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Author |
Candura, S.M.; Verni, P.; Minelli, C.M.; Rosso, G.L.; Cappelli, M.I.; Strambi, S.; Martellosio, V. |
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Title |
[Occupational risks among public safety and security forces] |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro ed Ergonomia |
Abbreviated Journal |
G Ital Med Lav Ergon |
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Volume |
28 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
53-62 |
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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 |
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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. |
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Address |
Scuola di Specializzazione in Medicina del Lavoro, Universita degli Studi di Pavia, Italy |
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Language |
Italian |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
Rischi professionali nelle Forze dell'Ordine |
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ISSN |
1592-7830 |
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Notes |
PMID:16705889 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1871 |
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Author |
Ionita, J.C.; Poncet, P.A.; Doherr, M.G.; Steiger, A. |
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Title |
[Evaluation of the quality of husbandry of Franches-Montagnes horses in their breeding farms] |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde |
Abbreviated Journal |
Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd |
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Volume |
148 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
191-197 |
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Keywords |
Animal Husbandry/methods/*standards/statistics & numerical data; *Animal Welfare; Animals; Breeding/*methods/standards; Female; Floors and Floorcoverings; Horses/*physiology; Housing, Animal/*standards; Male; Poaceae; Questionnaires; Social Behavior; Switzerland |
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Abstract |
The quality of husbandry of Franches-Montagnes horses (FM) in Switzerland is evaluated on the basis of an investigation carried out in 2002 by the Swiss FM breeding federation. Questionnaires were sent to 3500 of its members and the results include data from 968 breeding enterprises, housing a total of 3965 FM: 46.1% were breeding mares (61.0% with foal at foot), 26.5% young stock, 1.3% stallions and 26.0% non breeding stock (74.6% of which were pleasure horses and 25.4% working horses). 57.6% of the FM were housed in individual boxes with or without permanent outdoor access, 25.4% were hold in groups with or without permanent outdoor access, the remaining 17.0% were kept in standing stalls. 95.0% of the FM had at least visual contact with other equines and 99.2% had sufficient light in their stable. 88.1% were stabled on long stalk straw, while only 4.3% were bedded on other materials other than straw. The average time spent at pasture per horse and per week ranged from 96.5 +/- 51.6 hours in summer to 27.2 +/- 26.7 hours in winter. On average, a FM is used for 8.3 +/- 6.5 hours per week. Horses with an paddock at their disposal spend an average of 39.8 +/- 45.9 hours there per week. |
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Address |
Chirurgische Tierklinik, Universitat Leipzig |
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French |
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Original Title |
Les conditions de detention des chevaux de race franches-montagnes dans leurs exploitations d'elevage |
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ISSN |
0036-7281 |
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Notes |
PMID:16703760 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1872 |
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Author |
Poncet, P.A.; Ionita, J.C.; Doherr, M.G.; Steiger, A. |
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Title |
[The influence of the socio-economic structure of the breeding farms of Franches-Montagnes horses on the conditions of husbandry] |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde |
Abbreviated Journal |
Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd |
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Volume |
148 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
183-189 |
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Keywords |
Altitude; Animal Husbandry/methods/*standards; Animals; Breeding/*economics/standards; Demography; Female; Horses/*physiology; Housing, Animal/*standards; Male; Physical Conditioning, Animal/methods/*physiology; Questionnaires; Social Behavior; Socioeconomic Factors; Switzerland |
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Abstract |
The socio-economic structure of the breeding farms of Franches-Montagnes horses (FM) in Switzerland is evaluated on the basis of an investigation carried out in 2002 by the Swiss FM breeding federation. Questionnaires were sent to 3500 of its members and the results include data from 968 breeding enterprises, housing a total of 3965 FM. The quality of the husbandry of FM varies according to factors such as the altitude and the geographical situation of the farms and studs. Socio-economic parameters, such as the role of FM in the business, their use (breeding, driving, riding) and the age and level of professional education of the owners may also have an effect on standards of husbandry. The results show that the owners for whom FM represent a source of income more frequently keep their horses in standing stalls, but give them more time to exercise at liberty than the horses belonging to amateur breeders. Younger and better educated breeders are more likely to house their animals in groups. |
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Address |
Haras national suisse, Avenches |
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Language |
French |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
L'influence de la structure socio-economique des exploitations d'elevage de chevaux de race franches-montagnes sur les conditions de detention |
