Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Horses and Donkeys in and around Gondar Town, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in and around Gondar town to identify the species and determine prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs and larvae of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 92.71% (356 from 384) with 80.95% (85 from 105) and 97.13% (271 from 279) in horses and donkeys, respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis was 66.67%, 43.8%, 0.95%, 2.86%, and 0.95%, respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 87.81%, 42.29%, 4.30%, 5.73%, 1.43%, 3.58% and 0.72% for Strongyles, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Fasciola, Tricuris, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis in donkeys, respectively. There was a statisticcally significant difference between species, housing and among feed types in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites

A comparative evaluation of methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from harness racing-horses,breeding mares and riding-horses in Italy

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci(MRS)which is a potencial risk factor of transmission between animals and humans in different types of horses(harness racing-horses,breeding mares and riding-horses)and to compare the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates.Methods:A total of 191 healthy horses,housed at different locations of the Campania Region(Italy),were included in the study.Nasal swab samples were collected from each nostril of the horses.The mecA gene was detected by a nested PCR technique.Antibiotic susceptibility was tested for each isolate.Results:MRS was isolated from nasal samples of 68/191(35.6%;95%CI:28.9%-42.9%)healthy horses.All isolates were coagulase-negative with the exception of two coagulase-positive MRS strains,identified as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.2/83(2.4%;95%,CI:0.4%-9.2%).Interestingly,both coagulase-positive MRS isolates were from harness racing-horses.These horses also presented a significantly higher positivity for MRS(53.3%;95%CI:40.1%-66.1%)than the breeding mares and riding-horses groups.Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed difference between isolates due to different origins except for an almost common high resistance to aminopenicillins,such as ampicillin and amoxicillin.Conclusions:It can be concluded that harness racing-horses may act as a significant reservoir of MRS as compared to breeding mares and riding-horses.

Polymorphism of Coding Sequences of IGF1R Gene in Baise Horses and Thoroughbred

[ Objective]The aim was to study polymorphism of mat-peptide sequence of IGF1 R gene in Baise horses and thoroughbred, which would af- ford reference for the further studies on the dwarf mechanism and molecular breeding in horses. [Method] A total of 57 blood samples of each breed were collected and genomic DNA was extracted by the standard phenol -chloroform method. Five DNA pools of each breed were constituted and polymorphism sites were identified by sequencing PCR products. Frequencies of genotypes and alleles at these sites of each breed were checked by PCR-RFLP. [Result] Four polymorphism sites were identified in exon 2, 5 and 16, including mutations of T406C, T179 627C, G212 077A and G2.12 110A. No difference was found in the frequency of T179 627C between the Baise horses and thoroughbred. The mutation （3212 077A was only found in the thorou- ghbred, and the mutations, T406C and G212 110A, were only checked out in the Baise horses. [ Conclusion] Whether these mutations are associated with horse growth needs further studies.

Evaluation of Pre-Cecal, Ileal Digestibility and Glycemic Response in Fistulated Horses Fed with Different Starch Sources

The objective of this study was to evaluate the coefficients of pre-cecal, ileal digestibility, and glycemic response in cannulated horses fed with different starch sources. Four male horses were used in a 4 × 4 Balanced Latin Square cannulated in the cecum, with 36 months of age and average weight of 350 kg. The horses were fed with hay and the following sources of starch in concentrates: 1) corn (C);2) oats (O);3) sorghum (S);and 4) corn/oats (CO). The experiment consisted of four periods of eighteen days each, being the first twelve days of adaptation and six days to collect samples. There was no difference in cecal and ileal digestibility of starch, CP, ADF, NDF and OM among diets evaluated. However, horses fed with oats diet had higher values of pre-cecal apparent digestibility of DM in relation at the horses fed to sorghum and corn/oats diets. The values of CF digestibility were higher for equines fed with oats and sorghum diet compared to corn/oats diet. The horses fed with corn/oats diet had lower plasma glucose concentrations 30 minutes before the supply and higher insulin concentrations 210 minutes after ingestion of the foods. The digestibility of nutrients in equine diets, in pre-cecal and pre-ileal evaluation, presents significant differences, depending on the starch source provided, oat, corn or sorghum. The plasma glucose concentrations are directly correlated with the digestibility of starch.

