Clinical examination in horses involves a systematic evaluation of the animal to assess its health status and identify any potential medical issues. This process typically includes a thorough physical assessment, which may cover observation of behavior and posture, palpation of body structures, auscultation of heart and lung sounds, and examination of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Additional diagnostic tools such as thermography, endoscopy, or imaging techniques may be utilized to gather more detailed information. Clinical examination serves as a foundational step in veterinary diagnostics, aiding in the detection and management of diseases or injuries in horses. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore methodologies, advancements, and findings related to clinical examination practices in equine medicine.
Rossi TM, Pyle WG, Maxie MG, Pearl DL, Physick-Sheard PW.In 2000, troponin assays were adopted as the test of choice for detection of myocardial injury in man. This decision was made after extensive testing and followed a 60 year search for a biomarker of myocardial damage with sufficient analytical sensitivity and specificity. This has led to proliferation of assays for use in human medicine, each requiring extensive testing and validation before it could be made available on the open market for human use. The search for ever-more analytically sensitive assays and for a standard reference material continues. The adoption of troponin testing in vete...
Popescu S, Diugan EA, Spinu M.This paper presents a different approach to the welfare of working horses through the indicators of good welfare, their interrelations and their relationships with the type of work performed by the horses. 697 working horses were assessed by using observation, behavioural tests, clinical exams and questionnaires. The correlated results highlight the complex and multiple interrelations between the good welfare indicators, showing once again that animal welfare is under the influence of all its three dimensions (physical and emotional wellbeing and naturalness). In working horses, the heavier th...
Olive J, Lambert N, Bubeck KA, Beauchamp G, Laverty S.To ultrasonographically quantify experimentally induced effusion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of horses and compare results with those obtained with palpation. Methods: 8 forelimbs from equine cadavers and forelimbs of 5 mares. Methods: Preliminary ex vivo experiments were performed to validate the methods. Then, the DIP joints of the forelimbs of standing horses were serially distended with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1, 4, and 10 mL) by injection through an intra-articular catheter. Two ultrasonographers measured distension of the dorsal recess of the DIP joint, and 2 surgeons,...
Onoda T, Yamamoto R, Sawamura K, Murase H, Nambo Y, Inoue Y, Matsui A, Miyake T, Hirai N.Percentile growth curves are often used as a clinical indicator to evaluate variations of children's growth status. In this study, we propose empirical percentile growth curves using Z-scores adapted for Japanese Thoroughbred horses, with considerations of the seasonal compensatory growth that is a typical characteristic of seasonal breeding animals. We previously developed new growth curve equations for Japanese Thoroughbreds adjusting for compensatory growth. Individual horses and residual effects were included as random effects in the growth curve equation model and their variance component...
Kivett L, Taintor J, Wright J.Simultaneous administration of a nonselective COX inhibitor and a COX-2 specific NSAID has not been previously reported in horses. The goal of this study was to determine the safety of a 10-day dosage regimen of phenylbutazone and firocoxib, both at their standard dosages, in horses. Six horses were administered 2.2 mg/kg of phenylbutazone and 0.1 mg/kg of firocoxib by mouth, daily for 10 days. Horses were assessed daily for changes in behavior, appetite, fecal consistency, signs of abdominal pain, and oral mucous membrane ulceration. Horses were assessed prior to and on the last day of treatm...
Visser EK, Neijenhuis F, de Graaf-Roelfsema E, Wesselink HG, de Boer J, van Wijhe-Kiezebrink MC, Engel B, van Reenen CG.Horses are used for a wide variety of purposes from being used for recreational purposes to competing at an international level. With these different uses, horses have to adapt to numerous challenges and changes in their environment, which can be a challenge itself in continuously safeguarding their welfare. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of health disorders with clinical examination and identify possible risk factors of health disorders affecting horse welfare in professional husbandry systems in the Netherlands. With the use of fixed protocols for recording health a...
