<div><strong>Background:</strong> Teaching veterinary osteology and arthrology has been performed with free bones collected from various animals after processing and preserving them for long duration. The profession of teaching Anatomy to undergraduate and postgraduate students in veterinary colleges not only requires the knowledge on Veterinary Gross Anatomy but also the methods of preparation of specimen for laboratory use. This article explains the methods and steps in preparation of coloured skulls, bones of forelimb, hindlimb, rib cage, digits and whole mounted skeletons, to be used in the anatomy laboratory to increase the efficiency of both teaching and learning.&nbsp;<br />
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<div><strong>Methods:</strong> A carcass of adult horse donated by a farmer was utilized for making complete coloured skeleton. The bones were collected from the carcass by natural maceration technique followed by cleaning with mild chemicals. The metallic paints and commonly available tools were used for colouring and mounting of horse skeleton. The parts of bones<em> viz</em>. process, fossa, articular area, foramen, the origin and insertion of various muscles were prepared with colours and labels on the surfaces of bones for teaching and museum purpose. The sequential step by step procedure for skeleton preparation in quickest possible time was standardized and explained using various tools.<br />
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<div><strong>Result:</strong> The natural maceration in open water tank was found to be most effective way of maceration of carcasses for collection of bones with their normal colour. The bones were processed mainly with washing soap powder and calcium carbonate followed by drying in natural sunlight which increased the brightness of the bone without any damage to the structure. The coloured skulls, bones of forelimb, hindlimb, rib cage, digits and whole mounted skeletons were prepared with available tools and chemical as this work consumes less time and cost and increases the students&rsquo; learning efficiency, which will also be an asset and center of attraction for any Institution.</div>


<p>Tools and Techniques in Preparation of Coloured Bones and Skeletons for Effective Teaching, Learning and Museums</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are famous for their &lsquo;Rewal chal&rsquo; (a unique style of running). These horses dominantly exist in the western-northern border of India adjoining Pakistan. The breeding tract of these horses is Surat, Navsari, Kachchh district of Gujarat and Jaisalmer-Barmer districts of Rajasthan in India. Most familiar colors in the Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are bay and chestnut. Roman nose, ears curved at tips but not touching each other, short back, short pastern length, broader hoof for better grip and docile temperament are major characteristics of these horses.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> The present study is an effort to phenotypically characterize Kachchhi-Sindhi horse breed based on their different biometric indices for selection and conservation of stallions and mares for breeding purposes by private breeders. Fourteen biometric indices were recorded for phenotypic characterization of each breed viz., height at wither (HW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), neck length (NL), face length (FL), face width (FW), pole, ear length (EL), ear width (EW), foreleg length (FLL), canon, pastern, hoof length (HoL) and hoof width (HoW). On average, these horses stand 148 cm height, have a body length of ~140 cm, a heart girth of ~165 cm, an ear length of ~15 cm and a face length of ~61 cm.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> Horse keepers sustain horses in intensive as well as an extensive system of rearing. It has also been ascertained from various sources that horse number is declining rapidly, however, breed population statistics are not available. There is, therefore, an urgent need to conserve this breed. Proper managemental practices and conservation efforts will pave the way for the multiplication of this valuable equine genetic resource of India.</div>