Consciousness-raising in animal welfare through practical experience with horses

In Italy, Law no. 189/2004 (enforced by law n. 201/2010) on safeguarding animal welfare establishes penalties for anyone keeping animals in conditions that are incompatible with their physiological or ethological needs. Thus, in order to recognize the condition of poor welfare or mistreatment, the training of a veterinarian needs to adopt a new approach to animal well being —that is somewhat different from the health ideas that have been prevalent so far. In this research we carry out an evaluation of the competence of veterinary students after a theoric 20-hour course in ethology and after three weeks of practical horses handling class. For two years 24 students were selected to took part in a program of horse management, in order to reach a high level of practical competence, from the ability to recognize non-verbal signals from horses, to cleaning and grooming, and to a more specific and refined ability—the establishment of a relationship with horse. While the skill level at the beginning was generally low, being the students’ backgrounds mainly urban, at the end of the practical course nearly 90% of them succeeded in the area of horse-human relationship, reaching evaluations in a range of good-excellent scores (p < 0.01). By combining over the years the applied ethology knowledge with the more profession-oriented health-related subjects, veterinary education will give students the resources that can better assist them in facing the challenges they will meet in their working lives. The fact that too many unlawful horses’ estab-lishments are often found all over the countries point indeed to a need for new experienced, well-trained professional people.

Plasma and Red Blood Cells Concentration Profiles of Ktamine after Single Intravenous Administration in an Anaesthetic Protocol in Horses

The aim of this study was to describe the concentration profile of ketamine in plasma and red blood cells following an intravenous (IV) bolus in the horse. Ten healthy standardbred horses (two males and height females) 7.7 ± 4.6 (mean value ± SD) years old and weighting 380 ± 21 kg (mean value ± SD) were recruited. The horses were premedicated with acepromazine (0.04 mg·kg-1·IV). Fifteen minutes later they received romifidine (0.08 mg·kg-1·IV), and 5 minutes after they were administered midazolam (0.06 mg·kg-1·IV). Immediately, anaesthesia was induced by ketamine (2.2 mg·kg-1·IV). Venous blood samples were collected at scheduled time points. Plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) concentration of ketamine was assayed using a high performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC/UV-DAD). The high mean recovery rates, the high sensitivity, the good linearity, suggest a clinical applicability of the analytical method. A bicompartmental model resulted as the most appropriate to describe the ketamine concentration—time profile for both plasma and RBCs. The fitted regression line between ketamine plasma concentrations and RBC concentrations supports the good correlation between ketamine concentrations in plasma and in RBCs. The kinetic parameters of ketamine calculated for RBC are equal or very similar to the plasma ones. The study confirms the kinetic behaviour of ketamine used in the horse as anaesthetic inducers in routine surgery. Finally, the bicompartmental model well describes the ketamine profile also in RBCs, that it is very close to the plasma profile, underlining the great importance of RBCs as blood subcompartment.

