Selected Biochemical Indicators of Equine Rhabdomyolysis in Arabian Horses: Acute Phase Proteins and Trace Elements

Although creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST), cytokines, and oxidative stress parameters were shown to be useful biomarkers for diagnosis of equine rhabdomyolysis, additional biomarkers of the disease may be of interest to indicate prognosis of the disease. Therefore, the present study investigated acute phase proteins and trace elements as additional biomarkers of ER. Sixty male horses (4-6 years old) of 2 equal groups were used. Horses of the first group were clinically healthy and served as a control group, whereas horses of the second group were ER-diseased animals. Harvested sera were used for estimation of the activities of CK, AST, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp), copper, iron, and zinc, whereas plasma samples were used for determination of fibrinogen. The present findings revealed a significant (P ≤ .05) increase in values of CK, AST, and LDH in diseased horses compared to those in control values. In addition, a significant (P ≤ .05) increase in SAA (162.6 ± 5.32 mg/L), Hp (3.6 ± 0.54 g/L), Cp (39.32 ± 2.31 mg/L), and copper (28.36 ± 1.23 μmol/L) along with a significant (P ≤ .05) reduction in levels of iron (9.32 ± 0.23 μmol/L) and zinc (8.65 ± 1.02 μmol/L) was recorded in diseased horses compare to that in controls (11.3 ± 2.2 mg/L, 0.8 ± 0.2 g/L, 24.23 ± 1.32 mg/L, 18.41 ± 1.03 μmol/L, and 14.2 ± 0.42 μmol/L, respectively). In conclusion, SAA, Hp, Cp, copper, and zinc were useful prognostic biomarkers for the diagnosis of ER in Arabian horses.     

Investigation of selected biochemical indicators of Equine Rhabdomyolysis in Arabian horses: pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers

A total of 30 horses were divided into two groups, one served as a control whereas other was rhabdomyolysis diseased horses. After blood collection, the resulted sera were used for estimation of the activities of creatin kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactic acid, triacylglycerol (TAG), glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, Triiodothyronine (T₃), calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, chloride, vitamin E, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α). In addition, whole blood was used for determination of selenium, reduced glutathione (G-SH) and prostaglandin F2-α (PGF2α). The erythrocyte hemolysates were used for the determination of the activities of super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The present findings revealed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the values of CK, AST, LDH, glucose, lactate, TAG, urea, creatinine, phosphorus, MDA, TNF- α, IL6 and PGF2- α in diseased horses when compared with the control. Furthermore, the values of calcium, SOD, CAT, TAC, NO and GSH in diseased horses were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower than the control. The other examined parameters were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the examined pro-inflammatory cytokines were useful biomarkers for the diagnosis of Equine rhabdomyolysis (ER) in Arabian horses beside the old examined biomarkers. In the future, efforts should be made to confirm this in other breed. If this could be achieved, it would open up new perspectives in research fields dealing with ER.     

Physical Parameters and Risk Factors Associated with the Elimination of Arabian and Crossed Arabian Endurance Horses during a 120-km Endurance Race

Endurance racing is one long-distance event among the equine sporting activities associated with severe injuries and metabolic derangements that impede the health status of horses participating in the event. Therefore, this study evaluated the physical parameters and risk factors associated with the elimination of Arabian and crossed Arabian endurance horses during a 120-km race. Fifty-three Arabian and crossed Arabian endurance horses aged 6 to 15 years old participated in an endurance race of 120 km. All the horses were examined and found fit according to Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) regulations. After the endurance race 14 Arabian endurance horses completed the race successfully while 31 Arabian and crossed Arabian were eliminated. Their speed and heart rates were significantly higher (P < .0001). There were significant differences in skin recoil (P < .0395), color of mucous membrane (P < .0189), intestinal motility (P < .0124), and capillary refill time (P < .0082). There also were significant differences in age (P < .0018), breed (P < .0119), and equine establishments (P < .0205) among the eliminated horses and the Arabian and crossed Arabian endurance horses that successfully completed the race. In conclusion, the physical parameters and risk factors were significantly associated with the elimination of Arabian and crossed Arabian endurance horses. Therefore, close monitoring of the physical parameters and risk factors are essential in order to improve the performance of Arabian and crossed Arabian horses, and further studies are required on other associated parameters.     

