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Author Singer, E.R.; Saxby, F.; French, N.P.
Title A retrospective case-control study of horse falls in the sport of horse trials and three-day eventing Type Journal Article
Year 2003 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 35 Issue 2 Pages (down) 139-145
Keywords Accidental Falls/prevention & control/*statistics & numerical data; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Case-Control Studies; Child; Confidence Intervals; Female; Horses/*injuries; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Odds Ratio; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Safety; *Sports/standards
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Serious injuries to horses and riders in horse trials (HT) and three-day events (3DE) are usually associated with falls of horses, which invariably involve falls of the riders. Many potential causes for these falls have been discussed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the risk factors for horse falls on the cross-country phase of horse trials and three-day events. METHODS: Using retrospective data, significant risk factors identified with unvariable analysis (P value <0.2) were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Significant risk factors (P value <0.05) were included in the final model. RESULTS: It was revealed that a number of course, obstacle and rider variables were significantly and independently associated with the risk of falling. Falling was associated with obstacles sited downhill (Odds ratio [OR] 8.41) and with obstacles with ditches in front (OR = 5.77). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between course variables and the risk of falling was characterised and showed a significantly increased risk with increasing numbers of jumps on the course and for jumping efforts later in the course. In contrast, after allowing for the total number of obstacles on the course, an increase in the total number of jumping efforts appeared to have a protective effect. A later cross-country start time was associated with a decreased risk of a horse fall. Amateur event riders were approximately 20 times more likely to fall than professional riders. POTENTIAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study has identified a number of risk factors associated with horse falls and highlights areas that can be altered to improve safety in cross-country competitions.
Address Division of Equine Studies, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UK
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:12638789 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3661
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Author Christie, J.L.; Hewson, C.J.; Riley, C.B.; McNiven, M.A.; Dohoo, I.R.; Bate, L.A.
Title Management factors affecting stereotypies and body condition score in nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication The Canadian Veterinary Journal. La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne Abbreviated Journal Can Vet J
Volume 47 Issue 2 Pages (down) 136-143
Keywords *Animal Husbandry/standards/statistics & numerical data; *Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Body Constitution/*physiology; Female; Horses/*physiology; Male; Prince Edward Island; Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Sex Factors
Abstract In North America, there are few representative data about the effects of management practices on equine welfare. In a randomized survey of 312 nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island (response rate 68.4%), owners completed a pretested questionnaire and a veterinarian examined each horse. Regression analyses identified factors affecting 2 welfare markers: body condition score (BCS) and stereotypic behavior. Horses' BCSs were high (mean 5.7, on a 9-point scale) and were associated with sex (males had lower BCSs than females; P < 0.001) and examination date (P = 0.052). Prevalences of crib biting, wind sucking, and weaving were 3.8%, 3.8%, and 4.8%, respectively. Age (OR = 1.07, P = 0.08) and hours worked weekly (OR = 1.12, P = 0.03) were risk factors for weaving. Straw bedding (OR = 0.3, P = 0.03), daily hours at pasture (OR = 0.94, P = 0.02), and horse type (drafts and miniatures had a lower risk than light horses; P = 0.12) reduced the risk of horses showing oral stereotypies. Some of these results contradict those of other studies perhaps because of populations concerned.
Address Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0008-5286 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:16579039 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1875
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Author Heitkamp, H.C.; Horstmann, T.; Hillgeris, D.
Title [Riding injuries and injuries due to handling horses in experienced riders] Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Der Unfallchirurg Abbreviated Journal Unfallchirurg
Volume 101 Issue 2 Pages (down) 122-128
Keywords Adult; Animals; Athletic Injuries/*epidemiology/etiology/surgery; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fractures, Bone/epidemiology/etiology/surgery; Germany/epidemiology; *Horses; Humans; Incidence; Male; Multiple Trauma/epidemiology/etiology/surgery; Risk Factors
Abstract A group of experienced riders who qualified for the German riding badge 9.5 years ago answered a questionnaire pertaining to injuries during jumping, dressage and cross-country riding, as well as handling the horse. During riding 69% of the persons had had 187 injuries and while handling the horse 52% had had 124 injuries. Fractures and contusions were the most-frequent injuries; most riding injuries were located in the upper extremities and shoulder while handling mainly in the hands and feet. The number of injuries was comparable in jumping, dressage or cross-country riding. The time engaged in jumping was about one-third of the other types of riding, but the injuries were more severe. While handling the horse the number of injuries relative to the time spent during the activity were higher but less complicated. No change in safety precautions had been implemented by 67% of the persons injured. The injury rate for equestrians is relatively low both in handling the horse and during riding. The frequent fractures and contusions may be reduced by following the required safety regulations.
Address Abteilung Sportmedizin, Universitat Tubingen
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language German Summary Language Original Title Reitverletzungen und Verletzungen beim Umgang mit Pferden bei erfahrenen Reitern
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0177-5537 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:9553480 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3735
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Author McGreevy, P.D.; Cripps, P.J.; French, N.P.; Green, L.E.; Nicol, C.J.
Title Management factors associated with stereotypic and redirected behaviour in the thoroughbred horse Type Journal Article
Year 1995 Publication Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 27 Issue 2 Pages (down) 86-91
Keywords Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animals; Horse Diseases/psychology/*therapy; Horses; Risk Factors; *Stereotyped Behavior; Time Factors
