Records |
Author |
Boden, L.A.; Anderson, G.A.; Charles, J.A.; Morgan, K.L.; Morton, J.M.; Parkin, T.D.H.; Slocombe, R.F.; Clarke, A.F. |
Title |
Risk of fatality and causes of death of Thoroughbred horses associated with racing in Victoria, Australia: 1989-2004 |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
38 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
312-318 |
Keywords |
Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/mortality/*veterinary; *Cause of Death; Female; *Floors and Floorcoverings; Horses/*injuries; Male; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*adverse effects; Risk Factors; Running/injuries; Safety; Sports; Victoria |
Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Determining the risk of fatality of Thoroughbred horses while racing is essential to assess the impact of intervention measures designed to minimise such fatalities. OBJECTIVES: To measure the risk of racehorse fatality in jump and flat starts on racecourses in Victoria, Australia, over a 15 year period and to determine proportional mortality rates for specific causes of death. METHODS: All fatalities of Thoroughbred horses that occurred during or within 24 h of a race were identified from a database. The risk of a start resulting in a racehorse fatality in all races and within flat and jump races, proportional mortality rates, population attributable risk, population attributable fraction and risk ratios were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals. Poisson regression was also performed to estimate risk ratios. RESULTS: There were 514 fatalities over the 15 year period; 316 in flat races and 198 in jump races. The risk of fatality was 0.44 per 1000 flat starts and 8.3 per 1000 jump starts (18.9 x greater). The risk of fatality on city tracks was 1.1 per 1000 starts whereas on country tracks it was 0.57 per 1000 starts. Of the 316 fatalities in flat races, 73.4% were due to limb injury, 2.5% to cranial or vertebral injury and 19.0% were sudden deaths. Of the 198 fatalities in jump races, 68.7% were due to limb injury, 16.2% to cranial or vertebral injury and 3.5% were sudden deaths. The risk of fatality in flat starts increased between 1989 and 2004 but the risk in jump starts remained unchanged over the 15 year period. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of fatality in flat starts was lower in Victoria than North America and the UK but the risk in jump starts was greater. Catastrophic limb injury was the major reason for racehorse fatality in Victoria but there was a larger percentage of sudden deaths than has been reported overseas. The risk of fatality in jump starts remained constant over the study period despite jump racing reviews that recommended changes to hurdle and steeple races to improve safety. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study provides important benchmarks for the racing industry to monitor racetrack fatalities and evaluate intervention strategies. |
Address |
Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:16866197 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3761 |
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Author |
Peel, J.A.; Peel, M.B.; Davies, H.M.S. |
Title |
The effect of gallop training on hoof angle in thoroughbred racehorses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
Volume |
|
Issue |
36 |
Pages |
431-434 |
Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Hoof and Claw/*anatomy & histology/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; *Physical Conditioning, Animal/adverse effects/methods/physiology; Reproducibility of Results; Running/*physiology; Seasons; Toe Joint/anatomy & histology/physiology |
Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The economic impact of soundness problems in racehorses is very high and low hoof angle at the toe has been associated with a lack of soundness. However, it is not clear what environmental and management factors might contribute to a low hoof angle. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the hypothesis that the hooves of racehorses become flatter when in gallop training, as well as to determine factors contributing to this trend. METHODS: Weekly hoof measurements were taken with a hoof gauge from 45 Thoroughbred racehorses; 4 Thoroughbred show horses kept in consistent conditions and shod by the same farrier as some of the racehorses; and 6 unshod free-ranging horses. A further 15 horses were measured twice in one day to determine the repeatability of the method. RESULTS: Repeatability coefficients were 0.31 degrees for the left hoof and 0.37 degrees for the right. Racehorses in training showed a significant decrease in hoof angle over time while free ranging horses and show horses did not. Free-ranging horses had a significantly lower angle in winter (wet) compared with summer (dry) in both left (P = 0.040) and right (P = 0.017). Show horses had no significant change in hoof angle. Racehorses that had a period of rest during the experiment (n = 11) showed a decrease in hoof angle during training and an increase over their rest period for both hooves (P = 0.005 for the left hoof, P = 0.0009 for the right). CONCLUSIONS: Training for fast exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses is associated with a reduction in hoof angle and wet pasture conditions may also be associated with a reduced hoof angle in free-ranging horses. Potential relevance: Gallop exercise has a potentially large effect on hoof angle and therefore, a change in angle should be expected to occur in racehorses starting fast exercise work. Hence management of horses with abnormally low hoof angles may require an adaptation to their training regime in order to minimise this effect. |
Address |
Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia |
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PMID:17402461 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4006 |
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Author |
