Fecal microbiome and functional prediction profiles of horses with and without crib-biting behavior: A comparative study.

Crib-biting is a stereotyped oral behavior with poorly understood etiology and pathophysiology. The relationship between the gut microbiome and brain function has been described in behavioral disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety in humans. In horses, studies of behavioral problems and the microbiome are very limited. This study aimed to characterize the fecal microbiome and the predicted functional profile of horses with and without aerophagia. Fecal samples were collected from 12 Colombian Creole Horses of both sexes, divided into two groups: group 1, composed of six horses with crib-biting (3 females and 3 males), average body weight of 330 ± 10 kg, age of 7.0 ± 1.2 years and body condition score (BCS) of 5/9 ± 1 and group 2, consisting of six horses without crib-biting (3 females and 3 males), average body weight of 335 ± 5 kg, age 6.5 ± 1 years and BCS of 6/9 ± 1. From each horse in both groups fecal total DNA was obtained and 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons were sequenced to characterize the bacterial community structure. Community structure and differential abundance analyses revealed significant differences between the two conditions (p < 0.05). Specifically, the fecal microbiota at the family level in crib-biting horses, showing a decrease in Bacteroidales and an increase in Bacillota and Clostridia, differed from that of healthy horses without crib-biting, consistent with findings from previous studies. Furthermore, metagenome prediction suggests metabolic profile changes in bacterial communities between both conditions in horses. Further studies are required to validate the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the etiology of crib-biting and other abnormal and stereotyped behaviors.

Gastroscopic characterisation and prevalence of gastric ulcer syndrome in working mules in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The existing literature does not contain information about the prevalence of gastric ulcers in mules, and on the potential associations between the presence of ulcers and work load, work type, diet, sex, age and body condition score (BCS). OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with mule gastric ulcer syndrome (MGUS) and evaluate its distribution in both mule squamous gastric disease (MSGD) and mule glandular gastric disease (MGGD) mucosa in a population of mules in Colombia. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, cross-sectional. METHODS: A total of 97 clinically healthy mules of different ages and locations in the province of Antioquia (Colombia) were included in this study. The mules were involved in agricultural activities (i.e., riding, pack and ranch mules) at the time of the study. The animals underwent gastroscopic evaluation, and ulcer scores from 0 to 4 were assigned based on severity, with scores ≥2 indicating clinical relevance. The presence or absence of ulcer in the squamous and/or glandular region of the stomach was recorded. Data related to work type, work load and diet, as well as sex, age and BCS were recorded for each mule. Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine the association between the outcomes and explanatory variables of the study (p ≤ 0.05). The results of the risk estimations were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The frequency of MGUS in the study population was 42%. Most of the lesions were located in the squamous region of the stomach (27%), mainly in the margo plicatus, and 20% were located in the glandular region, mainly in the fundus and pyloric antrum. Six animals showed lesions in both squamous and glandular regions. Work load was the only variable associated with the presence of MGUS (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 0.49-0.96) and MSGD (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 0.36-0.67). Nevertheless, the findings did not provide any significant risk assessment result, nor did they reveal any significant interactions among the other variables. MAIN LIMITATIONS: This study used convenience sampling from a limited geographic region, and multivariate analysis was not performed, one of the exclusion criteria was the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which means that the effect of these drugs can no longer be evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: MGUS occurs in mules subjected to agricultural work, the risk factors associated with EGUS do not appear to be significant in mules and other equids subjected to the same conditions, in this region. Further research is needed to define the differential dynamics of MGUS in comparison with the findings in horses.