Alterations of cardiac and renal biomarkers in horses naturally infected with theileria equi

Equine theileriosis due to Theileria equi is probably the most widespread and pathogenic disease of equines, which comes with major cardiac and renal complications. This study was undertaken to investigate the biomarkers of cardiac and renal functions in horses infected with T. equi and determine the association between these parameters and the level of parasitemia. Giemsa-stained blood smears from 300 horses with ages of 3–4 years old were examined for detection of T. equi on erythrocytes. Moreover, multiplex PCR was employed for confirmation of the diagnosis in the 28 positive cases. Based on the rate of red blood cell infection, the infected animals were subdivided into horses with low (n = 9), moderate (n = 13) and high (n = 6) parasitemia. The concentrations of urea, creatinine, cystatin-C, cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), homocysteine (Hcy), myocardial fractions of creatine kinase (CK-MB) and d-dimer were determined in control (healthy) horses (n = 20) and the infected animals. The results revealed that both the renal (urea, creatinine and cystatin-C) and the cardiac (cTn-I, Hcy, CK-MB and d-dimer) biomarkers increased in a parasitemia burden-dependent pattern. However, urea, creatinine, cTn-I and d-dimer levels were not significantly influenced in the horses infected with low rate (<1 %) of parasitemia (p> 0.05). Moreover, all of the biomarkers were significantly and positively associated with the parasitemia (R²> 0.5). In conclusion, T. equi infection was related to cardiac and renal complications evidenced by increase in the levels of biomarkers and evaluation of these indices may have promise for early diagnosis of the complications.     

The Contribution of Specific and Nonspecific Biomarkers in Diagnosis of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) Under Field Condition

The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic efficiency of gastrin, pepsinogen, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and oxidative stress biomarkers in horses with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Thirty horses diagnosed with gastroscopic EGUS and 15 clinically healthy horses were selected for this study. The serum levels of gastrin, pepsinogen showed nonsignificant changes in horses with EGUS when compared with healthy horses. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 revealed a significant increase in horses with EGUS when compared with healthy ones. Oxidative stress is evident in horses with EGUS in comparison with healthy horses as detected by higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO). MDA and TNF-α showed better sensitivity and specificity than IL-6 in distinguishing horses with EGUS from control horses. Conclusively, examination of serum gastrin and pepsinogen levels had a limited value in diagnosis of EGUS in horses under investigation. Moreover, this study showed that oxidative stress is evident in horses with EGUS. Higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6 indicate their role in EGUS pathogenesis in horses. Finally, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 could be used as biological markers for preliminary screening of horses with EGUS. Gastroscopy still accredited as the “gold standard” for diagnosis EGUS.     

Comparison of serum parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium and magnesium concentrations and fractional urinary clearance of calcium and phosphorus in healthy horses and horses with enterocolitis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate calcium balance and parathyroid gland function in healthy horses and horses with enterocolitis and compare results of an immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA) with those of an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) for determination of serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations in horses. ANIMALS: 64 horses with enterocolitis and 62 healthy horses. PROCEDURES: Blood and urine samples were collected for determination of serum total calcium, ionized calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+), phosphorus, BUN, total protein, creatinine, albumin, and PTH concentrations, venous blood gases, and fractional urinary clearance of calcium (FCa) and phosphorus (FP). Serum concentrations of PTH were measured in 40 horses by use of both the IRMA and ICMA. RESULTS: Most (48/64; 75%) horses with enterocolitis had decreased serum total calcium, Ca2+, and Mg2+ concentrations and increased phosphorus concentrations, compared with healthy horses. Serum PTH concentration was increased in most (36/51; 70.6%) horses with hypocalcemia. In addition, FCa was significantly decreased and FP significantly increased in horses with enterocolitis, compared with healthy horses. Results of ICMA were in agreement with results of IRMA. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Enterocolitis in horses is often associated with hypocalcemia; 79.7% of affected horses had ionized hypocalcemia. Because FCa was low, it is unlikely that renal calcium loss was the cause of hypocalcemia. Serum PTH concentrations varied in horses with enterocolitis and concomitant hypocalcemia. However, we believe low PTH concentration in some hypocalcemic horses may be the result of impaired parathyroid gland function.     

