Correction: Comparison of the broncoalveolar lavage fluid proteomics between foals and adult horses.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290778.].

Prevalence and severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses and its relationship to performance.

BACKGROUND: Little has been reported regarding the prevalence and severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate EIPH prevalence and severity and its association with performance, speed index, furosemide administration, race distance, and track surface. ANIMALS: A total of 830 2-year-old Thoroughbreds. METHODS: Prospective blinded observational study. Videoendoscopy was performed 30 to 60 minutes postrace at 15 American racetracks. Three blinded observers independently assigned an EIPH grade (0-4) to each video, and prevalence and severity of EIPH were determined. Relationships of EIPH grade to performance, speed index, race distance, track surface, and prerace administration of furosemide were evaluated using Pearson's chi-squared test for categorical variables and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for numerical variables. Multivariable logistic regression assessed relationships between EIPH prevalence and severity, respectively, and the aforementioned independent variables. A P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 1071 tracheoendoscopies were recorded. The EIPH prevalence was 74% and for EIPH grade ≥3 was 8%. Speed index (P = .02) and finishing place (P = .004) were lower with EIPH ≥3. The EIPH prevalence and severity were lower at 2 tracks where postrace tracheoendoscopy was mandatory rather than voluntary (P < .001). Probability of observing EIPH was negatively associated with speed index (P = .01) at tracks where postrace tracheoendoscopy was mandatory. Prerace furosemide administration decreased the probability of EIPH occurrence (P = .007) and severity (P = .01) where study participation was voluntary. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Prevalence and severity of EIPH in 2-year-old racehorses were consistent with that of older racehorses. An EIPH grade ≥3 was associated with decreased performance. Prerace furosemide administration was associated with a decreased likelihood, but not severity, of EIPH at most tracks.

Radiographic analysis of the dorsal hoof wall thickness in clinically normal draft horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiographic thickness of the dorsal hoof wall in normal draft horse feet. ANIMALS: 33 adult draft horses with no history of laminitis, no clinically obvious lameness, and visibly unremarkable front feet were included. METHODS: This was a prospective, descriptive study of clinically normal draft horses' front feet. Lateromedial radiographs were acquired of the front feet. A ratio of the dorsal hoof wall thickness to the length of the distal phalanx (DHWP3 ratio) was calculated. RESULTS: The dorsal hoof wall thickness to length of the distal phalanx was calculated as 0.33 ± 0.03 (range of 0.28 to 0.39) in this population of draft horses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With very few exceptions, the heterogeneous population of draft horses evaluated in this study had a DHWP3 ratio greater than previously published values in lighter breeds (< 0.30).

Long-term outcome after colic surgery: retrospective study of 106 horses in the USA (2014-2021).

Objective: To determine long-term survival rate, defined as survival to 1 year after discharge from the hospital, and rate of return to prior athletic, breeding, or other function in horses undergoing colic surgery at the first presentation at one referral hospital in the Pacific northwest region of the United States. Procedures: Records were reviewed for all horses that underwent colic surgery between October 2014 and October 2021. Owners of horses that survived to discharge were contacted to obtain follow-up information via internet-based questionnaire or telephone interview. The percentage of horses that survived to 1 year after discharge, rates of return to function, and complications occurring after hospital discharge were determined. The possible association of patient signalment, lesion type, and surgical procedures with long-term survival was examined with Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Overall satisfaction was indicated on a scale of 1 (unsatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied). Results: Of 185 horses that underwent surgical intervention for colic and met the inclusion criteria, 134 horses recovered from anesthesia, with 106 of these recovered horses (79.1%) surviving to discharge. Of the 71 horses for which follow-up information was obtained, 61 horses survived to 1 year after discharge (long-term survival rate of 85.9%). There were no demographic, lesion type, or surgical procedure variables significantly associated with long-term survival. Prior to surgery, 59/71 horses (83.1%) were engaged in some type of athletic activity. After surgery, 44/61 horses (72.1%) were reported to be athletically active. Only one horse was reported to be retired from athletic activity as a direct result of a complication from surgery. Overall satisfaction with the decision to proceed with colic surgery was rated by all respondents as 4 or 5. Conclusions and clinical relevance: The long-term survival for this sample of horses was similar to previously published reports of long-term survival after colic surgery. Horses that survived to hospital discharge were highly likely to remain alive and be athletically active 1 year later. There were no factors related to the signalment of the horse, the specific cause of colic, or the surgical procedures performed that were significantly associated with likelihood of survival.

