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Ireland JL, Lester A, Banse HE. Factors affecting measurement of basal adrenocorticotropic hormone in adult domestic equids: A scoping review. Vet J 2024; 304:106071. [PMID: 38341024 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106071] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Measurement of basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentration is the most commonly used diagnostic test for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Although several pre-analytical and analytical factors have been reported to affect basal ACTH concentrations in equids, the extent to which these have been evaluated in the context of PPID diagnosis is unclear. The objectives of this scoping review were to identify and systematically chart current evidence about pre-analytical and analytical factors affecting basal ACTH concentrations in adult domestic equids. Systematic searches of electronic databases and conference proceedings were undertaken in June 2022, repeated in October 2022 and updated in August 2023. English language publications published prior to these dates were included. Screening and data extraction were undertaken individually by the authors, using predefined criteria and a modified scoping review data extraction template. After removal of duplicates, 903 publications were identified, of which 235 abstracts were screened for eligibility and 134 publications met inclusion criteria. Time of year, exercise, breed/type and transportation were the factors most frequently associated with significant increases in ACTH concentration (n = 26, 16, 13 and 10 publications, respectively). Only 25 publications reported inclusion of PPID cases in the study population, therefore the relationship between many factors affecting basal ACTH concentration and diagnostic accuracy for PPID remains undefined. However, several factors were identified that could impact interpretation of basal ACTH results. Findings also highlight the need for detailed reporting of pre-analytical and analytical conditions in future research to facilitate translation of evidence to practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Ireland
- Department of Equine Clinical Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, The University of Liverpool, Leahurst CH64 7TE, Cheshire, UK.
| | - A Lester
- Department of Equine Clinical Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, The University of Liverpool, Leahurst CH64 7TE, Cheshire, UK
| | - H E Banse
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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Nyberg L, Linnavalli T, Hartmann E, Kalland M. Finnish and Swedish riding school pupils' motivation towards participation in non-riding education. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1232428. [PMID: 37927452 PMCID: PMC10622966 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1232428] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many horse enthusiasts have insufficient knowledge about horse behavior and welfare (BW) and learning and human-horse communication (LC), which poses a risk for both horse welfare and human safety. The main objective of this study was to investigate why riding school pupils participate or do not participate in non-riding education in BW and LC, using Self-determination theory (SDT). SDT posits that the quality of motivation is related to the individual's basic psychological needs. A convenience sample of 568 riding school pupils from Finland and Sweden completed an online questionnaire. The results showed that forty percent of the riding schools offered education in BW, and thirty-two in LC. Twenty-seven percent of the respondents participated in education in BW, and twenty-five in LC at their riding school. The respondents were autonomously motivated to participate in education, i.e., they would participate because it is interesting and personally important. Perceived needs satisfaction at the riding school predicted autonomous motivation to participate. Education was offered to a greater extent in Swedish riding schools and Swedish respondents participated more often, as well as experienced more autonomous motivation, relatedness and competence satisfaction compared with Finnish respondents. To our knowledge, this study is the first to explore riding school pupils' motivation towards non-riding education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Nyberg
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanja Linnavalli
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Diversity, Multilingualism and Social Justice in Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elke Hartmann
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mirjam Kalland
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Diversity, Multilingualism and Social Justice in Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Luke KL, Rawluk A, McAdie T, Smith BP, Warren-Smith AK. How equestrians conceptualise horse welfare: Does it facilitate or hinder change? Anim Welf 2023; 32:e59. [PMID: 38487466 PMCID: PMC10937214 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.79] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
