1
|
Busechian S, Bindi F, Pieramati C, Orvieto S, Pisello L, Cozzi S, Ortolani F, Rueca F. Is There a Difference in the Prevalence of Gastric Ulcers between Stallions Used for Breeding and Those Not Used for Breeding? Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1531. [PMID: 38891578 PMCID: PMC11171266 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111531] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a worldwide disease, and includes two different syndromes, Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD), affecting the squamous mucosa, and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD), affecting the glandular mucosa. These two diseases are present in different categories (different activities, ages, etc.) and breeds of horses. The effect of sex on gastric health is not clear: some studies found a higher prevalence of ESGD in geldings and stallions, while others found no influence of sex on the squamous mucosa. The few studies conducted on glandular diseases failed to identify sex as a risk factor. The only study on breeding horses, focused on Thoroughbred mares at pasture, found that 70% of them were affected by gastric ulcerations especially in the squamous mucosa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of EGUS, ESGD, and EGGD in intact males while also investigating the potential influences of breeding and exercise activity on the occurrence and severity of the diseases. A total of 101 intact males were admitted for gastroscopic examination. Comprehensive data regarding their breeding and sports history, management, and presence of clinical signs were recorded. A statistical analysis was performed. Within this equine population, no discernible relationship was found between breeding activity and occurrence and severity of ESGD or EGGD. Exercise and a combination of exercise and breeding activities were found to be associated with the occurrence of EGGD. The presence of clinical signs was correlated only with the grade of ESGD in this cohort of horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Busechian
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.P.); (F.O.); (F.R.)
| | - Francesca Bindi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Via delle Piagge, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Camillo Pieramati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.P.); (F.O.); (F.R.)
| | - Simona Orvieto
- Independent Researcher, 06100 Perugia, Italy; (S.O.); (L.P.)
| | - Lorenzo Pisello
- Independent Researcher, 06100 Perugia, Italy; (S.O.); (L.P.)
| | | | - Flaminia Ortolani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.P.); (F.O.); (F.R.)
| | - Fabrizio Rueca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.P.); (F.O.); (F.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dyson S, Pollard D. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to 150 Horses with Musculoskeletal Pain before and after Diagnostic Anaesthesia. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1940. [PMID: 37370450 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121940] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was developed to facilitate the recognition of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to document changes in RHpE scores before and after diagnostic anaesthesia was performed to alleviate pain ± when the saddle was changed. One hundred and fifty horses underwent ridden exercise as part of an investigation of poor performance. The RHpE was applied before and after the interventions. Fifty-two (34.7%) horses exhibited a bilaterally symmetrical short step length and/or restricted hindlimb impulsion and engagement. Fifty-three (35.3%) horses had episodic lameness; only forty-five (30.0%) horses were continuously lame. The median maximum lameness grade when ridden was 2/8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0-3; range: 0-4). Fifty-six (37.3%) horses had an ill-fitting saddle, which was considered likely to influence performance. The median RHpE scores after the interventions (2/24 [IQR: 1-3, range: 0-12]) were significantly lower than before the interventions (9/24 [IQR: 8-11, range: 2-15]) (Wilcoxon signed-rank z = 10.6, p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the RHpE score and maximum lameness grade before diagnostic anaesthesia (Spearman's rho = 0.09, p = 0.262). It was concluded that the absence of overt lameness does not preclude primary musculoskeletal pain. Gait quality and performance can be improved by diagnostic anaesthesia, with substantial reductions in RHpE scores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sue Dyson
- The Cottage, Church Road, Market Weston, Diss IP22 2NX, UK
| | - Danica Pollard
- The Rodhams, Rodham Road, Christchurch, Wisbech PE14 9NU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Anderson KA, Morrice-West AV, Wong ASM, Walmsley EA, Fisher AD, Whitton RC, Hitchens PL. Poor Association between Facial Expression and Mild Lameness in Thoroughbred Trot-Up Examinations. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1727. [PMID: 37889660 PMCID: PMC10251806 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111727] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses are difficult to detect prior to catastrophic breakdown. Lameness is commonly attributed to orthopaedic pain in horses, therefore, subtle lameness may be a pre-clinical sign of injury and, if identified early, could allow for preventative intervention. Our objective was to determine if facial expressions could be used to detect mild lameness as an indicator of orthopaedic pain in 'fit to race' horses. The Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) and the facial expressions in ridden horses (FEReq), were used to score images (n = 380) of mildly lame (n = 21) and non-lame (n = 17) Thoroughbred horses by two independent observers. Using an Equinosis Lameness Locator®, the lameness status of each horse was determined according to published thresholds [forelimb lameness (>|14.5 mm|) and hindlimb lameness (>|7.5 mm|)]. Inter and intraobserver reliability were assessed using two-way random-effects models. Univariable associations between lameness and facial expression parameters were identified using logistic and linear regression. Interobserver reliability was moderate (κ 0.45; 95% CI 0.36, 0.55). Horses with moderate mouth strain (HGS) and tense and extended upper lip (FEReq) were less likely to be lame (p = 0.042 and p = 0.027, respectively). Exposed sclera was associated with lameness (p = 0.045). Higher orbital tightening (HGS) scores were associated with a lower degree of maximum head amplitude (HDmax) lameness (p = 0.044). Tension and moderate tension above the eye, for the HGS and FEReq scores, were associated with increasing amplitude of HDmax (p = 0.048 and p = 0.034, respectively). Inconsistent associations between lameness status and HGS and FEReq scores may limit the potential use of the facial expression for the prediction of mild orthopaedic pain during pre-race lameness examinations. More objective parameters associated with mild orthopaedic pain should be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina A. Anderson
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Ashleigh V. Morrice-West
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Adelene S. M. Wong
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A. Walmsley
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
- Avenel Equine Hospital, 34 Ferguson Lane, Avenel, VIC 3664, Australia
| | - Andrew D. Fisher
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - R. Chris Whitton
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Peta L. Hitchens
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Story MR. Integrative Approach to Neck Pain and Dysfunction. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2022; 38:485-492. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
|