Search

Background: Higher education attempts to ameliorate the learning experience through match between learning subjects and students' learning styles. Aim: This study evaluates the efficacy of three different instructional modalities aimed at teaching veterinary students how to make simple suture knots. Methods: A cohort of 43 fourth-year students were split into 3 groups and provided with different instructional modalities: presentation with pictures and descriptions, hard copy text, and muted video. The student's surgical simulation performance was evaluated. Then, they answered a 23 question-survey, Fleming VARK questionnaire based, investigating their learning profile. Kruskal Wallis test evaluated different instructional modalities effect on student's performance. The chi-square test assessed differences between instructional modalities and learning profiles, profile self evaluation, and training session comprehension. Results: Students showed auditory unimodal VARK profile (16/43), did not know their learning profile (26/43), and favored personalized teaching strategies (43/43). No differences were found for: surgical performance, except for forceps handling; and between instructional modalities: either for learning profiles (p-value = 0.43), or profile self evaluation (p-value = 0.42). Differences were found between instructional modalities and training session comprehension. As limitations, auditory instructional modalities, participants' age, and gender were not recorded or evaluated. Conclusion: Our study provides feedback on modern teaching modalities in which students play a key role. Participants showed a variety of learning profiles although displaying no significant performance differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: During the awakening phase from general anesthesia, phases of agitation, excitement, vocalization, or violent movements are present in both human and veterinary medicine. Treatment for this phase involves the administration of sedatives such as alpha-2 agonist drugs that represents an established practice in equine anesthesia recovery. Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist with sedative properties commonly used in veterinary clinical practice as a preanesthetic agent. The possibility of preventing these episodes of agitated awakening with the preventive administration of dexmedetomidine in canine patients has been studied in different populations. The objective of our study was to evaluate the quality of recovery from general anesthesia in dogs with the administration of two low doses of intravenous dexmedetomidine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of recovery from general anesthesia with the administration of two low doses of dexmedetomidine in canine patients. For this blind randomized clinical trial study, 30 dogs undergoing general anesthesia for diagnostic procedures or elective surgery (ovariectomy/castration) were included. The patients were randomly divided into three groups, and at the end of anesthesia, they received a bolus of dexmedetomidine at 1 mcg/kg IV (D1), or a bolus of dexmedetomidine at 0.5 mcg/kg (D0.5), or a bolus of NaCl, in a total of 0.5 mL of solution for all three groups. After administration of the bolus, the anesthetist monitored the patients every 5 min by measuring heart rate, systolic and mean blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. The quality of recovery was also assessed using 4 different scales. The extubation time, time of headlift, and standing position were also recorded. Both groups receiving dexmedetomidine had better awakening and a lower incidence of delirium when compared to saline administration. The heart rate was lower, while the systolic pressure was higher in the two groups D1 and D0.5 compared to the NaCl with a low presence of atrioventricular blocks. The extubation time resulted significantly higher in the D1 (17 ± 6 min) compared to the D0.5 (10 ± 4 min) and NaCl (8 ± 3 min) (p < 0.0001); the headlift time D1 (25 ± 10 min) resulted significantly longer than the NaCl group (11 ± 5 min) (p = 0.0023) but not than the D0.5 (18 ± 9 min). No significant differences were found among the three groups for standing positioning (D1 50 ± 18 min, D0.5 39 ± 22 min, NaCl 28 ± 17 min). The preventive administration of a bolus of dexmedetomidine at a dosage of 0.5 mcg/kg or 1 mcg/kg IV during the recovery phase improves the quality of recovery in patients undergoing general anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Radiography is important for the diagnosis of prematurity and musculoskeletal abnormalities in foals. Given that no data on the normal radiographic anatomical development of the mule foal are available, we evaluated the radiographic development of the mule fore digit and carpal joint from 0 to 3 months of age. The radiographs highlighted that growth plate closure times differed depending on the fore digit bones, and on whether the carpal bones were immature at birth. Distal phalanx was triangular at birth, palmar