Histological evaluation of cardiac remodelling in equine athletes

Approximately 1-2 per 100,000 young athletes die from sudden cardiac death (SCD) and extreme exercise may be associated with myocardial scar and arrhythmias. Racehorses have a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and SCD but the presence of myocardial scar and inflammation has not been evaluated. Cardiac tissues from the left (LAA) and right (RAA) atrial appendages, left ventricular anterior (LVAPM) and posterior (LVPPM) papillary muscles, and right side of the interventricular septum (IVS-R) were harvested from racehorses with sudden cardiac death (SCD, n = 16) or other fatal injuries (OFI, n = 17), constituting the athletic group (ATH, n = 33), and compared to sedentary horses (SED, n = 10). Horses in the ATH group had myocyte hypertrophy at all sites; increased fibrosis at all sites other than the LAA; increased fibroblast infiltration but a reduction in the overall extracellular matrix (ECM) volume in the RAA, LVAPM, and IVS-R compared to SED horses. In this horse model, athletic conditioning was associated with myocyte hypertrophy and a reduction in ECM. There was an excess of fibrocyte infiltration and focal fibrosis that was not present in non-athletic horses, raising the possibility of an exercise-induced pro-fibrotic substrate.

Histopathological changes in the electrical conduction of cardiac nodes after acute myocardial infarction in dogs and horses, compared with findings in humans: A histological, morphometrical, and immunohistochemical study

Background and Aim

The heart conduction system is responsible for the occurrence of various types of cardiac arrhythmia. This study aimed to histologically and morphometrically describe damaged cardiac nodes during acute myocardial infarction and to compare them with normal tissues in dogs and horses.

Materials and Methods

This study describes the morphometry of cardiac nodes in five dogs and five elderly horses that succumbed to sudden cardiac death (SCD). A computerized morphometric study was conducted to determine the number of cells composing the nodes, different shape and size parameters of nodes, and their relationship with degenerative changes due to cardiac conditions.

Results

In both species, the sinoatrial node (SAN) was ovoid in shape whereas the atrioventricular node (AVN) was pyramidal in shape. The percentage of collagen fibers inside the SAN of dogs (47%) and horses (50%) was found to be higher than that of cells. In contrast, the percentage of cells in the AVN of dogs (24%) and horses (16%) was higher than that of connective tissues. In the SAN, the area (p = 0.09), maximum diameter (<0.001), and mean diameter (0.003) of P cells were larger in dogs than in horses.

Conclusion

Overall, the SAN cells and surrounding cardiomyocytes in dogs and horses as well as the AVN cells in dogs that succumbed to SCD decreased in size compared with those in normal hearts.

Intramural Purkinje fibers facilitate rapid ventricular activation in the equine heart

BACKGROUND

The Purkinje fibers convey the electrical impulses at much higher speed than the working myocardial cells. Thus, the distribution of the Purkinje network is of paramount importance for the timing and coordination of ventricular activation. The Purkinje fibers are found in the subendocardium of all species of mammals, but some mammals also possess an intramural Purkinje fiber network that provides for relatively instantaneous, burst-like activation of the entire ventricular wall, and gives rise to an rS configuration in lead II of the ECG.

AIM

To relate the topography of the horse heart and the distribution and histology of the conduction system to the pattern of ventricular activation as a mechanism for the unique electrical axis of the equine heart.

METHODS

The morphology and distribution of the cardiac conduction system was determined by histochemistry. The electrical activity was measured using ECG in the Einthoven and orthogonal configuration.

RESULTS

The long axis of the equine heart is close to vertical. Outside the nodal regions the conduction system consisted of Purkinje fibers connected by connexin 43 and long, slender parallel running transitional cells. The Purkinje fiber network extended deep into the ventricular walls. ECGs recorded in an orthogonal configuration revealed a mean electrical axis pointing in a cranial-to-left direction indicating ventricular activation in an apex-to-base direction.

CONCLUSION

The direction of the mean electrical axis in the equine heart is determined by the architecture of the intramural Purkinje network, rather than being a reflection of ventricular mass.

