Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Animal Health
Animal Health encompasses a broad range of topics focused on maintaining and improving the well-being of equine species. This field addresses various aspects of horse care, including disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions. Key areas of interest include equine nutrition, vaccination protocols, parasite control, dental care, and the management of chronic conditions such as laminitis and colic. Additionally, animal health research in horses investigates the impact of exercise and training on physical health, the role of genetics in disease susceptibility, and the development of new therapeutic approaches. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the latest advancements, challenges, and best practices in preserving and enhancing the health of horses.
Fate and effect of autogenous osteochondral fragments implanted in the middle carpal joint of horses. Four autogenous osteochondral fragments removed from the lateral trochlear ridge of the talus were arthroscopically placed as loose bodies in a randomly selected middle carpal joint in each of 10 horses. The contralateral middle carpal joint, subjected to a sham procedure, served as control. Postoperative treatment was consistent with that for clinical arthroscopic patients. Lameness evaluation, radiographic examination, carpal circumference measurement, and synovial fluid analysis were performed before and at scheduled intervals after surgery. After a 2-month confinement, horses were subjecte...
Comparison of two grafting methods in 4.0-mm drill defects in the third metacarpal bone of horses. In 6 horses, bilateral metacarpal vertical series of three 4.0-mm unicortical drill holes were made. At random, one of each series of 3 holes was filled using a sternal 4.0-mm cancellous bone cylinder or a slurry of cancellous bone injected into the hole or left as an empty control. All horses had lateral metacarpal xeroradiographs at monthly intervals. Three horses (6 metacarpi) were examined post mortem after 4 months and 3 others after 6 months. Immediate through 4-month post-operative xeroradiographs demonstrated increased density in the holes with cancellous cylinders and no difference co...
Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural investigation of granular cell tumours in dog, cat, and horse. Six canine, one feline and one equine granular cell tumours (GCTs) were investigated electron microscopically and immunohistochemically. The tumours were tested for reactivity with monoclonal antibodies against vimentin and desmin and with polyclonal antibodies against cytokeratin, S-100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuron specific enolase (NSE). All GCTs were characterized by their PAS positive cytoplasmic granules in light microscopy, which in electron microscopy appeared as lysosome-like granules. In each case two canine GCTs were stained by the antibody against cytok...
Intestinal fibrosis with partial obstruction in five horses and two ponies. Fibrosis of the small intestine led to recurrent colic and weight loss in 2 ponies and 5 horses. There was a reduction in the length of the small intestine to one-half normal in horses 4 to 7. Histologic examination revealed substantial small intestinal submucosal fibrosis and arteriole sclerosis. The cause was not determined, but an environmental factor was suspected because 3 horses were from the same farm and the other animals were from within a 10-mile radius of the farm. The submucosal fibrosis appeared to be secondary to sclerosis of arterioles in the submucosa and mesentery, with low bl...
Comparison of recoveries from halothane vs isoflurane anesthesia in horses. Recovery from isoflurane anesthesia was shorter, with no difference in quality, compared with halothane anesthesia in 2 groups of horses. In 1 group, 12 horses scheduled for elective arthroscopy were randomly assigned to receive halothane or isoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia during surgery. In the other group, 6 horses received anesthesia only, on 2 occasions, with halothane on 1 occasion, and isoflurane on the other. Difference in the quality of recovery was not seen between isoflurane and halothane anesthesia in either group. In the group that had surgery, recovery to sternal position...
Increases in serum sphingosine and sphinganine and decreases in complex sphingolipids in ponies given feed containing fumonisins, mycotoxins produced by Fusarium moniliforme. Consumption of food contaminated with Fusarium moniliforme causes leucoencephalomalacia and hepatotoxicity in horses, pulmonary edema in pigs and liver cancer in rats, and has been correlated with esophageal cancer in humans. The causative agents are thought to be a family of compounds called fumonisins, which have recently been shown to be potent inhibitors of sphingosine (sphinganine) N-acyltransferase. Because inhibition at this step blocks the formation of complex sphingolipids while leading to accumulation of sphinganine, we hypothesized that exposure of animals to fumonisin-contaminated ...
Medical evaluation of the reproductive system relevant to purchase. Medical examination of the reproductive system of mares or stallions relevant to purchase is complex, imprecise, and potentially hazardous legally. In these ways it does not differ from other examinations of animals in which purchase is the objective. It is the responsibility of the veterinary profession to undertake these assignments and complete them as conscientiously as possible. After the examination is completed, communication with the principals and documentation of the procedures are essential to success and to the satisfaction of all involved.
The neurologic examination of the horse for purchase. The veterinarian needs to be able to incorporate an accurate neurologic examination as a portion of the pre-purchase evaluation. Subtle neurologic deficits may be hidden by musculoskeletal disease or missed as a result of lack of knowledge or understanding of these disorders. It is important to known which musculoskeletal disorders are commonly associated with neurologic disease to better assist the buyer with the decision about whether to purchase the animal.