processes had developed by one month, and proximal sesamoid bones were trapezoidal by three months. No distal phalanx remodeling was evident within the hoof capsule or variations in the hoof axis with growth, and hoof capsule thickness increased. We identified a baseline for the interpretation of radiological features of the forelimb in the mule foal, and we highlighted specific radiographic parameters that were intermediate between those found in horses and donkeys. Few studies have established the normal radiographic anatomical development of the donkey foal and, to date, no data are available for mules. Our aim was thus to evaluate the radiographic development of the fore digit and carpal joint in the mule foal from 0 to 3 months of age. Ten forelimbs of five healthy full-term mule foals were included. Radiographs of the fore digit lateromedial and dorsopalmar and the carpus dorsopalmar were performed weekly for the first month of age, and bi-monthly during the following two months. Fore digit growth plate closure times, morphological, angular, and linear radiographic parameters, and also carpal cuboidal bone mineralization were evaluated. Growth plates were graded as open, closing, and closed. Carpal bone appearance was graded as mature, slightly immature, or immature. Growth plate closure times showed the following: middle phalangeal distal physis (DP) closed at birth, and proximal physis (PP) started to close at around two months; first phalanx DP closed at seven days, and PP started to close at three months; and third metacarpal bone DP started to close at two months. Carpal bones were immature at birth. Distal phalanx (PD) was triangular at birth, palmar processes had developed by one month, and proximal sesamoid bones were trapezoidal by three months. The hoof wall, PD dorsal wall, and palmar angles values changed in parallel, and hoof capsule thickness increased. No PD remodeling evidence within the hoof capsule or variations in the hoof axis with growth were found. We identified a baseline for the interpretation of forelimb radiological features in mule foals. The specific features found were intermediate between those found in horses and donkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The ultrasound appearance of cartilage thickness and subchondral bone changes according to the age of the horse and the health status of the joints. Specific ultrasound features have been described in different joint diseases in horses. Knowledge of the normal features is thus essential during clinical investigations. The present research evaluates the ultrasound features of metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints in healthy racehorses, according to the age and breed. Twenty-eight racehorses (standardbreds and thoroughbreds) were enrolled and grouped according to age (<5 and ≥5 years old). Fetlock cartilage appearance, thickness and subchondral bone appearance were ultrasonographically assessed. In younger compared to older standardbreds, the cartilage appeared thinner and with a normal ultrasound appearance, which suggests the use of specific references for the ultrasound features of the fetlock. In adult horses, specific ultrasound (US) features and reference values have been reported for the appearance of the joint cartilage and thickness according to the type of joint, such as femoropatellar and tarsocrural. The US appearance of the fetlock has been described in several diseases. The present research evaluates the US features of the metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints in healthy racehorses according to age and breed, since no information is available in the literature. Seventy-one fetlocks in 28 healthy horses (15/28 thoroughbreds and 13/28 standardbreds) were assessed. The horses were grouped as follows: group A < 5 years old vs. group B ≥ 5. A portable ultrasound machine and a linear transducer (5–7.5 MHz) were used. Dorsal metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints were scanned. The US images were reviewed offline in terms of articular cartilage appearance, thickness, and subchondral bone appearance by an experienced observer. Data were reported as the median, minimum, and maximum for cartilage thickness values, and differences between groups were evaluated. Cartilage thickness values were statistically lower in group A than B in the standardbreds, except for the lateral thickness in longitudinal view. No differences were detected in the thoroughbreds within age groups. All of the young standardbreds showed a normal cartilage and subchondral appearance. No statistical differences were found between breeds. Our results highlight the characteristics of the US appearance of metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints specifically in racehorses, with some variations according to age. Since the cartilage can change according to joint growth, age and training activity, the present findings suggest the use of specific references for US features, which are key to correctly evaluating the health