Acetogenin-induced fibrotic heart disease from avocado (Persea americana, Lauraceae) poisoning in horses

Poisoning by avocado (Persea americana) has been confirmed in sheep, goats, dogs, rabbits and ostriches. The clinical signs and lesions are attributed to the acetogenin, persin. Little is known regarding the epidemiology, clinical signs, lesions and therapy caused by acetogenin-induced heart damage. During the two-year study, we investigated a horse farm with six horses that often fed themselves with P. americana leaves or mature fruit pulp and skin on the ground. Two horses died, and one underwent necropsy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry using the anti-cardiac troponin C (cTnC). Grossly and histopathologically, there was severe cardiac fibroplasia. Immunohistochemically, there was a multifocal decrease or negative expression in the cTnC cardiomyocytes' cytoplasm. Persea americana leaves were confirmed in the alimentary tract using botanical anatomy and molecular techniques. The chemical investigation by (LC-ESI-MS) revealed the presence of the acetogenins, persin and avocadene 1-acetate from P. americana. Persin was present in leaves and fruits (seed and pulp), while avocadene 1-acetate was found in leaves and fruits (seed, peel, and pulp) with a higher concentration in the pulp. Four other horses have been examined by electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and serum Troponin 1 (cTnI). To establish a causal effect of consumption of P. Americana and heart fibroplasia in horses, long-time experiments must be carried out.

Racing-associated fatalities in Norwegian and Swedish harness racehorses: Incidence rates, risk factors, and principal postmortem findings

BACKGROUND

There are no reports on the number of fatalities or causes of death in the Norwegian and Swedish harness racehorses.

OBJECTIVES

The incidence rates (IRs), risk factors, and postmortem findings in horses that died or were euthanized associated with racing between 2014 and 2019 were investigated.

ANIMALS

Thirty-eight Standardbreds and 10 Norwegian-Swedish Coldblooded Trotters died or were euthanized associated with racing. A total of 816 085 race-starts were recorded.

METHODS

Incidence rates were calculated for both countries and horse breeds. Risk factors for sudden death were identified using a case-control logistic model. Postmortem examinations were performed in 43 horses.

RESULTS

The overall fatality IR was 0.059/1000 race-starts. Traumatic injuries accounted for 14.5%, while sudden death for 85.5% of fatalities. Only minor differences between countries and breeds were recorded. The number of starts within the last 30 days increased the risk of sudden death (5 starts odds ratio (OR) 228.80, confidence interval (CI) 10.9-4793). An opposite non-linear effect was observed in number of starts the last 180 days (>10 starts OR 0.12, CI 0.02-0.68). Seven horses were euthanized because of catastrophic injury. Acute circulatory collapse because of suspected cardiac or pulmonary failure or both was recorded in 30 horses, while major hemorrhage after vessel rupture was the primary cause of death in 10 cases. One horse collapsed and died but was not submitted for autopsy.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Comparatively low rates of catastrophic orthopedic fatalities were reported, while causes and IR of sudden death were similar to previous studies.

Survival Analysis of Training Methodologies and Other Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injury in 2-Year-Old Thoroughbred Racehorses in Queensland, Australia

Musculoskeletal injuries remain a global problem for the Thoroughbred racing industry and there is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of age on the incidence of injuries. The ideal time to commence race training is strongly debated, with limited supporting literature. There is also conflicting evidence regarding the effect of high-speed exercise on musculoskeletal injuries. There is a strong interest in developing training and management strategies to reduce the frequency of injuries. The types of musculoskeletal injuries vary between 2-year-old and older horses, with dorsal metacarpal disease the most common injury in 2-year-old horses. It is likely that risk factors for injury in 2-year-old horses are different than those for older horses. It is also likely that the risk factors may vary between types of injury. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and dorsal metacarpal disease. We report the findings of a large scale, prospective observational study of 2-year-old horses in Queensland, Australia. Data were collected weekly for 56-weeks, from 26 trainers, involving 535 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses, 1, 258 training preparations and 7, 512-weeks of exercise data. A causal approach was used to develop our statistical models, to build on the existing literature surrounding injury risk, by incorporating the previously established causal links into our analyses. Where previous data were not available, industry experts were consulted. Survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards or Weibull regression models. Analysis of musculoskeletal injuries overall revealed the hazard was reduced with increased exposure to high-speed exercise [Hazard ratio (HR) 0.89, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.84, 0.94, p < 0.001], increased number of training preparations (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.50, 0.67, p < 0.001), increased rest before the training preparation (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83, 0.96, p = 0.003) and increased dam parity (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77, 0.97, p = 0.01). The hazard of injury was increased with increasing age that training commenced (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06, 1.19, p < 0.001). Analyses were then repeated with the outcome of interest dorsal metacarpal disease. Factors that were protective against dorsal metacarpal disease and musculoskeletal injuries overall included: increased total cumulative distance (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82, 0.97, p = 0.001) and total cumulative days exercised as a gallop (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92, 0.99, p = 0.03), the number of the training preparations (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.30, 0.61, p < 0.001). The age that training commenced was harmful for both dorsal metacarpal disease (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07, 1.28, p < 0.001 and overall musculoskeletal injuries.). The use of non-ridden training modalities was protective for dorsal metacarpal disease (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81, 0.97, p = 0.008), but not musculoskeletal injuries overall. The male sex increased the hazard of DMD compared to females (HR 2.58, 95% CI 1.20, 5.56, p = 0.02), but not MSI overall. In summary, the hazard of musculoskeletal injury is greatest for 2-year-old horses that are born from uniparous mares, commence training at a later age, are in their first training preparation, have undertaken little high-speed exercise or had limited rest before their training preparation. The hazard of dorsal metacarpal disease is greatest for 2-year-old horses that are males, commence training at a later age, are in their first training preparation, have undertaken little high-speed exercise or had limited use of non-ridden training modalities. Close monitoring of these high-risk horses during their training program could substantially reduce the impact of MSI. Furthermore, an understanding of how training methodologies affect the hazard of MSI facilitates modification of training programs to mitigate the risk impact of injury. The strengths of this study include a large sample size, a well-defined study protocol and direct trainer interviews. The main limitation is the inherent susceptibility to survival bias.