Pituitary Lesions, Obesity, and Mesenteric Lipomas in Insulin-Resistant Horses

The aim of the current study was to identify associations between pituitary lesions, body condition scores, and mesenteric lipomas in horses with insulin resistance. Necropsy examinations were performed following euthanasia in 30 adult horses designated as insulin resistant (n = 11) or insulin sensitive (n = 19). Insulin sensitivity was determined using the insulin-modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and resting insulin concentrations. At necropsy, mesenteric lipomas were measured. The pituitary and adrenal glands, pancreas, and liver were evaluated histologically;pituitary glands were scored based on published criteria. Insulin-resistant horses had significantly higher pituitary scores (p = 0.0035) and body condition scores (p = 0.0001), even when adjusting for age, and a greater frequency of mesenteric lipomas (p = 0.014) and greater lipoma area (p = 0.0332) than insulin-sensitive horses. Regardless of insulin status, horses with pituitary scores ≥3 (diffuse hyperplasia;n = 25) had higher body condition scores (p = 0.0313) and a greater frequency of mesenteric lipomas (p < 0.0002) than those with lower pituitary scores. High body condition score was not correlated to an increased frequency of mesenteric lipomas. Detection of higher pituitary scores in insulin-resistant horses suggested an association between insulin resistance and pituitary morphology. Horses in the insulin-resistant group and those with high pituitary scores had higher body condition scores and a greater frequency of mesenteric lipomas. These horses might be at increased risk for lipoma-associated colic.

Bartonella infection in asymptomatic horses and donkeys from Tuscany,Central Italy

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of Bartonella sp. infection in asymptomatic horses and donkeys living in Tuscany, Central Italy.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 77 horses and 15 donkeys and tested by indirect immunofluorescent test to detect antibodies against Bartonella sp. and by PCR to detect the pathogen.Results: Fifty-four(58.69%; 95% CI: 47.95%–68.87%) animals, 9 donkeys and 45 horses, were seropositive with antibody titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. PCR assays detected 9 horses positive for Bartonella sp. and 3 donkeys for Bartonella henselae genotype I.Conclusions: The detected sero-prevalence suggests a common and frequent exposure of equids living in Central Italy to bartonellae and PCR results show that Bartonella sp.infection is possible both in horses and donkeys. At the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Bartonella henselae infection in donkeys.

Analysis of Tracheal Secretion in Healthy Horses Undergoing a Vaquejada Simulation Test

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of EIPH in vaquejada horses via endoscopy and tracheal lavage and citology. We used eight Quarter-mile horses that usually perform at vaquejadas. Clinical examination was carried out before the race. After the race, endoscopy and tracheal lavage with 20 ml of saline via the service channel of the endoscope were performed. The samples were sent to the laboratory for processing and confection of the slides. Of the eight horses (four pull and four helper horses), six had hemosiderophages in their tracheal aspirates, confirming the existence of pulmonary hemorrhage after exercise. No difference was observed between the analyzed parameters between the two groups of vaquejada horses (P > 0.05). Tracheal lavage and endoscopy can be used for evaluating this important disease in animal athletes.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Horses of Central Mexico

Equines are affected by a large number of endoparasites, these can cause gastrointestinal signs, respiratory, poor performance, slow growth and even cause sudden death. The presence of parasites can be associated with various factors related to the animal and environmental or geographical factors. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection and risk factors in horses were evaluated. Stool samples belonging to 218 horses from different regions of central Mexico were analyzed by coproparasitological concentration-flotation technique. The fecal examinations were carried out from February to August in 2017. Among the 218 samples that were examined, 103 (47.24%) were found to be positive with several gastrointestinal parasites, with Strongylus spp. being the most prevalent (23.85%) followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (21.56%) and Parascaris spp. (11.93%). Breed and place of origin were significantly associated with helminth infection. Sex was associated as a significant risk factor (p < 0.01) with the infection by Strongylus spp. on females and by Anoplocephala, on males. In central Mexico, gastrointestinal helminth infection appears to be relatively low.

High Plasma Concentrations of Sclerostin, an Inhibitor of the Wnt Signaling Pathway, in Young Horses Affected by Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis (OC) is a developmental disease in horses with a significant impact on the horse’s welfare and performance. The early disturbance of enchondral ossification progresses to inflammatory and healing process in older horses. Metabolic pathway analysis showed an obvious dysregulation of several signaling pathways related to cartilage formation and cartilage repair such as Wnt/β-catenin, Indian hedgehog and TGF-β signaling pathways. Other regulated genes appeared to be involved in high carbohydrate diet, abnormal insulin metabolism or inflammation. Sclerostin is an osteocyte-secreted soluble antagonist of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. It is crucial for osteoblast development and activity and is increased in naturally occurring lesions of equine osteochondrosis. The aim of this study is to compare the circulating sclerostin levels between OC-affected (n = 20) and healthy horses (n = 19). A significant linear regression between plasma sclerostin and age is observed especially in the healthy young horses. The mean plasma sclerostin concentration is significantly higher in young horses suffering from osteochondrosis compared to the control horses. These results reinforce the possible role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the OC pathogeny. The inhibition of this essential pathway could disturb the osteo-chondral differentiation. More studies are currently needed to define the eventual clinic interest of plasma sclerostin as future biomarker in bone and cartilage diseases.

