Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) in Quarter Horses: A review of clinical signs,genetics and research

Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) results from a genetic mutation which affects the skin and other tissues of Quarter Horses and horses with Quarter Horse lineage. The disease HERDA has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and has become a significant concern in the Quarter Horse industry due to the high frequency of heterozygote carriers. Affected homozygous horses appear normal at birth; however, within the first 2 years of life they usually acquire loose, hyperextensible skin and wounds which result in disfiguring scars either spontaneously or from minor trauma. Some severely affected horses also develop haematomas and seromas. Consequently, most affected horses are subjected to euthanasia at an early age. No treatment options other than palliative therapy currently exist. As part of a five panel test ( http://www.aqha.com/News/News-Articles/2013/April/04292013-Genetic-Testing.aspx ) the American Quarter Horse Association presently requires DNA testing for HERDA on all breeding stallions. There are currently no restrictions on registration of horses heterozygous or homozygous for the HERDA mutation. Due to the autosomal recessive nature of the disease, Quarter Horse mares and horses of all breeds from HERDA‐associated bloodlines should also be tested.     

Plasma antithrombin-III values in healthy horses: effect of sex and/or breed

Plasma antithrombin-III (AT-III) values were determined in 74 healthy horses by an automated spectrophotometric assay. The mean plasma AT-III value was 218% +/- 18% of normal human plasma. Plasma AT-III values did not differ significantly (P less than 0.05) among Thoroughbred, Standardbred, Quarter Horse, and other breeds or among mares, geldings, or stallions.     

Genetic predictions of racing performance in quarter horses

Research on the racing performance of quarter horses has been used to develop genetic prediction summaries on all horses with at least one start on record at the American Quarter Horse Association. In the 1987 summary, records from a total of 212,065 horses were used to give genetic predictions on stallions, mares, geldings, fillies, and colts. A reduced animal model was used that incorporated the repeated records of individuals. The individual race was the contemporary group after the data were adjusted for distance, sex, and age. Estimates of heritability of .24 and repeatability of .32 suggest that increased racing performance can be achieved if the predictions are used by breeders. Continued research in variance component estimation includes the genetic covariances among the several distances, maternal influence, and genetic parameters for racing longevity.     

Identification of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolated from muscular abscesses in two horses: First report in Mexico

Two Quarter Horse stallions from the same region in Mexico presented with pectoral abscesses and lameness. Exudate samples were taken from drained muscular abscesses and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, identified by bacteriological techniques and multiplex polymerase chain reaction, was obtained in a pure isolation culture from both samples. The sequences of a hypervariable region of the rpoB gene showed 100% and 99% identity to C. pseudotuberculosis 316 biovar equi (CP003077.1) isolated from a horse. Both strains' sequences were located in the same phylogenetic cluster as other biovar equi strain sequences obtained from GenBank. Both horses responded satisfactorily to treatment, which included surgical procedures and wound management. These study cases proved the infection of Mexican horses with C. pseudotuberculosis; however, the prevalence of this pathogen remains unknown.     

Exploring the metabolome of seminal plasma in two different horse types: Light versus draft stallions

The application of the ‘omics’ studies in the field of animal reproduction has been aimed at identifying novel biomarkers of fertility since the last few years. When assessing reproductive efficiency in horses, breed should also be taken into account as it can influence semen quality and fertility. Considering the growing interest in metabolomic analysis to evaluate male fertility, we aimed to investigate the metabolomic profile of seminal plasma in two different horse breeds. Twelve healthy stallions, n.6 American Quarter Horse (AQH) and n.6 Italian Draft Horse (IDH) stallions, regularly used for artificial insemination, were included in the study. Two semen collections, performed 30-day apart, were considered for the assessment of semen parameters including gel-free volume, spermatozoa (spz) concentration, spz progressive motility and seminal plasma analysis by ¹H-NMR.Semen characteristics differed between IDH and AQH (p < .05) as well as the first cycle conception rate that was higher in AQH than IDH (p = .001). Metabolomic analysis quantified 56 molecules in equine seminal plasma, with 11 metabolites showing different concentrations in IDH compared to AQH (p < .05).This study provided evidence of differences in seminal plasma metabolites' concentrations between studied horse types, highlighting specific metabolomic fingerprints characterizing AQH and IDH sperm.     

