The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 May 2025 | Viewed by 3591

Special Issue Editors

College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
Interests: equine internal medicine; equine microbial physiology in gastrointestinal and reproductive tract; antimicrobial resistance

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Guest Editor
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
Interests: clinical skills; equine practice; equine reproduction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The 2024 International Forum of Equine Medicine, held under the auspices of the 11th Annual Congress of the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), was hosted by the CVMA Chinese Board of Equine Practitioners (CBEP) and the College of Veterinary Medicine at China Agricultural University. Taking place on 24–25th August in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, this forum brought together equine medical researchers and practitioners from China, the USA, Austria, Korea, and other regions.

The forum highlighted advancements in various facets of equine medicine, including internal medicine, surgery, sports medicine, reproductive science, and equine welfare. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange and skill enhancement, the forum aimed to promote the development of equine medical education and research in China and foster stronger international collaborations within the equine academic community.

This Special Issue, entitled “The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond”, captures the key insights and research presented during the forum. It serves as a comprehensive resource for equine practitioners and researchers worldwide, offering a detailed overview of the current progress in equine medical research, both within China and on the global stage. Additionally, this Special Issue marks the launch of the CBEP program, designed to provide ongoing education and a robust communication platform for Chinese equine practitioners.

Dr. Jing Li
Dr. Gayle Leith
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • equine medicine
  • clinical sciences
  • equine welfare
  • veterinary research
  • international collaboration