Use of Mexican Propolis for the Topical Treatment of Dermatomycosis in Horses

Five horses with lesions compatible with dermatomycosis were selected and skin scrapings were taken from all affected areas. Samples were then treated with 10% KOH and observed by direct microscopic examination;fungal cultures using Mycobiotic Agar and Borelli Agar were also preformed;Trichophyton mentagrophytes was identified in two cases, whereas Candida albicans was identified in the other three. Skin lesions in cases 1 and 2 were treated topically with ketoconazol ointment, while in the remaining cases a weekly bath with propolis-based shampoo and application of propolis-based ointment on the lesions 2 to 3 times a week were implemented. Treatment in all cases lasted 4 weeks. Pictures were taken before and after treatment and, making use of the Image Pro-Express® software, therapy efficacy was determined by measurement of lesion area diameter and a significant reduction in lesion size was observed by the end of the 4 weeks of treatment with ketoconazole and propolis-based products. Thus proving the effectiveness of such propolis-based products, making them a natural therapeutic alternative for the treatment of cutaneous mycoses in horses, and carrying none of the toxic side effects of conventional pharmaceuticals.

Biomarkers of Stress and Inflammation in Assessing the Quality of Welfare of Conditioned Vaquejada Horses

In recent decades, the intensity of training and equestrian competitions has significantly increased, thus the assessment of the well-being of the equine athlete has become essential in all equestrian modalities. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether equine athletes submitted to a vaquejada simulation test (VqST), comprised of three races, presented changes in blood biomarkers related to stress and health status. Fourteen healthy Quarter Horses, used as pull horses in this equestrian modality, were evaluated. Ten animals were submitted to the VqST and the remaining four were used as a control group. Blood samples were collected pre-test (during fast), immediately after, and at 1, 4 and 24 hours of recovery. The assessed blood biomarkers included cortisol, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, iron, urea, creatinine, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations and results were analyzed using One Way ANOVA (time) with the SigmaStat 13.0 software. No differences between sample times were detected in both groups (p > 0.05) and no differences were found between groups (p > 0.05). The results suggest that all horses were well conditioned for the level of effort imposed by the three vaquejada races. The adaptation to physical exercise may enable the regulation of the acute response to stress in the tissues involved in the exercises, with no differences being observed in stress and health biomarkers, such as IL-6, IL-1β and cortisol. In conclusion, well-conditioned vaquejada horses exhibit a balanced regulation of biological processes, which contributes an increased athletic longevity and better quality of athletic life.

The Effects of Dexmedetomidine Continuous Rate Infusion (CRI) on Isoflurane Anaesthesia in Healthy Horses