Pirie CG, Alario AF, Barysauskas CM, Gradil C, Uricchio CK.Corneal thickness measurements of the equine globe using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) have not been reported. Objective: To determine corneal thickness measurements and the intra- and interoperator reliability of a portable SD-OCT device in equine eyes. Methods: Prospective observational study. Methods: Horses free of ocular disease were used for this study. Gentle manual restraint, in combination with detomidine hydrochloride and a head stand, were employed to ensure proper animal positioning. Corneal pachymetry measurements were obtained from both eyes of each animal...
Winfield LS, Kass PH, Magdesian KG, Madigan JE, Aleman M, Pusterla N.There are currently few data available on the prognosis and outcome of recumbent horses. Objective: To investigate the outcome of hospitalised horses that had been recumbent in the field or hospital and factors affecting their survival within the first 3 days of hospitalisation and survival after 3 days to hospital discharge. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical records. Methods: Records of 148 horses admitted to the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California Davis from January 1995 to December 2010 with a history of recumbency or horses that bec...
Silva AG, Furr MO.To compare clinical, clinical pathology, and outcome variables between geriatric and nongeriatric horses. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Methods: 690 horses (345 horses ≥ 20 years old and 345 horses > 1 and 1 and < 20 years old. Results: Mean ± SD age was 23.9 ± 4.6 years for cases and 9.2 ± 3.6 years for controls. Arabian and pony breeds were significantly overrepresented in the geriatric group, compared with the control group. Diagnoses related to the digestive system, musculoskeletal system, and respiratory system were most common in this hospital population overall ...
Vanderperren K, Bergman HJ, Spoormakers TJ, Pille F, Duchateau L, Puchalski SM, Saunders JH.Lysis of the axial aspect of equine proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) is a rare condition reported to have septic or traumatic origins. Limited information exists regarding imaging of nonseptic axial osteitis of a PSB. Objective: To report the clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, computed tomographic and intra-arterial contrast-enhanced computed tomographic abnormalities in horses with axial nonseptic osteitis of a PSB. Methods: Retrospective clinical study. Methods: Eighteen horses diagnosed with nonseptic osteitis of the axial border of a PSB between 2007 and 2012 were reviewed retrospecti...
Rodrigues JB, Dixon PM, Bastos E, San Roman F, Viegas C.Dental disease is now recognised as a major but often unrecognised disorder of equids, including horses and donkeys. However, very few large clinical studies have documented the prevalence and type of dental disease present in different equid populations and no dental studies have been reported in Zamorano-Leonés or Mirandês donkeys, two endangered donkey breeds. Clinical and detailed oral examinations were performed in 400 Mirandês and 400 Zamorano-Leonés donkeys in Portugal and Spain. It was found that just 4.5 per cent had ever received any previous dental care. Cheek teeth (CT) disorde...
Maliye S, Voute L, Lund D, Marshall JF.In order for changes in lameness to be accurately and repeatably detected and recorded during diagnostic investigations, an objective measure of lameness is required. Objective: To ascertain whether an inertial sensor-based system can distinguish between a positive and negative response to diagnostic anaesthesia of the foot and objectively assess the effect of a positive response on the trot. Methods: Restrospective clinical study. Methods: Data obtained during lameness investigations undertaken between August 2011 and December 2012 in which either a palmar digital or abaxial sesamoid nerve bl...
Hunter BG, Schlipf JW, Cebra C.The transverse facial venous sinus (TFVS) can be used for blood collection in horses, but information on the validity of blood values from this site is limited. Objective: To determine if packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS) and blood lactate concentrations in blood drawn simultaneously from a TFVS and jugular vein of critically ill horses are correlated and determine the effect of serial TFVS sampling on the same parameters in healthy horses. Methods: Prospective observational study. Methods: Critically ill horses had simultaneous blood samples drawn from a TFVS and jugular vein. Blood...
Fayrer-Hosken RA, Hill NS, Heusner GL, Traylor-Wiggins W, Turner K.Ergot alkaloids cause a range of pathological conditions in mares. There is no evaluation of the effects of ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue on the stallion breeding soundness examination spermiogram. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue on the stallion's reproductive functions. Methods: Crossover toxicology experiment. Methods: Six stallions were fed either toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue seed or a nontoxic endophyte tall fescue seed (Flecha AR-542, MaxQ). The fescue seed content was...