HISTORIAL: La literatura existente no contiene información sobre la prevalencia de úlceras gástricas en mulas, y sobre las potenciales asociaciones entre la presencia de ulceras y carga de trabajo, tipo de trabajo, dieta, sexo, edad y score de condición corporal (BCS). OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia y factores asociados con síndrome de ulceración gástrica en mulas (MGUS) y evaluar su distribución tanto en la mucosa escamosa (MSGD) como glandular (MGGD) en una población de mulas en Colombia. DISEÑO DE ESTUDIO: Este estudio descriptivo observacional, seccional fue llevado a cabo por muestreo de conveniencia basado en estimación mínima de muestreo y una definición a priori con criterios de inclusión y exclusión. MÉTODOS: un total de 97 mulas clínicamente sanas de diferentes edades y localidades en la provincia de Antoquia (Colombia) fueron incluidas en este estudio. Las mulas estaban involucradas en actividades agrícolas (ie. monta, carga o rancho) en el momento de este estudio. Se les hizo una evaluación gastroscópica, se les dio un score de 0 a 4 basado en la severidad, con un score ≥2 indicando relevancia clínica. La presencia o ausencia de ulceras en la región escamosa y/o glandular del estomago fue anotada. Información relacionada con el tipo de trabajo, carga de trabajo y dieta, además del sexo, edad (joven, adulto, geriátrico), y el score de condición corporal fueron anotadas para cada mula. La prueba de Chi­cuadrado de Pearson fue usada para determinar la asociación entre los resultados y las variables explicativas del estudio (p ≤ 0.05). Los resultados de las estimaciones de riesgo fueron presentado como odds­ratios (ORs) con 95% de intervalo de confianza (CI). RESULTADOS: La frecuencia de MGUS en la población del estudio fue de 42%. Las mayoría de las lesiones fueron localizadas en la porción escamosa del estómago (27%), principalmente en el margo plicatus, y 20% fueron halladas en le región glandular, principalmente en el fondo y el antro pilórico. Seis animales presentaron lesiones en ambas regiones escamosa y glandular. La carga de trabajo estuvo variablemente asociada a la presencia de MGUS (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 0.49­0.96) y MSGD (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 0.36­0.67). Sin embargo, los hallazgos no proporcionaron resultados significativos de análisis de riesgo, y no revelaron ningunas interacciones entre las otras variables. LIMITACIONES PRINCIPALES: Este estudio utilizó muestreo de conveniencia de una región geográfica limitada, y no se llevaron a cabo análisis multivariados, un criterio de exclusión fue el uso de anti inflamatorios no esteroidales, lo que quiere decir que el efecto de estos fármacos ya no puede ser evaluado. CONCLUSIONES: MGUS ocurren en mulas haciendo trabajo agrícola, los factores de riesgo asociados a EGUS no parecen ser significativos en mulas y otros equinos sujetos a las mismas condiciones en esta región. Mas investigación es necesaria para definir la dinámica que diferencia a MGUS en comparación a los hallazgos en caballos.

Presence of Helicobacter spp. in dental tartar and gastric mucosa, and its relationship with EGUS in horses from a public slaughterhouse

Background: Despite the fact that Helicobacter spp. has been detected in equine gastric mucosa, no evidence exists about this infection in Colombian horses affected by equine ulcerative gastric syndrome (EGUS), nor in dental tartar. Objective: To detect Helicobacter spp. DNA in equine gastric mucosa and dental tartar and determine the relationship between the presence of Helicobacter spp. and gastric lesions. Methods: Samples of glandular gastric mucosa and dental tartar were collected from 30 equine slaughterhouses. Macroscopic lesions of the stomachs were classified and the total DNA in all samples was extracted using a commercial extraction kit. A final-point PCR was performed using primers for amplification of a segment of 251 bp of the gene encoding the 16s rRNA region; the amplified fragments were subjected to a second PCR to determine the presence of H. pylori, the VacA gene was typified. The resulting amplicons were sequenced. Results: It was possible to amplify 16s rRNA in several samples but there was no amplification of VacA. Fragments of the sequences were compatible with H. heilmannii. The 23.3 and 10% of gastric and tartar samples were positive for 16s rRNA of Helicobacter spp., respectively. Conclusion: Although genetic material of Helicobacter spp. was found in some animals, there was no relationship with gastric lesions. It is possible that helicobacteriosis has no bearing in EGUS etiology.

