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Horses' Tactile Reactivity Differs According to the Type of Work: The Example of Equine-Assisted Intervention. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020130. [PMID: 36851434 PMCID: PMC9959874 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tactile perception in humans varies between individuals and could depend on extrinsic factors such as working activity. In animals, there is no study relating the influence of animals' work and their tactile reactivity per se. We investigated horses' tactile reactivity using von Frey filament in different body areas and compared horses working only in equine-assisted interventions (EAI), in riding school (RS) lessons, and in both activities (EAI-RS). We further compared tactile actions by people with or without mental and/or developmental disorders during brushing sessions. The results indicated that EAI horses showed higher tactile reactivity compared to EAI-RS and RS horses, both in terms of number of reactions overall, and especially when the test involved thin filaments. All horses showed high tactile reactivity when tested on the stifle, and this was particularly true for EAI horses. These differences could be related to humans' actions, as participants diagnosed with disorders brushed more the hindquarters and showed more fragmented actions. This study opens new lines of thought on the influence of EAI working activity on horses' tactile reactivity, and hence, on horses' sensory perception. Tactile reactivity outside work, may be directly (via tactile stimulations) or indirectly (via the welfare state), influenced by working conditions.
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Testing individual variations of horses’ tactile reactivity: when, where, how? Naturwissenschaften 2022; 109:41. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-022-01811-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Biau S, Burgaud I. Application of kinesiology taping to equine abdominal musculature in a tension frame for muscle facilitation increases longitudinal activity at the trot. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:973-978. [PMID: 34719053 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kinesiology taping (KT) has been used on human subjects for many years. More recently, KT has been used in sport horses. The physiological mechanisms involved remain unclear and its benefits are controversial. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of application of kinesiology taping to abdominal muscles on locomotor parameters before and after lungeing exercise in horses. STUDY DESIGN Cross-over study. METHODS Eleven horses were tested twice, once with an application of KT without tension on abdominal muscles (condition 1) and once with a facilitation application of KT on abdominal muscles (condition 2). A triaxial accelerometric device, located in the trunk (Equimetrix system® ), was used at walk and trot in hand on a straight line before (30 min after the KT application) and after a lungeing session. Locomotor parameters were calculated, including stride frequency, regularity and symmetry, dorsoventral displacement and dorsoventral, mediolateral and longitudinal activities. RESULTS At trot, the longitudinal activity was significantly higher for condition 2 than for condition 1, before (7.6 ± 1.8 W/kg vs. 5.4 ± 2.2 W/kg, P = .02) and after (7.3 ± 1.3 W/kg vs. 6.1 ± 1.7 W/kg, P = .005) the lungeing session. MAIN LIMITATIONS The speed was not measured. The recording conditions and the experimenter, unaware of conditions, were the same for all horses to limit variations. CONCLUSIONS Kinesiology taping on abdominal muscles immediately increased longitudinal activity at trot in hand and this benefit was still present after a lungeing session. Longitudinal activity is a sought-after quality; thus, this method could be used as a way to enhance a training program. Future investigations are needed to confirm this result in horses being ridden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Biau
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Avenue de l'école nationale d'équitation, Saumur, France
| | - Isabelle Burgaud
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Avenue de l'école nationale d'équitation, Saumur, France
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Dyson S, Bondi A, Routh J, Pollard D. An investigation into the relationship between equine behaviour when tacked‐up and mounted and epaxial muscle hypertonicity or pain, girth region hypersensitivity, saddle‐fit, rider position and balance, and lameness. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J. Routh
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health TrustSuffolk
- University of Surrey School of Veterinary MedicineGuildfordUK
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Dyson S, Bondi A, Routh J, Pollard D, Preston T, McConnell C, Kydd JH. An investigation of behaviour during tacking‐up and mounting in ridden sports and leisure horses. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Dyson
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Newmarket UK
| | | | - J. Routh
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Newmarket UK
| | | | - T. Preston
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science University of Nottingham Loughborough UK
| | - C. McConnell
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science University of Nottingham Loughborough UK
| | - J. H. Kydd
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science University of Nottingham Loughborough UK