More than ever the welfare of horses in equestrian sport is in the spotlight. In response to this scrutiny, one peak body, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) has created an Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission to protect their sport's longevity. However, for welfare-based strategies to be successful, the conceptualisation of horse welfare must align across various stakeholders, including the general public. The value-laden nature of welfare makes agreement on its definition, even among scientists, difficult. Given little is known about how equestrians conceptualise horse welfare, we interviewed 19 Australian amateur equestrians using a semi-structured format. Systems thinking and the Five Domains Model provided the theoretical framework and informed our methods. Using reflexive thematic analysis, three themes were identified: (1) good horse welfare is tangible; (2) owners misinterpret unwanted horse behaviour; and (3) equestrians publicly minimise horse welfare issues but are privately concerned. Our results highlight participants' conceptualisations of horse welfare do not align with the Five Domains Model; participants' ideal of prioritising horse welfare does not align with their practice; and there is inconsistency between what participants share publicly and what they think privately about horse welfare. These findings can inform the development of programmes to improve ridden horse welfare throughout the horse industry. As a starting point, programmes that provide a safe space for equestrians to explore their private horse welfare concerns, and programmes that build a partnership mindset to facilitate knowledge exchange between all stakeholders are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Luke
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bruce Hwy, Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia
| | - Andrea Rawluk
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Tina McAdie
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bruce Hwy, Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia
| | - Bradley P Smith
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bruce Hwy, Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia
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Grünwald JA, Licka TF. Health Promotion for Students of Veterinary Medicine: A Preliminary Study on Active Microbreaks and Ergonomics Education. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101641. [PMID: 37238071 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Occupational hazards, such as psychosocial stressors, physical injuries from human-animal interactions, and physically demanding work tasks, are common in the veterinary profession, and musculoskeletal discomfort and pain (MDP) may already be present in veterinary undergraduates. This preliminary study investigates the effects of very short, active interventions, called microbreaks, in 36 veterinary students. At the start, participants had a high prevalence of MDP, especially in the neck and lower back. Within a 12-week observational period, 6 weeks of active intervention comprised teaching microbreaks (nine strengthening, stretching, and relaxation exercises; 30-90 s each) and a weekly veterinary-specific ergonomics education and discussion. After the intervention, participants reported fewer painful body regions and an increase in their self-efficacy in potentially painful, risky, or dangerous human-animal interactions. After the 12-week observational period, participants had increased self-efficacy in the maintenance of physical health and self-protection but decreased self-efficacy in healing injuries after veterinary human-animal interactions. Participants felt to have increased and decreased control over dangerous situations with dogs and horses, respectively, although self-efficacy in handling horses increased. Participants integrated microbreaks well into their undergraduate activities and rated the topic relevant to their (later) profession. This should encourage the inclusion of similar programs in undergraduate curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Andrea Grünwald
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresia Franziska Licka
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
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Wolframm IA, Douglas J, Pearson G. Changing Hearts and Minds in the Equestrian World One Behaviour at a Time. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040748. [PMID: 36830535 PMCID: PMC9952075 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Equestrianism is currently facing a range of pressing challenges. These challenges, which are largely based on evolving attitudes to ethics and equine wellbeing, have consequences for the sport's social licence to operate. The factors that may have contributed to the current situation include overarching societal trends, specific aspects of the equestrian sector, and factors rooted in human nature. If equestrianism is to flourish, it is evident that much needs to change, not the least, human behaviour. To this end, using established behaviour change frameworks that have been scientifically validated and are rooted in practice-most notably, Michie et al.'s COM-B model and Behaviour Change Wheel-could be of practical value for developing and implementing equine welfare strategies. This review summarises the theoretical underpinnings of some behaviour change frameworks and provides a practical, step-by-step approach to designing an effective behaviour change intervention. A real-world example is provided through the retrospective analysis of an intervention strategy that aimed to increase the use of learning theory in (educational) veterinary practice. We contend that the incorporation of effective behaviour change interventions into any equine welfare improvement strategy may help to safeguard the future of equestrianism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga A. Wolframm
- Applied Research Centre, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Larensteinselaan 26-A, 6882 CT Velp, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Janet Douglas
- World Horse Welfare, Anne Colvin House, Snetterton, Norwich NR16 2LR, UK