Mackinnon MC, Southwood LL, Burke MJ, Palmer JE.To document causes of colic in equine neonates, evaluate clinical features of neonates managed medically versus surgically, determine short- and long-term survival rates for neonates with specific medical and surgical lesions, and assess ability of patients to achieve intended use. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 137 client-owned equine neonates (< 30 days old) with a history of colic or signs of colic within 1 hour after hospital admission examined between 2000 and 2010. Methods: Signalment, history, results of physical examination, laboratory data, ancillary diagnostic tests, de...
Mendoza P, d'Anjou MA, Carmel EN, Fournier E, Mai W, Alexander K, Winter MD, Zwingenberger AL, Thrall DE, Theoret C.Understanding radiographic anatomy and the effects of varying patient and radiographic tube positioning on image quality can be a challenge for students. The purposes of this study were to develop and validate a novel technique for creating simulated radiographs using computed tomography (CT) datasets. A DICOM viewer (ORS Visual) plug-in was developed with the ability to move and deform cuboidal volumetric CT datasets, and to produce images simulating the effects of tube-patient-detector distance and angulation. Computed tomographic datasets were acquired from two dogs, one cat, and one horse....
Epstein KL, Bergren A, Giguère S, Brainard BM.Lower molecular weight and molar substitution formulations of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions might maximize cardiovascular function and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and minimize adverse effects on coagulation. Objective: To compare effects of 1 low and 1 high molecular weight and molar substitution HES solution on cardiovascular variables, COP, and hemostasis in normal horses. Methods: Eight healthy adult horses. Methods: Randomized, crossover designed study: 10 mL/kg bolus of 6% HES (600/0.75) (hetastarch) (HS), 6% HES (130/0.4) tetrastarch (TS), and 0.9% NaCl (NS). Variables recorded ...
Metcalfe LV, O'Brien PJ, Papakonstantinou S, Cahalan SD, McAllister H, Duggan VE.A 15 year-old grey Thoroughbred gelding presented for investigation of chronic weight loss and recent onset of respiratory difficulty. Clinical examination confirmed tachypnoea with increased respiratory effort. Thoracic ultrasound examination detected pleural effusion. The dyspnoea was related to the large volume of pleural effusion and, following post-mortem examination, to the presence of a large mediastinal mass. Multiple pigmented masses, likely melanomas, were detected peri-anally. Thoracic radiography, cytological examination of the pleural fluid and a fine needle aspirate of a thoraci...
Abutarbush SM, Alfaqeeh SM, Mustafa G, Qura'n L, Al-Majali AM.To evaluate the ability of atropine sulfate, butylscopolammonium bromide combined with metamizole sodium, and flunixin meglumine to ameliorate the clinical adverse effects of imidocarb dipropionate in horses. Methods: 28 horses with piroplasmosis. Methods: 28 horses were randomly assigned to 4 equal groups according to the pretreatment administered. Fifteen minutes before administration of 2.4 mg of imidocarb dipropionate/kg IM, horses in the first group were pretreated with 0.02 mg of atropine sulfate/kg IV, the second group with a combination of 0.2 mg of butylscopolammonium bromide/kg IV an...
Lacombe VA, Mayes M, Mosseri S, Reed SM, Ou TH.Although many studies have been performed to classify seizures by type in man and small animals, a similar study in horses is lacking. Objective: The aims of this study were as follows: 1) to characterise the distribution of seizure types in 104 horses presented for seizure disorders to a referral veterinary hospital; and 2) to characterise the various types of seizures by identifying associated clinical factors. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical records. Methods: Seizures were classified based on seizure type, according to the most recent accepted definitions in both human and small...
Islam S, Gupta B, Taylor CJ, Chow J, Hoffman GR.We explored the relation between the causes of facial injuries in equestrians and the presence or absence of associated injuries. Over a 5-year period we retrospectively reviewed all patients who presented to the John Hunter Hospital, New South Wales, with facial injuries that had resulted from activity with horses. We analysed the rates of hard and soft tissue injuries, and of associated injuries by sex and mechanism. A total of 85 patients were included (50 female and 35 male) with an age range of 2-88 years. There was a significant difference in the rate of maxillofacial and associated inju...
