Assessment of fecal bacterial viability and diversity in fresh and frozen fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) product in horses.

Background: Currently, lack of standardization for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in equine practice has resulted in highly variable techniques, and there is no data on the bacterial metabolic activity or viability of the administered product. The objectives of this study were to compare the total and potentially metabolically active bacterial populations in equine FMT, and assess the effect of different frozen storage times, buffers, and temperatures on an equine FMT product. Fresh feces collected from three healthy adult horses was subjected to different storage methods.

Incidence and risk factors for complications associated with equine general anaesthesia for elective magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Complications are a practical consideration for elective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies performed under general anaesthesia but relatively little is known about their distribution and risk factors.

Objectives: To describe the incidence of complications associated with MRI performed under general anaesthesia at a large referral facility and evaluate potential risk factors for these complications.

Study Design: Retrospective case-control study.

Acute Phase Protein Response in Native and Imported Horses After Routine Combination Vaccination Protocol.

Fibrinogen and serum amyloid A (SAA) are commonly measured equine acute phase proteins. Limited data exist on SAA and fibrinogen responses to combination vaccination protocols in horses. A prospective cohort study evaluating SAA, fibrinogen, and rectal temperature following a standard combination vaccination.

Effect of formic acid treatment on colostrum quality, and on absorption and function of immunoglobulins: a randomized controlled trial in Holstein dairy calves.

Background: Good quality colostrum is characterized by high immunoglobulin concentration and low pathogen load. Some methods of pathogen reduction can decrease immunoglobulin concentration and potentially affect their function. Objectives were to determine the effect of formic acid treatment on colostral bacterial and immunoglobulin (IgG) levels before feeding, and serum immunoglobulin concentration and neutralizing capabilities after feeding.

Investigation of an EHV-1 Outbreak in the United States Caused by a New H Genotype.

Here we report on an EHV-1 outbreak investigation caused by a novel genotype H (histidine in amino acid position 752 of the gene). The outbreak involved 31 performance horses. Horses were monitored over a period of 35 days for clinical signs, therapeutic outcome and qPCR results of EHV-1 in blood and nasal secretions.