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24 The effect of chiropractic treatment on performance and behavior of lesson horses
Abstracts / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 35 (2015) 392e397
increased Cox-2 mRNA expression (P ¼ 0.003) as expected; however no effect of CLA or CLA LPS interaction was observed. An upregulation of Cox-2 mRNA expression was observed in the CLA+LPS treatment group, when compared with the control and treatment with CLA only (Control, P ¼ 0.006; CLA, P ¼ 0.004, respectively). Contrary to our hypothesis, this increase of Cox-2 mRNA expression suggests a possible synergistic effect, or that CLA may regulate inflammation in fibroblastic synoviocytes through a different pathway. Additionally, different CLA isomers have distinct biological effects; therefore, Cox-2 production may have been initiated and/or increased through synergistic action of the isomers. Results from this study display a need for further research determining specific effects and mechanisms by which each CLA isomer influences fibroblastic synoviocytes under inflammatory conditions.
Key Words: conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), Cox-2, synoviocytes
23 Influence of whole-body vibration on bone density in the stalled horse E.S. Hulak*, H.S. Spooner, and J.C. Haffner Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA The use of whole body vibration (WBV) therapy to influence bone density has proven successful in humans and rodents. High frequency mechanical accelerations resulting from WBV have a strong osteogenic effect, increasing both quality and quantity of bone. Use of WBV has been growing in the equine industry to positively affect the performance and health of the athletic horse, yet no research has been published to date to support such use. This project was developed to evaluate the effect of WBV on bone density in the stalled horse. It is hypothesized that WBV will maintain bone density in stalled horses, equal to that of a stalled control group receiving light exercise. Twelve mature horses of mixed breed and age (17 ± 4 yr) were randomly assigned to either the control (CON, n ¼ 6) or treatment (VIB, n ¼ 6) group. Radiographs were taken of the left third metacarpal on d 0 for determination of bone mineral density. All horses were then subjected to 28 d of pasture turn out (free-choice exercise) to serve as a baseline (d 0e28) with additional radiographs taken on d 28. Horses were then placed in stalls for an additional 28-d treatment period (d 28e56). The CON horses worked on a mechanical panel exerciser for 60 min 6 d per week. The exercise protocol involved 17 min walk, 10 min trot, 3 min canter in both directions. At no time did the speed of the exerciser exceed 8 m/s. VIB horses stood on a WBV platform (Equivibe) set at 50 Hz for 45 min 5 times per wk. End radiographs were taken on d 56. Bone density of the third metacarpal was determined from the radiographs using radiographic bone aluminum equivalency (RBAE) for all bone cortices and total bone mineral content (BMC). Changes in BMC were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures. Both groups increased total BMC (P ¼ 0.02) from d 0 to d 28. No differences were observed in BMC due to treatment in the medial (P ¼ 0.98), lateral (P ¼ 0.93), dorsal (P ¼ 0.69), or palmar (P ¼ 0.90) cortices. Total BMC was not different due to treatment (P ¼ 0.17). Contrary to previous research, we observed no loss of BMC due to stalling in horses receiving either light exercise or WBV. WBV maintained BMC similar to that of horses receiving light exercise and therefore should be considered when a horse must be stalled without exercise.