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ISSN |
0036-7281 |
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Notes |
PMID:16703759 |
Approved |
no |
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Serial |
1873 |
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Author |
Christie, J.L.; Hewson, C.J.; Riley, C.B.; McNiven, M.A.; Dohoo, I.R.; Bate, L.A. |
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Title |
Management factors affecting stereotypies and body condition score in nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
The Canadian Veterinary Journal. La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne |
Abbreviated Journal |
Can Vet J |
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Volume |
47 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
136-143 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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English |
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ISSN |
0008-5286 |
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Notes |
PMID:16579039 |
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no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1875 |
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Author |
Lin, Y.-L.; Moolenaar, H.; van Weeren, P.R.; van de Lest, C.H.A. |
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Title |
Effect of microcurrent electrical tissue stimulation on equine tenocytes in culture |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
American Journal of Veterinary Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Am J Vet Res |
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Volume |
67 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
271-276 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Electric Stimulation; *Horses; Tendons/*cytology |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of microcurrent electrical tissue stimulation (METS) on equine tenocytes cultured from the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). SAMPLE POPULATION: SDFTs were collected from 20 horses at slaughter. PROCEDURE: Tenocytes were isolated following outgrowth from explants and grown in 48-well plates. Four methods of delivering current to the tenocytes with a METS device were tested. Once the optimal method was selected, current consisting of 0 (negative control), 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mA was applied to cells (8 wells/current intensity) once daily for 8 minutes. Cells were treated for 1, 2, or 3 days. Cell proliferation, DNA content, protein content, and apoptosis rate were determined. RESULTS: Application of microcurrent of moderate intensity increased cell proliferation and DNA content, with greater increases with multiple versus single application. Application of microcurrent of moderate intensity once or twice increased protein content, but application 3 times decreased protein content. Application of current a single time did not significantly alter apoptosis rate; however, application twice or 3 times resulted in significant increases in apoptosis rate, and there were significant linear (second order) correlations between current intensity and apoptosis rate when current was applied twice or 3 times. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study indicate that microcurrent affects the behavior of equine tenocytes in culture, but that effects may be negative or positive depending on current intensity and number of applications. Therefore, results are far from conclusive with respect to the suitability of using METS to promote tendon healing in horses. |
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Address |
Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands |
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English |
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ISSN |
0002-9645 |
ISBN |
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Notes |
PMID:16454632 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1878 |
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Author |
Kaiser, L.; Heleski, C.R.; Siegford, J.; Smith, K.A. |
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Title |
Stress-related behaviors among horses used in a therapeutic riding program |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Am Vet Med Assoc |
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Volume |
228 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
39-45 |
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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 |
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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. |
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Address |
Human-Animal Bond Initiative, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA |
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English |
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ISSN |
0003-1488 |
ISBN |
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Notes |
PMID:16426164 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1879 |
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Author |
Kaiser, L.; Smith, K.A.; Heleski, C.R.; Spence, L.J. |
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Title |
Effects of a therapeutic riding program on at-risk and special education children |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Am Vet Med Assoc |
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Volume |
228 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
46-52 |
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Keywords |