The legal aspects of pre-purchase examinations. This article should be of interest to every veterinarian who performs pre-purchase examinations. Important definitions are included that describe the legal relationship between the buyer, seller, and veterinarian. The author recommends that all examination agreements should be made in writing, signed by the buyer and seller, and include factual representations with respect to the animal to be examined. Copies of sample agreements are included in the Appendix.
Effect of repeated collection of multiple endometrial biopsy specimens on subsequent pregnancy in mares. Endometrial biopsy specimens (4 or 5 on each occasion) were collected from 7 mares 2, 3, or 4 times over a 50-day period prior to breeding. Four of the collection days were within 6 days of breeding. Six of the 7 mares were diagnosed as pregnant by use of ultrasonography at day 14 after ovulation. This pregnancy rate was the same as that achieved by these mares when they were bred at estrus before the start of the study. It appeared that repeated collection of multiple endometrial biopsy specimens from genitally normal mares did not adversely affect pregnancy rate.
Effects of lung site and fluid volume on results of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis in horses. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed in healthy horses, using different lavage fluid volumes and lung sites. The only significant difference in the cellular composition of BAL fluid between the right and left lungs was the mast cell numbers, which were significantly higher in the left lung. Total cell count ranged from 34 to 330 cells/microliter for the right lung and 43 to 330 cells/microliter for the left lung. Percentage of neutrophils ranged from 1 to 7% in the right lung and 1 to 5% in the left lung. The small-volume (50 ml) lavage had a greater percentage of neutrophils and a ...
Medical evaluation of the eye relevant to purchase. Performance and pleasure horses depend upon their ability to see and assess the environment. Thus, the veterinarian must be able to examine the eyes and recognize abnormalities so that the owner or purchaser can be informed about the visual status and prognosis for the horse's vision. If the veterinarian encounters suspicious or abnormal findings during the examination, a more detailed examination and/or referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist can be recommended to the owner or purchaser.
Detection of group C rotavirus antigens and antibodies in animals and humans by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed to detect group (gp) C rotavirus antigens and antibodies. Both assays were confirmed to be specific for gp C rotavirus by using serogroup A, B, and C rotaviruses; hyperimmune antisera to these serogroups of rotaviruses; and paired serum specimens from animals infected with gp C rotaviruses. The ELISA for antigen detection reacted not only with porcine gp C rotaviruses but also with human and bovine gp C rotaviruses. Following experimental challenge of gnotobiotic pigs with porcine gp C rotavirus, the virus was found by ELISA in all dia...
Medical examination of horses at auction sales. The role of the veterinarian at auction sales begins long before the consignment is assembled. A number of veterinarians are called upon by sales companies to evaluate the candidates before acceptance into the consignment. At sales time, the number of veterinarians involved grows to large numbers as the prospective buyers employ them to evaluate the animals to suit their individual needs. Professional ethics must be considered at all times when evaluating animals before auction. The findings must be kept confidential. The consignor allows veterinarians to examine his or her animals with the un...
Use of progesterone in microspheres for maintenance of pregnancy in mares. Administration of progesterone in poly(d-,l-lactide) microspheres was used to maintain pregnancy in mares after luteolysis was induced by treatment with prostaglandin F2 alpha at day 14 of pregnancy. Mares were given vehicle only (control, n = 6) or 0.75 g (n = 7), 1.5 g (n = 8), or 2.25 g (n = 5) of microencapsulated progesterone at days 12 and 22 of pregnancy. Serum progesterone concentrations were determined daily, and pregnancy was evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography on alternate days. Significantly (P less than 0.05) more mares given 1.5 or 2.25 g of progesterone (6 of 8 and 4 of 5 m...
Comparison of applanation tonometers in dogs and horses. Two Mackay-Marg tonometers and 2 Tono-Pen tonometers were evaluated in eyes in which intraocular pressure (IOP) had been altered and measured by use of a manometer. Eyes of anesthetized dogs and enucleated horse eyes were used. Compared with the manometer, none of the tonometers accurately measured IOP over the range between 0 and 100 mm of Hg. However at manometer measurements from 0 to 30 mm of Hg, several of the tonometers accurately measured IOP. In addition, significant differences were observed when the measurement accuracy of one tonometer was compared with that of another, especially a...
[Double ovulation in mares. Clinical, hormone analytical and sonographic studies]. 108 mares with a total of 135 oestrous cycles were examined. 30% of the mares showed development of double follicles, found by palpation and ultrasonography. Eight cases of double ovulation, four of them synchronous and four asynchronous, were examined closely. These cases of double ovulation showed different growth and different development of the follicular wall. This occurred at the same time in cases of synchronous double ovulation whereas it differed in case of asynchronous double ovulation. The later ovulating follicle was still growing while the first one had already burst. With both fo...
