VN April 2021

Vetnews | April 2021 37 Recent Clinically Relevant Research from Around theWorld This randomised trial by Aimie Doyle and co‐workers in Canada aimed to determine whether ethanol‐based antisepsis reduces bacterial counts on the equine distal limb comparable to a current chlorhexidine scrub method and determine the most effective application technique for the product. Each of the 41 horses in this study had a 5 x 5 cm patch clipped over the distal interphalangeal joint of three limbs. By horse, each limb was randomly assigned to a treatment group: 5 min scrub using 4% chlorhexidine gluconate to a clipped site (CHG); 90 s scrub using 80% ethanol to a clipped site (ETC); 90 s contact with 80% ethanol applied as a spray to a clipped site (ETS); and 90 s scrub using 80% ethanol to an unclipped site (ETUC). Samples were collected pre‐ and post‐ treatment and plated in duplicate. Bacterial counts were log10 transformed and averaged between duplicates. Mean log10 CFU/mL reduction was then compared between groups. The cost of each treatment was determined based on the cost of the consumables and the technical time required. A cost‐ benefit analysis was performed by comparing the mean log10 CFU/mL reduction per dollar cost between CHG and each of the ET groups. There was no significant difference inmean log10 CFU/mL reduction between CHG and ETC in either fore‐ or hindlimbs. In forelimbs, there was no significant difference inmean log10 CFU/mL reduction between any groups. In hindlimbs, CHG had significantly greater mean log10 CFU/mL reduction than ETUC and ETS. No significant difference in cost‐benefit was found between CHG and ETC. Significant differences were noted between CHG and both ETUC and ETS. Ethanol‐based antisepsis can be used for skin preparation prior to performing immediate, short‐duration procedures in horses. A 90 s wet contact time using gauze sponges is recommended. It is important to note that this study did not investigate the efficacy of other alcohol‐based antiseptics such as isopropanol or n‐propanol. v EQUINE Aseptic preparation of the equine distal limb (Source: Equine Veterinary Education) This research by Laura Stange and co‐workers In Germany aimed to gain an overview of the underlying causes of equine headshaking syndrome to identify effective treatment options, reduce the distress of horses and, potentially, improve therapeutic possibilities for horse owners and veterinarians. An online survey was designed by experts in the field (researchers and veterinarians) and answered by German horse owners. The questionnaire consisted of 27 questions, whichwere divided into seven open questions with an associated text field and 20multiple‐choice questions. For some of the multiple‐choice questions, multiple answers were permitted. Completed questionnaires were received from 163 owners of headshaking horses. Gender distribution was 64.4% geldings, 33.7% mares and 1.8% stallions. Most horses were German Warmbloods (55.4%). The average age was 12.7 years (range 5–34 years). The most frequently mentioned clinical sign was vertical movement of the head (75.5%) and stress was reported as the main trigger for headshaking in 18.4% of cases. Additional stereotypical behaviour was reported in 18.4% of cases. Scientifically evaluated therapieswere triedby 11.0%of the participants, such as surgical therapy (1.2%) ormedical treatment (9.8%). Nose covers to reduce the signs of headshaking syndromewere used by 54.0%of the owners. Alternative therapies were used by a high percentage of owners (84.0%), such as physiotherapy (31.9%), change of equipment (22.7%), or change of riding style (29.4%). Overall, this study provides a useful overview of causes and effective therapies. v Equine headshaking syndrome