Australian veterinary journal.
Publisher:
Australian Veterinary Association. Oxford : Wiley-Blackwell Pub.
Frequency: Monthly
Country: England
Language: English
Author(s):
Australian Veterinary Association.
Start Year:1927 -
ISSN:
0005-0423 (Print)
1751-0813 (Electronic)
0005-0423 (Linking)
1751-0813 (Electronic)
0005-0423 (Linking)
Impact Factor
1.1
2022
| NLM ID: | 0370616 |
| (OCoLC): | 05070935 |
| (DNLM): | A76040000(s) |
| Coden: | AUVJA2 |
| LCCN: | sc 86001010 |
| Classification: | W1 AU698 |
Antifungal non-invasive soak under general anaesthetic to treat fungal rhinitis in an Australian Quarter Horse gelding at pasture. Mycotic rhinitis is a rare disease in horses, with few cases reported worldwide and none reported in Australia. Fungal infection of the upper respiratory tract can occur in all species, but its prevalence in horses is considerably lower than in canines or humans. The disease is linked to a variety of pathogens and the clinical signs are associated with subsequent upper respiratory tract damage. Methods: A 6-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Queensland, Australia, was presented with chronic nasal discharge and dyspnoea following previous unsuccessful medical treatment of 9 months' duration. C...
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology and airway hyper-reactivity in clinically normal horses. To characterise the relationship between bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and pulmonary function testing with histamine bronchoprovocation (HBP) methods in a population of clinically normal horses. Methods: Cross-sectional study METHODS: Clinically normal adult horses (n = 33) underwent pulmonary function testing and HBP with a commercial flowmetric plethysmography system. BAL was performed 1-5 days later. Statistical analysis was used to assess associations between BALF cell concentration, relative inflammatory cell percentages and categorisation, and airway hyper-reactivity...
Comparison of conventional radiography and computed tomography as aids in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in 11 foals. Conventional radiography is currently the most common imaging modality used by veterinarians investigating foals with suspected osteomyelitis. Emerging evidence in adult horses and humans suggests computed tomography (CT) is a superior modality for evaluation of osseous changes in general. This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of CT versus conventional radiography in cases of osteomyelitis in foals. Methods: Cases of osteomyelitis in foals under 6 months of age admitted over a 6-year period at a single referral hospital that had both CT and conventional radiography images were ...
Laparoscopic transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx as adjunct to the use of prostaglandin E2 for mares with suspected uterine tubal blockage. To describe the laparoscopic transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx as a useful adjunct to the topical application of prostaglandin E to treat mares with suspected uterine tubal blockage. Methods: A standard left flank laparoscopic approach was made to the abdomen using three laparoscopic portals. If restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx were observed traversing the uterine tube perpendicularly, they were carefully transected and 1 mg of prostaglandin E was then applied to the external surface of the uterine tube. Skin incisions were closed with surgical staples and the procedure...
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of mosquito-borne alphaviruses in horses in northern Queensland. To investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of alphaviruses (Ross River virus (RRV), Barmah Forest virus (BFV) and Whataroa virus (WHAV)) in northern Queensland horses. Methods: A cross-sectional study of alphavirus antibodies in horses (n = 287) from 147 properties in northern Queensland from September 2013 to June 2014 was conducted. Owners of sampled horses were interviewed on potential risk factors. Data were analysed for associations using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Antibody titres for RRV were demonstrated in samples from 134 properties (91%; 95% co...
Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction: current understanding and recommendations from the Australian and New Zealand Equine Endocrine Group. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the current knowledge and opinions about the epidemiology, clinical findings (including sequelae), diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, particularly in the Australian context. This information and the recommendations provided will assist practitioners in making informed decisions regarding the diagnosis and management of this disorder.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a Clydesdale gelding. A 7-year-old Clydesdale gelding was referred with a history of progressive lethargy and ventral oedema. The horse developed diarrhoea after treatment with antibiotics by the referring veterinarian. History, clinical signs, imaging and laboratory findings were consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complicated by antibiotic-associated colitis. Progression of clinical signs prompted euthanasia and the antemortem diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was confirmed at postmortem examination. Conclusions: Primary HCM is reported as rare in horses, but specific descriptions are lacking. The ...