Exercise-Associated Sudden Death in Finnish Standardbred and Coldblooded Trotters - A Case Series With Pedigree Analysis

Exercise-associated sudden deaths (EASDs) are deaths occurring unexpectedly during or immediately after exercise. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one cause of EASD. Cardiac arrhythmias caused by genetic variants have been linked to SCD in humans. We hypothesize that genetic variants may be associated with SCD in animals, including horses. Genetic variants are transmitted to offspring and their frequency might increase within a family. Therefore, the frequency of such variants might increase with the inbreeding factor. Higher inbreeding could have a negative impact on racing performance. Pedigree data and career earnings from racehorses diagnosed with SCD between 2002 and 2017 were compared using non-parametric tests with 1) control horses that died due to catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries and 2) horses that raced during the same period without reported problems. Diagnosis of SCD was based on necropsy reports, including macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Death was registered in the study period for 61 horses. Eleven of these horses were excluded due to missing autopsy reports. In 25 cases, the diagnosis remained unknown and death was possibly caused by cardiac arrhythmia, in two cases cardiac disease was identified, in seven cases a rupture of a major vessel had occurred. In addition, 16 horses died or were euthanized due to severe musculoskeletal injuries. No significant differences in inbreeding coefficients or in career earnings were found between the groups or between horses with EASD compared with other horses racing during the same period. The study provides no evidence for increased inbreeding factor in Finnish racehorses with SCD.

The Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injuries in Thoroughbred Racehorses in Queensland, Australia: How These Vary for Two-Year-Old and Older Horses and with Type of Injury

