To
Horses Completed Projects
Research in Progress –
To improve the management of growing and developing horses
| Project
Title |
The
role of macrophages in recovery from exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage
(EIPH) |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UM-70A |
| Start
Date: |
01-Aug-2004 |
| Finish
Date: |
31-Aug-2007 |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Peter Finnin |
| Organisation: |
The
University of Melbourne |
| Phone: |
(03)
9731 2270 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9731 2366 |
| Email: |
pfinnin@unimelb.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·1 Identify the
major mechanisms of chronic lung lesions induced by EIPH.
·2 Develop methods
for reducing chronic ling damage by modulating macrophage-related events
after episodes of EIPH.
·3 Use a range of
diagnostic imaging modalities to document changes to lungs following EIPH,
in order to improve in vivo diagnosis of EIPH.
|
| Current
Progress |
Macrophages
play a key role in the control of inflammatory responses. Previous work
has demonstrated that the presence of blood within the lung provokes a
macrophage dominated inflammatory response, and that this is associated
with the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Current work has involved
isolation of alveolar macrophages and examination of the changes in gene
expression that occur when alveolar macrophages are exposed to glutaraldehyde-fixed
red blood cells (RBC).
Gene expression has been
monitored using an immune gene targeted microarray composed of probes for
30 equine and 105 porcine genes known to be involved in immune responses.
RNA was isolated from control
macrophages or macrophages that had been exposed to RBC. The RNA was converted
to cDNA, labelled with a fluorescent dye and hybridised to microarray slides.
Slides were scanned to determine the fluorescence intensity of each spot
on the array that represented a gene of interest. The fluorescence intensity
of the spots depends on the abundance of the gene transcripts in the original
RNA. By comparing fluorescence intensity of gene spots from control microarray
slides to gene spots from microarray slides hybridised with cDNA derived
from macrophages exposed to RBC, it was possible to identify genes that
are differentially regulated.
We have identified several
cytokines, cytokines receptors and transcription factor regulators as being
differentially regulated in macrophages phagocytosing RBC. These may have
potential as therapeutic agents for aiding recovery from EIPH in affected
horses.
After validation of the differential
expression of these candidate genes by real-time PCR, in vitro manipulation
of macrophage functions using the candidate agents will be attempted, before
moving to in vivo experiments with the most promising candidate
agent(s). |
Research in Progress –
To improve the management of growing and developing horses
| Project
Title |
Risk
factor for gastric ulceration in thoroughbred racehorses |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UMU-33A |
| Start
Date: |
01-Jul-2005 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-Jun-2006 |
| Researcher: |
A/Prof
Guy Lester |
| Organisation: |
Murdoch
University |
| Phone: |
(08)
9360 7676 |
| Fax: |
(08)
9360 2603 |
| Email: |
G.Lester@murdoch.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·1 The specific
aim of the proposed research is to examine the relationship between management
practices and the point prevalence of gastric squamous mucosal ulceration
in Thoroughbred racehorses
·2 To investigate
the relationship between ulcer prevalence and defined horse factors including,
but not limited to, age, gender, weeks in work, numbers of races this campaign,
number of campaigns, and concurrent medication
·3 To investigate
the relationship between ulcer prevalence and training stable.
|
| Current
Progress |
To
date we have performed gastroscopy on more than 300
Thoroughbred racehorses
from 23 different training establishments. These represent rural, semi-rural
and urban stable environments. We have confirmed a wide variation in point
prevalence and ulcer severity between stables. We have collected a large
amount of data on each horse and on each training operation and remain
hopeful of identifying key risk factors for the development and maintenance
of ulcers. We plan to perform the procedure on at least 200 more horses
before completing the final statistical analysis. |
Research in Progress –
To improve the overall health and welfare of the horse
| Project
Title |
An
investigation into the detection of three common veterinary pharmaceuticals |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
RAS-1A |
| Start
Date: |
31-Jul-2005 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-Jun-2006 |
| Researcher: |
Dr
John Vine |
| Organisation: |
Racing
Analytical Services Ltd |
| Phone: |
(03)
9376 6760 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9376 6875 |
| Email: |
jvine@rasl.com.au |
| Objectives |
·4 The purpose of
this research is to study the absorption, distribution, metabolism and
excretion of 3 therapeutic substances, frusemide, betamethasone and triamcinolone
acetonide, commonly used by veterinarians during the preparation of horses
for competition in the thoroughbred and standardbred industries as will
as in high level equestrian events.