The relationships between scrotal surface temperature,age and sperm quality in stallions

In horses, spermatogenesis normally occurs at an average intratesticular temperature of 35 °C; therefore, mechanisms for testicular thermoregulation are essential. Measuring the scrotal surface temperature by thermography is one of the methodologies used to evaluate the effectiveness of testicular thermoregulation. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the control of scrotal surface temperature and sperm quality in horses of different ages. In total, 24 Quarter Horse stallions were divided into three groups: YS (young stallions), AS (adult stallions) and OS (old stallions). Initially, we calculated the testicular volume (TV) and evaluated various aspects of the semen (sperm kinetics, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology) for all the animals. We also evaluated rectal temperature (RT), body surface temperature (BST,) and average scrotal surface temperature in the testicular region (SST) before (M0) and after sun exposure (M1). Differences were observed (p<0.05) between the RT and BST before and after sun exposure in all three groups. However, there were no differences (p>0.05) in the SST values at these two time points, thus demonstrating the efficiency of the mechanisms for testicular thermoregulation. The SST was similar (p>0.05) among all three groups. Based on these results, we conclude that fertile stallions of different age groups are able to maintain SST and measuring the heat radiating from the scrotum using a digital infrared thermographer. We can also conclude that measuring the heat radiating from the scrotum using a digital infrared thermographer is a practical and efficient tool for monitoring SST in horses.     

Polysaccharide storage myopathy in Morgan, Arabian, and Standardbred related horses and Welsh-cross ponies

Polysaccharide storage myopathy is an equine neuromuscular disorder characterized by accumulation of glycogen-related polysaccharide inclusions within skeletal muscle fibers. The pathologic criteria for diagnosis of this disorder are somewhat controversial; however, periodic acid-Schiff-positive, amylase-resistant inclusions are considered pathognomonic. Although these inclusions are most often found in affected horses related to the Quarter Horse, draft horse, and Warmblood breeds, this report describes these characteristic inclusions in muscle of five horses from nonrelated breeds (two Morgans, one Arabian, one Arabian x Thoroughbred, and one Standardbred) and two Welsh cross ponies. Affected horses had histories of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis, and one developed progressive weakness leading to increased recumbency. The affected ponies were part of an unrelated research project and had no apparent clinical signs.     

Inheritance of hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia in Quarter Horses

OBJECTIVE: To assess heritability and mode of inheritance for hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) in Quarter Horses. ANIMALS: 1,295 horses with Quarter Horse bloodlines, including 58 horses affected with HERDA. PROCEDURE: Horses were classified as affected or unaffected or as undetermined when data were insufficient to assess phenotype. Pedigree data were analyzed to determine the probable mode of inheritance. Heritability was estimated by use of Bayesian statistical methods. RESULTS: Heritability (mean+/-SD) of HERDA was estimated to be 0.38+/-0.13, with both sexes having an equal probability of being affected. Results for evaluation of the pedigrees were consistent with a single Mendelian autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: HERDA in Quarter Horses is an inherited disease, and affected horses are more likely to produce affected offspring. An autosomal recessive mode of inheritance should be considered by people making breeding decisions involving Quarter Horses when a first-degree relative has been confirmed with HERDA or has produced affected offspring. In addition, breeders whose horses have produced affected offspring can reduce the likelihood of producing affected horses in the future by avoiding inbreeding.     

Racing Performance in 72 Racehorses Treated with Prosthetic Laryngoplasty for Laryngeal Hemiplegia

The purpose of this study was to compare racing performance before and after prosthetic laryngoplasty for treatment of laryngeal hemiplegia in inexperienced (horses without at least one start before surgery) and experienced (horses with at least one start before surgery) Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorses. Medical records of 54 Thoroughbred and 18 Quarter Horse racehorses or horses intended for racing treated with prosthetic laryngoplasty and unilateral ventriculectomy for laryngeal hemiplegia were reviewed. Signalment, age at the time of surgery, resting endoscopic grade of laryngeal function, surgical procedure, and type of suture were recorded. Median performance index (PI), earnings, distance, and Beyer speed figure (BSF) per start for three races before and after surgery were compared, and factors associated with improved postsurgical performance were evaluated. Seventy-three percent of horses that had not raced before surgery and 84% of horses that competed in at least one race before surgery were able to return to racing after surgery. Fifty-nine percent and 27% of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, respectively, were able to improve their PI after surgery. Sixty-two percent and 20% of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, respectively, significantly increased their distance after surgery. Additionally, 61% and 66% of racehorses were able to increase their earnings and BSF after surgery, respectively. Horses treated with laryngoplasty and unilateral ventriculectomy have a good prognosis for return to racing. Inexperienced racehorses have a better prognosis for improvement after surgery than do experienced racehorses. Thoroughbred racehorses have a better success rate than Quarter Horse racehorses.     

