First microscopic and molecular parasitological survey of Strongylus vulgaris in Brazilian ponies / Primeiro levantamento parasitológico microscópico e molecular de Strongylus vulgaris em pôneis brasileiros

The frequency of gastrointestinal parasites with an emphasis on Strongylus vulgaris was investigated among the Brazilian Pony breed kept on farms in the municipality of Teresópolis, state of Rio de Janeiro. Fecal samples were collected in three stud farms: A (n= 22 animals), B (n= 3), and C (n= 2). Fecal samples were subjected to the quantitative Mini-FLOTAC technique, using three different solutions, and to qualitative techniques. The parasite prevalence was found to be 81.4%. Eggs from strongylids were identified in 74% of the ponies. Eggs of Parascaris spp. were detected in 22.7% of the animals, which were all females of farm A. At this locality, mares were kept with their foals in fenced paddocks all the time. The NaCl solution of d = 1.200 g/ml was generally the one that presented the highest frequency of diagnosis of nematode eggs and the highest mean of fecal eggs per gram. The fecal samples were also subjected to the polymerase chain reaction for amplification of DNA from the ITS2 region for Strongylus vulgaris. Twelve samples presented nucleotide sequences for S. vulgaris. In the end, this study revealed the high frequency (96.3%) of S. vulgaris among ponies on farms in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(AU)

A frequência de parasitos gastrointestinais, com ênfase na pesquisa de Strongylus vulgaris, foi investigada entre os Pôneis Brasileiros criados em haras na cidade de Teresópolis, no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Amostras fecais foram coletadas em três haras: A (n=22 animais), B (n=3) e C (n=2). Amostras fecais foram submetidas à técnica quantitativa de Mini-FLOTAC utilizando três diferentes soluções e técnicas qualitativas. A prevalência de parasitos foi de 81,4%. Ovos de estrôngilos foram identificados em 74% dos pôneis. Ovos de Parascaris spp. foram detectados em 22,7% dos animais, sendo todos fêmeas do haras A. Nesta propriedade, as éguas eram mantidas com os pôneis em piquetes cercados durante todo o tempo. A solução de NaCl, com densidade de 1.200 g/ml, foi a que apresentou a maior frequência diagnóstica de ovos de nematoides e a maior contagem de ovos por grama de fezes. As amostras também foram submetidas à reação de polimerase em cadeia para amplificar DNA da região ITS2 de Strongylus vulgaris. Doze amostras fecais apresentaram sequências nucleotídicas de S. vulgaris. Ao final, este estudo demonstrou a alta frequência (96.3%) de S. vulgaris em pôneis mantidos em haras na cidade de Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(AU)

Type III atresia coli with underdeveloped colon and hydroperitoneum in a newborn foal / Atresia coli tipo III com subdesenvolvimento de cólon e hidroperitôneo em neonato equino

A 48-hour-old mixed breed pony colt was referred to the hospital because of abdominal discomfort, weak suckling reflex and prostration. During clinical investigation, supportive and symptomatic treatments were necessary, and an abdominal radiography was performed revealing a large intestine filled with feces and large amounts of gas, in addition to free fluid in the cavity. After 3 days of treatment, the foal had not yet defecated, thus exploratory abdominal surgery was indicated, but the owners declined. Therefore, the foal was humanly euthanized. Post-mortem examination revealed complete absence of the pelvic flexure. Subsequent portions of the dorsal, transverse and small colons were intensely reduced. In addition, at the abdominal cavity there was 850 ml of yellowish translucent liquid. These findings are compatible with hydroperitoneum and type III atresia coli at the pelvic flexure, associated with underdevelopment of the dorsal, transverse and small colons.(AU)

Um pônei mestiço de 48 horas de vida foi encaminhado ao hospital para avaliação por desconforto abdominal, diminuição do reflexo de sucção e prostração. Durante a investigação clínica, tratamentos de suporte e sintomáticos foram necessários, e radiografia abdominal foi realizada revelando cólon maior repleto de fezes e grandes quantidades de gás, além de fluido livre na cavidade. Após três dias de tratamento, o potro ainda não havia defecado, sendo a laparotomia exploratória indicada, mas os proprietários recusaram. Portanto, o potro foi humanamente eutanasiado. O exame post-mortem revelou ausência completa da flexura pélvica. Porções subseqüentes dos cólons dorsal, cólon transverso e cólon menor se apresentaram intensamente reduzidas. Além disso, na cavidade abdominal havia 850 ml de líquido translúcido amarelado. Esses achados são compatíveis com o hidroperitônio e a atresia coli tipo III na flexura pélvica, associados ao subdesenvolvimento dos cólons dorsal, transverso e menor.(AU)

Effect of plasma separation techniques and sperm selection on sperm recovery and viability of cooled pony stallion semen for 48h at 5°C / [Efeito das técnicas de separação de plasma e de seleção de esperma na recuperação e viabilidade do sêmen de garanhão pônei resfriado por 48h a 5°C]

Separation techniques of seminal plasma [centrifugation (SC) and Sperm Filter® (SF)] and sperm selection [Androcoll-E (SCA) and filtration glass wool (GW)] were used in 24 ejaculates from 6 stallions. In experiment 1, the ejaculates were allocated into control (no spin), centrifugation at 600 g x 10min, SF and GW. In experiment 2, semen was submitted to SC, SGA and filtered through GW. Following the treatments in both experiments, samples were kept chilled at 5°C to 50 x 106 sperm/ml for 48h. The variables measured on fresh and cooling semen were pH, motility, membrane viability function by 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide (CFDA / PI), viability or vitality (eosin / nigrosine) and mitochondrial activity. In experiment 1, centrifugation to remove seminal plasma resulted in greater damage to sperm than separation by sperm filter, and selection by glass wool was more efficient in separating viable cells and maintaining viability during cooling. In experiment 2 Androcoll-E and glass wool treatments resulted in higher (P <0.0001) motility, membrane function, mitochondrial activity, and viability than centrifuged semen. Both selection by Androcoll- E and glass wool improved the quality of semen pony stallions for preservation for up to 48h to 5ºC.(AU)