Comparison of the broncoalveolar lavage fluid proteomics between foals and adult horses.

Neonates have different cellular composition in their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) when compared to foals and adult horses; however, little is known about the non-cellular components of BALF. The objective of this study was to determine the proteomic composition of BALF in neonatal horses and to compare it to that of foals and adult horses. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples of seven neonates (< 1 week age), four 5 to 7-week-old foals, and six adult horses were collected. Quantitative proteomics of the fluid was performed using tandem mass tag labeling followed by high resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and protein relative abundances were compared between groups using exact text. A total of 704 proteins were identified with gene ontology terms and were classified. Of these, 332 proteins were related to the immune system in neonates, foals, and adult horses. The most frequent molecular functions identified were binding and catalytic activity and the most common biological processes were cellular process, metabolic process, and biological regulation. There was a significant difference in the proteome of neonates when compared to foals and to adult horses. Neonates had less relative expression (FDR < 0.01) of many immune-related proteins, including immunoglobulins, proteins involved in the complement cascade, ferritin, BPI fold-containing family B member 1, and macrophage receptor MARCO. This is the first report of equine neonate BALF proteomics and reveals differential abundance of proteins when compared to BALF from adult horses. The lower relative abundance of immune-related proteins in neonates could contribute to their susceptibility to pulmonary infections.

Rhodococcus equi-What is New This Decade?

Foals become infected shortly after birth; most develop subclinical pneumonia and 20% to 30% develop clinical pneumonia that requires treatment. It is now well established that the combination of screening programs based on thoracic ultrasonography and treatment of subclinical foals with antimicrobials has led to the development of resistant Rhodococcus equi strains. Thus, targeted treatment programs are needed. Administration of R equi-specific hyperimmune plasma shortly after birth is beneficial as foals develop less severe pneumonia but does not seem to prevent infection. This article provides a summary of clinically relevant research published during this past decade.

Acquisition and use of analgesic drugs by horse owners in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the acquisition and use of equine analgesic drugs by horse owners in the United States (US). OBJECTIVES: To determine factors associated with possession of analgesic drugs by horse owners in the US or with analgesic drug acquisition from sources noncompliant with a valid veterinarian-client-patient (VCPR) relationship. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: An internet-based questionnaire included items related to experiences with horses and equine analgesic drugs. Factors associated with possession of ≥5 types of analgesic drugs and with the acquisition of drugs from VCPR noncompliant sources were analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Responses from 389 US horse owners indicated that 96% have access to at least one type of equine analgesic medication and most are confident in their drug administration skills. Horse owners with ≥5 types of analgesic drugs were more likely to have managed >20 horses in their life (odds ratio [OR] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7-5.6), have medical insurance for some horses (OR = 4.2, CI = 2.3-7.7), and have veterinary or human medical training (OR = 2.2, CI = 1.2-4.1) and were less likely to have a primary care veterinarian requiring >30 minutes travel time (OR = 0.5, CI = 0.3-0.9). Horse owners who obtained drugs through VCPR noncompliant sources were likely to be male (OR = 5.6, CI = 1.6-19.4), ≤40 years of age (OR = 2.0, CI = 1.2-3.2), and reside in the South or West regions of the US (OR = 2.4, CI = 1.4-4.0). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Possible distribution, self-selection, response, and recall biases as a result of convenience sampling methodology. CONCLUSIONS: Discussion between veterinarians and horse owners regarding available analgesic drugs and owners' competence in administering those drugs may improve veterinary care recommendations and owner compliance.

