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Heaton CP, Cavinder CA, McClure EN, Smith T, Smith WB, Liburt N, Krotky A, Harris P. Prevalence of insulin dysregulation in the non-obese stock-type horse and relationship with morphometric neck measurements. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 141:105151. [PMID: 39069238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105151] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Insulin dysregulation (ID), core to equine metabolic syndrome, may present without obesity. Testing for ID risk is commonly based on breed and obese phenotype but might be valuable for non-obese stock-type horses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ID in non-obese stock-type horses and evaluate if morphometric neck measurements (MNM) correlate with ID. Sixty-two, non-obese (BCS 5, range 2.5-6/9) stock-type horses were assessed for MNM: neck circumference at 25%, 50% (NC50), and 75% (NC75) length, and crest height. An oral sugar test (OST; 0.15 mL/kg BW corn syrup) was performed with blood taken pre- and 60 min post-OST for insulin (PREI, POSTI) and glucose (PREG, POSTG). Insulin dysregulation was defined as insulin concentration > 45 µIU/mL POSTI. Three of 62 horses were ID (4.8%; 95% CI 1.0%-13.5%). Horses with ID had greater PREG (121.0 ± 7.56 vs. 105.3 ± 1.72 mg/dL; LS means ± SEM; P = 0.04) and PREI (15.7 ± 2.63 vs. 10.5 ± 0.59 µIU/mL; P = 0.05) than normal responders. Mares had greater PREI than geldings (11.7 ± 0.76 vs. 9.4 ± 0.89 µIU/mL; P = 0.04). Stepwise regression indicated a weak relationship with crest height and POSTG (y = 51.27 + (0.88 x NC50); R2 = 0.09; P = 0.02). Post-glucose correlated with NC50 (r = 0.30; P = 0.04) and NC75 (r = 0.29; P = 0.03). This study showed 4.8% of non-obese horses had ID, warranting testing irrespective of phenotype, but only a weak association between MNM and POSTG was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Heaton
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, United States.
| | - C A Cavinder
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | - E N McClure
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | - T Smith
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | - W B Smith
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - N Liburt
- Mars Horsecare U.S., Inc., Dalton, Ohio, 44618, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Melton Mowbray LE14 4RT, United Kingdom
| | - A Krotky
- Mars Horsecare U.S., Inc., Dalton, Ohio, 44618, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Melton Mowbray LE14 4RT, United Kingdom
| | - P Harris
- Mars Horsecare U.S., Inc., Dalton, Ohio, 44618, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Melton Mowbray LE14 4RT, United Kingdom
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Potter SJ, Erdody ML, Bamford NJ, Knowles EJ, Menzies-Gow N, Morrison PK, Argo CM, McIntosh BJ, Kaufman K, Harris PA, Bailey SR. Development of a body condition index to estimate adiposity in ponies and horses from morphometric measurements. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:299-308. [PMID: 37537987 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13975] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a high prevalence of obesity in ponies and pleasure horses. This may be associated with equine metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of laminitis. Body condition scoring (BCS) systems are widely used but are subjective and not very sensitive. OBJECTIVES To derive a body condition index (BCI), based on objective morphometric measurements, that correlates with % body fat. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Morphometric measurements were obtained from 21 ponies and horses in obese and moderate body condition. Percentage body fat was determined using the deuterium dilution method and the BCI was derived to give the optimal correlation with body fat, applying appropriate weightings. The index was then validated by assessing inter-observer variation and correlation with % body fat in a separate population of Welsh ponies; and finally, the correlation between BCI and BCS was evaluated in larger populations from studies undertaken in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. RESULTS The BCI correlated well with adiposity in the ponies and horses, giving a Pearson r value of 0.74 (P < 0.001); however, it was found to slightly overestimate the % body fat in leaner animals and underestimate in more obese animals. In field studies, the correlation between BCI and BCS varied particularly in Shetlands and miniature ponies, presumably due to differences in body shape. MAIN LIMITATIONS Further work may be required to adapt the BCI to a method that is more applicable for Shetlands and miniature ponies. CONCLUSIONS This BCI was able to provide an index of adiposity which compared favourably with condition scoring in terms of accuracy of estimating adiposity; and was more consistent and repeatable when used by inexperienced assessors. Therefore, this may be a useful tool for assessing adiposity; and may be more sensitive than condition scoring for tracking weight gain or weight loss in individual animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Potter
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Madison L Erdody
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Bamford
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Katelyn Kaufman
- Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Patricia A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Simon R Bailey
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Knowles EJ, Harris PA, Elliott J, Chang YM, Menzies-Gow NJ. Factors associated with insulin responses to oral sugars in a mixed-breed cohort of ponies. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:253-263. [PMID: 37606314 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13983] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum insulin concentration at 60 min (InsulinT60) during an oral sugar test (OST) indicates future laminitis risk and insulin dysregulation (ID). Associations between InsulinT60 and physical and owner-reported variables may help clinicians select individuals for ID testing. Associations between InsulinT60 and other metabolic markers may help elucidate ID pathophysiology. OBJECTIVES To describe associations between (A) season, physically-apparent and owner-reported factors and binary InsulinT60 interpretation (initial models) and (B) variables included in the initial models, other metabolic markers and continuous InsulinT60 (full models). STUDY DESIGN Prospective longitudinal. METHODS Non-laminitic ponies were examined and OSTs (0.3 mL/kg Karo syrup) performed every 6 months (autumn and spring) for ≤4 years. Factors associated with InsulinT60 were determined using mixed-effects models with physical, owner-reported, season and serum/plasma markers as fixed effects and pony and premises identifiers as random effects. Autumn and spring data were analysed separately for full models. RESULTS One thousand seven hundred and sixty-three OSTs from 367 ponies were included. High-risk InsulinT60 (>153 μIU/mL) was independently associated with (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval [CI]): age (1.36, 1.16-1.60), body condition score (BCS) (2.38, 1.21-4.69), and bulging supraorbital fatpads (7.25, 2.1-24.98). However, the initial models provided little explanatory power (Nakagawa R2 = 0.1-0.27). LoginsulinT60 was independently associated with (effect estimate, 95% CI): age (0.02, 0.01-0.04), Welsh/Welsh X breed (0.22, 0.05, 0.39), sex (gelding = -0.2, -0.34 to 0.06), BCS (0.16, 0.08-0.23), plasma adiponectin (-0.02, -0.02 to 0.01) and basal insulin (0.01, 0.01-0.01) in spring, and: age (0.03, 0.02-0.04), BCS (0.17, 0.08-0.26), bulging supraorbital fatpads (0.37, 0.2-0.54), turnout score (0.05, 0.02-0.09), plasma adiponectin (-0.01, -0.02 to 0.01), ACTH (per 10 pg/mL) (0.01, 0.00-0.01), triglycerides (0.28, 0.07-0.49) and InsulinT0 (0.01, 0.01-0.01) in autumn. MAIN LIMITATIONS Only non-laminitic ponies in one region were included. CONCLUSIONS Owner-reported and physically-apparent data were limited InsulinT60 predictors. InsulinT60 is a complex trait, independently associated with numerous variables, some with seasonal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Knowles
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
- Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, Kent, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Elliott
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Yu-Mei Chang
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Nicola J Menzies-Gow
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
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Barnabé MA, Elliott J, Harris PA, Menzies-Gow NJ. Relationships between total adiponectin concentrations and obesity in native-breed ponies in England. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:264-272. [PMID: 37800870 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14013] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors associated with an increased risk of endocrinopathic laminitis. All affected animals display insulin dysregulation and some may show adiponectin dysregulation and/or excessive adiposity. However, the relationship between obesity and hypoadiponectinaemia in equids remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between obesity and circulating plasma total adiponectin (TA) concentrations in native-breed ponies in England. STUDY DESIGN Secondary data analysis. METHODS Data collected for three previous studies were retrospectively analysed and cohorts were pooled where possible (maximum sample size: n = 734 ponies). Correlations between [TA], age, and morphometric measures were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. [TA] was compared between animals of different body condition score (BCS) classification (ideal-weight, overweight, and obese), breed, and body shape using Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post hoc tests, and sex using Mann-Whitney U test. The proportions of obese and ideal-weight ponies with basal hyperinsulinaemia and/or hypoadiponectinaemia were compared using a Chi-square test of homogeneity and post hoc z-test. Logistic regression was used to identify factors that may discriminate ponies with hypoadiponectinaemia. RESULTS [TA] was weakly positively correlated with BCS, height, weight, and weight:height ratio (Spearman's ρ = 0.14-0.29, p < 0.05). There were significant differences in [TA] in ponies with different BCS group classification, body shape, and breed. A greater percentage of obese (54.6%) than ideal-weight ponies (33.1%, p < 0.001) had both normal [TA] and [basal insulin], and a greater percentage of ideal-weight (38.6%) than obese ponies (16.5%, p < 0.001) showed hypoadiponectinaemia. Weight:height and BCS group were significant variables in a logistic regression of hypoadiponectinaemia but model fit and predictive accuracy were poor. MAIN LIMITATIONS Retrospective study design, only native-breed ponies included. CONCLUSIONS Morphometric measures such as BCS do not closely reflect [TA]. Circulating [TA] and [basal insulin] should be determined in all animals with predisposing factors, regardless of obesity status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine A Barnabé
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Jonathan Elliott
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - Nicola J Menzies-Gow
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
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Maśko M, Sikorska U, Borowska M, Zdrojkowski Ł, Jasiński T, Domino M. The Postural and Body Surface Temperature Response of Leisure Horses to Lunging with Selected Lunging Aids. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:22. [PMID: 38200753 PMCID: PMC10778250 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010022] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Incorporating lunging into a horse's daily routine aims to enhance fitness, physical condition, and specific skills or exercises when using lunging aids (LAs). To assess the effectiveness of lunging, non-contact technologies like geometric morphometrics and infrared thermography can be employed. This study seeks to evaluate lunging efficiency based on the horse's posture and surface temperature when lunging with different head and neck positions. The study aims to determine if changes in a horse's posture correspond to increased metabolic activity, as indicated by body surface temperature. Thirteen horses included in the study were lunged with chambon (CH), rubber band (RB), and triangle side reins (TRs) as well as with a freely moving head (FMH). Images were taken in visible light and infrared. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to analyze horse posture changes and a Pixel-Counting Protocol (PCP) was used to quantify surface temperature patterns. The horses' posture exhibited contrasting changes, reflected by a changing centroid shape (p < 0.0001) but not size (p > 0.05) when lunged with RB and TRs, but not CH. Different (p < 0.0001) surface temperature patterns were observed during lunging. FMH lunging resulted in lower temperatures over a larger surface, CH induced moderate temperatures on a smaller area, RB caused moderate to high temperatures across a broader surface, and TRs led to higher temperatures over a smaller region. The studied lunging cases returned different (p < 0.0001) surface temperature patterns. Lunging with FMH returned lower temperatures over a larger surface, CH moderate temperatures on a smaller area, RB moderate to high temperatures across a broader surface, and TRs higher temperatures over a smaller region. The proposed methods can be applied to evaluate the efficiency of lunging in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Maśko
- Department of Animal Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS–SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (M.M.); (U.S.)