Simple Summary

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) continue to affect Thoroughbred racehorses internationally, despite over thirty years of research into this problem. Studies of risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries report inconsistent findings. Consequently, developing training strategies to mitigate the risk of MSI is difficult. We identified factors associated with particularly high odds of injury in this population of racehorses. Two-year-old horses from primiparous mares (first foals born) are at increased odds of MSI, particularly dorsal metacarpal disease (“shinsoreness”). Two-year-old horses that have had a total preparation length of between 10 and 14 weeks also have increased odds of injury. Horses of all ages that travelled a total distance of 2.4–3.8 km (12–19 furlongs) at a gallop (faster than 15 m/s; 13 s/furlong; 900 m/min; 55 km/h) in the last four weeks and horses three years and older that travelled 3.0–4.8 km (15–24 furlongs) at three-quarter pace and above (faster than 13 m/s; 15 s/furlong; 800 m/min; 48 km/h) also have increased odds of injury. We recommend that these horses should be monitored closely for impending signs of injury. We also observed a non-linear relationship between high-speed exercise and musculoskeletal injuries. This highlights the importance of high-speed exercise to enable tissue adaptation to training. Finally, in some situations, increasing the number of days worked at a slow pace may be more effective for preventing MSI, if horses are perceived at a higher risk, than resting the horse altogether. Early identification of horses at increased risk of injury and appropriate intervention could substantially reduce the impact of musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) continue to affect Thoroughbred racehorses internationally. There is a strong interest in developing training and management strategies to reduce their impact, however, studies of risk factors report inconsistent findings. Furthermore, many injuries and fatalities occur during training rather than during racing, yet most studies report racing data only. By combining racing and training data a larger exposure to risk factors and a larger number of musculoskeletal injuries are captured and the true effect of risk factors may be more accurately represented. Furthermore, modifications to reduce the impact of MSI are more readily implemented at the training level. Our study aimed to: (1) determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and whether these are different for two-year-old and older horses and (2) determine whether risk factors vary with type of injury. This was performed by repeating analyses by age category and injury type. Data from 202 cases and 202 matched controls were collected through weekly interviews with trainers and analysed using conditional logistic regression. Increasing dam parity significantly reduced the odds of injury in horses of all age groups because of the effect in two-year-old horses (odds ratio (OR) 0.08; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02, 0.36; p < 0.001). Increasing total preparation length is associated with higher odds of injury in horses of all ages (OR 5.56; 95% CI 1.59, 19.46; p = 0.01), but particularly in two-year-old horses (OR 8.05; 95% CI 1.92, 33.76; p = 0.004). Increasing number of days exercised at a slow pace decreased the odds of injury in horses of all ages (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.03, 0.28; p < 0.001). The distance travelled at three-quarter pace and above (faster than 13 m/s; 15 s/furlong; 800 m/min; 48 km/h) and the total distance travelled at a gallop (faster than 15 m/s; 13 s/furlong; 900 m/min; 55 km/h) in the past four weeks significantly affected the odds of injury. There was a non-linear association between high-speed exercise and injury whereby the odds of injury initially increased and subsequently decreased as accumulated high-speed exercise distance increased. None of the racing career and performance indices affected the odds of injury. We identified horses in this population that have particularly high odds of injury. Two-year-old horses from primiparous mares are at increased odds of injury, particularly dorsal metacarpal disease. Two-year-old horses that have had a total preparation length of between 10 and 14 weeks also have increased odds of injury. Horses of all ages that travelled a total distance of 2.4–3.8 km (12–19 furlongs) at a gallop in the last four weeks and horses three years and older that travelled 3.0–4.8 km (15–24 furlongs) at three-quarter pace and above also have increased odds of injury. We recommend that these horses should be monitored closely for impending signs of injury. Increasing the number of days worked at a slow pace may be more effective for preventing injury, if horses are perceived at a higher risk, than resting the horse altogether. Early identification of horses at increased risk and appropriate intervention could substantially reduce the impact of musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses.

The Effect of Combined Training and Racing High-Speed Exercise History on Musculoskeletal Injuries in Thoroughbred Racehorses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Current Literature

Simple Summary

Despite extensive international research, musculoskeletal injuries remain a key problem for the Thoroughbred racing industry, with multiple welfare and ethical consequences. High-speed exercise (HSE) history is an important risk factor for injury. However, studies report conflicting findings concerning the effect of HSE on the risk of injury. Although most injuries and fatalities occur during training rather than racing, many research studies only evaluate injuries reported on race day, which likely underrepresents the injuries acquired by these horses. This study aimed to determine the effect of combined training and racing HSE on injuries in racehorses. We performed a systematic search of the relevant literature and evaluated the effect of seven measures of HSE on injury through meta-analyses. The total career HSE distance significantly affected the odds of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI). With every 5-furlong (1 km) increase in career HSE distance, the odds of MSI increased by 2%. The average HSE distance per day also affected the odds of MSI. With every additional furlong (200 m) of average HSE per day, the odds of MSI increased by 73%. However, the strength of the available evidence is restricted by methodological limitations, which will need to be addressed in the future, to explore the level of risk and mechanisms for injury in more detail.