Affecting Lipid Metabolism Salivary MicroRNAs Expressions in Arabian Racehorses Before and After the Race

The active roles of microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in gene regulation have made miRNAs a key point for the scientific world in the study of physiological processes. Although saliva includes the largest number of miRNAs, there is no miRNA study in saliva on horses has been found. Our study is the first study on miRNAs isolation from saliva in horses. In the present study, saliva was studied in Arabian racehorses to better understand the molecular mechanisms of expression levels that are effective in lipid metabolism of miRNAs and their target genes during the race. Identification of lipid metabolism of miRNAs and their target genes is an opportunity to provide information about biomarkers in Arabian racehorses on energy supply for race performance. Arabian racehorses have low glycogen content and high triglyceride storage capability, thanks to the high amount of oxidative type I fiber in their muscle tissue. Therefore, Arabian racehorses can provide higher levels of energy using more fat. The aim of this study is to determine the prerace and postrace expression levels of eight miRNAs in saliva that are known to affect lipid metabolism in Arabian racehorses. The expression level of eca-miR-33a was found to be statistically significant (P < .05). Target genes of eca-miR-33a have been copredicted as ABCA1, CROT, ABHD2, and SATB2, with three validated databases and other analysis tools. In conclusion, these findings revealed that both eca-miR-33a and its target genes could be potential core genes that play important roles in lipid metabolism in Arabian racehorses to provide energy during the race.     

Relationship Between Neutrophil Activity,Oxidative Stress,Acute Phase Response,and Lameness Grade in Naturally Occurring Acute and Chronic Joint Disorders in Horses

We hypothesized that in horses with naturally occurring joint disorders, the neutrophil response, acute phase response (APR), and oxidative stress parameters elevated significantly and are markers of increased inflammatory response in these conditions. Therefore, the first aim of the study was to evaluate neutrophil response, oxidative status, and APR. The neutrophil activity was assessed on the basis of elastase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and alkaline phosphatase release, whereas free radical generation was assessed on the basis of nitric oxide and superoxide production. Acute phase response was estimated on the basis of fibrinogen or haptoglobin plasma concentration and oxidative stress on the basis of malondialdehyde plasma concentration. Then, these parameters were compared with lameness grade, and correlation coefficients between them were calculated. The study was conducted on 43 horses divided on control group of healthy horses (n = 17), acute lameness (AL) group (11 horses), and chronic lameness (CL) group (15 horses). The neutrophil activity from horses of both groups of joint disorders (AL and CL) was significantly (P < .01) higher in comparison with healthy horses. Elastase release was 67.28 ± 1.89% of maximal activity in AL group in comparison with 51.72 ± 1.75% in healthy horses and 62.61 ± 1.54% in CL group. The highest values of other enzymes were also noted in AL group. Moreover, in AL group release of elastase and MPO positively correlated (P < .01) with grades of lameness. These findings revealed the mutual relation between studied parameters and obtained results may be useful in the development of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of acute and chronic joint disorders in horses.     

Indices of oxidative stress in blood and pulmonary epithelium lining fluid in horses suffering from recurrent airway obstruction.

To test the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species could be associated to the lower airway disorders occurring in horses suffering from recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), indices of oxidative stress were studied in blood and pulmonary epithelium lining fluid in 5 RAO horses either in clinical remission or 24 h after the onset of a crisis of bronchospasm and in 5 healthy horses. Venous blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected and analysed for reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidised glutathione (GSSG), total glutathione (TGSH), glutathione redox ratio (GRR) in blood haemolysate and pulmonary epithelium lining fluid (PELF). The haemolysate concentrations of GSH, GSSG, TGSH and GRR were similar in the 3 groups. The PELF glutathione status was significantly different in the RAO horses in acute crisis compared to healthy horses, indicating the occurrence of an oxidative stress. When RAO horses were in crisis their GSH and TGSH remained unchanged but their GSSG and GRR were significantly increased compared to the remission. These results support the hypothesis that oxidative stress is associated with lower airway disorders occurring in horses suffering from RAO.     

