Hoof Unevenness in Juvenile Quarter Horses During First 6 Months of Training.

The role of hoof morphology is increasingly recognized as a factor associated with lameness incidence in performance horses. The primary objective was to evaluate effect of training initiation on hoof unevenness in Quarter Horses (n = 42; 29 2-year-olds, 13 3-year-olds) over 6-months (m) in training (m0, m2, m4, and m6). Horses were objectively assessed for lameness (inertial sensor system) and photographs and radiographs of feet were taken. Hoof measurements were taken (palmar/plantar angles, frog base width/length, toe length/angle, heel length/angle, heel/foot width, wall height/angle), and analyzed with regards to laterality. Front and hindfoot pairs were determined even if toe angles were within 1.5°. Statistical analyses were performed (Fisher's exact test, mixed-model linear regression, P < .05). There were no differences in distal phalanx palmar/plantar angle between lame/nonlame forelimbs (P = .54) or hindlimbs (P = .20). Unevenness between front feet was seen in toe angle m6 (P < .001), heel length m6 (P = .01) and heel angle over time (P = .006). Unevenness between hind feet was seen at m6 in toe angle (P < .001), heel length (P = .009) and heel angle (P = .02). Lameness incidence did not differ between even and uneven footed horses in forelimbs (P = .64) or hindlimbs (P = .09). In uneven feet, there was no difference in lameness between high versus low foot in forelimbs (P = .34) or hindlimbs (P = .29). Limitations include lack of control group not entering training, lack of consistency in timing data collection to previous trimming, and small sample size. In summary, differences in foot measurements and laterality were noted over time following training initiation in juvenile Western performance horses.

Distinct differences in immunological properties of equine orthobiologics revealed by functional and transcriptomic analysis using an activated macrophage readout system.

Introduction: Multiple biological therapies for orthopedic injuries are marketed to veterinarians, despite a lack of rigorous comparative biological activity data to guide informed decisions in selecting a most effective compound. Therefore, the goal of this study was to use relevant bioassay systems to directly compare the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of three commonly used orthobiological therapies (OTs): mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), autologous conditioned serum (ACS), and platelet rich plasma (PRP). Methods: Equine monocyte-derived macrophages were used as the readout system to compare therapies, including cytokine production and transcriptomic responses. Macrophages were stimulated with IL-1ß and treated 24 h with OTs, washed and cultured an additional 24 h to generate supernatants. Secreted cytokines were measured by multiplex immunoassay and ELISA. To assess global transcriptomic responses to treatments, RNA was extracted from macrophages and subjected to full RNA sequencing, using an Illumina-based platform. Data analysis included comparison of differentially expressed genes and pathway analysis in treated vs. untreated macrophages. Results: All treatments reduced production of IL-1ß by macrophages. Secretion of IL-10 was highest in MSC-CM treated macrophages, while PRP lysate and ACS resulted in greater downregulation of IL-6 and IP-10. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ACS triggered multiple inflammatory response pathways in macrophages based on GSEA, while MSC generated significant downregulation of inflammatory pathways, and PRP lysate induced a mixed immune response profile. Key downregulated genes in MSC-treated cultures included type 1 and type 2 interferon response, TNF-α and IL-6. PRP lysate cultures demonstrated downregulation of inflammation-related genes IL-1RA, SLAMF9, ENSECAG00000022247 but concurrent upregulation of TNF-α, IL-2 signaling, and Myc targets. ACS induced upregulation of inflammatory IL-2 signaling, TNFα and KRAS signaling and hypoxia, but downregulation of MTOR signaling and type 1 interferon signaling. Discussion: These findings, representing the first comprehensive look at immune response pathways for popular equine OTs, reveal distinct differences between therapies. These studies address a critical gap in our understanding of the relative immunomodulatory properties of regenerative therapies commonly used in equine practice to treat musculoskeletal disease and will serve as a platform from which further in vivo comparisons may build.