of the fetlock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most common musculoskeletal conditions reported in donkeys are related to the foot. Radiographic examinations are clinically important in the diagnosis of foot abnormalities and are commonly used. However, few studies have been conducted to establish the normal radiographic appearance of a donkey's foot. Aim: To determine the radiographic features of the front digit in healthy Amiata donkeys. Methods: Radiographic examinations were performed on 56 forefeet of 28 Amiata donkeys. Three radiographic views of each front foot were taken: lateromedial, dorsopalmar and dorso-65°proximal/palmarodistal oblique. Seventeen angular and linear radiographic parameters and the crena solearis were evaluated in all forefeet, and 18 morphometric parameters were evaluated in 16 out of 56 forefeet. Statistical analysis was carried out on all the measures assessed. Results: The radiographic appearance of the forefoot was ascertained, and data were reported as median ± standard error, minimum and maximum values. No statistical differences were obtained between the right and left forefeet. Conclusion: The normal baseline parameters of the forefeet of Amiata donkeys were recorded and described and compared with other donkey breeds and horses. The findings highlighted that the donkey breed affects the radiographic parameters of the digit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of the behavior and physiological parameters of neonatal foals is essential in the detection of early signs of illness. Modified Apgar scoring systems from human medicine exist and have been validated in foals as a guide for assessing neonatal viability after birth. This study evaluated the viability of 44 Amiata donkey foals at birth, by assessing the Apgar score and comparing the relationship between viability and various physical parameters. A total of 44 Amiata donkey foals and 27 jennies were enrolled in this study. An expert operator examined each foal within 5 min of birth. A complete physical examination was performed, along with an existing four-parameter Apgar score. The presence of the suckling reflex was evaluated. The interval time needed to acquire sternal recumbency and quadrupedal position, as well as nurse from the mare, were recorded. In addition, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal body temperature (BT) were measured. Results were expressed as median ± standard error, minimum and maximum values. The effects of the Apgar score on time to reach sternal position and quadrupedal standing, time to nurse from the mare, RR, HR, and BT were estimated along with the differences related to Apgar scoring and gender. Differences between female and male donkey foals regarding the time to acquire sternal position and quadrupedal standing, time to nurse from the mare, RR, HR, and BT were also assessed. Differences between female and male donkey foals regarding the Apgar score was evaluated using a chi-Square test. Finally, the reference values for Amiata donkeys were also calculated. Twenty/44 (45.4%) foals were colts and 24/44 (54.5%) were fillies born from 27 jennies. None of the foals showed an Apgar score lower than 6. Twenty-nine out of 44 foals showed an Apgar score of 8/8, 10/44 a score of 7/8, while 5 foals (11.3%) showed a score of 6/8. No differences between fillies and colts in relation to the Apgar score were obtained. • The assessment of neonatal foal is mandatory to notice precocious signs of illness. • The viability of Amiata donkey foals at birth was evaluated by the Apgar score. • Physical parameters were compared, and the effect Apgar score on them was assessed. • Apgar score relates to body temperature and respiratory rate, not to heart rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gastric ulcers are quite common in horses with the highest prevalence found in racehorses. Historical horseraces are traditional horseriding competitions popular in Italy that can be divided into two different types: speed races and jousting tournaments. Anglo-Arabian and Thoroughbreds are used, with several restrictions present in the regulation of the specific competition, pertaining to the breed of the horse, training, and preparation for the competitions (i.e., clinical examinations, qualifiers). Management of the horses is quite similar to that of racehorses running on a track. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastric ulcers found in the glandular or squamous mucosa of 73 animals performing in historical horseraces and determine differences in disease presence and severity between type of competitions, training facilities and breeds of horses. The prevalence of lesions in both mucosae is quite similar to those found in horses performing flat races on a racetrack. Anglo-Arabians used for speed races are more affected than Thoroughbreds, probably because they are involved in a higher number of races and longer traveling times, which are all risk factors for lesions of the squamous and glandular mucosa. These findings highlight the need to implement therapeutic and prophylactic protocols against gastric ulcers also in horses involved in historical horseracing: feedings with a reduced amount of starch, hay nets to increase the amount of time spent eating, paddock turnout for most of the day and the use of supplements to support gastric health are effective measures to prevent the development of gastric ulcers. The use of omeprazole at therapeutic (4 mg/kg per os once daily) or prophylactic (1 mg/kg per os once daily) dosages can also be effective in periods of high stress, especially when horses travel for longer distance or are exercised or raced more. Further studies are needed in this population of animals to determine the differences and similarities with horses involved in racing on a track. Equine Gastric Ulcers Syndrome (EGUS) is a worldwide disease present in equids of different breeds, activity levels, and age groups. It is divided into two different illnesses: Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) affecting the squamous mucosa and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) affecting the glandular mucosa. The historical horserace is a traditional competition that is common in Italy. They can be divided into two different types: speed races and jousting tournaments. Anglo-Arabians and Thoroughbreds are used for the two competitions with training and management systems similar to those used in races performed on a racetrack. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ESGD and EGGD in horses used for historical horseracing and evaluate the differences in the presence of the diseases in animals of the two different breeds used for the two types of competition. A cohort of 73 horses was enrolled in this study, which were stabled in 10 training facilities and performed two jousting tournaments and one speed race. An ESGD at least of grade 2 was found in 88% of horses with all degrees of severity seen; EGGD was diagnosed in 45% of animals. In this cohort of horses, the presence and severity of ESGD and EGGD are similar to that in reports in racehorses performing on racetracks. Anglo-Arabians used for speed races are more affected by ESGD and EGGD, which is probably because they are involved in a higher number of races and travel more during the year compared to Thoroughbreds used for jousting competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Animal-vehicle collisions are the major cause of rescue and need for hospitalization in wildlife referral centers. Radiography is used to assess the traumatized animal and is a rapid means to evaluate various traumatic pathologies. Clinicians can exploit radiography when making rapid decisions about whether to euthanize or treat an animal. We evaluated data (reasons for rescue, diagnosed lesions, and outcome) from a population of hospitalized wildlife ungulates and we investigated the benefits of using radiography as a diagnostic tool. Animal-vehicle collisions are the major cause of rescue and need for hospitalization in wildlife referral centers. Clinicians need easy-to-use tools to make rapid decisions about whether to euthanize or treat injured animals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the data (reasons for rescue, diagnosed lesions, and outcome) from a hospitalized population of wildlife ungulates and investigate the benefits of using radiography as a diagnostic tool. Data were collected from three wildlife referral centers in Tuscany (Italy). The following information was collected for each animal: reason for hospitalization, clinical examination, radiographic examination, definitive diagnosis, and outcome. A chi-squared test was used to assess the benefits of radiography in detecting different traumatic lesions. Prevalence was reported according to the reason for hospitalization, definitive diagnosis, radiographic diagnosis, and outcome. The main reason for hospitalization was traumatic lesions due to vehicle collisions and 71.1% of the animals did not survive. Radiography was more useful in patients with traumatic axial skeletal lesions and/or multiple traumas with respect to traumatic appendicular skeleton lesions. Our results show that radiography is a useful diagnostic technique for assessing wildlife emergencies and it could help the clinician in making medical decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Procalcitonin (PCT) increased in the case of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), especially due to bacterial infection. The correlation between SIRS score and plasma PCT levels in horses have not been evaluated, and no studies investigated plasma PCT concentration over time. In the present study, PCT and SIRS score were evaluated in colic horses at admission to the hospital and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Statistically differences were detected between healthy vs. all colic horses and between healthy vs. SIRS positive or SIRS negative horses. No correlation was observed between SIRS score and PCT. This