<div>Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses of India</div>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Equine laminitis is considered as one of the major health problems affecting equine species. Haematological and serum biochemical assessments are often used for diagnosis of both human and animal diseases.&nbsp;Despite numerus findings on induced acute laminitis in horses, little is known about the haematological and serum biochemical changes associated with chronic laminitis. The current study aimed to evaluate the hematological and biochemical changes in horses with chronic laminitis.<br />
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<strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 60 horses comprising of 22 apparently healthy horses (group A) and 38 horses radiographically diagnosed as laminitis (group B) were studied during 2018-2019 laboratory investigation. Blood collection for hematology and serum biochemistry were carried out aseptically via the jugular vein. The packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) were determined using micro-haematocrit and cyanomethaemoglobin methods respectively. White blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts were determined using haemocytometer method. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were determined by the Reitman-Frankel method. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, total protein, albumin and creatinine were determined using phenolphthalein monophosphate, biuret, bromocresol green and modified Jaffe methods respectively. Parameters were analyzed using student t-test.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Results:</strong> The PCV, HB, RBC, WBC and neutrophil counts in groups B were significantly lower compared to group A (control). Lymphocytes, monocytes, basiophils, eosinophils and the biochemical parameters in the control group (group A) horses did not vary significantly (P &gt; 0.05) with group B (horses with laminitis). The haematological profiles depict anaemic state of the laminitis in horses. Non-differing enzymatic activities in the two groups could suggest that there may not be muscular, renal, intestinal and hepatic disorders involvement with the occurrence of chronic laminitis in the assessed horses.</div>


<div>Haematological and Serum Biochemical Changes in Chronic Laminitis Affected Horses</div>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>Colic is an important disease of horses. It is a multifactorial and complex disorder. Colic remains one of the common causes of death in horses therefore in present investigation, clinical and haemato-biochemical changes associated with GI colic in horses were studied.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> Total 105 horses were examined to study the clinical and haemato-biochemical parameters in colicky horses in southern part of Rajasthan.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> Mean respiration rate, pulse rate and capillary refill time was found to be significantly increased in horses affected with colic than healthy control animals (P&lt;0.05). In haematological indices, mean packed cell volume was significantly increased in colic affected horses (P&lt;0.05) whereas mean total platelet count and mean lymphocyte count was found to be significantly decreased (P&lt;0.05). In serum biochemical indices, serum aspartate amino transferase, serum alanine amino transferase, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum glucose, serum albumin, serum total protein, serum alkaline phosphate and blood lactate were found to be significantly increased in horses affected with colic than healthy control group (P&lt;0.05).</div>


<p>Clinical and Haemato-biochemical Studies on Gastro-intestinal Colic in Horses</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">The objective of the study was to establish reference values for radiographic soft tissue indices of the hooves of apparently healthy Nigerian horses and to identify sex and age-related variations if any. Lateromedial radiographic examinations of the forelimb hooves of 52 apparently healthy Nigerian horses of both sexes aged young (1 &ndash; 5years), adult (6 &ndash; 10years) and old (11years and above) were carried out in the cross-sectional survey design. Radiographic soft tissue indices such as hoof wall distal phalanx distance (HWDPD), hoof wall proximal phalanx distance (HWPPD), coronary extensor distance (CED), sole depth (SD), hoof cup (HC), palmarocortical length (PCL) of the third phalanx, hoof wall angle (HWA), angle of third phalanx (AP3) and angle of rotation (AR) &nbsp;were measured and compared between sexes and among age groups. There was no significant sex variations in the indices investigated. However, the mean SD and HC showed age-related significant variation. The mean SD was only significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower in old horses compared to young and adult horses. The mean values of HC were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower in adult and old horses compared to young horses. Radiographic morphometric indices assessed in this study may differ with those reported from other breeds, so they can be used in the future as reference values for diagnosis of laminitis in front feet of Nigerian horses.&nbsp;</div>

Radiographic morphometry of the hoof and third phalanx of apparently healthy Nigerian horses<br />&nbsp;

<div style="text-align: justify;">The study was conducted on equids of high altitude to develop baseline topographical data of landmarks, sonographic calliper measurements and dynamic parameters of abdominal organs. Ultrasonography was performed on healthy adult spiti horses and Himalayan mules of either sex. The wall thickness, contractility, character and echo-architecture of these organs were recorded for standardization. The stomach was found between 8th-15th and 8th-14th Inter-Costal Space (ICS) with wall thickness of 4.92 &plusmn; 0.23 and 4.24 &plusmn; 0.06 mm in horses and mules, respectively. Ascending duodenum was found between 11th-13th and 10th-13th ICS with a wall thickness of 2.0 &plusmn; 0.00 and 1.96 &plusmn; 0.04 mm in horses and mules, respectively. Descending duodenum was found from 16th and 15th ICS to just caudal to the last rib in horses and mules, respectively. Jejunum was found from 12th (&plusmn;1) to 17th ICS with wall thickness of 2.04 &plusmn; 0.04 and 2.02 &plusmn; 0.02 mm in horses and mules, respectively. Detailed ultrasonographic examination of these organs helped to compile baseline data, which will be useful in future in management of the affections of stomach, duodenum and jejunum.</div>