Upper respiratory signs associated with Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in two horses

An adult Quarter Horse gelding (Case 1) was evaluated for tachypnoea and acute dysphagia. A 20-year-old Quarter Horse gelding (Case 2) was evaluated for respiratory stertor and severe, acute swelling of the head in the submandibular region. A physical examination, complete blood count, blood chemistry, upper airway endoscopy, and peripheral blood Anaplasma phagocytophilum polymerase chain reaction were completed for both horses. Both horses tested positive for A. phagocytophilum. The upper airway endoscopy for Case 1 revealed a feed contaminated pharynx, absent swallowing reflex, and left laryngeal hemiplagia. The upper airway endoscopy for Case 2 revealed severe diffuse pharyngeal swelling occluding the airway. Due to increased respiratory effort in Case 2, a tracheotomy was performed. In both horses, treatment consisted of intravenous oxytetracycline 6.6 mg/kg bwt i.v. q. 24 h for 2–3 days followed by minocycline 4 mg/kg bwt per os q. 12 h for 10–14 days. Both horses made full recoveries.     

Atypical myopathy: a review and description of the outbreak in the Netherlands during autumn 2009 and spring 2010

This article reviews the literature on equine atypical myopathy (AM), an acute, severe rhabdomyolysis that occurs in horses at pasture. The prevalence, mortality, clinical signs, pathology, potential aetiology, typical aspects, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are described. Horse management, characteristic weather conditions, and possible preventive measures are also discussed. In addition, the characteristics of 54 highly probable or confirmed cases of equine AM occurring between autumn 2009 (27 cases) and spring 2010 (27 cases) in the Netherlands are described. Of the 54 affected horses, nineteen were mares, eleven geldings, and eight stallions; the sex of the other sixteen horses was not recorded. The mortality rate (74.5%) was in the same range as that reported in earlier studies. Many cases were reported at about the same time. Thirty-five horses had been pastured near maple trees, and in fifteen cases the maple trees were known to be infected with the fungus Rhytisma acerinum.     

Clinical features and treatment of renal tubular acidosis in two horses

Two horses were admitted separately for evaluation and treatment of profound hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis without azotemia. One, an 11-year-old Quarter Horse mare, had been depressed and ataxic for 2 days. The other, a 2-year-old Quarter Horse colt, had a 6-week history of depression, anorexia, and weight loss. Both horses responded to fluid and electrolyte therapy, but required daily oral administration of sodium bicarbonate for maintenance. In each case, the diagnosis was renal tubular acidosis.     

Vertical Frontlimb Ground Reaction Forces of Sound and Lame Warmbloods Differ From Those in Quarter Horses

Lameness is a highly prevalent condition in horses and is the principal cause of removal from athletic activity in this species. In evidence-based veterinary medicine studies to evaluate non-setoidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapies, force plates are commonly used to objectively assess improvement of lameness. The objective of this study was to determine whether breed differences would influence force plate measurements in sound and lame riding horses. Force plate measurements of lame (n = 20) and sound (n = 18) Warmblood and lame (n = 15) and sound (n = 8) Quarter Horses were compared. Lameness was visually scored using the grade 0–5 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) lameness scale. Trotting sound Warmbloods loaded their frontlimbs with 118% body weight (BW) and their hindlimbs with 96% BW, whereas Quarter Horses only used 101% BW in the front and 92% BW in the hindlimbs (P < .05). Furthermore, it appeared and was estimated that, at trot, front-limb-lame Warmblood horses showed higher peak vertical force (PVF) values (grade 2: 89% BW; grade 3: 69% BW), than front-limb-lame Quarter Horses with similar lameness scores (grade 2: 78% BW; grade 3: 66% BW). In conclusion, peak vertical forces (PVF expressed in % BW) of either lame or sound horses seem to be influenced by breed differences between Warmblood and Quarter Horse riding horses. Possible conformation and gait differences enabled trotting Quarter Horses to demonstrate lower absolute PVF values than Warmbloods, whereas trotting lame Warmbloods showed a relatively larger decrease in frontlimb loading and thus in PVF than lame Quarter Horses at a trot. Thus, in studies in which objective lameness observations are recorded, breed differences should be taken into account when specific grades of lameness of a group of horses are to be objectively compared with another group.     

Antidiuretic response of a horse affected with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction to desmopressin acetate

Central diabetes insipidus (DI) was diagnosed in a 20‐year‐old American Quarter Horse gelding that was concomitantly affected with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). The diagnosis of DI was supported by a positive response to administered desmopressin acetate. Diagnosis of PPID was supported by physical appearance and elevated plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration following domperidone administration. The horse's physical condition improved following treatment with pergolide but long‐term treatment with desmopressin was not undertaken and severe polyuria and polydipsia persisted. Desmopressin acetate appears to be useful for the diagnosis of DI in mature horses concomitantly affected with PPID.     

