Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
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.
Coagulation profiles of healthy Andalusian donkeys are different than those of healthy horses. Coagulation disorders are frequently diagnosed, especially in hospitalized equidae, and result in increased morbidity and mortality. However, hemostatic reference intervals have not been established for donkeys yet. Objective: To determine whether the most common coagulation parameters used in equine practice are different between healthy donkeys and horses. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy donkeys and 29 healthy horses. Methods: Blood samples were collected to assess both coagulation and fibrinolytic systems by determination of platelet count, fibrinogen concentration, clotting times (prothrombi...
The evaluation of selected parameters of cellular nonspecific immunity in normal and allergic horses. The main aim of this study was to compare selected nonspecific immunity parameters in 14 allergic and 12 healthy horses. Each animal was assessed according to the following parameters: in vitro functional capacity of phagocytic cells using the nitro blue tetrazolium chloride reduction test, both spontaneous (NBT) and zymozan stimulated (NBTs), and ingestion capacity of phagocytic cells using a phagocytic index test (IF) and percentage of phagocytosing neutrophils activity (%KF). Differences were demonstrated between the group of allergic horses, especially with severe allergy symptoms, and hea...
Field study on the efficacy of an oral 2% ivermectin formulation in horses. Twenty horses naturally infected with nematodes were included in a blind, controlled field study on efficacy and safety of an oral 2% ivermectin formulation at a dose of 0.2 mg.kg(-1). Horses were divided into treated and non-treated (control) groups with ten animals each based on preliminary counts of eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Stool samples were collected after treatment for identification of nematode species. Clinical evaluations and EPG counts were performed on days 0, +5, +14 and +19. Nineteen nematode species were identified: Coronocyclus ulambajari, Craterostomum acuticaudatum, Cyath...
Magnetic resonance imaging in foals with infectious arthritis. The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of foals with infectious and noninfectious arthritis are described. Six foals with infectious arthritis and three foals with noninfectious arthritis were grouped based on synovial fluid analysis results and examined with radiography and MR imaging. Four out of six foals with infectious arthritis had osseous lesions in MR images indicative of osteomyelitis and only 4/19 lesions were detected on digital radiographs. The three foals with noninfectious arthritis had no osseous lesions in MR images or radiographically. Of the six joints that had osseous ...
Comparison of radiographic and scintigraphic findings of the spinous processes in the equine thoracolumbar region. Back pain is common in horses, but there has been no large-scale in-depth study describing radiographic changes of the spinous processes, the relationship between radiographic and scintigraphic findings, and the effect of size, age, breed, or discipline. The objectives were to investigate the frequency of occurrence in horses with perceived back pain of: (1) radiographic alteration of the spinous process structure; (2) increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) in the spinous processes; and (3) to compare radiographic and scintigraphic findings; and to determine if there was breed, gender, age...
Comparison of owner-reported health problems with veterinary assessment of geriatric horses in the United Kingdom. Previous studies suggest that owners underestimate or incorrectly recognise or report health problems in geriatric horses. However, few studies have directly compared owner-reported and veterinary assessed disease. Objective: To compare the findings of veterinary clinical examination of geriatric horses with owner-reported clinical signs and disease. Methods: A total of 200 horses aged ≥ 15 years were randomly selected to receive a veterinary examination, from responses to a cross-sectional postal questionnaire survey. Veterinary examinations were performed within 2 months of questionnaire r...
Increased plasma fructosamine concentrations in laminitic horses. The use of plasma fructosamine concentration ([fructosamine]) as a marker of abnormal glucose homeostasis in laminitic horses has not been investigated. Objective: Plasma fructosamine concentration may be higher amongst laminitic horses than normal horses; this might relate to underlying insulin resistance. Objective: 1) To compare [fructosamine] between laminitic and normal horses. 2) To investigate associations between [fructosamine] at presentation in laminitic horses with a) single sample markers of insulin resistance and b) outcome. Methods: Plasma fructosamine concentration, fasting seru...
Management and outcome of fractures of the distal phalanx: a retrospective study of 285 horses with a long term outcome in 223 cases. A multicentre study of 285 cases was performed to enhance the management of distal phalangeal fractures on the basis of clinical evidence. The outcome after treatment was available for 223 of the cases. Horses with a non-articular type I fracture had a better prognosis (91.7%) for return to original or expected level of use than horses with an articular type II or III fracture (69.6% and 74.1%, respectively). The prognosis for types IV and V fractures was fair (57.7% and 57.1%, respectively) and for type VI good (80%). Horses with a hindlimb fracture had a significantly greater chance of a suc...
Magnetic resonance imaging and histological findings in the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament of forelimbs in nonlame horses. Detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological appearances of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament (PSL) in the forelimb of nonlame horses have not been previously documented. Objective: 1) to describe detailed anatomy of the PSL, 2) describe high- and low-field MRI and histological appearances of the PSL and surrounding structures in the forelimb of horses with no carpal or proximal metacarpal pain, 3) assess the relationship between age, breed, gender, height, bodyweight and MRI findings and 4) describe the histological appearance of the PSL and compare this with MRI fi...