Intrathecal mepivacaine after general anesthesia is an effective method of equine euthanasia when compared to intravenous pentobarbital.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess intrathecal mepivacaine for euthanasia in anesthetized horses and compare it to a traditional euthanasia method using a single intravenous injection of pentobarbital in sedated horses. ANIMALS: Client-owned horses and horses requiring euthanasia due to involvement in concurrent research projects were used. Horses were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: intrathecal mepivacaine after anesthesia or intravenous pentobarbital after sedation. All horses had normal vital parameters and no signs of infectious disease at the time of euthanasia. PROCEDURES: The intrathecal mepivacaine group was anesthetized before the intrathecal injection of mepivacaine. The pentobarbital group was sedated, concurrently anesthetized and euthanized using intravenous pentobarbital, then received an intrathecal saline (0.9% NaCl) solution injection to a blind observer. Both groups were sedated with detomidine and the time from sedation to the cessation of vital parameters (respirations, pulse, corneal reflex, and ECG) was recorded. Euthanasias were recorded for review by a blinded anesthesiologist, using an independent scale to assess the quality of sedation, anesthesia induction, and lateral recumbency. RESULTS: Time from detomidine administration to cessation of each vital parameter was significantly longer in the intrathecal mepivacaine group. There was no statistically significant difference in qualitative scores between groups for sedation or induction, but lateral recumbency was subjectively superior in the anesthetized intrathecal mepivacaine group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intrathecal mepivacaine provided a safe, effective, alternative method of euthanasia to intravenous pentobarbital and addresses concerns about barbiturate availability. This study also informs practitioners of what to expect (ie, longer cessation of vital parameters) when using the intrathecal mepivacaine method.

Liposomal bupivacaine is both safe and effective when administered via local infiltration at surgical site and mesovarium for laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares.

BACKGROUND: Liposomal local anaesthetic solutions may provide extended-duration analgesia postoperatively but have not been assessed following intra-peritoneal local infiltration in any species. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate two doses of 1.33% liposomal bupivacaine (LB) versus 0.75% bupivacaine HCL (BHCl) for analgesia following laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Fifteen healthy Quarter Horse mares (age 2-20 years) with normal bilateral ovarian palpation and appearance were enrolled. Horses were restrained in standing stocks and administered an α-2 agonist, butorphanol, and flunixin meglumine, followed by a variable rate infusion of sedation with α-2 agonists. Bilateral paralumbar fossa ovariectomies were performed. Treatment with either 30 ml 0.75% BHCl followed by 20 or 40 ml LB 13.3% (LB20 and LB40) volume expanded with saline to 80 ml total (n = 6/group) or 80 ml BHCl alone (n = 3, BCHL) was infused around incision sites and each mesovarium (LB or BHCl) prior to ovariectomy. Horses were monitored for 72 h by physical examination, algometry, and pain scoring (composite pain scale by Bussieres et al., Horse Grimace Scale). Abdominocentesis with peritoneal fluid analysis was performed at 72 h. RESULTS: Analgesia achieved with all treatment protocols allowed completion of ovariectomy procedures. Pressure algometry scores were lower in BHCl-treated horses versus both LB groups overall. Pain scores were improved with LB-treated horses in a dose-dependent fashion (Horse Grimace Scale scores LB40 < LB20 < BHCL; composite pain scale scores LB40 < BHCL, LB20 < BHCL, BHCL, and LB20 did not differ). Peritoneal fluid total protein was lower in LB40 versus LB20 and BHCL horses. No complications from LB administration were appreciated. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small patient sample size, lack of follow-up past 72 h or histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: Analgesia duration was extended and pain scores improved postoperatively with LB versus BHCl in a dose-dependent fashion. Further clinical evaluation of extended-duration local anaesthetics in horses for improved postoperative pain management is warranted.

Effect of age at training initiation on hoof morphology and lameness in juvenile American Quarter Horses.