Taintor J, Caldwell F, Almond G.A mare was evaluated for acute left forelimb lameness with effusion of the carpal flexor sheath. No osseous abnormalities were noted during radiographic examination. Significant disruption of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon was seen during ultrasonographic examination. Carpal sheath effusion and lameness resolved after medical treatment. Une jument a été évaluée pour une boiterie aiguë de la patte avant gauche avec effusion de la gaine du fléchisseur carpien. Aucune anomalie osseuse n’a été observée durant l’examen radiographique. Une perturbation importa...
Uhlendorf F, Gehlen H, Stadler P.The aim of the study was to extend the range of the electrocardiographic examination in horses, evaluating the practicability of special electrocardiographic techniques (exercise- and Holter-ECG) and comparing these with more common techniques (resting-ECG) in equine medicine. Methods: Electrocardiographic examination (resting-ECG for 1 minute, exercise-ECG and Holter-ECG) was performed in 20 horses without any clinical or echocardiographic findings and in 80 patients with abnormal findings (valvular regurgitation and/or atrial fibrillation). Results: In comparison with the resting-ECG, the ex...
Lesimple C, Fureix C, Biquand V, Hausberger M.Questionnaires are a common tool to assess people's opinion on a large scale or to sound them out about their subjective views. The caretakers' opinion about animals' "personality" has been used in many studies. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the owners' subjective evaluation was effective to detect back disorders. Back disorders have been shown to have a high prevalence in working horses. Caretakers from 17 riding schools (1 caretaker/school, 161 horses) were given a questionnaire about their horses' health status, including back disorders. Out of these 161 horses, 59 were...
Rosychuk RA.Noninflammatory, nonpruritic alopecias are uncommonly encountered in the horse. Alopecia areata, an apparently autoimmune hair follicle bulbitis produces focal, multifocal to widespread hair loss. The skin is otherwise normal. Diseases that can mimic the widespread hair loss associated with alopecia areata include telogen and anagen effluvium, seasonal alopecias, follicular dysplasias (including color dilution alopecia), various nutritional deficiencies and chemical toxicosis, and diseases that result in defective hair shafts (eg, trichorrhexis nodosa and piedra). These problems are differenti...
Lohmann KL, Lopez AM, Manning ST, Marques FJ, Brownlie R, Allen AL, Sangster AE, Mutwiri G, Gerdts V, Potter A, Townsend HG.We evaluated the immunogenic and protective potential of a recombinant VapA/CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) 2395 vaccine in neonatal foals undergoing experimental Rhodococcus equi challenge. Foals (n = 8) were vaccinated by intramuscular injection on days 1 and 15 of the study; control foals (n = 7) received a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. All foals were challenged by intrabronchial administration of 5 × 10⁶ R. equi 103⁺ on day 29. Bronchoalveolar lavages were done on days 15, 29, and 36 and total cell count, differential cell count, rVapA-stimulated cell proliferation and inte...
Habershon-Butcher J, Bowen M, Hallowell G.A reliable method for obtaining renal ultrasonographic measurements in the horse is important for diagnosis and monitoring of clinical renal disease. The aims of this prospective study were to develop and validate a novel translumbar ultrasound technique for measuring renal dimensions in horses. Six Thoroughbred or Thoroughbred part bred horses were recruited. All horses were scheduled for euthanasia due to reasons unrelated to the kidneys. Two observers recorded renal length, width, and depth; and dimensions of the cortex, medulla, pyramids, and pelvis for both kidneys in each horse using nov...
van Duijkeren E, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Breukink HJ, Vulto AG, van Miert AS.Twenty horses, ponies, and foals referred with acute diarrhoea were divided at random into two treatment groups. One group was treated intravenously with trimethoprim/ sulfadiazine and the other group with ampicillin/gentamicin. Both groups were given the same standardized symptomatic therapy. All animals were evaluated clinically and 5 variables (general impression, heart rate, rectal temperature, appetite, and consistency of the faeces) were estimated on a five point scale (0-4). Jugular blood samples were taken at admittance and at regular intervals for routine screening. Three blood variab...
