The Easiest Becomes the Rule: Beliefs, Knowledge and Attitudes of Equine Practitioners and Enthusiasts Regarding Horse Welfare.

Inadequate management conditions can impair the welfare of captive-bred horses. Understanding individuals' viewpoints and the factors influencing their decisions about adopting or avoiding certain practices may provide insights into their motivations and decision-making processes. This is particularly relevant in the equestrian community, where equine practitioners and enthusiasts often engage in harmful practices. We explored the beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes of equine practitioners and enthusiasts about horse welfare and the barriers that prevent them from employing better management practices that are essential to promoting horses' welfare. The study consisted of in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in person with 31 individuals directly involved in the equestrian environment in Brazil. Responses were analyzed through thematic analysis with a data-driven deductive approach. Participants' beliefs, knowledge and attitudes to horse welfare were divided into three themes. The first theme, "Let the horse be a horse", captured participants' perceptions about how physical and mental aspects related to the nature and welfare of horses. The second theme, "Everyone does it like that", includes the social norms that influence decisions about the practices that impact on the welfare of the horses. The third theme, "Beyond utopia: how and why horses are managed the way they are", covered barriers that participants perceived as impediments to the use of best practices for the welfare of horses. While participants demonstrated awareness of welfare issues and acknowledged factors that negatively impact horses, there was a notable discrepancy between this knowledge and the implementation of improved management practices. This could be explained by several perceived barriers to implementing management practices that could enhance horse welfare, including lack of financial resources, limited physical space, shortage of qualified labor, time constraints, inadequate tools, and insufficient knowledge. Additionally, we identified deeply rooted social norms within the equestrian community and culturally established practices that limit approaches to horse welfare. Participants underscored the influence of these norms and different interpretations of "letting the horse be a horse" based on the horse's value and purpose. Concerning low-value horses, the primary justifications for stall housing and concentrated feeding were linked to elevated costs involved in spatial demands and labor; in contrast, for high-value horses used in performance and aesthetics, the arguments shifted to potential benefits to the horses' well-being. From an ethical perspective, ideally, individuals should refrain from owning horses if they cannot ensure the animals' welfare. Additionally, if the equestrian community neglects public attitudes towards animal welfare, it risks eroding its social license.

Homeopathic Pyrogenium Ointment as Adjuvant in Treatment of Traumatic and Infected Myiasis by Cochliomyia Hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Sheep: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The blowfly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) causes traumatic myiasis in farm animals, with deeply embedded larvae that lead to serious tissue damage and sometimes death. Treating this form of myiasis is difficult, often resulting in poor outcomes. As a homeopathic preparation that can mimic traumatic myiasis symptoms, Pyrogenium could potentially supplement treatment. This study aimed to describe the adjuvant effect that a Pyrogenium ointment might have in the treatment of sheep with traumatic myiasis. PATIENTS: The study reports a homeopathic adjuvant treatment with Pyrogenium 12cH ointment in six sheep with traumatic and infected myiasis. Daily clinical examinations were performed to monitor the evolution of the health of animals. Pyrogenium 12cH ointment was applied topically on the wounds, after cleaning and mechanical removal of the larvae from the lesion. Blood samples were collected for blood counts, and wound exudate samples were obtained for bacteriological examination before and after wound treatment. RESULTS: The ointment of Pyrogenium 12cH limited the development of parasitic larvae and was associated with the repair of tissue losses resulting from the myiases and with subsequent wound healing, together with control of fever and local inflammation. CONCLUSION: Homeopathic Pyrogenium 12cH, formulated as an ointment, may be a useful new and adjuvant therapeutic option for treating traumatic and infected myiasis in animals.

