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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.
Pharmacokinetics of a high dose of gentamicin administered intravenously or intramuscularly to horses. To evaluate pharmacokinetics of a high dose of gentamicin administered i.v. or i.m. to horses. Methods: Repeated-measures study. Methods: 6 clinically normal female adult stock-type horses. Methods: All horses were given gentamicin (6.6 mg/kg [3 mg/lb] of body weight), i.v. and i.m., in a two-way cross-over design. Serum gentamicin concentrations were measured during a 24-hour period. Results: Plasma concentration curves were consistent with a two-compartment model. Maximum plasma gentamicin concentrations were 71.9 +/- 15.7 micrograms/ml (0 hours after injection) and 22.0 +/- 4.9 micrograms/m...
Reliability of using results of abdominal fluid analysis to determine treatment and predict lesion type and outcome for horses with colic: 218 cases (1991-1994). To assess clinical utility of abdominal fluid analysis in predicting outcome, lesion type, and whether medical or surgical treatment is indicated for horses with colic. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 218 horses > 1 year old. Methods: Horses were classified on the basis of age, site of lesion, lesion type (nonstrangulating vs strangulating), type of treatment (medical vs surgical), and outcome (survival vs nonsurvival). Sensitivity and specificity of using age and results of abdominal fluid analysis, individually and in combination, to predict lesion type, type of treatment, and outc...
Imaging basilar skull fractures in the horse: a review. Due to the complex nature of the anatomy of the equine head, superimposition of numerous structures, and poor soft tissue differentiation, radiography may be of limited value in the diagnosis of basilar skull fractures. However, in many horses radiographic changes such as soft tissue opacification of the guttural pouch region, irregular bone margination at the sphenooccipital line, attenuation of the nasopharynx, ventral displacement of the dorsal pharyngeal wall and the presence of irregularly shaped bone fragments in the region of the guttural pouches are suggestive of a fracture of the skul...
Getah virus infection of Indian horses. An outbreak of disease, characterized by depression, anorexia, fever, limb oedema and lymphocytopenia, occurred on a farm for thoroughbreds in India in 1990. Twenty-six of the 88 horses on the farm were affected, predominantly adults. Signs were present in affected horses for 7-10 days, and the outbreak lasted 21 days. Seven of the 26 affected horses were tested for exposure to Getah virus using paired serum samples, acute and convalescent. Four of the 7 horses seroconverted to Getah virus, and the other three showed a 4-fold or greater rise in titre. The clinical and laboratory findings were ...
Stress fractures of the vertebral lamina and pelvis in Thoroughbred racehorses. Thirty-six Thoroughbred racehorses that died at California racetracks between October 1993 and July 1994 were evaluated for stress fractures in the caudal portion of the thoracic and lumbosacral regions of the spine and the pelvis. The lumbosacral spine and pelvis were collected, debrided of soft tissues and examined visually for the presence of an incomplete fracture line and focal periosteal proliferation, characteristic of a stress fracture. Sixty-one per cent of specimens had evidence of stress fracture in the caudal portion of the thoracic and lumbosacral regions of the spine and the pelv...
Cytology of 100 samples of abdominal fluid from 100 horses with abdominal disease. A total of 100 samples of abdominal fluid (AF) from 100 horses with abdominal disease were evaluated by cytology. Cytology results were subsequently correlated with the final outcome of the disease. The horses were classified into 4 groups: Group I, horses that were treated with conventional (nonsurgical) therapy and recovered; Group II, horses that had surgery and survived; Group III, horses that had surgery but died; and Group IV, horses that were subjected to euthanasia prior to surgery. Statistical analysis showed that both nucleated cell count and total neutrophils were significantly high...
Clinical assessment of gas exchange in mature horses. There are limited methods of assessing pulmonary function in horses at rest. We developed clinical techniques to measure gas exchange efficiency in horses and evaluated 3 groups of horses that were 1) asymptomatic based on auscultation with rebreathing, transtracheal aspirate cytology, and thoracic radiographs (n = 6), 2) asymptomatic at rest but symptomatic with rebreathing (n = 11) and 3) symptomatic at rest (n = 9). Blood samples were obtained from the transverse facial artery and jugular vein. Maximal end-tidal CO2 tension (PETCO2) was measured by an infrared capnograph through a facemask....
Complete fractures of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bone in horses: 25 cases (1980-1996). To compare treatments of complete fractures of the third metacarpal (MC) or metatarsal (MT) bone in horses and to identify factors that could impact prognosis. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 25 horses with fractures of the third MC or MT bone that were treated by use of internal fixation, external coaptation, or both. Methods: Medical records from the Veterinary Medical Data Base of horses treated for fractures of third MC or MT bone at Texas A&M University from 1980 to 1994 and Purdue University from 1980 to 1996 were reviewed. Information on signalment, results of physical ...
