Topic:Case Reports
Case reports in equine medicine provide detailed accounts of individual horses' clinical presentations, diagnostic processes, treatments, and outcomes. These reports are valuable for documenting rare conditions, novel treatment approaches, or unique clinical insights that may not be captured in larger studies. By focusing on individual cases, these reports contribute to the broader understanding of equine health and disease management. They often include comprehensive information on the horse's history, clinical findings, diagnostic tests, therapeutic interventions, and follow-up evaluations. This page assembles peer-reviewed case reports and scholarly articles that explore diverse aspects of equine health, offering insights into specific medical scenarios and their implications for veterinary practice.
Case report: Use of penicillin G potassium in poloxamer 407 gel to aid in healing of an equine sublingual abscess. The use of poloxamer 407 gels have been reported in several studies to prolong the release of drugs at the injection site. Oral lesions unrelated to dental disease are rare but may result in ulceration and sequestration of bone. To date, there have been no reports on the use of penicillin G potassium poloxamer 407 gel and its effect on wound healing. The present case report describes the use of a penicillin G potassium poloxamer 407 gel for the treatment of a sublingual abscess involving the mandible in a 20 year old Arabian mare who initially presented with acute onset of dysphagia, hypersali...
Caecal dysfunction following standing surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to report cases of caecal dysfunction following surgical procedures in the standing horse. The study design is retrospective. Six client-owned horses developed caecal dysfunction following a variety of surgical procedures undertaken in the standing sedated horse. Medical records were reviewed for caecal dysfunctions that had occurred in horses within 2 weeks of standing surgical procedures. Signalment, details of the original standing surgery and medications administered were recorded. Short-term outcome was obtained from clinical records. Long-term outcome was obtain...
The Development of Equestrian Policies in China between 2015 and 2020. China competed in equestrian sports for the first time at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. China's modern equine business has developed significantly over the past decade, and the lessons from the expansion between 2015 and 2020 are important considerations as China implements further legislation to aid in the development of its modern equestrian sports. Equestrian sports can propel the Chinese horse industry forward, and the horse industry is a unique business in that it integrates one, two, and three industries, with much growth potential. This paper assesses the development of equestrianism in Ch...
Coccidioidomycosis in 26 horses in California, USA: case series and review of the literature. Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease caused by or . We searched the records of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory from 1990 through 2020 for cases of coccidioidomycosis in horses. The selection criteria for these cases were: 1) live-born horses submitted for autopsy, and 2) a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis was established, regardless of cause of death. During that time, 19,054 horses were received, and 26 cases (0.14%) of coccidioidomycosis were diagnosed in horses, of which 19 (73%) cases had pneumonia and/or pleuritis with or without lesions in other organs, and 7 (2...
Palmar/plantar oblique projections improve radiographic detection of fractures of the palmar/plantar processes of the equine distal phalanx. Radiography is a standard diagnostic test for horses with suspected fractures of the palmar/plantar processes (PP) of the distal phalanx, however published studies evaluating the diagnostic utility for radiography are currently lacking. The objectives of this retrospective, diagnostic case-control study were to determine the sensitivity of radiographs for the detection of PP fractures, and determine the diagnostic utility of the palmar/plantar oblique projections of the PP for the identification of PP fractures compared to standard radiographic series. The medical records of horses undergoing...
Genomic hybrid capture assay to detect Borrelia burgdorferi: an application to diagnose neuroborreliosis in horses. Antemortem diagnosis of neuroborreliosis in horses has been hindered by both the low sensitivity of PCR testing for in CSF and the low specificity of serum:CSF ELISA ratios used to determine intrathecal antibody production against the bacterium. PCR testing of the CSF of an adult horse with acute neurologic disease for the flagellin gene was negative. However, we enriched DNA through nucleic acid hybrid capture, followed by next-generation sequencing, and identified in the CSF of the horse, confirming a diagnosis of neuroborreliosis.
Calcification and osseous metaplasia of the meibomian glands of a horse. To report the clinical history, surgical management, and histologic findings of meibomian gland calcification and osseous metaplasia in a horse. Methods: A 21-year-old Selle Français gelding presented with a 9 months history of blepharitis, blepharospasm, and epiphora affecting the right eye. The horse was diagnosed with meibomianitis and impaction with associated granulomas, but not treated surgically for 6 years. Methods: Physical and ophthalmic examinations, and systemic bloodwork were performed. A diamond burr debridement was performed on a corneal ulceration, and meibomian gland nodul...
