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Topic:Clinical Examination
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.
Diagnostic workup for weight loss in the geriatric horse. In the absence of debilitating medical problems, the geriatric horse can maintain a normal body condition when provided with an appropriate diet, adequate shelter, and preventive health care that includes regular dental care and deworming. Failures in management can lead to inadequate nutritional support, exposure to adverse environmental conditions, advanced dental disease, parasitism, and failure to detect developing medical problems. All these circumstances can lead to loss of condition and debilitation in the aged horse. Weight loss in the aged horse should be approached with an understand...
Plasma and synovial fluid endothelin-1 and nitric oxide concentrations in horses with and without joint disease. To compare plasma and synovial fluid endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in clinically normal horses and horses with joint disease. Methods: 36 horses with joint disease, and 15 horses without joint disease. Methods: Horses with joint disease were assigned to 1 of the 3 groups (ie, synovitis, degenerative joint disease [DJD], or joint sepsis groups) on the basis of findings on clinical and radiographic examination and synovial fluid analysis. Endothelin-1 and NO concentrations were measured in plasma from blood samples, collected from the jugular vein and ipsilateral cepha...
[Diagnostic validity of palpation in horses with back problems]. There is a regularly high proportion of x-ray findings indicating a pathological deterioration of the equine vertebral column which do not correlate with the clinical symptoms. Therefore, palpation remains one of the most important clinical examination methods to determine whether or not a horse is suffering from back pain. The aim of this study was to check the validity of palpation results of horses with an assumed back problem. The palpation results of 167 horses were evaluated in retrospect: If the palpation proceeds under following conditions, positive palpation results agree with an prim...
[Initial management of congenital varus equinus clubfoot by Ponseti’s method]. The choice of first-line treatment for congenital varus equine clubfoot remains a controversial issue largely dependent on experience. In France, functional treatment predominates. In 1948, Ponseti proposed reducing the deformity with successive casts. Although cast treatment is a very old method, Ponseti's method is original because it is based on strict rules established from anatomic evidence. The goal is not to correct the apparent deformation, but on the contrary to impose a simultaneous supination and abduction of the foot. Once the calcaneopedal block has been derotated, percutaneous te...
Quantitative assessment of nociception in horses by use of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex evoked by transcutaneous electrical stimulation. To evoke and measure the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) by use of electromyographic recordings and to score the behavioral nociceptive responses to electrical pulses in standing nonsedated horses. Methods: 10 adult horses. Methods: The lateral palmar digital nerve of the forelimb was transcutaneously stimulated, and surface electromyographic responses were recorded from the ulnaris lateralis, extensor carpi radialis, and common digital extensor muscles. Stimuli consisted of a 25-millisecond train of 5 constant-current pulses delivered by a computer-controlled stimulator. The 80- to 250-mi...
Dorsal displacement of the soft palate in 92 horses during high-speed treadmill examination (1993-1998). To evaluate the occurrence of dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) during high-speed treadmill (HSTM) exercise in racehorses, and determine treatment efficacy relative to the endoscopic findings observed during resting and HSTM endoscopic examination. Methods: Retrospective study. Animals-Ninety-two racehorses (74 Thoroughbreds, 18 Standardbreds). Methods: The signalment, history (clinical and race), treatments, and video recordings made during resting and HSTM endoscopy were reviewed in 92 racehorses that developed DDSP during HSTM exercise. Only horses that completed 3 starts before...
Dynamic upper airway changes and arterial blood gas parameters during treadmill exercise. The primary goal was to investigate the relationship between dynamic upper airway abnormalities and arterial blood gas tensions during exercise. Horses that completed a high-speed treadmill examination consisting of upper-airway videoendoscopy, blood gas evaluation and electrocardiogams and, postexercise, echocardiograms and tracheal washes, were included. An age-matched group of fit, healthy Thoroughbreds, trained to run on a high-speed treadmill, served as controls for blood gas values at specific exercise speeds. One hundred and nineteen horses completed the treadmill examination. Sixty (50...
Physiological measurements and upper and lower respiratory tract evaluation in French Standardbred Trotters during a standardised exercise test on the treadmill. There are a variety of reasons for poor performance in racehorses. Exercise intolerance has often been associated with subclinical respiratory abnormalities, and diagnostic aids are therefore used to enhance clinical detection. Physiological variables can also be measured in order to evaluate the metabolic reponse to exercise. This study evaluated the relationship between physiological measurements and upper airway videoendoscopy during a standardised treadmill exercise test and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology in control horses (good racing performance, n = 14) and poor performers (n = 2...
Plasma carnosine concentration: diurnal variation and effects of age, exercise and muscle damage. This study was undertaken as part of a larger investigation into carnosine metabolism and function in the Thoroughbred horse. More specifically, we wished to evaluate plasma carnosine concentration as a potential indicator of muscle carnosine status. In contrast to man, carnosine is present in equine plasma where its presence is consistent with the absence of plasma carnosinase. A significant effect of age on plasma carnosine concentration in resting Thoroughbred horses was observed. Values in horses age 3 years and older were 113-14.1 micromol/l, whereas concentrations in foals and yearlings ...