| | - Urszula Sikorska
- Department of Animal Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS–SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (M.M.); (U.S.)
| | - Marta Borowska
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Białystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Zdrojkowski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS–SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Jasiński
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS–SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS–SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
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AKINNIYI OO, SACKEY AKB, OCHUBE GE, MSHELIA PW, MUSA FA, ELIJAH MO, JOLAYEMI KO. Occurrence of equine metabolic syndrome, clinical manifestations, and associated risk factors in Nigeria. J Equine Sci 2023; 34:29-35. [PMID: 37405068 PMCID: PMC10315637 DOI: 10.1294/jes.34.29] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin dysregulation (ID) is central to the pathophysiology of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), putting the horse at risk of laminitis. There is a paucity of information on the status of EMS in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of EMS, clinical manifestations, and associated risk factors in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out. Selected horses underwent an insulin 2-step response test to ascertain insulin dysregulation; a physical examination was carried out to diagnose laminitis and obesity. Risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire. The overall prevalence of EMS was 43.10%. Breed and sex were significantly associated with EMS, but age was not. Horses diagnosed with laminitis showed two signs of laminitis, namely, divergent hoof rings and widened white lines. Risk factors significantly associated with the prevalence of EMS were as follows: being a West African Barb horse (60.00%), being a stallion (67.86%), being a leisure horse (67.86%), only walking horses during exercise (68.00%), exercising horses once every 5 months (82.76%), tethering horses to a stake in the ground (67.86%), obesity (92.86%), and abnormal neck crest (83.33%). The risk of ID remains higher in obese horses. However, some of the horses with ID were not obese, indicating that there are other possible underlying causes of EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriel Enenche OCHUBE
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology,
Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna State, PO Box 720, Nigeria
| | - Philip Wayuta MSHELIA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello
University, Kaduna State, PO Box 720, Nigeria
| | - Francis Alkali MUSA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello
University, Kaduna State, PO Box 720, Nigeria
| | | | - Kelvin Olutimilehin JOLAYEMI
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna State, PO Box 540,
Nigeria
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Occhiogrosso L, Capozza P, Buonavoglia A, Decaro N, Trotta A, Marin C, Corrente M. Bacterial Periodontitis in Horses: An Epidemiological Study in Southern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1814. [PMID: 37889702 PMCID: PMC10251870 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111814] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine periodontal disease (EPD) is a painful oral inflammatory syndrome characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis. Although it is well known that bacterial proliferation and consequent gingivitis are caused by the decomposition process of food residues, in hypsodont species, the pathogenetic role and the different bacterial species involved in the progression of EPD must be fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate the association of bacteria, including the complex red bacteria (RCB), with EPD, and to evaluate possible EPD risk factors. Bacterial species, including Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis (belonging to the RCB), Fusobacterium nucleatum, Veilonella parvula, and Prevotella intermedia, were investigated in 125 oral swabs from healthy and EPD-affected horses using real-time multiplex PCR. Subsequently, possible risk factors (i.e., age, gender, and breed of the animals and type of feed used) were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Tannerella spp. and Treponema spp. were detected in a significantly higher proportion of horses affected by EPD than in healthy animals, although pathogens belonging to RCB were detected in low number of horses. At the same time, none of the investigated pathogens was significantly associated with a particular stage of disease severity. Horses aged older than 20 years were at higher risk of EPD. The high rate of coinfection, statistically associated with EPD, supports the hypothesis that EPD is a complex syndrome characterized by the possible simultaneous involvement of several pathogens and an increased risk depending on the animal's age. Constant oral hygiene is the best prevention to prevent and treat the disease, especially in old animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Occhiogrosso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Paolo Capozza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Alessio Buonavoglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Adriana Trotta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Claudia Marin
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Marialaura Corrente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
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Harvey AM, Beausoleil NJ, Ramp D, Mellor DJ. Mental Experiences in Wild Animals: Scientifically Validating Measurable Welfare Indicators in Free-Roaming Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091507. [PMID: 37174544 PMCID: PMC10177449 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mental experiences of animals are what characterises their welfare status. The Five Domains Model for assessing welfare aligns with the understanding that physical and mental states are linked. Following measurement of indicators within each of the four physical/functional Domains (1. Nutrition; 2. Physical environment; 3. Health; and 4. Behavioural interactions), the anticipated negative or positive affective consequences (mental experiences) are cautiously inferred and assigned to Domain 5. Those inferences derive credibility from validated knowledge of the underlying systems of physiology, neurophysiology, neuroethology and affective neuroscience. Any indicators used for assessing welfare need to be scientifically validated. This requires, firstly, evidence of the links between a measurable/observable indicator and the physical/functional impact (in Domains 1 to 4), and secondly, a demonstrable relationship between the physical/functional impact and the mental experience it is inferred the indicators reflect (in Domain five). This review refers to indicators of physical/functional states in Domains 1 to 4, which have been shown to be measurable in free-roaming wild horses, and then evaluates the scientific evidence linking them to inferred mental experiences in Domain 5. This is the first time that the scientific evidence validating a comprehensive range of welfare indicators has been synthesised in this way. Inserting these indicators into the Five Domains Model enables transparently justifiable assessment and grading of welfare status in free-roaming horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Harvey
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ngaio J Beausoleil
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Ramp
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - David J Mellor
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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9
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de Laat MA, Fitzgerald DM, Harris PA, Bailey SR. A glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist reduces the insulin response to a glycemic meal in ponies. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad389. [PMID: 38066683 PMCID: PMC10724109 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad389] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
High plasma concentrations of insulin can cause acute laminitis. Ponies and horses with insulin dysregulation (ID) exhibit marked hyperinsulinemia in response to dietary hydrolyzable carbohydrates. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone released from the gastrointestinal tract, enhances insulin release, and is increased postprandially in ponies with ID. The aim of this study was to determine whether blocking the GLP-1 receptor reduces the insulin response to a high glycemic meal. Five adult ponies were adapted to a cereal meal and then given two feed challenges 24 h apart of a meal containing 3 g/kg BW micronized maize. Using a randomized cross-over design all ponies received both treatments, where one of the feeds was preceded by the IV administration of a GLP-1 receptor blocking peptide, Exendin-3 (9-39) amide (80 µg/kg), and the other feed by a sham treatment of peptide diluent only. Blood samples were taken before feeding and peptide administration, and then at 30-min intervals via a jugular catheter for 6 h for the measurement of insulin, glucose, and active GLP-1. The peptide and meal challenge caused no adverse effects, and the change in plasma glucose in response to the meal was not affected (P = 0.36) by treatment: peak concentration 9.24 ± 1.22 and 9.14 ± 1.08 mmol/L without and with the antagonist, respectively. Similarly, there was no effect (P = 0.35) on plasma active GLP-1 concentrations: peak concentration 14.3 ± 1.36 pM and 13.7 ± 1.97 pM without and with the antagonist, respectively. However, the antagonist caused a significant decrease in the area under the curve for insulin (P = 0.04), and weak evidence (P = 0.06) of a reduction in peak insulin concentration (456 ± 147 μIU/mL and 370 ± 146 μIU/mL without and with the antagonist, respectively). The lower overall insulin response to the maize meal after treatment with the antagonist demonstrates that blocking the GLP-1 receptor partially reduced insulin production in response to a high starch, high glycemic index, diet. Using a different methodological approach to published studies, this study also confirmed that GLP-1 does contribute to the excessive insulin production in ponies with ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody A de Laat
- Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Patricia A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Melton Mowbray, UK
| | - Simon R Bailey
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Harvey AM, Ramp D, Mellor DJ. Review of the Foundational Knowledge Required for Assessing Horse Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:3385. [PMID: 36496906 PMCID: PMC9736110 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233385] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A detailed understanding of what is usual for a species under optimal conditions is critical for identifying and interpreting different features of body function that have known impacts on animal welfare and its assessment. When applying the Five Domains Model to assess animal welfare, the key starting point is therefore to acquire extensive species-specific knowledge relevant to each of the four physical/functional Domains of the Model. These Domains, 1 to 4, address areas where objective information is evaluated and collated. They are: (1) Nutrition; (2) Physical environment; (3) Health; and (4) Behavioural interactions. It is on the basis of this detailed knowledge that cautious inferences can then be made about welfare-relevant mental experiences animals may have, aligned with Domain 5, Mental State. However, this review is focused entirely on the first four Domains in order to provide a novel holistic framework to collate the multidisciplinary knowledge of horses required for undertaking comprehensive welfare assessments. Thus, inferring the potential mental experiences aligned with Domain 5, the final step in model-based welfare assessments, is not considered here. Finally, providing extensive information on free-roaming horses enables a better understanding of the impacts of human interventions on the welfare of horses in both free-roaming and domestic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Harvey