As técnicas de separação do plasma seminal (centrifugação, SpermFilter) e de seleção espermática (Androcoll-E e filtração por lã de vidro) foram aplicadas em 24 ejaculados de seis garanhões da raça Pônei Brasileiro. Após coleta e separação da fração gel, os ejaculados foram diluídos 1:1 com diluente à base de leite em pó. No experimento 1, os ejaculados foram distribuídos em controle (sem centrifugação), centrifugação a 600g x 10min, SpermFilter e filtração por lã de vidro. No experimento 2, o sêmen foi submetido aos procedimentos: centrifugado (SC), centrifugado com Androcoll-E e filtrado por lã de vidro. Após os procedimentos de ambos os experimentos, as amostras foram mantidas refrigeradas a 5ºC, com 50 x 106 espermatozoides/mL, por 48h. As variáveis mensuradas a fresco, 24h e 48h foram: pH, motilidade, funcionalidade de membrana, viabilidade por diacetato de carboxifluoresceína e iodeto de propídio (CFDA/PI, vitalidade (eosina/nigrosina) e atividade mitocondrial. Já osmolaridade e morfologia espermática foram avaliadas somente imediatamente após a coleta. No experimento 1, a centrifugação para retirada do plasma seminal resultou em maiores danos aos espermatozoides do que a separação por SpermFilter. A filtração por lã de vidro mostrou-se mais eficiente em separar células viáveis e manter a viabilidade durante o resfriamento. No experimento 2, os tratamentos com Androcoll-E e filtrado por lã de vidro foram superiores (P<0,0001) ao sêmen centrifugado quanto à motilidade, à funcionalidade de membrana, à atividade mitocondrial e à viabilidade, tanto nas amostras de sêmen fresco como de sêmen refrigerado. O Androcoll-E e a lã de vidro permitiram manter por 48h, a 5ºC, o sêmen de garanhões pôneis utilizando-se diluente à base de leite.(AU)

Colocefalectomia para o tratamento de fratura fisária da cabeça do fêmur em pônei / Colocephalectomy for the treatment of capital physeal fracture of the femoral head in pony

Background: Femoral capital physeal fractures occur in young animals and are generally associated with trauma. They have apoor prognosis and surgical therapy is the most indicated. There are few studies describing surgical treatment and postoperative results, so the objective of the present report was to present the first case in Brazil of a colocefalectomy for the treatmentof femoral capital physeal fracture in a young pony, the post-surgical and the results obtained with the technique employed.Case: An 18-month-old pony, male, not castrated, , weighing 136 kg was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the FederalUniversity of Paraná (HV-UFPR) with a history of trauma for 4 days. On physical examination, the animal presented lamenessgrade 5 of the right pelvic limb, shortening and lateral deviation of the limb, crackling and painful sensation on abduction, andslight atrophy of the gluteal muscles on the affected side. In the radiographic examination, a femoral capital physeal fracturewas found in the oblique ventro-dorsal projection. Once the diagnosis was performed, a colocefalectomy was realized, as thepatient is a light and short horse. The patient underwent general anesthesia and was placed in the left lateral position. The accessto the coxofemoral joint was made through the lateral face of the right hindlimb. The muscles of the region were incised anddeviated, so a partial myotomy was performed in the deep gluteal and vastus lateralis. This procedure allowed to visualize thefracture, where the head of the femur remained congruent to the acetabulum. A hammer and a curved osteotome were usedto section the round ligament, allowing the dislocation of the femoral head and with the aid of an oscillating orthopedic sawwas performed the femoral neck ostectomy. Previously to the synthesis of the muscular planes and the skin, a passive tubular...

Colocefalectomia para o tratamento de fratura fisária da cabeça do fêmur em pônei / Colocephalectomy for the treatment of capital physeal fracture of the femoral head in pony

Background: Femoral capital physeal fractures occur in young animals and are generally associated with trauma. They have apoor prognosis and surgical therapy is the most indicated. There are few studies describing surgical treatment and postoperative results, so the objective of the present report was to present the first case in Brazil of a colocefalectomy for the treatmentof femoral capital physeal fracture in a young pony, the post-surgical and the results obtained with the technique employed.Case: An 18-month-old pony, male, not castrated, , weighing 136 kg was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the FederalUniversity of Paraná (HV-UFPR) with a history of trauma for 4 days. On physical examination, the animal presented lamenessgrade 5 of the right pelvic limb, shortening and lateral deviation of the limb, crackling and painful sensation on abduction, andslight atrophy of the gluteal muscles on the affected side. In the radiographic examination, a femoral capital physeal fracturewas found in the oblique ventro-dorsal projection. Once the diagnosis was performed, a colocefalectomy was realized, as thepatient is a light and short horse. The patient underwent general anesthesia and was placed in the left lateral position. The accessto the coxofemoral joint was made through the lateral face of the right hindlimb. The muscles of the region were incised anddeviated, so a partial myotomy was performed in the deep gluteal and vastus lateralis. This procedure allowed to visualize thefracture, where the head of the femur remained congruent to the acetabulum. A hammer and a curved osteotome were usedto section the round ligament, allowing the dislocation of the femoral head and with the aid of an oscillating orthopedic sawwas performed the femoral neck ostectomy. Previously to the synthesis of the muscular planes and the skin, a passive tubular...(AU)

Miniature horse training (Equus caballus) for use in equine assisted therapy, according to Equine Learning Theory / Treinamento de cavalos miniatura (Equus caballus) para utilização em terapia assistida por equinos, segundo a Teoria do Aprendizado Equino

Successful and safe Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) relies on proper horse training. Two inexperienced trainers applied Equine Learning Theory on three miniature horses destined for use in EAT, under the supervision of an experienced horse trainer. This six-month program included the following tasks: halter placement (catch) and corporal contact acceptation (brush), limb suspension for hoof cleaning (hoof), halter leading (lead), step back (back off), whip acceptation as an extension of the trainers arm (whip move), corporal and verbal cues for circular movement (lunging), and inhibition of the undesired behavior of biting (dont bite).  At each training session, the horse was scored for each task, ranging from 0 (not able to perform) to 4 (ideal performance). Tasks taught exclusively based on negative reinforcement (lead, back off and whip move) responded well to training, while training of those behaviors taught by a combination of association with negative reinforcement (lunging) or with punishment (dont bite) was not effective. Negative reinforcement alone was not enough to maintain the desired behavior once it was performed in hoof. No significative improvements were achieved on tasks that were already accepted by all (brush) or most (catch) of the animals.