Equine heel bulb lacerations: 62 cases (2004-2018). To characterize clinical findings and outcomes for horses with heel bulb lacerations. Medical records of a teaching hospital were reviewed to identify horses treated for heel bulb lacerations between February 2004 and October 2018. Long-term outcome was assessed by telephone communication with owners. Results were analyzed to determine association with clinical outcome. 31 mares and 31 geldings of various ages, breeds, and uses were evaluated. Thirty-six horses had a wound of 0 to 2 days' duration, and 17 horses had a wound of > 2 days' duration. Horses with a wound duration of < 2 days had a ...
Equine Suture Exostosis: A Review of Cases from a Multicenter Retrospective Study. Suture exostosis is an intriguing and not uncommon pathology that has to be included in the differential diagnosis for horses with swelling of the head. Although several singular case reports have been published, no large case series is available. The aim of this study is to report a multicentric retrospective collection of suture exostosis cases. Data concerning horses with suture exostosis in the facial region were collected retrospectively. Information regarding breed, age, gender, history, imaging findings, initiated treatment, response to treatment and follow up was recorded. One hundred ...
Two Cases of Suspected Poisoning With Goat’s Rue (Galega officinalis L.) in Horses. The present report describes two novel cases of suspected intoxication with Galega officinalis in 6- and 21-year-old Arabian mares displaying acute respiratory signs. Both animals showed signs of pulmonary edema at physical examination, with the oldest of the two also manifesting severe dyspnea and foamy nasal discharge. The mares were grazing on the same meadow with hay available ad libitum. Botanical analysis of the latter showed traces of the toxic plant Galega officinalis (L.), which has been daily ingested at a dose of around 14 g of dry matter for three days. Based on the respiratory sig...
Cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma in a donkey – a case report. Cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma is a malignant tumour of the skin already reported in humans, dogs, cats, horses, and other species, but not previously in donkeys. The standard diagnosis is based on clinical, morphological and immunophenotypic data. Differentiation of malignant versus benign proliferation of lymphocytes is crucial; in ambiguous cases T-cell receptor gamma (TRG) molecular clonality should be tested. In the present paper, we report a case of mycosis fungoides diagnosed in a donkey whose diagnosis was based on clinical, histological and immunohistochemical aspects and a...
Noninvasive diode laser-an effective and safe treatment of iris cysts in 46 eyes of 35 horses. Iris cysts in horses are often asymptomatic and noticed incidentally. However, cysts can cause local corneal oedema and erratic behaviour like shying, decreased performance and head-shaking. Objective: To describe the use of diode laser as a noninvasive treatment option for iris cysts in the horse and to document factors influencing its efficacy, associated complications, long-term outcome and rate of recurrence. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Case records of horses treated for iris cysts by diode laser at the Utrecht University Equine Clinic were reviewed between 2008 and 2020. ...
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular Control Abnormalities in Horses – Selected Case Studies. When diagnosing neuromuscular injury and pain, the use of biomechanical evaluations to assess the mechanics of movement patterns has been useful in the human population. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a technology that can create action potentials to produce musculoskeletal movement that is almost indistinguishable from the voluntary kinematics produced by the nervous system. To create controlled and precise musculoskeletal movements in humans and in horses, FES has been shown to be effective. In humans, the kinematic information obtained from FES data has been utilized to direct f...
Outcomes and Complications Associated with Superior and Inferior Subpalpebral Lavage Treatment Systems Placed in 61 Equine Eyes (2004-2021). Painful eye conditions are a therapeutic challenge in horses. Subpalpebral lavage (SPL) treatment systems allow topical aqueous medications to be conveniently, safely, and frequently administered to the ocular surface. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the outcomes and the complications associated with the location of the SPL treatment systems, in the superior or inferior eyelid in horses in a university practice. Clinical records of all horses admitted to the National Veterinary School of Alfort between January 2004 and October 2021, in which a SPL treatment system was used ...
Movement Disorders and Cerebellar Abiotrophy. Movement disorders are defined as involuntary movements that are not due to a painful stimulus or associated with changes in consciousness or proprioception. Diagnosis involves ruling out any lameness and neurologic disease and characterizing the gait during walking backward and forward and trotting. Shivers causes abnormal hindlimb hypertonicity during walking backward and, when advanced, a few strides walking forward. Stringhalt causes consistent hyperflexion during walking forward and trotting and variable difficulty when walking backward. Classification and potential causes are discussed a...