Harrington JT, McMullen RJ, Cullen JM, Campbell NB, Gilger BC.To determine the clinical and histologic effects of diode endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in the phakic equine eye. Methods: Phase I: 10 equine cadaver eyes. Phase II: four normal adult horses. Methods: Phase I: ECP probe angle of reach (AR) was determined. Multiple ECP energy levels: 0.75, 0.90, 1.05, 1.20, 1.35, 1.50 J, and the resulting visible and histologic ciliary process changes were evaluated. Phase II: Ocular quadrants were treated with ECP at 0.90, 1.14, 1.38 J, and a control. The contralateral eye underwent a sham operation. Tissue changes (clinical and histologic) were evalu...
Inoue Y, Ono T, Hisaeda K, Yamada Y, Hata A, Shimokawa T, Miyama , Shibano K, Ohzawa E, Kitagawa H, Iwata E.The objective of this study is to analyze the relationships between the age and blood test results or body sizes in Noma horses by using the results of periodical health examination. Out of 45 hematological or physical items examined, statistically significant, but loose correlations were observed in 14 items. Red blood cell count, activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine kinase, concentrations of calcium and inorganic phosphorus decreased with aging. Conversely, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, lipase activity, γ-globulin and chlorid...
Speirs VC, van Veenendaal JC, Harrison IW, Smyth GB, Anderson GA, Wilson DV, Gilbo B.Endoscopic examinations of the upper respiratory tract were done on 92 of 314 Standardbred horses that raced one or more times at 4 consecutive, weekly race meetings. Although participation was voluntary, the characteristics of the population of horses examined were not statistically different from those of all horses that raced. No horse showed epistaxis, but 34 (32.4%) examinations of the trachea revealed blood that ranged from a trace in the tracheal mucus to large amounts scattered over the tracheal walls. Forty-four horses exhibited minor degrees of pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia, 2 had ...
Rhodes DM, Madrigal R.Colic is one of the most frequent emergencies necessitating veterinary attention. Referral is not an option in many cases; therefore, the ability to diagnose and treat colic in an ambulatory setting is paramount. Portable imaging and point-of-care testing has improved the ability to identify lesions and assess the patient's status. In cases when field management is the only option, practitioners should be aware of the various treatment options available.
Fielding CL, Meier CA, Fellers GK, Magdesian KG.OBJECTIVE To compare results of point-of-care laboratory testing with standard veterinary clinical examination findings at a single time point during endurance competition to identify horses at risk for elimination. ANIMALS 101 endurance horses participating in the 2013 Western States 160-km (100-mile) endurance ride. PROCEDURES At the 58-km checkpoint, blood samples were collected from all horses. Samples were analyzed for pH, Pco2, base excess, anion gap, PCV, and whole blood concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, total carbon dioxide, BUN, glucose, and bicarbonate. Corrected electro...
Dechant JE, Nieto JE, Le Jeune SS.To evaluate clinical findings, underlying causes, and short-term outcome associated with hemoperitoneum in horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 67 horses with hemoperitoneum. Methods: Medical records of horses with hemo-peritoneum (excluding postoperative abdominal hemorrhage) from 1989 through 2004 were analyzed. Information obtained included history, signalment, physical examination findings, diagnostic test results, and short-term outcome. Results: Breed distribution was 28 Thoroughbreds, 13 Arabians, 10 Quarter Horses, 5 Warmbloods, 3 Appaloosas, and 1 each of 8 other breed...
Adams R, Mayhew IG.Behaviour and response to neurological testing of apparently healthy newborn foals differed significantly from the adult in several ways. Foals responded to external stimulation with exaggerated movements although they tended to sink into a relaxed state when restrained. They had a more angular head position and assumed a base wide stance. The menace reflex developed during the first two weeks post partum. In general, the foals' gait was choppy or dysmetric. In lateral recumbency the foals had increased extensor tone, hyperreflexive tendon reflexes, crossed extensor reflexes as well as recumbe...