Adolescent; Anger; Animals; *Bonding, Human-Pet; Child; Child Behavior; *Child Psychology; Disabled Persons/*psychology/rehabilitation; Female; Horses; Humans; Mainstreaming (Education); Male; Mothers/*psychology; Occupational Therapy/*methods; Recreation; Self Efficacy; Sports/*psychology |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a therapeutic riding program on psychosocial measurements among children considered at risk for poor performance or failure in school or life and among children in special education programs. DESIGN: Observational study. POPULATION: 17 at-risk children (6 boys and 11 girls) and 14 special education children (7 boys and 7 girls). PROCEDURE: For the at-risk children, anger, anxiety, perceived self-competence, and physical coordination were assessed. For the special education children, anger and cheerfulness were measured, and the children's and their mothers' perceptions of the children's behavior were assessed. Measurements were made before and after an 8-session therapeutic riding program. RESULTS: For boys enrolled in the special education program, anger was significantly decreased after completion of the riding program. The boys' mothers also perceived significant improvements in their children's behavior after completion of the program. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that an 8-session therapeutic riding program can significantly decrease anger in adolescent boys in a special education program and positively affect their mothers' perception of the boys' behavior. |
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Address |
Human-Animal Bond Initiative, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA |
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English |
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ISSN |
0003-1488 |
ISBN |
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Notes |
PMID:16426165 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1880 |
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Author |
Bannasch, D.; Rinaldo, C.; Millon, L.; Latson, K.; Spangler, T.; Hubberty, S.; Galuppo, L.; Lowenstine, L. |
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Title |
SRY negative 64,XX intersex phenotype in an American saddlebred horse |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2007 |
Publication |
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997) |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet J |
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Volume |
173 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
437-439 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Female; Genitalia/abnormalities; Hermaphroditism/*veterinary; Horse Diseases/*diagnosis/genetics; Horses/*genetics/*physiology; Karyotyping; Phenotype; Sex Differentiation; Sex Differentiation Disorders/diagnosis/veterinary; Sex-Determining Region Y Protein/genetics/*metabolism |
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Abstract |
A female American saddlebred horse was presented for surgical correction of a possible pseudohermaphrodite condition. The horse had abnormal external genitalia and exhibited stallion-like behaviour. No evidence of uterine or ovarian tissue was identified on laparoscopic examination, but hypoplastic testicular-like tissue was removed, although this was found to contain no spermatogonia upon histopathological examination. A karyotype was performed and showed the normal chromosomal complement for a female horse (64,XX). Polymerase chain reaction to detect the SRY gene was negative in peripheral blood as well as the testicular-like tissue. This case represents the first report of an SRY negative XX-male sex reversal intersex phenotype, which is a potentially inherited condition, in an American saddlebred horse. |
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Address |
Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. dlbannasch@ucdavis.edu |
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English |
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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 |
1090-0233 |
ISBN |
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Notes |
PMID:16386440 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1882 |
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Author |
Mejdell, C.M.; Simensen, E.; Boe, K.E. |
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Title |
Is snow a sufficient source of water for horses kept outdoors in winter? A case report |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acta Vet Scand |
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Volume |
46 |
Issue |
1-2 |
Pages |
19-22 |
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Keywords |
Animals; *Drinking Behavior; *Horses; Norway; Osmolar Concentration; Snow; *Thirst; *Water Supply |
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Abstract |
Due to extreme weather conditions, a flock of outwintered Icelandic horses had to manage for several days on snow as the source of free water. They were fed grass silage ad lib, and any change in feed consumption was not observed. After nine days, blood samples were taken and analysed for plasma osmolality, they were subjected to a simple clinical examination, and offered drinking water. Osmolality levels were within normal limits and mean value did not differ significantly from samples which previously were taken of the same individuals. The general condition of the horses was normal, with no signs of clinical dehydration or disease. The horses showed very little interest for the offered drinking water. This suggests that in cold winter weather, horses being fed grass silage and adjusted to eat snow, can manage for several days with snow substituting liquid water without their physiology and welfare being challenged. |
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Address |
National Centre for Veterinary Contract Research and Commercial Services, Ltd |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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ISSN |
0044-605X |
ISBN |
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Notes |
PMID:16108209 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1886 |
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| Permanent link to this record |
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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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Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK. joy.pritchard@bristol.ac.uk |
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English |
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0167-5877 |
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PMID:15907574 |
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1889 |
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