·5 Frusemide is a
high ceiling diuretic commonly used in the management of exercise induced
pulmonary haemorrhage in racehorses. Batemethasone and trimcinolone acetetonide
are corticosteroid drugs used for intra-articular treatment and/or management
of horses with degenerative joint disease.
·6 Several of the
analytical procedures used to detect these drugs in urine samples from
competing horses are abut to change. These changes may alter the detection
periods of these commonly-used drugs. The proposed project will provide
reliable and up-to-date drug excretion data for frusemide practising veterinarians
in a meaningful number of horses. Pilot studies involving the corticosteroid
drugs are aimed at providing preliminary data on likely detection periods.
This will be a first step in providing information on responsible use of
intra-articular corticosteroids which is consistent with animal welfare
and the racing industry's rules on the use of medications in racehorses
|
| Current
Progress |
Administrations
of the drugs, frusemide and betamethasone have been successfully completed
and all required specimens have been collected. Administrations of triamcinolone
acetonide have been completed in approximately half of the horses in the
study group.
Sampling of synovial fluid
was well-tolerated by the horses in the betamethasone study with no signs
of significant discomfort observed. Reasonable quantities of synovial fluid
for experimental purposes were obtained.
Analytical methods consistent
with the criteria specified by the European Horseracing Scientific Liaison
Committee have been developed and validated. This will ensure the data
generated in these studies will be compatible with data from related studies
currently being carried out in Europe.
Preliminary analytical work
has shown that the specimens collected are suitable for the purposes of
these studies and that there do not appear to be any anomalous findings
which might indicate problems in drug administration, sampling, collection
or storage.
Detailed analytical work
is now in progress to accurately measure the absorption, distribution,
metabolism and excretion of the 3 drugs. In addition, other parameters
such as urine specific gravity, urinary creatinine and blood and urinary
hydrocortisone concentrations will also be measured as part of an assessment
of each drug’s effects. |
Research in Progress –
To improve the overall health and welfare of the horse
| Project
Title |
DNA
typing of urine samples to confirm the donor identity |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UQ-121A |
| Start
Date: |
01-Jul-2005 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-May-2007 |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Ann Trezise |
| Organisation: |
The
University of Queensland |
| Phone: |
(07)
3365 3647 |
| Fax: |
(07)
3365 4899 |
| Email: |
ann.trezise@uq.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·1 Test various
methods for DNA typing of horse urine samples.
·2 Establish and optimise
a method that is reliable for drug-test positive samples.
·3 Validate and refine
the procedure for routine operation.
·4 Implement as a
standard operating procedure in the industry.
|
| Current
Progress |
·5 We have developed
a method that successfully and consistently isolates high quality DNA from
horse urine samples.
·6 This is an important
milestone in this project as it is well known that urine is not a particularly
good source of genomic DNA and it is often difficult to obtain high quality
DNA consistently.
·7 We have trailed
various methods of storage of urine samples prior to DNA extraction and
found that refrigeration is the best method of storage. DNA extracted from
urine stored at 4°C showed the lowest levels of degradation and produced
the highest yield of genomic DNA. Urine that was stored frozen at -20°C
provided much lower yields of genomic DNA and overall this DNA showed evidence
of more extensive degradation.
·8 This important
progress will be reported at the Equine Science Symposium June 13th &
14th at the Gold Coast.
·9 We have begun optimising
the generation of DNA profiles from the DNA extracted from urine and are
currently determining the optimal DNA concentration to add to the DNA amplification
reagents.