Morello SL, Parente EJ.To report a technique for stoma creation into the conchofrontal sinus (CFS) through the dorsal turbinate and to evaluate stoma as a site for sinoscopy. Methods: Prospective experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine heads (n=2) and normal adult horses (5). Methods: Technique feasibility was established on 2 cadaver heads. A diode laser fiber with a contact probe was passed into the nasal passage through a custom built, laser introducer rod (LIR). A videoendoscope was passed ventral to the LIR. A site on the caudal, medial aspect of the turbinate overlying the dorsal conchal sinus (DCS) was ...
Kleiber C, Grünig G, Jungi T, Schmucker N, Gerber H, Davis WC, Straub R.A panel of specific antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, MHC I and II was used in single and two colour flow cytometry to define T cell subpopulations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of horses affected with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and of healthy controls. According to the results of the clinical examination including bronchoscopy and cytology of the tracheal aspirate the horses were divided into four groups (healthy, subclinically to mildly affected; moderately affected, and severely affected). All groups of horses had a similar percentage of CD3+ cells in the BALF. Compared to...
Ryu SH, Jang JD, Bak UB, Lee C, Youn HJ, Lee YL.A weanling Thoroughbred foal was admitted to Equine Hospital, Korea Racing Association with signs of colic. On admission the foal was sweating profusely, appeared anxious and exhibiting signs suggestive of abdominal pain. Clinical examination revealed: tachycardia (90 beats/min), tachypnea (50 breaths/min) and congested and slightly cyanotic mucous membranes. No intestinal sounds were auscultated in all 4 abdominal quadrants. Rectal palpation identified concurrent cecum and large colon impactions. Treatment consisted of intravenous administration of a balanced electrolyte solution, nasogastric...
Spriet M, Trela JM, Galuppo LD.Injection of the median artery of horses leads to better distribution and persistence of mesenchymal stem cells than i.v. regional limb perfusion. Due to technical difficulties, intra-arterial injections thus far have only been performed under general anaesthesia. Objective: To assess the feasibility of injection of the median artery in standing sedated horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Six horses were included in the study. After median and ulnar regional analgesia, radiographic contrast material was injected in the median artery of both front limbs, using a catheter in one limb a...
Górski K, Borowska M, Stefanik E, Polkowska I, Turek B, Bereznowski A, Domino M.Dental disorders are a serious health problem in equine medicine, their early recognition benefits the long-term general health of the horse. Most of the initial signs of Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) syndrome concern the alveolar aspect of the teeth, thus, the need for early recognition radiographic imaging. This study is aimed to evaluate the applicability of entropy measures to quantify the radiological signs of tooth resorption and hypercementosis as well as to enhance radiographic image quality in order to facilitate the identification of the signs of E...
Cohen ND, Giguère S, Burton AJ, Rocha JN, Berghaus LJ, Brake CN, Bordin AI, Coleman MC.Adverse effects of, and bacterial resistance to, macrolides used to treat Rhodococcus equi infections have prompted search for clinically effective alternative antimicrobials. Liposomal gentamicin (LG) is effective against R. equi in vitro and decreases tissue concentrations of R. equi in experimentally infected mice. Effectiveness of LG treatment of foals with R. equi pneumonia, however, has not been described. Objective: Liposomal gentamicin is safe and effective for treating foals with R. equi pneumonia. Methods: Ten foals with experimentally induced R. equi pneumonia. Methods: Pilot treatm...
Strobel BW, Wilkie DA, Gilger BC.To determine clinical features, ophthalmic examination findings, etiology, treatment, and outcome of horses diagnosed with retinal detachment (RD). Methods: Forty horses, presented to the North Carolina State University and The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals from 1998 to 2005 that were diagnosed with RD. PROCEDURE(S): Horses with documented RD, confirmed either on ophthalmic examination or by ultrasonography, and with a complete medical record were included. Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, presenting complaint, duration of clinical signs...
Hekmatynia F, Eskandarzadeh N, Imani M, Rezaei M, Zamani-Ahmadmahmudi M.Urinalysis is a critical diagnostic test which is performed in routine veterinary medicine practice. In this diagnostic test, semiquantitative measurement of urine biochemical substances is carried out using urinary dipstick. In the current study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of human urinary dipsticks to estimate pH, specific gravity (SpG), and protein in 80 urine specimens collected from horses. These parameters were measured using two commercial human dipsticks (KP and MN in abbreviation) and quantitative reference methods. The reference methods for pH, SpG, and protein were pH m...