Maternal dexamethasone treatment in late gestation induces precocious fetal maturation and delivery in healthy Thoroughbred mares. The foal requires an active hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis for organ maturation and post natal survival. Prenatal administration of synthetic glucocorticoids may provide an effective method for inducing fetal maturation safely in the mare. Objective: To determine whether dexamethasone administered to late pregnant mares: 1) will induce fetal maturation and precocious delivery; 2) is safe to use and 3) to identify endocrine responses in the mare and foal. Methods: Pregnant Thoroughbred mares received either 100 mg dexamethasone i.m. (treated n = 5) or 50 ml saline i.m. (control n = 5)...
Comparisons of computed tomography, contrast enhanced computed tomography and standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging in horses with lameness localised to the foot. Part 1: anatomic visualisation scores. To date, few reports exist comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) for imaging of the equine distal limb, yet clinicians are required to decide which modality to use regularly. Objective: To report and compare anatomic visualisation scores obtained for CT, contrast enhanced CT (CECT) and standing low-field MRI (LFMRI) in the equine foot. Objective: Anatomic visualisation score discrepancies would exist between CT, CECT and LFMRI. Methods: Images of 22 lame horses (31 limbs) undergoing both CT and LFMRI of the foot were reviewed. When available, CECT images were ...
Altered systolic left ventricular function in horses completing a long distance endurance race. It is unknown whether or not exercise-induced cardiac fatigue (EICF), as demonstrated in human athletes performing long duration exercise, occurs in endurance horses. Objective: To examine the effects of a long distance endurance race on left ventricular systolic function in horses. Methods: Echocardiography was performed before, and after, a 2 or 3 star international endurance race (106-132 km) in 11 horses. Systolic (s) and diastolic (d) interventricular and left ventricular free wall thickness (IVS and LVFW, respectively), left ventricular, left atrial and aortic internal diameter (LVID, LA...
Cardiac arrhythmias in clinically healthy showjumping horses. Electrocardiographic reference values of clinically normal horses during exercise are a prerequisite when evaluating horses with poor performance or horses presented with cardiac abnormalities (e.g. valvular regurgitation). No published studies have reported cardiac rhythms of clinically normal showjumping horses. Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) in normal horses during showjumping and also to document the prevalence and frequency of arrhythmias in association with exercise. Methods: Thirty-four healthy showjumping horses aged 4-13 years (...
Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilisation on trunk flexibility and stiffness in horses: a randomised clinical trial. Spinal mobilisation and spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) are being applied to horses; however, there are limited objective measures of their effects on spinal mobility or stiffness in actively ridden horses. Objective: To quantify passive spinal movements induced during dorsoventral mobilisation of the trunk and to identify any potential effects of SMT on measures of spinal mobility within the thoracolumbar region in standing horses. We hypothesise that displacement amplitudes will be significantly increased across vertebral levels after SMT, compared to spinal mobilisation only within the co...
Tenosynovitis of the carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons associated with tears of the radial head of the deep digital flexor: observations in 11 horses. Tears of the radial head of the deep digital flexor (DDF) have not previously been documented. Objective: To describe the presentation, clinical, ultrasonographic and tenoscopic features associated with tears of the radial head of the DDF and to report the results of treatment. Objective: Tears of the radial head of the DDF cause lameness and distension of the carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons. Removal of disrupted tissue that is extruded into the sheath can result in clinical resolution and restoration of function. Methods: Case records and diagnostic images of horses in which teari...
Prevalence of exercise-associated arrhythmias in normal performing dressage horses. Exercise-associated arrhythmias are important differentials when evaluating poor performance sport horses. However, most studies of arrhythmias have been conducted in racehorses and therefore there is a paucity of knowledge concerning the prevalence and significance of exercise-associated arrhythmias in riding horses. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of arrhythmias, particularly supraventricular premature complex (SVPCs) and ventricular premature complex (VPCs), associated with exercise in normal performing dressage horses. Methods: In total, 21 normal perfo...
Endurance veterinarians detect physiologically compromised horses in a 160 km ride. This study investigated the physiology of endurance horses competing in warm weather over technical terrain, a situation where horses may become metabolically compromised. Objective: There will be changes in physiological, haematological and biochemical variables as horses progress through the 160 km ride and horses detected clinically at the veterinary inspections as metabolically compromised will have significant differences in measured laboratory variables compared to horses that complete the ride successfully. Methods: Forty-eight horses competing in the Australian Tom Quilty 160 km endura...