Homeopathic Sulphur Ointment as Adjuvant in the Treatment of Sheep with Myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae): A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a serious problem in animal health. Homeopathic Sulphur presents similarity with the clinical presentation verified in these cases and has already shown in vitro efficacy on the blowfly that causes this pathology. This article presents the report of a series of clinical cases of myiasis by C. hominivorax in sheep that underwent adjuvant treatment with homeopathic Sulphur and presents a theoretical-scientific discussion of biological events related to the clinical treatment of the condition. PATIENTS: Seven naturally occurring myiases affecting sheep from an experimental farm were treated by an ointment impregnated with the homeopathic medicine Sulph 12cH, used as adjuvant after the manual removal of accessible larvae from the wound during wound cleaning. The animals were treated daily and evaluated clinically until complete healing of the lesions. Clinical information on the evolution of the inflammatory and scarring process was collected. Blood counts and bacteriological examinations were performed before and after topical homeopathic treatment. RESULTS: The homeopathic ointment Sulph 12cH was able to inhibit the development of parasitic C. hominivorax larvae and promote tissue repair and healing in naturally occurring myiasis in the sheep of this study. CONCLUSION: The homeopathic medicine Sulphur, formulated as an ointment, may be a useful new and adjuvant therapeutic option for treating myiasis in animals.

How to Understand Them? A Review of Emotional Indicators in Horses.

Stabled horses often experience negative emotions due to the inappropriate living conditions imposed by humans. However, identifying what emotions horses experience and what can trigger positive and negative emotions in stabled horses can be challenging. In this article we present a brief history of the study of emotions and models that explain emotions from a scientific point of view and the physiological bases and functions of emotions. We then review and discuss physiological and behavioral indicators and cognitive bias tests developed to assess emotions in horses. Hormone concentrations, body temperature, the position of the ears, facial expressions and behaviors, such as approach and avoidance behaviors, can provide valuable information about emotional states in horses. The cognitive bias paradigm is a recent and robust tool to assess emotions in horses. Knowing how to evaluate the intensity and frequency of an individual's emotions can guide horse owners and caretakers to identify practices and activities that should be stimulated, avoided or even banned from the individual's life, in favor of a life worth living. The development and validation of novel indicators of emotions considering positive and negative contexts can help in these actions.

Peripartum Phenomenon in Crioula Lanada Sheep Susceptible and Resistant to Gastrointestinal Nematodes.

This study aimed at evaluating parasitological and blood variables in native breed Crioula Lanada sheep belonging to the same herd, to identify and compare susceptible or resistant individuals to gastrointestinal nematodes during gestation and lactation phases. For this purpose, 18 Crioula sheep were used within 2 years of evaluation, in which blood and feces samples and weight of the animals were taken from their 4th month of gestation until the weaning of their lambs, in the 4th month postpartum. Feces samples were used for counting eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and, thus, to identify 12 resistant ewes (EPG < 1,000) and 6 susceptible (EPG > 1,000) to gastrointestinal nematodes. The identification of infective larvae was also performed. Blood was used for analysis of packed cell volume (PCV), eosinophil count, total plasma protein, and immunoglobulin G level against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae. The Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric comparison test was used to evaluate the differences between days of parturition and linear mixed-effects model using package lme4 in R to evaluate the groups. The main parasite species observed in the feces samples were Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum, Ostertagia, and Cooperia in similar proportions in both groups. Susceptible ewes presented peaks of EPG at the beginning of lactation and lower PCV values throughout the study. No difference between groups was observed concerning other blood variables or body weight, but some changes were observed along with the gestation and lactation phases within each group. The physiological response of sheep to nematode infection is a useful tool to identify the most susceptible individuals within the same breed and herd and to select the most genetically resistant individuals.

Hematologic reference values of Vinaceous-breasted Amazon (Amazona vinacea) / Valores hematológicos de referência em Papagaio-de-Peito-Roxo (Amazona vinacea)

ABSTRACT Avian hematologic reference intervals are useful tools to evaluate body homeostasis and diagnose diseases. However, there are few species-specific reference intervals published. The present study reports Vinaceous-breasted Amazon ( Amazona vinacea ) hematologic reference values obtained during the health status evaluation of release candidates as part of this species reintroduction efforts at the Araucárias National Park. Parameters reported are erythrogram (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin), Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), white cells total and differential (heterophiles, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils and monocytes), thrombocytes and total plasma protein. For the first time results on RDW and thrombocytes were described and a larger sample size were provided for all parameters analyzed. Intervals demonstrated in the present study showed significant differences from those considered normal in other parrot species and consequently have contributed to bring valuable information to base actions for the conservation of this endangered species of great biological value.