Traumatic dental disease and soft tissue injuries of the oral cavity. 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....
Herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy in horses: 11 cases (1982-1996). To determine results of CSF analysis in horses with equid herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) and to determine whether results of CSF analysis were associated with outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 11 horses. Methods: Medical records of all horses admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital between February 1982 and March 1996 in which EHM was diagnosed were reviewed. Results: 7 horses were < or = 4 years old; 8 were admitted during January, February, or March. Six horses were febrile prior to admission, but none was febrile on the day of admission. Five horses had been sta...
Retinal degeneration associated with vitamin E deficiency in hunting dogs. A group of Walker Hounds and Beagles that were fed a diet of table scraps were examined because of slow, progressive loss of vision. Clinical and microscopic features of the disease were correlated to the dogs' micronutrient status. Sensory retinal degeneration, predominantly in the central tapetal fundus, was found in all dogs, and severity of changes varied with age of the dog. Plasma, serum, and tissue concentrations of vitamin E were low in affected dogs (10 to 40% of control values). Lipofuscin accumulation was found on microscopic examination in retinal pigment epithelium, smooth muscle ...
Evaluation of a portable clinical analyzer in a veterinary hospital setting. Evaluation of a portable clinical analyzer for determination of blood gas tensions, electrolyte and glucose concentrations, and Hct in a hospital setting. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: 50 dogs, 50 cats, and 28 horses, all clinically normal. Methods: Blood samples were analyzed on a portable clinical analyzer to determine concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, BUN, glucose, and ionized calcium and values of Hct, pH, PCO2, and PO2. Values obtained were compared with those obtained from the same blood samples, using a standard automatic analyzer (serum sodium, potassium, chloride, ...
Asymmetry in placement of bilateral skin markers on horses and effects of asymmetric skin marker placement on kinematic variables. To evaluate asymmetry in placement of bilateral skin markers on horses and to determine effect of asymmetric skin marker placement on kinematic variables for trotting horses. Methods: 10 horses for evaluation of asymmetry in marker placement; 1 horse for evaluation of effects on kinematic variables. Methods: Asymmetry in marker placement was assessed by attaching markers to horses and comparing radiographs of left and right limbs. An experimental model was developed to determine effects on kinematic variables; accuracy of the model was validated experimentally. Using kinematic data from a clin...
Associations between physical examination, laboratory, and radiographic findings and outcome and subsequent racing performance of foals with Rhodococcus equi infection: 115 cases (1984-1992). To determine whether physical examination, laboratory, or radiographic abnormalities in foals with Rhodococcus equi infection were associated with survival, ability to race at least once after recovery, or, for foals that survived and went on to race, subsequent racing performance. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 49 Thoroughbreds and 66 Standardbreds admitted to 1 of 6 veterinary teaching hospitals between 1984 and 1992 in which R equi infection was positively diagnosed. Methods: Results of physical examination, laboratory testing, and thoracic radiography were reviewed. Indices of raci...
Cutaneous lymphoma with extensive periarticular involvement in a horse. Two months after colic surgery, subcutaneous masses were found on the ventral and lateral portions of the thorax of a 3-year-old Hanoverian-cross filly. Six months later, the filly was admitted for evaluation of severe lameness. Arthrocentesis of the tarsocrural joint yielded clotted sanguineous material; however, unusual multinucleated giant cells were seen. Radiography of the right tarsus revealed soft tissue opacity and degenerative joint disease. The filly was euthanatized to prevent further suffering. At necropsy, multiple soft-tissue masses were located throughout the fascial planes of t...
[Experiences with spermatic cord ligation as a method of castration in the stallion. The surgical castration of the testicle in situ appears to be of value]. In 22 stallions the surgically prepared spermatic cord was crushed and ligated. Preoperative and postoperative plasma-testosterone concentrations were measured and 60 days after surgery a HCG-stimulation test was carried out in 12 horses. In these 12 horses the testosterone production had ceased. In all 22 horses the wounds healed by primary intention. Ligation of the spermatic cord is a castration technique without surgical complications, at least in this study.
Measurement of the lateral thoracic reflex latency in ponies. Lateral thoracic nerve reflex latencies values were measured in ponies using a simple, non-invasive technique. The reflex was elicited using an external triggering hammer attached to an electrodiagnostic unit. The resulting evoked, compound muscle action potentials were recorded with electrodes, which were placed over the 6th ribs or 11th rib level with the axilla. Two superimposed repeats of 4 signal-averaged sweeps of 50 or 100 milliseconds were recorded and the estimated reflex pathway was measured for each subject in order to calculate the reflex latencies and latency velocities. Mean left...