Antimicrobial labelling in Australia: a threat to antimicrobial stewardship? Antimicrobial resistance is a public health emergency, placing veterinary antimicrobial use under growing scrutiny. Antimicrobial stewardship, through appropriate use of antimicrobials, is a response to this threat. The need for antimicrobial stewardship in Australian veterinary practices has had limited investigation. A 2016 survey undertaken to investigate antimicrobial usage patterns by Australian veterinarians found that antimicrobial dose rates were varied and often inappropriate. Doses of procaine penicillin in horses and cattle were often low, with 68% and 90% of respondents, respective...
Virus-neutralising antibody responses in horses following vaccination with Equivac® HeV: a field study. To determine the antibody responses to a commercial Hendra virus vaccine (Equivac® HeV) in a field environment. Methods: A group of 61 horses received a primary vaccination course comprising two doses administered 3-6 weeks apart (V1, V2) and a 3rd dose (V3) given 6 months after the second. This was followed by booster vaccinations at 12 monthly intervals (V4, V5). Antibody titres were assessed using a virus-neutralisation test. Results: Neutralising antibodies against HeV were not detected prior to vaccination. Antibodies were detected in 54/57 horses at 3 weeks after V1 and 51/51 had ...
Internal fixation of proximal fractures of the 2nd and 4th metacarpal and metatarsal bones using bioabsorbable screws. Fractures involving the proximal one-third of the splint bone are relatively rare and are challenging to treat. A variety of management techniques have been reported in the literature. The aim of this retrospective case series was to describe the clinical presentation and evaluate the efficacy of bioabsorbable polylactic acid screws in internal fixation of proximal fractures of the 2nd and 4th metacarpal and metatarsal bones in horses. Methods: The medical records, diagnostic images and outcome of all horses diagnosed with a proximal fracture of the splint bones and treated with partial resect...
Investigation of the effect of Equivac® HeV Hendra virus vaccination on Thoroughbred racing performance. To evaluate the effect of Equivac® HeV Hendra virus vaccine on Thoroughbred racing performance. Methods: Retrospective pre-post intervention study. Methods: Thoroughbreds with at least one start at one of six major south-eastern Queensland race tracks between 1 July 2012 and 31 December 2016 and with starts in the 3-month periods before and after Hendra virus vaccinations were identified. Piecewise linear mixed models compared the trends in 'Timeform rating' and 'margin to winner' before and after initial Hendra virus vaccination. Generalised linear mixed models similarly compared the odds of...
Survey of equine castration techniques, preferences and outcomes among Australian veterinarians. (1) To collect the perceptions of veterinarians performing equine castrations in Australia on techniques, preferences and outcomes, (2) to investigate veterinarian use and experience with the Henderson castrating instrument and (3) to investigate potential associations between demographics, castration methods and techniques, and complications. Methods: Online survey of members of the Australian Veterinary Association's Special Interest Group, Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA). Methods: A link to the survey was included in the EVA e-newsletter and practices on the EVA website were contacted ...
Effect of reducing inspired oxygen concentration on oxygenation parameters during general anaesthesia in horses in lateral or dorsal recumbency. To compare the effects of two concentrations of oxygen delivered to the anaesthetic breathing circuit on oxygenation in mechanically ventilated horses anaesthetised with isoflurane and positioned in dorsal or lateral recumbency. Methods: Selected respiratory parameters and blood lactate were measured and oxygenation indices calculated, before and during general anaesthesia, in 24 laterally or dorsally recumbent horses. Horses were randomly assigned to receive 100% or 60% oxygen during anaesthesia. All horses were anaesthetised using the same protocol and intermittent positive pressure ventilat...
Equine gestational length and location: is there more that the research could be telling us? Clear definitions of 'normal' equine gestation length (GL) are elusive, with GL being subject to a considerable number of internal and external variables that have confounded interpretation and estimation of GL for over 50 years. Consequently, the mean GL of 340 days first established by Rossdale in 1967 for Thoroughbred horses in northern Europe continues to be the benchmark value referenced by veterinarians, breeders and researchers worldwide. Application of a 95% confidence limit to reported GL range values indicates a possible connection between geographic location and GL. Improved kno...
