2007 Morris Animal Foundation Equine Research Wrap-Up

The results of equine research funded by the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) in 2007 added to scientists’ understanding of foal pneumonia, hereditary muscle disorders, laminitis, and pharmacology. <TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5

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The results of equine research funded by the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) in 2007 added to scientists’ understanding of foal pneumonia, hereditary muscle disorders, laminitis, and pharmacology.





Equine Center


Summaries of MAF-funded equine studies completed in 2007 are listed below.

The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) will fund about 120 animal health studies in 2008, including 11 new and continuing studies for horses.

The complete listing of 2008 studies and their descriptions is available at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org, or interested parties can request a printed booklet by calling 800/243-2345.



Foal Diseases

“Prophylactic Effects of Azithromycin on Rhodococcus Equi Foal Pneumonia at Endemic Farms”

Texas A&M University, M. Keith Chaffin, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM

Description:

Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) is a bacterium that causes severe pneumonia in foals. Foals usually show clinical signs of infection between three and 16 weeks of age; however, there is evidence that foals become infected within the first two weeks of life. Scientists believe that some neonatal foals have inefficient immune systems and fail to develop an effective defense against R. equi. This infection can cause illness and death and is particularly prevalent on large breeding farms. Foals that develop pneumonia are treated with lipid-soluble antimicrobials such as erythromycin or azithromycin. The investigators will test whether azithromycin, when administered to foals during the first two weeks of life, will protect foals from infection and reduce the overall incidence of R. equi-induced foal pneumonia.

Results:

This study determined that azithromycin can effectively reduce the incidence of R. equi pneumonia among foals on breeding farms. No adverse effects were identified. Due to concerns about antimicrobial resistance developing, the researchers do not recommend widespread use of the drug at breeding farms. However, the study shows that use of the drug during the first two weeks of a foal’s life will effectively reduce incidence of this deadly disease. These findings will pave the way for future researchers to identify additional methods for protecting foals from R. equi pneumonia during the first weeks of life.



Hereditary Disorders

“Mapping the Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Gene in Thoroughbred Horses”

University of Minnesota, James R. Mickelson, PhD

Completed: October 2007

Description:

A recurrent form of the heritable muscle disorder, tying-up is common in thoroughbred horses. Also called recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER), this condition causes painful cramping and muscle damage that occurs after mild to moderate exercise. Although related muscle disorders exist in other species, RER in thoroughbreds appears to be a novel genetic defect. The investigators in this study seek to locate the chromosomal position of the RER gene. Identifying a DNA marker closely associated with the RER gene would allow them to identify the precise genetic alteration that causes tying-up, predict which horses are susceptible and develop specific therapies and treatments for horses affected by this disorder.

Results:

Researchers determined that susceptibility to RER is highly heritable in thoroughbred horses and is likely a novel muscle disease that affects the regulation of muscle contraction. Although the specific RER gene and the mutation that causes that disease have not yet been identified, when its location is found, it will allow for a more accurate diagnosis of RER susceptibility. Through this study, researchers learned a great deal about how to design and implement genetic mapping studies in horses, and this knowledge has allowed them to take the leadership role in Morris Animal Foundation’s Equine Consortium for Genetic Research. They feel RER will be one of the first diseases mapped using the SNP chip technology that is being developed through the consortium

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