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Topic:Clinical Findings
Clinical findings in horses encompass a range of observable signs and symptoms identified during veterinary examinations that contribute to diagnosing and managing equine health conditions. These findings can include physical observations, such as changes in behavior, posture, or gait, as well as physiological measurements like heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Diagnostics may also involve laboratory tests, imaging, and other diagnostic procedures to assess organ function and detect abnormalities. Recognizing and interpreting clinical findings are essential components of veterinary practice, aiding in the identification of diseases, monitoring treatment progress, and guiding therapeutic interventions. This page brings together peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, interpretations, and implications of clinical findings in the context of equine health care.
Use of Sildenafil Citrate for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Stallions: First Case Reports. Pharmacological aids can be useful alternatives to enhance penile erection and/or improve ejaculatory function, thereby prolonging the reproductive life of stallions with ejaculatory disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and on semen quality in two aged stallions, a Quarter Horse (18 years) and a Mangalarga Marchador (25 years), presented to the Veterinary Hospital of FMVZ-UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. The treatment consisted of oral administration of sildenafil citrate at 0.2 mg/kg. Thirty minutes after administ...
Fatal equine gas gangrene associated with Clostridium septicum in the Brazilian Amazon: clinicopathological and molecular characterization of a 20-case series. Clostridial gas gangrene is an acute necrotizing infection of skeletal muscle characterized by rapid tissue destruction and severe systemic toxemia in horses; however, systematically documented case series from tropical settings remain scarce. Here, we describe a clinicopathological and molecularly confirmed series of 20 fatal equine gas gangrene cases diagnosed in the eastern Brazilian Amazon (Pará State) between 2018 and 2026. Horses presented with abrupt onset of severe lameness, rapidly progressive swelling of a limb or muscle group, and palpable subcutaneous crepitus, frequently followin...
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Standing Needle Arthroscopy of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint in 36 Horses. The objective of this study is to describe the technique, complications, and outcomes of standing needle arthroscopy of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) in horses. Unassigned: This is a retrospective study. Unassigned: Five cadaver forelimbs; 36 client-owned horses. Unassigned: A 1.9-mm needle arthroscope was used to evaluate the DIPJ in cadaver limbs and clinical cases. Horses underwent diagnostic and/or therapeutic arthroscopy under standing sedation and local anaesthesia. Data collected included signalment, diagnostic imaging findings, intraoperative findings, complications, and outc...
Centrifugation of peritoneal fluid improves visual assessment of strangulating lesions in equine colic. Early and accurate recognition of a strangulating lesion is essential to expedite surgical intervention in horses presenting with colic. Objective: To evaluate the use of a colour grading scale in the visual assessment of peritoneal fluid, before and after centrifugation, and assess its ability to predict the presence of a strangulating lesion. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Peritoneal fluid samples from 231 equids presenting with colic were visually analysed immediately after collection and assigned a numerical value based on a developed colour scale. Peritoneal fluid was centr...
An atypical extrapulmonary presentation of rhodococcus equi infection in a foal: a case report. Rhodococcus equi infection in foals is primarily associated with pulmonary disease but may also present with extrapulmonary manifestations (Giguère et al. 2011; Reuss et al. 2009). Hemolytic anemia is a rare and poorly described complication, with only a single previous report of presumed immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in foals affected by R. equi. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, disease progression, and postmortem examination of a 4-month-old Holsteiner foal with confirmed R. equi infection and severe anemia consistent with a presumed immune-media...
Isolation of Moraxella spp. strains in horses. Two species of Moraxella were isolated from swabs obtained from two symptomatic horses suffering from conjunctivitis and rhinitis. The isolates were identified via MALDI-TOF as Moraxella osloensis and Moraxella equi respectively, with a good genus identification and a probable species identification score. The first one was also confirmed by BLAST sequence analysis with a high homology (99%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing obtained by minimum inhibitory concentration method showed that the two isolates were sensitive to all the tested molecules. The therapeutic protocols applied had an e...
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Quinidine-Induced Dominant Frequency Reduction in Thoroughbred Horses With Atrial Fibrillation. Quinidine has long been used for the pharmacological treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in horses; however, the plasma concentration required for conversion to sinus rhythm remains unclear. Dominant frequency (DF), derived from surface electrocardiograms, reflects atrial activation rate during AF. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between plasma quinidine concentration and DF using a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) approach. Ten Thoroughbred horses with naturally occurring AF received quinidine sulfate via a nasogastric tube. Plasma quinidine concentrations and DF values...