Plasma concentrations of endothelin-like immunoreactivity in healthy horses and horses with naturally acquired gastrointestinal tract disorders

OBJECTIVE: To compare plasma endothelin (ET)- like immunoreactivity between healthy horses and those with naturally acquired gastrointestinal tract disorders. ANIMALS: 29 healthy horses and 142 horses with gastrointestinal tract disorders. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected from healthy horses and from horses with gastrointestinal tract disorders prior to treatment. Magnitude and duration of abnormal clinical signs were recorded, and clinical variables were assessed via thorough physical examinations. Plasma concentrations of ET-like immunoreactivity were measured by use of a radioimmunoassay for human endothelin-1, and CBC and plasma biochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Plasma ET-like immunoreactivity concentration was significantly increased in horses with gastrointestinal tract disorders, compared with healthy horses. Median plasma concentration of ET-like immunoreactivity was 1.80 pg/ml (range, 1.09 to 3.2 pg/ml) in healthy horses. Plasma ET-like immunoreactivity was greatest in horses with strangulating large-intestinal obstruction (median, 10.02 pg/ml; range, 3.8 to 22.62 pg/ml), peritonitis (9.19 pg/ml; 789 to 25.83 pg/ml), and enterocolitis (8.89 pg/mI; 6.30 to 18.36 pg/ml). Concentration of ET-like immunoreactivity was significantly associated with survival, PCV, and duration of signs of pain. However, correlations for associations with PCV and duration of pain were low. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses with gastrointestinal tract disorders have increased plasma concentrations of ET-like immunoreactivity, compared with healthy horses. The greatest values were detected in horses with large-intestinal strangulating obstructions, peritonitis, and enterocolitis. This suggests a potential involvement of ET in the pathogenesis of certain gastrointestinal tract disorders in horses.     

A Proton-Pump Inhibitor Modifies the Concentration of Digestion Biomarkers in Healthy Horses

To determine the concentration of various blood biomarkers associated with digestion in healthy horses treated with different doses of omeprazole (OMPZ), four Arabian horses without gastric ulcers were selected and distributed in one factorial with four oral treatments (Control; OMPZ^BOLUS; OMPZ^4mg/kg; OMPZ^1mg/kg). Control did not receive any treatment. OMPZ^BOLUS were given 4 mg/kg of omeprazole in a single dose on the day before blood sampling. In the OMPZ^4mg/kg and OMPZ^1mg/kg treatments, horses were treated over 11 days. All treatments were performed 16 hours before morning feeding. The “washout” period was 21 days between rounds. After an overnight fasting period, blood samples were collected from all animals (T1), after which the animals received supplementation, and blood samples were collected after 30 minutes (T2), 1.0 hours (T3), 1.5 hours (T4), 2.0 hours (T5), 3.0 hours (T6), 4.0 hours (T7), 5.0 hours (T8), 6.0 hours (T9), and 7.0 hours (T10). Blood samples were analyzed for total plasma protein (TPP), glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The results showed differences between treatments for urea, cholesterol, uric acid; between phases for glucose; and between phase and treatment for creatinine, triglycerides, phosphorus, and magnesium; however, there was no difference for TPP and calcium between treatment and between phases. Oral administration of OMPZ in healthy equines interfered with the metabolism of digestion biomarkers of lipid, mineral, and protein metabolism, although the animals were treated for a maximum of 11 days. Horses treated with a proton-pump inhibitor need to be evaluated regularly to avoid significant modification in their metabolic parameters.     

Evaluation of cytokines and sialic acids contents in horses naturally infected with Theileria equi

This study was undertaken to assess the effects of T. equi infection on serum concentrations of some important cytokines including interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-1α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12α, IL-12β, IL-18, as well as total, protein and lipid binding sialic acids (TSA, PBSA and LBSA). Furthermore, any probable relation among the parasitemia, cytokines and sialic acids (SAs) were calculated using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression. Almost 300 draft horses (Kurdish-breed) with age of 3–4 years old from north-west of Iran were examined and an infected group comprised of 28 mares, naturally infected with T. equi, was identified and divided into 3 subgroups according to their parasitemia rates (low <1 %, moderate 1–3 % and high 3–5 %). Twenty healthy horses were considered as a control. Characterization and differentiation of piroplasmosis were conducted using routine hematological procedures and specific PCR assay. The results revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in all of the cytokines and SAs in a parasitic burden-dependent fashion. Additionally, a strong and positive relation was detected among the parasitemia, cytokines and SAs. Conclusively, T. equi infection is associated with induction of severe inflammatory processes in horses and SA plays a pivotal role in pathophysiology of the disease as it is tightly correlated with the parasitemia rate.     