suggests a role of plasmatic PCT as good biomarker for colic. Colic horses show systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) clinical signs. Procalcitonin (PCT) showed increased circulating levels in sick horses. This study compares plasma PCT concentrations in healthy vs. SIRS negative/positive colic horses over time, and evaluates PCT and SIRS score potential correlation, to verify the usefulness of PCT for the evaluation of SIRS severity. Ninety-one horses were included; 43/91 were healthy, on basis of physical examination, blood work and SIRS score (score = 0), while 48/91 were sick colic horses, classified as SIRS-negative (score < 2) and positive (score ≥ 2). Moreover, a 0–6 point-scale SIRS score was calculated (assessing mucous membrane color and blood lactate concentration). PCT was evaluated at admission, and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, using a commercial kit for equine species. We verified by the ANOVA test PCT differences between healthy vs. colic horses, healthy vs. SIRS-negative or SIRS-positive colic horses, at all sampling times, and the correlation between the SIRS score at admission with the SIRS score. Statistically significant differences were detected between healthy vs. all colic horses and between healthy vs. SIRS-positive or negative horses at all sampling times. No correlation was observed between the SIRS score at admission and PCT values. PCT was statistically higher in colic horses compared to the healthy ones, suggesting a role as a biomarker for colic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Umbilicus assessment is an essential part of the clinical examination in neonates because the umbilicus could be a potential access-point for pathogens. Thus, an early and accurate diagnosis is pivotal in order to check for any evidence of umbilical infections and potentially life-threating sepsis. Ultrasound scanning has been shown to be a valuable tool, both in equine foals and calves, in order to assess the diameter and appearance of external and intra-abdominal umbilicus remnant. To the best of our knowledge, no reports are available for donkey foals; thus, the present study evaluates ultrasonography and measures the umbilical remnants in donkey foals in the first week of life. No statistical differences in the size and appearance of the umbilical remnants were observed during the first week of life in the donkey foals, and the measurement values reported in this study are comparable with the ones obtained in equine foals and calves. The umbilicus is a potential access-point for pathogens in equine foal, causing umbilical infections and potentially life-threating illness. Early diagnosis based on ultrasonographic appearance and measurement is crucial to avoid severe complications and promptly implement appropriate therapy. This study ultrasonographically evaluates the umbilical remnants of donkey foals, in the first week of life. Fifteen healthy donkey foals were included in the study. The umbilical vein, arteries and urachus ultrasounds were performed at 24 h, 3 and 7 days of life, using a portable ultrasound machine and a 5–7.5 MHz multifrequency linear probe. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparisons test were applied to verify differences in relation to time for all the umbilical remnants measured. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. No statistical differences were observed in relation to time regarding umbilical remnant measurements. A correlation was found between body weight and the left artery at T0. The regression of the umbilical remnant during the first week of life was slower compared with what was reported in equine foals but was comparable with the results on calves. Thus, the different regression timing needs be considered when evaluating donkey foals with umbilical remnant diseases within the first week of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been reported that capacitive resistive electric transfer (CRET) increases blood circulation, hemoglobin oxygenation and temperature in muscles. The attributed benefits of these changes have been linked to improved athletic performance, enhanced muscle flexibility and fastening recovery from exercise-induced fatigue. For all of this, the present research aims to investigate whether the application of CRET 24 h before exercise affects the accelerometric pattern in horses during exercise. Six sound Standardbred trotters were subjected to a CRET session of 40 min of duration, applied on both sides of the neck, back and croup, 24 h before a training session. Training sessions consisted of a warming-up (WU) for 6400 m and a training bout (TB) at their maximal training speed for 1600 m. The same protocol was followed for the device off (sham protocol), also applied 24 h before the training session. CRET and sham experiments were separated by one week, the order of application of both was randomly defined for each individual and drivers were blinded for the duration of the experiment. During the training