O sucesso e a segurança da Terapia Assistida por Equinos (TAE) dependemdo treinamento adequado dos animais envolvidos. Duas treinadoras inexperientes aplicaram, sob supervisão de um treinador experiente, a Teoria do Aprendizado Equino em três cavalos miniatura destinados ao uso em TAE. O protocolo de treinamento aplicado por 6 meses incluiu: colocação do cabresto (pegar), aceitação do contato corporal (escovar), suspensão dos membros para higiene (casco), condução pelo cabresto (condução), recuar (recuar), aceitação do chicote como uma extensão do braço da treinadora (chicote), comandos verbais e corporais para o movimento em círculos (guia) e inibição do comportamento indesejado de morder (não morder). A cada sessão, cada cavalo recebeu um escore pela realização de cada tarefa, variando entre 0 (não executou) e 4 (desempenho ideal). Tarefas cujo aprendizado dependeu exclusivamente de reforço negativo (condução, recuar e chicote) responderam ao treinamento, ao contrário daquelas que dependeram da combinação de associação com reforço negativo (guia) ou com punição (não morder). O reforço negativo por si só não foi suficiente para a manutenção do comportamento desejado em casco. Nenhuma melhora significativa foi obtida nas tarefas que já eram aceitas por todos (escovar) ou pela maioria (pegar) dos animais.

Miniature horse training (Equus caballus) for use in equine assisted therapy, according to Equine Learning Theory / Treinamento de cavalos miniatura (Equus caballus) para utilização em terapia assistida por equinos, segundo a Teoria do Aprendizado Equino

Successful and safe Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) relies on proper horse training. Two inexperienced trainers applied Equine Learning Theory on three miniature horses destined for use in EAT, under the supervision of an experienced horse trainer. This six-month program included the following tasks: halter placement (catch) and corporal contact acceptation (brush), limb suspension for hoof cleaning (hoof), halter leading (lead), step back (back off), whip acceptation as an extension of the trainers arm (whip move), corporal and verbal cues for circular movement (lunging), and inhibition of the undesired behavior of biting (dont bite).  At each training session, the horse was scored for each task, ranging from 0 (not able to perform) to 4 (ideal performance). Tasks taught exclusively based on negative reinforcement (lead, back off and whip move) responded well to training, while training of those behaviors taught by a combination of association with negative reinforcement (lunging) or with punishment (dont bite) was not effective. Negative reinforcement alone was not enough to maintain the desired behavior once it was performed in hoof. No significative improvements were achieved on tasks that were already accepted by all (brush) or most (catch) of the animals.(AU)

O sucesso e a segurança da Terapia Assistida por Equinos (TAE) dependemdo treinamento adequado dos animais envolvidos. Duas treinadoras inexperientes aplicaram, sob supervisão de um treinador experiente, a Teoria do Aprendizado Equino em três cavalos miniatura destinados ao uso em TAE. O protocolo de treinamento aplicado por 6 meses incluiu: colocação do cabresto (pegar), aceitação do contato corporal (escovar), suspensão dos membros para higiene (casco), condução pelo cabresto (condução), recuar (recuar), aceitação do chicote como uma extensão do braço da treinadora (chicote), comandos verbais e corporais para o movimento em círculos (guia) e inibição do comportamento indesejado de morder (não morder). A cada sessão, cada cavalo recebeu um escore pela realização de cada tarefa, variando entre 0 (não executou) e 4 (desempenho ideal). Tarefas cujo aprendizado dependeu exclusivamente de reforço negativo (condução, recuar e chicote) responderam ao treinamento, ao contrário daquelas que dependeram da combinação de associação com reforço negativo (guia) ou com punição (não morder). O reforço negativo por si só não foi suficiente para a manutenção do comportamento desejado em casco. Nenhuma melhora significativa foi obtida nas tarefas que já eram aceitas por todos (escovar) ou pela maioria (pegar) dos animais.(AU)

Sodium bicarbonate and HEPES as buffer components for cooling the semen of pony stallions / Bicarbonato de sódio e HEPES como tampões para o resfrigeração de sêmen de pôneis

The composition of semen diluents can modify its viability during cooling. The buffering effects of HEPES and sodium bicarbonate were evaluated considering the pH and sperm viability. The semen of seven adult Brazilian ponies was evaluated before and after cooling at 5o C for 24 h and 48 h. A non-buffered skim milk powder extender (C) and the same extender buffered with sodium bicarbonate (SB) and HEPES (H) were used. After dilution, semen (three ejaculates/pony) was centrifuged and the seminal plasma discarded. Sperm was then diluted with SB, H or C and its concentration adjusted to 50 x 106 sptz/mL. Progressive motility evaluated after dilution showed similar results with all extenders (71.42% (SB), 74.28% (H), and 74.52% (C)). Sperm motility was evaluated 24 h and 48 h after cooling for SB (44.76% and 25.23%), H (51.42% and 38.09%) and C (54.05% and 41.66%, respectively). Plasma membrane integrity was similar after exposure to the three extenders (62.71% (SB), 68.76% (H), and 69.23% (C)). Mitochondrial activity was higher in SB immediately after dilution (SB= 1.05nm, H= 0.81nm, C= 0.79nm), and after 24 h (0.83nm (SB), 0.73nm (H) and 0.64nm (C)). After 48 h, the mitochondrial activity decreased to 0.72nm (SB), 0.69nm (H), and 0.63nm (C) (P > 0.05). The pH, osmolarity and pH after 48 h of cooling of the diluted semen were higher in SB (8; 382; 7.9), intermediate in H (7.5; 362; 7.32) and lower in C (7.16; 350; 7.07). Lipid peroxidation and its induction were similar in all groups. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Duncan’s test was used to evaluate the significant differences (P < 0.05). Sodium bicarbonate reduced the progressive motility and increased the semen pH. The extender C was considered more appropriate for immediate use in artificial insemination. The non-buffered and HEPES-buffered extenders were considered appropriate for the cooling of equine semen for 48 h at 5°C.