Abstract A greater knowledge of the effect of management factors is required to investigate the ontogeny of abnormal behaviour in the stabled horse. A postal survey of racehorse (flat) trainers yielded information about 22 yard and management factors. The relationship of the factors to the prevalence of abnormal behaviour was analysed by logistic regression. Management factors related to the time spent in the stable showed the strongest associations with stereotypic behaviour. The risk of horses performing abnormal behaviour increased: 1) as the amount of forage fell below 6.8 kg/day, 2) when bedding types other than straw were used, 3) when the total number of horses on the yard was fewer than 75, 4) in association with box designs that minimised contact between neighbouring horses, 5) when hay, rather than other types of forage, was used.
Address Department of Animal Health and Husbandry, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:7607155 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 91
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Author Candura, S.M.; Verni, P.; Minelli, C.M.; Rosso, G.L.; Cappelli, M.I.; Strambi, S.; Martellosio, V.
Title [Occupational risks among public safety and security forces] Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro ed Ergonomia Abbreviated Journal G Ital Med Lav Ergon
Volume 28 Issue 1 Pages (down) 53-62
Keywords Burnout, Professional/etiology; Climate; Health Education; Humans; *Law Enforcement; Noise/adverse effects; *Occupational Diseases/chemically induced/etiology/prevention & control; *Occupational Health; *Police; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/etiology; Stress, Psychological/etiology; Vibration/adverse effects
Abstract The present paper tries to identify the occupational risk factors (physical, chemical, biological, psychological), variable depending on jobs and tasks, to which the heterogeneous public safety/security workers are exposed. The fight against criminality and public order maintenance imply (sometimes fatal) traumatic risks, and expose to psychophysical and sensorial tiring, unfavourable macro- and microclimatic conditions, the risk of baropathy (air navigation, underwater activities), noise (generated by firearms and several other sources), vibrations and shakings (automatic weapons, transport vehicles), the risk of electric injury, ionizing (X and gamma rays) and non-inonizing (ultraviolet rays, microwaves and radiofrequencies, electromagnetic fields) radiations. Chemical hazards include carbon monoxide and other combustion products (fires, urban traffic), substances released in chemical accidents, tear gases, lead (firing grounds, metal works, environmental pollution), solvents, lubrificants and cutting oils (mechanic repair and maintenance), laboratory materials and reagents, irritant and/or sensitizing agents contained in gloves. The main biological risks are tetanus, blood-borne diseases (viral hepatitis, AIDS), aerogenous diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, Legionnaire's disease, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis), dog- or horse-transmitted zoonosis. Finally, emotional, psychosomatic and behavioural stress-related disorders (e.g., burn-out syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder) are typically frequent. The presence of numerous and diversified hazards among public safety/security forces imposes the adoption of occupational medicine measures, including risk assessment, health education, technical and environmental prevention, personal protective devices, sanitary surveillance and biological monitoring, clinical interventions (diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation of occupational accidents and illnesses), prompt medico-legal evaluation of occupational-related compensation claims.
Address Scuola di Specializzazione in Medicina del Lavoro, Universita degli Studi di Pavia, Italy
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Italian Summary Language Original Title Rischi professionali nelle Forze dell'Ordine
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1592-7830 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:16705889 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1871
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Author Kaiser, L.; Heleski, C.R.; Siegford, J.; Smith, K.A.
Title Stress-related behaviors among horses used in a therapeutic riding program Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Abbreviated Journal J Am Vet Med Assoc
Volume 228 Issue 1 Pages (down) 39-45
Keywords Adult; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Child; *Disabled Persons; Female; Horses/*psychology; Humans; Male; *Mentally Disabled Persons; Occupational Therapy/methods; Recreation; Risk Factors; Stress/*veterinary
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine whether therapeutic riding resulted in higher levels of stress or frustration for horses than did recreational riding and whether therapeutic riding with at-risk individuals was more stressful for the horses than was therapeutic riding with individuals with physical or emotional handicaps. DESIGN: Observational study. ANIMALS: 14 horses in a therapeutic riding program. PROCEDURE: An ethogram of equine behaviors was created, and horses were observed while ridden by 5 groups of riders (recreational riders, physically handicapped riders, psychologically handicapped riders, at risk children, and special education children). Number of stress-related behaviors (ears pinned back, head raised, head turned, head tossed, head shaken, head down, and defecation) was compared among groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in mean number of stress-related behaviors were found when horses were ridden by recreational riders, physically handicapped riders, psychologically handicapped riders, or special education children. However, mean number of stress-related behaviors was significantly higher when horses were ridden by the at-risk children. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that for horses in a therapeutic riding program, being ridden by physically or psychologically handicapped individuals is no more stressful for the horses than is being ridden in the same setting by recreational riders. However, at-risk children caused more stress to the horses, suggesting that the time horses are ridden by at-risk children should be limited both daily and weekly.
Address Human-Animal Bond Initiative, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-1488 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:16426164 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1879
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zeitler-Feicht, M. H.; Streit, S.; Dempfle, L.
Title Automatic feeding systems for horses in group housing systems with regard to animal welfare. Part 2: Comparison of different automatic feeding systems Type Journal Article
Year 2011 Publication Tierärztliche Praxis Großtiere Abbreviated Journal Tierärztl Prax
Volume 39 Issue G Pages (down) 33-40
Keywords Pferd, Fütterungssystem, Bauvarianten, soziale Interaktionen, Besuchshäufigkeit, Aufenthaltsdauer, Herzfrequenz, Verletzungsrisiko [Horse, feeding system, different types of construction, social interactions, visiting frequency, duration of stay, heart rate, risk of injury]
Abstract Ziel: Überprüfung der Tiergerechtheit von in der Bauweise unterschiedlichen