RESUMO Os valores de intervalos de referência para parâmetros hematológicos aviários são ferramentas úteis para avaliação da homeostase corporal e diagnóstico de doenças. No entanto, são escassos os relatos de intervalos de referência espécie-específico, o que aumenta a probabilidade de um erro na interpretação de dados laboratoriais. Dessa forma, o presente estudo relata valores hematológicos de referência específicos para papagaio-de-peito-roxo ( Amazona vinacea ). Esses valores foram obtidos e calculados durante um projeto de reintrodução como importante e adequada forma para avaliar o estado de saúde de candidatos à soltura. Os analíticos observados foram: eritrograma (eritrócitos, hemoglobina, hematócrito, volume celular, concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular e hemoglobina corpuscular média), distribuição das células vermelhas (RDW), leucograma (basófilos, eosinofilis mielócitos, metamielócitos, heterófilos, linfócitos e monócitos), trombócitos e proteína plasmática total. Este estudo traz, pela primeira vez, resultados referentes a RDW e a contagem de trombócitos para a espécie, além de fornecer um tamanho amostral maior que estudos anteriores. Os intervalos, demonstrados neste estudo, relatam valores diferentes dos considerados normais para outras espécies de papagaios e, consequentemente, vêm contribuindo para embasar a conservação dessa espécie ameaçada de extinção, de grande valor biológico.

A new laboratorial method for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs.

In this study, we aimed to introduce a new technique called TF-Test Modified∕Dog for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs. Fecal samples from 106 dogs were processed by the technique TF-Test Modified∕Dog and the techniques of centrifugation-flotation in zinc sulfate, simple-flotation by saturated solution of sodium chloride, direct microscopy exam and TF-Test Conventional. Sensitivity was higher in the TF-Test Modified∕Dog (98.41%), followed by flotation in saturated zinc sulfate (77.78%), TF-Test Conventional (73.02%), flotation by saturated sodium chloride (55.55%), and direct microscopy exam (30.16%). The diagnostic efficiency varied from 58.49% to 99.06%, with the highest value also obtained by the new proposed technique. Efficiency level of 99.06% with kappa index 0.979 (almost perfect) was obtained with the TF-Test Modified∕Dog. These results represent significant statistical gains (P < 0.05) of 20.63% in sensitivity and 12.27% in efficiency over the best among the other techniques - flotation by saturated zinc sulfate, whose kappa index was 0.738, much lower than that of the TF-Test Modified∕Dog. All techniques presented 100% specificity. In this sense, the high sensitivity of the TF-Test Modified∕Dog makes it suitable for epidemiological surveys of gastrointestinal parasitosis in dogs, zoonoses control and preventive surveillance programs.

A new laboratorial method for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs / Um novo método laboratorial para diagnóstico de parasitos gastrointestinais em cães

In this study, we aimed to introduce a new technique called TF-Test Modified/Dog for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs. Fecal samples from 106 dogs were processed by the technique TF-Test Modified/Dog and the techniques of centrifugation-flotation in zinc sulfate, simple-flotation by saturated solution of sodium chloride, direct microscopy exam and TF-Test Conventional. Sensitivity was higher in the TF-Test Modified/Dog (98.41%), followed by flotation in saturated zinc sulfate (77.78%), TF-Test Conventional (73.02%), flotation by saturated sodium chloride (55.55%), and direct microscopy exam (30.16%). The diagnostic efficiency varied from 58.49% to 99.06%, with the highest value also obtained by the new proposed technique. Efficiency level of 99.06% with kappa index 0.979 (almost perfect) was obtained with the TF-Test Modified/Dog. These results represent significant statistical gains (P < 0.05) of 20.63% in sensitivity and 12.27% in efficiency over the best among the other techniques ­ flotation by saturated zinc sulfate, whose kappa index was 0.738, much lower than that of the TF-Test Modified/Dog. All techniques presented 100% specificity. In this sense, the high sensitivity of the TF-Test Modified/Dog makes it suitable for epidemiological surveys of gastrointestinal parasitosis in dogs, zoonoses control and preventive surveillance programs.

