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Author |
Atwill, E.R.; Mohammed, H.O.; Lopez, J.W. |
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Title |
Evaluation of travel and use as a risk factor for seropositivity to Ehrlichia risticii in horses of New York state |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
1996 |
Publication |
American Journal of Veterinary Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Am J Vet Res |
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Volume |
57 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
272-277 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ehrlichiosis/epidemiology/*veterinary; Female; *Horse Diseases; Horses; Male; New York/epidemiology; Probability; Random Allocation; Risk Factors; *Travel |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVES--To determine whether mean annual frequency and destination of equine travel was associated with exposure to Ehrlichia risticii and whether these associations were modified by horses' place of residence. DESIGN--Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION--511 equine operations containing 2,587 horses were visited in New York state from a target population of 39,000 operations. PROCEDURE--Each horse was tested for serum antibodies against E risticii, using indirect fluorescent antibody. Information on the horse's travel history, farm's management practices, and surrounding ecology was obtained by personal interview and resource maps. Statistical analyses were performed on 2 cohorts of animals: all horses enrolled in the study and horses born on the property or that resided at least 4 years on the farm. Three county-based risk regions (RR) were identified by use of cluster analysis. RESULTS--Mean seroprevalence for each of the 3 RR was 2.4 (low risk), 8.5 (moderate risk), and 18.5% (high risk) for cohort 1 and 2.5, 8.0, and 18.4% for cohort 2. Among cohorts 1 and 2, pleasure riding and breeding trips were associated with exposure to E risticii, but horse residence (low, moderate, or high RR) was an effect modifier for these associations. Among cohort 1 and stratifying the analysis according to the RR for the travel destination, trail riding at low RR and trail riding at high RR were associated with exposure. Among cohort 2 and stratifying the analysis according to the RR for the travel destination, breeding trips were associated with exposure, and strong effect modification was present for horse residence (low, moderate, or high RR). CONCLUSIONS--Only certain types of travel to specific RR were associated with higher risk of exposure to E risticii. In many instances, travel was not associated, or was associated, with a reduced risk of exposure. |
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Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA |
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0002-9645 |
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PMID:8669754 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
2658 |
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Author |
Held, S.; Baumgartner, J.; Kilbride, A.; Byrne, R.W.; Mendl, M. |
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Title |
Foraging behaviour in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa): remembering and prioritizing food sites of different value |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Animal Cognition |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anim. Cogn. |
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Volume |
8 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
114-121 |
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Keywords |
Animals; *Appetitive Behavior; *Association Learning; Feeding Behavior/*psychology; Female; *Space Perception; Sus scrofa/*psychology |
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Abstract |
This experiment investigated whether domestic pigs can remember the locations of food sites of different relative value, and how a restricted retrieval choice affects their foraging behaviour. Nine juvenile female pigs were trained to relocate two food sites out of a possible eight in a spatial memory task. The two baited sites contained different amounts of food and an obstacle was added to the smaller amount to increase handling time. On each trial, a pig searched for the two baited sites (search visit). Once it had found and eaten the bait, it returned for a second (relocation) visit, in which the two same sites were baited. Baited sites were changed between trials. All subjects learnt the task. When allowed to retrieve both baits, the subjects showed no preference for retrieving a particular one first (experiment 1). When they were allowed to retrieve only one bait, a significant overall preference for retrieving the larger amount emerged across subjects (experiment 2). To test whether this preference reflected an avoidance of the obstacle with the smaller bait, 15 choice-restricted control trials were conducted. In control trials obstacles were present with both baits. Pigs continued to retrieve the larger bait, indicating they had discriminated between the two food sites on the basis of quantity or profitability and adjusted their behaviour accordingly when the relocation choice was restricted. This suggests for the first time that domestic pigs have the ability to discriminate between food sites of different relative value and to remember their respective locations. |
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Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Centre for Behavioural Biology, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK. suzanne.held@bris.ac.uk |
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1435-9448 |
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PMID:15871038 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
2487 |
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Author |
Wilkins, L.J.; Brown, S.N.; Zimmerman, P.H.; Leeb, C.; Nicol, C.J. |
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Title |
Investigation of palpation as a method for determining the prevalence of keel and furculum damage in laying hens |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2004 |
Publication |
The Veterinary record |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet. Rec. |
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Volume |
155 |
Issue |
18 |
Pages |
547-549 |
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Keywords |
Animal Husbandry/methods; Animal Welfare; Animals; Bone and Bones/*injuries; Chickens/*injuries; Female; Fractures, Bone/diagnosis/epidemiology/*veterinary; Great Britain/epidemiology; Housing, Animal/standards; Oviposition; Palpation/methods/*veterinary; Poultry Diseases/*diagnosis/epidemiology; Prevalence; Sensitivity and Specificity |
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Abstract |
