Marcia Torres Ramos

This study evaluated athletic performance of jumping horses with jumping and incremental speed tests. Eighteen horses were submitted to a competition whose results were used to separate them into best, medium and lowest performance groups. The horses were submitted to two tests: an incremental jumping test with four steps and jumps over 1.10 m height vertical obstacle totaling 70 jumps, and to a speed incremental test with six steps and increasing speed of 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 m/s. Immediately after each test and on 10 minutes and 30 minutes of rest blood samples were collected to determine blood lactate, hematocrit, total blood plasmatic protein and blood glucose. Blood samples were collected prior and immediately after tests for hemogasometry. Another blood sample was collected prior and after tests for determination of CK, AST LDH and uric acid concentration. On speed incremental test, blood samples were collected to determine lactate concentration and asses VL2 and VL4, velocities for 2 and 4 mmol/l lactate concentration respectively. Results were submitted to ANOVA and compared by Tukey Test 5%. There was no difference between tests (P < 0.05) on AST and CK concentrations. The lactate and uric acid concentrations immediately after tests were higher in speed than in incremental jumping test. On the hemogasometry, observed difference between tests and between blood samples collect moments for pH, pCO2, sodium plasmatic concentration and potassium plasmatic concentration (P 0.05). There was no difference among groups on VL2 (mean value 5,3 m/s) and VL4 (mean value 7,4 m/s) values (P > 0.05). The jumping and speed incremental tests are useful for asses exercise intensity for jumping horses, so it is possible to assess jumping horse’s performance through speed incremental test. The physiological, hematological and biochemical variables showed changes in their measurements compatible with the level of demand of the exercises performed in the tests, proving to be useful in evaluating the fitness of athletic horses.

Breed traits seem to influence the dimensions of the cerebral ventricles in dogs. The ratios between the ventricles and the brain are crucial diagnostic criteria for suspected canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This study aimed to establish linear computed tomography (CT)-scan measurements of the cerebral ventricles in 55 Poodle dogs aged >7 years. To this end, cross-sectional CT images were evaluated. The measurements in the whole sample were: height of the right ventricle, 6.0 ± 1.6 mm; height of the left ventricle, 5.8 ± 1.6 mm; width of the right ventricle, 6.9 ± 1.4 mm; width of the left ventricle, 7.0 ± 1.3 mm; height of the third ventricle, 3.4 ± 0.8 mm; height of the right cerebral hemisphere, 39.5 ± 2.0 mm; and height of the left cerebral hemisphere, 40.2 ± 2.6 mm. The average ventricular measurements were higher in dogs older than 11 years (p < 0.05). However, the average ratio of the ventricle height to the height of the brain did not reveal differences between age groups, sex, or antimeres. In addition, none of the images showed fused lateral ventricles. Thus, these data can assist in interpreting ventricle size in senile Poodle dogs (aged >7 years).

Resumo O impacto do exercício de alta velocidade no sistema musculoesquelético de cavalos de corrida jovens tem sido amplamente discutido devido a preocupações com a saúde e o bem-estar animal. Este estudo investigou a correlação entre idade, grau de ossificação da epífise radial distal, sexo e longevidade da carreira de cavalos Puro Sangue Inglês de corrida no Brasil de 2012 a 2015. Realizamos uma avaliação retrospectiva de 286 radiografias dorsopalmar da região radiocarpica esquerda de cavalos jovens e seu desempenho de corrida. O fechamento epifisário radial distal foi classificado em três graus decrescentes: A, B ou C. Os dados de desempenho incluíram o número de corridas disputadas, duração da carreira atlética e o número de corridas por mês. As variáveis foram submetidas à análise de regressão. No momento do exame radiográfico, os cavalos machos eram significativamente mais velhos que as fêmeas, e os cavalos com graus de fechamento epifisário diferiram com a idade. A idade na primeira corrida foi de 33,08±3,81 meses, a média de corridas disputadas foi de 18,32±15,14 corridas, a duração da carreira atlética foi de 20,37±13,82 meses e o número de corridas realizadas por mês foi de 0,93±0,46 corridas. A idade influenciou (P>0,001) o fechamento da epífise radial distal em cavalos de corrida, mas o sexo não (P=0,218 para machos e P=0,275 para fêmeas). Uma associação inversa foi observada entre a idade na primeira corrida, o número de corridas disputadas por mês e a duração da carreira atlética. A frequência de corrida e a idade na primeira corrida influenciaram a duração da carreira atlética.

The impact of high-speed exercise on the musculoskeletal system of young racehorses has been extensively discussed because of concerns regarding animal health and welfare. This study investigated the correlation between age, degree of ossification of the distal radial epiphysis, sex, and career longevity of Thoroughbred racehorses in Brazil from 2012 to 2015. We performed a retrospective evaluation of 286 dorsopalmar radiographs of the left radiocarpal region of young horses and their racing performance. Distal radial epiphyseal closure was classified into three degrees: A, B, or C. Performance data included the number of races raced, athletic career length, and the number of races per month. The variables were subjected to regression analysis. At the time of radiographic examination, male horses were significantly older than females, and horses with epiphyseal closure degrees differed with age. Age at first race was 33.08±3.81 months, the average of races raced was 18.32±15.14 races, athletic career duration was 20.37±13.82 months, and the number of races raced per month was 0.93±0.46 races. Age influenced (P>0.001) the distal radial epiphyseal closure on racehorses, but sex did not (P=0.218 for males and P=0.275 for females). An inverse association was observed between age at the first race, the number of races raced per month, and athletic career duration. The frequency of race and the age at the first race influenced athletic career duration.