A composição dos diluentes de sêmen pode modificar sua viabilidade durante o processo de resfriamento. O efeito de tamponamento do HEPES e Bicarbonato de Sódio foi avaliado considerando o pH e a viabilidade espermática. Sete pôneis brasileiros adultos tiveram seu sêmen avaliado antes e após a refrigeração a 5°C durante 24 h e 48 h. Um diluente de leite em pó desnatado não tamponado (C) e um diluente tamponado com bicarbonato de sódio (SB) ou HEPES (H) foram utilizados. Após a diluição, o sêmen (três ejaculados/ pônei) foi centrifugado e o sobrenadante foi descartado. O sêmen foi então diluído com SB, H ou C e a concentração ajustada para 50 x 106 espermatozoides/mL. A motilidade progressiva avaliada após a diluição apresentou resultados similares para todos os diluentes (71,42% (SB), 74,28% (H), 74,52% (C)). A motilidade espermática foi avaliada 24 h e 48 h após o resfriamento, respectivamente, para SB (44,76%, 25,23%), H (51,42%, 38,09%) e C (54,05%, 41,66%). A integridade da membrana plasmática foi semelhante após a exposição aos três diluentes (62,71% (SB), 68,76% (H), 69,23% (C)). A atividade mitocondrial após a diluição foi maior em SB (SB = 1.05nm, H = 0.81nm, C = 0.79nm) e após 24 h foi 0.83nm (SB), 0.73nm (H) e 0.64nm (C). A atividade mitocondrial após 48 h diminuiu para 0.72nm (SB), 0.69nm (H) e 0.63nm (C) (P > 0.05). O pH, a osmolaridade e o pH do sêmen diluído após as 48 h de refrigeração foram maiores em SB (8; 382; 7,9), intermediário em H (7,5; 362; 7,32) e menor em C (7,16; 350; 7,07). A peroxidação lipídica e sua indução foram semelhantes em todos os grupos. As médias foram avaliadas através de análise de variância (ANOVA) e o Teste Duncan foi utilizado para analisar as diferenças significativas (P < 0.05). O bicarbonato de sódio reduziu a motilidade progressiva e aumentou o pH do sêmen. O diluente C foi considerado mais adequado para uso imediato na inseminação artificial...

Sodium bicarbonate and HEPES as buffer components for cooling the semen of pony stallions / Bicarbonato de sódio e HEPES como tampões para o resfrigeração de sêmen de pôneis

The composition of semen diluents can modify its viability during cooling. The buffering effects of HEPES and sodium bicarbonate were evaluated considering the pH and sperm viability. The semen of seven adult Brazilian ponies was evaluated before and after cooling at 5o C for 24 h and 48 h. A non-buffered skim milk powder extender (C) and the same extender buffered with sodium bicarbonate (SB) and HEPES (H) were used. After dilution, semen (three ejaculates/pony) was centrifuged and the seminal plasma discarded. Sperm was then diluted with SB, H or C and its concentration adjusted to 50 x 106 sptz/mL. Progressive motility evaluated after dilution showed similar results with all extenders (71.42% (SB), 74.28% (H), and 74.52% (C)). Sperm motility was evaluated 24 h and 48 h after cooling for SB (44.76% and 25.23%), H (51.42% and 38.09%) and C (54.05% and 41.66%, respectively). Plasma membrane integrity was similar after exposure to the three extenders (62.71% (SB), 68.76% (H), and 69.23% (C)). Mitochondrial activity was higher in SB immediately after dilution (SB= 1.05nm, H= 0.81nm, C= 0.79nm), and after 24 h (0.83nm (SB), 0.73nm (H) and 0.64nm (C)). After 48 h, the mitochondrial activity decreased to 0.72nm (SB), 0.69nm (H), and 0.63nm (C) (P > 0.05). The pH, osmolarity and pH after 48 h of cooling of the diluted semen were higher in SB (8; 382; 7.9), intermediate in H (7.5; 362; 7.32) and lower in C (7.16; 350; 7.07). Lipid peroxidation and its induction were similar in all groups. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Duncans test was used to evaluate the significant differences (P < 0.05). Sodium bicarbonate reduced the progressive motility and increased the semen pH. The extender C was considered more appropriate for immediate use in artificial insemination. The non-buffered and HEPES-buffered extenders were considered appropriate for the cooling of equine semen for 48 h at 5°C.(AU)

A composição dos diluentes de sêmen pode modificar sua viabilidade durante o processo de resfriamento. O efeito de tamponamento do HEPES e Bicarbonato de Sódio foi avaliado considerando o pH e a viabilidade espermática. Sete pôneis brasileiros adultos tiveram seu sêmen avaliado antes e após a refrigeração a 5°C durante 24 h e 48 h. Um diluente de leite em pó desnatado não tamponado (C) e um diluente tamponado com bicarbonato de sódio (SB) ou HEPES (H) foram utilizados. Após a diluição, o sêmen (três ejaculados/ pônei) foi centrifugado e o sobrenadante foi descartado. O sêmen foi então diluído com SB, H ou C e a concentração ajustada para 50 x 106 espermatozoides/mL. A motilidade progressiva avaliada após a diluição apresentou resultados similares para todos os diluentes (71,42% (SB), 74,28% (H), 74,52% (C)). A motilidade espermática foi avaliada 24 h e 48 h após o resfriamento, respectivamente, para SB (44,76%, 25,23%), H (51,42%, 38,09%) e C (54,05%, 41,66%). A integridade da membrana plasmática foi semelhante após a exposição aos três diluentes (62,71% (SB), 68,76% (H), 69,23% (C)). A atividade mitocondrial após a diluição foi maior em SB (SB = 1.05nm, H = 0.81nm, C = 0.79nm) e após 24 h foi 0.83nm (SB), 0.73nm (H) e 0.64nm (C). A atividade mitocondrial após 48 h diminuiu para 0.72nm (SB), 0.69nm (H) e 0.63nm (C) (P > 0.05). O pH, a osmolaridade e o pH do sêmen diluído após as 48 h de refrigeração foram maiores em SB (8; 382; 7,9), intermediário em H (7,5; 362; 7,32) e menor em C (7,16; 350; 7,07). A peroxidação lipídica e sua indução foram semelhantes em todos os grupos. As médias foram avaliadas através de análise de variância (ANOVA) e o Teste Duncan foi utilizado para analisar as diferenças significativas (P < 0.05). O bicarbonato de sódio reduziu a motilidade progressiva e aumentou o pH do sêmen. O diluente C foi considerado mais adequado para uso imediato na inseminação artificial...(AU)