EIPH: postrace endoscopic evaluation of Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds. The incidence and severity of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) in the 2 most commonly raced horse breeds, Thoroughbreds (TB) and Standardbreds (STD), were studied, with particular interest in the possible influence of frusemide (F) and/or the breed (or running gait) on EIPH. The appearance of blood within the trachea was semi-quantified using a published 5-point system, with zero assigned when no blood was observed, and numbers 1-4 assigned with increasing amounts of blood. Considering each endoscopic examination as a separate event, approximately 75% of the postrace endoscopic ex...
Ultrasonographic measurements of accessory sex glands, ampullae, and urethra of normal stallions of various size types. For the purpose of establishing clinical reference values, this paper reports results of ultrasonographic examination and measurement of accessory sex glands, ampullae, and the pelvic urethra of 102 mature, healthy breeding stallions (2-29 years of age) of various size types (7 Miniature Horses, 27 small ponies, 53 light horses and 15 heavy horses). Examinations were done per rectum in mostly unsedated stallions using an Aloka 210 scanner with a 7.5 MHz linear veterinary transrectal transducer (Corometrics Medical Systems, Inc., North Wallingford, CT, USA). Most measures of accessory sex gland...
Effect of administration of a phospholipid emulsion on the initial response of horses administered endotoxin. To evaluate the effect of a phospholipid emulsion (PLE) on the initial response of horses to administration of endotoxin. Methods: 12 healthy adult horses. Methods: Horses were assigned to 2 treatment groups (6 horses/group). The control group was administered 1 L of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, and the treated group was administered PLE (200 mg/kg, IV); treatments were administered during a period of 120 minutes. An infusion of endotoxin was initiated in both groups starting 1 hour after initiation of the saline or PLE solutions. Physical examination and hemodynamic variables were recorded, a...
Heparinised blood ionised calcium concentrations in horses with colic or diarrhoea compared to normal subjects. Our objectives were to 1) establish ionised calcium (ICa), C-terminal PTH and biologically active PTH (intact molecule) concentrations in blood from normal horses, 2) examine the stability of ionised calcium and acid-base values in stored equine heparinised blood and serum and 3) check the applicability of the formulas based on these parameters in certain disease states. Mean +/- s.d. % ionised calcium in heparinised blood of normal Warmbloods was 51 +/- 2.7 (n = 20) of total calcium, range 1.45-1.75 mmol/l (n = 15) at Michigan State University and 1.43-1.69 mmol/l (n = 20) at Utrecht Universi...
Chronic pulmonary disease with radiographic interstitial opacity (interstitial pneumonia) in foals. Twelve foals, age 3-9 months, examined at The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1995 and 2000 were diagnosed with chronic pulmonary disease associated with marked interstitial opacity on radiographic examination. The most characteristic features were a history of respiratory disease of 1-3 months duration, marked clinical signs of respiratory disease, failure to yield a consistent pathogen from tracheobronchial aspirates and a predominantly interstitial pattern on thoracic radiographs. We attributed these signs to chronic interstitial pneumonia. Foals were treated with...
Differences in pulmonary functional indices derived from the single-breath diagram for CO2 (SBD-CO2) in horses related to age, sex and usage. Although pulmonary function tests have been used to evaluate horses with clinically normal lungs and those with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), comprehensive studies of equine respiratory function, considering factors such as sex, age and usage are not available. Studies on the influence of these factors on pulmonary function in healthy horses are required for interpretation of measurements made in those with respiratory disease. The study was performed with 63 warmblood horses and the status of their pulmonary health was evaluated by clinical examination. The functional aspect of pulmonar...
Rhodococcus equi pleuropneumonia in an adult horse. A 10-year-old warmblood gelding was evaluated for intermittent pyrexia, dullness, weight loss, and progressive respiratory disease. Multifocal necrotic pneumonia and pleuritis due to Rhodococcus equi infection was diagnosed. Case management is discussed, as well as factors that may have led to this rare cause of pleuropneumonia in an adult horse.
Two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiographic measurements of cardiac dimensions in healthy standardbred trotters. The aim of the study was to establish normal echocardiographic values of healthy Standardbred trotters not published previously. Twenty-three clinically normal horses weighing between 350 and 490 kg were examined in the same manner: first a thorough physical and then detailed echocardiographic examination were performed. Standardised two-dimensional (2D) and guided M-mode echocardiographic imaging techniques were used to measure interventricular septal thickness (IVS), left ventricular internal diameter (LVID), left ventricular wall thickness (LVW), left atrial internal diameter (LAID) in end-...
Safety and efficacy of a technique for thoracoscopically guided pulmonary wedge resection in horses. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopically guided pulmonary wedge resection in horses. Methods: 10 horses (5 control horses and 5 horses affected with recurrent airway obstruction [ie, heaves]). Methods: Each horse underwent a thoracoscopically guided pulmonary wedge resection. Before, during, and after surgery, heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood gases, and systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures were measured. Physical examination, CBC, and thoracic radiography and ultrasonography were performed 24 hours before and 2 and 48 hours after surgery. Pulmonary specimens we...