Futterabrufstationen für Pferde in Gruppenhaltung anhand ethologischer

und physiologischer Parameter. Material und Methoden: In 32

Offenlaufställen (452 Pferde) mit computergesteuerten Abrufstationen

für Kraftfutter und Heu erfolgten kontinuierliche Direktbeobachtungen

für je einen 24-Stunden-Tag (Tortenstückverfahren). Erfasst wurden: Aufenthaltsdauer,

Besuchshäufigkeit, Droh- und Meideverhalten im Fütterungsbereich,

Blockaden sowie Herzfrequenz und Integumentverletzungen.

Ergebnisse: Eine Durchlaufstation reduzierte die Zahl der Auseinandersetzungen

im Fütterungsbereich signifikant. Ansonsten erhöhten die

für das fressende Pferd tiergerechten Varianten (Fressstand mit Eingangssperre,

ohne Austreibehilfe) Besuchshäufigkeit und Aufenthaltsdauer und

steigerten somit auch die Anzahl an Drohgesten je Tier und Tag. Insgesamt

betrachtet kann jedoch die Anzahl an sozionegativen Interaktionen

im Fütterungsbereich der Abrufstationen als relativ gering eingestuft

werden. Die Herzfrequenz lag im Warteareal bei den meisten Pferden im

physiologischen Bereich (45,1 ± 12,42 Schläge/min), erhöhte sich jedoch

in der Abrufstation um ca. 20 Schläge/min. Einige Tiere zeigten möglicherweise

stressbedingt kurzfristig auffallend hohe Werte (&#8805; 100 Schläge/

min). Integumentverletzungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Fütterungssystem

traten nicht auf. Der wichtigste Einflussfaktor auf die Untersuchungskriterien

war der Betrieb (Fläche, Konzeption, Management).

Schlussfolgerung: Durchlaufstationen sind pferdegerechter als Rücklaufstationen.

Nicht tiergerecht sind Stationen mit stromführender Austreibehilfe.

Weitere bauliche Unterschiede der derzeitigen Futterabrufstationen

dürften eher von untergeordneter Bedeutung sein, vor allem da

Flächengebot und Konzeption der Offenstallanlage sowie das Management

die überprüften Kriterien zur Tiergerechtheit maßgeblich beeinflussen.