Old breaks of the keel and furculum were identified by palpation in 500 end-of-lay hens from 10 flocks housed in free-range and barn systems, and the results were compared with the results obtained by a full dissection and inspection. The method was considered to be sufficiently precise to be used as a diagnostic tool although people using it would need to be trained. The results obtained by dissection indicated that 50 to 78 per cent of the birds in the flocks had breaks of the furculum and keel, but no other breaks of bones were detected. |
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Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU |
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0042-4900 |
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Notes |
PMID:15559420 |
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no |
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Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
70 |
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Author |
Nicol, C.J.; Potzsch, C.; Lewis, K.; Green, L.E. |
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Title |
Matched concurrent case-control study of risk factors for feather pecking in hens on free-range commercial farms in the UK |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2003 |
Publication |
British poultry science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Br Poult Sci |
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Volume |
44 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
515-523 |
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Keywords |
*Aggression; Analysis of Variance; Animal Husbandry/methods; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Chickens/*physiology; Feathers; Female; Multivariate Analysis; Odds Ratio; Regression Analysis; Species Specificity |
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Abstract |
1. The aim of the study was to compare the management and husbandry of free-range flocks in the UK where feather pecking was either present (case) or absent (control). 2. One hundred flocks were enrolled into a concurrent case-control study: 50 where birds had recently started feather pecking, and 50 matched control flocks where birds of the same age had not started feather pecking. 3. Information was obtained from a detailed interview with the flock manager, and by direct inspection of the flock, house and range. 4. Initial univariate analyses revealed that case flocks were more likely to comprise ISA Brown than Lohmann, were more likely to be restricted from litter areas to prevent floor eggs, and were less likely to use the outside range. 5. Cluster analysis indicated that feather pecking was not associated with any particular husbandry system. 6. The only influential risk factor significant in the multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis was use of the outdoor range. The risk of feather pecking was reduced 9-fold in flocks where more than 20% of birds used the range on sunny days (odds ratio = 0.12). Use of the range was positively associated with the presence of trees and/or hedges on the range. |
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Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, England. c.j.nicol@bris.ac.uk |
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ISSN |
0007-1668 |
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Notes |
PMID:14584840 |
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no |
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Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
79 |
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Nicol, C.J.; Davidson, H.P.D.; Harris, P.A.; Waters, A.J.; Wilson, A.D. |
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Title |
Study of crib-biting and gastric inflammation and ulceration in young horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2002 |
Publication |
The Veterinary record |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet. Rec. |
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Volume |
151 |
Issue |
22 |
Pages |
658-662 |
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Keywords |
Animal Husbandry/methods; Animals; Antacids/therapeutic use; *Behavior, Animal; Diet/veterinary; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal/veterinary; Feces/chemistry; Female; Gastritis/diet therapy/physiopathology/*veterinary; Horse Diseases/diet therapy/*physiopathology/psychology; Horses; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Random Allocation; Stereotyped Behavior/*physiology; Stomach Ulcer/diet therapy/physiopathology/*veterinary; Treatment Outcome; Weaning |
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Nineteen young horses that had recently started to perform the stereotypy of crib-biting were compared with 16 non-stereotypic horses for 14 weeks. After initial observations of their behaviour and an endoscopic examination of the condition of their stomachs, the horses were randomly allocated to a control or an antacid diet At the start of the trial, the stomachs of the crib-biting foals were significantly more ulcerated and inflamed than the stomachs of the normal foals. In addition, the faecal pH of the crib-biting foals (6.05) was significantly lower than that of the normal foals (6.58). The antacid diet resulted in a significant improvement in the condition of the horses' stomachs. The crib-biting behaviour declined in most of the foals, regardless of their diet, but tended to decline to a greater extent in the foals on the antacid diet. |
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Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Bristol BS40 5DU |
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ISSN |
0042-4900 |
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Notes |
PMID:12498408 |
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no |
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Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
83 |
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Author |
Pritchard, J.C.; Lindberg, A.C.; Main, D.C.J.; Whay, H.R. |
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Title |
Assessment of the welfare of working horses, mules and donkeys, using health and behaviour parameters |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Preventive Veterinary Medicine |
Abbreviated Journal |
Prev Vet Med |
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Volume |
69 |
Issue |
3-4 |
Pages |
265-283 |
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Keywords |
*Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Developing Countries; *Equidae; Female; Health; Male |
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Abstract |