·10 The next immediate
priority is to obtain both drug-test positive and drug-test negative horse
urine that has been collected using the standard collection procedures
used by the drug testing authorities to determine whether these procedures
introduce any contaminants that impact on the generation of DNA profiles
from these samples.
|
Research in Progress –
To keep Australia free from major exotic equine disease outbreaks and limit
the impact of endemic diseases
| Project
Title |
Investigating
the role of impaired glucose uptake in laminitis |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UCS-35A |
| Start
Date: |
01-Aug-04 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-May-07 |
| Researcher: |
Prof
Martin Sillence |
| Organisation: |
Charles
Sturt University |
| Phone: |
(02)
6933 2205 |
| Fax: |
(02)
6933 2812 |
| Email: |
msillence@csu.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·11 Our aim is to
understand the mechanisms that control glucose uptake in the hoof, then
identify the factors associated with endocrine and metabolic abnormalities
that lead to impaired glucose uptake, tissue starvation and laminitis.
|
| Current
Progress |
The
mechanism of laminitis is not known, but the condition can be triggered
by several causes that are associated with a change in hormone levels,
particularly those hormones that regulate glucose metabolism, such as adrenaline,
insulin and cortisol.
Initially, we believed that
laminitis was caused by glucose starvation in the hoof, as the lamellae
and hoof wall separate easily when hoof explants are incubated without
glucose. Furthermore, our experiments have shown that a synthetic version
of adrenaline can decrease glucose uptake by the hoof, consistent with
a link between stress, adrenaline, glucose and laminitis. However, we have
also found a large degree of individual variation in the sensitivity and
responsiveness of horses to adrenaline, and a similar amount of variation
in the number of adrenaline receptors in the hoof. This may explain why
some horses are more susceptible to laminitis than others.
Studies elsewhere have confirmed
that insulin plays a central role in laminitis, but we have shown that
in this case, the mechanism is unlikely to be impaired glucose uptake.
We are currently investigating alternative mechanisms, with a view to finding
new therapies for this crippling disease. |
Research in Progress –
To keep Australia free from major exotic equine disease outbreaks and limit
the impact of endemic diseases
| Project
Title |
Integrated
pest management for the horse farm |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UM-71A |
| Start
Date: |
01-Sep-2004 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-Nov-2006 |
| Researcher: |
Prof
Ary Hoffmann |
| Organisation: |
La
Trobe University |
| Phone: |
(03)
9479 2769 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9479 2361 |
| Email: |
a.hoffman@latrobe.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·12 To complete
a research and development project on an alternative to current equine
parasite management. To develop a biological control program that retains
and environmentally sustainable horse farm, by identifying native ground
dwelling predators that break the lifecycle of horse parasites. The lifecycle
of horse parasites has a ground dwelling stage that is vulnerable to native
and exotic predators. The predator's lifestyle will be studied in relation
to the effects of various horse wormers. Exotic dung beetles will be established
on horse farms that help to aerate and fertilise the pasture, increasing
water absorbency and reducing faecal run-off into farm and community water
supply.
|
| Current
Progress |
The
ground dwelling invertebrates monitored in pitfall traps on horse farms
have been identified and quantified over the past 2 years. Predators retrieved
from these traps that may attack horse parasite eggs and larvae are staphylinids,
carabid larvae, predatory mites, ants, spiders, ladybird larvae and lacewing
larvae. The dung has been monitored for invertebrates and many have been
found such as dung beetles, staphylinids, predatory mites, beetles, ants,
collembolla, millipedes, spiders, flies and earwigs. These invertebrates
may not all predate on parasites but the breaking up of the dung by these
animals facilitates decomposition. Continual use of some antihelminths
is detrimental to these composting insects. Although some antihelminths
do not cause mortality of adult dung beetles, newly emerged beetles are
susceptible, and there is other evidence that the larvae feeding on contaminated
dung are developmentally impaired (Wardaugh). Monitoring has indicated
that pests such as redheaded cockchafers, blackheaded cockchafers and conical
snails are a significant pest on the horse farm as they can greatly reduce
pasture quality and quantity.