Histological study of the innervation of the suspensory ligament of the forelimb of the horse. The innervation pattern of the interosseus muscle of the forelimb was studied in two ponies and two horses. The nerves of the suspensory ligament were studied histologically after neurectomy of the ulnar and median nerve branches proximal to the carpal joint. The results demonstrated that the interosseus muscle is innervated by the deep branch of the lateral palmar nerve which emerges at the level of the midcarpal region and contains fibres from the ulnar and the median nerve. These findings provide evidence that an ulnar nerve block proximal to the accessory bone would fail to anaesthetise th...
Dysgerminoma in an Arabian filly. A yearling Arabian filly was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with a history of weight loss, profound anemia, and peritoneal effusion. At necropsy, a large, soft, mottled tan and red neoplastic mass was at the pelvic inlet replacing the left ovary. Additional tumor nodules of various sizes were disseminated throughout the mesentery, diaphragm, and serosal surfaces of the abdominal viscera. Histologically, the neoplasm had sheets of large round to polygonal cells separated into lobules by fibrous connective tissue with multifocal areas of necrosis. Tumor cells stained strong...
Review of furosemide in horse racing: its effects and regulation. Furosemide has been used empirically and has been legally approved for many years by the US racing industry for the control of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) or bleeding. Its use in horses for this purpose is highly controversial and has been criticized by organizations outside and inside of the racing industry. This review concentrates on its renal and extra-renal actions and the possible relationship of these actions to the modification of EIPH and changes in performance of horses. The existing literature references suggest that furosemide has the potential of increasing perfo...
Comparison of anion gap and strong ion gap as predictors of unmeasured strong ion concentration in plasma and serum from horses. To compare the accuracy of anion gap (AG) and strong ion gap (SIG) for predicting unmeasured strong ion concentration in plasma and serum from horses. Methods: 6 well-trained Standardbred horses undergoing high-intensity exercise (experimental study) and 78 horses and ponies that underwent i.v. administration of lactic acid or endotoxin, and endurance, submaximal, or high-intensity exercise. Methods: Anion gap was calculated as AG = (Na+ + K+) - (Cl- + HCO3-), and SIG was calculated, using the simplified strong ion model, whereby SIG (mEq/L) = 2.24 x total protein (g/dl)/(1 + 10(6.65-pH)) - AG...
Clinical appearances, healing patterns, risk factors, and outcomes of horses with fungal keratitis: 53 cases (1978-1996). To compare initial clinical appearances, healing mechanisms, risk factors, and outcomes of horses with fungal keratitis. Methods: Retrospective analysis. Methods: 52 horses (53 eyes) with fungal keratitis. Methods: Medical records and clinical photographs of eyes were reviewed. Keratomycoses were categorized on the basis of clinical appearance at initial examination and pattern of healing. Results: Five distinct forms of mycotic keratitis were recognized. Of 53 affected eyes, 34 (64%) retained sight and had varying degrees of corneal scarring after treatment, 6 (11%) had a cosmetic appearance ...
Paraneoplastic pruritus and alopecia in a horse with diffuse lymphoma. An 8-year-old castrated male Paint Horse was referred because of generalized pruritus, alopecia, and intermittent fever. Results of gross evaluation of the skin and microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings were inconclusive. Histologic examination of skin biopsy specimens revealed vasculitis. The horse had persistent hypercalcemia; therefore, lymphosarcoma was considered a possibility. Ultrasonography revealed hypoechoic nodules within the parenchyma of the spleen and liver. Results of microscopic evaluation of an aspirate from a splenic nodule were suggestive of lymphosarcoma. The condition o...
Use of metronidazole in equine acute idiopathic toxaemic colitis. Sixteen cases of acute idiopathic toxaemic colitis developed in a veterinary hospital over a period of three years. Before the onset of colitis, 15 horses had received antibiotics, 11 had undergone general anaesthesia and various surgical procedures, and 10 had been treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The horses had acute onset, profuse watery diarrhoea, profound depression, mild to moderate abdominal pain, reduced intestinal borborygmi, tachycardia, dehydration and endotoxic shock. Leucopenia, neutropenia and pyrexia were common early indicators of impending colitis. Metronida...
Concentrations of oxytocin in the intercavernous sinus of mares during luteolysis: temporal relationship with concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha. The reproductive tracts of nine thoroughbred mares were examined by ultrasound to determine the day of ovulation (day 0). Mares were fitted with intercavernous sinus cannulae on the day before the start of sample collection of pituitary venous effluent rich in oxytocin. Intercavernous sinus blood samples were collected for at least 36 h at 5 min intervals beginning at noon on day 13 (n = 2), day 15 (n = 5) or day 16 (n = 2) after ovulation. Concentrations of oxytocin and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) in plasma were determined by radioimmunoassay. Three high-magnitude surg...