Ocular and facial porcupine quills in a miniature horse. A 22-year-old miniature horse gelding was brought to a veterinary clinic with multiple porcupine quills embedded in the face. One quill had perforated through the left caudoventral cornea but did not extend beyond the anterior chamber. The horse was referred to a specialist clinic for removal of the intraocular quill and subsequent primary surgical repair of the corneal wound. Following aggressive medical treatment, the horse retained vision. Piquants de porc-épic oculaires et faciaux chez un cheval miniature. Un cheval hongre miniature de 22 ans a été amené à une clinique vétérinaire a...
Association between forage mycotoxins and liver disease in horses. Outbreaks of liver disease in horses are common but the etiology of most remains unknown. Forage mycotoxins have been suspected to be a cause. Objective: To examine the association between outbreaks of liver disease and the presence of mycotoxins in forage stored on the same premises. Methods: Premises were identified where ≥4 horses were contemporaneously affected by liver disease, and a control group was formed from premises where ≥4 horses had been examined and found to have no evidence of liver disease. Methods: Forage was collected from 29 case and 12 control premises. The forage was ...
The Use of Confined Housing in Sand Bedding and Trimming to Manage Phalangeal Rotation and Hoof Malconformation Over a 20-Week Period in Two Laminitic Stallions. Chronic laminitis is a late stage of laminitis in horses characterised by distal phalangeal rotation and foot pain. Various trimming and shoeing methods have been implemented; however, they sometimes aggravate lameness, particularly in laminitic horses with poor hoof quality. Sand bedding confinement has alternatively been employed to relieve foot pain in laminitic horses; however, the impact of long-term confined sand bed accommodation on hoof conditions is unknown. Moreover, the time course of sand bedding housing for managing chronic laminitis has yet to be described. We report the outcome ...
Trephination versus Minimally Invasive Transnasal Approaches for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sinus Disease in Horses. This retrospective case series aims to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment options for sinus disease in horses, with a special focus on surgical approaches. The medical records of 25 horses with sinusitis which presented to the equine hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, between August 2020 and January 2022 were analysed. In 11 cases, conservative treatment by the transnasal endoscopic lavage of the affected sinuses through the sinonasal channel or through a developed, pre-existing sinonasal fistula was performed. In the remaining 14 cases, openings into the sinus for subs...
Efficacy of chitosan in the treatment of chronic skin lesions in a horse: A case report. Consultation was requested for a 7-year-old Gypsy Vanner male horse with a 2-year history of foreskin injury. Upon revision, an ulcer, 153 cm2 in size, with yellowish granules was observed; a RESVECH 2.0 evaluation revealed a score of 32/35 points. Medical history confirmed multiple failed deworming, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic treatments with different topical therapies and recurrence in summer. Laboratory results confirmed elevated total proteins (8.8 g/dL) and globulins (5.5 g/dL), negative bacterial and fungal cultures, as well as negative coproparasitoscopic findings, and finally, i...
Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Spindle Cell Ameloblastic Carcinoma in a Horse. A 2-year-old male Thoroughbred horse presented with a mass in the maxilla. The focally ulcerated mass, approximately 8 cm in diameter, covered the upper left intermediate and corner incisor teeth (nos. 602 and 603 according to the modified Triadan system) and radiographic examination revealed displacement and lysis of the incisors. Histologically, the tumour was composed of a dense proliferation of spindle-shaped cells and neoplastic odontogenic epithelial cells arranged in island, follicular, plexiform or sheetlike patterns. The spindle-shaped cells were immunopositive for cytokeratins AE1/A...
Serum Phosphorylated Neurofilament Heavy Subunit Levels and its Association with the Risk for Catastrophic Injury in Thoroughbred Racehorses. Neurofilaments are structural proteins that are concentrated in the body and axons of neurons. Damage to the neurons or axons as a result of trauma or infectious diseases leads to the release of neurofilaments into blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This case-control study was carried out to compare serum levels of phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNF-H) between clinically healthy Thoroughbred (TB) horses and TB horses that suffered catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries (cMSI), and to investigate the correlation between putative risk factors and serum concentrations of pNF-H in inju...
Use of a novel helical fan beam imaging system for computed tomography of the distal limb in sedated standing horses: 167 cases (2019-2020). To evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of a novel helical fan beam CT system used for imaging of horses with a range of clinical distal limb problems. 167 horses. Medical records were reviewed of horses presented for CT of the distal limb at 2 university-based veterinary hospitals. The following data were recorded: age, sex, breed, presenting complaint, sedation used for imaging, scanning time, procedure time, other diagnostic imaging methods performed, imaging diagnosis, clinical diagnosis, and complications during imaging. Most horses were Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. Procedure times r...