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Ericson C, Stenfeldt P, Hardeman A, Jacobson I. The Effect of Kinesiotape on Flexion-Extension of the Thoracolumbar Back in Horses at Trot. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E301. [PMID: 32069962 PMCID: PMC7071056 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinesiotape theoretically stimulates mechanoreceptive and proprioceptive sensory pathways that in turn may modulate the neuromuscular activity and locomotor function, so alteration of activation, locomotion and/or range of motion (ROM) can be achieved. The aim of this study was to determine whether kinesiotape applied to the abdominal muscles would affect the ROM in flexion-extension (sagittal plane) in the thoracolumbar back of horses at trot. The study design was a paired experimental study, with convenient sample. Each horse was randomly placed in the control or the intervention group and then the order reversed. Eight horses trotted at their own preferred speed in hand on a straight line, 2 × 30 m. Optical motion capture was used to collect kinematic data. Paired t-tests, normality tests and 1-Sample Wilcoxon test were used to assess the effects of the kinesiotape. No statistical significance (p < 0.05) for changes in flexion-extension of the thoracolumbar back in trot was shown in this group of horses. Some changes were shown indicating individual movement strategies in response to stimuli from the kinesiotape. More research in this popular and clinically used method is needed to fully understand the reacting mechanisms in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cajsa Ericson
- Animotion Rehab, Kalles ängsväg 1, 760 15 Gräddö, Sweden;
| | | | - Aagje Hardeman
- Tierklinik Luesche GmbH, 49456 Luesche, Germany;
- Dep. of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3512 Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dep. of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Inger Jacobson
- Division of Health Science, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden;
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Ahmed W, Kulikowska M, Ahlmann T, Berg LC, Harrison AP, Elbrønd VS. A comparative multi-site and whole-body assessment of fascia in the horse and dog: a detailed histological investigation. J Anat 2019; 235:1065-1077. [PMID: 31402460 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fascia in the veterinary sciences is drawing attention, such that physiotherapists and animal practitioners are now applying techniques based on the concept of fascia studies in humans. A comprehensive study of fascia is therefore needed in animals to understand the arrangement of the fascial layers in an unguligrade horse and a digitigrade dog. This study has examined the difference between the horse and the dog fascia at specific regions, in terms of histology, and has compared it with the human model. Histological examinations show that in general the fascia tissue of the horse exhibits a tight and dense composition, while in the dog it is looser and has non-dense structure. Indeed, equine fascia appears to be different from both canine fascia and the human fascia model, whilst canine fascia is very comparable to the human model. Although regional variations were observed, the superficial fascia (fascia superficialis) in the horse was found to be trilaminar in the trunk, yet multilayered in the dog. Moreover, crimping of collagen fibers was more visible in the horse than the dog. Blood vessels and nerves were present in the loose areolar tissue of the superficial and the profound compartment of hypodermis. The deep fascia (fascia profunda) in the horse was thick and tightly attached to the underlying muscle, while in the dog the deep fascia was thin and loosely attached to underlying structures. Superficial and deep fascia fused in the extremities. In conclusion, gross dissection and histology have revealed species variations that are related to the absence or presence of the superficial adipose tissue, the retinacula cutis superficialis, the localization and amount of elastic fibers, as well as the ability to slide and glide between the different layers. Further research is now needed to understand in more detail whether these differences have an influence on the biomechanics, movements and proprioception of these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqas Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Lise C Berg
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Adrian P Harrison
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Sødring Elbrønd
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Girthiness: Retrospective Study of 37 Horses (2004-2016). J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 79:100-104. [PMID: 31405487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Girth aversion or girthiness is a nonspecific clinical sign anecdotally associated with multiple conditions in the horse (behavioral problems, gastric ulcers, back pain); however, studies have not been conducted to definitively correlate this clinical sign to specific pathologies. This retrospective study aims to describe the clinical signs and final diagnoses of 37 horses evaluated at the University of California, Davis with a presenting complaint of girthiness. Medical records of all horses presented to the veterinary hospital between 2004 and 2016 for girthiness were reviewed. Twelve horses were diagnosed with gastric ulceration, 10 with various orthopedic problems, 3 with ill-fitting saddles, 1 with reproductive tract neoplasia, and 10 with various diseases including liver abscessation, vena cava aneurism, sternum pain, and urinary tract infection. Identifying the exact cause of girthiness remains a challenge; however, gastric ulcers was a common finding; therefore, a clinical examination should be oriented to further investigate this condition because 92% of gastroscoped horses in this study were diagnosed with gastric ulcers.