Gomez Alvarez, C.B.; Rhodin, M.; Bobber, M.F.; Meyer, H.; Weishaupt, M.A.; Johnston, C.; Van Weeren, P.R. |
Title |
The effect of head and neck position on the thoracolumbar kinematics in the unridden horse |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
Volume |
|
Issue |
36 |
Pages |
445-451 |
Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Head/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiology; Male; Neck/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/physiology; Posture/*physiology; Sports; Thoracic Vertebrae/physiology; Weight-Bearing |
Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: In many equestrian activities a specific position of head and/or neck is required that is dissimilar to the natural position. There is controversy about the effects of these positions on locomotion pattern, but few quantitative data are available. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effects of 5 different head and neck positions on thoracolumbar kinematics of the horse. METHODS: Kinematics of 7 high level dressage horses were measured walking and trotting on an instrumented treadmill with the head and neck in the following positions: HNP2 = neck raised, bridge of the nose in front of the vertical; HNP3 = as HNP2 with bridge of the nose behind the vertical; HNP4 = head and neck lowered, nose behind the vertical; HNP5 = head and neck in extreme high position; HNP6 = head and neck forward and downward. HNP1 was a speed-matched control (head and neck unrestrained). RESULTS: The head and neck positions affected only the flexion-extension motion. The positions in which the neck was extended (HNP2, 3, 5) increased extension in the anterior thoracic region, but increased flexion in the posterior thoracic and lumbar region. For HNP4 the pattern was the opposite. Positions 2, 3 and 5 reduced the flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) while HNP4 increased it. HNP5 was the only position that negatively affected intravertebral pattern symmetry and reduced hindlimb protraction. The stride length was significantly reduced at walk in positions 2, 3, 4 and 5. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant influence of head/neck position on back kinematics. Elevated head and neck induce extension in the thoracic region and flexion in the lumbar region; besides reducing the sagittal range of motion. Lowered head and neck produces the opposite. A very high position of the head and neck seems to disturb normal kinematics. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study provides quantitative data on the effect of head/neck positions on thoracolumbar motion and may help in discussions on the ethical acceptability of some training methods. |
Address |
Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands |
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PMID:17402464 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3702 |
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Author |
Clayton, H.M.; Lanovaz, J.L.; Schamhardt, H.C.; van Wessum, R. |
Title |
The effects of a rider's mass on ground reaction forces and fetlock kinematics at the trot |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1999 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
Volume |
30 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
218-221 |
Keywords |
Animals; Body Weight; Computer Simulation; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Stress, Mechanical; Weight-Bearing/*physiology |
Abstract |
Ground reaction force (GRF) measurements are often normalised to body mass to facilitate inter-individual comparisons. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of a rider on the GRFs and fetlock joint kinematics of trotting horses. The subjects were 5 dressage-trained horses and 3 experienced dressage riders. Ground reaction force measurements and sagittal view videotapes were recorded as the horses trotted at the same velocity in hand (3.49 +/- 0.52 m/s) and with a rider (3.49 +/- 0.46 m/s). Data were time-normalised to stance duration. Ground reaction force measurements were expressed in absolute terms and normalised to the system mass (horse or horse plus rider). All the horses showed changes in the same direction when comparing the ridden condition with the in-hand condition. There was an increase in the absolute peak vertical GRFs of the fore- and hindlimbs with a rider. However, the mass-normalised peak vertical GRFs were lower for the ridden condition, with the peak occurring later in the forelimbs and earlier in the hindlimbs compared with the inhand condition. Maximal fetlock angle and its time of occurrence were similar for the 2 conditions, but the fore fetlock joint was more extended during the later part of the stance phase in ridden horses. The presence of a rider appeared to affect the GRFs and fetlock joint kinematics differently in the fore- and hindlimbs, and the ridden horse did not seem to be equivalent to a proportionately larger horse. This should be considered when normalising for body mass in studies comparing horses in hand and ridden horses. |
Address |
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1314, USA |
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English |
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PMID:10659255 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3733 |
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Author |
Golland, L.C.; Evans, D.L.; McGowan, C.M.; Hodgson, D.R.; Rose, R.J. |
Title |
The effects of overtraining on blood volumes in standardbred racehorses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2003 |
Publication |
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997) |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet J |
Volume |
165 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
228-233 |
Keywords |
Animals; *Blood Volume; Erythrocytes/*physiology; Hematocrit/veterinary; Horse Diseases/etiology/*physiopathology; Horses; Male; *Physical Conditioning, Animal; Physical Endurance |