Untersuchungen zur Abklärung der Ursache für die vereinzelt aufgetretenen

sehr hohen Herzfrequenzwerte sollten durchgeführt werden.

Objective: Comparison with regard to animal welfare of different automatic

feeding systems for hay and concentrate in group housing systems

for horses using parameters of ethology and physiology. Material and

methods: Parameters of research comprised: duration of stay, frequency

of visit, threatening behaviour with and without risk of injury, and avoiding

behaviour as well as heart rate and injuries of the integument. 452

horses were observed at the feeding area of 32 run-out-sheds. Every group

of horses was continuously observed following the pie chart system for

24 hours. Results: The “walk-through” station significantly reduced the

number of conflicts in the feeding area, whereas those systems which are

appropriate for the feeding horses (feeding station with access barrier and

without stimulation device by electric shock) led to a higher frequency of

visits and a longer duration of stay resulting in more threatening gestures.

However, the number of negative interactions in the feeding area of the

feeding systems can all together be classified as relatively insignificant.

The heart rate was within the physiological range (45.1 ± 12.42 beats/min)

in the waiting area, but increased by approximately 20 beats/min on average

within the feeding station. Some horses showed a very high heart rate

(&#8805; 100 beats/min) while entering the feeding station, possibly stress-related.

There were no injuries of the integument associated with the feeding

systems. The most important factor of the observation criteria was the

individual group housing system with its different dimensions, conception

and management. Conclusion: “Walk-through” stations are better than

”walk-back” stations with regard to animal welfare. Likewise, automatic

feeding stations with a current-carrying stimulation device are not supportive

of good welfare. The other differences between the constructions

of feeding stations of present systems are probably of less importance, particularly

as it was shown that the stable (management, stable area, conception)