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2498 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (Equus caballus)
by Israr Ahmad, Sahar Ijaz, Mirza M. Usman, Ayesha Safdar, Imdad U. Khan, Muhammad Zeeshan and Syed S. U. H. Bukhari
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12010020 - 5 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Measuring limb joint angles is crucial for understanding horse conformation, performance, injury diagnosis, and prevention. While Thoroughbred horses have been extensively studied, local Pakistani breeds (e.g., Morna racehorse) have not received scientific attention. This study aimed to quantify normal angles of limb joints [...] Read more.
Measuring limb joint angles is crucial for understanding horse conformation, performance, injury diagnosis, and prevention. While Thoroughbred horses have been extensively studied, local Pakistani breeds (e.g., Morna racehorse) have not received scientific attention. This study aimed to quantify normal angles of limb joints in the Morna breed. Limb joint angles of standing horses (n = 50) were quantified using a measuring tape, height stick, protractor scale, and goniometer. The mean and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) values for the forelimb joint angles were 123.02 ± 3.46° for elbow, 171.52 ± 2.39° for knee, and 147.68 ± 5.11° for fetlock. The mean ± SD values for the hindlimb joint angles were 128.62 ± 4.08° for stifle, 160.40 ± 3.89° for hock, and 155.48 ± 2.68° for fetlock. There was a non-significant (p > 0.05) correlation between horse joint angles and, age, body weight, and body condition score (BCS). The elbow and stifle joint angles of Morna align well with characteristics associated with optimal racing performance. However, the hock and fetlock angles differ from jumping Thoroughbred and French trotters. We recommend further research to examine the conformation of the Morna breed, particularly by measuring the lengths of limb segments and correlating it with joint angles. This may provide valuable insights into individual variations within the breed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)
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10 pages, 1114 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Serum Lipids, Biochemical Parameters, Selected Antioxidant Elements and Oxidative Stress Profiles in Late Pregnant Jennies with Hyperlipemia
by Qingze Meng, Yang Shao, Wei Li, Jia Lu, Xinyue Wang and Liang Deng
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(12), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11120664 - 18 Dec 2024
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Abstract
Donkeys are particularly at risk of hyperlipemia. Hyperlipemia is a metabolic disease caused by the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue, which often impacts pregnant and lactating jennies (female donkeys) during periods of negative energy balance. This study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Donkeys are particularly at risk of hyperlipemia. Hyperlipemia is a metabolic disease caused by the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue, which often impacts pregnant and lactating jennies (female donkeys) during periods of negative energy balance. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of lipids, biochemical parameters, selected antioxidant elements and oxidative stress parameters in late pregnant jennies affected by hyperlipemia. Compared with the healthy jennies, the hyperlipemic animals exhibited significantly elevated levels of triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (T-CHO) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05), coupled with reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and albumin (ALB) (p < 0.05). The serum levels of biochemical parameters related to liver function, such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and cholinesterase (CHE), showed a significant increase in the hyperlipemia group compared to the healthy group (p < 0.05). The serum level of selenium was significantly lower (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with TGs (r = 0.85) and ALB (r = 0.73) in the hyperlipemia group. The hyperlipemic jennies showed diminished serum levels of antioxidant capacity and increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). The area under the curve values for T-CHO, ALB, AKP, CHE, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione and MDA were relatively high. Thus, our findings reflect metabolic disorders, liver dysfunction and oxidative stress in late pregnant hyperlipemic jennies, providing a basis for the improvement of clinical diagnostic methods and early prevention and control of hyperlipemia in jennies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)
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11 pages, 9028 KiB  
Case Report
Equine Herpesvirus-1 Induced Respiratory Disease in Dezhou Donkey Foals: Case Study from China, 2024
by Lian Ruan, Liangliang Li, Rongze Yang, Anrong You, Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Yue Yu, Li Chen, Yubao Li, Guiqin Liu, Changfa Wang and Tongtong Wang
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12010056 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 641
Abstract
Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a significant pathogen that causes substantial economic losses in the equine industry worldwide, which leads to severe respiratory diseases and abortions in horses. However, reports of EHV-1 infection in donkeys are limited, particularly in China. This case study reported [...] Read more.
Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a significant pathogen that causes substantial economic losses in the equine industry worldwide, which leads to severe respiratory diseases and abortions in horses. However, reports of EHV-1 infection in donkeys are limited, particularly in China. This case study reported an EHV-1-induced respiratory disease in Dezhou donkey foals in Shandong Province, China, in July 2024. Three one-month-old foals exhibited high fever, nasal discharge, and respiratory distress, with a 100% mortality rate. The causative agent, strain LC126, was isolated from a one-month-old donkey foal exhibiting severe respiratory disease. Phylogenetic analysis of the EHV-1 isolate LC126 showed close similarity to EHV-1. Overall, our study revealed that EHV-1 can cause respiratory distress as well as death in donkeys. The study underscores the emerging threat of EHV-1 in donkeys and highlights the need for veterinarians and breeders to give proper attention to the potential threat of EHV-1 outbreaks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)
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7 pages, 231 KiB  
Brief Report
Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Pathogens from Cooked Donkey Meat Products in Beijing Area in One Health Context
by Yiting Liu, Hongyun Duan, Luo Yang, Hong Chen, Rongzheng Wu, Yi Li, Yiping Zhu and Jing Li
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(12), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11120645 (registering DOI) - 12 Dec 2024
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Abstract
The prevalence of foodborne diseases has raised concerns due to the potential transmission of zoonotic bacterial pathogens through meat products. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of pathogenic bacteria in cooked donkey meat products [...] Read more.
The prevalence of foodborne diseases has raised concerns due to the potential transmission of zoonotic bacterial pathogens through meat products. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of pathogenic bacteria in cooked donkey meat products from Beijing. Twenty-one cooked donkey meat samples were collected from different delis, subjected to homogenization, and analyzed for bacterial contamination. Molecular identification was performed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing targeting the 16S rDNA gene. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. A total of forty bacterial isolates were identified, with Proteus mirabilis being the predominant species, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Novosphingobium. Both Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited high levels of resistance to several antibiotics, including penicillin, ampicillin, and erythromycin. This study’s findings underscore the public health risk posed by antimicrobial-resistant foodborne pathogens and emphasize the necessity for enhanced food safety surveillance within the One Health context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)
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