Antecedentes: A pesar de que se ha detectado Helicobacter spp. en mucosa gástrica equina, no existe evidencia de esta infección en caballos criollos colombianos afectados por síndrome ulcerativo gástrico (SUGE), ni tampoco reportes en sarro dental. Objetivo: Detectar ADN de Helicobacter spp. en sarro dental y mucosa gástrica de equinos, y determinar la relación entre la presencia de la bacteria y lesiones gástricas. Métodos: Las muestras de mucosa glandular gástrica y sarro dental fueron colectadas de 30 equinos que se encontraban en planta de beneficio. Las lesiones macroscópicas fueron clasificadas y el ADN total de las muestras fue extraído utilizando un kit comercial. Se desarrolló PCR convencional usando cebadores específicos para la amplificación de un segmento de 251 pb de un gen que codifica la región 16S del ARNr; los fragmentos amplificados fueron sometidos a una segunda PCR para determinar la presencia de H. pylori mediante la amplificación del gen VacA. Los amplificados resultantes fueron secuenciados. Resultados: Fue posible amplificar 16s ARNr en varias muestras, pero no hubo amplificación de VacA. Los fragmentos de las secuencias fueron compatibles con H. heilmannii. El 23,3 y 10% de las muestras gástricas y sarro fueron positivas para 16s ARNr de Helicobacter spp., respectivamente. Conclusión: Aunque el material genético de Helicobacter spp. se encontró en algunos animales, no hubo relación con las lesiones gástricas. Es posible que la helicobacteriosis no tenga incidencia en la etiología del EGUS.

Antecedentes: Apesar do Helicobacter spp. ter sido detectado na mucosa gástrica de equinos, não há evidências dessa infecção em cavalos crioulos colombianos afetados pela síndrome ulcerativa gástrica (SUGE), ou no sarro. Objetivo: Detectar ADN de Helicobacter spp. na mucosa gástrica e do sarro dental de equinos, e determinar a relação entre a presença de Helicobacter spp. e lesões gástricas. Métodos: Amostras de mucosa gástrica glandular e sarro dental foram coletadas de 30 equinos de abatedouro, as lesões macroscópicas dos estômagos foram classificadas. Se realizou extração de ADN total em todas as amostras através de kit comercial. Realizou-se PCR ponto final, amplificando o segmento de 251 pb do gene que codifica para a região 16s ARNr; os fragmentos amplificados foram sometidos novamente a PCR para determinar a presença de H. pylori, ao tipificar o gene VacA, e seguidamente foram sequenciados. Resultados: O houve amplificação do 16s ARNr em várias amostras, mas não amplificação de VacA. Fragmentos das sequencias foram compatíveis com H. heilmannii. O 23,3 e 10% das amostras gástricas e do sarro foram positivas para 16s ARNr de Helicobacter, respectivamente. Conclusão: Embora material genético de Helicobacter spp. encontrou-se em algumos animais não houve relação com lesões gástricas. Possivelmente a helicobacterioses não tem papel relevante na etiologia da SUGE.

Evaluation of a biopsy technique of the epiphyseal plate radius of mules with angular deformity of surgical type: case study / Evaluación de una técnica de biopsia de la placa epifisaria del radio de mulares con deformidad angular de tipo quirúrgica: estudio de caso / Avaliação de uma técnica de biopsia da placa epifisária do rádio de muares com deformidade angular de tipo cirúrgico: estudo de caso

Background: eight mules with angular limb deformity (ALD) type carpus varus and carpus valgus were studied. Objetive: to evaluate a biopsy technique of the distal growth plate of the radius using a Jamshidi needle. Methods: thirteen limbs with ALD were biopsied immediately before undergoing corrective surgery. The site of biopsy depended on the severity of ALD and surgical technique. The samples were preserved and processed for histopathological study. Results: of all biopsies evaluated, only three were successfully obtained. Conclusions: the biopsy technique used was not efficient (23% success rate), however it allowed us to describe the physeal dysplasia in mules with ALD. Our findings agree with those previously described in horses.

Antecedentes: ocho mulares con deformidad angular (ALD) de tipo varus y valgus del carpo fueron estudiados. Objetivo: evaluar una técnica de biopsia para la placa de crecimiento distal del radio con la aguja Jamshidi. Métodos: se utilizaron 13 miembros con ALD; inmediatamente antes de la cirugía correctiva. El lugar de la biopsia varió con la severidad de la ALD y con la técnica quirúrgica. Las muestras fueron conservadas y tratadas para estudio histopatológico. Resultados: se obtuvieron solamente 3 muestras exitosas. Conclusiones: la técnica de biopsia utilizada fue poca eficiente (23%), pero permitió describir la presencia de displasia fisária en mulares con ALD. Los hallazgos coinciden con los descritos para equinos.