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, plasma lactate and exercise tolerance

The purpose of this, trial was to determine the effect of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) on exercise tolerance in Quarter Horses. Five HYPP affected and five nonaffected horses were matched for age, size, gender and reproductive status. HYPP status was diagnosed by DNA analysis and potassium chloride challenge testing. Plasma lactate concentration and heart rate were used as indicators of work intensity. Serum potassium concentrations were also monitored. Two exercise experiments were conducted, the first being forty-five minutes of slow, aerobic exercise (hacking) and the other being moderate, partially anaerobic exercise (galloping). Post-exercise the horses were cooled out by randomly assigning them to either forty minutes, of standing still or forty minutes of walking. Heart rates of HYPP affected and unaffected horses were not significantly different during exercise or recovery. Plasma lactate concentrations changed slightly following slow exercise and were significantly higher for HYPP affected horses (P=0.01).At the end of exercise, values were 1.4±0.2 mmol/L and 1.0±0.1 mmol/L for HYPP affected and unaffected horses, respectively. Following moderate exercise, plasma lactate concentrations were much greater, and the difference (P<0.001) between affected and unaffected horses was more marked: immediately following exercise concentrations were 10.6±1.8 and 6.2±1.0 mmol/L in affected and unaffected horses, respectively. The higher post-exercise plasma lactate concentrations in affected horses indicates increased anaerobic muscle metabolism. Serum potassium concentrations rose following exercise and significantly higher values were seen in horses that were walked rather than stood still post-exercise.Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is a dominant autosomal genetic defect occurring in American Quarter Horses and related breeds. ^1–5 The condition is widely geographically distributed and has been estimated to affect 0.4% of all Quarter Horses.⁶ Signs include sporadic attacks of muscle fasciculation, muscle spasm, sweating and weakness. Oral administration of potassium chloride produces a more severe hyperkalemia in HYPP affected horses and induces clinical attacks.¹ Electromyography reveals widespread continuous, spontaneous, muscle contraction.² Some people believe that HYPP affected horses are suitable for riding⁷; others have expressed doubts about the safety of this practice and the exercise tolerance of affected horses. HYPP affected horses have an unstable muscle membrane potential causing random muscle fiber contractions,^2,8 which could antagonize purposeful movement. This, in combination with increases in extracellular potassium concentration occurring during exercise,^9–11 may cause affected horses to stumble or collapse while being ridden, posing a danger to both horse and rider. In HYPP affected people, potassium concentration rises approximately one to two hours after exercise during which time HYPP attacks can occur.^9,10 For these reasons, the exercise tolerance of HYPP affected horses and the effects of exercise on spontaneous HYPP attacks deserves investigation.We standardized the exercise test and chose heart rate and plasma lactate concentrations as indicatoors, of exercise tolerance and energy metabolism.¹² Heart rate is the major determinant of oxygen delivery to muscle and the rate rises with exercise intensity until it reaches a plateau at high velocities.^13,14 Several lines of investigation indicate that plasma lactate concentrations reflect muscle work. Lactate release from resting muscle is minimal but large amounts are released during strenuous exercise.^15–17 Lactate release increases with increasing muscle work.^16,18 During exercise, muscle oxygen consumption increases until eventually a plateau is reached after which no further increase in oxygen consumption in response to increased work loads is possible.¹⁸ At this point the mitochondrial electron chain transport system is operating at its maximal possible rate, energy production can only be supplemented by the use of inefficient anerobic glycolytic metabolism and the muscle starts to release lactate. If the concentrations of plasma lactate are high, the muscles are depending on anaerobic metabolism and are working closer to exhaustion^16,18–21The objectives of this experiment were twofold. One was to determine if HYPP adversely affects exercise performance. The second was to study the effects of cooling out, by either standing still or walking, on serum potassium and plasma lactate concentrations.     

Hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis‐like syndrome in a Criollo Argentino horse

Hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is a relatively new genetic disease that, so far, appears to be confined to descendants of the American Quarter Horse Impressive, a stallion identified as the link between the pedigrees of all affected horses, and that predominantly affects Quarter Horses but also Paint horses, Appaloosas and Palominos. This study suggests that an episode of muscle weakness, which was reported in a Criollo Argentino genetically unrelated to Impressive, was related to marked hyperkalaemia. The symptoms in this case were reproducible following a KCI challenge test although DNA testing for HYPP was negative. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of a HYPP‐like syndrome was made.     