Working animals provide an essential transport resource in developing countries worldwide. Many of these animals are owned by poor people and work in harsh environments, so their welfare is a cause for concern. A protocol was developed to assess the welfare of working horses, mules and donkeys in urban and peri-urban areas, using direct observation of health and behaviour parameters. In this study, 4903 animals used for draught, pack and ridden work in Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Jordan and Pakistan were assessed between December 2002 and April 2003. The data showed that donkeys were more likely than mules or horses to demonstrate avoidance or aggressive behaviour towards an observer, while horses were most likely to make a friendly approach. Fewer than 8% of working equines had abnormal mucous membranes, ectoparasites or poor coat condition. Body lesions occurred predominantly in the areas of the breast/shoulder, withers and girth in all three species, with mules having the highest prevalence of lesions in these areas (22.5, 21.3 and 28.4%, respectively). Among horses and donkeys, the prevalence of these lesions was influenced by the type of work carried out. Lesions on the head, neck, ribs, flank and tail base were seen in less than 10% of animals. Across all three species approximately 70% of animals were thin, having a body condition score (BCS) of 2 or less on a scale of 1-5 (1, very thin; 5, very fat) and more horses were in very thin condition (BCS 1) than mules or donkeys. Over 75% of animals demonstrated limb deformities and abnormalities of gait. The results of this study are being used as the initial stage of a long-term strategy to inform priorities for welfare interventions in working equines and to establish a welfare benchmark. Subsequent stages will rank the welfare concerns identified, assess the contributing risk factors and implement specific interventions to address these risks. Following intervention, success in improving welfare will be measured by repetition of this protocol and comparison with the benchmark. |
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Address |
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK. joy.pritchard@bristol.ac.uk |
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ISSN |
0167-5877 |
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PMID:15907574 |
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Serial |
1889 |
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Author |
Freire, R.; Wilkins, L.J.; Short, F.; Nicol, C.J. |
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Title |
Behaviour and welfare of individual laying hens in a non-cage system |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2003 |
Publication |
British poultry science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Br Poult Sci |
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Volume |
44 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
22-29 |
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Keywords |
*Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; *Chickens; Female; Housing, Animal/*standards; Oviposition |
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Abstract |
1. A leg band containing a transponder was fitted to 80 birds in a perchery containing 1,000 birds. 2. The transponder emitted a unique identification number when a bird walked on one of 8 flat antennae on the floor. The recording apparatus was used to measure the amount of time that each of the tagged birds spent on the slatted and littered areas in a 6-week period. 3. Some birds spent long periods of time on the slats, possibly as a means of avoiding repeated attacks. Duration on the slats was greatest in birds with the worst (as opposed to better) feather scores of the head, back and tail regions. 4. Birds that spent long periods on the slats were lighter than other birds at both 39 weeks of age and 72 weeks of age and had greater back, head and tail feather damage, consistent with these birds being victims of pecking. 5. Tagged birds received a social avoidance test outside the perchery at 39 weeks of age, which suggested that birds retreated to the slats in response to pecks rather than just to close proximity to other birds. 6. The failure to find that duration on the slats was related to anatomical indicators of stress (liver, spleen and bursa of Fabricius) suggests that retreating to the slats following pecking attenuates physiological stress responses. 7. We conclude that the provision of areas where birds in a large group can avoid pecking may improve the welfare of a minority of victimised birds. |
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Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, England. rkfreire@hotmail.com |
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0007-1668 |
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PMID:12737221 |
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no |
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refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
82 |
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Author |
McGreevy, P.D.; Richardson, J.D.; Nicol, C.J.; Lane, J.G. |
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Title |
Radiographic and endoscopic study of horses performing an oral based stereotypy |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
1995 |
Publication |
Equine veterinary journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
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Volume |
27 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
92-95 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Endoscopy/*veterinary; Esophagus/physiopathology/radiography; Female; Fluoroscopy/veterinary; Horse Diseases/physiopathology/*psychology/radiography; Horses; Male; Pharynx/physiopathology/radiography; *Stereotyped Behavior; Video Recording |
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Abstract |
There is confusion in the veterinary literature concerning the definition of oral based stereotypies in the horse. This study reports the use of fluoroscopy and endoscopy during cribbiting/wind-sucking in afflicted horses. This permitted observations of movements of the pharyngeal and oesophageal tissues and of the air column within during the stereotypic behaviour. The findings reported show that the sequence of events during crib-biting/wind-sucking is not related to deglutition and that air is not swallowed to the stomach. Transient dilation of the upper oesophagus was recorded and the characteristic noise of wind-sucking coincided with the in-rush of air through the cricopharynx. The oesophageal distension was relieved when the air returned to the pharynx although small quantities passed caudally. It is proposed that the role of contraction of the strap muscles of the neck is to create a pressure gradient in the soft tissues surrounding the oesophagus which provokes movement of air from the pharynx into the oesophagus. The findings suggest that the definitions currently used in the sale of horses are in need of revision. |
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Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, UK |
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ISSN |
0425-1644 |
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Notes |
PMID:7607156 |
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no |
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Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
90 |
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Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Pritchard, J.C.; Barr, A.R.S.; Whay, H.R. |