sessions, horses wore an accelerometer fixed at the sternal level. Speed, stride frequency (SF), length (SL), regularity and symmetry and accelerometric activities were measured during WU and TB. Results: CRET increased speed, mediolateral and total accelerometric activities during WU and speed, SL, dorsoventral, longitudinal and total accelerometric activities during TB, but stride regularity and symmetry decreased. Conclusion: The application of CRET 24 h before exercise increased speed and accelerometric activities, results that highlight the need to evaluate the interaction between CRET and training in order to develop new methods to limit fatigue. However, the decrease in stride regularity and symmetry after CRET application could be negative effects, which could be attributed to the increased speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Little is known about the passive transfer of immunity in donkey foals and about the different types of analysis that can be performed to assess it. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the correlation between IgG Serum Radial Immunodiffusion, Electrophoresis Gamma Globulins, Electrophoresis Total Protein and the Serum Total Protein analyzed by Refractometry and by Dry Chemistry Analyzer (Biuret) and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using Serum TP. IgG Serum Radial Immunodiffusion showed a good correlation with Electrophoresis Gamma Globulins and a high correlation with Total Protein Electrophoresis, Biuret and Refractometry. All the tests performed may be a useful to estimate the serum IgG in donkey foals' blood in the first day of life using a specific equation. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the correlation between IgG Serum Radial Immunodiffusion (SRID), Electrophoresis Gamma Globulins (EGG), Electrophoresis Total Protein (ETP) and the serum total protein (TP) analyzed by refractometry and by a dry chemistry analyzer (Biuret) and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using serum TP. A total of 36 samples collected at four different times (birth, 6, 12, 24 h after birth) from nine Amiata donkey foals were evaluated with SRID, EGG, ETP, serum TP Biuret and refractometry. SRID IgG concentration increased significantly over time until T12. Serum TP analyzed with refractometry, electrophoresis and Biuret showed a statistically significant difference between T0 and T6 vs. T12 and T24. A good or strong correlation was found between different tests performed. Equations to quantify serum IgG were created and can be used for estimating the donkey foals' serum IgG in the first day of life. Serum TP refractometry showed a high correlation with SRID IgG (0.91) which may be a particularly useful and economic instrument to estimate the transfer of immunity in donkey foals during the first day of life. Further studies evaluating a high number of animals are needed in order to set specific cut-off values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In several species, paraoxonase‐1 (PON‐1) decreases during inflammation, because of the presence of oxidative stress; its measurement recently has been validated in horses, but its role as a clinical biomarker is unknown. Objectives: To evaluate sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio of PON‐1 activity to identify systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)‐positive horses or horses with a poor prognosis. Animals One hundred seventy‐two blood samples from 58 sick horses from 3 different veterinary hospitals. Methods: In a cross‐sectional study, PON‐1 activity was measured upon admission and at 24‐hour intervals until discharge or death, and results were analyzed based on SIRS status and outcome. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in median PON‐1 activity between SIRS and non‐SIRS cases or between survivors and non‐survivors except for mares, in which PON‐1 activity was significantly lower in SIRS‐positive horses (P =.05). The sensitivity of PON‐1 activity in identifying horses with SIRS or negative outcome was low (0.0%‐46.2% depending on the examined group) but its specificity was high (87.0%‐100.0%). However, when PON‐1 is low, the likelihood of death is 2.40‐3.89 times higher than the likelihood of survival. Repeated measurement of PON‐1 after treatment does not predict outcome. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Evaluation of PON‐1 activity in horses with inflammation might be advisable in the future, but only low activity at admission may be relevant in predicting SIRS or negative outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is good diagnostic accuracy of smartphone‐based ECG in the evaluation of heart rate (HR), heart rhythm, and ECG values for humans, horses, dogs, and cats. Objectives: Assess feasibility and reliability of a smartphone ECG device to evaluate HR expressed as beats per minute and ECG values in cows. Animals Fifty‐five healthy Holstein Friesian cows. Methods: Prospective observational study. A standard base‐apex ECG was acquired for 60 seconds in each cow. A smartphone ECG tracing was recorded simultaneously using a single‐lead bipolar ECG recorder. All ECGs were reviewed by 1 blinded investigator. The following ECG variables were assessed: HR, P wave duration, PR interval, QRS complex and QT interval (milliseconds), P wave, and QRS complex polarity. Agreement between standard and smartphone ECG was evaluated by Cohen's k test and the Bland‐Altman test. Results: Smartphone ECG tracings were interpretable in 89% of the recordings. Minimal differences of no clinical relevance were found between standard and smartphone ECG tracings regarding HR and duration of ECG waves and interval. Good agreement found in the evaluation of QRS complex polarity (85%) but not for P wave polarity (k = 0.006). Artifacts were rare but of significantly higher frequency in smartphone ECG compared to standard ECG tracings (22% versus 0%; P = .005). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Good quality single‐lead ECG tracings can be recorded by smartphone device in healthy cows. Smartphone tracings are reliable for evaluation of HR and selective ECG variables. Smartphone ECG can represent an additional tool for ECG screening in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An association between increased metabolic demands and reduced dry matter intake is observed from late gestation to early lactation in donkeys. Furthermore, little is known about the nutritional and energy requirements of this period in animals. Changes in energy metabolism make donkeys more susceptible to metabolic diseases such as hyperlipemia, which is characterized by the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue. A better knowledge of this period could improve animal husbandry, well-being, and health. The aim of this study was to analyze the plasma total lipid fraction, to highlight metabolic changes from the pre-foaling to post-foaling periods, using the gas chromatography technique. Our findings reveal a greater risk of metabolic disease in late gestation to early lactation in donkeys. The period from late gestation to early lactation is characterized by changes in energy metabolism. The aim of the current study was to analyze the plasma total lipid fraction using gas chromatography (GC) analysis, in order to highlight metabolic changes from the pre-foaling to post-foaling periods. Eleven pluriparous dairy jennies (mean age of 11.88 ± 3.79 years) belonging to the Amiata donkey breed were enrolled. Blood sampling was performed at 15 days before foaling (T0), and 15 (T1), 30 (T2), 60 (T3), and 90 (T4) days after foaling, for biochemical and GC analysis. A total of 37 fatty acids were identified in plasma samples: 4 medium chain (MCFA), 24 long chain (LCFA), and 9 very-long chain (VLCFA) fatty acids. Among them, 20 fatty acids changed significantly, and two fatty acid showed a trend toward significance. Furthermore, the LCFA, saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acids changed significantly during the study period. The main alterations were between T0 and the other time points and appeared to be related to lipid metabolism, cellular structure and function, and inflammatory and immune responses. Our findings reveal greater energy requirements at the end of gestation compared to early lactation in donkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) has high prevalence in horses worldwide. • We evaluated a questionnaire proposed by other authors to assess ESGD or EGGD risk in horses submitted to gastroscopy. • Some answers to questions in the survey correlated with an increased or decreased risk of ESGD or EGGD. • Owners were able to identify an increased risk and implement strategies to prevent the occurrence of gastric lesions. Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) affects various categories of horses worldwide. This syndrome is now divided into two different diseases, based on the presence of lesions on either the squamous (Equine Squamous Gastric Disease, ESGD) or the glandular (Equine Glandular Gastric Disease, EGGD) mucosa. Diagnosis is based on the evaluation of the presence of gastric lesions with gastroscopic examination. As a gastroscopy can be considered expensive by clients, therapy is started often on the basis of clinical signs only. The aim of this study was to validate a questionnaire to detect the risk of developing ESGD or EGGD. The owners of 418 horses that were submitted to gastroscopic evaluation were asked to answer a questionnaire on risk factors for ESGD and EGGD. Horses were divided into three groups based on the results of the questionnaire and their risk of developing gastric lesions. In our population the survey was not useful to detect the presence and the severity of the lesions detected during gastroscopic examination, however answers to some of the questions did correlate with the development of gastric lesions. The questionnaire could therefore be a useful tool to evaluate the risk of ESGD or EGGD. Having owners periodically complete the survey