Intra-abdominal hypertension in two adult horses

Objective – To describe the clinical and pathological findings in 2 adult horses with documented increases in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and to describe the direct puncture technique used to measure this pressure.
Series Summary – Two adult horses developed increases in IAP secondary to large-volume abdominal effusion. A 9-year-old Quarter Horse cross gelding was presented for evaluation of urinary and neurologic signs. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination showed a hepatic abscess along with abdominal effusion. A 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was presented for evaluation of castration complications. A castration site infection extended into surrounding tissues, resulting in peritonitis, abdominal effusion, and severe cellulitis of the limbs. IAP measured in both horses was increased relative to reported equine reference values. Changes in hemodynamic parameters in both horses, notably increased central venous pressure, were consistent with those seen in other species in which intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and its sequellae have been documented.
New or Unique Information Provided – Extensive research and clinical literature guides management of humans with IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome. Knowledge of these conditions in companion animal and large domestic species is less well developed. Recent research has established reference values for standing, sedated and recumbent, anesthetized horses. Detailed reports of equine clinical cases of IAH have not been reported in the literature. This report provides information on the clinical, hemodynamic, and pathologic characteristics of 2 horses with measured increases in IAP, and describes the direct puncture technique used to perform these measurements.     

Novel findings from a beta coronavirus outbreak on an American Miniature Horse breeding farm in upstate New York

This case report describes an outbreak and novel findings associated with a beta coronavirus (BCoV) infection that occurred on an American Miniature Horse (AMH) breeding farm in upstate New York, in January and February of 2013. Twenty-nine AMH and one donkey were present on the farm when the outbreak occurred. One 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare, stabled at a separate location and owned by an employee of the farm, also tested positive. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of BCoV was performed at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) at Cornell on all faecal samples. The PCR assay used detects multiple beta coronaviruses, including, but not limited to, equine enteric coronavirus (ECoV). Novel findings regarding this BCoV infection in horses were recognised in this outbreak study. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the largest outbreak of BCoV described thus far in a closed herd on a single premise. The case fatality rate was 0% unlike that described in a previous outbreak of ECoV involving miniature horses and a miniature donkey (Fielding et al. 2015). The morbidity rate was lower in this outbreak than in previously described studies (Oue et al. 2013; Pusterla et al. 2013). This outbreak also demonstrated the potential for BCoV transmission via farm personnel. The duration of shedding of virus in the faeces among some asymptomatic horses in this outbreak was longer than previously described clinical cases of ECoV (Pusterla et al. 2013; Nemoto et al. 2014). This study suggests that asymptomatic animals may play a role in the maintenance of BCoV during an outbreak; therefore, the need for diagnostic testing of both clinically affected and apparently clinically normal horses on a premises followed by appropriate biosecurity and control measures.     

Common variable immunodeficiency in a horse with chronic peritonitis

This report describes the clinical progression of a Quarter Horse filly with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Equine CVID is a primary immunodeficiency in which affected animals are unable to mount an appropriate antibody response and suffer recurrent bacterial infections. The filly in this report had a history of chronic respiratory tract infections but presented for assessment of poor weight gain and was diagnosed with Actinobacillus equuli peritonitis.     

Seminal characteristics of two- and three-year-old quarter horse stallions

Seminal and testicular characteristics were compared in 19 three-year-old and 23 two-year-old Quarter Horse stallions. Semen was collected, and testicular evaluations made on all stallions once in April or May and again 60 days later. Semen was collected from stallions twice, one hour apart, at each evaluation. Average testicular tone and scrotal width were greater in three-year-olds than in two-year-olds. Ejaculates of three-year-olds had higher motility scores (66% vs 47%) sperm movement (3.2 vs 2.4), normality (77 vs 71), and total number of normal, motile spermatozoa per ejaculate (4.3 × 10⁹ vs 2.2 × 10⁹). Two-year-olds had twice as many cytoplasmic droplets (11% vs 5%) as three-year-olds. Average sperm concentrations per ml of gel-free semen and gel-free volume of ejaculates were not different. Volume of ejaculate and motility of spermatozoa were positively correlated with pregnancy rate, whereas percent cytoplasmic droplets was negatively correlated with pregnancy rate in both groups of stallions. Pre- and post-ejaculatory urethral, seminal, and preputial cultures were examined for pathologic organisms on all stallions. Eighteen of 42 had positive cultures for Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., β-Strep spp., or E. coli. Nine two-year-olds and 3 three-year-olds had positive cultures for Klebsiella spp. All but one of these stallions were housed on wood shavings and allowed limited exercise. Three-year-old stallions had superior seminal quality as compared with two-year-olds.