Equids Medicine, Orthopedic and Surgery

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Equids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2021) | Viewed by 23513

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Interests: equid neonatology; gastrointestinal (GI) tract medicine and cardiology

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Co-Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Interests: equine internal medicine; sports medicine; neonatology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Co-Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy
Interests: equine gastroenterology; equine surgery; equine orthopedics; equine sport medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Equid health is a veterinary scientific field constantly evolving and increasing in complexity. It is pivotal for an equid veterinary clinician to keep his mind open and pliant. Donkeys, mules, and horses are gaining relevance in a scientific scenario due to their increasing popularity as working animals and pets and to a related increase in owners’ awareness concerning their welfare and health.

Equid owners are becoming more and more demanding with regard to their own veterinarian, who must be updated on novel diagnostic technologies, procedures, and techniques and innovative therapies and trained to give an accurate prognosis in order to provide an excellent service.

The aim of this Special Issue is to publish original research papers, case studies, and review articles focusing on the latest advances in clinically relevant aspects of equine medicine, orthopedics, and surgery. This Special Issue welcomes all experts and researchers that would like to present information in a concise, understandable, and logical format on the current “state-of-the-art” in equid veterinary medicine.

You are invited to submit either an original research article or a review summarizing research on equid medicine, orthopedics, and surgery. Articles highlighting and documenting any aspect of this field will be considered for publication.

Dr. Francesca Bonelli
Prof. Dr. Micaela Sgorbini
Dr. Irene Nocera
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • equids
  • medicine
  • orthopedics
  • surgery

