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Abstract

Objective—To determine the effects of horse age, osteochondral injury, and joint type on a synthesis biomarker and 3 degradative biomarkers of type II collagen in Thoroughbreds.

Animals—Healthy rested adult (3- to 12-year-old) Thoroughbreds (n = 19), yearling (1- to 2-year-old) Thoroughbreds (40), and Thoroughbred racehorses (2 to 7 years old) undergoing arthroscopic surgery for removal of osteochondral fragments that resulted from training or racing (41).

Procedures—Samples of blood and metacarpophalangeal, metatarsophalangeal, or carpal joint synovial fluid (SF) were collected from all horses. Commercially available assays were used to analyze SF and serum concentrations of type II collagen biomarkers of synthesis (carboxy propeptide of type II collagen [CPII]) and degradation (cross-linked C-telopeptide fragments of type II collagen [CTX II], neoepitope generated by collagenase cleavage of type I and II collagen [C1,2C], and neoepitope generated by collagenase cleavage of type II collagen [C2C]).

Results—Osteochondral injury affected concentrations of CPII, CTX II, C1,2C, and C2C in SF, serum, or both, compared with concentrations in healthy adult horses. Compared with adult horses, yearling horses had increased SF or serum concentrations of degradative biomarkers (CTX II, C1,2C, and C2C). Concentrations were higher in carpal than metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints for all biomarkers in osteochondral-injured horses. Variable differences in SF concentrations between joint types were detected in healthy adult and yearling horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Horse age, osteochondral injury, and joint type all significantly affected type II collagen biomarker concentrations in SF and serum of Thoroughbreds.

Full access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the prokinetic effect of bethanechol and erythromycin in the upper gastrointestinal tract of healthy horses by measuring the gastric emptying (GE) rate of a radioactive meal.

Animals

4 healthy adult horses.

Procedure

After food was withheld for 12 hours, horses were given 370 MBq of 99mTc-labeled sulfur colloid incorporated into egg albumen and 37 MBq of 111In-labeled diethyltriaminepentaacetic acid in 120 ml of water via nasogastric intubation. Intravenously administered treatments were 0.9% NaCl solution, erythromycin (0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg of body weight), or bethanechol (0.25 mg/kg). All drugs were given in 10 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution. Dualphase scintigraphic images were obtained by use of a gamma camera. The best-fit function was determined for each study, and the resultant curves were then analyzed by use of least squares nonlinear regression. Two variables, time to 50% emptying of the stomach (T-50) and slope of the emptying curve, were derived from the calculated power exponential equation.

Conclusions

Treatment had a significant (P < 0.05) overall effect on T-50 of solid-phase GE. The T-50 of bethanechol (30.09 ± 10.01 minutes), erythromycin at 0.1 mg/kg (59.08 ± 10.01 minutes), and erythromycin at 1 mg/kg (60.50 ± 10.01 minutes) were significantly shorter than T-50 after saline administration (89.97 ± 10.01 minutes). There was a trend (P = 0.09) for the slope of solid-phase GE of bethanechol and erythromycin (0.1 mg/kg; P = 0.37) to be steeper than that of saline solution. For liquid-phase GE, the T-50 and the slope of bethanechol differed significantly (P < 0.05) from those for saline solution.

Clinical Relevance

Bethanechol and erythromycin significantly increased solid-phase GE in healthy horses and may have value for use as prokinetic agents in certain gastrointestinal tract diseases. (Am J Vet Res 1996;57:1771–1775)

Free access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

Objective

To determine the effect of erythromycin lactobionate (ERY) on ileocecocolic myoelectric activity and passage of radiolabeled markers from the cecum.

Animals

6 healthy adult ponies.

