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de Carvalho JRG, Del Puppo D, Littiere TDO, de Sales NAA, Silva ACY, Ribeiro G, de Almeida FN, Alves BG, Gatto IRH, Ramos GV, Ferraz GDC. Functional infrared thermography imaging can be used to assess the effectiveness of Maxicam Gel ® in pre-emptively treating transient synovitis and lameness in horses. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1399815. [PMID: 38919154 PMCID: PMC11197459 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1399815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diagnosing and treating lameness in horses is essential to improving their welfare. In equine orthopedic practice, infrared thermography (IRT) can indirectly detect soreness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can treat painful and inflammatory processes in horses. Using IRT, the efficacy of meloxicam (Maxicam Gel®) was evaluated in pre-treating transient synovitis in horses induced by a middle carpal joint injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from E. coli 055:B5 at a dose of 10 endotoxin units. Methods In a cross-over design, six healthy horses were randomly assigned to receive either 0.6 mg/kg of oral Maxicam Gel® (MAXVO) or a mock administration (control group, C) following a two-week washout period. IRT of the middle carpal joint, visual lameness assessment and joint circumference were recorded over time. Clinical and hematological evaluations were performed. Synovial fluid aspirates were analyzed for total nucleated cell count, total protein, and prostaglandin E2. A mixed effects analysis of variance was performed for repeated measures over time, followed by Tukey's test. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to determine whether there is a relationship between a thermography temperature change and the lameness score. Results There were no changes in joint circumference. The MAXVO group showed a lower rectal temperature 4 h after synovitis induction. The C group presented an increase in neutrophils and a decrease in total hemoglobin and hematocrit 8 h after induction. No changes were observed in the synovial fluid between groups. The horses that received meloxicam did not show clinically significant lameness at any time, while the C group showed an increase in lameness 2, 4, and 8 h after synovitis induction. Discussion IRT indicated that the skin surface temperature of the middle carpal joint was lower in horses who received meloxicam, suggesting a reduction in the inflammatory process induced by LPS. It was observed that the maximum temperature peaks in the dorsopalmar and lateropalmar positions can be utilized to predict the severity of lameness, particularly when the temperature rises above 34°C. Horses pre-treated with meloxicam showed either reduced or no indication of mild to moderate pain and presented a lowehr thermographic temperature, which indicates the effectiveness of Maxicam Gel® as an anti-inflammatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Ribeiro Garcia de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Equine Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology (LAFEQ), Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Del Puppo
- Research and Development Department, Ourofino Animal Health Company, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thayssa de Oliveira Littiere
- Laboratory of Equine Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology (LAFEQ), Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathali Adrielli Agassi de Sales
- Laboratory of Equine Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology (LAFEQ), Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Yamamoto Silva
- Laboratory of Equine Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology (LAFEQ), Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gesiane Ribeiro
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University - Lisbon University Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Bruna Gomes Alves
- Research and Development Department, Ourofino Animal Health Company, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Vieira Ramos
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme de Camargo Ferraz
- Laboratory of Equine Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology (LAFEQ), Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Wall KE, Prestel AL, de Oliveira BIC, Darós R, de Freitas Santi T, Michelotto PV. Superficial skin temperature recovery of distal limbs of thoroughbred racehorses after training in a racetrack in different seasons. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1935-1939. [PMID: 38470524 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10344-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In the present study we aimed to investigate superficial skin temperature of racehorses' distal limbs after training in a racetrack. Male and female Thoroughbred racehorses were investigated in summer, after light training, and in the winter, after light and intense training. Horses were exercised (Exercise group, EG) under trainers' protocol while others were maintained inside their stalls (Control group, CG). Thermographic images were obtained from the front (fetlock, cannon, and carpus) and hindlimbs (fetlock, cannon, and tarsus), before exercise and 45, 60, 120 and 180 min after exercising. Images were analyzed using the Flir Tools® program. Temperatures of different moments of each group were compared using Anova for repeated measures and each moment of EG versus CG using Student t test. Horses of the CG maintained steady temperature in the winter, but in summer temperature increased at M45 until M180 (P < 0,01). EG increased temperatures after exercises that remained higher than M0 even at 180 min post-exercise (P < 0,0001), for most of the regions in winter and summer. EG temperatures were higher than CG at most of the time points after exercise. There was positive correlation between all regions' temperature and the atmospheric temperature for the CG during the summer (P = 0,003, r2 = 0,9622), observed for the front fetlock and carpal regions for the EG (P = 0.035, r2 = 0,8166). This pilot study demonstrates that, after race exercising under natural conditions skin temperature might take more than 180 min to return to basal values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Elisabeth Wall
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição 1155, Curitiba, Paraná, 80215901, Brazil
| | - Anne Lissa Prestel
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição 1155, Curitiba, Paraná, 80215901, Brazil
| | - Bruno Inácio Correa de Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição 1155, Curitiba, Paraná, 80215901, Brazil
| | - Ruan Darós
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição 1155, Curitiba, Paraná, 80215901, Brazil
| | - Thasla de Freitas Santi
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição 1155, Curitiba, Paraná, 80215901, Brazil
| | - Pedro Vicente Michelotto
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição 1155, Curitiba, Paraná, 80215901, Brazil.
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Verdegaal ELJMM, Howarth GS, McWhorter TJ, Delesalle CJG. Thermoregulation during Field Exercise in Horses Using Skin Temperature Monitoring. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:136. [PMID: 38200867 PMCID: PMC10777899 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010136] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperthermia and exertional heat illness (EHI) are performance and welfare issues for all exercising horses. Monitoring the thermoregulatory response allows for early recognition of metabolic heat accumulation during exercise and the possibility of taking prompt and effective preventative measures to avoid a further increase in core body temperature (Tc) leading to hyperthermia. Skin temperature (Tsk) monitoring is most used as a non-invasive tool to assess the thermoregulatory response pre- and post-exercise, particularly employing infrared thermographic equipment. However, only a few studies have used thermography to monitor skin temperature continuously during exercise. This commentary provides an overview of studies investigating surface skin temperature mainly by infrared thermography (IRT) during exercise. The scientific evidence, including methodologies, applications, and challenges associated with (continuous) skin temperature monitoring in horses during field exercise, is discussed. The commentary highlights that, while monitoring Tsk is straightforward, continuous Tsk alone does not always reliably estimate Tc evolvement during field exercise. In addition, inter-individual differences in thermoregulation need to be recognized and accounted for to optimize individual wellbeing. With the ongoing development and application of advanced wearable monitoring technology, there may be future advances in equipment and modeling for timely intervention with horses at hyperthermic risk to improve their welfare. However, at this point, infrared thermographic assessment of Tsk should always be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments and veterinary examinations for a reliable monitoring of the welfare of the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth-Lidwien J. M. M. Verdegaal
- Thermoregulation Research Group, Equine Health and Performance Centre, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5116, Australia; (G.S.H.); (T.J.M.); (C.J.G.D.)
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Gordon S. Howarth
- Thermoregulation Research Group, Equine Health and Performance Centre, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5116, Australia; (G.S.H.); (T.J.M.); (C.J.G.D.)
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Todd J. McWhorter
- Thermoregulation Research Group, Equine Health and Performance Centre, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5116, Australia; (G.S.H.); (T.J.M.); (C.J.G.D.)
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Catherine J. G. Delesalle
- Thermoregulation Research Group, Equine Health and Performance Centre, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5116, Australia; (G.S.H.); (T.J.M.); (C.J.G.D.)
