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PET Scan Research On Racehorses Translates To Clinical Breakthroughs For Sport, Pleasure Horses

Standing equine positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is not just for racehorses anymore. In the first four months since the installation of the MILEPET scanner at the UC Davis veterinary hospital, 100 horses have been imaged; more than half were performance and pleasure horses.

Fractures in horses are often fatal, so diagnosing and preventing these leg injuries are essential to equine health. Pioneered at UC Davis in 2016, equine PET imaging initially required horses to undergo general anesthesia, with 150 horses imaged over five years. Modifications to allow PET imaging on standing horses under sedation greatly increased its applications.

Under the guidance of UC Davis veterinary radiologists, the original MILEPET scanner has been in use at Santa Anita Park since December 2019, where it has provided imaging at the molecular level to monitor racehorse health and guide training and medical care. In a year and a half, more than 200 racehorses have been imaged with the scanner, several on multiple occasions. In addition, the increased safety, reduced costs, and improved ease of use of the new scanner is now also responsible for the expansion of its use into other disciplines.

PET imaging has become simple with the MILEPET scanner. A small dose of a radioactive dye is injected about 30 minutes prior to imaging. This dye distributes through the body and accumulates at sites of active injuries. The horse is then sedated similarly as with many veterinary procedures, such as taking X-rays. The scanner is wheeled up to the horse and an openable ring of detectors loosely closes around the limb. It takes between 3-5 minutes to image each site. In less than 30 minutes, both front feet and both front fetlocks can be imaged.

Radiographs alone of foot lameness show unremarkable results. But when fused with PET, a collateral ligament attachment injury and a bruised heel are revealed.

Of the recent 100 horses imaged at UC Davis, 45 were racehorses from Golden Gate Fields. The main area of focus in these horses is the fetlock, as this is the most common site of injuries that can lead to catastrophic breakdowns. The other 55 horses represent a diverse population of UC Davis veterinary hospital patients, including high-level showjumpers, western performance horses, and pleasure horses. In this population, hooves and fetlocks have been the areas most commonly imaged, as they are the most common sources of lameness.

Standing PET has also been successfully utilized for imaging of the hock. Lameness localized to the hock can be challenging, as X-rays and ultrasound are inconclusive in a number of cases. Standing hock MRI is difficult because the horse needs to remain still for 45 minutes. Within 10 minutes, a PET scan can help identify arthritis or suspensory issues as the cause of the lameness.

“Beyond the impressive numbers, the type of cases scanned has also changed,” explained Dr. Mathieu Spriet, the radiologist leading equine PET development at UC Davis. “PET used to be considered the last imaging resort when all other imaging modalities had been exhausted and more information was still needed. Now, PET can be considered as an option earlier in the diagnostic process.”

Different imaging modalities can also be combined to provide the most accurate picture. In some cases, PET and X-rays will provide all the information necessary to decide on a treatment plan. In other cases, MRI of a specific area can be performed after PET, and the combination of PET and MRI data provides the most comprehensive assessment of the situation.

Another interesting novel application of PET is for the assessment of laminitis. This severely debilitating condition can be difficult to manage, and monitoring the activity of the disease is particularly important for adapting trimming and shoeing to make the horse comfortable. PET provides information not only on the inflammation present in the hoof, but also about the health of the coronary band, the area responsible for hoof growth.

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“It is exciting to see an imaging modality that started here as a long-shot idea more than six years ago to now be in full clinical use at the UC Davis veterinary hospital,” said Dr. Spriet. “The continued support from our Center for Equine Health and the collaborative work with LONGMILE Veterinary Imaging have been paramount to this success.”

The use of PET will keep growing in the sport and pleasure horse populations. Ease of use and affordability make it an excellent first choice for advanced imaging, as the costs and time to image two feet and two fetlocks with PET are less than for the MRI of a single foot. In addition to being used for identification of an injury, the “functional” imaging properties of PET—assessing the activity of injuries—are particularly helpful for monitoring rehabilitation.

The post PET Scan Research On Racehorses Translates To Clinical Breakthroughs For Sport, Pleasure Horses appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Survey Shows Equine Industry Stable Based On Number Of Horses Owned And Managed

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the equine industry is stable based on the number of horses owned/managed, according to the results of a survey^1,2 by American Horse Publications (AHP) sponsored by Zoetis. The survey, which includes responses from 7,267 horse owners/managers, found that the top three issues facing the industry are land use issues, horses in transition or at risk and the increased cost of horsekeeping. And, while vaccination rates are stable, survey respondents indicated they are following updated deworming recommendations and adjusting their frequency if needed.

