An initial investigation into the effects of the equine transeva technique (pulsating current electrotherapy) on the equine Gluteus superficialis

The equine transeva technique (ETT), is a novel electrotherapy, which utilises pulsating current electrotherapy to target sensory and motor neurons. The technique may facilitate increased circulation and correction of musculoskeletal issues and injuries, such as tendon and ligament tears and muscle atrophy. Despite the importance of understanding the impact of ETT on horses, no current scientific research exists in this area. This preliminary study investigated the effects of ETT on the musculoskeletal system of the horse, specifically within the Gluteus superficialis (GS). Using surface electromyography, muscle workload was measured in 11 sound and healthy horses of varying breeds and disciplines within the inclusion criteria. Integrated electromyography (iEMG) calculated the percentage change in maximal contractions before and after ETT treatment during one minute trials at 30 s intervals. An ANCOVA determined if these constituted significant changes (Bonferroni adjusted alpha: P≤0.02). Significant differences in muscle workload were found on the left side between pre- and post-treatment readings across trials (P≤0.02), however no significant changes occurred for the right side. The majority of horses (82%; n=9) experienced bilateral changes, with 78% of these (n=7) exhibiting a negative change in muscle workload recorded from the pretreatment condition, which may indicate muscular relaxation. The results suggest ETT may have some effect on muscle workload in the athletic horse, however further research is needed to confirm the effects observed. Future studies should include randomising the side which is treated first, a larger sample size, expansion of temporal variables and consideration of a longitudinal study to determine if these trends accrue over multiple maintenance-purposed treatments.

Evaluation of Abnormal Limb Conformation in Jumping Thoroughbred Horses

Subjective, objective and photographic image using software Auto CAD programme were used for evaluation of limb conformation in 51 jumping thoroughbred horses. The abnormal limb conformations were included: standing under in front (58%), steep shoulder (55%), carpus valgus (45%), calf knee (31%), standing under behind (31%), short pelvis (31%) and straight hocks (16%). Linear and angular limb measurements showed standing under in front had increased elbow joint lateral angle, and decreased fore fetlock joint lateral angle. Steep shoulder displayed a significant increase (P< 0.05) in shoulder joint lateral angle and significant decrease in forearm front length. calf knee horses had significant decrease in the lateral angle of carpus joint. Short pelvis had a significant decrease in lateral length of pelvis and significant increase in croup angle and stifle joint lateral angle. Straight hocks showed the lateral length of both pelvis and gaskin showed a significant decrease and significant increase in the stifle joint lateral angle. Therefore, the current use of linear and angular measurements in relationships to abnormal limb conformation in the present study will allow for estimation of the future performance and soundness in jumping thoroughbred horses. In addition can be considered for selection athletic horse with less risk of lameness.

Nutraceuticals: a goldmine but for whom?

A whole new industry has grown up around dietary supplements that purportedly can, enhance exercise performance or enhance the recovery from exercise. Many of these new supplements are ‘functional foods’ or nutraceuticals that have active molecules or ingredients that purportedly can reduce inflammation, prevent oxidative stress or have other benefits for whatever may ails an equine athlete. The blitz of advertising that usually accompanies such miracle ergogenic (i.e. performance enhancing) products suggests that a great deal of scientific research has been published to support those claims. Unfortunately, the majority of new dietary supplements are being promoted with little or no scientific basis for the claims made on their labels or in the advertisements touting their benefits. In many cases, no research has been performed to demonstrate efficacy of these new expensive, avant-garde, dietary supplements in the horse. So how can we determine if a new supplement improves recovery from exercise or has potential to improve athletic capacity? The purpose of this review is to outline the important questions a horse owner, trainer, veterinarian, or regulator should ask before deciding it is ok (safety, legality) or even beneficial to feed a supplement to an athletic horse.

Influence of Omega-3 in Standardbred Horse: Haematological Parameters

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 supplementation on some haematological parameters like red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hgb), haematocrit (Hct), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (Neu) and lymphocytes (Lym) that may have a direct effect on the performance of athletic horses. Ten regularly trained Standardbred horses (6 geldings and 4 females, 4-5 years old, mean body weight 500 ± 25 kg) were used for the study. They were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received an omega-3 dietary supplementation every day for 30 days. The control group received no supplementation. Every 10 days, horses took part in a 1660 metre harness race and blood samples were collected from each horse: one in the morning before race (pre) and one after race (post). The application of one-way analysis of variance for repeated mesures (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant difference due to the race in the two different groups. The results obtained in the present study show a discordant effect of supplementation with omega-3 on RBC, HCT and Hgb, while omega-3 supplementation has been shown to have a better effect on WBC, Neu and Lym, but further studies should be performed to better evaluate the benefits of these on the performance of the athletic horse.