We have found some literature
on the effect of dung beetle activity in cattle dung on the parasites of
cattle but little work has been done with conclusive results on horse dung.
We have included experiments in the project to provide significant information
needed to develop a sustainable management program to lessen the use of
chemicals for control of horse parasites.
Fecal egg counts on horses
at the trial sites are being reported monthly to relevant horse owners.
Through this information we have found resistance in worms to the current
antihelminths. We have also found that rotation of brand name antihelminths
is being confused with rotation of the active chemical. The frequent use
of antihelminths and no rotation of active chemical have serious consequences
for the horse industry. Information gained from this project is currently
being delivered to the equestrian industry through talks and media articles. |
Research in Progress –
To keep Australia free from major exotic equine disease outbreaks and limit
the impact of endemic diseases
| Project
Title |
Placentitis:
A major cause of late term foetal loss in thoroughbred mares |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
EQS-1A |
| Start
Date: |
01-Jan-05 |
| Finish
Date: |
01-Jan-07 |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Joan Carrick |
| Organisation: |
Equine
Specialist Consulting |
| Phone: |
(02)
6545 1333 |
| Email: |
joan.carrick@sconevet.com.au |
| Objectives |
· The primary objective
of this study is to document the development and consequences of placental
abnormalities occurring during the second half of gestation in thoroughbred
broodmares.
· To correlate placental
changes detected in mares by ultrasound, with gross and histopathological
evidence of placentitis.
· To determine the
incidence of placentitis in normal thoroughbred mares and in 'high risk'
mares, ie mares with histories of late term abortion, premature delivery
or delivery of a foal with intrauterine growth retardation.
· To monitor the development
and progression of placental abnormalities detected by ultrasound in normal
and high risk thoroughbred mares.
· To determine whether
equine foetal and neonatal weight and health are correlated with placental
abnormalities detected by ultrasound.
|
| Current
Progress |
During
the 2005 breeding season 30 mares were enrolled in the study, 16 normal
mares and 14 "high risk" mares. Two of the high risk mares were not pregnant
at the start of the project. Over 200 ultrasound images of the mare’s placentas
were collected. The width and characteristics of the placenta and the size
and activity of each foetus was recorded every 4 weeks until each mare
was 320 days of gestation. One mars from the high risk group aborted at
269 days of gestation, another mare from the high risk group had a dystocia
and the mare and foal died. One mare from the normal group presented with
precocious signs of imminent parturition at 304 days of gestation. The
mare foaled a weak small foal age foal at 310 days. All other mares foaled
at full term. The 27 placentas were examined and samples obtained for histopathological
evaluation. From the group of 16 normal mares, 11 healthy strong foals
were delivered. Only 6 healthy strong foals were delivered from the 14
"high risk" mares. |
Research in Progress –
To encourage informed use of modern genetic technology and techniques
| Project
Title |
The
development of horse embryonic stem cells (eESCs) |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UMO-36A |
| Start
Date: |
01-Jul-2005 |
| Finish
Date: |
01-Jul-2008 |
| Researcher: |
Prof
Alan Trounson |
| Organisation: |
Monash
University |
| Phone: |
(03)
9905 0771 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9905 0780 |
| Email: |
alan.trounson@med.monash.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· The project aims
to develop pluripotential equine embryonic stem cells (eESCs) from morulae,
blastocysts by separation and culture of the ICM from the horse blastocyst.