BACKGROUND: Lameness, discipline, training intensity, environmental variability, and shoeing are all factors demonstrated to affect hoof loading and therefore act as adaptive stimuli to alter hoof morphology. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of age at training initiation on hoof morphology and lameness incidence and determine if specific hoof morphology measurements correlate with lameness in juvenile American Quarter Horses. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: American Quarter Horses (n = 42; 29 two-year-olds, 13 three-year-olds) entering training were monitored for hoof morphology and lameness over 6 months (months 0, 2, 4, and 6). Hoof measurements (palmar/plantar angles, frog base width/length, toe length/angle, heel length/angle, heel and foot width, wall height/angle) from radiographs and photographs were recorded. Lameness was graded subjectively and objectively (Lameness locator®). Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher's exact test and repeated measures ANOVA with p < 0.05. RESULTS: 25/42 horses developed subclinical lameness (16/42 forelimb, 19/42 hindlimb), with 3-year-olds developing lameness more frequently compared to 2-year-olds overall (p = 0.04; 84.6 vs. 48.3%) and in forelimbs (p = 0.05; 61.5% vs. 27.6%); no difference was noted between 2- versus 3-year-olds in hindlimbs (p = 0.2; 61.5% vs. 37.9%). In lame versus sound forelimbs, 3-year-olds had decreased foot width (p = 0.03; 11.48 cm [CI 10.68-12.28] vs. 12.21 cm [CI 11.99-12.42]), decreased toe length (p = 0.03; 6.02 cm [CI 5.69-6.36] vs. 6.45 cm [CI 6.32-6.58]), shorter lateral wall height (p = 0.03; 4.64 cm [CI 4.31-4.96] vs. 5.11 cm [CI 5.03-5.2]), and shorter medial wall height (p = 0.02; 4.58 cm [CI 4.06-5.10] vs. 5.15 cm [CI 4.99-5.30]). In lame versus sound hindlimbs, horses overall (p = 0.05; 3.74, CI 3.53-3.96 vs. 3.55, CI 3.48-3.61) and 3-year-olds had longer heels p = 0.01; 3.90 cm (CI 3.5-4.3) vs. 3.50 cm (CI 3.39-3.61). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, lack of control group not entering training. CONCLUSIONS: Three-year-old American Quarter Horses entering training were more likely to develop forelimb lameness than 2-year-olds. This subclinical lameness was associated with specific hoof morphology characteristics (decreased foot width, toe length, heel length, and lateral/medial wall height; greater toe angle).

INTRODUCTION/CONTEXTE: Les boiterie, discipline, intensité d'entraînement, variabilité environnementale et ferrage ont tous été établis comme facteurs affectant le port de poids au niveau du sabot. Ils contribuent aux stimuli adaptatifs qui peuvent altérer la morphologie du sabot. OBJECTIFS: Évaluer l'effet de l'âge en début d'entraînement sur la morphologie du sabot, l'incidence de boiterie et déterminer si des mesures spécifiques de morphologie du sabot pourraient être corrélées avec une boiterie chez les chevaux Quarter Horse Américains. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Étude de cohorte prospective. MÉTHODES: Des Quarter Horse Américains (n = 42; 29 2 ans, 13 3 ans) en début d'entraînement ont été suivi pour la présence de boiterie et la conformation de leur sabot sur une période de 6 mois (mois 0, 2, 4, 6). Des mesures de sabot (angles palmaires/plantaires, largeur/longueur de la base de la fourchette, longueur/angle de la pince, longueur/angle des talons, largeur du pied et des talons, hauteur/angle de la muraille) à partir de radiographies et de photographies ont été recueillies. Les boiteries ont été gradées subjectivement et objectivement (Lameness locator®). Des analyses statistiques ont été effectuées avec la méthode exacte de Fisher et ANOVA pour mesures répétées avec un p < 0.05. RÉSULTATS: 25/42 chevaux ont développé une boiterie sous-clinique (16/42 membre antérieur, 19/42 membre postérieur). Les chevaux âgés de 3 ans ont développé une boiterie de façon plus fréquente comparativement aux 2 ans (p = 0.04; 84.6 vs. 48.3%) et aux membres antérieurs (p = 0.05; 61.5% vs. 27.6%); il n'y avait pas de différence au niveau des membres postérieurs entre les 2 et 3 ans. En comparant les chevaux boiteux des antérieurs avec ceux qui ne boitaient pas, les 3 ans avaient une largeur de sabot diminuée (p = 0.03; 11.48 cm [IC 10.68-12.28] vs. 12.21 cm [IC 11.99-12.42]), une longueur de pince plus courte (p = 0.03; 6.02 cm [IC 5.69-6.36] vs. 6.45 cm [IC 6.32-6.58]), une hauteur de muraille latérale plus courte (p = 0.032; 4.64 cm [IC 4.31-4.96] vs. 5.11 cm [IC 5.03-5.2]) et une hauteur de muraille médiale plus courte également (p = 0.024; 4.58 cm [IC 4.06-5.10] vs. 5.15 cm [IC 4.99-5.30]). En comparant les chevaux boiteux des postérieurs avec ceux qui ne boitaient pas, chevaux dans l'ensemble (p = 0.05; 3.74, CI 3.53-3.96 vs. 3.55, CI 3.48-3.61) et les 3 ans avaient des talons plus long (p = 0.01; 3.90 cm [IC 3.5-4.3] vs. 3.50 cm [IC 3.39-3.61]). LIMITES PRINCIPALES: Petite taille d'échantillon, aucun groupe contrôle n'ayant pas commencé l'entraînement. CONCLUSIONS: Les Quarter Horse Américains âgés de 3 ans qui débutent l'entraînement sont plus à risque de développer une boiterie des antérieurs comparativement aux chevaux de 2 ans. Une boiterie sous-clinique était associée à des caractéristiques morphologiques spécifiques au sabot (Largeur du sabot, longueur de la pince, longueur des talons et hauteur des murailles latérales et médiales toutes diminuées; angle de la pince augmenté).