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Daniel Ramp
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - David J. Mellor
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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11
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Dosi MCMC, McGorum BC, Kirton RD, Cillán‐García E, Mellanby RJ, Keen JA, Hurst EA, Morgan RA. The effect of season, management and endocrinopathies on vitamin D status in horses. Equine Vet J 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.13873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miranda C. M. C. Dosi
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Roslin Midlothian UK
| | - Bruce C. McGorum
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Roslin Midlothian UK
| | | | - Eugenio Cillán‐García
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Roslin Midlothian UK
| | - Richard J. Mellanby
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Roslin Midlothian UK
- The Roslin Institute University of Edinburgh Roslin Midlothian UK
| | - John A. Keen
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Roslin Midlothian UK
| | - Emma A. Hurst
- The Roslin Institute University of Edinburgh Roslin Midlothian UK
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen’s Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Ruth A. Morgan
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Roslin Midlothian UK
- Queen’s Medical Research Institute The University of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent Edinburgh UK
- Scotland’s Rural College Edinburgh UK
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12
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Lesca H, Fairburn A, Fitzharris LE, Mair TS. Ultrasonographic identification of mesenteric lipomatosis in a Shetland mare with recurrent colic episodes. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse Lesca
- CVS Group plc Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic Maidstone UK
| | | | | | - Tim S. Mair
- CVS Group plc Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic Maidstone UK
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13
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Evaluation of Ultrasound Measurement of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness in Dairy Jennies during the Periparturient Period. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111359. [PMID: 35681823 PMCID: PMC9179614 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ultrasonography is an accurate method to objectively measure subcutaneous fat (SF) thickness and to routinely predict body fat reserves in cows, horses, and donkeys. The aim of the present study was to describe ultrasonographic SF thickness in periparturient jennies. The SF was evaluated in 6 different truncal location in 6 dairy jennies prior and post parturition. Measurement values were reported and each site were compared through time. No statistically significant differences were found between sites and time. The mean values of SF measurements were above those reported by others. A good and reliable association was detected between body condition score (BCS) and sites during the whole study period. Our study gives a preliminary description of different body locations fat reserves evaluated by ultrasonography, showing no significative variations, in pregnant and lactating jennies. Abstract The body condition score (BCS) represents a practical but subjective method for assessing body fat reserves. Real time ultrasonography (RTU) has been proposed as an accurate method to objectively measure subcutaneous fat (SF) thickness and predict body fat reserves in cows, horses and donkeys. The aim of the present study was to describe RTU measures of SF thickness during periparturient period in jennies. The present prospective cohort study evaluated six dairy jennies. SF RTU were performed at 15 and 7 days before the presumptive delivery, and 2, 15 and 30 days after delivery. A portable ultrasound machine and multifrequency linear transducer (5–7.5 MHz) was used. RTU images were obtained in six sites (S1–S6). Results at each time point were reported as mean ± standard deviation and compared through time. A total of 180 images were evaluated. RTU technique was easy to perform and well tolerated. No statistically significant differences were found of each site during time, except for S2 and S6a: S2 at T2 and S6a at T1 were significatively different to values obtained at T5. The RTU mean values were above those reported by others, suggesting major physio-logical challenges related to energy balance and fat mobilization in pregnant jennies bred for milking production. BCS and sites through observational time have shown a good and reliable association. Our study could give preliminary indications on fat reserves in different body locations evaluated thanks to RTU and it show no significative variation of SF thickness, in pregnant and lactating jennies.
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14
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Lovett AL, Gilliam LL, Sykes BW, McFarlane D. Thromboelastography in obese horses with insulin dysregulation compared to healthy controls. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:1131-1138. [PMID: 35429197 PMCID: PMC9151488 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with hypercoagulability in people, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and thromboembolic events. Whether hypercoagulability exists in obese, insulin-dysregulated horses is unknown. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To determine if coagulation profiles differ between healthy horses and those with obesity and insulin dysregulation. ANIMALS Fifteen healthy horses (CON) and 15 obese, insulin-dysregulated horses (OBID). Individuals were university or client owned. METHODS Case-control study. Obesity was defined as a body condition score (BCS) ≥7.5/9 (modified Henneke scale). Insulin dysregulation status was assessed by an oral sugar test (OST). Kaolin-thromboelastography and traditional coagulation variables were compared between groups. The direction and strength of the association between coagulation variables and BCS and OST results were determined using Spearman's correlation. RESULTS Thromboelastography variables MA (OBID: 69.5 ± 4.5 mm; CON: 64.8 ± 4.3 mm; P = .007) and G-value (OBID: 11749 ± 2536 dyn/m2 ; CON: 9319 ± 1650 dyn/m2 ; P = .004) were higher in OBID compared to CON. Positive correlations between MA and BCS (R = 0.45, P = .01) and serum insulin (T0 : R = 0.45, P = .01; T60 : R = 0.39, P = .03), and G-value and BCS (R = 0.46, P = .01), and serum insulin (T0 : R = 0.48, P = .007; T60 : R = 0.43, P = .02; T90 : R = 0.38, P = .04) were present. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Obese, insulin-dysregulated horses are hypercoagulable compared to healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Lovett
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
- Present address:
School of Veterinary SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Lyndi L. Gilliam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
| | - Benjamin W. Sykes
- School of Veterinary SciencesMassey UniversityStillwaterPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Dianne McFarlane
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
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15
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Galinelli NC, Bailey SR, Bamford NJ, Harris PA. Nutritional considerations for the management of equine pituitary
pars intermedia
dysfunction. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. C. Galinelli
- Melbourne Veterinary School The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - S. R. Bailey
- Melbourne Veterinary School The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - N. J. Bamford
- Melbourne Veterinary School The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - P. A. Harris
- Equine Studies Group Waltham Petcare Science Institute Melton Mowbray UK
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16
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Johnson ACB, Biddle AS. A Standard Scale to Measure Equine Keeper Status and the Effect of Metabolic Tendency on Gut Microbiome Structure. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071975. [PMID: 34359102 PMCID: PMC8300108 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071975] [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: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Horses with different metabolic tendencies are anecdotally referred to as “easy” or “hard” keepers. Easy keepers tend to gain weight easily while hard keepers require extra feed to maintain condition. Both easy and hard keeper horses carry a managerial and financial burden which can be a dissuading factor for horse shoppers. This research uses energy intake/need and body condition to develop a standard Equine Keeper Status Scale (EKSS) for assigning keeper status. The microbiome compositions based on EKSS assignments are then compared to explore microbiome differences based on metabolic tendencies of each group. The EKSS can be used by owners to accurately assess their horses’ metabolic tendencies and make improved feeding decisions to meet their horses’ needs. Understanding microbiome differences between easy, medium and hard keeper horses points to potential microbial roles in these metabolic tendencies. Abstract Thriftiness in horses has been associated with more efficient nutrient harvesting in digestion, absorption and/or utilization, but the relative contribution of the gut microbiome to host metabolic tendency is not well understood. Recognizing the unreliability of owner reported assignment of keeper status, this research describes a novel tool for calculating whether a horse is an easy (EK) or hard (HK) keeper and then characterizes microbiome differences in these groups. The Equine Keeper Status Scale (EKSS) was developed and validated based on data gathered from 240 horses. Estimates of dietary energy intakes and requirements to achieve the optimal BCS score of 5 were used in EKSS assignments. Sixty percent of owners’ characterizations disagreed with EKSS identified keeper assignments. Equine fecal 16S rRNA profiles (n = 73) revealed differences in α and β diversities and taxa abundances based on EKSS assignments. EK communities had more Planctomycetes and fewer Euryarcheaota, Spirochaetes and Proteobacteria than HK indicating functional differences in nutrient harvesting between groups. Differences in the gut microbiomes of horses based on keeper assignment point to host/microbial interactions that may underlie some differences in metabolic tendency. The EKSS enables robust, repeatable determination of keeper status which can be used by researchers and horse owners.
