponies prone to laminitis.”
Read more...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Changes to UK horse passport rules
The UK's horse passport rules have been tightened up from the begining of July 2009. The horse's owner or keeper is responsible for making sure that each horse has a passport, and that it is available for inspection at all times. You don't need to have the passport with you when the horse is grazing or being moved on foot - but you do have to show it to an inspector within three hours of being asked.
With very few exceptions, all horses have to have a passport. Both the owner, and the main keeper, is responsible for making sure the horse is correctly identified - but only the owner can apply for the passport.
The big change is that to be issued with a passport now horses must be microchipped. As a consequence, the diagram (silhouette) of the horse is no longer compulsory. However, many breed societies and passport issuing authorities still require a silhouette at this time.
For more details see:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/AnimalsAndPets/DG_178412
With very few exceptions, all horses have to have a passport. Both the owner, and the main keeper, is responsible for making sure the horse is correctly identified - but only the owner can apply for the passport.
The big change is that to be issued with a passport now horses must be microchipped. As a consequence, the diagram (silhouette) of the horse is no longer compulsory. However, many breed societies and passport issuing authorities still require a silhouette at this time.
For more details see:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/AnimalsAndPets/DG_178412
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Treating aural plaques
#Aural plaques are whitish lesions on the inner surface of the ear. They are slightly raised, with a scaly appearance. One or both ears may be affected.
They are thought to be caused by infection with a papilloma (wart) virus and may be spread by biting flies. Aural plaques do not go away on their own and respond poorly to treatment.
But now research at the University of Minnesota suggests imiquimod can help clear the aural plaques and make the ears less sensitive.
Read more...
They are thought to be caused by infection with a papilloma (wart) virus and may be spread by biting flies. Aural plaques do not go away on their own and respond poorly to treatment.
But now research at the University of Minnesota suggests imiquimod can help clear the aural plaques and make the ears less sensitive.
Read more...
Friday, June 26, 2009
Hope for headshakers.
A new procedure may bring relief for headshaking horses.
Surgeons at the Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital at the University of Liverpool have developed a technique that uses small coils implanted alongside the nerves in the side of the face.
Read more...
Surgeons at the Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital at the University of Liverpool have developed a technique that uses small coils implanted alongside the nerves in the side of the face.
Read more...
Effect of exercise on behaviour
Effect of exercise on behaviour
Is one type of exercise better than another for reducing unwanted behaviour in stabled horses?
Stabling reduces the opportunity for exercise. Horses confined to stables may become difficult to manage. And they often show a burst of activity when eventually turned out -trotting, cantering and bucking - (known as the “rebound effect”).
A recent study conducted at the Equine Centre at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia assessed the influence of exercise on stabled horses’ behaviour.
Read more...
Is one type of exercise better than another for reducing unwanted behaviour in stabled horses?
Stabling reduces the opportunity for exercise. Horses confined to stables may become difficult to manage. And they often show a burst of activity when eventually turned out -trotting, cantering and bucking - (known as the “rebound effect”).
A recent study conducted at the Equine Centre at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia assessed the influence of exercise on stabled horses’ behaviour.
Read more...
Thursday, July 06, 2006
New articles in archives.
The July edition of Equine Science Update e-news was published last week. The articles are now available in the archives.
Recent additions to the archives include:
Don't miss the next edition of Equine Science Update e-news. It's free!
Or subscribe now to search the archives.
Recent additions to the archives include:
- Airway inflammation affects dope tests.
- Ciplatin and IL-2 for sarcoid treatment.
- Electrochemotherapy for sarcoid treatment.
- Timed breeding protocol for frozen semen.
- Frozen semen qality varies with time of year.
- Gait analysis in the field.
- Examining the horses'sear.
- Absorption of topical hydrocortisone.
- Welfare aspects of "rollkur" technique.
Don't miss the next edition of Equine Science Update e-news. It's free!
Or subscribe now to search the archives.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Archives growing.
More articles have been added to the archives including:
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- Can vaccines aggravate chronic laminitis?
- Scintigraphy for investigating malabsorption.
- MRI becoming more widespread.
- Oxytocin for treatment of choke.
- Non-surgical rectal tear treatment.
- Controlling respiratory disease.
- Rotavirus vaccine studies.
- More shock wave success.
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Saturday, June 17, 2006
More articles added to archives.
A further batch of past articles have been posted to the Equine Science Update archives, including:
Equine Rhabdomyolisis Syndrome.
Recurrent Uveitis: new treatment.
Early test for Fell Pony Syndrome.
Does heart size affect racing speed?
Mold fungi may cause hoof disease.
Exercise and joint development.
Inducing lactation in mares.
Sign up for our free monthly newsletter and be ammong the first to receive the latest news.
Equine Rhabdomyolisis Syndrome.
Recurrent Uveitis: new treatment.
Early test for Fell Pony Syndrome.
Does heart size affect racing speed?
Mold fungi may cause hoof disease.
Exercise and joint development.
Inducing lactation in mares.
Sign up for our free monthly newsletter and be ammong the first to receive the latest news.
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