Evaluation of the stance phases of warmblood sport horses on soft and hard surfaces by infrared optical sensors

The aim of the study was to assertain the differences in walking time of sport horses by investigating their stance phases on soft versus hard surfaces using infrared sensors. A total of 15 warmblood sport horses were used in the study. Three different stages of the stance phase were examined, including initial contact, foot flat and propulsion, alongside assessment of walking pace and step-length. It was observed that the horses were inclined to walk more slowly on soft surfaces compared to hard ground. The amount of time spent in the foot flat position constituted the majority of the stance phase on both surfaces. Propulsion length during the stance phase was shorter on soft surfaces in comparison to hard ground. While the ratio of contact length in forelimbs was lower on hard ground compared to soft surfaces, in hind limbs this ratio was higher on hard ground. Objective data obtained through gait analysis systems are thought to serve as a potential auxiliary diagnostic tool in diseases associated with the locomotor system manifested by lameness, particularly in equine veterinary medicine. In the future, the relevant systems that could offer rapid results through current technology are anticipated to provide accurate preliminary assumptions to evaluate the potential of horses regarding their walking, trotting, and leaping capacity before competitions through such studies

Serum trace element levels in Equine Herpesvirus 1 infected horses

Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is responsible for several syndromes, such as respiratory disease, abortion, fatal viral pneumonia in neonatal foals, and a neurological syndrome, currently referred to as EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy. The analysis of trace element levels in the sera of EHV-1 infected horses could be useful in clarifying the pathogenesis or pathophysiology of these EHVinduced clinical syndromes. Previous studies have shown significant alterations for some serum trace elements (zinc, iron, copper) in EHV-1 infected horses, and this could be justified by the putative role of these elements in many immunological pathways or by their antiviral activity. The aim of the present study was to perform a comparison by retrospective serological study of 52 EHV-1 infected and non-infected horses, both healthy and ill, to establish whether there were possible alterations in serum levels of arsenic, copper, boron, zinc, iron, chromium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and silicium. Horses were categorized based on the type of syndrome (respiratory disease, abortion, or neurological disease) and the presence of seroconversion (by virus neutralization) and the result of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for EHV-1. Levels of serum chromium, copper, selenium, boron, and silicium were significantly different among different groups of EHV-1 infected or non-infected horses. Serum chromium levels were higher in infected horses compared to non-infected individuals (p=0.0001). Levels of serum copper (p=0.001), magnesium (p=0.05), selenium (p=0.004), and silicium (p=0.004) were significantly lower in the horses with neurological disease. While levels of serum chromium (p=0.005) were higher, those of boron (p=0.002) were significantly lower in cases of EHV1 abortion. Overall, the present study revealed alterations in the serum levels of some trace elements between EHV-1 non-infected and infected horses, such as those that aborted or developed neurological signs. However, the relationship between the trace elements and the outcomes of the infection could not be established. Further research is needed to enlighten the effects of trace element alterations on the equine herpesvirus-1 infection pathogenesis in horses