The concept of the modern anaesthesiological technique partial intravenous anaesthesia (PIVA) is by means of infusion of different pharmacological agents as a supplement to inhalation anaesthetics to reduce the concentration of volatile agents maintaining surgical anaesthesia and to decrease their noxious side effects mainly on cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Alpha-2 agonists are agents with frequent use in equine practice either as sedatives or in general anaesthesia PIVA protocols. The most selective amongst them, dexmedetomidine, is characterized by fewer side effects, lower doses, and fast elimination which make it appropriate for application as a continuous rate infusion (CRI). The purpose of this study was to trace out the effects of dexmedetomidine continuous rate infusion (CRI) as part of PIVA using isoflurane on volatile agent requirements, cardiovascular function, respiration and coagulation parameters, and recovery in healthy horses. Six healthy horses with average age 9.0 ± 5.1 year and mean body weight 247.7 ± 71.4 kg were subjected to either 3-hour lasting isoflurane or isoflurane-dexmedetomidine anaesthesia two weeks apart. The main clinical and anaesthesiological parameters were monitored in 10 minutes intervals. Electrolytes, acid-base, blood gases, and coagulation parameters were measured at the beginning and at the end of each anaesthesia. Recovery times and qualities were also recorded. The results showed that, the addition of dexmedetomidine by CRI at 1.75 μg·kg-1·hour-1 to isoflurane anaesthesia slightly reduced isoflurane requirement for maintenance of surgical anaesthesia but had negligible effects on the recovery time and quality. PIVA using dexmedetomidine and isoflurane produced respiratory acidosis similar to isoflurane anaesthesia alone but with significantly more pronounced hypoxaemia and hyperlactaemia. Both investigated anaesthesia protocols did not influence significantly haemocoagulation parameters.

Feeder Type Affects Growth in Weanling Horses

In the interest of decreasing feed costs while maximizing the growth of weanling horses, this study examined the potential difference in the average daily gain （ADG）, gain to feed ratio （G/F）, and apparent dry matter and crude protein digestibility in horses fed with the same diet provided in different feeder types. Sixteen weanling standardbred horses were used for the duration of the 9-week study. The horses were given 2.5% of their body weight in hay and grain daily, 2% hay and 0.5% grain, as fed in two equal feedings at 7：00 am and 7：00 pm. The first treatment used a combined hay and grain feeder with the hay rack positioned over a manger compartment. The second treatment provided hay in an open hay rack and grain in a separate, open-topped feed tub, not positioned under the hay rack. The two groups, with eight horses--four female and four male in each group, were fed in one manner or the other for the length of the study. The weanlings fed in the combined hay and grain feeder had a greater ADG （0.52 kg/d vs. 0.41 kg/d） and G/F （0.06 vs. 0.05） than the horses with the separate hay and grain feeders. Both ADG and G/F means between treatments were statistically different （P 〈 0.05）. There was not a significant difference （P 〉 0.05） in the apparent digestibility of dry matter or crude protein between the two groups. Therefore, it was concluded that the combined feeding system resulted in greater growth and apparent G/F most likely due to decreased feed wastage; however, apparent digestibility was not different between feeding systems.

First Serological Evidence of Borna Disease Virus in Healthy Horses from Yucatan, Mexico

Borna Disease Virus (BDV) causes a progressive non-suppurative meningoencephalitis that sometimes occurs in mortality;this disease has been reported for over two centuries ago in horses, sheep and cats in Central Europe and some regions of Asia. Currently, it is known that it causes neurological symptoms in various species of vertebrates including human beings. In Yucatan, Mexico, there is a single serological report about the circulation of BDV in schizophrenia patients;however, nothing is known about the circulation in animals. We obtained serum samples of 100 horses without apparent clinical signs caused by BDV infection, from various sites in the region. Antibodies against BDV were detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) method with three recombinant proteins: BDV p24, BDV p40 and BDV p10 as antigens;obtaining a high seroprevalence of 44% (44/100). This study generates the first report of the probable activity of the BDV in healthy horses in Mexico and has expanded the infiltration area of BDV in the world. Nevertheless, several molecular investigations are required to detect BDV-RNA circulating and find sequences for clarification of the origin of BDV in Mexican horses.