This method has been used to derive mouse and primate ESCs that are immortal
and capable of differentiation into all the cells of the organism. In addition,
we propose to derive equine specific eESCs (ES-ESCs) by the insertion of
horse somatic cell nuclei and mitochondria into enucleated mouse, cattle
or rabbit eggs to isolate eESCs from xenogenic embryos. eESCs cell will
be characterised by methods used for mice, primate and humans.
|
| Current
Progress |
The
research completed to date has involved isolation of inner cell mass from
in vivo derived horse embryos and in vitro derived interspecies nuclear
transfer embryos. Cell lines from putative trophectoderm and inner cell
mass generated either bisecting inner cell mass from the embryos or using
anti-horse, anti-trophectoderm antibody. Initial characterisation of cell
lines have been carried out using markers of undifferentiated cells. Transmission
electron microscopy studies were conducted to understand morphology of
horse embryos. Putative trophectoderm cell lines were expanded using routine
tissue cell culture methods without feeder cell layers while putative inner
cell mass cell lines were maintained on fibroblast feeder cell layer. Established
cell lines were frozen for future analyses, cell expansion and generation
of polyclonal antibodies against trophectoderm. Two elite cell lines from
thoroughbred horse, rabbit, cattle and mouse cell lines have been established
for nuclear transfer studies. Interspecies nuclear transfer have been explored
using mice and cattle oocytes. Interspecies nuclear transfer with mouse
oocytes was not successful while limited success was obtained using cattle
oocytes. One putative inner cell mass and trophoectoderm cell line was
established from interspecies (horse-cattle) nuclear transfer embryo expressing
markers similar to cell lines derived from in vivo embryos. |
Research in Progress –
To encourage informed use of modern genetic technology and techniques
Project
Title |
Development
of improved treatment and prevention strategies for inflammatory airway
disease of horses |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
US-118A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Jennifer Hodgson |
| Organisation: |
The
University of Sydney |
| Phone: |
(02)
4655 0760 |
| Fax: |
(02)
4655 6942 |
| Email: |
jennih@camden.usyd.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· The outcome of
this project will be the development of specific recommendations regarding
management strategies and pharmaceutical treatment for the control of Inflammatory
Airway Disease (IAD) in young performance horses. These guidelines will
be of value to owners, trainers and veterinarians and will have positive
welfare implications.
|
| Current
Progress |
Inflammatory
Airway Disease (IAD) is a highly prevalent respiratory condition in young
performance horses. Exposure to inhaled insults within the stable environment
including endotoxin, acts to directly irritate airway mucosa resulting
in increased inflammatory cells and excess mucus production which may plug
airways and adversely affect performance.
To date, studies have determined
endotoxin concentrations in specific feeds and bedding materials in order
to give detailed advice regarding stable management. In addition a randomised
clinical trial is being conducted in Sydney metropolitan racing stables
to assess the efficacy of inhaled medications using coupling devices tailored
for aerosol drug administration in the horse. Efficacy of treatment is
being evaluated via endoscopy (mucus score) and cytological and bacteriological
evaluation of tracheal aspirates .
Since commencing the study
in March 2004, results have been presented at a number of forums;
·10 Veterinary Comparative
Respiratory Society, Montreal CANADA
·11 Sydney University
Post-Graduate Society
·12 French Association
of Equine Practitioners (AEVF)
·13 World Equine Airways
Symposium, Cornell USA
·14 Veterinary Comparative
Respiratory Society, Jena GERMANY
·15 Sydney metropolitan
and provincial Thoroughbred trainers
·16 Racing NSW Forensic
Laboratory
·17 Practicing equine
veterinarians
Results will have important
practical implications regarding advice to trainers and owners on stable
feed and bedding choices and effective pharmaceutical treatment strategies
for disease resolution. In addition, we aim to recommend appropriate drug
withdrawal times. |
Research in Progress –
Nutrition Research – Development of better ways to feed horses
| Project
Title |
Understanding
and managing variable starch digestion in the horse |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UNE-87A |
| Start
Date: |
30-Jul-03 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-Jun-06 |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Geoff Hinch |
| Organisation: |
University
of New England |
| Phone: |
(02)
6773 2202 |
| Fax: |
(02)
6773 3275 |
| Email: |
jrowe@metz.une.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· To demonstrate
that under commercial training conditions, those horses fed diets likely
to produce extensive fermentation of starch in the hindgut have more problems
with respect to health, adverse behaviour and poor performance than similar
animals fed diets likely to produce little or no fermentable starch for
hindgut fermentation.