Transfer of MicroRNAs From Epididymal Epithelium to Equine Spermatozoa.

All epididymal regions are lined with multiple epithelial cell types, each with different functions to provide the luminal environment for spermatozoal maturation. Epithelial cells also create apical blebs, which are released from the apical surface via apocrine secretion and disintegrate in the lumen, thereby releasing epididymosomes. Epididymosomes transport proteins to spermatozoa and contain microRNAs. We hypothesized that epididymosomes also transfer miRNA from epididymal epithelium to spermatozoa. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine miRNA profiles of epididymal tissue from caput and cauda, epididymal spermatozoa from caput and cauda, and epididymosomes and from caput, proximal corpus, distal corpus, and cauda. Pathway analysis was performed using DIANA tools on the miRNA unique to caudal spermatozoa. We found 66 newly acquired miRNAs in spermatozoa located in the caudal epididymis. Predicted pathways targeted by these miRNAs suggest a role in cell motility and viability and factors in oocyte and embryo maturation and development. These findings suggest that miRNAs are transported to spermatozoa from epididymal epithelium via epididymosomes.

Multimodal Imaging to Identify and Characterize a P3 Cystic Lesion and Pathologic Fracture.

Lameness remains a common cause of retirement in the equine athlete and among hobby enthusiasts. The distal limb is one of the most frequently imaged areas, and recent advances in diagnostic imaging capabilities help practicing veterinarians differentiate normal variants from informative pathology. Although acute, non-weight-bearing lameness is commonly associated with etiologies, such as fractures, abscesses, and laminitis, other uncommon differentials such as cystic lesions and neoplasia might also be considered. This report describes the characterization of a large, cystic lesion in the third phalanx (P3), which resulted in an acute, pathologic fracture. The lesion was fully characterized with the use of postmortem magnetic resonance imaging, gross pathology, and histopathology.

Comparison of xylazine and detomidine in combination with midazolam/ketamine for field castration in Quarter Horses.