Relation between type and local of orthopedic injuries with physical activity in horses

ABSTRACT: Equine sport modalities influence the prevalence and predisposition of musculoskeletal injuries in horses. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of location and type of orthopedic injuries of horses undergoing various physical activities. Data from 116 horses of different breeds and ages was analyzed. Physical activities included dressage, racing, polo pony, jumping, work and western performance. All horses had history of orthopedic lameness diagnosed by radiographs and/or ultrasound scans. The effect of sport on the affected anatomical site and type of lesion was performed using Fisher's exact test. Desmitis was more prevalent in animals that performed western sports than in the working ones. The number of fractures was greater in racing and polo pony animals than in working horses. Stifle lesions were more prevalent in dressage horses than working horses and had lower occurrence of shoulder injuries than jumping horses. Hind limb tendon injuries were lower in jumping than in dressage and western horses. We conclude that there is a relationship between location and type of injury and physical activities. In racing horses there is a predominance of young animals and higher prevalence of orthopedic injuries from traumatic events such as tendonitis, desmitis and fractures. In physical activities that require longer training and that animals were used for longer periods, eg. jumping, polo pony, dressage and work, age-related degenerative, such as joint disease, were predominant. In western sport animals the most common lesion was desmitis. Regarding limbs, forelimb injures were more often observed in racing horses, polo pony, jumping and working animals; whereas, dressage and Western sports horses presented more injuries in hind limbs.

RESUMO: As modalidades esportivas influenciam a prevalência e predisposição de lesões musculoesqueléticas em cavalos. Objetivou-se avaliar a prevalência do local e tipo de lesões ortopédicas de cavalos submetidos a diversas atividades físicas. Foram avaliados 116 prontuários de equinos de adestramento, corrida, polo, salto, trabalho e Western, de raças e idades variadas, com histórico de claudicação e confirmação do diagnóstico por radiografia ou ultrassonografia da lesão ortopédica. O efeito da atividade física sobre o sítio anatômico afetado e tipo de lesão foi avaliado pelo teste Exato de Fisher. A desmite foi mais prevalente em animais de Western quando comparada com animais de trabalho. Fratura foi maior em Corrida e Polo comparado com Salto; e maior em Corrida comparado com Trabalho. As alterações fêmoro-tíbio-patelares foram mais prevalentes em adestramento do que trabalho e estes apresentaram menor ocorrência de lesões de articulação escápulo-umeral que os de salto. As lesões tendíneas de membros pélvicos foram menos prevalentes nos animais de salto do que nos de adestramento e Western. Conclui-se que há uma relação entre local e tipo de lesão com as atividades físicas. No turfe, há um predomínio de animais jovens e maior prevalência de lesões ortopédicas provenientes de eventos traumáticos, como tendinite, desmites e fraturas. Em atividades físicas que requerem um treinamento mais prolongado e que os animais são usados por mais tempo, como os de salto, polo, adestramento e trabalho, predominam lesões degenerativas relacionadas à idade, como doença articular. Em animais de Western, predominam as desmites. Quanto à porcentagem das injúrias ortopédicas distribuídas pelos membros, preponderam alterações em membros torácicos nos animais de turfe, polo, salto e trabalho e nos membros pélvicos nos animais de adestramento e de Western.

Viability of Pony Stallion Semen in Different Temperature and Dilution

Background: Artificial insemination and transport of cooled semen has been routinely used in equine industry in the past 20 years. However, more investigations are needed regarding the methods for long time storage in pony stallion semen. The effect of dilution and cooling temperature on pH, sperm motility, membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity were investigated before and after cooling of stallion semen.Materials, Methods & Results: Two ejaculates each from nine Brazilian ponies were diluted in a nonbuffered powder milk extender cooled at 5C or 15C for 48 h using three different dilutions (1:1, 1:2 or 1:3). Data were assessed by analysis of variance and the rate comparison was performed using the Duncan test. Samples diluted 1:1 at 5oC or 15C showed higher pH values (7.63 ± 0.34 e 7.57 ± 0.27) and lower progressive motility (10.3 ± 11.05, 17.08 ± 9.95). All samples cooled at 15C also showed lower incidence of morphologically altered spermatozoa (1:1 = 55.84%; 1:2 = 51.84%; 1:3 = 49.95%) [P 0.01]. Mitochondrial activity was higher on the 1:3 dilution (0.86 ± 0.19 nm) at 5C and on the 1:1 (0.89 ± 0.23 nm), 1:2 (0.93 ± 0.2 nm) and 1:3 (0.92 ± 0.2 nm) dilutions at 15C. Progressive motility was higher when semen was diluted 1:3 and cooled at 15C (42.22 ± 12.38; P 0.05). Considering mitochondrial activity, similar results were observed when different dil

Relation between type and local of orthopedic injuries with physical activity in horses / Relação do tipo e local de lesões ortopédicas com a atividade física em equinos