Antecedentes: oito muares com deformidade angular (ALD) de tipo varus e valgus do carpo foram estudados. Objetivo: avaliar uma técnica de biopsia para a placa de crescimento distal do rádio com a agulha de Jamshidi. Métodos: se utilizaram 13 membros com ALD, imediatamente antes da cirurgia corretiva. O lugar da biopsia dependeu da severidade de ALD e da técnica cirúrgica. As amostras foram conservadas e tratadas para estudo histopatológico. Resultados: três amostras foram obtidas com sucesso. Conclusões: a técnica de biópsia utilizada foi pouca eficiente (23%), mas permitiu descrever displasia fisária em ALD. Os achados concordam com os descritos em equinos.

Ulcerative gastric lesions in Brasileiro de Hipismo horses / Presencia de lesiones ulcerativas gástricas en caballos Brasileiro de Hipismo / Presença de lesões ulcerativas gástricas em cavalos Brasileiro de Hipismo

Background: Background: equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) has a high and variable occurrence in horses of different ages and activity levels. Objective: the aim of this study was to determine the presence and severity of ulcers in Brasileiro de Hipismo (BH) horses owned by the military police. Methods: a group of 80 horses (38 males and 42 females, aged between 3.3 and 29.2 years) performing different activities underwent clinical and gastroscopic evaluation. Descriptive statistics for the presence of ulcers and chi-square (X²) analysis with Fisher exact test were conducted to determine a possible association between EGUS and type of activity, sex or age. Results: occurrence of at least one ulcer was detected in 45% of the horses, and most of them (40%) were located in the squamous mucosa of the Margo plicatus. No significant association (p>0.05) was observed between any of the factors evaluated and the presence of EGUS. Conclusion: the BH horses owned by cavalry's military have low incidence of EGUS despite being subjected to stress, which confirms a multifactorial nature of gastric lesions in this subpopulation.

Antecedentes: Antecedentes: el Síndrome de Úlcera Gástrica Equina (EGUS) presenta una alta y variable ocurrencia en equinos de diferentes edades y tipo según la actividad que desarrollan. Objetivo: determinar la presencia e intensidad de las lesiones ulcerativas gástricas en caballos de la raza Brasilero de Hipismo (BH) al servicio de la policía militar. Métodos: un grupo de 80 equinos (38 machos y 42 hembras) con edades entre 3,3 y 29,2 años, en actividades de adaptación, entrenamiento, patrullaje e inactivos fueron evaluados por examen físico y gastroscópico. Se realizaron análisis por estadística descriptiva para porcentaje de ocurrencia de úlceras y análisis de Chi-cuadrado (X²) con test exacto de Fisher para verificar posible asociación entre EGUS, actividad, género y edad. Resultados: se determinó una ocurrencia de úlcera del 45%, siendo la mucosa escamosa (40%) la más comprometida en todo el Margo plicatus, sin embargo, no hubo asociación significativa (p>0,05) entre los factores evaluados y la presencia de EGUS. Conclusión: los caballos estudiados presentaron baja incidencia de EGUS a pesar de estar sometidos a situaciones de estrés, confirmando la naturaleza multifactorial de las lesiones gástricas en esta subpoblación de equinos.

Antecedentes: a Síndrome da Ulcera Gástrica Equina (EGUS) apresenta uma ocorrência alta e variável em equinos de diferentes faixas etárias e classes segundo a atividade que desenvolvem. Objetivo: determinar a presença e intensidade das lesões ulcerativas gástricas em cavalos da raça Brasileiro de Hipismo (BH) a serviço da polícia militar. Métodos: um grupo de 80 equinos (38 machos e 42 fêmeas), com idade entre os 3,3 e 29,2 anos, desenvolvendo atividades de adaptação, treinamento, patrulhamento e inativos foram avaliados por exame físico e gastroscópicos. Analise por estatística descritiva para taxas de ocorrências de ulceras e analise de Qui-quadrado (X²) com teste de exato Fisher foram realizados para verificar possível associação entre EGUS, atividade, sexo e idade. Resultados: foi determinada uma ocorrência de úlcera de 45%, sendo a mucosa escamosa (40%) mais comprometida ao longo do Margo plicatus. Entretanto, não houve associação significativa (p>0,05) entre os fatores avaliados e a presença de EGUS. Conclusão: os cavalos estudados da raça BH apresentaram incidência baixa da EGUS apesar de submetidos a situações de estresse, sinalizando para a natureza multifatorial das lesões gástricas nesta subpopulação de equinos.