HISTORIAL: Poco se sabe sobre la obtención y uso de medicamentos analgésicos para equinos usados por dueños de caballos en los Estados Unidos (EE. UU.). OBJETIVOS: Determinar los factores asociados con la posesión de medicamentos analgésicos por dueños de caballos en los EE. UU. o con la obtención de medicamentos analgésicos de fuentes que no cumplen con una relación valida veterinario-cliente-paciente (VCPR). DISEÑO DEL ESTUDIO: Estudio sectorial. MÉTODOS: Un cuestionario en línea incluyo puntos relacionados con experiencias con caballos y medicamentos analgésicos para equinos. Los factores asociados con la posesión de ≥5 tipos de analgésicos y con la obtención de medicamentos que no cumplen con fuentes VCPR fueron analizados usando regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Las respuestas de 389 dueños americanos de caballos. indicaron que el 96% tiene acceso a por lo menos un tipo de medicamento analgésico equino y la mayoría está seguro de su capacidad de administrar este medicamento. Los dueños de caballos con >5 tipos de medicamentos analgésicos tenían la tendencia de manejar a más de > 20 caballos en su vida (razón de momios [OR]=3.1, 95% intervalo de confianza [CI]=1.7-5.6), tienen seguro médico para algunos de los caballos (OR=4.2, CI=2.3-7.7), y tienen entrenamiento veterinario o medico humano (OR=2.2, CI=1.2-4.1) y tenían menor posibilidad de necesitar cuidado veterinario primario con > 30 minutos de tiempo de viaje (OR=0.5, CI=0.3-0.9). Los dueños de caballos que obtuvieron medicamentos a través de una fuente que no cumplía VCPR tenían tendencia a ser hombres (OR=5.6, CI=1.6-19.4), tener < 40 años de edad (OR=2.0, CI=1.2-3.2), y residir en las regiones del Sur o Oeste de los EEUU (OR=2.4, CI= 1.4-4,0). LIMITACIONES PRINCIPALES: Posible sesgo de distribución, autoselección, respuesta y recuerdos como resultado de una metodología de muestreo por conveniencia. CONCLUSIONES: Una discusión entre veterinarios y dueños de caballos al respecto de los analgésicos disponibles y la competencia de los dueños en administrar estos medicamentos podría mejorar las recomendaciones de cuidados veterinarios y el cumplimiento de los dueños.

Plasma metabolome of healthy and Rhodococcus equi-infected foals over time.

BACKGROUND: Foals that develop pulmonary ultrasonographic lesions on Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) endemic farms are treated with antibiotics because those at risk of developing clinical pneumonia (~20%) cannot be recognised early. Candidate biomarkers identified using metabolomics may aid targeted treatment strategies against R. equi. OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe how foal ageing affects their plasma metabolome (birth to 8 weeks) and (2) to establish the effects that experimental infection with Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) has on foal metabolome. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Nine healthy newborn foals were experimentally infected with R. equi as described in a previous study. Foals were treated with oral antibiotics if they developed clinical pneumonia (n = 4, clinical group) or remained untreated if they showed no signs of disease (n = 5, subclinical group). A group of unchallenged foals (n = 4) was also included in the study. By the end of the study period (8 weeks), all foals were free of disease. This status was confirmed with transtracheal wash fluid evaluation and culture as well as thoracic ultrasonography. Plasma metabolomics was determined by GC-MS weekly for the study duration (8 weeks). RESULTS: Foals' plasma metabolome was altered by ageing (birth to 8 weeks) and experimental infection with R. equi as demonstrated using multivariate statistical analysis. The intensities of 25 and 28 metabolites were altered by ageing and infection (p < 0.05) respectively. Furthermore, 20 metabolites changed by more than 2-fold between clinical and subclinical groups. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The number of foals is limited. Foals were experimentally infected with R. equi. CONCLUSIONS: Ageing and R. equi infection induced changes in the plasma metabolome of foals. These results provide an initial description of foal's plasma metabolome and serve as background for future identification of R. equi pneumonia biomarkers.