Procedure

After a 12-hour nonfeeding period, 370 MBq of technetium 99m-labeled sulfur colloid in egg albumen and 37 MBq of indium 111-labeled diethyltriaminepentaacetic acid in 60 ml of water were administered directly into the cecal apex. The following drug concentrations were tested: ERY, 0.01, 0.10, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/kg of body weight; ERY, 0.10 mg/kg bolus; and saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, 10 ml. All treatments, with the exception of the 0.10-mg/kg bolus and saline solution, were infusions administered IV during a 60-minute period in a randomized complete block design. Each treatment was administered 2 times/pony. Dual-phase scintigraphic images were obtained, and the best-fit function was determined for each study, using data from the right side. Myoelectric data were collected before and after each treatment and analyzed for spike burst rate, relative activity, and burst duration.

Results

The time to 50% emptying (t50) after ERY administration was dose dependent, and all treatments, with the exception of the 0.01-mg/kg infusion, resulted in a significantly shorter t50 than that observed after saline administration (230.2 ± 17.12 minutes). The shortest t50 was observed after the 1.0 mg/kg dosage of ERY (76.9 ± 22.0 minutes). Although not significantly different, the t50 and β were shorter (108.6 ± 25.9 minutes) and steeper after a bolus dose of 0.10 mg/kg of ERY than after infusion at the same dosage (131.1 ± 18.7 minutes).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

ERY may be a useful prokinetic for prevention or treatment of cecal motility dysfunction. The ability of ERY to evoke a similar response during the early postanesthetic or postoperative period remains to be determined. (Am J Vet Res 1998;59:328–334)

Free access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

Objective

To better characterize the source of the large nonparietal secretory response to pentagastrin (PG) expressed in gastric contents of cannulated horses.

Animals

Adult cross-bred horses: 4 geldings and 1 mare.

Procedure

Horses were prepared by surgical insertion of a silastic gastric cannula from which gastric contents after feed was withheld could be continuously collected by gravity drainage. During experiments, the horses were lightly restrained in stocks, the gastric cannula was opened, and a catheter was inserted into a jugular vein. Over the next 5 hours, gastric contents were collected in 15-minute aliquots for which volume, pH, [Na+], and [K+] were measured. During the first hour, treatment was not administered. At the start of the second hour, either 0.5 mg of omeprazole (OME; dissolved in glycerol formal)/kg of body weight, or 0.9% NaCI (PSS) of comparable volume, was given IV at random as a bolus. At the start of the third hour, IV infusion of PG (6 µg/kg/h) was started and continued for the next 2 hours.

Results

The response to PG in the PSS-treated horses was similar to that previously seen-significant decrease in pH and increase in volume of gastric contents, and no change in [K+] and [Na+], but a modest volume-related increase in their respective outputs. After OME treatment, pH of the contents increased sharply and remained between 5 and 6 throughout PG infusion. Sodium concentration significantly increased after OME and virtually paralleled the pH response throughout the rest of the experiment; volume of gastric contents significantly increased in response to PG infusion and resulted in a significant increase in Na output. There was no change in K output in OME-treated animals.

Conclusions

PG induces a marked, nonparietal, secretory response into the gastric contents of cannulated horses. The volume and [Na+] of this response was maintained after pretreatment with OME, although the pH of the contents became basic, indicating that this nonparietal response is not mediated by an OME-sensitive proton pump. (Am J Vet Res 1996;57:1640–1644)

Free access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

Objective—To determine the origin of the nonacid (nonparietal) component of gastric secretions in horses induced by pentagastrin infusion.

Animals—6 horses.

Procedure—A Latin square design was used, involving 6 horses, 3 treatments, and 2 duodenal intubation conditions (catheter with balloon to obstruct pylorus [B] or without balloon allowing movement of contents between stomach and duodenum [NB]). Each horse had an indwelling gastric cannula and a catheter positioned in the duodenum. Gastric and duodenal contents were collected during 15-minute periods. Each experiment consisted of serial collection periods: baseline; infusion of pyrilamine maleate (1 mg/kg of body weight, IV); not treated; and IV infusion of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution alone, saline solution containing pentagastrin (6 µg/kg·h), or saline solution containing histamine (30 µg/kg·h). Volume of samples was recorded, and electrolyte concentrations were measured.