Feed Form Affects Growth and Stomach Ulcers in Yearling Horses

Fourteen yearling standardbred horses were used to test the hypothesis that hay and grain fed as a complete total mixed ration （TMR） cube diet （C） would result in greater average daily gain （ADG）, feed efficiency （gain to feed ratio, G/F） and apparent digestibility in horses on the TMR diet compared to horses fed the same weight and proportion of hay cubes and grain fed separately （diet HG）. Both diets consisted of 75% forage and 25% ground oats. The forage in both the plain hay cubes and the complete cubes was 80% alfalfa and 20% endophyte-free tall rescue. An additional hypothesis that stomach ulceration would not differ between horses fed either of the two diet treatments was also tested by comparing upper gastric endoscopies before and after 70 days of feeding the experimental diets. Horses fed diet C had greater ADG （P 〈 0.046） while G/F between the two treatments was not significantly different （P 〉 0.065） but showed a trend to be higher in the horses consuming diet C. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein was not different between the diet treatments, and no major gastric ulceration was found in horses consuming either diet treatment. The results of this study found that a complete cubed diet of 75% hay and 25% oats did not cause stomach ulceration while achieving an acceptable growth rate in yearling horses.

The Maximum Temperatures （Tmax） Distribution on the Body Surface of Sport Horses

The objective of the study was to determine the usefulness of measuring maximum temperatures in designated regions of a healthy horse＇s body surface. Thermographic investigations （Thermovision〉550, FLIR） were carried out on 35 horses from 6 to 16 years old participating in show jumping competitions. The rectal temperatures of the horses were in the range 37.5-38.2 ℃. The research was performed in a stable, the ambient temperature （Tab） of which was 14℃ with a humidity （φ） of 60%. Thermograms of the left and right side of the horses were obtained. Each thermogram consisted of 36 body surface regions （before the competition） and 25 regions （immediately after the competition）. The maximum temperature ranges at rest were 21.8 ℃-31.0℃ and symmetrical regions did not differ statistically （P 〉 0.05）. The highest temperatures were on the head, neck and trunk, the lowest-on the limbs. The hind legs were warmer than the front legs in analogous areas, with the exception of the gaskin and forearm. The warmest body areas had the largest surface area, which is indicative of their crucial role in the thermoregulation of the equine organism. The research results may therefore be useful in veterinary diagnosis. The range of maximum temperatures after the competitions was 25.2℃-34.2℃. The highest increment was observed at the breast, elbow, forearm and gaskin, the lowest-at the head, pastern and hoof （foreand hind limbs）. Research regarding body surface temperature after exercise does not have diagnostic value for veterinarians because ＂warming-up＂ certain parts of body surface masks inflammation.

Vaccination Statistics and Reality： How Many Horses Are Really Vaccinated against Equine Influenza？

Standard schedules for equine influenza vaccinations have been published in Finland. However, no knowledge about the actual number of vaccinations has been available. Based on previous preliminary studies in slaughterhouses and among horse owners, it was suspected that vaccination recommendations are not always followed. The aims were to investigate vaccination status against equine influenza among Finnish racehorses in regional competitions. Vaccination status was investigated： （1） by utilizing database vaccination information of show jumping and dressage horses and （2） by carrying out a survey among horse industry experts. A total of 400 horses were selected at the beginning of the Finnish competition season in 2012 and five experts （key persons） were invited to a repeated survey implemented by Delphi techniques. Overall, 50%-100% of horses were properly vaccinated depending on the source available. Thirty-four percent （34%） of the horses had the competition license but no vaccination markings in the database. Differences between types of competition （show jumping and dressage） and between Southern and Northern parts of Finland were found. Vaccinations of show jumping horses were registered more often than vaccinations of dressage horses. Ninety percent （90%） of unvaccinated horses in the database were eight years or older. It can be concluded that equine influenza vaccination registry coverage among racehorses in Finland is incomplete. This poses a risk of misunderstanding, and the growing responsibility of competition organizers.

Development and evaluation of a RT-RAA-combined CRISPR/Cas12a assay for the detection of African horse sickness virus

African horse sickness(AHS)is an acute and fatal vectorborne infectious disease of equids,caused by the African horse sickness virus(AHSV).The World Organization for Animal Health(WOAH)has classified AHS as a notifiable animal disease,and AHS has also been classified as a Class I animal infectious disease in China.AHS is mainly found in Africa,the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula.China is currently recognized by the WOAH as an AHS-free zone.