2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In this cohort of Welsh ponies, examination of the serum metabolome revealed differences in the TCA cycle, fatty acid metabolism and BCAA oxidation when comparing animals with and without evidence of insulin dysregulation. Collectively, these differences may represent a state of mitochondrial dysfunction in the ID when compared to CON ponies. A thorough neurological examination of questionably ataxic horses is crucial to differentiate normal from abnormal and to help with neuroanatomical localization. Unfortunately agreement amongst experienced clinicians can be poor when assessing presence and severity of ataxia, especially when signs are mild; consequently, objective gait characterization might be beneficial. We hypothesize that assessment of variability of spatial characteristics and swing duration derived from motion capture (kinematics) have good sensitivity and specificity and can detect ataxia in horses.