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Eerdekens A, Deruyck M, Fontaine J, Damiaans B, Martens L, De Poorter E, Govaere J, Plets D, Joseph W. Horse Jumping and Dressage Training Activity Detection Using Accelerometer Data. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102904. [PMID: 34679925 PMCID: PMC8532712 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine training activity detection will help to track and enhance the performance and fitness level of riders and their horses. Currently, the equestrian world is eager for a simple solution that goes beyond detecting basic gaits, yet current technologies fall short on the level of user friendliness and detection of main horse training activities. To this end, we collected leg accelerometer data of 14 well-trained horses during jumping and dressage trainings. For the first time, 6 jumping training and 25 advanced horse dressage activities are classified using specifically developed models based on a neural network. A jumping training could be classified with a high accuracy of 100 %, while a dressage training could be classified with an accuracy of 96.29%. Assigning the dressage movements to 11, 6 or 4 superclasses results in higher accuracies of 98.87%, 99.10% and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, during dressage training, the side of movement could be identified with an accuracy of 97.08%. In addition, a velocity estimation model was developed based on the measured velocities of seven horses performing the collected, working, and extended gaits during a dressage training. For the walk, trot, and canter paces, the velocities could be estimated accurately with a low root mean square error of 0.07 m/s, 0.14 m/s, and 0.42 m/s, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anniek Eerdekens
- WAVES-IMEC, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University-IMEC, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.D.); (L.M.); (D.P.); (W.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Margot Deruyck
- WAVES-IMEC, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University-IMEC, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.D.); (L.M.); (D.P.); (W.J.)
| | - Jaron Fontaine
- IDLab-IMEC, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University-IMEC, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (J.F.); (E.D.P.)
| | - Bert Damiaans
- VETMED, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (B.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Luc Martens
- WAVES-IMEC, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University-IMEC, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.D.); (L.M.); (D.P.); (W.J.)
| | - Eli De Poorter
- IDLab-IMEC, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University-IMEC, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (J.F.); (E.D.P.)
| | - Jan Govaere
- VETMED, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (B.D.); (J.G.)
| | - David Plets
- WAVES-IMEC, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University-IMEC, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.D.); (L.M.); (D.P.); (W.J.)
| | - Wout Joseph
- WAVES-IMEC, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University-IMEC, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.D.); (L.M.); (D.P.); (W.J.)
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O’ Brien C, Pegg J. A Preliminary Investigation into Ridden Water Submersion Training as an Adjunct to Current Condition Training Protocols in Performance Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092629. [PMID: 34573594 PMCID: PMC8470757 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT) injuries are the most common musculoskeletal injury reported in equestrian jumping disciplines. In an attempt to reduce incidences of injuries in elite event horses, Ridden Water Submersion Training (RWST) is a form of condition training that involves submerging the horse up to sternum height in water and trotting for set intervals. It is used by a small number of trainers to increase cardiovascular fitness whilst potentially minimising tendon temperature increase, which is typically reported during traditional condition training sessions. The results of this study suggest that RWST acted as a moderate sub-maximal intensity level of exercise in a group of elite international event horses whilst preventing the accompanying increase of distal limb temperature commonly associated with condition training on land. RWST could thus be a useful adjunct to current condition training protocols, particularly for horses that compete in disciplines that have high incidence rates of tendon injury. However, further research is required to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the workload imposed during RWST training. Abstract This observational study aimed to elucidate the effects of RWST on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems of horses and concurrently determine whether RWST limits distal limb temperature increases previously reported during gallop training