BACKGROUND: The ideal field anaesthetic protocol for castration will offer an adequate duration and depth of anaesthesia using a single injection without compromising safety or recovery quality. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare intravenous (IV) xylazine and detomidine as sedatives in combination with midazolam and ketamine for induction of anaesthesia in horses undergoing field castration. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised, blinded, clinical study. METHODS: Fifty-seven male Quarter Horses were randomly assigned to receive xylazine (group X) (1.1 mg/kg bwt) or detomidine (group D) (0.03 mg/kg bwt) as premedication with midazolam (0.05 mg/kg bwt) and ketamine (2.2 mg/kg bwt) anaesthesia. Using simple descriptive scales, quality of sedation, induction, surgical conditions and recovery were scored by blinded observers. Induction, surgery, recovery time and time from induction to standing were recorded. RESULTS: There were a greater number of horses with lower sedation score in group D when compared with horses in group X at 5 minutes after the first dose of sedation (11.1%, 66.7% and 2.2% of horses from group D with sedation scores of 1, 2 and 3, vs 0%, 52% and 48% from group X, respectively, P = .05). A significant (P < .01) difference was found between surgical condition scores for group D (63%, 14.8%, 11.1% and 11.1% with surgery scores of 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively) and group X (28%, 4%, 28% and 40%). Horses in Group D were less likely to require maintenance doses of ketamine (P = .05) with only 26% (7 of 27 horses) in this group requiring additional doses compared to 68% (17 of 25 horses) in group X. Recovery time in minutes (Group D: 24.74 ± 14.80, Group X: 13.08 ± 8.00; P < .01) and induction to standing time in minutes (Group D: 42.2 ± 13.8, Group X: 29.8 ± 8.2; P < .01) were significantly longer for horses in group D compared with group X. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Multiple surgeons and multiple blinded observers. CONCLUSIONS: Detomidine as compared with xylazine as premedication results in good quality sedation and surgical conditions and prolonged surgical plane of anaesthesia, without significant differences in induction or recovery quality.

Evaluation of the effects of commonly used α2-adrenergic receptor agonists alone and in combination with butorphanol tartrate on objective measurements of lameness in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of 3 α2-adrenergic receptor agonists (α2-ARAs), alone or in combination with butorphanol tartrate, on objective measurements of lameness in horses. ANIMALS: 17 adult polo horses with naturally occurring forelimb or hind limb lameness (or both). PROCEDURES: In a crossover design, each horse received each protocol (saline [0.09% NaCl] solution [2 mL, IV] or xylazine hydrochloride [0.33 mg/kg, IV], detomidine hydrochloride [0.007 mg/kg, IV], or romifidine hydrochloride [0.033 mg/kg, IV] alone or in combination with butorphanol [0.007 mg/kg, IV]) in random order, with a washout period (≥ 7 days) between protocols. Horses were assessed immediately prior to (baseline) and 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 minutes after administration of each protocol for degree of sedation, mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT), and objective lameness measurements. RESULTS: Compared with baseline values, sedation scores and MNTs were significantly higher at all evaluated time points following administration of all sedation protocols except xylazine alone; following administration of xylazine alone, sedation scores and MNTs were significantly higher at ≤ 30 minutes and ≤ 20 minutes, respectively. Significant differences in objective forelimb lameness measurements were noted after administration of the 3 α2-ARA-butorphanol combinations. Most significant differences in objective measurements of hind limb lameness were detected after administration of detomidine or romifidine, alone or in combination with butorphanol. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the study horses, xylazine alone had the least impact on objective lameness measurements. The administration of α2-ARAs, particularly detomidine or romifidine, alone or in combination with butorphanol, resulted in small but significant effects on objective lameness measurements.

Evaluation of the equine mental foramen block: cadaveric and in vivo injectate diffusion.

OBJECTIVE: To describe injectate diffusion for two equine mental foramen block techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive anatomic study. ANIMALS: A total of 12 equine heads and three live horses. METHODS: Equine heads were longitudinally sectioned to create 24 hemi-heads for testing two mental foramen block techniques (T1 and T2) and two injectate volumes (3 and 5 mL) of mixed dye and contrast medium. T1 needles were directed rostrocaudally into the mental foramen for 3 cm, and T2 needles were directed dorsolaterally to ventromedially into the foramen for 1 cm. Hemi-heads were randomly assigned one injection technique and volume. Radiographs evaluated needle tip positioning, distance traveled by injectate and injectate diffusion pattern. Specimens were dissected to measure the length of circumferential nerve staining. The more effective technique was tested in three live horses and evaluated via computed tomography. Summary statistics described results. RESULTS: Neither injection technique nor injectate volume had a significant impact on circumferential nerve staining. Circumferential nerve staining, median (range), was 15 (0-33) mm for T1 and 10 (0-42) mm for T2. Injectate diffusion patterns revealed that injectate was more likely to thread alongside the inferior alveolar nerve for T1 (9/12) and bolus around the rostral inferior alveolar nerve for T2 (9/12). Bolus diffusion patterns were associated with increased circumferential nerve staining ≥1 cm (9/24) when compared with thread patterns (6/24). Diffusion of injectate within the mandibular canal was greater with 5 than 3 mL. In vivo testing of T2 with 5 mL injectate resulted in decreased incidence of circumferential nerve staining ≥1 cm [median (range) 5 (0-14) mm]. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: T2 created an injection diffusion pattern more likely to result in circumferential nerve staining ≥1 cm, but the low incidence of in vivo circumferential nerve staining ≥1 cm suggests that block efficacy may vary.