Ultrasonographic examination of the stomach, duodenum and jejunum of normal adult spiti horses and Himalayan hill mules of India

<p><strong>Background:</strong> This article delves into a comprehensive analysis of a dataset that sheds light on the intricate relationship between exercise and equine physiology. By examining temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate, we uncover how exercise type, duration and ground surface significantly influence the well-being of horses during physical activities.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> The choice of exercise type, whether it&rsquo;s show jumping, free ride, or lunge, has a profound impact on the horses&rsquo; physiological responses. Each activity elicits distinct patterns of temperature regulation, cardiovascular demand (pulse rate) and respiratory effort. The animal material of the study consisted of 20 different horses (10 Thoroughbred, 2 Arabian, 8 Belgian) which were housed in Adana and Mersin provinces. Horses were housed in similar conditions of care and they were healthy. The study encompassed the measurement and recording of key parameters, including pulse rate (heart rate), respiration rate (breathing rate) and body temperature, at various critical time points: before the commencement of exercise, immediately post-exercise, 30 min after exercise and 1 hour after exercise. Exercise duration varied between 15 to 40 min, with each session commencing with a standardized warm-up period of approximately 5 min, including a rider on the horse. The horses were observed at four specific time points.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> This analysis underscores the need for a nuanced approach to equine training, considering the specific exercise type, duration and ground surface. Horse owners, trainers and veterinarians can use these insights to optimize exercise programs, ensuring the health and performance of their equine companions. Ultimately, this understanding of equine physiology paves the way for responsible and effective equine training practices.</p>


<p>Impact of Exercise on Vitals in Racing Horses&nbsp;</p>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>Severe Combined Immuno Deficiency (SCID) is a heritable deficiency transmitted through autosomal recessive gene, carried on by purebred Arabian and crossbred horses. A deletion of five base pairs at the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of the Protein Kinase DNA-dependent (DNA-PKcs) is responsible for this disease and SCID-affected animals always die in the first six months of life. Considering this problem, it is important to perform a molecular epidemiological study to estimate the frequency of the SCID allele in Arabian purebred horses in Tunisia.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> The DNA of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 164 purebred Arabian horses belonging to the Sidi Thabet stud was extracted by the spin-column method, in order to verify the quality of the DNAs used, the samples were dosed by a spectrophotometer. The amplification of the DNA was carried out by two specific primers in a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to flank the deletion zone of the DNA sample by adding to each PCR sample a marker or a standard of size knowing that the fragment we wanted to amplify is composed of 163 base pairs. Then, the PCR products were sequenced using an automatic sequencer.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>By analyzing the electropherograms results, we noted the absence of the SCID deletion in the studied group of Arab purebreds. Hence, it is essential to carry out molecular screening of the SCID deletion in other sites in order to determine its prevalence in the country&rsquo;s purebred Arabian horse population.</div>