Effect of commercially available nasal strips on airway resistance in exercising horses. To determine the effect of a commercially available nasal strip on airway mechanics in exercising horses. Methods: 6 horses (5 Standardbreds and 1 Thoroughbred). Methods: Horses exercised on a treadmill at speeds corresponding to 100 and 120% of maximal heart rate with and without application of a commercially available nasal strip. Concurrently, tracheal pressures, airflow, and heart rate were measured. Peak inspiratory and expiratory tracheal pressures, airflow, respiratory frequency, and tidal volume were recorded. Inspiratory and expiratory airway resistances were calculated by dividing pe...
Repeatability of standard transthoracic echocardiographic measurements in horses. To assess the repeatability of commonly employed transthoracic echocardiographic measurements in standing horses. Methods: Thirteen healthy 3- to 4-year-old fit Standardbred geldings with a mean weight of 411 (SEM +/- 10) kg were studied. The horses' environment, feeding and management regimens were standardised. All measurements were performed by the same investigator at the same time every day for three consecutive days. Methods: Standard transthoracic measurements were made on all horses. Each measurement was performed over three consecutive cardiac cycles on 1 day and all measurements were...
Actinobacillus sp. bacteremia in foals: clinical signs and prognosis. Medical records of 101 blood culture-confirmed bacteremic foals were reviewed to determine whether foals with Actinobacillus sp. bacteremia are affected at an earlier age, have more severe signs of disease, and have a worse prognosis than do foals with bacteremia of other causes. Thirty percent (30/101) of bacteremic foals had Actinobacillus sp. cultured, and these were 2 times more likely to die (crude odds ratio [OR(CR)] 0.8, 4; P = .14), with a survival rate of 43% (13/30) compared to the overall survival rate of 55% (56/101). When compared to other bacteremic foals, foals with actinobacill...
Clinical assessment and outcome of three techniques for jejunal resection and anastomosis in horses: 59 cases (1989-2000). To compare postoperative complications, short- and long-term survival, and surgical times for hand-sewn end-to-end (EE), stapled functional end-to-end (FEE), and stapled side-to-side (SS) anastomotic techniques for jejunal resection in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 59 horses. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to obtain signalment, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome for horses that underwent jejunojejunostomy in our hospital. Only horses that recovered from anesthesia were included in the study. Results: Among the 59 horses, there were 33 EE, 15 FEE, and 11 SS anastomoses. ...
Percutaneous retrieval of a jugular catheter fragment from the pulmonary artery of a foal. A 49-kg (107.8-lb) sexually intact male Arabian foal was evaluated at 3 days of age because of profuse watery diarrhea, anorexia, and signs of abdominal pain. Physical examination findings were unremarkable except for evidence of diarrhea. A catheter was placed in the right jugular vein for administration of antimicrobials and lactated Ringer's solution. The foal was discharged with instructions to the owner to continue antimicrobial administration and fluid therapy; at home, the owner inadvertently cut the catheter at the level of the hub during attempted removal, and the catheter fragment mi...
Evaluation of a method to experimentally induce colic in horses and the effects of acupuncture applied at the Guan-yuan-shu (similar to BL-21) acupoint. To evaluate the reliability of a method for inducing colic via small intestinal distention in horses and to examine the analgesic potential of bilateral electroacupuncture (EAP) at the Guan-yuan-shu (similar to BL21) acupoint. Methods: 5 healthy adult horses, each with a gastric cannula. Methods: A polyester balloon connected to an electronic barostat was introduced into the duodenum via the gastric cannula. At 2 specified intervals (before and after commencement of EAP), the balloon was inflated to a barostat-controlled pressure that induced signs of moderate colic. Each inflation was maintai...
Evaluation of nebulised hay dust suspensions (HDS) for the diagnosis and investigation of heaves. 2: Effects of inhaled HDS on control and heaves horses. To evaluate inhaled hay dust suspensions (HDS) as a tool for the diagnosis and investigation of heaves, the pulmonary inflammatory and functional consequences of inhalation challenge with 3 different HDS were determined in 6 control and 7 asymptomatic heaves horses. Heaves horses given HDS challenge developed the characteristic features of heaves, including airway neutrophilia, obstructive airway dysfunction and mucus hypersecretion. While HDS challenge induced a mild airway neutrophilia in controls, the no-response threshold for controls was greater than that of heaves horses, and there was n...
Repeatability of back kinematics in horses during treadmill locomotion. We tested the hypothesis that repeatability of a standardised protocol for quantifying back kinematics is sufficiently high not to prevent its use in the clinical evaluation of horses with back problems. We investigated the extent to which differences between laboratories may affect the results when a standardised protocol is used. As a clinical tool, movement analysis techniques are helpful for the objective and quantitative assessment of kinematics. Knowledge about the repeatability of the kinematic data is very important. The present study investigates the repeatability of back kinematics i...