The Military Police of Rio de Janeiro state use dogs as a decisive tool for patrol and detection of drugs, weapons, and explosives. Complementary tests, such as echocardiography, are essential to maintain the integrity of these animals. This study aimed to evaluate the echocardiographic parameters of the working dogs belonging to the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro and compare them with the available data. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed on 48 healthy adult dogs from the Canine Action Battalion of the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sample consisted of 13 Labrador Retrievers, 12 Malinois Belgian Shepherds, 10 German Shepherds, 8 Dobermann Pinschers, and 5 Dutch Shepherds. Echocardiographic variables were correlated with body weight (BW). A positive correlation (P=0.0142, r=0.6837) between BW and the diameter of the left atrium was found in Malinois Belgian Shepherds. In German Shepherds, a positive correlation between BW and the internal diameter of the right ventricle during diastole (P=0.0320, r=0.6757) was observed; in addition, a positive correlation between BW and left ventricular internal diameter (P=0.0344, r=0.6689) during diastole was also found. Echocardiographic evaluations of these working dogs differed slightly from those previously established for similar-sized dog breeds.

The high prevalence of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in athletic horses constitutes to be a challenge to the racing industry and a source of major concern to animal welfare. Both experimental and clinical evidence indicate that the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising effector of repair in a variety of pulmonary conditions. The present study evaluated the effect of intrabronchial instillation of PRP on EIPH endoscopic scores from 37 Thoroughbred racehorses. Inclusion criteria were for animals to be EIPH-positive in, at least, two consecutive post-exercise endoscopic exams and to receive 250mg of furosemide IV four hours before racing. Animals were randomly assigned into 3 groups: placebo, control, and PRP instillation. All 37 Thoroughbred racehorses included had EIPH endoscopic scores pre- and post- treatment compared by statistical analysis. The bleeding score from the group receiving PRP was significantly lower than in the control and placebo groups. No adverse effects were observed in any animal during or after the experiment. It was possible to conclude that the intrabronchial instillation of autologous PRP was effective in reducing EIPH scores in racehorses receiving furosemide and that this bioproduct can be considered as a promising coadjuvant in controlling EIPH in athletic horses.

Exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) affecting racehorses continues to raise questions regarding animal welfare and to-date no effective treatment has been identified. The mode of action of furosemide on EIPH, the only medication for the condition accepted in some racing jurisdictions, has not been completely elucidated. This research investigated the interaction between furosemide on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) as a potential pathway for future investigation of EIPH treatment options in a prospective case-control analytical study. ACE is a potent vasoconstrictor and substances reducing its activity could potentially contribute to decreasing blood pressure and EIPH. Horses racing on 8 official race days at Gávea Racetrack, Brazil had respiratory endoscopy data and blood samples collected after the race and were grouped into furosemide medicated and non-furosemide medicated horses. ACE measurement was conducted using fluorescence in a previously validated method. Environmental, race and haematological data were also recorded. A multiple regression model was used to analyse the data collected, with further analysis including Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s chi-squared test with Yates’ continuity correction; a Welch two sample t-test and a simple linear regression model. 73 horses were included in the study. ACE activity between horses not medicated and medicated with furosemide was significantly different. Pre-race furosemide significantly influenced ACE activity post-race, while distance raced, temperature, humidity, and haematocrit did not. Horses medicated with pre-race furosemide still demonstrated some degree of bleeding after the race and were at higher risk of presenting EIPH than non-medicated horses. Horses medicated with furosemide have lower circulating ACE activity which might indicate a protective effect of furosemide. Furosemide might reduce EIPH severity after a single bout of exercise, but it does not abolish or reduce its occurrence.

Athletic horses need to maintain healthy airways for optimal performance. This study investigated the presence of respiratory problems in apparently healthy Thoroughbred racehorses in training. According to the Revised Consensus Statement on Inflammatory Airway Diseases of Horses (2016), determining the prevalence of respiratory disorders in different equine populations is fundamental for understanding these diseases. In total, 72 clinically sound Thoroughbred racehorses, in training at the Brazilian Jockey Club (JCB), were initially examined using interpleural pressure measurement by ventigraphy and respiratory endoscopy. When secretions were present in the airways, transendoscopic tracheal aspiration was performed, and the sample was sent for cytology. The main findings included a combination of bronchospasm and tracheal secretions with 61% of the cytology slides showing neutrophil counts ≥20%. Overall, a significant number of the horses displayed signs suggestive of inflammatory airway disease (mild equine asthma), including 47% with increased DPplmax, 11% with tracheal mucus accumulation [mucus score (MS) ≥2] and 18% with carina edema. This was more pronounced in 2-year-old horses within the population studied. These findings are consistent with the literature and reinforce the importance of routine respiratory examination of athletic horses. There is a high incidence of subclinical respiratory disorders in Thoroughbred racehorses in training at the JCB and a significant association between tracheal MS≥2, carina edema, and elevated DPplmax.