Percutaneous doxycycline sclerotherapy in a horse with a mandibular aneurysmal bone cyst. To describe the use and outcome of sclerotherapy with intralesional doxycycline foam in a horse with a mandibular aneurysmal bone cyst. Methods: Case report. Methods: Client-owned 1 year old Standardbred filly. Methods: The horse presented for progressive mandibular swelling. A 10 mg/mL doxycycline foam was prepared for intralesional injection. Three doses were injected into the lesion under computed tomographic guidance at 6 and 15 weeks after initial treatment. Volume reduction was monitored after each treatment with 3D volumetric rendering and region of interest segmentation using commer...
Use of a novel helical fan beam imaging system for computed tomography of the head and neck in sedated standing horses: 120 cases (2019-2020). To evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of a novel helical fan beam CT system used for imaging of horses with clinical problems of the head and neck. 120 horses. Medical records were reviewed of horses presented for CT of the head or neck at 2 university hospitals. The following data were recorded: age, sex, breed, presenting complaint, sedation used for imaging, scanning time, procedure time, other diagnostic imaging methods performed, imaging diagnosis, clinical diagnosis, and complications during imaging. Quarter Horses and Warmbloods were the most common breeds, and the most common complai...
Mandibular Osteoma in a Haflinger Mare: Clinical and Pathological Features. A 11-year-old, Haflinger breed mare developed a slowly growing mass, protruding on the ventral aspect of the mandible. On palpation, the lesion was pedunculated, very firm, cold and not painful. Radiographic examinations showed a radiopaque, multi-lobular, "mushroom-like" lesion, which arose from the mandibular cortex without involving the bone marrow cavity. Thereafter, the mass was excised for cosmetic purposes. Microscopically, the lesion mainly consisted of bone trabeculae, covered by a thick layer of connective tissue resembling the periosteum. History and clinical findings allowed the te...
Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Carotid Access and Puncture Closure with Angio-Seal in Horses. There are different indications for endovascular surgery in horses, mainly the treatment of guttural pouch mycosis. Traditionally, these procedures are carried out by open arteriotomy of the common carotid artery (CCA), although less invasive percutaneous ultrasound-guided carotid access (PUGCA) has been described in experimental horses. In human medicine, commercial closure systems are used to seal these arterial puncture sites and reduce complications. The aims of this study are to retrospectively describe our experience with PUGCA in clinical cases and to report, for the first time, the us...
Proximal sesamoid bone microdamage is localized to articular subchondral regions in Thoroughbred racehorses, with similar fracture toughness between fracture and controls. To determine whether proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) microdamage and fracture toughness differ between Thoroughbred racehorses sustaining PSB fracture and controls. Methods: Cadaveric case-control. Methods: Twenty-four Thoroughbred racehorses (n = 12 PSB fracture, n = 12 control). Methods: Proximal sesamoid bones were dissected, and gross pathological changes and morphological measurements were documented. High-speed exercise history data were evaluated. Microdamage was assessed in fracture, fracture-contralateral limb (FXCL) and control PSBs using whole bone lead uranyl acetate (LUA) stainin...
Objective evaluation for analgesia of the distal interphalangeal joint, the navicular bursa and perineural analgesia in horses with naturally occurring forelimb lameness localised to the foot. The outcome and interpretation of intra-synovial diagnostic analgesia of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and the navicular bursa (NB) remain in dispute, and no objective studies have been carried out to establish the percentage of improvement over time from these two analgesia techniques. Objective: To investigate the qualitative and time-dependent outcome of DIPJ-A and NB-A in naturally occurring forelimb lameness. Methods: Case series. Methods: Twenty-three clinical cases with forelimb lameness were evaluated objectively using a body mounted inertial sensor system (BMIS). Lameness wa...
Renal Lesions in Horses with Oleander (Nerium oleander) Poisoning. A presumptive postmortem diagnosis of oleander () poisoning is made based on the histological observation of cardiomyocyte degeneration and necrosis, which is considered to be a reliable diagnostic marker, and can be confirmed via the detection of oleandrin in tissues or fluids. However, cardiac lesions may not be present in every case, and autolysis can often preclude the identification of subtle changes in the cardiomyocytes. Several studies of experimental oleander poisoning have noted the presence of renal lesions in multiple mammalian species, and case studies of accidental exposure have ...