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17
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Abstract
Equine obesity is common, reducing quality of life and requiring dietary energy restriction. Equine obesity is identified using subjective body condition scoring. Considerations are given for life stage and health status when managing obese equines. Every effort should be made to maximize feeding duration, and minimize time spent without feed while meeting all essential nutrient requirements. Limiting total daily dry matter intake to 2% of current bodyweight per day of a low caloric, forage-based diet may result in adequate body weight loss. Weight loss and weight management plans should be monitored for success and potential gastrointestinal, metabolic, and/or behavioral complications.
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18
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Robles M, Hammer C, Staniar B, Chavatte-Palmer P. Nutrition of Broodmares. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2021; 37:177-205. [PMID: 33820606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Forage availability should cover most needs for mares bred during spring and summer. Out-of-season breeding, lack of access to pasture, or good quality forage calls for nutritional supplementation. Current evaluations of broodmare needs are based on fetoplacental tissue requirements, but do not consider endocrine changes or that the maternal diet quality affects long-term foal health. This article reviews pregnant mares' current nutritional recommendations. Secondly, fetoplacental developmental stages during gestation are outlined, defining critical periods in the context of the developmental origins of health and disease. Last, examples of how maternal nutrition affects long-term foal health are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Robles
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier, 532 Boul. des Prairies, Laval, Quebec, Canada H7V 1B7; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France.
| | - Carolyn Hammer
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1300 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Burt Staniar
- Penn State University, 316 Agricultural Sciences & Industries Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France
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19
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Hesta M, Shepherd M. How to Perform a Nutritional Assessment in a First-Line/General Practice. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2021; 37:21-41. [PMID: 33820607 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate nutrition is a priority welfare challenge. Nutritional mistakes are common and can lead to adverse events, such as poor growth and performance, colic, laminitis, and obesity. A detailed nutritional assessment involving evaluating the equine patient, current diet/ration, and management is essential in creating an effective nutritional plan. Goal(s) should be established and used to inform the plan. Management or resource barriers should be considered. Effective communication and a team-based approach versus an authoritarian one are likely to enhance the success of the nutritional plan. Developing a plan should be an interactive process, adjusting as needed after intentional monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Hesta
- ECAN Equine and Companion Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium.
| | - Megan Shepherd
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Phase II Duck Pond Drive, Virginia Tech Mail Code 0442, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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20
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Delarocque J, Reiche DB, Meier AD, Warnken T, Feige K, Sillence MN. Metabolic profile distinguishes laminitis-susceptible and -resistant ponies before and after feeding a high sugar diet. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:56. [PMID: 33509165 PMCID: PMC7841998 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02763-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insulin dysregulation (ID) is a key risk factor for equine endocrinopathic laminitis, but in many cases ID can only be assessed accurately using dynamic tests. The identification of other biomarkers could provide an alternative or adjunct diagnostic method, to allow early intervention before laminitis develops. The present study characterised the metabolome of ponies with varying degrees of ID using basal and postprandial plasma samples obtained during a previous study, which examined the predictive power of blood insulin levels for the development of laminitis, in ponies fed a high-sugar diet. Samples from 10 pre-laminitic (PL – subsequently developed laminitis) and 10 non-laminitic (NL – did not develop laminitis) ponies were used in a targeted metabolomic assay. Differential concentration and pathway analysis were performed using linear models and global tests. Results Significant changes in the concentration of six glycerophospholipids (adj. P ≤ 0.024) and a global enrichment of the glucose-alanine cycle (adj. P = 0.048) were found to characterise the response of PL ponies to the high-sugar diet. In contrast, the metabolites showed no significant association with the presence or absence of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in all ponies. Conclusions The present results suggest that ID and laminitis risk are associated with alterations in the glycerophospholipid and glucose metabolism, which may help understand and explain some molecular processes causing or resulting from these conditions. The prognostic value of the identified biomarkers for laminitis remains to be investigated in further metabolomic trials in horses and ponies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-021-02763-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Delarocque
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Dania B Reiche
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Alexandra D Meier
- Biology and Environmental Science School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
| | - Tobias Warnken
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin N Sillence
- Biology and Environmental Science School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
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21
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Carslake HB, Pinchbeck GL, McGowan CM. Equine metabolic syndrome in UK native ponies and cobs is highly prevalent with modifiable risk factors. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:923-934. [PMID: 33128277 PMCID: PMC8451835 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiology of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is poorly described. OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of EMS in native UK ponies and cobs in England and Wales and identify associated risk factors. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Breeders registered with UK native pony breed societies and registered riding schools and livery yards within a set radius were invited to participate. All native UK ponies and cobs aged 3-14 years and not diagnosed or being treated for conditions likely to affect insulin regulation at participating premises were eligible. Animals underwent a clinical examination and an oral glucose test while their owner or keeper completed a questionnaire by face-to-face interview. Data were analysed by multilevel uni- and multivariable modelling using insulin concentration and EMS diagnosis as outcomes. RESULTS A total of 354 animals were examined at 64 properties (19 studs, 19 livery yards, 26 riding schools). The overall prevalence of EMS adjusted for clustering within yard was 23.3% (95%CI 17.9%-29.8%). Risk factors associated with a diagnosis of EMS included age, being female, more sedentary main activity, obesity, and shorter periods on pasture during the summer. Compared to the Welsh section A, the other Welsh, Connemara and cob breeds all had decreased odds of EMS. Clinical manifestations of hoof growth ring and supraorbital fat scores of 3/3 were more frequent in EMS ponies and animals with a history of laminitis within the last 5 years (9.7%) were 14.4 (95% CI 5.9-35.3) times more likely to be positive for EMS than those without. MAIN LIMITATIONS Results may not be transferable to other breeds or age groups. CONCLUSIONS Equine metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in UK native ponies and cobs with modifiable risk factors including obesity and sedentary activities. Modifying risk factors could help reduce the risk of laminitis in susceptible animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry B Carslake
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, UK
| | - Gina L Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, UK
| | - Catherine M McGowan
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, UK
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22
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Knowles EJ, Grieve L. Clinical insights: Equine obesity. Equine Vet J 2020; 52:635-638. [PMID: 32748989 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Knowles
- Royal Veterinary College Clinical Services Division, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.,Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, Maidstone, Kent, UK
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23
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Stocking Density Affects Welfare Indicators in Horses Reared for Meat Production. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10061103. [PMID: 32604808 PMCID: PMC7341190 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Not enough effort is being made to safeguard the welfare of horses reared for meat production. These horses are kept in intensive breeding farms where they are housed in group pens at high stock densities and fed high amounts of concentrates. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether the stocking density of horses raised in group pens for meat production and their feeding management affects their welfare according to different stocking density. According to our results, when the horses had more than 4.75 m2/horse, many indicators were affected (i.e., improvement of coat cleanliness, improvement of bedding quantity, improvement of mane and tail conditions, less resting in a standing position, and less feeding related to the greater space available at the feed bunk). However, a further increment of space and/or changes in management regimes may be necessary to improve all the welfare indicators. The results also revealed the need to improve the feeding management of these animals. Abstract Horses kept for meat production are reared in intensive breeding farms. We employed a checklist adapted from the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) assessment protocol. Our evaluation aims to assess whether welfare indicators are influenced by stocking densities (m2/horse) and feeding strategies applied. An analysis was carried out on the data obtained from 7 surveys conducted at a single horse farm designed for meat production. In each survey, the same 12 pens were assessed, but on each occasion, the horses in the pens had been changed as had the stocking densities. Briefly, 561 horses aged 16 ± 8 months (mean ± standard deviation) were evaluated. Two stocking density cut-off values (median and 75th percentile: 3.95 and 4.75 m2/horse, respectively) were applied to investigate the effect of stocking density on horse welfare. Data were analysed using Mann–Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests (p < 0.05). When cut-off was set as the median percentile, lower stocking density was associated with improvements in body condition score (BCS), coat cleanliness and bedding quantity, less coughing, less resting in a standing position, and less feeding related to the greater space available at the feed bunk. When the 75th percentile cut-off was used, indicators that improved were coat cleanliness, bedding quantity and mane and tail condition, as well as less resting in standing position and less feeding related to the greater space available at the feed bunk. Accordingly, the use of two different stocking density cut-off values showed that the increase of space allowance affected specific welfare indicators. Further increment of space and/or changes in management regimes should be investigated to improve all the indicators. Moreover, results related to feeding indicated the need to intervene as starch intakes exceeded recommended safe levels, negatively affecting horse welfare.
