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Müller CE. Dry matter concentration, particle size distribution and sand presence in faeces from horses with and without colic. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 139:105126. [PMID: 38852928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
A study comprising 74 colic and 74 control horses admitted to an animal hospital was performed. Faecal samples were collected and analysed for dry matter concentration, particle size distribution using wet-sieving, and sand presence through a sand sedimentation test. Data on horse breed, age, gender and basic feeding variables was collected and analysed using χ2-tests. Faecal dry matter concentration, particle size distribution and sand score was compared between colic and non-colic horses, and between horses with different colic types, using one-way ANOVA. Results showed that colic and non-colic horse groups were similar in breed, age, gender and basic feeding variables. Faecal dry matter concentration, particle size distribution and sand score were similar among colic and non-colic horses. Horses diagnosed with "unknown colic cause" had higher proportion of particles >0.5 <1.0 mm size compared to horses with colic due to impactions in caecum or colon, torsion or gas accumulation (P<0.05), but this difference was very small and most likely not of biological importance. Faecal dry matter concentration and sand score were similar among horses with different types of colic. Increased knowledge of the composition of particles of different size in equine faeces may enhance our understanding of digesta passage rate in colic and non-colic horses, which is needed to develop preventative measures of certain types of colic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia E Müller
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, PO Box 7024, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
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2
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Niinistö K, Sykes BW. Diagnosis and management of sand enteropathy in the horse. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Niinistö
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - B. W. Sykes
- School of Veterinary Sciences Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
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Zommiti M, Chikindas ML, Ferchichi M. Probiotics-Live Biotherapeutics: a Story of Success, Limitations, and Future Prospects-Not Only for Humans. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 12:1266-1289. [PMID: 31376026 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-019-09570-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In livestock production, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) represent the most widespread microorganisms used as probiotics. For such critical use, these bacteria must be correctly identified and characterized to ensure their safety and efficiency. Recently, probiotics have become highly recognized as supplements for humans and in particular for animals because of their beneficial outcome on health improvement and well-being maintenance. Various factors, encompassing dietary and management constraints, have been demonstrated to tremendously influence the structure, composition, and activities of gut microbial communities in farm animals. Previous investigations reported the potential of probiotics in animal diets and nutrition. But a high rate of inconsistency in the efficiency of probiotics has been reported. This may be due, in a major part, to the dynamics of the gastrointestinal microbial communities. Under stressing surroundings, the direct-fed microbials may play a key role as the salient limiting factor of the severity of the dysbiosis caused by disruption of the normal intestinal balance. Probiotics are live microorganisms, which confer health benefits on the host by positively modifying the intestinal microflora. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize and to highlight the positive influence of probiotics and potential probiotic microbe supplementation in animal feed with mention of several limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Zommiti
- Unité de Protéomique Fonctionnelle et Potentiel Nutraceutique de la Biodiversité de Tunisie, Institut Supérieur des Sciences Biologiques Appliquées de Tunis, Université de Tunis El-Manar, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Michael L Chikindas
- Health Promoting Naturals Laboratory, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers State University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Center for Digestive Health, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mounir Ferchichi
- Unité de Protéomique Fonctionnelle et Potentiel Nutraceutique de la Biodiversité de Tunisie, Institut Supérieur des Sciences Biologiques Appliquées de Tunis, Université de Tunis El-Manar, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia.
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SURVEY OF GERIATRIC ELEPHANT MEDICAL CARE, NUTRITION, HUSBANDRY, AND WELFARE. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 51:545-560. [PMID: 33480530 DOI: 10.1638/2019-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvements in husbandry, veterinary care, and nutrition have led to increased longevity of animals in human care, including elephants. The goal of this study was to collect and synthesize information pertaining to geriatric elephant medicine, management, husbandry, and nutrition. An electronic survey was created and distributed to American Association of Zoo Veterinarians members through an online link. A total of 61 responses were received from veterinarians, nutritionists, and elephant managers with data encompassing 314 elephants, of which 142 were geriatric (over 40 years old) and 51 were on their final set of molars. Following the initial survey, willing respondents were contacted for follow-up interviews. Osteoarthritis, foot disease, and colic were the most commonly reported diseases, and flunixin meglumine and phenylbutazone were the analgesics most often used. Respondents described diseases treated, husbandry changes specific for older animals, welfare assessments and quality of life monitoring, nutritional modifications for dental attrition, a variety of integrative medicine modalities, and unique cases. It is the hope that the information identified in this study can be used to improve treatment, management practices, and overall welfare for geriatric elephants.
