This consensus statement update reflects our current published knowledge and opinion about clinical signs, pathogenesis, epidemiology, treatment, complications, and control of strangles. This updated statement emphasizes varying presentations in the context of existing underlying immunity and carrier states of strangles in the transmission of disease. The statement redefines the “gold standard” for detection of possible infection and reviews the new technologies available in polymerase chain reaction diagnosis and serology and their use in outbreak control and prevention. We reiterate the importance of judicious use of antibiotics in horses with strangles. This updated consensus statement reviews current vaccine technology and the importance of linking vaccination with currently advocated disease control and prevention programs to facilitate the eradication of endemic infections while safely maintaining herd immunity. Differentiation between immune responses to primary and repeated exposure of subclinically infected animals and responses induced by vaccination is also addressed.

Background: Both graying and melanoma formation in horses have recently been linked to a duplication in the STX17 gene. This duplication, as well as a mutation in the ASIP gene that increases MC1R pathway signaling, affects melanoma risk and severity in gray horses.Objective: To determine if melanoma susceptibility in gray Quarter Horses (QH) is lower than gray horses from other breeds because of decreased MC1R signaling resulting from a high incidence of the MC1R chestnut coat color allele in the QH population.Animals: A total of 335 gray QH with and without dermal melanomas. Methods: Blood or hair root samples were collected from all horses for DNA extraction and genotyping for STX17, ASIP, and MC1R genotypes. Age, sex, and external melanoma presence and grade were recorded. The effect of age and genotype on melanoma presence and severity was evaluated by candidate gene association.Results: Melanoma prevalence (16%) and grade (0.35) in this QH cohort was lower than that reported in other breeds. Age was significantly associated with melanoma prevalence (P = 5.28 9 10

Summary Background Endocrine disorders are common in donkeys. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is thought to be a frequent disturbance in donkeys due to their longevity. However, information on PPID dynamic testing in donkeys is lacking. Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the previously described guidelines for PPID diagnosis in horses in donkeys with suspicion of PPID. Study design Prospective experimental study. Methods Eighty donkeys were evaluated for PPID suspicion based on clinical signs and baseline adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. Six mix‐breed donkeys (one jack and five non‐pregnant jennies) fulfilling inclusion criteria were subjected to dexamethasone suppression test (DST), thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test (TRH) and combined DST–TRH challenge. Tests were interpreted according to guidelines for PPID diagnosis in horses. Results Donkeys fulfilling inclusion criteria were diagnosed with PPID by TRH stimulation test (six of six). Both DST (three of six) and DST–TRH (4/6) challenges failed to detect those animals and showed conflicting results. Similarly, cortisol basal concentrations were not consistent with PPID suspicion. Main limitations Characterisation of seasonal and geographical location effect on baseline ACTH concentrations and response to TRH is compelling in this species. Further studies with a larger number of donkeys are needed. Conclusions This is the first study in donkeys to evaluate common dynamic tests used for PPID diagnosis in horses. Preliminary results agree with the guidelines for PPID diagnosis in horses and baseline ACTH measurement followed by TRH challenge are recommended tests for diagnosis of PPID in donkeys.

Whole blood POC biomarkers enable clinicians to provide improved management of critical diseases in large animals. These tools are especially useful for establishing a diagnosis, guiding therapy, and estimating disease risk and prognosis.

Article type : Original Article EVJ-GA-21-009.R2 Evaluation of the combined glucose-insulin and intravenous glucose tolerance tests for insulin dysregulation diagnosis in donkeys