Intratracheal Leiomyosarcoma in a 13-Year-Old German Riding Pony Mare. A 13-year-old German Riding Pony mare was referred for evaluation of progressive respiratory noise and mixed dyspnoea, which rapidly deteriorated to respiratory distress. Clinical examination revealed marked rattling inspiratory and expiratory tracheal sounds and severe, rattling, vesicular lung sounds. Arterial blood gas analysis demonstrated moderate hypoxaemia (partial pressure of arterial oxygen 76 mmHg at rest). Upper airway endoscopy identified a pink, cauliflower-like pedunculated mass originating from the dorsal tracheal wall approximately 15 cm cranial to the tracheal bifurcation, cau...
Use of extracorporeal hemoperfusion in a 2-day-old foal with neonatal sepsis. A 2-day-old Miniature Horse filly presented with severe clinical and clinicopathologic findings consistent with neonatal sepsis, failure of transfer of passive immunity, and aspiration pneumonia. The filly initially was treated with broad spectrum antimicrobials, hemodynamic support, and hyperimmune plasma. Because of a lack of improvement within the first 24 h, extracorporeal blood purification and cytokine removal were implemented. The foal underwent hemoperfusion (HP) using a polymer-based device (VetResQ). Reported notable changes during and after treatment included improved physical exam...
Complications Following Nictitating Membrane Resection in Horses: 92 Eyes (2015-2024). The goal of this retrospective study is to evaluate the complications following nictitating membrane resection in horses with the aim of providing valuable information on the risks of this surgical procedure. Methods: 83 horses (92 eyes). Methods: Medical records for 83 horses that underwent nictitating membrane resection in 92 eyes between February 2015 and June 2024 were reviewed. Horses were included if they had at least 1 month of follow-up data available. Owners were contacted via telephone or email questionnaire to obtain follow-up information. Complications were recorded only when pre...
Evaluation of Serum Specific IgE Sensitization Profiles in a Korean Domestic Horse Population Using a Multiplex Allergen Line-blot Assay: A Cross-Sectional Screening Study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical applicability of a multiplex serum specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE) test kit 'ANITIA Equine IgE' for identifying the causes of allergic diseases in horses raised in Korea, and to determine the major sensitization antigen profiles in the domestic horse population. Serum or plasma samples were collected from a total of 140 horses, classified by management system (Group A, n=108) and purpose (Group B, n=32). IgE concentrations for 120 environmental and dietary allergens were measured using a multiplex line-blot assay based on an indirect immu...
Rethinking Equine Cystitis: Evidence from Four Atypical Clinical Presentations. In this case series, four equines were diagnosed with cystitis, resulting in divergent clinical outcomes. Three animals achieved complete clinical resolution without recurrence, whereas one required euthanasia due to progressive clinical deterioration. All diagnoses were established through a dual-modality investigative protocol comprising cystoscopic evaluation and histopathological examination of bladder mucosal biopsies. The cohort exhibited considerable etiological heterogeneity. One case was classified as chronic idiopathic cystitis, while another was attributed to an opportunistic bacter...
Equine Ulcerative Genital Lesions Associated with Parapoxvirus. In 2026, a widespread outbreak of ulcerative dermatitis of unknown aetiology occurred in breeding horses in Ireland. The lesions resembled those associated with equine herpesvirus 3 (EHV3) infection, i.e., papules, vesicles, and ulcers on the penis of stallions and on the vulval and anal areas of mares. This study aimed to identify the probable causative agent. The methods applied included metagenomic sequencing of DNA, phylogenetic analysis, and real-time PCR. Metagenomic analysis directly from a penile sample confirmed the presence of equine parapoxvirus (EqPPV) DNA. Phylogenetic analysis in...
Health assessment of Tokara horses on Nakanoshima island: potential chronic hepatic dysfunction induced by Leopard plant (Farfugium japonicum) ingestion. We investigated the health of Tokara horses (n=34) on Nakanoshima as part of conservation efforts for this breed. Although the horses were clinically healthy, elevated white blood cell count, neutrophil count and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were observed, leading to suspicion of chronic hepatic dysfunction and infectious disease. A survey revealed that the caretakers had been feeding the horses Leopard plant, which contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). The abnormal GGT levels observed in these horses may suggest the possibility of chronic PA poisoning resulting from the con...