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Mienaltowski MJ, Belt A, Henderson JD, Boyd TN, Marter N, Maga EA, DePeters EJ. Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the fecal microbiota of horses. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:459. [PMID: 32993781 PMCID: PMC7526151 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05305-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prophylactic supplementation of psyllium husk is recommended to enhance passage of ingested sand from the gastrointestinal tracts of horses. We hypothesized that psyllium supplementation would increase fecal sand passage and favorably alter bacterial populations in the hindgut. Six yearlings and six mature mares were fed a psyllium supplement in the diet daily for seven days. Voluntarily-voided feces were collected over the course of 29 days, prior, during, and after treatment. Feces were analyzed for acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent insoluble ash analyses. Microbial DNA was also isolated, and the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was PCR-amplified and sequenced using MiSeq technology. RESULTS Fecal ADF concentration was greater in adults while silica concentration was greater in yearlings. Mature mare fecal ADF decreased during and just after supplementation but thereafter increased. No changes in silica levels were noted in either group over time. Fecal microbial population phylogenetic diversity was greatest mid-supplementation and lowest at 11 days post-supplementation. Functional profiles of the microbial communities presented some benefits for psyllium supplementation. These findings provide compelling evidence for further detailed studies of prophylactic psyllium supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Mienaltowski
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Ashley Belt
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - John D Henderson
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Tannah N Boyd
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nicole Marter
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Maga
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Edward J DePeters
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Alonso J, Schmitt F, Sousa F, Rosa G, Esper C, Melo Neto G, Vettorato M, Fogaça J, Pantoja J, Watanabe M, Alves A, Rodrigues C, Machado V, Hussni C. Carboxymethylcellulose and psyllium effects in sand output of horses with asymptomatic sand accumulation. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-11525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Psyllium (PSY) and Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) administration on fecal elimination of sand in horses with asymptomatic sand accumulations. Eight horses were selected from sandy areas and randomly divided into 2 groups of four animals. The subjects were treated either with CMC or PSY. The presence of intestinal sand was confirmed through radiography and glove sedimentation test. The study was performed in two phases, with a 7-day interval. In phase I, all the animals received 8 liters of warm water; in phase II, the CMC group received 8 liters of water + 1g/kg of CMC, whereas the PSY group received 8 liters of water + 1g/kg of PSY. All administrations were performed through nasogastric intubation and fractionated in 2 equal volume administrations with an interval of two hours. General and specific physical examination of the digestive system were performed in conjunction with abdominal ultrasonography before the administrations and after 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours, aiming to evaluate intestinal motility and presence of sand. All the feces eliminated by the animals within the 72 hours following the administrations were quantified, diluted and sedimented in order to calculate the sand output (g/kg of feces). All the animals were also subjected to radiographic examination to quantify sand accumulation prior to phase I and after 72 hours of phases I and II. No adverse effects were observed after the treatments. It was possible to notice higher sand elimination in both groups during the phase I, whereas no difference was observed in sand elimination rates between the groups in phase II. The radiographic scores presented differences between the initial timepoint and 72h in phases I and II for both groups. Based on the sand elimination rates and radiographic score, this study demonstrated that sand output was greater after administration of water alone, compared to CMC and Psyllium, leading to the inference that removal of the sandy environment and prevention of sand re-ingestion are effective measures for the elimination of sand from the colon of horses with asymptomatic sand accumulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - G.S. Rosa
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Brazil
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Hassel DM, Curley T, Hoaglund EL. Evaluation of Fecal Sand Clearance in Horses With Naturally Acquired Colonic Sand Accumulation With a Product Containing Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Psyllium. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 90:102970. [PMID: 32534763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Consumption of sand and dirt in horses can cause chronic diarrhea and colic because of irritation and obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract of horses. Prevention has primarily focused on changes in management to reduce the intake of sand and feeding of psyllium products. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a product containing probiotics, prebiotics, and psyllium in the clearance of colonic sand in horses with naturally acquired sand accumulation using a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical trial format. After identification of 10 horses with sand accumulation as determined by both auscultation and abdominal radiography, quantitative assessment of changes in colonic sand content in response to management changes combined with treatment with the probiotic/psyllium product or no treatment was assessed by blinded observers. Fecal sand output was monitored in both groups via sand sedimentation analysis of fecal samples every 3 days for 35 days and with pre- and post-treatment abdominal radiography. There was a significant reduction in sand accumulation in both treatment and control groups, but there were no significant differences between treatment and control groups in clearance of colonic sand as measured by both fecal sand sedimentation and quantitative radiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Hassel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
| | - Taylor Curley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Elizabeth L Hoaglund
- Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