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24
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Delarocque J, Frers F, Huber K, Feige K, Warnken T. Weight loss is linearly associated with a reduction of the insulin response to an oral glucose test in Icelandic horses. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:151. [PMID: 32448298 PMCID: PMC7245939 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02356-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin dysregulation (ID) goes along with lasting or transient hyperinsulinemia able to trigger equine laminitis, a painful and crippling foot condition. Promoting weight loss through dietary changes and physical activity is currently the main option to prevent this disease. This study aimed at describing the relationship between weight variations and the level of ID as determined by oral glucose tests (OGT). Therefore, the insulin response of 19 Icelandic horses to repeated OGTs was retrospectively analysed considering the variations in their body weight. RESULTS There was a strong linear relationship between variations in body weight and variations in the total insulin response to OGT as approximated by the area under the curve of insulin (p < 0.001). As indicated by a weighted least squares model, the insulin response decreased by 22% for 5% weight loss on average. However some horses did not respond to weight loss with a reduction of their insulin response to OGT. Additionally, a high correlation between 120 min serum insulin concentration and total insulin response was observed (r = 0.96, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results corroborate that weight loss is effective against ID and allow for a better quantification of the expected improvement of the insulin response after weight loss. However, it is unclear why some horses did not respond as expected. The high correlation between the 120 min insulin concentration and total insulin response suggests that insulin status can be accurately determined and monitored with only few samples in a practical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Delarocque
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Florian Frers
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Korinna Huber
- Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstraße 35, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Tobias Warnken
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hanover, Germany
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25
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Riedler DC, Zsoldos RR, Robel M, Jobst ID, Licka TF. Movement Caused by Electrical Stimulation of the Lumbosacral Region in Standing Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 91:103116. [PMID: 32684261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation is commonly used as a modality for physical therapy in human and veterinary medicine. However, studies measuring the movement generated by electrical stimulation in horses are rare. The present study therefore evaluates the range of movement provoked by a commercially available physical therapy unit (FES310) and contrasts it with the movement generated by manually induced pelvic inclination (back rounding). Ten horses were tested on three measurement days over one week. Electrical stimulation was applied via a back treatment pad (belonging to the FES310 system) containing six electrodes (three on either side of the spine) placed over the lumbosacral region. This system produced a pulsed, biphasic electrical stimulation in a rectangular waveform which was gradually increased to a maximum of 10 volts. Before and after electrical stimulation testing, manual pelvic inclination was achieved by pressure on two points lateral to the root of the tail. Muscle tone and lameness were evaluated before and after treatments. Skinfold thickness, body condition score, and body mass were measured to detect possible confounding factors. Using kinematics, the angle ranges during movement of ten three-dimensional angles of the trunk, the pelvis, and the hind limbs were further analyzed. Movement was produced with manual stimulation in every tested individual on all measurement days and with electrical stimulation on at least one measurement day. The electrical stimulation led to significantly (P < .05) smaller angle ranges which were 15 %-57 % of the median of the manually stimulated movement. Strong positive correlations between angle ranges of the electrically generated movement were found for the hind limbs implicating their involvement in the movement created. Correlations between skinfold thickness, body condition score, and body mass with the angle ranges were weak and not significant. Before and after electrical and manual stimulation, muscle tone and lameness were similar. In the present study, both electrical and manual stimulation were proven to produce significant trunk and hind limb movement. Within this study's electrical stimulation treatment protocol, the movement generated by electrical stimulation was significantly less than the movement caused by manual pelvic inclination. However, electrical stimulation could easily be applied over a longer period and in a higher frequency than it would be possible for manual pelvic inclination. This treatment shows potential for stabilization and or mobilization of the lumbosacral region, although its efficiency as a therapeutic tool and its effect on specific orthopedic problems and is to be evaluated in further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C Riedler
- University Clinic for Horses, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rebeka R Zsoldos
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthias Robel
- University Clinic for Horses, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabelle D Jobst
- University Clinic for Horses, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresia F Licka
- University Clinic for Horses, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Zhang X, Ding J, Li Y, Song Q, Li S, Hayat MA, Zhang J, Wang H. The changes of inflammatory mediators and vasoactive substances in dairy cows' plasma with pasture-associated laminitis. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:119. [PMID: 32326962 PMCID: PMC7178631 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02319-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hoof disease is one of the three major diseases that often occur in dairy cows. The impact of this disease on dairy farming is second only to mastitis. Laminitis is a diffuse, aseptic, serous, non-purulent inflammation of the dermal papillae and vascular layers of the cow’s hoof wall. In the pasture, laminitis occurs mostly in the laminae, that is, inside the hoof shell. No lesions can be seen on the surface. Therefore, laminitis cannot attract the attention of veterinarians. However, laminitis has become a major factor that seriously affects the health and welfare of dairy cows, making it an important cause of hindering the performance of dairy cows. Methods The study was conducted at a dairy farm in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China. We selected a sample of the laminitis cows based on the veterinary diagnosis, took blood from the jugular vein and then separated the plasma, and measured the index with the Elisa kit. In this study, the markers of inflammatory and vasoactive substances status in dairy cows consisted of subclinical laminitis (SCL, n = 20), chronic laminitis (CL, n = 20) and healthy dairy cows (CON, n = 20) under the local management conditions were investigated. Results Compared with healthy cattle, HIS, IL-6, LPS, and TNF-α in subclinical laminitis group significantly increased (P < 0.05), especially HIS, LPS, TNF-α (P < 0.01); in chronic laminitis cows, COX-2, HIS, IL-6, LPS, and TNF-α increased significantly (P < 0.05), especially COX-2, HIS, TNF-α (P < 0.01). iNOS (P < 0.05), TXB2 (P < 0.01) in chronic laminitis cows had significantly increased. Conclusion This study reported for the first time that pasture laminitis was divided into subclinical laminitis and clinical chronic laminitis. Through research on the inflammatory factors and vasoactive substances of dairy cows, it is found that there is a close relationship between them, which affects the metabolic cycle of dairy cows. These indicators are abnormally expressed and cause hoof microcirculation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhao Zhang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Jiafeng Ding
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Yuepeng Li
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Qiaozhi Song
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Shuaichen Li
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Abid Hayat
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Jiantao Zhang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China.