Equine sport modalities influence the prevalence and predisposition of musculoskeletal injuries in horses. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of location and type of orthopedic injuries of horses undergoing various physical activities. Data from 116 horses of different breeds and ages was analyzed. Physical activities included dressage, racing, polo pony, jumping, work and western performance. All horses had history of orthopedic lameness diagnosed by radiographs and/or ultrasound scans. The effect of sport on the affected anatomical site and type of lesion was performed using Fisher's exact test. Desmitis was more prevalent in animals that performed western sports than in the working ones. The number of fractures was greater in racing and polo pony animals than in working horses. Stifle lesions were more prevalent in dressage horses than working horses and had lower occurrence of shoulder injuries than jumping horses. Hind limb tendon injuries were lower in jumping than in dressage and western horses. We conclude that there is a relationship between location and type of injury and physical activities. In racing horses there is a predominance of young animals and higher prevalence of orthopedic injuries from traumatic events such as tendonitis, desmitis and fractures. In physical activities that require longer training and that animals were used for longer periods, eg. jumping, polo pony, dressage and work, age-related degenerative, such as joint disease, were predominant. In western sport animals the most common lesion was desmitis. Regarding limbs, forelimb injures were more often observed in racing horses, polo pony, jumping and working animals; whereas, dressage and Western sports horses presented more injuries in hind limbs.

As modalidades esportivas influenciam a prevalência e predisposição de lesões musculoesqueléticas em cavalos. Objetivou-se avaliar a prevalência do local e tipo de lesões ortopédicas de cavalos submetidos a diversas atividades físicas. Foram avaliados 116 prontuários de equinos de adestramento, corrida, polo, salto, trabalho e Western, de raças e idades variadas, com histórico de claudicação e confirmação do diagnóstico por radiografia ou ultrassonografia da lesão ortopédica. O efeito da atividade física sobre o sítio anatômico afetado e tipo de lesão foi avaliado pelo teste Exato de Fisher. A desmite foi mais prevalente em animais de Western quando comparada com animais de trabalho. Fratura foi maior em Corrida e Polo comparado com Salto; e maior em Corrida comparado com Trabalho. As alterações fêmoro-tíbio-patelares foram mais prevalentes em adestramento do que trabalho e estes apresentaram menor ocorrência de lesões de articulação escápulo-umeral que os de salto. As lesões tendíneas de membros pélvicos foram menos prevalentes nos animais de salto do que nos de adestramento e Western. Conclui-se que há uma relação entre local e tipo de lesão com as atividades físicas. No turfe, há um predomínio de animais jovens e maior prevalência de lesões ortopédicas provenientes de eventos traumáticos, como tendinite, desmites e fraturas. Em atividades físicas que requerem um treinamento mais prolongado e que os animais são usados por mais tempo, como os de salto, polo, adestramento e trabalho, predominam lesões degenerativas relacionadas à idade, como doença articular. Em animais de Western, predominam as desmites. Quanto à porcentagem das injúrias ortopédicas distribuídas pelos membros, preponderam alterações em membros torácicos nos animais de turfe, polo, salto e trabalho e nos membros pélvicos nos animais de adestramento e de Western.

Viability of Equine Semen Stored in a Polyethylene System for Transport for Eight Hours

Background: Equine semen storage and shipment, being it colled or frozen, allows the veterinarian to direct matings, providing the use of genetically superior stallions, which are mostly located in breeding stations or training centers. Achieving good pregnancy rates depends, beyond the moment of artificial insemination (AI), on factors related to the semen cooling, such as: system used for transport, cooling rate, final storage temperature, storage time and individual variation among stallions, such as age and resistance to cooling. Based on these aspects, this experiment was conducted in order to test a polyethylene system to ship equine semen.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 ejaculates from five stallions with known fertility were used. The stallions aged between 6 to 14 years old, being three Thoroughbred and two Miniature Pony horse. The ejaculates were collected twice a week using a Hannover artificial vagina. After each collection, the semen sample was macroscopically evaluated for appearance, color and smell. A semen sample was used to evaluate the parameters of total motility, vigor and concentration, being these last three parameters assessed by counting 100 sperm cells for analysis. These analysis were performed using an optical microscope, being the concentration taken with a Neubauer chamber after dilution of 1:20 (semen: citrate formol). Subsequentl

Relation between type and local of orthopedic injuries with physical activity in horses / Relação do tipo e local de lesões ortopédicas com a atividade física em equinos

Equine sport modalities influence the prevalence and predisposition of musculoskeletal injuries in horses. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of location and type of orthopedic injuries of horses undergoing various physical activities. Data from 116 horses of different breeds and ages was analyzed. Physical activities included dressage, racing, polo pony, jumping, work and western performance. All horses had history of orthopedic lameness diagnosed by radiographs and/or ultrasound scans. The effect of sport on the affected anatomical site and type of lesion was performed using Fisher's exact test. Desmitis was more prevalent in animals that performed western sports than in the working ones. The number of fractures was greater in racing and polo pony animals than in working horses. Stifle lesions were more prevalent in dressage horses than working horses and had lower occurrence of shoulder injuries than jumping horses. Hind limb tendon injuries were lower in jumping than in dressage and western horses. We conclude that there is a relationship between location and type of injury and physical activities. In racing horses there is a predominance of young animals and higher prevalence of orthopedic injuries from traumatic events such as tendonitis, desmitis and fractures. In physical activities that require longer training and that animals were used for longer periods, eg. jumping, polo pony, dressage and work, age-related degenerative, such as joint disease, were predominant. In western sport animals the most common lesion was desmitis. Regarding limbs, forelimb injures were more often observed in racing horses, polo pony, jumping and working animals; whereas, dressage and Western sports horses presented more injuries in hind limbs. (AU)