Abstract

Despite over three decades of active research, musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) remain a global problem for the Thoroughbred (TB) racing industry. High-speed exercise history (HSEH) has been identified as an important risk factor for MSI. However, the nature of this relationship remains unclear, with an apparent protective effect of HSE against injury, before it becomes potentially harmful. Many MSI cases and fatalities occur during training rather than during racing, resulting in an underestimation of injury from studies focused on race day. The objective of this study was to examine the current evidence of the effect of combined training and racing HSEH on MSI in TB flat racehorses, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search of the relevant literature was performed using PubMed^®, Scopus^®, Web of Science^®, and Embase^® online databases and the gray literature using sites containing “.edu” or “.edu.au”. Studies included in the review had explored seven different measures of HSE, including total career HSE distance, cumulative HSE distance in the 30 and 60 days before MSI, average HSE distance per day, per event and per 30 days, and the total number of HSE events. The total cumulative career HSE distance significantly affected the odds of MSI, with every 5-furlong increase, the odds of MSI increased by 2% (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.01, 1.03; p = 0.004). The average HSE distance per day also affected the odds of MSI, with every additional furlong increasing the odds of MSI by 73% (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.29, 2.31; p < 0.001). Other measures of HSE were not found to be consistently associated with risk of MSI, but these results should be interpreted with caution. Significant methodological limitations were identified and influence the comparability of studies. Standardizing the measures of HSE in studies of MSI, and describing training conditions in more detail, would support a more thorough investigation of the relationship between HSE and MSI. An improved understanding of this relationship is critical to mitigating the impact of MSI in the Thoroughbred racehorse.

Appraising the Welfare of Thoroughbred Racehorses in Training in Queensland, Australia: The Incidence and Type of Musculoskeletal Injuries Vary between Two-Year-Old and Older Thoroughbred Racehorses

Simple Summary

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) remain a concerning cause of racehorse morbidity and mortality with serious ethical and welfare consequences. Previous research examining risk factors for injuries report inconsistent findings. Age is thought to affect the risk of injury, but, to date, there have been no prospective studies specifically comparing injuries between two-year-old versus older horses. We aimed to: (1) determine the incidence of injuries for two-year-old and older horses, and whether this was affected by training track, season, or rainfall, and (2) determine the types of injuries affecting two-year-old and older horses, and whether horses trialled or raced after injury. Data were collected through personal structured weekly interviews with participating trainers over a 13-month period. Data were analysed using Poisson regression. The incidence of MSI in the current study was low (0.6%). The incidence of MSI in two-year-old horses was higher than older horses. Types of MSI varied between two-year-old and older horses and affected whether horses subsequently trialled or raced from 11 to 23 months after injury. A larger proportion of two-year-old horses had dorsal metacarpal disease and traumatic lacerations. A smaller proportion of two-year-old horses had suspensory desmitis, superficial digital flexor tendonitis, proximal sesamoid bone fractures, and fetlock joint injuries than older horses. Training track and rainfall did not affect the incidence of injuries. The season affected the incidence of injuries in two-year-old horses but not in older horses.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) remain a concerning cause of racehorse morbidity and mortality with important ethical and welfare consequences. Previous research examining risk factors for MSI report inconsistent findings. Age is thought to affect MSI risk, but, to date, there have been no prospective studies comparing MSI in two-year-old versus older horses. This study aimed to: (1) determine the incidence of MSI for two-year-old and older horses, and whether this was affected by training track, season, or rainfall, and (2) determine the types of MSI affecting two-year-old and older horses, and whether horses trialled or raced after injury. A prospective survey was conducted with data collected through personal structured weekly interviews with participating trainers over a 13-month period. Data were analysed using Poisson regression. The incidence of MSI in the current study was low (0.6%). The incidence of MSI in two-year-old horses was higher than older horses (p < 0.001). Types of MSI varied between two-year-old and older horses (p < 0.001) and affected whether horses subsequently trailed or raced from 11 to 23 months after injury (p < 0.001). A larger proportion of two-year-old horses had dorsal metacarpal disease and traumatic lacerations. A smaller proportion of two-year-old horses had suspensory ligament desmitis, superficial digital flexor tendonitis, proximal sesamoid bone fractures, and fetlock joint injuries than older horses. Training track and rainfall did not affect MSI. The season affected MSI in two-year-old horses (p < 0.001) but not older horses. The major limitation was that trainers in this study were metropolitan (city) and our findings may not be generalisable to racehorses in regional (country) areas. Another significant limitation was the assumption that MSI was the reason for failure to trial or race after injury. In conclusion, the incidence of MSI was low in the current study and the types and the risk factors for MSI are different for two-year-old and older horses.