<div>Epidemiological Molecular Study of Combined Severe Immune Deficiency in Arabian Horses in Tunisia</div>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease of horses caused by the intraerytrocytic protozoan parasites. The infected animals remain carriers of these blood parasites for long periods and spread the disease. The introduction of carrier animals into areas where competent tick vectors are prevalent can lead to an epizootic spread of the disease.<br />
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<strong>Methods: </strong>Total 295 blood smears from diseased and healthy horses were examined and 295 serum samples were analyses by cELISA for the presence of antibodies against <em>T. equi </em>and <em>B. caballi </em>whereas 90 DNA samples from seropositive horses were screened by PCR for presence of parasite&rsquo;s DNA.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> In present study, 1.35% horses were found positive for <em>T. equi </em>by means of blood smear examination. Using c-ELISA, it was found that 03 (1.02%) horses had antibodies against<em> B. caballi</em> and 182 (61.69%) against <em>T. equi</em>, while none of the sample showed mixed reactions. Ninety (90) seropositivehorses screened for <em>T. equi</em> and <em>B. caballi </em>by PCR method, out of which, only Nine (09) horses werefound positive indicating an overall prevalence rate of <em>T. equi</em> was 10.00% by PCR. None ofthe horses found positive for <em>B. caballi </em>through blood smear examination and PCR method.</div>


<div>Prevalence of <em>Theileria equi</em> and <em>Babesia caballi</em> Infections in Horses in South Gujarat, India</div>


<div style="text-align: justify;">The objective of this study was to develop baseline topographical data of landmarks for locating kidneys and urinary bladder and to generate sonographic calliper measurements along with dynamic parameters of these organs. Ultrasonography was performed on 50 native adult (Spiti horses and Himalayan hill mules) healthy unsedated equines of either sex. The thickness, character and echo-architecture of these organs were recorded. The right kidney was found from 15th (&plusmn;1) intercostal space (ICS) extending upto first lumbar vertebra, both in horses as well as in mules. The height of right kidney varied from 112.7 to 118.3 mm (Mean&plusmn; SE= 115.6&plusmn;1.01 mm) and its thickness varied from 58.4 to 71.2 mm (Mean&plusmn; SE= 64.3&plusmn;2.37 mm). While in mules height of right kidney varied from 90.7 to 109.2 mm (Mean&plusmn; SE= of 101.1&plusmn;3.14 mm) and its thickness varied from 47.3 to 56.8 mm (Mean&plusmn; SE= 52.3&plusmn;1.57 mm). The left kidney in horses was found between 16th ICS to 2nd lumbar vertebra, while in mules it was found from 16th ICS to 3rd lumbar vertebra. The height of left kidney varied from 87 to 107.8 mm (Mean&plusmn; SE= 99.0&plusmn;3.67 mm) and its thickness varied from 49.5 to 53.8 mm (Mean&plusmn; SE= 51.8&plusmn;0.72 mm). In mules the height of left kidney varied from 85.5 to 111.4 mm (Mean&plusmn; SE= 95.3&plusmn;2.36 mm) and its thickness varied from 43.4 to 55.7 mm (Mean&plusmn; SE= 50.6&plusmn;2.53 mm). During transrectal ultrasonography urinary bladder was observed as an oval to round structure in the caudal ventral abdomen, the wall thickness of urinary bladder varied from 2.7 to 2.8 mm (Mean&plusmn; SE= 2.74&plusmn;0.02 mm), 2.4 to 2.7 mm (Mean&plusmn; SE= 2.62&plusmn;0.05 mm) in horses and mules respectively. Hence detailed ultrasonographic examination of these organs helped us to compile baseline data, which will be helpful in future in management of the affections of these organs.</div>

Tools and Techniques in Preparation of Coloured Bones and Skeletons for Effective Teaching, Learning and Museums

Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses of India

Haematological and Serum Biochemical Changes in Chronic Laminitis Affected Horses

Clinical and Haemato-biochemical Studies on Gastro-intestinal Colic in Horses

Radiographic morphometry of the hoof and third phalanx of apparently healthy Nigerian horses

Ultrasonographic examination of the stomach, duodenum and jejunum of normal adult spiti horses and Himalayan hill mules of India

Impact of Exercise on Vitals in Racing Horses

Epidemiological Molecular Study of Combined Severe Immune Deficiency in Arabian Horses in Tunisia

Prevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi Infections in Horses in South Gujarat, India

Ultrasonographic examination of kidneys and urinary bladder of normal adult Spiti horses and Himalayan Hill mules of India