Results—Pentagastrin and histamine stimulated maximal acid output; however, during NB conditions, pentagastrin-induced concentration of hydrogen ions was significantly less than during histamine or pentagastrin infusions during B conditions. The large volume produced in response to pentagastrin during NB conditions was accompanied by increased sodium ion output that was greater than for pentagastrin during B conditions, but both values were significantly greater than values for histamine during B or NB conditions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Nonparietal secretions collected during IV infusion of pentagastrin are duodenal in origin. Reflux of duodenal contents into the stomach of horses is enhanced by pentagastrin. Flow of duodenal contents into the stomach could have implications in the pathogenesis of ulcers in horses. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:1133–1139)

Full access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the effect on equine duodenal motility of some analgesic agents commonly used to treat colic.

Animals

4 healthy adult healthy horses—2 mares and 2 geldings—which were carrying an indwelling gastric cannula made of silastic rubber. One horse also carried 2 long-term indwelling bipolar electrodes that had been sutured onto the duodenum and jejunum.

Procedure

To ensure an empty stomach, solid food was withheld from horses for around 20 hours prior to an experiment. Using videoendoscopic guidance, an 8-F catheter with 3 small, discrete pressure sensors was passed through the gastric cannula and directed into the proximal portion of the duodenum. Deflection of the recording pen, to which the catheter was attached, indicated a motile event in that section. Drugs (treatment) were given into the jugular vein in a randomized block design, 1 treatment/experiment, after a 1-hour baseline recording. Treatments were: 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl, xylazine (XYL, 0.5 mg/kg of body weight), detomidine (DET, 0.0125 mg/kg), or a xylazine/butorphanol combination (XYB, 0.5/0.05 mg/kg). Each horse received each treatment twice. All positive pressure peaks > 5 mm of Hg recorded from the most proximal sensor on the catheter were counted in 15-minute blocks. Each mean 15-minute posttreatment value was compared with the baseline value for that specific treatment.

Results

There was no significant difference between baseline values. All treatments significantly (P < 0.05) reduced frequency of pressure peaks below their respective pretreatment values, but to variable degrees and durations. Comparatively, XYL had the least effect, with mild, though significant, reduction for only the first 30 posttreatment minutes; DET and XYB caused a significant marked reduction for 1 hour after treatment.

Conclusions

The profound suppressive effect of a routine dose of detomidine or xylazine/butorphanol combination on equine duodenal motility must be considered when using these agents for management of colic, especially when encouragement of intestinal motility is desirable. (Am J Vet Res 1998;59:619–623)

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in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

Objective

To determine effect of xylazine hydrochloride (XYL), yohimbine hydrochloride (YOH), bethanechol chloride (BET), neostigmine methyl sulfate (NEO), or flunixin meglumine (FLU) on ileocecocolic myoelectric activity and passage of radiolabeled markers from the cecum.

Animals

6 healthy adult ponies.

Procedure

A cecal cannula was surgically implanted, and 12 were sutured to the ileum, cecum, and right ventral colon. After a 12-hour nonfeeding period, 370 MBq of technetium 99m-labeled sulfur colloid in egg albumen and 37 MBq of indium 111-labeled diethyltriaminepentaacetic acid in 60 ml of water were injected into the cecal apex. All drugs were administered IV as a bolus, with the exception of NEO, which was given SC: XYL, 0.5 mg/kg of body weight; YOH, 0.075 mg/kg; BET, 0.025 mg/kg; NEO, 0.025 mg/kg; FLU, 1.1 mg/kg; and saline solution (SAL), 10 ml. Drugs were administered in a randomized complete block design, each treatment was administered twice to each pony, and dual-phase scintigraphic images were obtained. The time to 50% emptying (t50) and the slope of the emptying curve (β) were derived from the calculated power exponential equation.