Horse-keeping practices in Australia: findings from a national online survey of horse owners. To gain an understanding of general horse-keeping practices in Australia, including shelter, social contact, exercise, watering and supplementary feeding. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 505 owners in relation to one 'representative' horse in their care. Results: The majority (83%) of horses were managed at pasture. Approximately one-quarter of those horses were housed alone (26%) or with one companion animal (27%). If horses were confined to a stable or small yard, the most recorded means of exercise was riding (65%) at a daily frequency (60%). Over half of the horse owners provi...
Incidence of laminitis and survey of dietary and management practices in pleasure horses and ponies in south-eastern Australia. The aims of this study were to (1) report the incidence of laminitis among a population of horses and ponies attending Pony Clubs in Victoria, Australia, and (2) describe the dietary and management practices of the sample population. Methods: Researchers visited 10 Pony Clubs over a 10-month period. Horse and pony owners completed a questionnaire to provide information on management relating to diet and exercise. Owners were also asked to report their animal's history of laminitis, if any. Results: From a survey population of 233 horses and ponies, 15.0% of animals (35 individuals) were report...
Prevalence of subchondral bone pathological changes in the distal metacarpi/metatarsi of racing Thoroughbred horses. To investigate the prevalence of microscopic subchondral bone injury in the distal metacarpi/tarsi of Thoroughbred racehorses and associations with recent and cumulative training history. Methods: Metacarpi/metatarsi were obtained from postmortem examination of Thoroughbred racehorses. The severity of palmar/plantar osteochondral disease (POD) was graded in forelimbs from 38 horses and in hindlimbs from a separate cohort of 45 horses. Forelimb samples were embedded in methyl methacrylate and examined using backscattered scanning electron microscopy. Microfracture density in the condylar subcho...
Overground endoscopy in 311 Thoroughbred racehorses: findings and correlation to resting laryngeal function. To review a large number of equine overground endoscopy (OGE) examinations to determine the incidence of dynamic upper airway obstructions (DUAO); correlations were explored with laryngeal endoscopy findings at rest and abnormal exercising respiratory noise. Methods: Retrospective analysis of horses presenting for OGE because of perceived poor performance and/or history of abnormal exercising respiratory noise between 2010 and 2014. Signalment, history and examination findings during resting laryngeal endoscopy and OGE were reviewed. Results: Of the total examinations, 311 were reviewed. One o...
Maxillary unicystic ameloblastoma in a 6-week-old filly evaluated with computed tomography. A 6-week-old Thoroughbred filly was presented for evaluation of an expansile mass overlying the right nasal passage and causing respiratory stertor. On skull radiographs, there was a loculated, soft tissue-opaque mass identified dorsal to the right upper premolars and effacing the right nasal cavity. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a locally extensive mass with relatively benign characteristics located centrally on the tooth root apices of the deciduous second premolar (506). The mass extended axially into the right nasal cavity, occluding the meatuses and causing displacement of the nasal s...
Comparison of the effects of topical application of UMF20 and UMF5 manuka honey with a generic multifloral honey on wound healing variables in an uncontaminated surgical equine distal limb wound model. To compare the effect of application of manuka honey with unique manuka factor (UMF) 5 or 20 with a generic multifloral honey on equine wound healing variables. Methods: Two full-thickness skin wounds (2.5 × 2.5 cm) were created on the metatarsus of both hindlimbs of eight Standardbred horses. The wounds on each horse were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: UMF20 (UMF20) and UMF5 (UMF5) manuka honey; generic multifloral honey (GH); and a saline control. Bandages were changed daily for 12 days, after which treatment was stopped and the bandages were removed. Wound area was measured on day ...
End-to-side anastomosis of the left ventral colon to the small colon in a neonatal foal with segmental agenesis of the large colon. A newborn foal was referred for evaluation because it had not passed meconium, despite the administration of four enemas. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound scans showed generalised gaseous distension of the intestine and there was no observable meconium in the colon. Positive contrast colography showed contrast medium extending to the transverse colon. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the absence of the left and right dorsal colon and the pelvic and diaphragmatic flexures. An end-to-side anastomosis of the left ventral colon to the midpoint of the small colon was performed. The foal reco...