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Title |
Validity of a behavioural measure of heat stress and a skin tent test for dehydration in working horses and donkeys |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine veterinary journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
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Volume |
38 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
433-438 |
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Keywords |
Age Factors; Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal/physiology; Body Temperature/*physiology; Body Weight/physiology; Case-Control Studies; Dehydration/diagnosis/pathology/*veterinary; Drinking; *Equidae; Female; Heat Stress Disorders/diagnosis/physiopathology/*veterinary; Horse Diseases/*diagnosis/pathology; Horses; Hypovolemia/diagnosis/physiopathology/veterinary; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Pakistan; Respiration; Skin/*pathology; Species Specificity; Work |
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Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Dehydration and heat stress are serious welfare issues for equids working in developing countries. There is a lack of any standardised method or validated interpretation of the skin tent test in horses and donkeys. Owners of dehydrated and heat-stressed animals often depend on veterinary examination for identification of these conditions, leading to delays in treatment and unnecessary reliance on external sources to effect welfare improvement. OBJECTIVES: To validate a standardised skin tent test for dehydration and a behavioural measure of heat stress in working equids; and to examine the effect of heat stress and dehydration on tripping and staggering behaviour. METHODS: The study was carried out on 130 working horses and donkeys in Pakistan. Associations between skin tent and blood parameters (packed cell volume [PCV], serum total protein [TP], serum osmolality), clinical parameters, resting and drinking behaviour were examined. Heat stress behaviour (increased respiratory rate and depth, head nodding, flared nostrils, apathy) was observed in conjunction with rectal temperature. Tripping and staggering were assessed using a simple obstacle course. RESULTS: In both species, heat stress behaviour was significantly associated with increased rectal temperature (P<0.001). A positive skin tent test was not significantly associated with PCV or TP, although in donkeys it was significantly associated with lower serum osmolality (P<0.001). More animals age >15 years had a positive skin tent than those in younger age groups (P = 0.037). Very thin horses were more likely to have a positive skin tent than those in thin or moderate condition (P = 0.028). There was no significant correlation between skin tent and tripping or staggering in either species. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Heat stress behaviour is related to increased body temperature in working horses and donkeys. Owners may use this to make judgements regarding rest and cooling, precluding the need to seek veterinary attention. The skin tent test for dehydration used in this study did not show a significant relationship with PCV or TP. However, the use of blood parameters to validate the skin tent test may be confounded by anaemia, hypoproteinaemia or electrolyte depletion. Alternative methods are needed to confirm or refute the validity of the skin tent test in working equids. |
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Address |
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, UK |
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0425-1644 |
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Notes |
PMID:16986604 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1784 |
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Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Spadavecchia, C.; Arendt-Nielsen, L.; Andersen, O.K.; Spadavecchia, L.; Doherr, M.; Schatzmann, U. |
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Title |
Comparison of nociceptive withdrawal reflexes and recruitment curves between the forelimbs and hind limbs in conscious horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2003 |
Publication |
American journal of veterinary research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Am J Vet Res |
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Volume |
64 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
700-707 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Consciousness; Female; Forelimb/*physiology; Hindlimb/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Male; Nociceptors/physiology; Pain/*physiopathology/*veterinary; Pain Threshold/physiology; Recruitment, Neurophysiological/physiology; Reflex/*physiology |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To compare nociceptive withdrawal reflexes (NWRs) evoked from the distal aspect of the left forelimb and hind limb in conscious standing horses and to investigate NWR recruitment for graded electrical stimulation intensities. ANIMALS: 20 adult horses. PROCEDURE: Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity evoked by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the digital palmar (or plantar) nerve was recorded from the common digital extensor and cranial tibial muscles. Stimuli consisted of 25-millisecond train-of-5 constant current pulses. Current intensity was gradually increased until NWR threshold intensity was reached. The EMG signal was analyzed for quantification of the NWR. Behavioral responses accompanying the reflex were scored (scale, 0 to 5). The NWR recruitment curves were determined at 0.9, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 times the NWR threshold intensity. RESULTS: The NWR threshold was significantly higher for the hind limb (median value, 6.6 mA; range, 3 to 10 mA) than the forelimb (median, 3 mA; range, 1.7 to 5.5 mA). The NWR of the hind limb had a significantly longer latency (median, 122.8 milliseconds; range, 106 to 172 milliseconds), compared with the forelimb (median, 98 milliseconds; range, 86 to 137 milliseconds), and it was associated with significantly stronger behavioral reactions. Gradual increase of NWR amplitude was evident at increasing stimulation intensities and supported by the behavioral observations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We documented NWRs evoked from the forelimb and hind limb and their recruitment with stimuli of increasing intensity in horses. These results provide a basis for use of NWRs in studies on nociceptive modulation in horses. |
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Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Berne, Switzerland |
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English |
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0002-9645 |
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PMID:12828255 |
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93 |
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