on land. A group of 15 clinically sound international event horses were recruited, and heart rate (HR), speed (km/h) and thermal images of the distal limb were analysed at set intervals during RWST training. Intervals of RWST produced a total mean HRmax value of 65.18 ± 3.76%, which is within the parameters for increased aerobic stamina. Mean HR increased significantly (p < 0.01) while mean distal limb temperature decreased significantly (p < 0.01) between warm-up and RWST, which contrasts with positive correlations previously reported during gallop training on land. These preliminary results suggest that RWST can be classed as a moderate submaximal intensity exercise in elite international event horses whilst restricting an increase in temperature of the distal limb that is commonly associated with tendon rupture. Horses competing at very elite levels of eventing only represent a small percentage of the total performance population; therefore, further research is needed to ascertain the physiological effects of RWST in non-elite performance horses, as well as horses competing across various equestrian disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire O’ Brien
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Josephine Pegg
- Higher Education Department, University Centre Sparsholt, Winchester SO21 2NF, UK;
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Infrared Thermography in the Study of Animals' Emotional Responses: A Critical Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092510. [PMID: 34573476 PMCID: PMC8464846 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Assessing animal welfare has proven to be a challenging task with important consequences for their management. In the last few years, infrared thermography has gained increasing scientific consensus as a method to analyze emotional reactions to different stimuli in different taxa. This review aims to explore particularly the use of infrared thermography in the assessment of animals’ emotions, mainly focusing on pets, laboratory, and husbandry animals. If properly used, this technique has proven to be a noninvasive, reliable method to identify emotional activations. Abstract Whether animals have emotions was historically a long-lasting question but, today, nobody disputes that they do. However, how to assess them and how to guarantee animals their welfare have become important research topics in the last 20 years. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a method to record the electromagnetic radiation emitted by bodies. It can indirectly assess sympathetic and parasympathetic activity via the modification of temperature of different body areas, caused by different phenomena such as stress-induced hyperthermia or variation in blood flow. Compared to other emotional activation assessment methods, IRT has the advantage of being noninvasive, allowing use without the risk of influencing animals’ behavior or physiological responses. This review describes general principles of IRT functioning, as well as its applications in studies regarding emotional reactions of domestic animals, with a brief section dedicated to the experiments on wildlife; it analyzes potentialities and possible flaws, confronting the results obtained in different taxa, and discusses further opportunities for IRT in studies about animal emotions.
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Thermographic Analysis of the Metacarpal and Metatarsal Areas in Jumping Sport Horses and Leisure Horses in Response to Warm-Up Duration. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072022. [PMID: 34359150 PMCID: PMC8300377 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the impact of various types of warm-up on the metacarpal and metatarsal surface temperature in jumping sport horses in comparison to leisure horses, which work usually less intensively. Six clinically healthy sport geldings, contestants in showjumping competitions, and six geldings used for leisure riding were included in the study. The experiment was conducted for four consecutive days, during which the horses were warmed up by walking and trotting for various durations. Images were taken with a FLUKE Ti9 thermal imager to determine the resting, post-effort, and recovery temperature of the dorsal and plantar surface of the metacarpus and metatarsus of the four limbs. The obtained data were analysed with SmartView 4.1. software. The increase of measured rectal and surface temperatures was proportional to the warm-up duration. The surface temperature increase in the distal limb parts in jumping sport horses was greater than in horses used for leisure. The plantar surface was also warmer than the dorsal surface of the metacarpal/metatarsal areas, with a forelimb being warmer than a hind limb. Elevated temperatures after warm-up persist for 30 min in the recovery period, especially in jumping sport horses compared to leisure horses. Thus, the warming up effect is achieved earlier and lasts longer in heavily trained horses than in non-performance horses.
