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Tavanaeimanesh H, Alinia Z, Sadeghian Chaleshtori S, Moosavian H, Mohebi Z, Daneshi M. The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in decreasing airway inflammation and mucus accumulation in horses with 18 hours of head confinement. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:1224-1231. [PMID: 38236790 PMCID: PMC10937485 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During transportation many horses develop post-transportation infection, which can be life-threatening and end their sport career. Preventing mucus accumulation and inflammation during transportation is vital, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to enhance overall horse health welfare. OBJECTIVES Assess the impact of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on mucus accumulation and inflammation in horses subjected to 18 hours of head confinement. ANIMALS Six healthy crossbred horses, 5.3 ± 2.1 years of age and weighing 387 ± 30 kg. METHODS Prospective placebo-controlled cross-over design study. The horses' heads were restrained in their stalls for a period of 18 hours. They were studied under 4 conditions: Not confined (NC): before head confinement, placebo (P), and confined head (CH): 18 hours of head confinement without treatment, and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): 18 hours of head confinement treated with NAC before confinement (15 mg/kg/day NAC PO for 3 days). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in each condition. Mucus accumulation along the trachea was evaluated by endoscopy. RESULTS Endoscopic scores were significantly different between CH and other conditions, whereas no significant differences were found among NC, P, and NAC. The BAL cell count (34 291 ± 2624 cells/μL), neutrophil and lymphocyte count (18 601 ± 3193 cells/μL and 3337.4 ± 593 cells/μL, respectively) in CH were significantly higher compared to NAC. Neutrophil percentage was significantly higher in CH (53.8 ± 8%) compared to horses that received NAC (20.08 ± 8%). Conversely, in comparison to NAC (66.33 ± 9%), the percentage of macrophages was significantly lower in CH (35.7 ± 10%). CONCLUSIONS N-acetylcysteine was found to significantly decrease mucus accumulation and inflammatory cell counts in horses with head confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Tavanaeimanesh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Zahra Alinia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | | | - Hamidreza Moosavian
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Zeinab Mohebi
- Faculty of PharmacyKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Mojtaba Daneshi
- Department of Animal ScienceNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNorth DakotaUSA
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Battistin L, Cerri FM, Watanabe MJ, Takahira RK, Ribeiro MG, Rocha NS, de Oliveira-Filho JP, Borges AS, Amorim RM. Pleural Empyema in Six Horses: A Retrospective Case Series. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 130:104912. [PMID: 37643695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104912] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The clinical findings of pleural empyema in six horses were retrospectively studied using epidemiological, clinical pathology, microbiological, ultrasound, and post-mortem data. The clinical findings included tachycardia (n = 3/6), tachypnea (n = 6/6), cyanotic mucosa (n = 2/6), hyperthermia (n = 4/6), inspiratory or mixed dyspnea (n = 6/6), presence of fluid and/or pleural rubbing (n = 2/6) and coarse crackling on auscultation (n = 4/6). Horses demonstrated leukocytosis (16.22 × 103/µL) with neutrophilia (12.32 × 103/µL) and hyperfibrinogenemia (633.33 mg/dL) and an increase in urea (69.80 mg/kg) and globulins (5.22 g/dL). The pleural fluid exhibited exudate (n = 5/6). The pathogens isolated from transtracheal wash (TTW) and/or pleural effusion included Aspergillus fumigatus, Enterobacter cloacae, alpha and beta hemolytic Streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp., Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, and beta hemolytic Staphylococcus. The in vitro tests of microbial sensitivity of the isolates revealed that ceftiofur (5/6) and penicillin (3/6) were the most effective drugs. The fatality rate was 83% (5/6). The main post-mortem finding was the presence of fibrin in the pleural cavity with adhesion between the parietal and visceral pleura. These results show that pleural empyema is a complex disease pathophysiology that is refractory to conventional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcos Jun Watanabe
- Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction Department, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, Miranda de La Lama GC, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of equidae during transport. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07444. [PMID: 36092762 PMCID: PMC9449990 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7444] [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] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of animal welfare legislation. This opinion deals with the protection of horses and donkeys during transport. While the opinion focuses primarily on road transport of horses, there are specific sections dealing with the transport of horses on roll-on-roll-off ferries, horses transported by air and the transport of donkeys. In addition, the opinion covers welfare concerns in relation to a specific scenario identified by the European Commission related to the transport of horses on long journeys to slaughterhouses. Current practices related to transport of horses during the different stages (preparation, loading and unloading, transit and the journey breaks) are described. Overall, 13 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of horses during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: gastro-enteric disorders, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, isolation stress, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, resting problems, restriction of movement, sensory overstimulation and separation stress. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified related to factors such as inexperienced/untrained handlers, lack of horse training, structural deficiencies of vehicles/facilities, poor driving skills/conditions, horse separation/regrouping, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices. The opinion contains general and specific conclusions in relation to the different stages of transport. Recommendations to prevent hazards and correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and for space allowance. The development of welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey time.