INTRODUCTION/CONTEXTE: Les poulains qui développent des lésions pulmonaires échographiques dans les fermes d'élevage où Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) est endémique sont traités avec antibiotiques car ceux à risque de développer des lésions cliniques (~20%) ne peuvent être identifiés précocement. Certains biomarqueurs identifiés par le biais de la métabolomique pourraient aider à orienter les stratégies de traitement pour R. equi. OBJECTIFS: (1) Décrire les changements de métabolome plasmatique qui surviennent chez les poulains en lien avec l'âge (naissance jusqu'à 8 semaines d'âge) et (2) Établir les effets d'une infection expérimentale à Rhodococcus Equi sur le métabolome des poulains. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Étude expérimentale. MÉTHODES: Neufs poulains nouveaux-nés en santé ont été infectés de façon expérimentale par R. equi tel que décrit précédemment. Ils ont été traités avec des antibiotiques s'ils ont développé une pneumonie clinique (n = 4, groupe clinique) ou ont simplement été suivi dans le temps s'ils n'ont pas montré de signes de la maladie (n = 5, groupe sous-clinique). Un groupe de poulains sains (n = 4) était aussi inclus dans l'étude. À la fin de l'étude (8 semaines), tous les poulains étaient sains tel que confirmé par l'évaluation et la culture de leur fluide de lavage transtrachéal de même qu'à l'échographie thoracique. Les métabolomiques plasmastiques ont été déterminées par GC-MS de façon hebdomadaire pour la durée de l'étude (8 semaines). RÉSULTATS: À la fois l'âge et l'infection expérimentale ont altéré le métabolome plasmatique des poulains tel que démontré par l'analyse statistique multivariée. L'âge a altéré l'intensité de 25 métabolites et l'infection a modifié l'intensité de 28 métabolites (p < 0.05). De plus, 20 métabolites ont changé de plus de 2 fois leur valeur initiale, entre les groupes cliniques et sous-cliniques. LIMITES PRINCIPALES: Le nombre de poulains reste limité. Les poulains ont été infecté par R. equi de façon expérimentale. CONCLUSIONS: Le vieillissement et l'infection par R. equi induisent des changements dans le métabolome plasmatique des poulains. Ces résultats représentent une description initiale du métabolome plasmatique chez le poulain et peuvent servir de base pour l'identification future de biomarqueurs pour la détection de pneumonie à Rhodococcus equi.

Rhodococcus equi foal pneumonia: Update on epidemiology, immunity, treatment and prevention.

Pneumonia in foals caused by the bacterium Rhodococcus equi has a worldwide distribution and is a common cause of disease and death for foals. The purpose of this narrative review was to summarise recent developments pertaining to the epidemiology, immune responses, treatment, and prevention of rhodococcal pneumonia of foals. Screening tests have been used to implement earlier detection and treatment of foals with presumed subclinical R. equi pneumonia to reduce mortality and severity of disease. Unfortunately, this practice has been linked to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant R. equi in North America. Correlates of protective immunity for R. equi infections of foals remain elusive, but recent evidence indicates that innate immune responses are important both for mediating killing and orchestrating adaptive immune responses. A macrolide antimicrobial in combination with rifampin remains the recommended treatment for foals with R. equi pneumonia. Great need exists to identify which antimicrobial combination is most effective for treating foals with R. equi pneumonia and to limit emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains. In the absence of an effective vaccine against R. equi, passive immunisation remains the only commercially available method for effectively reducing the incidence of R. equi pneumonia. Because passive immunisation is expensive, labour-intensive and carries risks for foals, great need exists to develop alternative approaches for passive and active immunisation.

The type of anticoagulant used for plasma collection affects in vitro Rhodococcus equi assays.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of Rhodococcus equi-specific hyperimmune plasma (HIP) is usually evaluated in vitro. Anticoagulants (AC) used for plasma collection can negatively impact bacterial replication but their effect on R. equi growth has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to establish the effect that AC routinely used in veterinary medicine (ACD, K2EDTA, Li Heparin, and Na Citrate) have on in vitro R. equi growth. To assess this, in vitro assays commonly used to test HIP efficacy (direct effect on microorganism and macrophage infection), were performed using each AC and non-treated bacteria. RESULTS: There was no direct effect of ACD, Li Heparin or Na Citrate on R. equi growth. These AC significantly (p < 0.05) delayed growth for 12 h following opsonization. The number of R. equi colonies after macrophage infection was significantly (p < 0.05) lower 72 h post-opsonization with Na Citrate. K2EDTA inhibited the formation of R. equi colonies by 12 h in all the assays. In conclusion, AC should be taken into consideration when interpreting in vitro results as their negative effect on bacterial growth may be mistakenly interpreted as HIP efficacy. ACD and Li Heparin appear more appropriate for the selected assays.

Pain severity scores for common equine disorders as provided by horse owners and equine veterinarians.

