Research
Infographic Distills Research Investigating a Parasite that may be Involved in Equine Abortions
A study has uncovered that exposure to Neospora parasites is widespread among Ontario broodmares and may play a role in Equine Abortions. Dr. Chenier, MSc student Olivia Johns and epidemiologist Dr. David Pearl at the Ontario Veterinary College have collected samples from Ontario breeding farms to find seroprevalence is close to 30%. Risk factors identified…
A New Look at Lameness
Prevention is the ideal when it comes to lameness but practically everyone who has owned horses has dealt with a lay-up due to an unforeseen injury at some point. The following article will provide tools to sharpen your eye for detecting lameness, review prevention tips and discuss the importance of early intervention. It will also…
20 Years of Supporting the Global Equine Community
By: Anya Barradas This summer, Equine Guelph celebrates its 20th anniversary. The award-winning centre at the University of Guelph is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of horses through education and research. “Over the years, our centre has become a model for online equine education programs and a hub for horse professionals from around…
Air Quality and Air Pollution’s Impact on Your Horse’s Lungs
Story by: Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi There’s nothing like hearing a horse cough to set people scurrying around the barn to identify the culprit. After all, that cough could mean choke, or a respiratory virus has found its way into the barn. It could also indicate equine asthma. Yes, even those “everyday coughs” that we sometimes…
Screening for biomarkers & indicators of intestinal health among equine microbiota
No one will argue that prevention is better than cure and early intervention is certainly preferable to watching an equine partner go from not feeling 100% to being completely sidelined. Ontario Veterinary College researcher, Dr. Luis Arroyo is embarking on a very interesting collaborative study that may result in the ability to detect the first…
Biosecurity Research Findings – More than Just Vaccination
In a new University of Guelph study at the Ontario Veterinary College, preliminary findings reveal that a perception exists among horse owners and some event organizers viewing vaccination as a ‘bullet-proof’ intervention that will protect their horse from ailments. While vaccination is important, it does not make horses invincible to infectious disease and there are…
Equine Asthma and Macrophage Responses
What happens if the quarterback of the immune system goes rogue? In a study set to begin in June 2023, Ontario Veterinary College researcher, Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi, will be looking at macrophage responses to the agents that cause asthma in horses. While studies on equine asthma have been ongoing for over 40 years, we still…
Strong Support for Future Use of Stem Cells to Treat Equine Osteoarthritis
First published in Equine Guelph’s 20th Research Annual – January 11, 2023 Two studies led by Dr. Judith Koenig and her team at the Ontario Veterinary College have shown equine pooled cryopreserved umbilical cord blood, (eCB) MSC, to be safe and effective in treating joint pain and inflammation. Both studies received funding from Equine Guelph.…
Can Ponies Distinguish Human Facial Expressions?
Most humans are good at giving someone a wide berth if they approach with a furrowed brow but how good are horses at interpreting our expressions? Dr. Katrina Merkies, researcher and associate professor at the University of Guelph and her team found out in a study involving 20 lesson ponies and some talented actors. There…
Stem Cells Under Investigation as a Possible Future Treatment for Equine Asthma
Heaves is known as a disease that can leave a horse struggling to breathe, ending athletic careers and even rendering a pleasure horse unsuitable for riding. Commonly known today as equine asthma, it’s an irreversible disease brought on by repeated exposure to dust and moulds. Ontario Veterinary College researcher, Doctor Bienzle has a long history…
The Impact of Antibiotics on the Equine Gut
The thinking on how we use antibiotics is changing in the world of medicine especially as we learn more about their impact on the inhabitants of the gut. Ontario Veterinary College researcher, Dr. Diego Gomez, took part in a collaborative study with researchers across North America to study the effects of intravenous antimicrobials on the…
What is in a Whinny?
When horses talk, we listen but how good are we at deciphering what they have to say? According to a recently published study (Nov 2021) by Dr. Katrina Merkies, researcher and associate professor at the University of Guelph, and her master student Haley Belliveau, we are faring well. Using an online survey, participants categorized 32…