As modalidades esportivas influenciam a prevalência e predisposição de lesões musculoesqueléticas em cavalos. Objetivou-se avaliar a prevalência do local e tipo de lesões ortopédicas de cavalos submetidos a diversas atividades físicas. Foram avaliados 116 prontuários de equinos de adestramento, corrida, polo, salto, trabalho e Western, de raças e idades variadas, com histórico de claudicação e confirmação do diagnóstico por radiografia ou ultrassonografia da lesão ortopédica. O efeito da atividade física sobre o sítio anatômico afetado e tipo de lesão foi avaliado pelo teste Exato de Fisher. A desmite foi mais prevalente em animais de Western quando comparada com animais de trabalho. Fratura foi maior em Corrida e Polo comparado com Salto; e maior em Corrida comparado com Trabalho. As alterações fêmoro-tíbio-patelares foram mais prevalentes em adestramento do que trabalho e estes apresentaram menor ocorrência de lesões de articulação escápulo-umeral que os de salto. As lesões tendíneas de membros pélvicos foram menos prevalentes nos animais de salto do que nos de adestramento e Western. Conclui-se que há uma relação entre local e tipo de lesão com as atividades físicas. No turfe, há um predomínio de animais jovens e maior prevalência de lesões ortopédicas provenientes de eventos traumáticos, como tendinite, desmites e fraturas. Em atividades físicas que requerem um treinamento mais prolongado e que os animais são usados por mais tempo, como os de salto, polo, adestramento e trabalho, predominam lesões degenerativas relacionadas à idade, como doença articular. Em animais de Western, predominam as desmites. Quanto à porcentagem das injúrias ortopédicas distribuídas pelos membros, preponderam alterações em membros torácicos nos animais de turfe, polo, salto e trabalho e nos membros pélvicos nos animais de adestramento e de Western. (AU)

Distocia em égua pônei (mini horse) Relato de caso / Dystocia in pony mare (mini horse) Caso report

A criação de pôneis em miniatura tem crescido em todo o mundo. No entanto, existe falta de informações sobre os padrões reprodutivos da raça, sobre a reprodução seletiva e ocorra a consangüinidade. E um dos problemas reprodutivos comuns é a ocorrência de distocia. Nesse aspecto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de cessariana em uma fêmea minihorse com quadro de distocia e morte fetal. Foi atendido pelo setor de Clínica e Cirurgia de Grandes animais do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Cruz Alta RS, uma fêmea égua pônei (mini horse) com nove anos de idade, com mais de seis horas de trabalho do parto, com quadro de distocia, feto morto. Haviam sido realizadas manobras obstétricas sem sucessos pelo médico veterinário que atendeu o animal anteriormente. No hospital, decidiu-se pela cesariana emergencial pelo fato do feto estar morto e passado um longo período sem expulsá-lo. O protocolo anestésico utilizado foi infusão com Quetamina e Isofluorano e O2 100%, e durante a cirurgia foi feito uma dose de antibiótico (Ceftriaxona). A técnica cirúrgica seguiu-se a metodologia descrita por Bresciani et al. (2001). Após o procedimento a fêmea se recuperou bem. (AU)

The creation of miniature ponies has grown all over the world. However, there is a lack of information on the breed's reproductive patterns, on selective breeding, and on consanguinity. And one of the common reproductive problems is the occurrence of dystocia. In this aspect, the present work aims to report a case of cephalalgia in a female minihorse with dystocia and fetal death. It was attended by the Clinic and Surgery Department of Great Animals of the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Cruz Alta -RS, a female mare (mini horse) with nine years of age, with more than six hours of labor, with dystocia, Dead fetus. Obstetric maneuvers had been performed without success by the veterinarian who previously attended the animal. In the hospital, the emergency cesarean was decided by the fact that the fetus was dead and spent a long period without expelling it. The anesthetic protocol used was infusion with Ketamine and Isofluorane and 100% O2, and during the surgery a dose of antibiotic (Ceftriaxone). (AU)

Viability of pony stallion semen in different temperature and dilution

Background: Artificial insemination and transport of cooled semen has been routinely used in equine industry in the past 20 years. However, more investigations are needed regarding the methods for long time storage in pony stallion semen. The effect of dilution and cooling temperature on pH, sperm motility, membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity were investigated before and after cooling of stallion semen.Materials, Methods & Results: Two ejaculates each from nine Brazilian ponies were diluted in a nonbuffered powder milk extender cooled at 5°C or 15°C for 48 h using three different dilutions (1:1, 1:2 or 1:3). Data were assessed by analysis of variance and the rate comparison was performed using the Duncan test. Samples diluted 1:1 at 5o C or 15°C showed higher pH values (7.63 ± 0.34 e 7.57 ± 0.27) and lower progressive motility (10.3 ± 11.05, 17.08 ± 9.95). All samples cooled at 15°C also showed lower incidence of morphologically altered spermatozoa (1:1 = 55.84%; 1:2 = 51.84%; 1:3 = 49.95%) [P 0.05) despite time and temperature. The pH, progressive motility, mitochondrial activity and membrane integrity remained similar (P > 0.05) on fresh semen samples independent of the dilution grade used. The best results were obtained when semen was diluted 1:3 and cooled at 15°C. All dilution grades were safe for fresh semen and pH wasincreased when semen was diluted and cooled for 48 h.[...]

Viability of pony stallion semen in different temperature and dilution

Background: Artificial insemination and transport of cooled semen has been routinely used in equine industry in the past 20 years. However, more investigations are needed regarding the methods for long time storage in pony stallion semen. The effect of dilution and cooling temperature on pH, sperm motility, membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity were investigated before and after cooling of stallion semen.Materials, Methods & Results: Two ejaculates each from nine Brazilian ponies were diluted in a nonbuffered powder milk extender cooled at 5°C or 15°C for 48 h using three different dilutions (1:1, 1:2 or 1:3). Data were assessed by analysis of variance and the rate comparison was performed using the Duncan test. Samples diluted 1:1 at 5o C or 15°C showed higher pH values (7.63 ± 0.34 e 7.57 ± 0.27) and lower progressive motility (10.3 ± 11.05, 17.08 ± 9.95). All samples cooled at 15°C also showed lower incidence of morphologically altered spermatozoa (1:1 = 55.84%; 1:2 = 51.84%; 1:3 = 49.95%) [P < 0.01]. Mitochondrial activity was higher on the 1:3 dilution (0.86 ± 0.19 nm) at 5°C and on the 1:1 (0.89 ± 0.23 nm), 1:2 (0.93 ± 0.2 nm) and 1:3 (0.92 ± 0.2 nm) dilutions at 15°C. Progressive motility was higher when semen was diluted 1:3 and cooled at 15°C (42.22 ± 12.38; P < 0.05). Considering mitochondrial activity, similar results were observed when different dilutions of semen were used (P > 0.05) despite time and temperature. The pH, progressive motility, mitochondrial activity and membrane integrity remained similar (P > 0.05) on fresh semen samples independent of the dilution grade used. The best results were obtained when semen was diluted 1:3 and cooled at 15°C. All dilution grades were safe for fresh semen and pH wasincreased when semen was diluted and cooled for 48 h.[...](AU)