BACKGROUND: Understanding factors influencing assessment of pain in horses will facilitate communication between veterinarians and horse owners. OBJECTIVES: To compare estimates of pain experienced by horses as provided by veterinarians and horse owners and to determine factors associated with individuals who perceive horses to be experiencing extreme pain or minimal pain. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Internet-based questionnaires for horse owners and veterinarians included items related to recognition of pain in horses, estimated degree of pain experienced by horses, and demographic information. Variables associated with perception of a high or low degree of pain were investigated using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Final data sets included responses from 553 horse owners and 263 veterinarians. Pain scores varied widely and differences in median scores from horse owners and veterinarians were small. Horse owners providing high pain ratings were more likely to have <10 horses (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1-3.5) and to not have a college degree (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0-2.2). Those providing low pain ratings were less likely to own <10 horses (OR = 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4-0.9). Veterinarians providing high pain ratings were more likely to be employed in a mixed animal practice (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.3-5.9) and to lack board-certification in a veterinary specialty (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1-4.2). Veterinarians providing low pain ratings were more likely to be male (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3-4.2). MAIN LIMITATIONS: The respondent population may be biased because of the method of questionnaire distribution and associated sampling bias. Respondents were primarily from the United States. CONCLUSIONS: Assessments of the degree of pain horses are experiencing vary widely among horse owners and equine veterinarians.

Plasma lipidome of healthy and Rhodococcus equi-infected foals over time.

BACKGROUND: Many foals that develop thoracic ultrasonographic lesions as a result of Rhodococcus equi infection heal on their own. However, most of these foals receive antimicrobials because foals at risk of developing clinical pneumonia cannot be identified. Untargeted lipidomics is useful to identify candidate biomarkers. OBJECTIVES: (a) To describe the changes that occur in foal lipidomics as a result of ageing (birth to 8 weeks) and (b) To compare these results with those observed in foals after experimental infection with R. equi. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Healthy newborn foals (n = 9) were challenged with R. equi intratracheally the first week of life. Foals were treated with antimicrobials if they developed clinical pneumonia (n = 4, "clinical group") or were closely monitored if they showed no signs of disease (n = 5 "subclinical group"). An unchallenged group (n = 4) was also included. All foals were free of disease (transtracheal wash fluid evaluation and culture as well as thoracic ultrasonography) by 8 weeks of life. Plasma lipidomics was determined by LC-MS weekly for the study duration (8 weeks). RESULTS: Both ageing and experimental infection altered the foal's plasma lipidome as demonstrated by multivariate statistical analysis. The intensities of 31 lipids were altered by ageing and 12 by infection (P < .05). Furthermore, nine lipids changed by more than twofold between clinical and subclinical groups. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The number of foals is limited. Foals were experimentally challenged with R. equi. CONCLUSIONS: Ageing and R. equi infection induced changes in the plasma lipidome of foals. These experimental results provide the background for future work in the discovery of earlier biomarkers of R. equi pneumonia. Early identification of foals at risk of developing clinical pneumonia is key in order to decrease antimicrobial use and development of antimicrobial resistance.

Relative Deficiency in Albumin Methionine Content is Associated With Decreased Antioxidant Capacity of Equine Plasma.

Relative to other species, horses seem particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. Plasma albumin plays an important role in preventing oxidative damage, in part due to its methionine (MET) content. Equine albumin is highly unusual in that it contains no MET residues. Whether or not this causes deficient antioxidant capacity in equine plasma relative to that of other species has not yet been explored. The objective of this study was to compare the redox status of equine (no MET) to that of bovine (moderate amount of MET) plasma. Plasma was collected from healthy, nonpregnant Quarter Horse mares (n = 10) and adult, healthy, nonpregnant, dried Holstein cows (n = 15). Measures of total antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress were assessed for each plasma sample using multiple commercially available assays: total antioxidant capacity, thiol detection, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and advanced oxidation protein products. Plasma from horses had significantly (P < .05) lower thiol content and thiobarbituric and reactive substances and higher advanced oxidation protein products than plasma from cattle. A difference in total antioxidant capacity was not observed; however, our study was underpowered to establish a meaningful comparison. Based on these findings, the lack of MET in equine albumin appears to translate to a lower antioxidant capacity of equine plasma. Our findings are consistent with previous reports in other species that identify MET as having an important role in the antioxidant capacity of albumin. Our results also highlight the complex system of antioxidant defenses in plasma that counteract the harmful effects of oxidants.