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Madsen K, de Bont MP, Palmers K. Endoscopic sealing of a chronic bronchopleural fistula using acrylate co‐monomer glue. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Madsen
- Equine Clinic De Morette Asse Belgium
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Padalino B, Raidal SL, Hall E, Knight P, Celi P, Jeffcott L, Muscatello G. A Survey on Transport Management Practices Associated with Injuries and Health Problems in Horses. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162371. [PMID: 27588689 PMCID: PMC5010189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An online survey was conducted to determine associations between transport management and transport-related injuries and diseases in horses in Australia. The survey was composed of three sections: respondents' demographic information, transport management strategies or procedures (before, during and after transportation) and transport diseases experienced in the previous two year period. Univariate and multivariate modelling was performed exploring associations between variables (respondents' details and transport management strategies) and the following transport-related diseases as outcomes: traumatic injuries, diarrhoea, heat stroke, muscular problems, laminitis, transport pneumonia and colic. The survey generated 797 responses. Traumatic injuries were the most common transport-related problem, with a reported incidence of 45.0%. Younger respondents (<40 years old) caring for large numbers of horses (>30 in a week) were more likely to report transport-related injuries. Injury risk was also linked to the use of protections and tranquilizers prior to transport, and checking horses after the journey. Diarrhoea (20.0%) and heat stroke (10.5%) were reported more by amateur than professional horse carers. Increased risk of heat stroke was linked to the restriction of hay and water prior to transportation. Muscular problems (13.0%) appeared to be exacerbated when horse health was not assessed before journey; whilst the risk of laminitis (2.9%) was around three fold greater when post transport recovery strategies were not applied. Associations were made between transport pneumonia (9.2%) and duration of journey, and with activity (horses involved in racing at greater risk). No associations were seen between the incidence of colic (10.3%) and the variables examined. Study findings should be interpreted with caution as they represent participant perceptions and recall. Nevertheless, results support many current recommendations for safe transportation of horses. They also highlight the need to further investigate many of identified management factors to refine existing policies and practices in equine transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Padalino
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sharanne L. Raidal
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Evelyn Hall
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Knight
- Discipline of Biomedical Science, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pietro Celi
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leo Jeffcott
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gary Muscatello
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
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Padalino B, Hall E, Raidal S, Celi P, Knight P, Jeffcott L, Muscatello G. Health Problems and Risk Factors Associated with Long Haul Transport of Horses in Australia. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:1296-310. [PMID: 26690482 PMCID: PMC4693216 DOI: 10.3390/ani5040412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine transportation is associated with a variety of serious health disorders causing economic losses. However; statistics on horse transport are limited and epidemiological data on transport related diseases are available only for horses transported to abattoirs for slaughter. This study analysed reports of transport related health problems identified by drivers and horse owners for 180 journeys of an Australian horse transport company transporting horses between Perth and Sydney (~4000 km) in 2013-2015. Records showed that 97.2% (1604/1650) of the horses arrived at their destination with no clinical signs of disease or injury. Based on the veterinary reports of the affected horses; the most common issues were respiratory problems (27%); gastrointestinal problems (27%); pyrexia (19%); traumatic injuries (15%); and death (12%). Journey duration and season had a significant effect on the distribution of transport related issues ( p < 0.05); with a marked increase of the proportion of the most severe problems ( i.e. , gastrointestinal; respiratory problems and death) in spring and after 20 h in transit. Although not statistically significant; elevated disease rate predictions were seen for stallions/colts; horses aged over 10 years; and Thoroughbreds. Overall; the data demonstrate that long haul transportation is a risk for horse health and welfare and requires appropriate management to minimize transport stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Padalino
- The Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden 2570, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Bari, Bari 70100, Italy.
| | - Evelyn Hall
- The Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden 2570, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sharanne Raidal
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Charles Stuart University, Wagga Wagga 2650, NSW, Australia.
| | - Pietro Celi
- DSM Nutritional Products, Animal Nutrition and Health, Columbia, MD 21045, USA.
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia.
| | - Peter Knight
- Discipline of Biomedical Science, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Lidcombe 1825, Australia.
| | - Leo Jeffcott
- The Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden 2570, NSW, Australia.
| | - Gary Muscatello
- The Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden 2570, NSW, Australia.
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Lester SJ, Mollat WH, Bryant JE. Overview of Clinical Pathology and the Horse. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Effects of the different transport phases on equine health status, behavior, and welfare: A review. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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