Prevalence and Potential Risk Factors of Dermatophytosis in Arabian Horses in Egypt

The objective of the present study was to verify the prevalence and the risk factors associated with dermatophytosis in Arabian horses. For this purpose, a total of 457 Arabian horses in 15 farms were examined. A questionnaire was constructed to include the hypothesized risk factors. Fungal isolation and identification for each horse were carried out by standard microbiological procedures. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors on both animal and farm levels. Trichophyton spp. was recovered from 50 horses and Microsporum spp. from 27 cases. Trichophyton equinum was more prevalent than Trichophyton mentagrophytes (45 vs. 4) and Trichophyton tonsurans (45 vs. 1). However, Microsporum canis was more prevalent than Microsporum gypseum (21 vs. 5) and Microsporum audouinii (21 vs. 1). On horse level, final multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that there was a significant association between dermatophytosis and horse' age (P < .05; odds ratio [OR]: 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–2.69), poor grooming practice (P < .05; OR: 57.11; 95% CI: 2.47–13.44), moist condition (P < .05; OR: 42.77; 95% CI: 2.0–25.18), and farm size (P < .05; OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.00–7.05). However, on the farm level, farm size of >30 horses was the risk factor (P < .05; OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 1–3.03). In conclusion, the present results indicate existance of dermatophytosis in Arabian horses. Identification of the potential risk factors associated with the disease may be helpful to construct the ideal preventive measures.     

Comparison of plasma biochemical parameters in Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian horses during the same-intensity exercise

The objective of the present study was to compare changes of blood parameters induced by the same work and performed in the same conditions in two racehorse breeds, Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian. The effect of moderate-intensity exercise was studied in 20 stallions--ten Thoroughbreds, aged 2-3 years and the same number of Purebred Arabians, 3-4 years old. All the horses were administrated the same effort test consisting in 1200 m gallop at a speed typical of the daily training sessions. Three jugular venous blood samples were collected for each horse: at rest, just after the end of the gallop and after 30-minute rest. In the gathered blood, a hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was determined as well as plasma level of glucose (Glc), triacylglycerols (TG), glycerol, free fatty acids (FFA), total plasma proteins (TP) and the activity of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In the Arabian horses, an increase in levels of TP, glycerol, FFA and CK activity measured just after exercise was higher than that in Thoroughbreds. Similarly, after a 30-minute rest, a post-exercise rise of TP, AST, glycerol and FFA proved to be higher in the Arabian horses compared to that in the Thoroughbreds. Only TG plasma concentration measured 30 minutes following the effort was significantly lower in the Arabian horses than in Thoroughbreds. It can be concluded that the Thoroughbred horses adapted better to the effort test applied in this study as compared to the Purebred Arabian horses. The parameters related to lipid metabolism proved to be the most sensitive indicators of breed differences in relation to moderate-intensity exercise.     

Three-week summer period prevalence of Clostridium difficile in farm animals in a temperate region of the United States (Ohio)

The cross-sectional (period) prevalence of Clostridium difficile in 875 farm animals from 29 commercial operations during the summer of 2008 in Ohio, USA was quantified. Compared to an external referent population of intensively managed race horses (12.7%), intensively managed commercially mature food animals (poultry, cattle, swine; < 0.6%) were infrequent shedders of C. difficile (P < 0.00001) during the warmest weeks of 2008.     

Season’s Effects on Some Clinical,Hematological Parameters and Blood Cortisol Level in Sedated Arabian Horses With Xylazine

Influence of heat or cold stress in sedated animals is unclear and requires further investigations. The present study aimed to evaluate the season’s effects on some clinical, hematological parameters and blood cortisol level in sedated Arabian horses with xylazine. Therefore, seven Arabian horses were used to investigate heart and respiratory rates, and capillary refill time and serum cortisol level were recorded before (0) and at 5, 15, 60, and 180 minutes postsedation. Heparinized venous samples were collected before (0) and 3 hours postsedation for analysis of hematological analysis. Arterial blood samples were collected before and 1 hour postsedation for arterial blood gases and electrolytes analysis. Repeated analysis of variance was performed (P < .05). Significant decreases have been observed in heart and respiratory rates at 5, 15, and 60 minutes postsedation in summer and only at 5 minutes postsedation in winter. Arterial oxygen pressure and arterial carbon dioxide pressure showed a significant decrease and increase, respectively at 1 hour postsedation in summer and winter. The serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in summer than in winter at 5, 15, and 60 minutes postsedation. In summer, the postsedation concentrations of cortisol did not change significantly than its values before sedation. However, in winter, the cortisol concentration decreased significantly at 5, 15, and 60 minutes postsedation compared with their value before sedation. The present study suggests that these season’s effects on the sedated Arabian horses could take into consideration in xylazine-sedated Arabian horses.     