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Hill JA, Tyma JF, Hayes GM, Radcliffe R, Fubini SL. Higher body mass index may increase the risk for the development of incisional complications in horses following emergency ventral midline celiotomy. Equine Vet J 2020; 52:799-804. [PMID: 31994775 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is common in the equine population and it has been associated with increased surgical morbidity and mortality in humans. The effect of increased body mass index (BMI) on the incidence of surgical site infections has not been investigated in horses. OBJECTIVES To determine whether horses with increased body fat, as estimated by BMI, are more likely to develop post-operative complications, particularly incisional complications, following emergency ventral midline celiotomy. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective, multi-institutional clinical study. METHODS Medical records of horses >2 years old presenting with colic that underwent ventral midline celiotomy between January 2010 and September 2018 with follow-up of a minimum of 30 post-operative days were reviewed. Extracted data included signalment, operative details and outcome. BMI was calculated by dividing the patient's weight (kg) by the withers height squared (m2 ). RESULTS In all, 287 horses fit inclusion criteria. Incisional complication prevalence was 23.7%. Horses with incisional complications had a higher BMI (median 203.6 kg/m2 , IQR = 191.5-217.4) compared with those without (median 199.1 kg/m2 , IQR = 184.7-210.2) (P = .03). Multi-variable analysis of the effects of age, sex, breed and presence of metabolic disease on the association between BMI and risk of incisional complications, identified a tendency towards increased risk with a higher BMI, but statistical significance decreased to P = .07. Breed had an association with BMI (P < .01), but not with incisional complication risk. MAIN LIMITATIONS BMI as an estimate of body fat has limitations. Retrospective studies with reliance on owners reporting data and complete medical records is imperfect. When the data were subjected to multi-variable analysis, the trend towards an increased incidence of incisional complications in horses with higher BMI persisted but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Higher BMI may increase the risk for the development of incisional complications in horses following emergency ventral midline celiotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesse F Tyma
- University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Galina M Hayes
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Rolfe Radcliffe
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Susan L Fubini
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Van Den Wollenberg L, Vandendriessche V, van Maanen K, Counotte GHM. Comparison of Two Diagnostic Methods to Detect Insulin Dysregulation in Horses Under Field Conditions. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 88:102954. [PMID: 32303301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Straightforward testing procedures to enable the diagnosis of insulin dysregulation (ID) in horses that are suitable for use in daily veterinary practice are needed because of the risk that ID could result in laminitis. In our study (that included 90 horses), we compared the proportion of horses classified as ID-positive, ID-suspect, and ID-not diagnosed according to the basal insulin concentration (BIC) with the proportion of horses classified as ID-positive or ID-negative according to a practical and feasible version of an oral sugar test (OST). Furthermore, BIC, basal glucose concentration, and insulin and glucose concentration after OST were analyzed and compared. In the total study population, the OST detected significantly more ID-positive cases than the BIC, with cutoffs at equivalent specificities. Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that at a lower cutoff, the sensitivity of the BIC could be increased, but at the cost of a significantly lower specificity. Taking this into account, we found diagnostic performance of the OST to be considerably better than the BIC and therefore considered it more recommendable for use as a screening test for ID in ambulatory practice. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between body condition score and breed type with glucose and insulin concentration as determined after our version of the OST. For that purpose, the study group was subdivided into lean, moderate, and obese horses and "easy keeper breeds" versus "non-easy keeper breeds". Results supported the general assumption that obese horses and "easy keeper breeds" are more prone to the development of ID.
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Freccero F, Petrucelli M, Cipone M, Nocera I, Sgorbini M. Doppler evaluation of renal resistivity index in healthy conscious horses and donkeys. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228741. [PMID: 32027703 PMCID: PMC7004319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The renal resistive index (RRI) is used as a measurement of downstream resistance in arteries. The aim of this study was to assess the RRI of the arcuate arteries by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography in healthy conscious horses and donkeys, and to verify any differences related to age, breed, bodyweight (BW) or body condition (BCS). Thirty-three healthy conscious horses and nine donkeys had their systolic and diastolic flow velocities at the level of the arcuate arteries estimated by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound, and the RRI was calculated. The relationship of RRI with age, breed (Trotters vs. other breeds), bodyweight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) were evaluated. PW Doppler evaluation of RRI was successfully applied in most of the horses, but to date not in the donkeys. In horses, median RRI values for the right kidney (0.58±0.006) were statistically higher than for the left (0.51±0.006). For the donkeys the values were comparable. There was no significant difference in RRI between horses younger or older than 15 years, and between breeds in horses. No correlation with age, BW or BCS was found in either horses or donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Freccero
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Petrucelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Matelica, MC, Italy
| | - Mario Cipone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Nocera
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital “Mario Modenato”, San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
| | - Micaela Sgorbini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital “Mario Modenato”, San Piero a Grado, PI, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Harris PA, Bamford NJ, Bailey SR. Equine metabolic syndrome: evolution of understanding over two decades: a personal perspective. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an19386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There has been a marked increase in the incidence of equine obesity globally, especially in countries where there has been a shift away from the horse having an economically essential working role. This change in its core role, plus the increasing numbers of individual horse owners without access to traditional knowledge of animal and land management, have helped fuel this equine obesity ‘epidemic’. Other important potential contributory factors include increased availability of good grazing and/or forage, as well as supplementary feeds. Obesity now presents a major welfare issue for horses and ponies, not only because of the direct weight-associated effects, but also due to the increased risk it poses for certain clinical conditions, in particular laminitis. For many owners and veterinarians, obesity and the equine metabolic syndrome are synonymous, but this is not necessarily the case. Furthermore, as we understand more about this syndrome and the causes of endocrinopathic laminitis, the emphasis has shifted from tissue or peripheral insulin resistance to insulin dysregulation. The present paper outlines how our knowledge of equine metabolic syndrome arose and continues to develop, as well as the authors’ personal involvement in some of these advances.
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Fowler AL, Pyles MB, Bill VT, Hayes SH, Harris PA, Lawrence LM. Relationships Between Measurements of Body Fat in Thoroughbred Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 85:102873. [PMID: 31952641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Equine obesity is increasing in prevalence, and weight loss diets are frequently recommended for these horses. However, there are also management situations in which horses are deemed to be too thin. To monitor the efficacy of weight change programs, estimates of body fat are often made. There are several systems available to estimate body fat, and there are benefits and challenges to using each method. The objective of this study was to compare four different methods of estimating body fat in Thoroughbred horses. In 14 mature Thoroughbred horses, relationships among body condition score (BCS), morphometric measurements, ultrasonic measures of subcutaneous fat depots, and estimation of total body fat (BFD) via measurement of total body water through deuterium oxide dilution were evaluated. Body condition scores ranged from 4.5 to 6.5 on a 9-point scale. Body condition score, heart girth-to-body weight ratio, and BFD were all positively correlated with each other (P < .05). Subcutaneous fat depth at the tailhead tended to be positively related to BFD when only horses with BCS ≥ 5 were included (P = .0680). These data suggest that BCS remains a simple means of monitoring adiposity in mature horses in moderate condition. Tailhead fat depots may become useful for monitoring changes in body fat in Thoroughbreds with a BCS above 5, although more work with animals of higher adiposity is required and at different times of year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Fowler
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
| | - Morgan B Pyles
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Veronica T Bill
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Susan H Hayes
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Patricia A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, Melton, Mowbray, UK
| | - Laurie M Lawrence
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Staub C, Venturi E, Cirot M, Léonard L, Barrière P, Blard T, Gaudé Y, Gascogne T, Yvon JM, Lecompte F, Ramé C, Reigner F, Dupont J. Ultrasonographic measures of body fatness and their relationship with plasma levels and adipose tissue expression of four adipokines in Welsh pony mares. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2019; 69:75-83. [PMID: 31374538 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is responsible for metabolic dysregulations that alter fertility and induce pathologies. The objectives of the present study were to validate a reliable method for the evaluation of body fatness in mares and to associate the body fat estimation data to metabolic changes, including adipokines at the plasma and adipose tissue levels. To reach this purpose, animals were subjected to two extreme breeding conditions to study the variation of morphological, ultrasound, and physiological parameters. Twenty Welsh mares were followed up monthly from April to October before and after animals were moved outdoors to grasslands. Body weight (BW), body length (BL), height at the withers (HW), thoracic perimeter (TP), 5-point body condition score (BCS), and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) at the level of the shoulder, the lumbar region, and the rump, measured by ultrasonography, and plasma and adipose tissue metabolic indicators were assessed in parallel. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed-effects model, whereas Pearson tests were used for the analysis of the correlations between the different parameters. Although mean BW did not increase significantly (P = 0.0940), TP (P = 0.0002) and BCS (P < 0.0001) increased during the study period. Ultrasonographic examination of subcutaneous adipose tissue showed an increase in SFT at the level of the shoulder (P < 0.0001), lumbar region (P < 0.0001), and rump (P < 0.0001). Plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (P < 0.0001), phospholipids (P < 0.0001), and cholesterol (P < 0.0001) increased significantly, whereas triglycerides (P < 0.0001) decreased significantly during the study period. Although both plasma concentrations and adipose tissue expression of leptin (P < 0.0001) and resistin (P < 0.0001) increased significantly, adiponectin (P < 0.0001) significantly decreased and visfatin remained unchanged (P = 0.8401). Expression of adipokine receptors studied showed the opposite pattern compared with their ligand. Ultrasonographic measurements of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the shoulder, lumbar region, and rump are relevant indicators of fatness related with adipokine plasma concentrations and expression of adipokine-related receptors in adipose tissue, and particularly highlight seasonal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Staub
- INRA, UE1297 Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, Nouzilly F-37380, France.