Distocia em égua pônei (mini horse) – Relato de caso / Dystocia in pony mare (mini horse) – Caso report

A criação de pôneis em miniatura tem crescido em todo o mundo. No entanto, existe falta de informações sobre os padrões reprodutivos da raça, sobre a reprodução seletiva e ocorra a consangüinidade. E um dos problemas reprodutivos comuns é a ocorrência de distocia. Nesse aspecto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de cessariana em uma fêmea minihorse com quadro de distocia e morte fetal. Foi atendido pelo setor de Clínica e Cirurgia de Grandes animais do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Cruz Alta – RS, uma fêmea égua pônei (mini horse) com nove anos de idade, com mais de seis horas de trabalho do parto, com quadro de distocia, feto morto. Haviam sido realizadas manobras obstétricas sem sucessos pelo médico veterinário que atendeu o animal anteriormente. No hospital, decidiu-se pela cesariana emergencial pelo fato do feto estar morto e passado um longo período sem expulsá-lo. O protocolo anestésico utilizado foi infusão com Quetamina e Isofluorano e O2 100%, e durante a cirurgia foi feito uma dose de antibiótico (Ceftriaxona). A técnica cirúrgica seguiu-se a metodologia descrita por Bresciani et al. (2001). Após o procedimento a fêmea se recuperou bem.

The creation of miniature ponies has grown all over the world. However, there is a lack of information on the breed's reproductive patterns, on selective breeding, and on consanguinity. And one of the common reproductive problems is the occurrence of dystocia. In this aspect, the present work aims to report a case of cephalalgia in a female minihorse with dystocia and fetal death. It was attended by the Clinic and Surgery Department of Great Animals of the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Cruz Alta -RS, a female mare (mini horse) with nine years of age, with more than six hours of labor, with dystocia, Dead fetus. Obstetric maneuvers had been performed without success by the veterinarian who previously attended the animal. In the hospital, the emergency cesarean was decided by the fact that the fetus was dead and spent a long period without expelling it. The anesthetic protocol used was infusion with Ketamine and Isofluorane and 100% O2, and during the surgery a dose of antibiotic (Ceftriaxone).

Viability of equine semen stored in a polyethylene system for transport for eight hours / Viabilidade do sêmen equino armazenado em sistema de polietileno para transporte por oito horas

Background: Equine semen storage and shipment, being it colled or frozen, allows the veterinarian to direct matings, providing the use of genetically superior stallions, which are mostly located in breeding stations or training centers. Achieving good pregnancy rates depends, beyond the moment of artificial insemination (AI), on factors related to the semen cooling, such as: system used for transport, cooling rate, final storage temperature, storage time and individual variation among stallions, such as age and resistance to cooling. Based on these aspects, this experiment was conducted in order to test a polyethylene system to ship equine semen. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 ejaculates from five stallions with known fertility were used. The stallions aged between 6 to 14 years old, being three Thoroughbred and two Miniature Pony horse. The ejaculates were collected twice a week using a Hannover artificial vagina. After each collection, the semen sample was macroscopically evaluated for appearance, color and smell. A semen sample was used to evaluate the parameters of total motility, vigor and concentration, being these last three parameters assessed by counting 100 sperm cells for analysis. These analysis were performed using an optical microscope, being the concentration taken with a Neubauer chamber after dilution of 1:20 (semen: citrate formol). Subsequently to this, the semen was diluted 1+1 (diluent+semen) with skim UHT milk, and divided into four aliquots of equal volume, yielding a total of four groups. In the control group (GC) the semen was analyzed immediately after dilution (zero h - 0-h). Samples from other groups were stored for eight h (8-h) in three different devices: Equitainer® (GE), BotuFLEX® (GB) or Polyethylene System - Cooled (SP) and non-Cooled (SPN). [...]

Viability of equine semen stored in a polyethylene system for transport for eight hours / Viabilidade do sêmen equino armazenado em sistema de polietileno para transporte por oito horas

Background: Equine semen storage and shipment, being it colled or frozen, allows the veterinarian to direct matings, providing the use of genetically superior stallions, which are mostly located in breeding stations or training centers. Achieving good pregnancy rates depends, beyond the moment of artificial insemination (AI), on factors related to the semen cooling, such as: system used for transport, cooling rate, final storage temperature, storage time and individual variation among stallions, such as age and resistance to cooling. Based on these aspects, this experiment was conducted in order to test a polyethylene system to ship equine semen. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 ejaculates from five stallions with known fertility were used. The stallions aged between 6 to 14 years old, being three Thoroughbred and two Miniature Pony horse. The ejaculates were collected twice a week using a Hannover artificial vagina. After each collection, the semen sample was macroscopically evaluated for appearance, color and smell. A semen sample was used to evaluate the parameters of total motility, vigor and concentration, being these last three parameters assessed by counting 100 sperm cells for analysis. These analysis were performed using an optical microscope, being the concentration taken with a Neubauer chamber after dilution of 1:20 (semen: citrate formol). Subsequently to this, the semen was diluted 1+1 (diluent+semen) with skim UHT milk, and divided into four aliquots of equal volume, yielding a total of four groups. In the control group (GC) the semen was analyzed immediately after dilution (zero h - 0-h). Samples from other groups were stored for eight h (8-h) in three different devices: Equitainer® (GE), BotuFLEX® (GB) or Polyethylene System - Cooled (SP) and non-Cooled (SPN). [...](AU)