Results

The t50 after BET (184.8 ± 16.5 minutes) and NEO (124.7 ± 16.5 minutes) administration were significantly shorter than values after saline (230.2 ± 17.1 minutes) administration. The t50 after XYL administration (250.5 ± 18.6 minutes) was longer, and that after YOH administration (190.1 ± 16.2 minutes) was shorter, than the t50 after saline administration, but neither difference was significant. The t50 and β after FLU administration differed from those after saline administration. Myoelectric data appeared to be well correlated with drug-induced alterations in isotope clearance.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Cholinergic agonists, BET and NEO, have significant effects on the myoelectric activity of ileum, cecum, and right ventral colon, with the net effect of hastening cecal emptying. (Am J Vet Res 1998;59:320–327)

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in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the reliability of a method for inducing colic via small intestinal distention in horses and to examine the analgesic potential of bilateral electroacupuncture (EAP) at the Guan-yuan-shu (similar to BL-21) acupoint.

Animals—5 healthy adult horses, each with a gastric cannula.

Procedure—A polyester balloon connected to an electronic barostat was introduced into the duodenum via the gastric cannula. At 2 specified intervals (before and after commencement of EAP), the balloon was inflated to a barostat-controlled pressure that induced signs of moderate colic. Each inflation was maintained for 10 minutes. Heart and respiratory rates were continuously recorded. Frequency of various clinical signs of colic was recorded by 2 trained observers during various combinations of balloon inflation and EAP. Each horse received each of 5 treatment protocols (EAP at 20 Hz, sham EAP at 20 Hz, EAP at 80 : 120 Hz dense:disperse, sham EAP at 80 : 120 Hz dense:disperse, no treatment). Sham EAP was at a point located 2 cm lateral to the Guan-yuan-shu acupoint.

Results—Duodenal distention consistently induced a significant increase in frequency of signs of colic. None of the EAP protocols caused a significant reduction in frequency of these clinical signs during distention.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The method described is reproducible and highly controllable method for inducing colic that involved duodenal distention that should be useful in evaluating the efficacy of various analgesic strategies. Bilateral EAP at the Guan-yuan-shu acupoint was ineffective in reducing signs of discomfort induced by this method. (Am J Vet Res 2002;63:1006–1011)

Full access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

Objective

To determine gastric secretory responses in horses treated with histamine and to determine the dose of histamine needed to elicit maximal gastric secretion.

Animals

6 adult horses with an indwelling gastric cannula.

Procedure

Gastric contents were collected in 15-minute periods, and volume, pH, hydrogen ion concentration, hydrogen ion output, sodium concentration, and sodium output were determined. Values were determined without any treatment (baseline), after administration of pyrilamine maleate (1 mg/kg of body weight, IV, given during a 15-minute period), and during 1-hour infusions of histamine at 3 rates (7.5, 15, and 30 μg/kg/h, IV).

Results

Volume and hydrogen ion concentration of gastric contents and hydrogen ion output were significantly increased, compared with baseline values, during histamine infusion. Mean hydrogen ion concentration and hydrogen ion output were significantly greater during infusion of histamine at a rate of 15 or 30 μg/kg/h than at a rate of 7.5 μg/kg/h. Sodium concentration was significantly decreased, compared with baseline value, during histamine infusion, but sodium output was unchanged.

Conclusions

Histamine at doses of 15 and 30 μg/kg/h, IV stimulated maximal gastric secretion in horses. Histamine appeared to induce only parietal secretion.

Clinical Relevance

This study provides additional information related to equine gastric physiology, which may benefit further understanding of the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease. (Am J Vet Res 1998;59:1303–1306)

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in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Summary

Effects of a change from a diet composed primarily of forage to a diet composed primarily of concentrate on abomasal antral and duodenal motility were assessed in 5 lactating Holstein cows. Antroduodenal motility was measured by use of 8 silver electrodes sutured to the abomasum and duodenum, and abomasal emptying was assessed by continuous measurement of intraduodenal pH. Both diets were fed to achieve a daily dry matter intake of 2.7 kg/100 kg of body weight. The abrupt change in diet did not alter antroduodenal myoelectric activity or abomasal emptying. Initiation of phase III of the migrating myoelectric complex in the proximal portion of the duodenum corresponded with a decrease in abomasal antral spiking activity and an increase in intraduodenal pH. Results suggest that a high concentrate diet alone does not adversely affect antroduodenal motility in adult dairy cattle.

Free access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research