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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]

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., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

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., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.