Transurethral removal of a cystic urolith in a mare using a laparoscopic specimen pouch. Cystic urolithiasis is the most common form of urolithiasis reported in horses. In contrast to the gelding or stallion, clinical disease is less common in the mare and manual removal techniques are possible because of their shorter, wider urethral anatomy. However, these manual removal techniques can be traumatic and are limited by the size of the urolith. This report describes the use of a commercial laparoscopic specimen pouch to remove a cystic urolith in a mare. Conclusions: This approach may allow the extraction of larger uroliths per urethra in the mare, while affording some protection t...
Examination of toxicity and collagen linearity after the administration of the protein cross-linker genipin in equine tendon and dermis: a pilot study. Collagen cross-linking is an attractive therapeutic route aimed at supplementing natural collagen stabilisation. In this study the toxicity of the cross-linker genipin (GP) was examined in avascular (tendon) and vascular (dermis) tissue. Methods: High doses of GP were injected intratendinously into three yearling horses and evaluated at various time points up to 30 days. A second group of three yearlings were injected into the dermis and evaluated at various time points up to 1 year. Metrics used included lameness, circumferential swelling, ultrasound evaluation, microscopic morphology, collag...
Efficacy of a morantel-abamectin combination for the treatment of resistant ascarids in foals. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of a morantel-abamectin combination for the treatment of macrocyclic lactone (ML)-resistant Parascaris spp. infections in foals. Methods: Foals on five properties with a Parascaris faecal egg count (FEC) > 50 eggs per gram were used to estimate the FEC reduction (FECR) and efficacy of the anthelmintic combination. Conclusions: On all properties, resistance to ivermectin and abamectin was present and the Parascaris FECR in foals administered the morantel-abamectin combination was > 99%, indicating that this combination effective...
Osteochondroma on the cranial aspect of the distal radial metaphysis causing tenosynovitis of the extensor carpi radialis tendon sheath in a horse. A 3-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was presented with a grade 3/5 lameness of the right forelimb and effusion of the extensor carpi radialis tendon sheath (ECRTS). Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations revealed an osteochondroma on the cranial aspect of the distal radius projecting into the fibrous lining of the ECRTS. An open surgical approach was used to remove the osteochondroma and some of the proliferative synovial tissue. Conclusions: Six months after surgery the clinical signs had resolved and the horse raced successfully.
Prevalence of obesity and owners’ perceptions of body condition in pleasure horses and ponies in south-eastern Australia. To determine the prevalence of obesity within a population of pleasure horses and ponies in Victoria, Australia, and to compare owners' perceptions of their animals' body condition with researchers' assessments. Methods: An observational study plus owner questionnaire. Methods: Ten Pony Club rallies in different regions of Victoria were attended. Information regarding 229 horses and ponies were obtained from owner questionnaires, and owners' perceptions of the current body condition of their animals were assessed using a visual analogue scale. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed by the res...
Survey of horse transportation in Australia: issues and practices. To survey amateur and professional participants on equine transportation management, practices and outcomes in Australia. Methods: An online survey targeting people who organised horse movements at least monthly was made available to a broad cross-section of amateur and professional equine associations. Respondents were invited to provide demographic details and information relating to their routine transportation management practices and their experiences of issues relating to the transportation of horses. Results: Of 797 usable responses involving approximately 17,000 horses and 313,000 indi...
Comparative efficacy of BioRelease Deslorelin® injection for induction of ovulation in oestrus mares: a field study. To investigate the comparative efficacy of BioRelease Deslorelin® (BRD) and Ovuplant® for induction of ovulation in cyclic mares in Australia. Methods: Ovarian follicular activity of 60 mares for a total of 95 cycles was monitored by ultrasonography until they developed a follicle ≥30 mm and a uterine oedema pattern of 3. Mares were then randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: (1) treatment with 1.25 mg BRD, (2) a single Ovuplant pellet or (3) 1 mL compound sodium lactate control. Follicular activity was monitored with ultrasonography every 12 h until ovulation was detec...