Gymkhana de la salud en Higuera de Vargas / Health gymkhana in Higuera de Vargas

En 2016, en Higuera de Vargas (Badajoz, Extremadura), se inició el Proceso Comunitario, intervención dirigida a todos los habitantes con la idea de compartir experiencias y participar activamente en comunidad. Se realizó un diagnóstico de salud comunitario, recogiendo datos objetivos y subjetivos relacionados con la salud mediante distintas fuentes, y se generó un documento común. Para el período 2016-2020, la Gerencia de Badajoz promueve Participación y Salud, dentro del Proyecto Ítaca, como experiencia piloto en salud comunitaria, con la colaboración del Consultorio y el Ayuntamiento de Higuera, para favorecer una nueva metodología de trabajo con la comunidad. En este marco, dentro de la Comisión Comunitaria creada en la localidad, en 2017 se decide realizar una iniciativa comunitaria, un día dedicado a la salud: I Gymkhana de la Salud de Higuera de Vargas. Consistió en tres itinerarios divididos por edades, cada uno con actividades relacionadas con la salud o hábitos de vida saludables, instaladas en distintos puntos del pueblo. Se obtuvieron resultados a través de un cuestionario que respondieron los participantes, constatándose que era una actividad novedosa con gran repercusión, por lo que se decidió su repetición anual. En ella se implicaron las administraciones públicas (Gerencia de Salud del Área de Badajoz, Ayuntamiento de Higuera, Diputación de Badajoz y Mancomunidad de Olivenza), que aportaron financiación y dieron publicidad de la propuesta en medios de comunicación. Con esta actividad se trató de divulgar hábitos saludables, favorecer la participación ciudadana, promocionar la salud de una manera lúdica y poner en valor las riquezas de nuestra comunidad

In 2016, Higuera de Vargas (Badajoz, Extremadura) begins its Community Process as an intervention aimed for all inhabitants, with the idea of sharing experiences and active community participation. A Community Health Diagnosis took place and subjective and objective health data were collected by means of different sources, leading to one common document. For the 2016-2020 term, Badajoz's Management promoted "Participation and Health", within the scope of the Itaca Project, as a pilot experience in Community Health. This had the collaboration of Higuera's Local Government and Surgery, to foster a new work methodology within the community. In this context, within the local Community Commission, in 2017 the idea of celebrating a community initiative, a day dedicated to health: the 1st Health Gymkhana in Higuera de Vegas. It consisted of 3 itineraries, each split up according to different ages and with various stations related to health or healthy habits, spread over the town. Results were collected using a questionnaire for participants and it could be verified whether this was a new activity with a major impact with a view to holding it annually. Local Administrations were involved in the activity, and supported it with funding and advertising in the media. This activity aimed to disseminate healthy habits, favour citizen participation and health promotion in a festive way and highlight the value of our community's attitudes and wealth

Equine Coronavirus-Associated Colitis in Horses: A Retrospective Study.

Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a known cause of fever, anorexia, and lethargy in adult horses. Although there are multiple reports of ECoV outbreaks, less is known about the clinical presentation of individual horses during a nonoutbreak situation. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation of horses diagnosed with ECoV infection that were not associated with an outbreak. Medical records of all horses admitted to Washington State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, during an 8-year period were reviewed (2010-2018). The five horses included in this study were older than 1 year of age, were diagnosed with colitis, tested positive for ECoV using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and were negative to other enteric pathogens. Interestingly, 4 of 5 horses had moderate to severe diarrhea, 3 had abnormal large colon ultrasonography, 2 had transient ventricular tachycardia and 2 had clinicopathologic evidence of liver dysfunction. ECoV should be included as a differential diagnosis for individual horses presenting with anorexia, fever, lethargy, and colitis. Early identification of ECoV cases is key to implement appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent the potential spread of this disease.

Strain-to-strain variation of Rhodococcus equi growth and biofilm formation in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: Rhodococcus equi is an opportunistic pathogen that causes disease worldwide in young foals and immunocompromised humans. The interactions of R. equi with the host immune system have been described; however, most studies have been conducted using a few well-characterized strains. Because biological differences between R. equi strains are not well characterized, it is unknown if experimental results will replicate when different strains are used. Therefore, our objective was to compare the growth and biofilm formation of low-passage-rate clinical isolates of R. equi to higher-passage-rate, commonly studied isolates to determine whether strain-to-strain variation exists. RESULTS: Twelve strains were used: 103+, ATCC 33701, UKVDL206 103S harboring a GFP-expressing plasmid, a plasmid-cured 33701 (higher-passage-rate) and seven low-passage clinical isolates. Generation time in liquid revealed fast, moderate-fast, moderate-slow, and slow-growing isolates. The higher-passage-rate isolates were among the moderate-slow growing strains. A strain's rate of growth did not correspond to its ability to form biofilm nor to its colony size on solid media. Based on our results, care should be taken not to extrapolate in vitro work that may be conducted using different R. equi strains. Further work is needed to evaluate the effect that the observed differences may have on experimental results.