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Kauter A, Epping L, Semmler T, Antao EM, Kannapin D, Stoeckle SD, Gehlen H, Lübke-Becker A, Günther S, Wieler LH, Walther B. The gut microbiome of horses: current research on equine enteral microbiota and future perspectives. Anim Microbiome 2019; 1:14. [PMID: 33499951 PMCID: PMC7807895 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-019-0013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complex interactions of microbial communities including bacteria, archaea, parasites, viruses and fungi of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) associated with states of either health or disease is still an expanding research field in both, human and veterinary medicine. GIT disorders and their consequences are among the most important diseases of domesticated Equidae, but current gaps of knowledge hinder adequate progress with respect to disease prevention and microbiome-based interventions. Current literature on enteral microbiomes mirrors a vast data and knowledge imbalance, with only few studies tackling archaea, viruses and eukaryotes compared with those addressing the bacterial components.Until recently, culture-dependent methods were used for the identification and description of compositional changes of enteral microorganisms, limiting the outcome to cultivatable bacteria only. Today, next generation sequencing technologies provide access to the entirety of genes (microbiome) associated with the microorganisms of the equine GIT including the mass of uncultured microbiota, or "microbial dark matter".This review illustrates methods commonly used for enteral microbiome analysis in horses and summarizes key findings reached for bacteria, viruses and fungi so far. Moreover, reasonable possibilities to combine different explorative techniques are described. As a future perspective, knowledge expansion concerning beneficial compositions of microorganisms within the equine GIT creates novel possibilities for early disorder diagnostics as well as innovative therapeutic approaches. In addition, analysis of shotgun metagenomic data enables tracking of certain microorganisms beyond species barriers: transmission events of bacteria including pathogens and opportunists harboring antibiotic resistance factors between different horses but also between humans and horses will reach new levels of depth concerning strain-level distinctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kauter
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS-4), Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lennard Epping
- Microbial Genomics (NG1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Semmler
- Microbial Genomics (NG1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Dania Kannapin
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabita D Stoeckle
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heidrun Gehlen
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antina Lübke-Becker
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Günther
- Pharmaceutical Biology Institute of Pharmacy, Universität Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Walther
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS-4), Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Niinistö K, Ruohoniemi M, Freccero F, Raekallio M. Investigation of the treatment of sand accumulations in the equine large colon with psyllium and magnesium sulphate. Vet J 2018; 238:22-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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10
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Schoster A. Probiotic Use in Equine Gastrointestinal Disease. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2018; 34:13-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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11
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Diseases of the Alimentary Tract. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7167529 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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12
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Kaikkonen R, Niinistö K, Lindholm T, Raekallio M. Comparison of psyllium feeding at home and nasogastric intubation of psyllium and magnesium sulfate in the hospital as a treatment for naturally occurring colonic sand (geosediment) accumulations in horses: a retrospective study. Acta Vet Scand 2016; 58:73. [PMID: 27733202 PMCID: PMC5059958 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-016-0254-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ingestion of geosediment (further referred as sand) may cause weight loss, diarrhea and acute or recurrent colic in horses. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of three treatment protocols in clearing colonic sand accumulations in clinical patients. This retrospective clinical study consisted of 1097 horses and ponies, which were radiographed for the presence of colonic sand. Horses included to the study (n = 246) were displaying areas of sand in the radiographs of ≥75 cm2 and were treated medically monitoring the response with radiographs. The horses were assigned into three groups based on the given treatment: Group 1 was fed psyllium [1 g/kg body weight (BW)] daily at home for a minimum of 10 days (n = 57); Group 2 was treated once with psyllium or magnesium sulfate by nasogastric tubing followed by daily feeding of psyllium (1 g/kg BW) at home for a minimum of 10 days (n = 19), and Group 3 was treated by daily nasogastric tubing for 3-7 days with psyllium and/or magnesium sulfate (1 g of each/kg BW) (n = 170). RESULTS The initial area of sand did not differ significantly between the treatments. Group 3 had significantly less residual sand than Groups 1 and 2, and the proportion of resolved horses was higher in Group 3 than in Groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS Daily nasogastric tubing with psyllium and/or magnesium sulfate for 3-7 days removes large accumulations of sand from the colon in horses more effectively than feeding psyllium for at least 10 days.
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MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF COELOMIC DISTENTION, ABNORMAL SWIMMING, SUBSTRATE RETENTION, AND HEMATOLOGIC CHANGES IN A REEF MANTA RAY (MANTA ALFREDI). J Zoo Wildl Med 2016; 47:927-930. [PMID: 27691938 DOI: 10.1638/2015-0187.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An adult, female, reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) was evaluated for abnormal swimming and coelomic distention after colliding with a floating dock in an exhibit. Initial clinical signs included abnormal posture and swimming. Clinical signs progressed to include muscle wasting, poor body condition, and coelomic distention. Further diagnostics revealed excessive exhibit substrate within the gastrointestinal tract, gastric ulcers, free coelomic fluid, possible spinal lesion, possible uterine abnormality, and hematologic changes. The ray was treated with repeated gastroscopic examinations to remove substrate from the stomach. Psyllium and mineral oil were administered in gel food to assist with passage of substrate through the gastrointestinal tract. Gastric ulcers were treated with sucralfate. Vitamin B complex, iron dextran, and Yunnan Paiyao were used to treat the anemia. Amikacin and sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim were administered for suspected bacterial and coccidial infections, respectively. Over the course of 11 mo the ray returned to normal health.