Anatomic analysis of the equine mental foramen and rostral mandibular canal using computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the anatomy of the mental foramen and determine associations with age, weight, sex and breed. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study. ANIMALS: Forty-one horses, 0.6-25.2 years and weighing 136-820 kg. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) studies of equine heads performed over 5 years were evaluated in multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction. Measurements obtained were positioning of the foramen along the mandible, foramen height and width, foramen-canal angulation and rostral canal mineralization. Exploratory statistical analyses investigated associations between measurements and age, weight, sex and breed. RESULTS: Evaluation of 41 CT studies revealed foramen positioning was one-third of the horizontal distance of the incisor-premolar space from the second premolar and one-third of the vertical distance in the mandible from the dorsal surface of interproximal space at the level of the foramen. Age was negatively correlated to horizontal positioning [r = -0.42; 95% confidence intervals (CI), -0.64 to -0.13]. Mean foramen width was 6.4 (range, 2.3-17.1) mm and height 5.6 (range, 2.1-10.3) mm. Age and foramen height (r = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.57) and width (r = 0.30; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.30) were positively correlated. Thoroughbred and Warmblood/Draft horses had increased foramina heights compared with Quarter horses [analysis of variance (anova)p = 0.02]. Males had wider foramina (95% CI, -2.66 to 0.07). Angulation of the foramen-canal was mean ± standard deviation 68.3 ± 12.8° (range, 37.9-105.6°) transverse plane, 28.3 ± 4.1° (range, 18.2-39.0°) saggital plane and 41.4 ± 8.45° (range, 22.2-58.6°) dorsal plane. Older horses had decreased mineralization of the rostral canal (anova, left p = 0.015, right p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The size, shape, positioning and angulation of the mental foramen varies. Mineralization of the canal is decreased in older horses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study improves understanding of mental foramen anatomy and complications with needle placement.

Effects of Feeding Frequency Using a Commercial Automated Feeding Device on Gastric Ulceration in Exercised Quarter Horses.

The objective of this study was to evaluate two feeding regimens: traditional grain feeding (twice a day, traditional fed [TF]) compared with horses fed with an automated feeder programmed to deliver grain in 20 equal aliquots (fractioned fed [FF]) and its effects on gastric ulceration, body weight, and body condition score (BCS). Thirty-one Quarter Horses were maintained in individual stalls during the 60-day experimental period and worked at moderate exercise intensity. Gastroscopies were performed before grain adaptation at 0, 30, and 60 days. Weight and BCS were evaluated biweekly. There were no changes in squamous (equine squamous gastric disease [ESGD]) ulcers in FF horses over the study period and higher ESGD ulcer scores in TF horses over both the 30 and 60-day time points. The proportion of horses with equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) were significantly lower with fractioned feed when compared with traditional feed on day 30, but no difference was seen at day 60. No significant differences were found when comparing the two groups for BCS or body weight throughout the study period. This study further supports that fasting period is a strong contributing factor for gastric ulcer formation. FF of the daily total grain led to a decrease in time fasting when compared with TF which reduced the severity and incidence of both ESGD and EGGD. The use of the commercial feeder for FF may aid in lessening prevalence of gastric ulcers in young training Quarter Horses.