Key Words: bone density, bone mineral content, vibration
393
24 The effect of chiropractic treatment on performance and behavior of lesson horses J.A. Schultz*1, J.C. Haffner 1, M.S. Wooten 2, R.M. Hoffman 1, and H.S. Spooner 1 1 Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA; 2 Equine Performax Veterinary, Thompson's Station, TN, USA The use of chiropractic therapies in humans and horses is a controversial subject. Back pain, asymmetric movement, stiffness, and loss of use are symptoms horse owners will seek to cure using chiropractic therapies despite questions of efficacy. This study investigated the effect of chiropractic therapies on stride length of lesson horses and impact on rider perception under saddle. Ten mature horses, aged 15.2 ± 6.5 years, from the Middle Tennessee State University lesson herd were selected based on having typical symptoms that chiropractic treatment may improve. Horses were randomly assigned into 2 groups in a double-blind study, either chiropractic treatment (CHIRO) or control (CON). In 3 periods over 9 wk (3 wk per period), CHIRO horses received one chiropractic treatment per period; CON horses only entered the treatment facility. After 2 d of pasture turn-out following treatment, stride length was measured and a standardized ridden evaluation performed. Evaluators were blind to treatment as well as how the horses were grouped. Trot stride length was evaluated in-hand between predetermined markers set 10.6 m apart and measured with Lameness Solutions ONTRACK Equine software. Temperament, left bend, right bend, collection ability, and extension ability were assessed in a mounted evaluation by a single blinded evaluator while performing a standardized pattern using a Likert Scale for all horses before and after each of the 3 chiropractic treatments. No additional riding or forced exercise occurred. Data were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures. The CHIRO group's stride length was longer (P ¼ 0.029) in Period 3 (2.32 ± 0.09 m) than Period 1 (2.10 ± 0.09 m) but there was no change in CON horses (Period 1 ¼ 2.37 ± 0.09 m); Period 3 ¼ 2.29 ± 0.09 m; P > 0.36). Percent change in stride length from baseline was greater in CHIRO than CON horses during Period 2 (CHIRO: 4.6% ± 2.8%; CON: 7.4% ± 2%; P ¼ 0.044) and Period 3 (CHIRO: 9.0% ± 4.0%; CON: 3.3% ± 4.8%; P ¼ 0.040) but not Period 1 (CHIRO: 1.2% ± 4.5%; CON: 1.6% ± 4.8%; P ¼ 0.62). Temperament of both groups improved from Period 1 to Period 2 and 3 (P ¼ 0.028). Left bend (P ¼ 0.10) and collection ability (P ¼ 0.073) tended to improve in CHIRO across all periods, while right bend (P > 0.16) and extension ability (P > 0.17) showed no improvement. Longer stride length and improved collection as a result of chiropractic treatment may indicate increased flexibility of the spinal joints and decreased pain, which could affect a horse's quality of life and utility. Further studies are needed to identify the long-term effects of chiropractic treatment.
Key Words: chiropractic, lesson horses, alternative therapies
25 The thermal effects of protective sports boots on the forelimb of Thoroughbred and Argentinian polo ponies B.C. Snively*, J.E. Bowser, B. Nabors, and R.L. Linford Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA The last 20 years show an increase in usage of protective or supportive boots on the distal limb of sport horses; however, tendon injuries, especially those of the superficial digital flexor
increased Cox-2 mRNA expression (P ¼ 0.003) as expected; however no effect of CLA or CLA LPS interaction was observed. An upregulation of Cox-2 mRNA expression was observed in the CLA+LPS treatment group, when compared with the control and treatment with CLA only (Control, P ¼ 0.006; CLA, P ¼ 0.004, respectively). Contrary to our hypothesis, this increase of Cox-2 mRNA expression suggests a possible synergistic effect, or that CLA may regulate inflammation in fibroblastic synoviocytes through a different pathway. Additionally, different CLA isomers have distinct biological effects; therefore, Cox-2 production may have been initiated and/or increased through synergistic action of the isomers. Results from this study display a need for further research determining specific effects and mechanisms by which each CLA isomer influences fibroblastic synoviocytes under inflammatory conditions.
Key Words: conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), Cox-2, synoviocytes
23 Influence of whole-body vibration on bone density in the stalled horse E.S. Hulak*, H.S. Spooner, and J.C. Haffner Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA The use of whole body vibration (WBV) therapy to influence bone density has proven successful in humans and rodents. High frequency mechanical accelerations resulting from WBV have a strong osteogenic effect, increasing both quality and quantity of bone. Use of WBV has been growing in the equine industry to positively affect the performance and health of the athletic horse, yet no research has been published to date to support such use. This project was developed to evaluate the effect of WBV on bone density in the stalled horse. It is hypothesized that WBV will maintain bone density in stalled horses, equal to that of a stalled control group receiving light exercise. Twelve mature horses of mixed breed and age (17 ± 4 yr) were randomly assigned to either the control (CON, n ¼ 6) or treatment (VIB, n ¼ 6) group. Radiographs were taken of the left third metacarpal on d 0 for determination of bone mineral density. All horses were then subjected to 28 d of pasture turn out (free-choice exercise) to serve as a baseline (d 0e28) with additional radiographs taken on d 28. Horses were then placed in stalls for an additional 28-d treatment period (d 28e56). The CON horses worked on a mechanical panel exerciser for 60 min 6 d per week. The exercise protocol involved 17 min walk, 10 min trot, 3 min canter in both directions. At no time did the speed of the exerciser exceed 8 m/s. VIB horses stood on a WBV platform (Equivibe) set at 50 Hz for 45 min 5 times per wk. End radiographs were taken on d 56. Bone density of the third metacarpal was determined from the radiographs using radiographic bone aluminum equivalency (RBAE) for all bone cortices and total bone mineral content (BMC). Changes in BMC were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures. Both groups increased total BMC (P ¼ 0.02) from d 0 to d 28. No differences were observed in BMC due to treatment in the medial (P ¼ 0.98), lateral (P ¼ 0.93), dorsal (P ¼ 0.69), or palmar (P ¼ 0.90) cortices. Total BMC was not different due to treatment (P ¼ 0.17). Contrary to previous research, we observed no loss of BMC due to stalling in horses receiving either light exercise or WBV. WBV maintained BMC similar to that of horses receiving light exercise and therefore should be considered when a horse must be stalled without exercise.