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

9 pages, 262 KiB  
Article
Maternal and Neonatal Evaluation of Derived Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Biological Antioxidant Potential in Donkey Mares and Foals
by Micaela Sgorbini, Francesca Bonelli, Giulia Percacini, Anna Pasquini and Alessandra Rota
Animals 2021, 11(10), 2885; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102885 - 3 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Our aim was to measure the concentrations of derived reactive oxygen metabolite (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) of donkey mares and foals at delivery and to verify the protective role of the placenta against fetal oxidative stress. A total of 15 Amiata [...] Read more.
Our aim was to measure the concentrations of derived reactive oxygen metabolite (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) of donkey mares and foals at delivery and to verify the protective role of the placenta against fetal oxidative stress. A total of 15 Amiata jennies with a physiological gestation length and delivery were included together with 17 foals (two twin foalings). After delivery, maternal and foal venous blood samples were collected along with blood from the artery. Circulating lactate and plasma d-ROMs and BAP were evaluated. The Wilcoxon test for paired data was applied to verify differences in d-ROMs and BAP values, while the Spearman test was used to evaluate correlations. A significantly higher d-ROMs concentration was found in jennies compared to their foals, and to the umbilical artery blood. The BAP was higher in jennies than in their foals, but no differences were observed in the umbilical artery blood. No difference was found between foals and their umbilical cord. Blood lactate was higher in foals than in their dams. Positive correlations were found between mares and umbilical cord for BAP and d-ROMs, and between mares and foals and umbilical cord for BAP. In conclusion, the placenta may be a protective factor for the fetus. As with equine foals, the antioxidant system of donkey foals does not seems to be effective at birth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equids Medicine, Orthopedic and Surgery)
13 pages, 519 KiB  
Article
Intradermal Testing Results in Horses Affected by Mild-Moderate and Severe Equine Asthma
by Chiara Maria Lo Feudo, Luca Stucchi, Elena Alberti, Bianca Conturba, Enrica Zucca and Francesco Ferrucci
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072086 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4585
Abstract
Equine asthma is an inflammatory respiratory disorder, classified as mild-moderate (MEA) and severe (SEA). SEA is characterized by recurrent exacerbations, consisting of dyspnea, coughing and exercise intolerance; MEA causes poor performance, occasional cough and mucus hypersecretion. Although a precise pathogenesis is not completely [...] Read more.
Equine asthma is an inflammatory respiratory disorder, classified as mild-moderate (MEA) and severe (SEA). SEA is characterized by recurrent exacerbations, consisting of dyspnea, coughing and exercise intolerance; MEA causes poor performance, occasional cough and mucus hypersecretion. Although a precise pathogenesis is not completely understood, allergic mechanisms are considered an important pathophysiological feature of equine asthma. In equine medicine, intradermal testing (IDT) is effective in identifying hypersensitivity to specific allergens. However, to date, the studies about IDT in asthmatic horses obtained contradictory results. This study aims to evaluate IDT responses in MEA and SEA horses and to identify the most significant allergens. Thirty-eight asthmatic horses were enrolled and underwent IDT using 50 allergens; reactions were evaluated at 30 min, 4, 24 and 48 h and were assigned a score from 0 to 4. In SEA horses, the most frequent and strongest reactions were observed at 30 min and 4 h, suggesting the involvement of type I hypersensitivity; in MEA horses, also type IV hypersensitivity seemed to play a major role. Insects, Dermatophagoides spp. and dog epithelium induced in MEA and SEA horses the most significant hypersensitivity responses and could therefore be considered as the main allergenic antigens in our geographic area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equids Medicine, Orthopedic and Surgery)
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9 pages, 552 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Plasmatic Procalcitonin in Healthy, and in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) Negative or Positive Colic Horses
by Irene Nocera, Francesca Bonelli, Valentina Vitale, Valentina Meucci, Giuseppe Conte, Eduard Jose-Cunilleras, Luis Alfonso Gracia-Calvo and Micaela Sgorbini
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2015; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072015 - 6 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4734
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equids Medicine, Orthopedic and Surgery)
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13 pages, 626 KiB  
Article
Adrenal Gland Ultrasonographic Measurements and Plasma Hormone Concentrations in Clinically Healthy Newborn Thoroughbred and Standardbred Foals
by Eleonora Lauteri, Jole Mariella, Francesca Beccati, Ellen Roelfsema, Carolina Castagnetti, Marco Pepe, Tanja Peric, Olimpia Barbato, Marta Montillo, Stefanie Rouge and Francesca Freccero
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1832; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061832 - 19 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3188
Abstract
Adrenal hormones, ACTH plasma concentrations and the ultrasonographic evaluation of the adrenal glands are considered complementary in clinical evaluations of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function in several species. In dogs, age, size and weight have a significant effect on the ultrasonographic size of [...] Read more.
Adrenal hormones, ACTH plasma concentrations and the ultrasonographic evaluation of the adrenal glands are considered complementary in clinical evaluations of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function in several species. In dogs, age, size and weight have a significant effect on the ultrasonographic size of the adrenal glands. In neonatal foals, ultrasonographic evaluation and measurements of the adrenal glands have been demonstrated to be reliable; however, the effect of individual variables on ultrasonographic features has not been investigated, and the clinical usefulness of adrenal gland ultrasonography is still not known. The aims of this study were: (i) to provide and compare adrenal glands ultrasound measurements in healthy newborn Thoroughbred and Standardbred foals, and assess any effect of age, weight and sex on them; (ii) to assess and compare ACTH and steroid hormone concentrations in healthy neonatal foals of the two breeds. Venous blood samples and ultrasonographic images of the adrenal glands were collected from 10 healthy neonatal Thoroughbred and 10 healthy neonatal Standardbred foals. Ultrasonographic measurements of the adrenal glands were obtained and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), progesterone (P4) and aldosterone plasma concentrations were assessed. The ACTH/cortisol, ACTH/progesterone, ACTH/aldosterone, ACTH/DHEA and cortisol/DHEA ratios were calculated. A significant positive correlation was found between the height of the right adrenal gland and the foal’s weight; the width of the right and left adrenal gland and the medulla was significantly lower in Thoroughbreds than in Standardbreds. Cortisol and ACTH plasma concentrations were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in Thoroughbreds compared with Standardbreds. The cortisol/DHEA ratio was significantly higher in Thoroughbreds. This study provides reference ranges for neonatal Thoroughbred and Standardbred foals, and suggests the presence of breed-related differences in ultrasonographic adrenal gland measurements, plasmatic cortisol and ACTH concentrations. The higher cortisol/DHEA ratio detected in Thoroughbred foals could suggest a different response to environmental stimulation in the two breeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equids Medicine, Orthopedic and Surgery)
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8 pages, 782 KiB  
Article
Ultrasonography Evaluation of Umbilical Structures in Clinically Healthy Donkey Foals during the First Week of Life
by Valentina Vitale, Irene Nocera, Micaela Sgorbini, Benedetta Aliboni, Fulvio Laus, Aurora Mannini and Marilena Bazzano
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061650 - 2 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4770
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equids Medicine, Orthopedic and Surgery)
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10 pages, 1580 KiB  
Article
Colloidal Iron Oxide Formulation for Equine Hoof Disinfection
by Maurizio Isola, Cristina Piccinotti, Massimiliano Magro, Luca Fasolato, Fabio Vianello, Maria Luisa Menandro, Parastoo Memarian, Melissa Rossi and Maria Elena Falomo
Animals 2021, 11(3), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030766 - 10 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2556
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equids Medicine, Orthopedic and Surgery)
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