“The results from the 2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey reveal overall stability in the U.S. equine industry in spite of unique challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Jill Stowe, Ph.D., professor of agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky, who analyzed the data and consulted on the results. “Based on respondents' input on management and issues facing the industry, our leaders have helpful information to guide strategic planning and decision-making for the long-term benefit of the industry.”

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The survey, which was conducted from January 18 through April 9, 2021, has three primary objectives: to gauge participation trends and management practices in the U.S. equine industry, to identify critical issues facing the equine industry as perceived by those who own or manage horses, and to better understand approaches to horse health care. AHP conducted similar surveys in 2009-2010, 2012, 2015 and 2018.

Stability Through the Pandemic

The average respondent owns/manages about six horses and 75.2 percent of respondents indicate that the number of horses they currently own/manage is the same as in 2020; 10.4 percent own/manage more horses than they did in 2020. When asked about future expectations of ownership, 73 percent expect to own/manage the same number of horses in 2022, 17.3 percent expect to own/manage more horses and 9.7 percent expect to own/manage fewer horses. Comparing this to the 2018 survey, we see an increase in expected stability regarding the number of horses owned/managed.

Horse Ownership

Growth in the number of horses owned/managed is more prevalent among respondents in the youngest age group as compared to the oldest group. Similar to previous studies, the frequency of owning/managing more horses in the survey year (2021) than in the previous year (2020) is decreasing with age; 21.8 percent of respondents in the 18-24 age category report owning/managing more horses in 2021 than in 2020, while only 5.4 percent of respondents in the 65+ age category report owning/managing more horses. This pattern is also consistent with expectations on horse ownership/management one year in the future: 31.1 percent of respondents in the 18-24 age category expect to own/manage more horses in 2022 than they do this year, while only 10.2 percent of respondents in the 65+ age category report the same expectation.

Event Participation

Survey participants indicate that they expect to compete in an average of 4.3 events in 2021, which is less than the 5 competitions reported in the 2018 study. More than 45 percent of the respondents do not plan on competing at all in 2021, up from 38.7 percent in 2018.

Horsekeeping Costs

Feed (including both hay and concentrates) continues to be the most frequently identified area in which horsekeeping costs have increased. This is followed by costs of veterinary services (41 percent) and animal health products (39 percent), which are stable from the 2018 study.

However, the cost of barn supplies has significantly increased since 2018, from 12.2 percent to 22 percent. Frequently mentioned sources of increased costs in the “other” category were fencing, building materials and insurance. In addition, 22.2 percent of respondents identified fuel/transportation as a primary source of increased horsekeeping costs. It is important to note that if this survey had been conducted later in 2021, when there was a sharp increase in gas and lumber prices, this percentage may have been higher. The rise in horsekeeping costs could force businesses to raise prices even if they don't want to.

Looking at how to accommodate for horsekeeping costs, most respondents reported they will reduce expenditures in other areas of their lives (60 percent), attend fewer competitions (22.2 percent) and pursue other income opportunities (21.3 percent).

Issues Facing the Equine Industry

The most frequently selected issue facing the equine industry was land use issues (43.5 percent), followed closely by horses in transition or at risk (43.1 percent), and cost of horsekeeping (42.8 percent). Frequently mentioned issues in the “other” category include animal rights activists, competition costs, liability and over-regulation.

Although there are overarching issues that span the entire equine industry, there are certain issues of heightened concern in particular areas of the country. For example, zip code regions 4 (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio) and 7 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas) had the highest percentage of respondents selecting illegal medication of performance horses and ineffective welfare laws. Respondents in zip code region 3, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee, were most likely to select the practice of soring as a key issue.

Horse Health Care

Veterinarians administer vaccines for 65.4 percent of respondents' horses, continuing a gradual upward trend from previous surveys (58.2 percent in 2012, 61.4 percent in 2015 and 63 percent in 2018). The percent of respondents who administer the vaccines themselves continues to decrease, standing at 28.5 percent compared to 29.7 percent in 2018, 31.5 percent in 2015 and 34.7 percent in 2012.

Of vaccination-related issues discussed with the veterinarian, the most common is what the horse is being vaccinated for (63.7 percent), followed by American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) vaccination recommendations (40.6 percent). Since the 2018 survey, horse owners and veterinarian conversations surrounding vaccination protocols have decreased.

More than 72 percent of respondents indicate that their veterinarian is the leading influence for where they purchase their equine vaccines, with price being the second leading influence (13.3 percent).

Deworming

Respondents indicate that they are adhering to new deworming recommendations. The percentage of horse owners who are deworming 1 to 3 times a year has increased, while the percentage of those who are deworming up to 6 times a year has decreased.

More than half of respondents (54.4 percent) indicate their veterinarian is involved in developing their horses' deworming schedules—the first time this figure has eclipsed the 50 percent mark. Survey results indicate that just under 60 percent of respondents report their veterinarians recommend a fecal egg count test, declining from nearly 78 percent in 2018.