| | - E Venturi
- INRA, UE1297 Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - M Cirot
- INRA, UE1297 Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - L Léonard
- INRA, UE1297 Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - P Barrière
- INRA, UE1297 Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - T Blard
- INRA, UE1297 Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - Y Gaudé
- INRA, UE1297 Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - T Gascogne
- INRA, UE1297 Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - J M Yvon
- INRA, UE1297 Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - F Lecompte
- INRA, Plateforme CIRE, Service d'imagerie, UMR0085 PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - C Ramé
- INRA, UMR0085 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - F Reigner
- INRA, UE1297 Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - J Dupont
- INRA, UMR0085 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly F-37380, France
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Catalano DN, Coleman RJ, Hathaway MR, Neu AE, Wagner EL, Tyler PJ, McCue ME, Martinson KL. Estimation of Actual and Ideal Bodyweight Using Morphometric Measurements of Miniature, Saddle-Type, and Thoroughbred Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 78:117-122. [PMID: 31203974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Adding breed type, height, and neck circumference to body length and girth circumference improves bodyweight (BW) estimation in different breeds of horses; however, equations have not been developed for all breed types. The objectives were to develop BW estimation equations for Miniature, saddle-type, and Thoroughbred horses using morphometric measurements. Measurements were collected on adult (≥3 years, nonpregnant) saddle-type (n = 209), adult (n = 249) and juvenile (<3 years, n = 61) Miniatures, and adult Thoroughbreds (n = 100). Personnel determined body condition score (BCS), measured withers height and girth circumference at the third thoracic vertebra, body length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock and to a line perpendicular to the point of the buttock, and neck circumference at the midway point between the poll and withers. Each horse was weighed using a livestock scale. Bodyweight estimations equations were developed using linear regression modeling and log transformation. Mean (±standard deviation) BCS was 6.1 (±0.8), 5.4 (±0.6), 6.0 (±1.0), and 5.0 (±0.6) for adult and juvenile Miniatures, saddle-type, and Thoroughbreds, respectively. Bodyweight estimation equations developed through the current research were within 4% of the scale BW and offered improvements over previous BW estimation equations and weight tapes, which were off by 5%-25%. Owner-estimated BW was within 8%-15% of scale BW. Morphometric measurements were successfully used to develop BW equations for Miniature, saddle-type, and Thoroughbred horses. The equations will assist owners and professionals with managing horse BW and will be added to the Healthy Horse application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devan N Catalano
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - Robert J Coleman
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Abby E Neu
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | | | - Patty J Tyler
- Department of Animal Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Molly E McCue
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
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Durham AE, Frank N, McGowan CM, Menzies-Gow NJ, Roelfsema E, Vervuert I, Feige K, Fey K. ECEIM consensus statement on equine metabolic syndrome. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:335-349. [PMID: 30724412 PMCID: PMC6430910 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a widely recognized collection of risk factors for endocrinopathic laminitis. The most important of these risk factors is insulin dysregulation (ID). Clinicians and horse owners must recognize the presence of these risk factors so that they can be targeted and controlled to reduce the risk of laminitis attacks. Diagnosis of EMS is based partly on the horse's history and clinical examination findings, and partly on laboratory testing. Several choices of test exist which examine different facets of ID and other related metabolic disturbances. EMS is controlled mainly by dietary strategies and exercise programs that aim to improve insulin regulation and decrease obesity where present. In some cases, pharmacologic aids might be useful. Management of an EMS case is a long‐term strategy requiring diligence and discipline by the horse's carer and support and guidance from their veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Frank
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts
| | - Cathy M McGowan
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Menzies-Gow
- Department of clinical sciences and services, Royal Veterinary College, Herts, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen Roelfsema
- Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Vervuert
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin Fey
- Equine Clinic, Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Rendle D, McGregor Argo C, Bowen M, Carslake H, German A, Harris P, Knowles E, Menzies-Gow N, Morgan R. Equine obesity: current perspectives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.12968/ukve.2018.2.s2.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Rendle
- David is a director at Rainbow Equine Hospital, North Yorkshire, and splits his time between leading the internal medicine and critical care services and running the referral laboratory
| | - Caroline McGregor Argo
- Caroline graduated from the University of Aberdeen with Honours in Zoology and received the Kilgour Scholarship to fund PhD studies at the Rowett Research Institute
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Lewis SL, Holl HM, Long MT, Mallicote MF, Brooks SA. Use of principle component analysis to quantitatively score the equine metabolic syndrome phenotype in an Arabian horse population. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200583. [PMID: 30001422 PMCID: PMC6042766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), like human metabolic syndrome, comprises a collection of clinical signs related to obesity, insulin dysregulation and susceptibility to secondary inflammatory disease. Although the secondary conditions resulting from EMS can be life-threatening, diagnosis is not straightforward and often complicated by the presence of other concurrent conditions like pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). In order to better characterize EMS, we sought to describe the variation within, and correlations between, typical physical and endocrine parameters for EMS. Utilizing an unsupervised statistical approach, we evaluated a population of Arabian horses using a physical examination including body measurements, as well as blood plasma insulin, leptin, ACTH, glucose, and lipid values. We investigated the relationships among these variables using principle component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and linear regression. Owner-assigned assessments of body condition were one full score (on a nine-point scale) lower than scores assigned by researchers, indicating differing perception of healthy equine body weight. Rotated PCA defined two factor scores explaining a total of 46.3% of variation within the dataset. Hierarchical clustering using these two factors revealed three groups corresponding well to traditional diagnostic categories of "Healthy", "PPID-suspect", and "EMS-suspect" based on the characteristics of each group. Proxies estimating up to 93.4% of the composite "EMS-suspect" and "PPID-suspect" scores were created using a reduced set of commonly used diagnostic variables, to facilitate application of these quantitative scores to horses of the Arabian breed in the field. Use of breed-specific, comprehensive physical and endocrinological variables combined in a single quantitative score may improve detection of horses at-risk for developing EMS, particularly in those lacking severe clinical signs. Quantification of EMS without the use of predetermined reference ranges provides an advantageous approach for future studies utilizing genomic or metabolomics approaches to improve understanding of the etiology behind this troubling condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Lewis
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Heather M. Holl
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Maureen T. Long
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Martha F. Mallicote
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Samantha A. Brooks
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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Pearson W, Wood K, Stanley S, MacNicol J. Exploring relationships between body condition score, body fat, activity level and inflammatory biomarkers. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2018; 102:1062-1068. [PMID: 29707811 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with inflammatory disorders in humans, including degenerative joint disease. While obesity is endemic in horses, its relationship to equine degenerative joint disease has not been explored. The current study sought to describe relationships between: body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), lameness grade (AAEP), total body fat mass (kg; FM) and fat per cent (FP) [multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (mfBIA)], age, gender, activity level (AL), synovial fluid (SF) and plasma (PL) PGE2 and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in horses. During this field investigation, the BCS (of nine) of 54 horses at multiple farms in southern Ontario, Canada, was determined. Horses were categorized as thin (BCS=3/9; n = 6), moderate (BCS=4 or 5/9; n = 18), overweight (BCS=6 or 7/9; n = 19) or obese (BCS=8 or 9/9; n = 11). Total fat mass (kg) and body fat% was measured using mfBIA, lameness was assessed (AAEP lameness scale) and synovial fluid was collected via aseptic arthrocentesis from the left intercarpal joint for assessment of inflammatory biomarkers (PGE2 , GAG). Means were compared with a one-way ANOVA; correlation coefficients were calculated using a Spearman Rank Order Correlation to reveal correlations between variables. BCS was positively correlated with BW, FM, FP, AL and PL-PGE2 . BW was also significantly positively correlated with PL-PGE2 . It is concluded that BCS is significantly correlated with PL-PGE2 , due in part to the combined effect of AL and body condition. Net inflammatory effects of body fat on risk for joint disease require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Pearson
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - K Wood
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - S Stanley
- The Nutraceutical Alliance, Campbellville, ON, Canada
| | - J MacNicol
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Ultrasonographic measurements of localized fat accumulation in Shetland pony mares fed a normal v. a high energy diet for 2 years. Animal 2018; 12:1602-1610. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731117003251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Hines MT. Clinical Approach to Commonly Encountered Problems. EQUINE INTERNAL MEDICINE 2018. [PMCID: PMC7158300 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-44329-6.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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40
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Ferreira Padilha FG, Tavares Miranda AC, de Almeida FQ, Reis Ferreira AM. Increase of fat-free mass and low percentage of body fat in Brazilian sport horses training under tropical climate. Livest Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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41