Cardiopulmonary Lesions in Sheep Produced by Experimental Acute Clostridium Perfringens Type D Enterotoxemia

Enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type D is one of the most prevalent clostridial diseases of sheep. The lesions of the acute form of this disease, particularly the cerebral lesions, are well characterized; however, detailed descriptions of the cardiac and pulmonary lesions are lacking. Here we describe cardiopulmonary lesions in experimental acute type D enterotoxemia in sheep and determine the role of epsilon toxin (ETX) in the development of these lesions. Four groups of 6 sheep were intraduodenally inoculated with either a wild-type C. perfringens type D strain; its etx knockout mutant, which is unable to produce ETX; the etx mutant complemented with the wild-type etx gene, which regains the ETX toxigenic ability; or sterile culture medium as a control. All sheep were subjected to postmortem examination within 24 hours of inoculation. Lesion scores were compared between groups for pulmonary edema; hydrothorax; ascites; hydropericardium; endocardial, myocardial and epicardial hemorrhages; microscopic lesions of acute myocardial degeneration and necrosis; and myocardial, endocardial, and epicardial edema, hemorrhage, and inflammation. Only sheep inoculated with the wild-type and complemented ETX-toxigenic bacterial strains developed cardiopulmonary lesions, which were present in varying degrees of severity and proportions. These lesions were not present in sheep inoculated with the etx mutant or in the negative control. We conclude that severe acute cardiopulmonary lesions in sheep with experimental enterotoxemia are associated with the capacity of the strains to produce ETX. These changes are likely contributors to the clinical signs and even death of affected animals.

Idiopathic multifocal myocardial atrophy with fibrosis and fatty infiltration involving Purkinje fibres in a 13-year-old Arabian broodmare: Histopathological features

Myocardial atrophy with fibrosis and fatty infiltration involving the cardiac conduction system is relatively unusual in horses. We herein report of such a case in a 13-year-old Arabian broodmare that had spontaneously died on a paddock. An autopsy revealed multifocal myocardial atrophy with concomitant fibrosis and fatty infiltration in both the ventricles and interventricular septum. The Purkinje fibres in the ventricles and interventricular septum were surrounded by thick fibrous or adipose tissues adjacent to atrophic myocardial cells. Myocardial fibrosis and fatty infiltration were likely secondary to myocardial atrophy, occurring as a pathological response triggered by the repair of muscular wall injury. However, there were no major vascular pathologies (e.g. atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis); hence, the pathogenesis of myocardial atrophy was unclear. There was no evidence of myocardial atrophy ̵ induced pathologies such as infarct, ischaemic lesions, myocardial degeneration, myocarditis and endocarditis. However, such an unusual histopathological pattern may be associated with rapid clinical deterioration and death.

Unraveling the Genetics Behind Equid Cardiac Disease

There have been some advances in understanding the genetic contribution to ventricular septal defects in Arabians, sudden death in racehorses, and atrial fibrillation in racehorses. No genetic analyses have been published for aortic rupture in Friesians or atrioventricular block in donkeys despite strong evidence for a genetic cause. To date, no genetic mutation has been identified for any equid cardiac disease. With the advancement of genetic tools and resources, we are moving closer to discoveries that may explain the heritable basis of inherited equid cardiac disease.

Cardiac Pathology and Genomics of Sudden Death in Racehorses From New York and Maryland Racetracks

Postmortem evaluation of racehorses has focused primarily on musculoskeletal injuries; however, horses also die suddenly on the track (sudden death [SD]). Although cardiac conditions are frequently suspected as a cause of death, SD racehorses are often autopsy negative; however, previous studies have been limited due to inconsistent or insufficient cardiac sampling and lack of controls. SD in New York (NY) and Maryland (MD) racehorses was evaluated in an observational case vs control study comparing clinical information, postmortem evaluation including cardiac dissection, and cardiac conduction system histopathology. In the study period, there were 40 cases of SD. In NY, SD occurred in 12% (37/316) of submissions, and 36 (11%) cases of SD were exercise associated (EASD); 3 EASD cases occurred in MD. In NY/MD EASD cases with histologic examination of the heart, 11 of 36 (31%) had significant lesions, including mesenteric artery rupture (1), axial trauma (2), systemic inflammation (2), pulmonary hemorrhage (1), and cardiac disease (5). Mild myocardial fibrosis, mild inflammation, coronary arteriosclerosis, and variation in cardiac nodal connective tissue were present in both SD cases and controls and thus were not considered to be causes of SD. While not excluding a genetic basis for SD, analysis of the genotypes (GGP Equine 70 K Array) of cases and controls did not reveal significant differences in allele frequencies at any locus. Most SD racehorses were autopsy negative; further research using standardized protocols and controls is needed to understand the underlying causes of SD, which is crucial to protecting the viability of racing.