Differential expression of microRNAs in bovine papillomavirus type 1 transformed equine cells

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 play an important role in the pathogenesis of equine sarcoids (ES), the most common cutaneous tumour affecting horses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that regulate essential biological and cellular processes, have been found dysregulated in a wide range of tumours. The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs associated with ES. Differential expression of miRNAs was assessed in control equine fibroblasts (EqPalFs) and EqPalFs transformed with the BPV-1 genome (S6-2 cells). Using a commercially available miRNA microarray, 492 mature miRNAs were interrogated. In total, 206 mature miRNAs were differentially expressed in EqPalFs compared with S6-2 cells. Aberrant expression of these miRNAs in S6-2 cells can be attributed to the presence of BPV-1 genomes. Furthermore, we confirm the presence of 124 miRNAs previously computationally predicted in the horse. Our data supports the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of ES

Dynamic epiglottic retroversion as a cause of abnormal inspiratory noise in six adult horses

This case report describes the endoscopic findings and outcome in 6 horses diagnosed with dynamic epiglottic retroversion (ER) during exercise. Horses included 2 showjumpers, one eventer, one pleasure riding horse and 2 Thoroughbred racehorses. All were adults (age range: 4–10 years). Dorsal angulation of the epiglottis was identified at rest in one horse. However, resting endoscopy was unremarkable in the remaining 5 horses. Exercising endoscopy was performed during high-speed treadmill exercise in 3 horses and during ridden exercise in the other 3. Intermittent ER occurred during inspiration in all horses and the frequency increased with increasing speed. In 2 horses the epiglottis retroverted beyond the rima glottidis. All horses made an abnormal respiratory noise described as a ‘grunt’ when retroversion of the epiglottis occurred. Poll flexion was found to be an exacerbating factor in the nonracehorses. Two horses continued in work but abnormal inspiratory noise persisted. Surgical treatment, in the form of subepiglottic resection, was attempted in one horse. However, it never raced again after the procedure. Of the remaining horses, 2 were retired and the third was subjected to euthanasia.N. Terrón-Canedo and S. Frankli

Equitation and exercise factors affecting dynamic upper respiratory tract function: A review illustrated by case reports

The importance of undertaking appropriate exercise tests for the diagnosis of dynamic upper respiratory tract (URT) obstructions has been previously documented. Dynamic URT collapse is usually most severe during peak exercise; however, there are occasions when an URT collapse appears more severe during the immediate recovery period. In addition, equitation factors such as head and neck flexion and factors relating to the bit and bridle may induce or exacerbate dynamic URT collapse. The purpose of this paper was to review the literature and 5 cases within the authors' experience have also been included. © 2011 EVJ Ltd.K. J. Allen, N. Terron-Canedo, M. H. Hillyer and S. H. Frankli