· The research will
focus on identifying simple measurements that can be made on individual
horses to determine their ability to digest starch efficiently so that
diets can be objectively tailored for the requirements and ability of each
horse.
· To investigate combinations
of exogenous enzymes (amylase and amylogucosidase) to ensure that starch
is completely digested in the small intestine prior to the hindgut.
· The major outcome
will be to have clear evidence that hindgut starch fermentation is highly
undesirable and to have practical, cost effective methods of overcoming
the problem.
|
| Current
Progress |
· Mornings were
the most reliable time for the actual collection of faecal data. Faecal
pH varied most significantly due to the time of day of sampling. Morning
pH readings were significantly (<.0001) higher than the noon or evening
readings.
· There was some between
trainer variation for faecal pH
· Dry matter and pH
are significantly correlated.
· Further investigation
of the usefulness of pH testing as a diagnostic for hind-gut health in
the equine and the way in which this relates to other health parameters
is the focus of the next part of the experiment. Behavioural characteristics,
hoof parameters and blood insulin & glucose are being investigated
at a commercial racing establishment to determine the correlation between
faecal pH and these health & welfare indicators in the horse.
· pH at different
stages of training and on rest and race days will be recorded to determine
the variation in hindgut pH that occurs in the horse during the course
of race training.
· Faecal pH of performance
horses will also be investigated to determine if these horses display the
same variations in faecal and behavioural parameters as racing horses.
|
Research in Progress –
Lameness and limb injury – Developing more effective methods of prevention,
diagnosis and treatment
| Project
Title |
Laminitis
preventive and therapeutic strategies |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UQ-118A |
| Start
Date: |
01-Oct-2004 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-May-2007 |
| Researcher: |
Prof
Christopher Pollitt |
| Organisation: |
The
University of Queensland |
| Phone: |
(07)
3365 2063 |
| Fax: |
(07)
3365 1899 |
| Email: |
c.pollitt@mailbox.uq.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· To understand
how laminitis develops at the molecular level to formulate strategies for
diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
· To analyse the lesions
of acute and chronic laminitis and develop strategies for diagnosis, prevention
and treatment.
|
| Current
Progress |
Laminitis
is an enzyme based disease involving not only MMP-2 but membrane type MMP
(MT1-MMP) as well. MT1-MMP activates MMP-2 and cleaves the laminin-5 (L-5)
filaments anchoring the lamellar hoof to the distal phalanx. L-5 cleavage
creates fragments that are potent triggers of MMP activation and cell migration.
We have sequenced the equine L-5 dIII fragment to derive an antibody that
shows, in laminitis affected tissue, the presence of dIII at the lamellar
interface suggesting that dIII may have triggered the laminitis pathology.
Hindgut epithelium is also rich in L-5 and hindgut damage during fructan
overload may generate sufficient dIII to circulate to the feet and trigger
laminitis. We are producing a recombinant dIII protein to test its efficacy
as a laminitis trigger factor and develop ways of inhibiting its impact.