Marr CM, Reef VB.Colour flow Doppler echocardiographic examinations were performed on 15 horses; 10 Thoroughbreds and 5 Standardbreds; 9 mares, 5 geldings and 1 stallion; mean +/- s.d. 3.4 +/- 1.1 years. Cardiac murmurs were audible in 12 horses (80%), but these had characteristics consistent with functional murmurs in all horses. A standardised two-dimensional (2-D) and M-mode echocardiographic examination was unremarkable in all horses except that aortic valve prolapse was identified in 3 horses, tricuspid valve prolapse in 2 horses and mitral valve prolapse was present in one horse. Colour flow Doppler echo...
Mahrt CR.Ceftiofur sodium, a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic, was evaluated for safe use in horses. Male or female horses were allotted to groups and were given either saline solution (control), or 2.2, 6.6, or 11 mg of an aqueous solution of ceftiofur sodium/kg of body weight/d, IM, for 30 or 31 days. These dosages are expressed in terms of the ceftiofur free acid, and represent 1 to 5 times the proposed therapeutic dosage (2.2 mg/kg/d) administered for 3 times the maximal recommended duration of 10 days. Some of the horses were euthanatized and necropsied on day 31 or 32. The other horses wer...
Sarin JK, Brommer H, Argüelles D, Puhakka PH, Inkinen SI, Afara IO, Saarakkala S, Töyräs J.We investigate the potential of a prototype multimodality arthroscope, combining ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and arthroscopic indentation device, for assessing cartilage lesions, and compare the reliability of this approach with conventional arthroscopic scoring ex vivo. Areas of interest (AIs, N = 43) were selected from equine fetlock joints (N = 5). Blind-coded AIs were independently scored by two equine surgeons employing International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scoring system via conventional arthroscope and multimodality arthroscope, in which high-frequency ul...
Wysocka B, Kluciński W.The aim of the present study was to compare the grade of discharge accumulation in the tracheal lumen, area of tracheal bifurcation, main bronchi and the tracheal septum thickness with the cytology of the tracheal aspirate (TA) and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in horses with recurrent airways obstruction and inflammatory airway disease from those horses. This study was conducted on 96 horses with RAO, 139 horses with IAD and 10 control horses. In all the horses, both clinical and endoscopic examinations were performed. During endoscopy, a score of mucus accumulation was estimated in 3/...
Endo Y, Ishikawa Y, Arima D, Mae N, Iwamoto Y, Korosue K, Tsuzuki N, Hobo S.To evaluate the effects of single-dose enrofloxacin (ERFX) on fever and blood properties in 68 Thoroughbred racehorses after long-distance transportation, horses were assigned to receive ERFX (5 mg/kg, IV; ERFX group; n=52) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (50 ml, IV; control group; n=16) ≤1 hr before transportation. Horses were transported 1,122 km using commercial vans over the course of approximately 21 hr. Clinical examinations and hematologic analyses were performed before and after transportation. Rectal temperatures, white blood cell counts and serum amyloid A concentration of ERFX grou...
Baker WR.Laminitis is typically classified into developmental or prodromal, acute, subacute, and chronic phases. Scientific evidence regarding the pathophysiology of laminitis does exist, but it is often conflicting and dependent on the clinician's interpretation/understanding of the study or the model used for inducing laminitis. The diagnosis of laminitis consists of obtaining an accurate history, performing a thorough physical examination, and taking good-quality radiographs. The use of radiographs for diagnosis and interpretation of laminitis is an absolute necessity for the clinician. Laminitis is...
Rahnama S, Vathsangam N, Spence R, Medina-Torres CE, Pollitt CC, de Laat MA, Bailey SR, Sillence MN.Currently, there are no registered veterinary drugs for the treatment of endocrinopathic equine laminitis, and although this form of the disease is known to be caused by prolonged hyperinsulinaemia, the mechanism of insulin toxicity is unclear. One possibility is that high concentrations of insulin activate IGF-1 receptors (IGF-1R) in lamellar tissue, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and epidermal lamellar dysregulation. An equinized version of a human anti-IGF-1R therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb11) was generated to test this theory, using a modification of the prolonged euglycae...