Rhodococcus equi-specific hyperimmune plasma administration decreases faecal shedding of pathogenic R. equi in foals.

Rhodococcus equi is the most common cause of pneumonia in young foals. Pneumonic foals are an important source of environmental contamination as they shed higher amounts of R. equi in their faeces than unaffected foals. As R. equi-specific hyperimmune plasma (HIP) lessens clinical pneumonia, we hypothesise that its use would result in decreased faecal shedding of R. equi by foals. Neonatal foals were either given HIP (n=12) or nothing (n=9, control) shortly after birth and were then experimentally infected with R. equi Faeces were collected before and on weeks 2, 3, 5 and 7 after infection. Presence of virulent R. equi was tested using qPCR. There was strong evidence of an association between HIP administration and a decrease in faecal shedding of virulent R. equi (P=0.031 by Pearson chi-squared test). Foals in the control shed significantly more R. equi (colony-forming units/ml) than foals that received HIP (P=0.008 by Mann-Whitney rank-sum test). While our study is the first to report this additional benefit of HIP administration, future studies are needed to evaluate the implications of its use under field conditions.

Use of non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography to identify deep digital flexor tendinopathy in horses with lameness: 28 cases (2014-2016).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of non-contrast-enhanced CT to identify deep digital flexor (DDF) tendinopathy in horses with lameness attributed to pain in regions distal to the metatarsophalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joints. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 28 client-owned horses. PROCEDURES: Medical records were searched to identify horses that underwent non-contrast-enhanced CT with or without high-field MRI as part of an evaluation for lameness localized to areas distal to the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint in ≥ 1 limb. Horses were included in the study if they had ≥ 1 DDF tendon lesion (DDF tendinopathy) identified. Signalment, lameness examination findings and response to perineural anesthesia, imaging modality, anesthetic agents and duration of anesthesia, and imaging findings were recorded. Data were summarized descriptively. RESULTS: Bilateral imaging was performed for all horses, irrespective of unilateral or bilateral lameness. Nine of 28 horses underwent both CT and MRI, and all DDF tendon lesions identified by one modality were identified by the other. Of 48 limbs with DDF tendinopathy, 46 (96%) had core lesions and 35 (73%) had dorsal border irregularities. Median anesthesia time for CT and CT followed by MRI was 15 and 110 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that non-contrast-enhanced CT was useful for identifying DDF tendinopathy in horses with lameness localized to the phalangeal regions, and this was supported by consistency of findings in a subset of horses that underwent MRI. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Evaluation of equine coronavirus fecal shedding among hospitalized horses.

BACKGROUND: Currently, diagnosis of equine coronavirus (ECoV) relies on the exclusion of other infectious causes of enteric disease along with molecular detection of ECoV in feces or tissue. Although this approach is complete, it is costly and may not always be achievable. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that the overall fecal shedding of ECoV in hospitalized horses is low. Our objective was to determine whether systemically healthy horses and horses with gastrointestinal disorders shed ECoV in their feces at the time of admission to a referral hospital and after 48 hours of stress associated with hospitalization. ANIMALS: One-hundred thirty adult horses admitted to the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for gastrointestinal disease (n = 65) or for imaging under anesthesia (n = 65) that were hospitalized for 48 hours. Owner consent was obtained before sampling. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected at admission and 48 hours later. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ECoV and electron microscopy (EM) were performed on all samples. RESULTS: Only 1 of 258 fecal samples was PCR-positive for ECoV. Electron microscopy identified ECoV-like particles in 9 of 258 samples, parvovirus-like particles in 4 of 258 samples, and rotavirus-like particles in 1 of 258 samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The presence of ECoV in feces of hospitalized adult horses was low. Thus, fecal samples that are PCR-positive for ECoV in adult horses that have clinical signs consistent with this viral infection are likely to be of diagnostic relevance. The clinical relevance of the viruses observed using EM remains to be investigated.