Oxidative Stress Associated With Spasmodic,Flatulent, and Impaction Colic in Draft Horses

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oxidative stress level and antioxidant trace elements status associated with spasmodic, flatulent, and impaction colic in draft horses. For this purpose, venous blood samples were obtained from 20 randomly selected clinically healthy draft horses (control group) and 60 draft horses with different types of colic (spasmodic colic, n = 20; flatulent colic, n = 20; and impaction colic, n = 20). In horses with flatulent and impaction colic, there was a significant (P < .05) decrease in the total antioxidant capacity and activity of reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) as well as level of selenium, copper, zinc, and iron. However, there was a significant (P < .05) increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and manganese. Meanwhile, glutathione reductase (GR) was significantly (P < .05) increased in flatulent colic and significantly (P < .05) decreased in impaction colic. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was significantly (P < .05) increased in horses with flatulent and impaction colic. In horses with flatulent colic, there was a negative correlation between CAT and SOD (r = −0.446), MDA and zinc (r = −0.450), and IL-6 and zinc (r = −0.470). However, those with impaction colic, a negative correlation was recorded between CAT and MDA (r = −0.602), copper and GSH (r = −0.474), iron and GR (r = −0.511), and OSI and GR (r = −0.662). The results of the present study indicate that oxidative stress, with alteration of antioxidant trace element levels, is a feature of flatulent and impaction colic in draft horses.     

Severe carpometacarpal osteoarthritis in older Arabian horses

OBJECTIVE: To report a severe form of carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC-OA) affecting primarily older Arabian horses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Thirty-one horses with CMC-OA. METHODS: Carpal radiographs (405 sets) from 3 hospitals were evaluated to identify horses with marked osteoproliferative reaction across the medial aspect of the CMC joint. Owners were contacted to obtain detailed histories and status updates. Necropsy specimens of the CMC joint were evaluated at 2 hospitals to determine the prevalence of 2 variations in the articulation between the proximal second and third metacarpal bones. RESULTS: Thirty-one horses were identified as having marked osteoproliferative reaction at the CMC joint. Twenty-three (74%) were Arabian horses. Of the Arabian horses, the average age at admission was 14.4 years. Eight (34.8%) Arabian horses had a known history of trauma. Most were no longer rideable at presentation. Ten of the horses were subsequently euthanatized because of lameness. The dorsal and palmar articulations between the second and third metacarpal bones were examined in 177 horses. The palmar articulation was absent in 48% of Arabian horses and 12.5% of non-Arabian horses at 1 center, including 4 horses with CMC-OA. At the second center, the palmar articulation was present in 8 of 8 Arabian horses but was absent in 22 of 92 (24%) non-Arabian horses. CONCLUSIONS: An increased frequency of this crippling form of OA was observed in Arabian horses. It may reflect an increased prevalence, in some geographical regions, of an absent palmar articulation between the second and third metacarpal bones. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Carpal trauma in some Arabian horses may result in unexpectedly severe carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.     

Comparison of clinical and inflammatory parameters in dogs with pyometra before and after ovariohysterectomy

This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers of canine pyometra and their correlations with clinical parameters. First, 90 dogs with pyometra and 26 healthy female dogs were compared. Then, paired samples (before and after ovariohysterectomy) from 22 dogs with pyometra and 9 healthy controls from the initial cohort were compared.Concentrations of acute inflammatory proteins, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA), and cell-free DNA (cfDNA), were significantly higher in dogs with pyometra than in clinically healthy dogs. Cell-free DNA was the most sensitive biomarker for systemic inflammation, based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve = 0.959). In addition, cfDNA and CRP were significantly associated with inflammation and organ injury-related clinical parameters.Following the surgical removal of the inflamed uterus, interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and procalcitonin (PCT) significantly decreased, whereas changes in CRP, SAA, and cfDNA were not significant. These findings indicate that cfDNA, CRP, and SAA are potential clinical biomarkers of systemic inflammation in dogs with pyometra and PCT, IL-6, and HMGB1 are potential biomarkers of clinical recovery.