Key Words: bone density, bone mineral content, vibration
393
24 The effect of chiropractic treatment on performance and behavior of lesson horses J.A. Schultz*1, J.C. Haffner 1, M.S. Wooten 2, R.M. Hoffman 1, and H.S. Spooner 1 1 Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA; 2 Equine Performax Veterinary, Thompson's Station, TN, USA The use of chiropractic therapies in humans and horses is a controversial subject. Back pain, asymmetric movement, stiffness, and loss of use are symptoms horse owners will seek to cure using chiropractic therapies despite questions of efficacy. This study investigated the effect of chiropractic therapies on stride length of lesson horses and impact on rider perception under saddle. Ten mature horses, aged 15.2 ± 6.5 years, from the Middle Tennessee State University lesson herd were selected based on having typical symptoms that chiropractic treatment may improve. Horses were randomly assigned into 2 groups in a double-blind study, either chiropractic treatment (CHIRO) or control (CON). In 3 periods over 9 wk (3 wk per period), CHIRO horses received one chiropractic treatment per period; CON horses only entered the treatment facility. After 2 d of pasture turn-out following treatment, stride length was measured and a standardized ridden evaluation performed. Evaluators were blind to treatment as well as how the horses were grouped. Trot stride length was evaluated in-hand between predetermined markers set 10.6 m apart and measured with Lameness Solutions ONTRACK Equine software. Temperament, left bend, right bend, collection ability, and extension ability were assessed in a mounted evaluation by a single blinded evaluator while performing a standardized pattern using a Likert Scale for all horses before and after each of the 3 chiropractic treatments. No additional riding or forced exercise occurred. Data were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures. The CHIRO group's stride length was longer (P ¼ 0.029) in Period 3 (2.32 ± 0.09 m) than Period 1 (2.10 ± 0.09 m) but there was no change in CON horses (Period 1 ¼ 2.37 ± 0.09 m); Period 3 ¼ 2.29 ± 0.09 m; P > 0.36). Percent change in stride length from baseline was greater in CHIRO than CON horses during Period 2 (CHIRO: 4.6% ± 2.8%; CON: 7.4% ± 2%; P ¼ 0.044) and Period 3 (CHIRO: 9.0% ± 4.0%; CON: 3.3% ± 4.8%; P ¼ 0.040) but not Period 1 (CHIRO: 1.2% ± 4.5%; CON: 1.6% ± 4.8%; P ¼ 0.62). Temperament of both groups improved from Period 1 to Period 2 and 3 (P ¼ 0.028). Left bend (P ¼ 0.10) and collection ability (P ¼ 0.073) tended to improve in CHIRO across all periods, while right bend (P > 0.16) and extension ability (P > 0.17) showed no improvement. Longer stride length and improved collection as a result of chiropractic treatment may indicate increased flexibility of the spinal joints and decreased pain, which could affect a horse's quality of life and utility. Further studies are needed to identify the long-term effects of chiropractic treatment.
Key Words: chiropractic, lesson horses, alternative therapies
25 The thermal effects of protective sports boots on the forelimb of Thoroughbred and Argentinian polo ponies B.C. Snively*, J.E. Bowser, B. Nabors, and R.L. Linford Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA The last 20 years show an increase in usage of protective or supportive boots on the distal limb of sport horses; however, tendon injuries, especially those of the superficial digital flexor