Our molecular fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) probes identify
the hindgut bacteria involved in fructan induced laminitis. Four hours
post fructan consumption Streptococcus bovis/equinus bacteria
bloom exponentially (with concomitant lactic acid production) and are the
predominant fructan-utilising organisms isolated prior to the onset of
lameness. E.coli and Lactobacilli appear 24h post fructan
consumption and after laminitis development thus downplaying the role of
Gram –ve endotoxins in laminitis development. Circulating cold water at
10C (cryotherapy) applied to all 4 legs for 3 days successfully
prevents clinical laminitis and laminitis histopathology. This is the first
scientifically proven preventive for acute laminitis. Serial retrograde
venography of the feet of horses developing chronic laminitis showed that
horses with severe laminitis developed progressively greater venographic
changes (especially filling deficits). Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM),
using ‘research only’ ultra-high field scanners, creates images of the
hoof wall lamellae and papillae. Thus MRM can non-invasively detect laminitis
early enough for effective therapies to improve the outcome for laminitic
horses. |
Research in Progress -
Other
| Project
Title |
Epaxial
musculature and its relationship with back pain in the horse |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UQ-111A |
| Start
Date: |
01-Jan-04 |
| Finish
Date: |
31-Dec-05 |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Catherine McGowan |
| Organisation: |
The
University of Queensland |
| Phone: |
(07)
5460 1521 |
| Fax: |
(07)
5460 1444 |
| Email: |
hossas@uqg.uq.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· To objectively
measure the equine epaxial muscles
· To objectively measure
the response of equine epaxial muscles to back pain syndromes
· To correlate clinical
signs, ultrasonography, algometry and EMG analysis in affected horses
· To develop ultrasonography
as a non-invasive tool for diagnosis of muscular dysfunction associated
with back pain and for monitoring response to therapy of back pain in horses
|
| Current
Progress |
The
use of ultrasonography to measure equine epaxial muscles has been validated,
and anatomy, biomechanics and anatomical variations of the thoracic, lumbar
and pelvic back region of horses documented and submitted for publication
completing phases 1 and 2 of the project. This project is now in its third
and final phase where horses suffering from back pain are being recruited
and clinical assessment, ultrasonography and algometry are being correlated.
We have been very fortunate to have been invited to collaborate with the
Hong Kong Jockey Club and their Head veterinarian, Dr. Chris Riggs in this
phase of the study. This has allowed much more detailed histories on clinical
cases to be obtained and also post-mortem data to be collected to validate
antemortem findings. Narelle Stubbs was successful in obtaining a UQ travel
grant to support this intensive phase of work and she has been working
in Hong Kong from April and will be there till July 2006. The project is
on target for completion and final report by December 2006. |
Research in Progress -
Other
| Project
Title |
Role
of bacteria and lactic acid in the pathogenesis of gastric ulceration |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UQ-115A |
| Start
Date: |
01-Aug-04 |
| Finish
Date: |
05-Jul-07 |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Rafat Al Jassim |
| Organisation: |
The
University of Queensland |
| Phone: |
(07)
5460 1521 |
| Fax: |
(07)
5460 1444 |
| Email: |
raj@sas.eq.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· Establish involvement
of lactic acid producing bacteria and their products (VFA & Lactic
acid) in the pathogenesis of gastric ulceration in horses.
· Determine the effect
of contrasting dietary regimens on the microbial contribution to the build-up
of lactic acid and VFAs in the non-glandular portion of the stomach.
|
| Current
Progress |
Phase
II
A feeding trial was carried
out using dietary manipulation to induce stomach ulcers in thoroughbred
horses. The experimental schedule consisted of 4 months of pasture feeding
to condition the horses and guarantee ulcer free stomachs at the start
of the experiment, 2 weeks acclimation, followed by an 8 week treatment
period. During the treatment period horses were kept in individual stables
at the Equine Unit, Gatton, fed the experimental diets and trained 5 days
a week on a horse walker. The daily experimental diets were: 1. lucerne
hay (6kg) and oats (3kg) for the 1st 2 weeks adaptation period;
2. Lucerne hay (5 kg) + concentrate (4 kg) for the next 4 weeks; and 3.
lucerne hay (3 kg) + concentrate (5 kg) for the final 4 weeks concentrate
feeding period. Horses were fed twice daily and endoscoped fortnightly.
Samples from stomach contents and biopsies from the healthy and ulcerated
stomach lining were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from all samples,
PCR amplified and prepared for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
(DGGE) analysis. The experimental protocol was successful in inducing ulcers
of variable grades in 11 horses out of the 12 horses used in the trial.
It is interesting to note here that 4 horses out of the 12 had ulcers in
their stomachs at the start of the treatment period after 4 months on pastures.
Work is in progress to reveal the composition of the bacterial community
in ulcerated stomachs and that adhered to ulcerated and healthy stomach
lining. Work should be completed by October and final report will be available
by end of Nov 2006. |