O objetivo deste estudo foi introduzir a nova técnica TF-Test Modified/Dog para diagnóstico de parasitos gastrointestinais em cães. Amostras fecais de 106 cães foram processadas pela técnica de TF-Test Modified/Dog e também por técnicas de centrifugação-flutuação em sulfato de zinco, flutuação simples em solução saturada de cloreto de sódio, exame microscópico direto e TF-Test Convencional. A sensibilidade foi maior no TF-Test Modified/Dog (98,41%), seguido por centrífugo-flutuação em solução de sulfato de zinco (77,78%), TF-Test Convencional (73,02%), flutuação em solução saturada de cloreto de sódio (55,55%), e exame microscópico direto (30,16%). A eficiência diagnóstica variou de 58,49% a 99,06%, com maior valor obtido pela nova técnica. Foi obtido com o TF-Test Modified/Dog eficiência de 99,06%, com índice kappa de 0,979 (Quase perfeito). Estes resultados representam ganhos estatisticamente significativos (P < 0,05) de 20,63% de sensibilidade e 12,27% de eficiência sobre a melhor entre as outras técnicas empregadas, centrífugo-flutuação em solução de sulfato de zinco, cujo índice kappa foi 0,738, bem menor do que o TF-Test Modified/Dog. Todas as técnicas apresentaram especificidade de 100%. Nesse sentido, a sua alta sensibilidade o torna adequado para levantamentos epidemiológicos das parasitoses gastrointestinais em cães, bem como para programas de controle de zoonoses e de vigilância preventiva.

Reproductive characteristics of stallions during the breeding and non-breeding season in a tropical region.

The objective of this study was to investigate reproductive characteristics of stallions at a tropical zone in the breeding and non-breeding seasons. The following parameters were assessed: testicular volume; semen quality; and serum concentrations of LH, FSH, and testosterone; in addition to the percentages of germ cells and proportions of germ cells/Sertoli cells by testicular cytology in stallions. Semen was collected from eight adult stallions twice a week during a 12-week period in both seasons (6 weeks before and 6 weeks after the summer and winter solstices). Jugular blood samples were collected periodically for hormone analysis by radioimmunoassay during the same periods. Testicular measures and cytological samples were taken at the end of each period. Mean concentration of testosterone was significantly higher (P = 0.04) during the breeding season and the proportion of Sertoli cells/100 germ cells in cytological smears was significantly lower during the breeding season (P = 0.0001). Effects of season were not significant either for testicular volume or for any semen parameter (P > 0.05). Seasonal changes in the mean concentrations of LH and FSH were not observed (P > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in the mean percentages of germ cell types between both seasons (P > 0.05). Lack of seasonal differences in the testicular volume and semen parameters of tropical stallions are probably due to the small variation in duration of natural light between the observed periods, slightly under 3 h.

Evaluation testicular fine needle aspiration cytology and serum testosterone levels in dogs

Com o objetivo de avaliar a função reprodutiva de 4 cães machos, adultos, a citologia aspirativa com agulha fina (FNAC) e as concentrações de testosterona sérica foram usadas em associação a determinação do volume testicular e análise do sêmen. FNAC foi realizada em ambos os testículos e as concentrações de testosterona foram determinadas durante 24 horas, em intervalos regulares. Os resultados da análise do semen se encontraram dentro do padrão para a espécie nos cães 1 e 3. O cão 2 apresentou testículos pequenos, baixa qualidade seminal, alta porcentagem de células de Sertoli e espermátides iniciais sugerindo uma degeneração testicular. No cão 4 observou-se uma degeneração testicular do lado direito conseqüência de um processo obstrutivo mostrada pela diminuição do testículo, baixa qualidade do sêmen evidenciada pela baixa concentração espermática e incontável número de espermatozóides na FNAC; uma diminuição do trânsito espermático foi observada no testículo esquerdo, com espessamento do epidídimo, alta porcentagem de gotas distais na análise seminal, porém resultados normais na FNAC. O ritmo circadiano da testosteronafoi claro nos cães 3 e 4, entretanto as concentrações encontraram-se próximas ao limite inferior. O volume testicular, a análise do sêmen e a FNAC testicular podem fornecer informações valiosas sobre a espermatogênese. Entretanto, as concentrações séricas de testosterona não são claramente correlacionadas as características reprodutivas nesses cães.

