May 2022 Issue

Page 28 May 2022 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN By Jackie Bellamy-Zions, Equine Guelph Fecal transplantation has been very successful in treating humans with issues such as C-difficile infection, which is also a leading cause of diarrhea in horses. Ontario Veterinary College researcher, Dr. Luis Arroyo and his team are beginning a study which could make treating gastro-intestinal (GI) issues in horses using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) a viable option. FMT has been given to horses with diarrhea, but so far, there is little evidence-based medicine to support that FMT is efficient in horses. One challenge is the path to the colon is much lon- ger in a horse, precluding adminis- tration by enema for example, and therefore requiring delivery into the stomach via the nose instead. The inoculant needs to survive the trip to its intended destination—the horse’s GI system can total 85 feet or more. Another challenge is the preservation of a product that can be on hand when needed. New Research Seeks to Advance Treatment of Equine GI Issues Amazing progress in genome sequencing has opened doors to new research tackling GI issues. Arroyo has been involved in studies examining the inhabitants of the equine gut and explains there is still much to learn, but we are starting to develop a clearer picture of how the micro-environments are very different in a diseased gut compared to a normal healthy one. They are recording what types of bacteria live in different areas of the GI system, what proportions of each bacteria should be present, and how they interact. An altered composition of the intestinal bacteria is called dysbiosis and it is present in hors- es with intestinal diseases such as colitis and colic. Dysbiosis can also result during treatments in- volving antibiotics and it can take several weeks for gut microbiota to come back to normal. “Dysbiosis refers to changes in the normal inhabitants of the gut, and that allows for certain bacteria to overgrow and potentially cause disease,” says Arroyo. For exam- ple, if you give a horse too many carbohydrates, a certain type of bacteria will overgrow, produce a lot of lactic acid, and that can result in acidosis and can even cause laminitis. The treatment for horses with dysbiosis from colitis aims to decrease inflammation and resolve diarrhea faster. The 95% success rate of FMT in humans by enema has not been replicable in horses. With an ex- traordinary long intestine, the FMT would likely never make it to the desired location of the large colon or cecum via enema. Working on an inoculum that is delivered nasogastrically means creating a product that will survive the trip through the stomach and small intestine with the bacterial contents minimally affected to perform their intended task of re-establishing ho- meostasis when they reach the gut. What makes transplantation of fecal microbiota a potentially desirable option is the speed with which one could re-introduce normal microflora into the guts of affected animals. A standard- ized process will be required to preserve important bacteria when obtaining, diluting, and mixing samples to be used in the FMT inoculum for the bacteria to survive and be viable. Currently over 80% of the bacteria present in feces die during FMT prepara- tion because of exposure to oxy- gen and freezing. Arroyo’s study will work on optimizing bacterial viability using anaerobic condi- tions and identifying microbiota patterns associated with higher resistance to storage. Using different additives will be one method explored for preserv- ing the bacteria. Adding a cryo-pre- servative to achieve success during the freezing of the transformation product will also be researched to ensure shelf life. “We want to work on a standard inoculum that is re- peatable, and we can have on hand, still viable to an animal that needs it,” says Arroyo. The Essex Horse Trials jumps back into action this sum- mer, July 1-2, with a new format at two iconic locations. On Fri- day, dressage and show jumping will be held at Hamilton Farm, home of the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. The next day, the exciting cross-country phase returns to the familiar surroundings of historic Moorland Farm in Far Hills. Essex Horse Trials Returns With Two Iconic Locations As one of the most popular equestrian events in New Jersey, the Essex Horse Trials features some of the nation's top hors- es and riders competing in the thrilling sport of eventing. The two-day sportfest includes fami- ly-friendly activities, a spectacular car show and fun demonstrations for a fantastic start to the holiday weekend. Additionally, the shift in the schedule will give more time for everyone to enjoy the July 4th holiday, which was important to event co-organizer Ralph Jones. “The Essex Horse Trials is such a great way for families to enjoy a weekend in the country. We believe that the changes we made will benefit not only the compet- itors, but the spectators as well,” said Jones, president of the Essex Horse Trials. “Historic Hamilton Farm will provide a beautiful ven- ue for dressage and show jumping while Moorland Farm offers a spectacular setting for the exciting cross-country course.” More than 150 entries are expected to compete at the Begin- ner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary divisions. Co-organiz- er Morgan Rowsell is also looking forward to the new format. “The welfare of the horse is always of paramount importance for us. The two locations provide ideal conditions for the week- end,” said Rowsell. “Gladstone will have all-weather footing for dressage and show jumping while Far Hills will give the horses and riders of all levels a first-rate cross-country course.” On Saturday, The Essex Horse Trials features the Peter Chesson Memorial Classic Car Show for horsepower enthusiasts outside the equestrian arena. Nearly 100 cars will be show- cased representing more than a century of motorized technology. General admission is $10 per car. Tailgating spots will be available for the best viewing of the exciting cross-country course at Moorland Farm. Packages range in cost from $50-$300 depending on location. For more info on tailgate packages and ringside sponsor- ships, please call (908) 581-0514 or email lizzy@essexhorsetrials.org. Proceeds from the Essex Horse Trials benefit the Greater Newark LifeCamp in nearby Pottersville, which provides an enriching day camp experience for approximately 300 New- ark-area youths per day for six weeks during July and August. Additional information on the Essex Horse Trials is available at www.EssexHorseTrials.org