| | - Gemma Pearson
- The Horse Trust, Slad Lane, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 0PP, UK
- Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
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Randle H, Dennis A. A simple collar can make all the difference: A practical solution to a potentially serious equine welfare problem. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Carroll SL, Sykes BW, Mills PC. Moving toward Fear-Free Husbandry and Veterinary Care for Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2907. [PMID: 36359031 PMCID: PMC9653666 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Husbandry and veterinary procedures have the potential to generate fear and stress in animals. In horses, the associated responses can pose a significant safety risk to the human personnel involved in the procedure, as well as to the animal itself. Traditionally, physical restraint, punishment, and/or threat of an aversive, have been the most common strategies used to achieve compliance from the horse. However, from a welfare perspective, this is less than ideal. This approach also has the potential for creating a more dangerous response from the horse in future similar situations. When caring for companion animals, and captive animals within zoological facilities, there has been a steady transition away from this approach, and toward strategies aimed at reducing fear and stress during veterinary visits and when undertaking routine husbandry procedures. This review discusses the current approaches to horse care and training, the strategies being used in other animal sectors, and potential strategies for improving human safety, as well as the horse's experience, during husbandry and veterinary procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L. Carroll
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Benjamin W. Sykes
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Paul C. Mills
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
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Ladewig J, McLean AN, Wilkins CL, Fenner K, Christensen JW, McGreevy PD. A review of The Ridden Horse pain Ethogram and its potential to improve ridden horse welfare. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Torcivia C, McDonnell S. Efficacy of Lidocaine Topical Solution in Reducing Discomfort Reaction of Horses to Intramuscular Vaccination. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131659. [PMID: 35804558 PMCID: PMC9265039 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131659] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Intramuscular injection for vaccination and venipuncture for blood sampling are necessary for routine preventative health care for horses. A considerable proportion of horses react to these procedures, particularly as a needle pierces the skin. Many progress to become “needle shy.” Avoidance behaviors often quickly escalate to dangerous levels. Our clinical experience suggests that topical numbing solutions shown to reduce needle discomfort in other species also help horses better tolerate needles. To critically evaluate this clinical impression, 78 ponies were divided into three groups, each with either 5% or 10% lidocaine solution (commercially available preparations) or 0% control (sterile water) applied two minutes before each of two intramuscular vaccinations. Personnel handling the ponies, performing injections, scoring behavior reactions and analyzing data were unaware of treatment assignments. For both lidocaine treatments, behavioral reactions were lower than control treatment and not significantly different from one another. Fewer than 15% of lidocaine-treated ponies (7 of 51) had greater than a slight flinch reaction, compared to more than half (55%) of control group ponies (15 of 27). This clearly demonstrates that topical anesthetic can effectively reduce the behavior reaction of horses to intramuscular injection, providing convincing support for its routine use to improve animal welfare and care staff safety. Abstract Vaccinations via intramuscular injection are a key component of preventative health care in horses. Development of problematic behavioral aversion to injections is quite common. Our clinical impression has been that topical anesthetic applied to injection sites can reduce the behavioral reaction; however, this has not been critically tested. To blindly evaluate efficacy, either 5% or 10% topical lidocaine solution or 0% control was applied to injection sites for 78 ponies two minutes before intramuscular vaccination. Mean reaction scores on a scale of 0–3 were 0.84 (se 0.18) for 5% lidocaine solution, 0.62 (se 0.14) for 10% lidocaine solution, compared to 1.30 (se 0.19) for 0% control solution. Reaction scores for both the 5% and 10% lidocaine were significantly lower than for the control group. Additionally, the proportion of subjects with a reaction greater than a slight flinch was 2 of 25 for the 5% lidocaine, 5 of 26 for the 10% lidocaine and 15 of 27 for the 0% lidocaine control. For both the 5% and 10% lidocaine groups, the proportion differed significantly from the control. The difference between the 5% and 10% lidocaine groups was not statistically significant. These findings confirm our clinical impression that application of topical anesthetic just two minutes in advance of intramuscular injection can effectively reduce the behavior reaction of horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Torcivia
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA;
| | - Sue McDonnell
- Havemeyer Equine Behavior Lab, Section of Reproduction and Behavior, Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
- Correspondence:
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