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Naldaiz‐Gastesi N, Bahri OA, López de Munain A, McCullagh KJA, Izeta A. The panniculus carnosus muscle: an evolutionary enigma at the intersection of distinct research fields. J Anat 2018; 233:275-288. [PMID: 29893024 PMCID: PMC6081499 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The panniculus carnosus is a thin striated muscular layer intimately attached to the skin and fascia of most mammals, where it provides skin twitching and contraction functions. In humans, the panniculus carnosus is conserved at sparse anatomical locations with high interindividual variability, and it is considered of no functional significance (most possibly being a remnant of evolution). Diverse research fields (such as anatomy, dermatology, myology, neuroscience, surgery, veterinary science) use this unique muscle as a model, but several unknowns and misconceptions remain in the literature. In this article, we review what is currently known about panniculus carnosus structure, development, anatomical location, response to environmental stimuli and potential function(s), with the aim of putting together the evidence arising from the different research communities and raising interest in this unique muscle, which we postulate as an ideal model for both vascular and muscular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neia Naldaiz‐Gastesi
- Tissue Engineering GroupBioengineering AreaInstituto BiodonostiaSan SebastianSpain
- Neuroscience AreaInstituto BiodonostiaSan SebastianSpain
- CIBERNED, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Ola A. Bahri
- Department of PhysiologyHuman Biology BuildingSchool of MedicineNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
- Regenerative Medicine InstituteNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuroscience AreaInstituto BiodonostiaSan SebastianSpain
- CIBERNED, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUPV‐EHUSan SebastianSpain
- Department of NeurologyHospital Universitario DonostiaSan SebastianSpain
| | - Karl J. A. McCullagh
- Department of PhysiologyHuman Biology BuildingSchool of MedicineNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
- Regenerative Medicine InstituteNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Ander Izeta
- Tissue Engineering GroupBioengineering AreaInstituto BiodonostiaSan SebastianSpain
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of EngineeringTecnun‐University of NavarraSan SebastianSpain
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Steinhoff-Wagner
- Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Legnani S, Zini E, Roccabianca P, Funiciello B, Zanna G. Dermoscopic analysis of the skin of healthy warmblood horses: a descriptive study of 34 cases in Italy. Vet Dermatol 2017; 29:165-e61. [DOI: 10.1111/vde.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Legnani
- Istituto Veterinario di Novara; Strada Provinciale 9 28060 Granozzo con Monticello NO Italy
| | - Eric Zini
- Istituto Veterinario di Novara; Strada Provinciale 9 28060 Granozzo con Monticello NO Italy
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057 Zurich Switzerland
- Department of Animal Medicine Production and Health; Università degli Studi di Padova; Viale dell'Università 16 35020 Legnaro PD Italy
| | - Paola Roccabianca
- DIMEVET-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Via Celoria 10 20133 Milano Italy
| | | | - Giordana Zanna
- Istituto Veterinario di Novara; Strada Provinciale 9 28060 Granozzo con Monticello NO Italy
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Bowen AG, Goff LM, McGowan CM. Investigation of Myofascial Trigger Points in Equine Pectoral Muscles and Girth-Aversion Behavior. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.04.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Essig CM, Merritt JS, Stubbs NC, Clayton HM. Localization of the cutaneus trunci muscle reflex in horses. Am J Vet Res 2014; 74:1428-32. [PMID: 24168309 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.74.11.1428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the magnitude and location of skin movement attributable to the cutaneus trunci muscle reflex in response to localized stimulation of the skin of the dorsolateral aspect of the thoracic wall in horses. ANIMALS 8 horses. PROCEDURES A grid of 56 reflective markers was applied to the lateral aspect of the body wall of each horse; markers were placed at 10-cm intervals in 7 rows and 8 columns. A motion analysis system with 10 infrared cameras was used to track movements of the markers in response to tactile stimulation of the dorsolateral aspect of the thoracic wall at the levels of T6, T11, and T16. Marker movement data determined after skin stimulation were used to create a skin deformation gradient tensor field, which was analyzed with custom software. RESULTS The sites of maximal skin deformation were located close to the stimulation sites; the centers of the twitch responses were located a mean distance of 7.7 to 12.8 cm ventral and between 6.6 cm cranial and 3.1 cm caudal to the stimulation sites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings of this study may have implications for assessment of nerve conduction velocities of the cutaneus trunci muscle reflex and may enhance understanding of the responses of horses to placement of tack or other equipment on skin over the cutaneus trunci muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Essig
- McPhail Equine Performance Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823
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Murray R, Guire R, Fisher M, Fairfax V. Girth pressure measurements reveal high peak pressures that can be avoided using an alternative girth design that also results in increased limb protraction and flexion in the swing phase. Vet J 2013; 198:92-7. [PMID: 23973365 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 07/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Girths are frequently blamed for veterinary and performance problems, but research into girth/horse interaction is sparse. The study objectives were (1) to determine location of peak pressure under a range of girths, and (2) to compare horse gait between the horse's standard girth and a girth designed to avoid detected peak pressure locations. In the first part of the study, and following validation procedures, a calibrated pressure mat placed under the girth of 10 horses was used to determine the location of peak pressures. A girth was designed to avoid peak pressure locations (Girth F). In the second part, 20 elite horses/riders with no lameness or performance problem were ridden in Girth F and their standard girth (Girth S) in a double blind crossover design. Pressure mat data were acquired from under the girths. High speed video was captured and forelimb and hindlimb protraction, maximal carpal and tarsal flexion during flight were determined in trot. In standard girths, peak pressures were located over the musculature behind the elbow. Pressure mat results revealed that the maximum forces with Girth S were 22% (left) and 14% (right) greater than Girth F, and peak pressures were 76% (left) and 98% (right) greater (P<0.01 for all). On gait evaluation, Girth F was associated with 6-11% greater forelimb protraction, 10-20% greater hindlimb protraction, 4% greater carpal flexion, and 3% greater tarsal flexion than Girth S (P<0.01 for all). Peak pressures were located where horses tend to develop pressure sores. Girth F reduced peak pressures under the girth, and improved limb protraction and carpal/ tarsal flexion, which may reflect improved posture and comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Murray
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket CB8 7UU, UK.
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Clayton H, Belock B, Lavagnino M, Kaiser L. Forces and pressures on the horse’s back during bareback riding. Vet J 2013; 195:48-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Revised: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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