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House AM, Warren LK. Nutritional management of recurrent colic and colonic impactions. EQUINE VET EDUC 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. M. House
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences; University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine; Gainesville USA
| | - L. K. Warren
- Department of Animal Sciences; University of Florida; Gainesville USA
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Hussain MA, Muhammad G, Jantan I, Bukhari SNA. Psyllium Arabinoxylan: A Versatile Biomaterial for Potential Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Applications. POLYM REV 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15583724.2015.1078351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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16
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Schoster A, Weese J, Guardabassi L. Probiotic use in horses - what is the evidence for their clinical efficacy? J Vet Intern Med 2014; 28:1640-52. [PMID: 25231539 PMCID: PMC4895607 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal microbiota is extremely important for human and animal health. Investigations into the composition of the microbiota and its therapeutic modification have received increasing interest in human and veterinary medicine. Probiotics are a way of modifying the microbiota and have been tested to prevent and treat diseases. Probiotics are proposed to exert their beneficial effects through various pathways. Production of antimicrobial compounds targeting intestinal pathogens, general immune stimulation, and colonization resistance are among these mechanisms. Despite widespread availability and use, scientific, peer-reviewed evidence behind commercial probiotic formulations in horses is limited. Additionally, quality control of commercial over-the-counter products is not tightly regulated. Although promising in vitro results have been achieved, in vivo health benefits have been more difficult to prove. Whether the ambiguous results are caused by strain selection, dosage selection or true lack of efficacy remains to be answered. Although these limitations exist, probiotics are increasingly used because of their lack of severe adverse effects, ease of administration, and low cost. This review summarizes the current evidence for probiotic use in equine medicine. It aims to provide veterinarians with evidence-based information on when and why probiotics are indicated for prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal disease in horses. The review also outlines the current state of knowledge on the equine microbiota and the potential of fecal microbial transplantation, as they relate to the topic of probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Schoster
- Clinic for Equine Internal MedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - J.S. Weese
- Department for PathobiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphCanada
| | - L. Guardabassi
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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Niinistö K, Hewetson M, Kaikkonen R, Sykes BW, Raekallio M. Comparison of the effects of enteral psyllium, magnesium sulphate and their combination for removal of sand from the large colon of horses. Vet J 2014; 202:608-11. [PMID: 25458886 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Prospective studies documenting the efficacy and side effects of medical treatment for colonic sand accumulation in horses are limited. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of enteral administration of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), psyllium mucilloid (psyllium), and a combination of MgSO4 and psyllium on the evacuation of large accumulations of sand in the large colon of adult horses. Thirty-four horses with naturally acquired, large sand accumulations (>5 cm × 15 cm) identified on abdominal radiography were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: (1) 1 g/kg psyllium (n = 12); (2) 1 g/kg MgSO4 (n = 10), or (3) their combination (n = 12). Treatments were administered once a day via nasogastric intubation and continued for a total of 4 days. Lateral radiographs of the ventral abdomen were repeated on day 4 of treatment. If the area of sand in the radiographic image was <25 cm(2) on day 4, the sand accumulation was considered resolved. Of 12 horses treated with a combination of psyllium and MgSO4, nine evacuated the sand from the ventral colon within 4 days. In comparison, only 3/12 horses treated with psyllium and 2/10 horses treated with MgSO4 resolved (both significantly different from the combination; P <0.05). Large accumulations of sand in the large colon of horses can be treated medically. Administering a combination of psyllium and MgSO4 via nasogastric intubation once daily for a total of 4 days was a more effective treatment than either constituent alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kati Niinistö
- Department of Clinical Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, 00014, Finland.
| | - Michael Hewetson
- Department of Clinical Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, 00014, Finland
| | | | - Ben W Sykes
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 05800, Estonia
| | - Marja Raekallio
- Department of Clinical Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, 00014, Finland
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Abstract
Diarrhoea is among the most common clinical complaints in foals. Aetiologies, diagnostic testing and recommended interventions for specific causes of enterocolitis are summarised. Many mild to moderately affected foals can be managed in an ambulatory setting, while others will benefit from more intensive care at a referral centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mallicote
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - A M House
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - L C Sanchez
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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