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O'Brien C, Marr N, Thorpe C. Microdamage in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon. Equine Vet J 2021; 53:417-430. [PMID: 32772396 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is an energy-storing tendon that is highly susceptible to injury during activities such as galloping and jumping, such that it is one of the most commonly reported causes of lameness in the performance horse. This review outlines the biomechanical and biothermal effects of strain on the SDFT and how these contribute to the accumulation of microdamage. The effect of age-related alterations on strain response and subsequent injury risk is also considered. Given that tendon is a slowly healing and poorly regenerative tissue, prompt detection of early stages of pathology in vivo and timely adaptations to training protocols are likely to have a greater outcome than advances in treatment. Early screening tools and detection protocols could subsequently be of benefit in identifying subclinical signs of degeneration during the training programme. This provides an opportunity for preventative strategies to be implemented to minimise incidences of SDFT injury and reduce recovery periods in elite performance horses. Therefore, this review will focus on the modalities available to implement early screening and prevention protocols as opposed to methods to diagnose and treat injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil Marr
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Chavaunne Thorpe
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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Logan AA, Nielsen BD. Training Young Horses: The Science behind the Benefits. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020463. [PMID: 33572461 PMCID: PMC7916178 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Of common debate among equine professionals and enthusiasts alike, is whether entering race training at two years of age is detrimental or beneficial to the animal’s career and growth. This literature review evaluates epidemiological studies to elucidate that two-year-old horses are not at greater risk of injury compared to older horses. Horses which enter race training at two years of age are, in fact, found to have greater earnings and longer race careers. This review also tackles the impact that exercising an animal at two years of age or younger has on bone, articular cartilage, and tendons. Numerous studies on growing animals have found confinement to be detrimental to normal musculoskeletal growth. However, exercise of dynamic nature in moderate distances, such as that attained with pasture access or prescribed sprints, is beneficial to musculoskeletal development and may prevent injuries when entering race training. Based on scientific evidence, the research cited in this review supports the training and racing of two-year-old horses and advises caution in the use of medications such as corticosteroids. Abstract Conflicting research and anecdotal evidence have created disagreement among equestrians as to whether two-year-old horses should be trained and raced. The objective of this literature review is to evaluate epidemiological studies, as well as physiological data on equine bone, articular cartilage, and tendons to better determine the impact of training and racing two-year-old horses. The evaluation of numerous studies on the topic provides evidence that a horse which is trained or raced as a two-year-old has a lower risk of injury and better adapted tissues for the rigors of racing. Unfortunately, the current prolific use of pain-mitigating substances in the racing industry does place horses, including young cohorts, at greater risk of injury, and should be used with caution.
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Witkowska-Piłaszewicz O, Maśko M, Domino M, Winnicka A. Infrared Thermography Correlates with Lactate Concentration in Blood during Race Training in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2072. [PMID: 33182281 PMCID: PMC7695344 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In horse racing the most acceptable way to objectively evaluate adaptation to increased exertion is to measure lactate blood concentration. However, this may be stressful for the horse, therefore, a simple, noninvasive procedure to monitor race progress is desirable. Forty Thoroughbreds attended race training, with blood samples collected at rest, immediately after, and 30 min after exercise. The lactate concentration was determined 60 s after blood collection using an Accusport®. Thermal imaging of the neck and trunk areas was performed following international veterinary standards from a distance of approximately 2 m from the horse using the same protocol as the blood sampling. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients (ρ) between the changes in the blood lactate concentration and surface temperature measures were found for the regions of interest. The highest positive correlation coefficients were found in the musculus trapezius pars thoracica region for the maximal temperature (T Max; ρ = 0.83; p < 0.0001), the minimal temperature (T Min; ρ = 0.83; p < 0.0001), and the average temperature (T Aver; ρ = 0.85; p < 0.0001) 30 min after the exercise. The results showed that infrared thermography may supplement blood measurements to evaluate adaptation to increased workload during race training, however, more research and references values are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Witkowska-Piłaszewicz
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Science, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Maśko
- Department of Animal Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 00-797 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Anna Winnicka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Science, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
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A Fast Image Thresholding Algorithm for Infrared Images Based on Histogram Approximation and Circuit Theory. ALGORITHMS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/a13090207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Image thresholding is one of the fastest and most effective methods of detecting objects in infrared images. This paper proposes an infrared image thresholding method based on the functional approximation of the histogram. The one-dimensional histogram of the image is approximated to the transient response of a first-order linear circuit. The threshold value for the image segmentation is formulated using combinational analogues of standard operators and principles from the concept of the transient behavior of the first-order linear circuit. The proposed method is tested on infrared images gathered from the standard databases and the experimental results are compared with the existing state-of-the-art infrared image thresholding methods. We realized through the experimental results that our method is well suited to perform infrared image thresholding.
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