Citologia aspirativa por agulha fina (CAAF), em testículo de onça pintada (Panthera onca), utilizada como ferramenta no diagnóstico de infertilidade / Testicular fine needle aspiration cytology as a diagnostic tool in jaguar (Panthera onca) infertility

Técnicas de biópsia, caracterizadas pela remoção de segmentos de órgãos e tecidos para análise histopatológica, não são indicadas no auxílio diagnóstico de alterações testiculares para animais ameaçados de extinção, por não serem totalmente isentas de riscos. Neste sentido, é de grande interesse que se desenvolvam técnicas de biópsia testicular cada vez mais seguras e com o mínimo de conseqüências negativas. Com este intuito três onças pintadas (Panthera onca) foram submetidas a exames de Citologia Aspirativa por Agulha Fina (CAAF). Amostras foram obtidas através da punção aspirativa dos testículos, esfregaços foram confeccionados, corados com Panótico e analisados sob Microscopia Optica. Simultaneamente foram realizadas coletas de sêmen para avaliação do volume, pH, concentração, motilidade, vigor e morfologia espermáticas. Quanto à avaliação espermática, os animais apresentaram valores semelhantes aos encontrados na literatura quanto ao volume, pH, motilidade, vigor e morfologia espermáticas. Quanto a concentração espermática os animais apresentaram valores abaixo dos encontrados na literatura. Nos exames de CAAF, todas as gerações de células germinativas foram identificadas, indicando espermatogênese normal em todos os animais, com exceção das espermátides finais duplas que ainda não foram relatadas como achados em punções testiculares de outras espécies, o que vem confirmar a elevada porcentagem de células teratológicas encontradas nesses animais. Desta forma, podemos concluir que a CAAF testicular é um método diagnóstico auxiliar importante na detecção de alterações testiculares em casos de sub ou infertilidade, podendo ser utilizados na rotina de investigação do trato reprodutivo masculino, quando o exame histopatológico, por ser um método altamente invasivo, é desaconselhável

Estudo retrospectivo de 11 casos de aerofagia em equinos operados pela técnica de miectomia de Forssell modificada / Modified Forssell's myectomy operation in windsucking horses: a retrospective study of 11 cases

No presente trabalho foi feita unta revisão do resultado pós-operatório com a técnica de miectomia de Forssell modificada aplicada em 11 equinos portadores de aerofagia, atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ-UNESP, Botucatu, no período entre julho de 1992 e abril de 1995. A técnica consiste basicamente na ressecção dos músculos omohioídeo, esternohioídeo e esternotirohioídeo associado à neurectomia do ramo ventral do nervo acessório, que inerva o músculo esternomandibular. As informações sobre a evolução pós-operatória. que variou entre 4 e 36 meses, foram obtidas por contacto telefônico ou carta questionário. As raças acometidas foram: Quarto de Milha (5 animais). Apaloosa (4 animais), Mangalarga (1 animal) e Brasileira de Hipismo (1 animal), sendo 7 fêmeas e 4 machos, e as idades variaram entre 1,5 e 11 anos. O resultado pós-operatório mostrou que 7 animais (63.3%) estavam totalmente recuperados; 2 animais (18.1%) recuperaram-se parcialmente pois o problema recidivou embora em menor intensidade entre 30 e 90 dias após a cirurgia e 2 animais (18,1%) não tiveram nenhuma melhora.

The objective of this study was to observe the long-term results of the modifica Forssell's operation to correct windsucking in 11 horses. The post-operative results was obtained by telephone and written reports, 4 to 36 months after operation. Seven animals (63.3%) became free of the vice. while two horses (18.1%) were recorded as having partial improvement. The other two horses (18.1%), retumed to windsucking as the same as before surgery. Cosmetic results were considered excellent in the owners opinion.