had a significant influence on the surveyed parameters. Investigations

to obtain information on the cause for the sporadic occurrence of

very high heart rate values should be undertaken.]
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5766
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Author Kraft, C.N.; Urban, N.; Ilg, A.; Wallny, T.; Scharfstadt, A.; Jager, M.; Pennekamp, P.H.
Title [Influence of the riding discipline and riding intensity on the incidence of back pain in competitive horseback riders] Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Sportverletzung Sportschaden : Organ der Gesellschaft fur Orthopadisch-Traumatologische Sportmedizin Abbreviated Journal Sportverletz Sportschaden
Volume 21 Issue 1 Pages (down) 29-33
Keywords Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Child; Female; Horses; Humans; Incidence; Low Back Pain/diagnosis/*epidemiology/etiology; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Questionnaires; Risk Factors; *Sports/physiology
Abstract INTRODUCTION: The connection between morphologic changes of the spine and the intensity of training has been assessed for a number of sport activities. The influence of horseback riding on the spine has only rarely been evaluated. The aim of our study was to evaluate to what degree horseback riders suffer from back pain and whether there is an association between this parameter and the category i. e. the intensity of horseback riding. Furthermore we wanted to judge whether riding may have a positive effect on pre-existent back pain. METHODS: 508 horseback riders (63.2 % females; 36.8 % males) competing in either dressage, showjumping or vaulting were interviewed using a questionnaire. Apart from biometric data, the intensity with which riding was performed and the localisation and intensity (VAS) of back pain was assessed. Furthermore, in the case of existing back pain, riders were asked whether different riding disciplines and paces changed the intensity of pain. RESULTS: 300 dressage riders (59.1 %), 188 showjumpers (37.0 %) and 20 vaulters (3.9 %) with an average age of 33.5 Jahre (12 – 77 years) were questioned. The incidence of back pain was 72.5 %. A significant correlation between back pain and riding discipline respectively gender or riding level could not be found. Discrepancies in VAS-score for dressage riders (3.95 +/- 0.13), show jumpers (4.10 +/- 0.16) and vaulters (3.76 +/- 0.5) were marginal and not significant (p > 0.05). Overall 58.7 % resp. 15.2 % reported to have pain in the lumbar i.e cervical spine. Despite the fact that a large fraction of dressage riders claimed to have problems in these spine areas with 57.7 % resp. 68.8 %, this finding was not significant compared to the other riding disciplines. While 61.6 % of dressage riders reported an improvement of their back pain when riding, this was only the case in 40.9 % of show jumpers. CONCLUSION: Compared to the general population, a high incidence of back pain is found among riders. A significant correlation between the intensity of riding or the riding discipline and frequency or severity of back pain could not be found. For riders with pre-existent back pain the pace “walk” seems to have a positive influence on pain intensity.
Address Klinik und Poliklinik fur Orthopadie, Heinrich-Heine-Universitat, Dusseldorf. clayton.kraft@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language German Summary Language Original Title Einfluss der Reitdisziplin und -intensitat auf die Inzidenz von Ruckenschmerzen bei Reitsportlern
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0932-0555 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:17385102 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3706
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Thompson, J.A.; Brown, S.E. 2nd; Riddle, W.T.; Seahorn, J.C.; Cohen, N.D.
Title Use of a Bayesian risk-mapping technique to estimate spatial risks for mare reproductive loss syndrome in Kentucky Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication American Journal of Veterinary Research Abbreviated Journal Am J Vet Res
Volume 66 Issue 1 Pages (down) 17-20
Keywords Abortion, Veterinary/*epidemiology; Animals; Bayes Theorem; Female; Geography; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology; Horses; Kentucky/epidemiology; Models, Statistical; Pregnancy; Risk Factors
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To estimate spatial risks associated with mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) during 2001 among horses in a specific study population and partition the herd effects into those attributable to herd location and those that were spatially random and likely attributable to herd management. Animals-Pregnant broodmares from 62 farms in 7 counties in central Kentucky. PROCEDURE: Veterinarians provided the 2001 abortion incidence proportions for each farm included in the study. Farms were georeferenced and data were analyzed by use of a fully Bayesian risk-mapping technique. RESULTS: Large farm-to-farm variation in MRLS incidence proportions was identified. The farm-to-farm variation was largely attributed to spatial location rather than to spatially random herd effects. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that there are considerable data to support an ecologic cause and potential ecologic risk factors for MRLS. Veterinary practitioners with more detailed knowledge of the ecology in the 7 counties in Kentucky that were investigated may provide additional data that would assist in the deduction of the causal factor of MRLS via informal geographic information systems analyses and suggest factors for inclusion in further investigations.
Address Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4475, USA. USA
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0002-9645 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:15691030 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2630
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bell, R.J.W.; Kingston, J.K.; Mogg, T.D.; Perkins, N.R.
Title The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication New Zealand Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal N Z Vet J
Volume 55 Issue 1 Pages (down) 13-18
Keywords Age Factors; *Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry/methods; Animals; Female; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology/pathology/prevention & control; Horses; Male; New Zealand/epidemiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*adverse effects/physiology; Poaceae; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors; Stomach Ulcer/epidemiology/pathology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Time Factors
Abstract AIM: To establish the prevalence and factors influencing the prevalence and severity of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand. METHODS: Horses (n=171) in active training for racing by trainers (n=24) located throughout New Zealand were examined using gastroscopy during 2003 and 2004. Images of the examination were recorded and reviewed, and an ordinal grade based on the severity of gastric ulceration present was assigned, using the grading system proposed by the Equine Gastric Ulcer Council (EGUC). Information about the horses such as age, breed, sex, stabling, time at pasture, pasture quality, and presence of clinical signs consistent with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) was recorded. RESULTS: Of the 171 horses in the study, 133 (78%) were Thoroughbreds and 38 (22%) were Standardbreds. Evidence of gastric ulceration was present in 151 (88.3%) of these. Prevalence of ulceration was higher at the lesser curvature (LC) and greater curvature (GC) of the stomach than at the saccus caecus (SC; p<0.01), and ulceration was more severe at the LC than at either the GC (p=0.02) or the SC (p<0.001). The prevalence of ulceration did not differ between the two breeds (p=0.51) or between horses of differing ages (p=0.56). Gastric ulceration was evident in 125/141 (89%) horses kept at pasture for at least 4 h/day, in all 13 (100%) horses kept at pasture full time, and in 16/17 (94%) horses stabled full time. Prevalence and severity of ulceration did not differ between horses stabled full time, kept at pasture for part of the day or kept at pasture full time (p=0.33 and 0.13, respectively), and for horses grazed on pasture severity of ulceration did not vary significantly with the quality of the pasture (p=0.12). Neither prevalence (p=0.26) nor severity (p=0.49) of gastric ulceration varied significantly with duration of training. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand is similar to that reported elsewhere for horses in active training for racing. Access to pasture for some or all of the day did not appear to be protective.
Address Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. robinjw@gmail.com
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-0169 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:17339911 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4020
Permanent link to this record