Immunodeficiency associated with lymphosarcoma in a horse. Immune system dysfunction and immunoglobulin deficiency was diagnosed in a 2-year-old horse with disseminated lymphosarcoma. Prolonged (35 days) parenteral nutrition was delivered to support the horse during a period in which immune function studies could be performed. Correction of nutritional compromise by use of parenteral nutrition did not correct the immunoglobulin deficiency, and results of lymphocyte phenotype testing did not indicate abnormal proportions of leukocytes. Lymphoblast transformation studies were suggestive of a circulating immunosuppressive factor in the horse's serum. Nor...
Equine hyperlipaemia in the United Kingdom: clinical features and blood biochemistry of 18 cases. The background, clinical signs, blood biochemistry and management of 18 cases of equine hyperlipaemia are described. Eleven of the animals were Shetland ponies, four were Welsh mountain ponies or their crosses, one was a fell pony and two were riding ponies of mixed breeding. Their average age was nine years. Fourteen of the cases were mares, of which nine were in foal and two were lactating; the remainder were geldings. Underlying or concurrent diseases were identified in only six animals, but in one other animal the hyperlipaemia appeared to have been precipitated by stress, and in another b...
Dioxin intoxication from chronic exposure of horses to pentachlorophenol-contaminated wood shavings. Investigations into the cause of health problems on a horse-breeding farm led to the discovery of high concentrations (630 to 9,810 mg/kg of bedding) of pentachlorophenol in wood shavings used as bedding for horses over a period of 2 to 4 years. Toxicologic signs in the horses were characteristic of toxic effects associated with exposure of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. Tissue residue analysis confirmed presence of toxic polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran isomers known to be in pentachlorophenol, substantiating the bioavailability of polychlorinated dibenz...
Conservative treatment of oesophageal stricture in five foals. Three foals under four weeks old and two under six months old with a history of oesophageal obstruction, had oesophageal strictures of different characters in the rostral cervical oesophagus. One case, which was complicated by severe inhalation pneumonia, was euthanased without any treatment and in another initial treatment by bougienage under general anaesthesia was attempted without success. The four surviving cases were provided with progressively firmer and coarser food, starting with liquid only, over a period of three to four weeks. The treatment is recommended in the early stages of str...
The incidence of abnormal limb development in the Irish thoroughbred from birth to 18 months. A two part survey was carried out in Irish Thoroughbred horses in 1988 and 1989 to establish the incidence and prevalence of developmental skeletal problems, particularly possible manifestations of developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD). Survey One was a retrospective study based on a questionnaire involving the foal crops of 46 stud farms for 3 successive seasons; the 1711 animals initially documented represented 10.46% of Irish foal registrations. The second survey involved repeated monitoring of the 1988 foal crop from birth to 18 months of age on 17 stud farms. The 248 foals initially exa...
Embryo-initiated oviductal transport in mares. The hypothesis that equine embryos initiate oviductal transport in mares was tested by placing day 6 uterine embryos in the oviducts of day 2 (n = 10) or day 5 (n = 10) recipient mares and attempting to collect the embryos from the uterus 48 h later. To determine whether the surgical transfer procedure initiated oviductal transport, medium alone was placed in the oviducts of day 2 (n = 10) inseminated mares (sham transfer), and uterine embryo collections were attempted 48 h later. Embryos were transported through the oviduct of day 2 recipients by day 4 (instead of day 5 to 6) in six of ten ma...
Cholinergic pruritus in a horse. An 8-year-old gelding, with a 1-year history of intense pruritus only after exercise, was diagnosed as having cholinergic pruritus. Provocative testing, using exercise and hot-water baths to increase core body temperature, assisted in the diagnosis. Cholinergic pruritus in human beings is a variant of the more common syndrome, cholinergic urticaria, which is characterized by intense pruritus and pinpoint urticaria. With cholinergic pruritus, intense itching results without urticaria. Specific diagnostic laboratory tests have not been developed.
Systemic granulomatous disease in a horse grazing pasture containing vetch (Vicia sp.). No abstract available
Repair of a supraglenoid tuberosity fracture in a horse. A 14-month-old Arabian colt was admitted for treatment of an articular fracture of the supraglenoid tubercle of the right forelimb. Successful repair was achieved by use of three 5.5-mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion across the fracture line. In other reports of supraglenoid tubercle fractures in horses, investigators have preferred conservative management or surgical removal of the fragment, because of limited success with internal fixation. Use of three 5.5-mm screws placed in lag fashion may offer an alternative method of treatment in selected cases of supraglenoid tubercle fractures...