Favorable survival of horses with guttural pouch mycosis following hospital-based treatment. To report the clinical outcomes and survival time in horses undergoing treatment of guttural pouch mycosis. Unassigned: Client-owned horses with guttural pouch mycosis admitted between 2005 and 2024 for evaluation and treatment were identified by medical record search. Signalment, disease history, and surgical and treatment details were recorded. Owners were contacted for follow-up information. Unassigned: 41 horses with guttural pouch mycosis were identified, of which 28 had epistaxis or a history of epistaxis on presentation. Thirty-five horses underwent surgical treatment, and the procedure...
Penile and preputial pythiosis in Saudi Arabian horses: clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes. Pythiosis, caused by , is a chronic granulomatous disease of horses characterized by invasive, ulcerative, and pyogranulomatous cutaneous lesions. Involvement of the external genitalia is uncommon and remains poorly characterized, particularly regarding environmental exposure and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological pattern, clinicopathological features, diagnostic findings, and surgical outcomes of penile and preputial genital pythiosis in a hospital-presented horse cohort. Unassigned: A retrospective study was conducted on 123 horses presented with cutaneous u...
Clinical and pathologic findings of splenic tumours in four horses: a case series. Splenic tumours are rare in horses, with limited published literature consisting primarily of individual case reports and one hepato-splenic lymphoma case series. This case series analyses the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and clinical outcomes of four cases of splenic neoplasia that presented to a university referral hospital over a three year period (2022-2025). Methods: Presented are two cases of primary splenic lymphoma, and two cases of metastatic melanoma. Three cases (75%) presented with chronic, non-specific clinical signs including weight loss, colic and ventral oedema. O...
Limited Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes in Three-Year-Old Arabian Racehorses with Dorsal Metacarpal Disease. Dorsal metacarpal disease (DMD) is a common musculoskeletal injury in young racehorses, and effective non-invasive treatments remain of clinical interest. This study aimed to evaluate whether high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), which was applied as the sole intervention in horses retired from training, reduces the clinical signs of DMD compared with untreated controls. During the 2023-2024 racing seasons, 15 Arabian racehorses diagnosed with DMD were enrolled; 9 received HILT and 6 served as controls without laser therapy. The treatment protocol consisted of five daily HILT sessions followed ...
MUSCULAR SARCOCYSTIS INFECTIONS IN HORSES IN NORTH AMERICA: ETIOLOGY, CLINICAL DISEASE, PERSONAL PERCEPTION, AND DEPOSITION OF SPECIMENS IN THE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM. Uncertainty shrouds the number and identity of the species of Sarcocystis infecting horses in the United States. Horses are intermediate hosts for Sarcocystis fayeri, for which the domestic dog is the definitive host. Clinical signs and lesions associated with S. fayeri are not defined. Granulomatous myositis, especially involving the chest and dysphagia, is one of the clinical presentations associated with S. fayeri infections. Whether S. fayeri is the sole species that forms sarcocysts in equine muscles in the United States is not clear. Little is known of the molecular diagnosis of Sarcocys...
Clinical and microbiota alterations in performance horses undergoing long-distance transport. Transport-associated pneumonia contributes substantially to morbidity, impaired welfare, and economic loss in high-performance horses and may be associated with alterations in the respiratory microbiota. Objective: Examine the effect of long-distance transport on the respiratory microbiota and correlate changes in microbiota diversity and composition with systemic and airway inflammation. Methods: Seventeen client-owned performance horses transported from New England to Florida under optimized trailering conditions, and 12 non-traveling horses. Methods: Physical examination, blood testing, nas...
Diagnostic Ultrasound of the Equine Liver. Ultrasound is readily available to most practitioners and can be used in a straightforward manner to assess the liver. The liver can be assessed for size, shape, echogenicity, and architecture. Findings such as masses, cysts, granulomas, and biliary distention can be relatively specific as to suspected disease process. Other findings may be nonspecific but are useful to confirm concerns and aid in refining differential diagnosis. Findings should be interpreted considering the clinicopathologic picture and sampling performed when appropriate. Ultrasound can and should be used to identify optima...