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Morrison PK, Harris PA, Maltin CA, Grove-White D, Argo CM. EQUIFAT: A novel scoring system for the semi-quantitative evaluation of regional adipose tissues in Equidae. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173753. [PMID: 28296956 PMCID: PMC5351866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Anatomically distinct adipose tissues represent variable risks to metabolic health in man and some other mammals. Quantitative-imaging of internal adipose depots is problematic in large animals and associations between regional adiposity and health are poorly understood. This study aimed to develop and test a semi-quantitative system (EQUIFAT) which could be applied to regional adipose tissues. Anatomically-defined, photographic images of adipose depots (omental, mesenteric, epicardial, rump) were collected from 38 animals immediately post-mortem. Images were ranked and depot-specific descriptors were developed (1 = no fat visible; 5 = excessive fat present). Nuchal-crest and ventro-abdominal-retroperitoneal adipose depot depths (cm) were transformed to categorical 5 point scores. The repeatability and reliability of EQUIFAT was independently tested by 24 observers. When half scores were permitted, inter-observer agreement was substantial (average κw: mesenteric, 0.79; omental, 0.79; rump 0.61) or moderate (average κw; epicardial, 0.60). Intra-observer repeatability was tested by 8 observers on 2 occasions. Kappa analysis indicated perfect (omental and mesenteric) and substantial agreement (epicardial and rump) between attempts. A further 207 animals were evaluated ante-mortem (age, height, breed-type, gender, body condition score [BCS]) and again immediately post-mortem (EQUIFAT scores, carcass weight). Multivariable, random effect linear regression models were fitted (breed as random effect; BCS as outcome variable). Only height, carcass weight, omental and retroperitoneal EQUIFAT scores remained as explanatory variables in the final model. The EQUIFAT scores developed here demonstrate clear functional differences between regional adipose depots and future studies could be directed towards describing associations between adiposity and disease risk in surgical and post-mortem situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa K. Morrison
- University of Surrey, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Guilford, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia A. Harris
- Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Freeby Lane, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A. Maltin
- University of Liverpool, Department of Obesity and Endocrinology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Wirral, United Kingdom
- Biomics Ltd, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
| | - Dai Grove-White
- University of Liverpool, Department of Obesity and Endocrinology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Wirral, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline McG. Argo
- University of Surrey, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Guilford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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General Systemic States. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7195945 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00004-8] [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: 11/22/2022]
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Potter SJ, Bamford NJ, Harris PA, Bailey SR. Prevalence of obesity and owners’ perceptions of body condition in pleasure horses and ponies in south-eastern Australia. Aust Vet J 2016; 94:427-432. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- SJ Potter
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Melbourne; Princes Highway, Werribee 3030, Victoria Australia
| | - NJ Bamford
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Melbourne; Princes Highway, Werribee 3030, Victoria Australia
| | - PA Harris
- Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition; Melton Mowbray Leicestershire UK
| | - SR Bailey
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Melbourne; Princes Highway, Werribee 3030, Victoria Australia
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Silva SR, Payan-Carreira R, Guedes CM, Coelho S, Santos AS. Correlations between cresty neck scores and post-mortem nape fat measurements in horses, obtained after photographic image analysis. Acta Vet Scand 2016; 58:60. [PMID: 27766984 PMCID: PMC5073977 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-016-0241-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obesity and emaciation in horses have major detrimental effects on health and morbidity, reproductive failure, work performance or carcass quality. Scoring is a current management tool used to assess and monitor equine body condition due to its simplicity and low cost. However, accurate assessment of obesity remains a challenge, even though a number of approaches have been tested, particularly for research purposes on adiposity. Their merit is usually validated by comparison with standard scoring methods. The overall aim of this study was to establish the correlation between post-mortem nape fat measurements obtained after photographic image analysis and cresty neck score (CNS) in horses. Data were collected from seventeen horses with a hot carcass weight of 165 ± 51 kg. Pre-slaughter CNS measurements were obtained using a six-point scale (from 0 to 5). Image capture was performed post-mortem, in the slaughter line; for each carcass, images of the dorsal and medial views were collected and afterwards transferred to a computer for analysis. After outlining the cresty neck fat, its area, major axis and thickness were determined. Correlation coefficients between nape fat measurements, CNS and carcass fatness were determined. Results The horses in the study show similar variation for CNS and hot carcass weight [Coefficient of variation (CV) = 32 and 31 %, respectively], but a high variation for carcass fattening (CV = 41 %). The nape fat area measurement was the parameter exhibiting the greatest variation (CV = 50 %). Correlations established between CNS and the variables tested revealed the existence of moderate to strong correlations among CNS, nape fat measurements, and carcass fatness. The highest correlation coefficients were found between CNS and nape fat thickness (r = 0.882; P < 0.01). The linear regression between CNS and nape fat thickness accounted for 77 % of the recorded variation for nape fat thickness. Conclusions The present study showed that there is a strong correlation between horse CNS and post-mortem nape fat measurements or carcass fatness.
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Silva SR, Payan-Carreira R, Quaresma M, Guedes CM, Santos AS. Relationships between body condition score and ultrasound skin-associated subcutaneous fat depth in equids. Acta Vet Scand 2016; 58:62. [PMID: 27766985 PMCID: PMC5073852 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-016-0243-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In equids, health and welfare depend on body composition. A growing number of equids are now used as leisure and companion animals, and often found overfeed. The need for a close monitoring of body fatness led to the search for tools allowing a rapid and non-invasive estimation of fatness. This study intends to assess real-time ultrasonography (RTU) usefulness in establishing a relationship between ultrasound measures of subcutaneous fat–plus–skin thickness (SF-Skin) and body condition score (BCS) in horses and donkeys. Forty-three healthy animals (16 donkeys and 27 horses) were used in this study to generate 95 records (RTU and BCS pairs), in multiple RTU sessions for 2 years. Using visual appraisal and palpation, BCS was graded in a 1–9 points scale. Real-time ultrasonography images were taken using a 7.5 MHz linear transducer, placed perpendicular to the backbone, over the 3rd lumbar vertebra. ImageJ was used to measure the SF-Skin on RTU images. The relation between BCS and SF-Skin measurements was tested by linear and polynomial regression analysis. Results The BCS values were similar in horses (5.50; from 3 to 8 points) and donkeys (5.14; from 3 to 7 points). The SF-Skin measures show a similar trend (a mean of 7.1 and 7.7 mm in horses and donkeys, respectively). A polynomial regression among BCS and SF-Skin explained 92 and 77 % of the variation in donkeys and horses respectively. The coefficient of determination was considerably higher for the regression developed for donkeys compared with that of horses (R2 = 0.92 vs. 0.77, respectively), which reduced the accuracy of the method in horses. Both the linear and polynomial models tested show a strong relationship among BCS and SF-Skin for donkeys (R2 > 0.91; P < 0.01) and horses (R2 > 0.74; P < 0.01), despite that the extremes for BCS did not existed in our sample. Conclusions Our results showed the potential RTU usefulness to monitor body fat in equids. Using a high-frequency transducer and RTU together with image analysis allowed the identification of small SF-skin variations. This report will support further studies on the relationships between SF-Skin and BCS, particularly in extreme BCS scores.
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Estimation of Actual and Ideal Bodyweight Using Morphometric Measurements and Owner Guessed Bodyweight of Adult Draft and Warmblood Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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48
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Ultrasonographic Assessment of Regional Fat Distribution and Its Relationship With Body Condition in an Easy Keeper Horse Breed. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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49
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Level of energy restriction alters body condition score and morphometric profile in obese Shetland ponies. Vet J 2015; 206:61-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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50
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Bamford NJ, Potter SJ, Harris PA, Bailey SR. Effect of increased adiposity on insulin sensitivity and adipokine concentrations in horses and ponies fed a high fat diet, with or without a once daily high glycaemic meal. Equine Vet J 2015; 48:368-73. [PMID: 25726948 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY The relative influences of obesity and adaptation to high glycaemic diets on the development of insulin dysregulation in equids are unclear. OBJECTIVES To determine whether increased adiposity per se is responsible for the decreased insulin sensitivity often observed in obese horses or whether a dietary glycaemic response is critically important. STUDY DESIGN Randomised controlled trial. METHODS Eighteen horses and ponies were studied over a 20-week period. They received ad libitum hay plus either a high fat (low glycaemic) diet (FAT; n = 6) or a similar (isocaloric) diet containing 1.5 g/kg bwt once daily glucose (GLU; n = 6) to induce obesity. A third group received a control ration (CON; n = 6). Adiposity was monitored using body condition score (BCS) and total body fat mass percentage (TBFM) determined using a deuterium oxide dilution technique. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using a frequently sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured. RESULTS The FAT and GLU groups became obese (BCS ≥7) whereas the CON group maintained moderate condition (BCS ≤6). Total body fat mass and leptin concentrations were increased in the FAT and GLU groups than in the CON group (P<0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Values for both insulin-dependent (SI) and insulin-independent (Sg) glucose disposal were higher in the GLU group compared with the FAT and CON groups (P = 0.006 and P = 0.03, respectively). There were no differences in adiponectin, TNF-α or SAA between groups (all P≥0.4). CONCLUSIONS Increased adiposity did not reduce insulin sensitivity in either the FAT or the GLU diet groups, suggesting that obesity per se might not be responsible for the lower SI values reported in previous studies. Contrary to expectations, once daily glucose appeared to increase insulin sensitivity. Further work is required into the dietary causes of insulin resistance in equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Bamford
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - S J Potter
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - P A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Melton Mowbray, UK
| | - S R Bailey
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
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