Wilkins PA, Ducharme NG, Lowe JE, Schwark WS, Meschter C, Erb HN.To assess right colic artery blood flow and relevance of xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase after experimentally induced strangulation obstruction and reperfusion of the colon, 5 ponies were subjected to 2.5 hours of complete ischemia of the left dorsal and ventral colons, allowed to recover from surgery, and monitored during a 48-hour reperfusion period. Five ponies were subjected to sham surgery and served as controls. All ponies had a Doppler ultrasound blood flow monitor implanted on the right colic artery near the pelvic flexure 10 to 14 days prior to the ischemic period. Colic arter...
Jensen-Waern M, Persson SG, Nordengrahn A, Mérza M, Fossum C.Eighty Standardbred horses, originating from 5 training campuses, with decreased athletic performance in association with symptoms such as intermittent fever and mild pharyngitis were examined. As control animals, 10 horses from a stable with normally performing horses were used. Virus isolation and clinico-chemical and serological tests were performed. Lymphocyte proliferation tests were carried out to evaluate the capacity of the cell-mediated immunity. In addition, a bioassay for equine type I interferon, as a marker for early viral infections, was established. No specific microbe could be ...
Davidson EJ, Martin BB, Boston RC, Parente EJ.Although well documented in racehorses, there is paucity in the literature regarding the prevalence of dynamic upper airway abnormalities in nonracing performance horses. Objective: To describe upper airway function of nonracing performance horses with abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance via exercising upper airway videoendoscopy. Methods: Medical records of nonracing performance horses admitted for exercising evaluation with a chief complaint of abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance were reviewed. All horses had video recordings of resting and exercising upper airw...
Barton AK, Richter IG, Ahrens T, Merle R, Alalwani A, Lilge S, Purschke K, Barnewitz D, Gehlen H.The purpose of the study was to compare the results of sepsis scoring (clinical examination and clinical pathology) to the concentrations of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2, -8, and -9; tissue-inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) -1 and -2; and inflammatory chemokines interleukin (IL) 1β and tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha (TNF-α) in plasma and peritoneal fluid of equine colic patients. A modified sepsis scoring including general condition, heart and respiratory rate, rectal temperature, mucous membranes, white blood cell count (WBC), and ionized calcium was applied in 47 horses presented...
Smith JS, Mayhew IG.The sympathetic nervous innervation of the head was surgically transected in the horse, cow, sheep and goat. The site of transection was preganglionic in all 4 species and ganglionic-postganglionic in 2 additional horses. The Horner's syndrome, manifested as a result of the iatrogenic lesion, varied with the species. Ptosis was the most constant sign in all species. Unilateral sweating over the face and proximal neck, particularly at the base of the ear, was the most prominent feature in the horse. The cow revealed distension of vasculature and cutaneous heat of the pinna, and a reduced produc...
Hague BA, Honnas CM.Trauma to the oral cavity can result in an array of injuries affecting teeth, bone, and soft tissue. A thorough examination of the oral cavity is often facilitated by employing a full-mouth speculum after the horse has been tranquilized. Identification of broken, loose, or split teeth; fractures of the premaxilla or mandible; and avulsion or laceration of soft tissue structures such as the lips or tongue is usually straightforward. Treatment options vary depending on the structure involved; however, appropriate treatment generally results in a functional and cosmetically acceptable end result....
Delesalle C, Dewulf J, Lefebvre RA, Schuurkes JA, Van Vlierbergen B, Deprez P.Hypocalcaemia is a common finding in horses with enterocolitis and severe gastrointestinal disorders. The aims of this study were to investigate in colic horses 1)the parameters related to hypocalcaemia, 2)the influence of hypocalcaemia on outcome and 3)the possible beneficial effect of Ca2+ substitution. Methods: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Intensive care unit. Methods: One hundred forty-four horses that were admitted with an acute abdomen during a 1.5 year period were enrolled and daily evaluated for clinical criteria and whole blood ionized Ca2+ levels. Colic horses with hypocalca...