Auscultatory findings and left atrial function as indicators of mitral valve regurgitation severity in horses. Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is frequently detected in horses, but its classification and prognostication remain challenging. This study investigated whether auscultatory findings and left atrial function are associated with MR severity. Methods: Fifty controls (no/trivial MR) and 101 MR horses (58 mild, 36 moderate, seven severe) were retrospectively evaluated. All were in sinus rhythm and underwent auscultation and echocardiography. Mitral regurgitation severity was graded using a scoring system. Systolic murmur characteristics (duration, type and grade) were recorded. Left atrial functio...
Improving Inclusivity in the Curriculum via the Introduction of an Equine Industry-Specific Language eGlossary. The equine veterinary profession is frequently considered inaccessible to veterinary students who have had limited exposure to the equine industry. One of the perceived reasons for this inaccessibility is the use of what is often coined "horsey" language within the industry. If a student has limited experience of the equine industry, there is a potential language barrier to teaching, which may result in poor engagement with equine teaching and placements. The aim of this Teaching Tip is to describe the development and evaluation of a new teaching resource designed to demystify equine industry-...
Diagnostic criteria for equine thoracolumbar myofascial pain syndrome: A foundational study. Diagnostic criteria for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) are well established in humans but remain underexplored in horses. This study aimed to identify which MPS clinical signs were present in the equine thoracolumbar region, assess internal coherence among clinical indicators, and explore the diagnostic relevance of owner-reported behavioural, signalment, management, and clinical variables. A population of 120 horses underwent a static physical assessment of the thoracolumbar region. Owner-reported horse behaviours were collected through a questionnaire. Taut band, hypersensitive spot, local t...
Computed tomography long-term follow-up of a facial fracture involving the orbit and paranasal sinus. Fractures of the facial bones involving the orbit are challenging conditions that require surgical treatment. Objective: To describe preoperative and postoperative clinical and computed tomographic findings of an orbital rim fracture repaired using a reconstruction plate. Methods: Case report. Methods: A 14-year-old Haflinger mare was presented with an open, depressed and comminuted fracture involving the frontal, nasal, lacrimal and maxillary bone, sinus system and the medial aspect of the orbital rim and wall on the right side, as diagnosed by CT. Fracture repair included orbital rim reconst...
Outcome of keratoma removal using different surgical techniques, including a modified partial hoof wall resection: A retrospective study (2004-2025). Keratomas are diseases of the equine hoof that can be associated with intermittent lameness and/or recurrent foot abscesses. Different surgical techniques for keratoma removal have been described. The aim of this retrospective study was to report the short- and long-term postoperative complications after keratoma removal using different surgical techniques: complete hoof wall resection (CR), partial hoof wall resection (PR) and a modified version of PR (MPR). The medical records of horses diagnosed with keratoma and space occupying lesion (SOL) of the hoof wall (2004-2025) at a Veterinary Teac...
Comparison of palpation and ultrasonography findings in supraspinous ligaments of horses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of palpation as a diagnostic tool for supraspinous ligament injuries in horses. Diagnosis of SSL injuries typically relies on a combination of clinical examination and ultrasonographic findings. To the authors' knowledge, no previous studies have specifically investigated palpation as a diagnostic measure for these injuries. Unassigned: This retrospective study analyzed data from 126 horses resented to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for back pathology. Inclusion criteria required horses to have a documented descriptive palpator...
Transfer of passive immunity in foals: Can the plasma transfusion efficacy be predicted? The treatment for failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in foals with hyperimmune plasma has substantial variability of efficacy. Objective: The aims of the study were to assess the safety and efficacy of plasma transfusion and to investigate factors that may predict transfusion results, thereby allowing estimation of plasma volume requirements prior to transfusion. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of foals admitted to an equine hospital that received a plasma transfusion for FTPI. Results: The study included 110 foals and 150 hyperimmune plasma transfusions. The median i...
A multimodal approach to equine thoracolumbar myofascial pain: integrating clinical examination, AI-based gait analysis, and the ridden horse pain ethogram. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is considered highly prevalent in horses, yet it is frequently underdiagnosed due to limited understanding of its clinical presentation and functional consequences, as well as the inherent challenges associated with its clinical assessment and objective measurement. In equines, the relationship between palpation-based MPS indicators, gait asymmetries, and pain-related behaviours during ridden work remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the association between thoracolumbar palpation pain scores and gait asymmetries measured in-hand and dur...