Multiple congenital ocular anomalies in Icelandic horses. Multiple congenital ocular anomalies (MCOA) syndrome is a hereditary congenital eye defect that was first described in Silver colored Rocky Mountain horses. The mutation causing this disease is located within a defined chromosomal interval, which also contains the gene and mutation that is associated with the Silver coat color (PMEL17, exon 11). Horses that are homozygous for the disease-causing allele have multiple defects (MCOA-phenotype), whilst the heterozygous horses predominantly have cysts of the iris, ciliary body or retina (Cyst-phenotype). It has been argued that these ocular defects...
Optimum conditions for serum clearance of iodixanol, applicable to the estimation of glomerular filtration rate in horses. To estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in horses, an optimum dose of the nonionic contrast medium iodixanol as a tracer was assessed with blood-sample times. Iodixanol was administered intravenously at 10-40 mg I/kg to geldings and mares, and blood was collected 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min later. Serum iodixanol concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and serum urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine concentrations were also measured. The combination of 20 mg I/kg iodixanol and sampling times of 60, 90, and 120 min after injection was considered...
Efficacy of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin in severe aplastic anemia. A combination of horse anti-thymocyte globulin and cyclosporine produces responses in 60-70% of patients with severe aplastic anemia. We performed a phase II study of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin and cyclosporine as first-line therapy for severe aplastic anemia. Methods: Twenty patients with severe aplastic anemia treated with rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin were compared to 67 historical control cases with matched clinical characteristics treated with horse anti-thymocyte globulin. Results: Response rates at 3, 6 and 12 months were similar for patients treated with rabbit anti-thymocyte glob...
Endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct in ten horses. No endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct has been described before. In contrast with other imaging techniques, endoscopy provides a direct inspection of the intralumen and ductal mucosa in standing sedation. Objective: To provide a reference against which the endoscopic and clinical features of obstructive nasolacrimal disease in the horse may be compared. Methods: Endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct was performed in 10 French Thoroughbred bay mares with a 3 mm shaft diameter flexible fibrescope. The duct was divided into 3 zones (1, 2 and 3) from the nostril to the lacri...
Positive contrast magnetic resonance bursography for assessment of the navicular bursa and surrounding soft tissues. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is often performed to determine the cause of palmar heel pain. We evaluated how distension of the navicular bursa affected the MR appearance of the navicular bursa and associated structures. An MR evaluation was performed on normal cadaver limbs and cadaver limbs from horses with lameness localized to the foot. The normal navicular bursae were injected with 2, 4, or 6 ml of solution. The bursae of the feet from lame horses were injected with 4 or 6 ml, and the MR study was repeated. All bursae were examined grossly to verify the presence or absence of adhesions....
Fractures of the distal phalanx and associated soft tissue and osseous abnormalities in 22 horses with ossified sclerotic ungual cartilages diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging. Ungual cartilage ossification in the forelimb is a common finding in horses. Subtle abnormalities associated with the ungual cartilages can be difficult to identify on radiographs. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of 22 horses (23 forelimbs) with a fracture of the distal phalanx and ossified ungual cartilage were characterized and graded. All horses had a forelimb fracture. Eleven involved a left forelimb (seven medial; four lateral), and 12 involved a right forelimb (five medial; seven lateral). All fractures were nonarticular, simple in configuration, and nondisplaced. The fractures ...
Evaluation of the Perkins handheld applanation tonometer in horses and cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate and validate the accuracy of the Perkins handheld applanation tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in horses and cattle. Both eyes of 10 adult horses and cattle were evaluated in a postmortem study. The eyes from 10 clinically normal adult horses and cattle were also examined after bilateral auriculopalpebral nerve block and topical anesthesia for an in vivo study. IOP was measured postmortem using direct manometry (measured with an aneroid manometer) and tonometry (measured with a Perkins handheld applanation tonometer). The correlatio...
Clinical Evaluation of Xylazine-Butorphanol-Guaifenesin-Ketamine as Short-Term TIVA in Equines. Xylazine (1.1 mg/kg), butorphanol (0.02 mg/kg), guaifenesin 5% (20 mg/kg), and ketamine (2.2 mg/kg) combinations were able to induce short-term surgical anaesthesia for 23.33 ± 2.57 min in Spiti ponies with excellent to good muscle relaxation and analgesia. Urination and neighing was a constant feature during recovery period. Biphasic P wave, biphasic T wave, and depressed PR segment were common electrocardiographic findings. Biochemical attributes were within physiological limits except a significant increase in ALT values during anaesthesia. The values returned to normal during re...
A survey of health care and disease in geriatric horses aged 30 years or older. This study reports on aspects of preventive health care and on the prevalence of disease in geriatric (≥30 years old) horses and ponies in North-West England and North Wales. Of 128 questionnaires mailed to horse owners, 87 useable responses were received and 69 horses were subject to veterinary examination. Of the animals examined, 16% were underweight with body condition scores (BCS)3/5). This contrasted with the owner responses that reported 23% of the animals surveyed to be underweight and only 3% to be overweight. When assessed at trot, 77% of the horses were lame on at least one limb, ...