Respondents indicate that they purchase dewormers from chain stores, local feed stores and online. Veterinarians are reported to have the most influence on dewormer purchasing decisions and their role has become more prominent than indicated in previous studies.

Timing of Surveys Can Be Meaningful

The 2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey continues to build upon the first four surveys (2009-2010, 2012, 2015 and 2018) to help understand dynamics within the equine industry. The initial survey was conducted as recovery from the Great Recession in '08 and '09 was underway, and the following two surveys were able to track recovery in the equine industry.

“The timing of the 2021 survey is fortuitous because it comes on the heels of a worldwide economic slowdown due to the global COVID-19 pandemic—a health event not seen in more than a century,” said Dr. Stowe. “Accordingly, it can serve as an important benchmark in the health of the equine industry now and in the future.”

About the Survey

The 2021 survey was limited to those who currently own or manage at least one horse, are 18 years of age or older and live in the United States. The survey collected 8,029 responses, of which 7,267 were useable.

“Zoetis is proud to support the ongoing work of American Horse Publications and its significant efforts to understand the trends impacting our industry,” said Jen Grant, head of marketing for U.S. equine, Zoetis. “To see a stable U.S. horse population despite the many challenges of COVID-19 is a testament to the powerful connection between horses and their caregivers—a bond we are committed to nurturing now and into the future through our trailblazing portfolio of horse care products.”

“AHP is grateful for its partnership with Zoetis to provide ongoing and vital data on the trends in horse care, management and welfare of horses in the U.S.,” said Christine W. Brune, AHP executive director. “We appreciate the cooperation of our members in promoting the survey and the expert analysis of Dr. Jill Stowe.”

Survey results will be released by Zoetis and AHP members through their own channels. Excerpts from this study must be referenced as “2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey sponsored by Zoetis.”

¹ American Horse Publications. 2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey.

²The 2021 survey faced a number of unique challenges in collecting responses due to changes in engagement on social media, increased privacy concerns, and the polar vortex that hit the Texas area and left millions without power.

Study: Thailand’s African Horse Sickness Outbreak Likely Started From Just One Animal

Scientists have found that the 2020 outbreak of African Horse Sickness in Thailand most likely came from just one affected animal entering the country. Hundreds of horses were killed in the country's first outbreak of the disease, which is spread by biting midges.

Dr. Napawan Bunpapong and a research team from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok used molecular-based testing to help determine the disease's origin. They discovered that every blood and tissue sample taken from affected horses in Thailand contained the virus, and more specifically, contained unique amino acids, indicating a single, common origin. The researchers suggest that the virus may have come from an asymptomatic animal like a zebra.

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The government of Thailand restricted movement and enforced quarantine, disinfection and vector control to try to staunch the spread of the disease. Mass vaccination was also completed in Thailand and neighboring countries.

Affected horses had a fever and swelling near their eyes; they became depressed and short of breath before dying suddenly within 48 hours.

Owner Diligence Key To Equine Asthma Management, But Many Won’t Implement Management Changes

Scientists in Portugal have discovered that many horses suffering from equine asthma aren't given a fair shake at disease management for one reason: their owners are reluctant to follow vet advice to reduce the horse's exposure to environmental irritants, reports EQUUS magazine.

Dr. Joana Simões and a team of scientists examined 39 horses that were diagnosed with severe equine asthma (SEA), also known as heaves. Heaves is triggered by environmental factors like dust and mold, and is characterized by coughing, labored breathing, and airway inflammation. Reduction of exposure to triggers normally allows the symptoms to subside.

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The horses' owners were given a questionnaire asking how the horse was housed and fed, and what respiratory issues he showed. A veterinarian then offered six management recommendations, which included things like soaking hay before feeding and turning horses out as much as possible. Each strategy was directly correlated with equine asthma improvement.

One year later, the researchers contacted the horse owners again to see if they had followed through on the veterinary recommendations. They discovered that only three of the 38 owners had implemented all six recommended strategies for keeping their horse healthy, and only six owners were utilizing five of the recommended measures. About half of the owners had adopted one or two control strategies. Horses that did not have management changes remained symptomatic and required medical treatment.

Simões notes that it may be difficult to implement every suggested control strategy, like increased barn ventilation, but some of the strategies required only that a horse owner change their daily routine. Some horse owners responded that implementing things like soaking the affected horse's hay was too time consuming or that they could not get the horse's caretaker to comply.

The scientists believe that some lack of compliance may be because the disease can only be managed and not cured – there is no quick fix or pill to solve severe equine asthma. The research team suggests that horse owners may be more inclined to better manage the condition if they understood the disease and its progression more completely.