Abstract |
Red blood cell hypervolaemia has been used for diagnosis of overtraining in racehorses, and has been suggested as a mechanism of this cause of loss of racing performance. The effects of overload training (OLT) on the plasma, blood and red cell volumes were investigated in a prospective study in 12 Standardbred horses. Measurements of blood volumes were made after eight and 32 weeks of an exercise training study. Horses were randomly allocated to OLT and control groups (n=6) after 16 weeks of training. Training duration and intensity were increased more rapidly for the OLT group from week 16, until overtraining was diagnosed in week 32.There were no significant effects of OLT on plasma, blood or total red cell volumes between weeks eight and 32. These volumes significantly decreased with time. Maximal haematocrit after exercise was lower (P<0.05) in the OT group in week 32 (0.57+/-0.003% L/L) than in week eight (0.59+/-0.004 L/L). It was concluded that red cell hypervolaemia was not a mechanism for the decrease in capacity for exercise that occurs with overtraining. |
Address |
Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia |
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English |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1090-0233 |
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Notes |
PMID:12672368 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4045 |
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Author |
Robert, C.; Valette, J.P.; Denoix, J.M. |
Title |
The effects of treadmill inclination and speed on the activity of three trunk muscles in the trotting horse |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2001 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
33 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
466-472 |
Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Electromyography/methods/veterinary; Exercise Test/veterinary; Gait/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Muscle, Skeletal/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Rectus Abdominis/physiology; Time Factors |
Abstract |
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of speed and slope on the activity of trunk muscles. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the splenius (Sp), longissimus dorsi (LD) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles was recorded with surface electrodes during treadmill locomotion at trot for different combinations of speed (3.5 to 6 m/s) and slope (0 to 6%). Raw EMG signals were processed to determine activity duration, onset and end and integrated EMG (IEMG). For the 3 muscles investigated, onset and end of activity were obtained earlier in the stride cycle when speed increased. A longer duration of activity for the LD, a shorter duration for the RA and an unchanged duration for the Sp were also observed. The IEMG of the latter was poorly affected by speed, whereas it increased linearly with speed for the 2 other muscles. When treadmill inclination changed from 0 to 6%, EMG activity of the LD and RA began and ended later; a longer activity duration was noted. Temporal parameters for Sp did not change with slope. A significant and progressive increase in the IEMG of the 3 muscles was observed with increasing slope. This evaluation of the activity of trunk muscles provides objective data for the use of speed or slope in training programmes. |
Address |
UMR INRA-DGER, Biomecanique et Pathalogie Locomotrice du Cheval, UP Anatomie, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France |
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English |
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0425-1644 |
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Notes |
PMID:11558741 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4052 |
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Author |
Clayton, H.M. |
Title |
The extended canter: a comparison of some kinematic variables in horses trained for dressage and for racing |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1993 |
Publication |
Acta Anatomica |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acta Anat (Basel) |
Volume |
146 |
Issue |
2-3 |
Pages |
183-187 |
Keywords |
Animal Husbandry; Animals; *Gait; Horses/*physiology; *Physical Conditioning, Animal; *Sports |
Abstract |
This study was designed to test the hypothesis that there is no significant difference in selected temporal and linear stride variables of the extended canter in horses bred and trained for dressage or racing. Nine advanced-level dressage horses and 7 Thoroughbred racehorses were filmed at a frame rate of 200 Hz at an extended canter on a sand track. Two strides were recorded per trial, and each horse performed 6 or 7 trials. Temporal and linear data were determined from the films, and descriptive statistics (mean, SD) were calculated. Strides were selected for analysis on the basis of having a velocity in the range of 6.0-7.0 m/s, and multivariate analysis of variance was used to detect significant differences in the stride kinematics of horses trained for the two sports (p < or = 0.01). The average velocity of the dressage horses was 6.37 m/s, compared with 6.40 m/s for the racehorses. There were no significant differences between the two groups in velocity, stride duration, stride length or the distances between limb placements. The stance durations of all four limbs and the overlaps between them were longer, whereas the duration of the suspension phase was shorter in the dressage horses than in the racehorses (p < or = 0.01). The time between impacts of the diagonal limb pair was close to zero in both groups, with individual horses showing some variability in the order of placement of the diagonal limb pair. However, the sequence of footfalls was not significantly different between the two groups (p < or = 0.01). |
Address |
Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada |
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English |
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ISSN |
0001-5180 |
ISBN |
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Notes |
PMID:8470464 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3751 |
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Author |
Schaer, B.L.D.; Ryan, C.T.; Boston, R.C.; Nunamaker, D.M. |
Title |
The horse-racetrack interface: a preliminary study on the effect of shoeing on impact trauma using a novel wireless data acquisition system |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
38 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
664-670 |
Keywords |
Animals; Equipment and Supplies/veterinary; Forelimb/injuries/physiology; Hindlimb/injuries/physiology; Hoof and Claw/*physiology; Horses/*injuries/*physiology; Locomotion/physiology; Muscle, Skeletal/injuries/*physiology; *Musculoskeletal Physiology; Musculoskeletal System/*injuries; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Risk Factors; Running/physiology; Shoes |
Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is a need to determine accelerations acting on the equine hoof under field conditions in order to better assess the risks for orthopaedic health associated with shoeing practices and/or surface conditions. OBJECTIVES: To measure the acceleration profiles generated in Thoroughbred racehorses exercising at high speeds over dirt racetracks and specifically to evaluate the effect of a toe grab shoe compared to a flat racing plate, using a newly developed wireless data acquisition system (WDAS). METHODS: Four Thoroughbred racehorses in training and racing were used. Based on previous trials, each horse served as its own control for speed trials, with shoe type as variable. Horses were evaluated at speeds ranging from 12.0-17.3 m/sec. Impact accelerations, acceleration on break over and take-off, and temporal stride parameters were calculated. Impact injury scores were also determined, using peak accelerations and the time over which they occurred. RESULTS: Recorded accelerations for the resultant vector (all horses all speeds) calculated from triaxial accelerometers ranged 96.3-251.1 g, depending on the phase of the impact event. An association was observed between shoe type and change in acceleration in individual horses, with 2 horses having increased g on initial impact with toe grab shoes in place. In the final impact phase, one horse had an increase of 110 g while wearing toe grab shoes. Increased accelerations were also observed on break over in 2 horses while wearing toe grab shoes. CONCLUSIONS: Shoe type may change impact accelerations significantly in an individual horse and could represent increased risk for injury. Further work is needed to determine if trends exist across a population. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The WDAS could be used for performance evaluation in individual horses to evaluate any component of the horse-performance surface interface, with the goal of minimising risk and optimising performance. |
Address |
Richard S. Reynolds Jr. Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA |
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English |
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0425-1644 |
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Notes |
PMID:17228583 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4024 |
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Author |
McGreevy, P.D.; French, N.P.; Nicol, C.J. |
Title |
The prevalence of abnormal behaviours in dressage, eventing and endurance horses in relation to stabling |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1995 |
Publication |
The Veterinary record |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet. Rec. |
Volume |
137 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
36-37 |
Keywords |
Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Horse Diseases/*psychology; Horses; *Physical Conditioning, Animal; Prevalence; Questionnaires; *Stereotyped Behavior |
Abstract |
The behaviour of horses competing in different disciplines was studied and the relationship between the time they spent out of the stable and the prevalence of abnormal behaviour was examined. The owners of dressage, eventing and endurance horses were sent a questionnaire and a total of 1101 responses were received, giving data on 1750 horses. The behaviours studied were wood-chewing, weaving, crib-biting/wind-sucking and box-walking. The reported percentage prevalences of abnormal behaviour for the dressage, eventing and endurance horses were 32.5, 30.8 and 19.5, respectively. The relationship between the time spent in the stable and the prevalence of abnormal behaviour was examined by chi 2 tests which showed that there were significant linear trends for the eventing group (P < 0.001) and the dressage group (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the time a horse spends out of the stable is related to the discipline for which it is being trained and in dressage and eventing horses the time spent in a stable is correlated with an increased risk of abnormal behaviour. |
Address |
University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford |
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English |
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ISSN |
0042-4900 |
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PMID:8525580 |
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no |
Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
89 |
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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 |
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 |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0048-0169 |
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Notes |
PMID:17339911 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4020 |
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