could also make them more aware of changes in the conditions of the horses that could lead to gastric lesions. This could then help them seek advice from veterinarians on how to manage this potential risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Horse hoof possesses a micro-flora that may promote the development of secondary infections following wounds or surgery. For this reason, in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to verify and compare the bactericidal power of two well-known disinfectants, Povidone-iodine (PI) and Chlorhexidine (CHx), and a new stable colloidal suspension of iron oxide, called Iron Animals (IA). In vitro, IA was able to completely suppress the bacterial growth on all of the tested microorganisms. In vivo, PI alone possessed the lowest efficacy for hoof disinfection; CHx resulted as the best treatment in 18% of cases. CHx + IA emerged as the best disinfection protocol for equine hoof achieving the lowest bacterial load in 55% of cases. The addition of IA, after PI or CHx, improved both disinfectants' effectiveness, leading to the highest bactericidal activity in 82% of cases. IA would deserve a chance as a possible solution in pre-surgical disinfection of the equine hoof, reducing the risk of infection. The presence of bacteria of various origins on horse hoofs enables the onset of infections following trauma or even post-surgical wounds. Thus, the analysis of new antibacterial substances is of fundamental importance. In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of Iron Animals (IA), a stable colloidal suspension of iron oxide, organic acids, and detergents, was tested in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assays were performed to test the unspecific inhibitory effect of IA on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria monitoring the microorganism growth by spectrophotometry (optical density OD600) at 37 °C for 24 h. In vivo test consists on the quantification of the bacterial load in colony forming units per gram (CFU/g) of specimens collected from the frog region of the anterior hooves of 11 horses. Sampling followed the application of four disinfectant protocols consisting of two consecutive 3 min scrubs with 50 mL of 10% Povidone-iodine (PI) or 4% Chlorhexidine (CHx), with or without an additional application for 15 min of 10 mL of Iron Animals (PI+IA and CHx+IA). In vitro, IA completely suppressed the bacterial growth of all the tested microorganisms, resulting in effectiveness also against CHx-resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. In vivo, PI emerged as an ineffective protocol; CHx was effective in 18% of cases, but with the addition of IA (CHx + IA) its use emerged as the best disinfectant protocol for horse hoof, achieving the lowest bacterial load in 55% of cases. The addition of IA, after PI or CHx, improves the effectiveness of both disinfectants leading to the highest bactericidal activity in 82% of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is an anti-oxidant compound considered as negative acute phase protein in animals (Rossi et al., 2013) and people (Novak et al., 2010). The paraoxon-based method for measurement of PON-1 in equine serum has not yet been validated. The aim of this study is to validate a paraoxon-based method to measure PON-1 and to establish reference intervals (RIs) in healthy horses and foals. 120 horses (40 geldings, 40 stallions, 40 mares; median age: 11 years; 57 Warmbloods, 46 Trotters) and 55 foals (27 females, 28 males; median age: 47 days; 22 Warmbloods, 31 Trotters) considered healthy after physical examination and biochemistry were examined. Horses were grouped by breed: Thoroughbreds, Trotters, Warmbloods, Draft horses and Ponies. Serum PON-1 was measured with an automated spectrophotometer and an enzymatic method validated in other species (Giordano et al., 2013). After the analytical validation (precision, accuracy, interference studies), RIs were determined using the Reference Value Advisor software, according to ASCVP guidelines (Friedrichs et al., 2012). The possible gender-, age- and breed-related differences were statistically investigated. The paraoxon-based method was precise (CVs <4.0%) and accurate (P<0.001 in linearity under dilution and spike-recovery testing) but is affected by interference from mild bilirubinemia, severe lipemia or hemoglobinemia. The RIs recorded in the whole population was 38.1-80.8 U/mL. According to the Harris and Boyd test, separate RIs are recommended only for adult females and for Warmblood and Trotter adults (Figure 1). This study demonstrated that analytical performances of the paraoxon-based method for measurement of PON-1 in horses are acceptable. PON-1 is lower in horses than in other species. If future studies will demonstrate that oxidative stress induces a significant decrease of PON-1, this results will be useful to correctly classify healthy and sick horses; PON-1 could be used, as in human medicine, as a marker of oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]