Topic:Clinical Pathology
Clinical pathology in horses involves the study and analysis of biological samples to diagnose and monitor diseases and health conditions. This discipline encompasses various laboratory tests and procedures that assess the physiological and biochemical status of equines. Common analyses include hematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, and cytology, each providing insights into different aspects of equine health. Hematology evaluates blood components, such as red and white blood cells and platelets, to identify conditions like anemia or infection. Biochemistry tests measure enzymes, electrolytes, and metabolites to assess organ function and metabolic status. Urinalysis examines urine samples for indicators of renal function and systemic diseases. Cytology involves the microscopic examination of cells from tissues or fluids to detect abnormalities. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, applications, and diagnostic value of clinical pathology in equine medicine.
Biochemical and Hematological Indexes of Liver Dysfunction in Horses. In the present review, the authors, based on the multiple functions performed by the liver, analyze the multiple biochemical and hematological changes as an expression of altered liver function in the horse. The liver performs important metabolic functions related to the synthesis, degradation, and excretion of various substances. Modification of these functions can be evaluated and diagnosed by determining serum concentrations of several serum analytes, including enzymes and other endogenous substances. Hepatocellular enzymes, such as sorbitol dehydrogenase-SDH and glutamate dehydrogenase-GLD...
Contribution of Hemogram Plan in the Horse’s Clinical Evaluation. The interpretation of the blood count is essential to help the equine clinician in the diagnosis, prognosis, patient management, and control of equine diseases. Hematologic alterations often reflect the condition of the individual or an overall response to a pathological situation. A thorough clinical examination of the patient is essential to correctly interpret the hematological results. The most common abnormalities in the erythrogram are mainly anemia and polycythemia. The frequent causes of anemia in horses are acute and chronic blood loss, hemolytic anemia, and anemia caused by chronic d...
Short-Term Survival and Postoperative Complications Rates in Horses Undergoing Colic Surgery: A Multicentre Study. The occurrence of colic could be influenced by the characteristics of a population, geographical area, and feeding management. The aim of this study was to report the short-term postoperative complications and survival rates and to identify factors that might affect the outcome of horses that underwent colic surgery in three Italian surgical referral centres. Data of horses subjected to colic surgery in three referral centres (2018-2021) were analysed. Comparisons of the outcomes were performed using a Mann-Whitney or a Chi square test. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) c...
Strangles in equines: An overview. Strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, is a highly infectious respiratory disease affecting horses and other equines. The disease is economically important and compromises the productivity of equine farm significantly. The disease is characterized by pyrexia, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and abscess formation in the lymph nodes of the head and neck of horses. The disease transmission occurs either directly by coming in contact with infectious exudates or indirectly via fomite transmission. Besides this, carrier animals are the primary and most problematic source of disease i...
Ex vivo evaluation of a technique for equine jejunocecal anastomosis using radiofrequency thermofusion and a Cushing oversew. To describe a technique for a side-to-side jejunocecal anastomosis in horses using radiofrequency thermofusion (TF) of the intestines supported by a Cushing oversew and to compare this anastomosis to handsewn and stapled techniques. Methods: Ex vivo study. Methods: Intestinal tracts from 24 slaughtered horses. Methods: A radiofrequency device was used to perform a jejunocecal anastomosis (Group RFA). The construction time and bursting pressure of this construct were compared with those of a hand-sewn double layer (Group HS) and stapled anastomoses (Group ST) without oversew of the staple line....
A Randomized, Self-Controlled Case Series Evaluating Core Osteostixis of Osseous Cyst-Like Lesions of the Navicular Bone to Improve Lameness in Horses with Podotrochlear Syndrome. Podotrochlear syndrome is a common cause of lameness in Quarter Horses involving both soft tissue and bony structures within the heel region. Current surgical treatment of podotrochlear syndrome addresses pathological changes affecting the soft tissue structures of the navicular region but does not address either edema or cyst-like lesions of the navicular bone. Unassigned: The objective of this randomized, self-controlled case series was to determine whether core osteostixis improved lameness in Quarter Horses with podotrochlear syndrome characterized by bilateral magnetic resonance imaging (...
Tulathromycin and Diclazuril Lack Efficacy against Theileria haneyi, but Tulathromycin Is Not Associated with Adverse Clinical Effects in Six Treated Adult Horses. Equine theileriosis, caused by and , leads to anemia, exercise intolerance, and occasionally, death. Theileriosis-free countries prohibit the importation of infected horses, resulting in significant costs for the equine industry. Imidocarb dipropionate is the only treatment for in the United States, but lacks efficacy against . The goal of this study was to assess the in vivo efficacy of tulathromycin and diclazuril against . Fourteen -infected horses were utilized. Six were treated with eight weekly 2.5 mg/kg doses of tulathromycin. Three were treated daily for eight weeks with 2.5 mg/kg di...
Development of a classification system for equine postoperative complications and its application in a cohort of 190 horses undergoing emergency laparotomy. Accurate reporting of postoperative complications is paramount to understanding procedural outcomes, comparing procedures and assuring quality improvement. Standardising definitions of complications in equine surgeries will improve the evidence of their outcomes. To this end, we proposed a classification for postoperative complications and applied it to a cohort of 190 horses undergoing emergency laparotomy. Methods: A classification system for postoperative complications in equine surgery was developed. Medical records of horses that underwent equine emergency laparotomy and recovered from an...
Molecular identification and genetic diversity of equine ocular setariasis in Thailand based on the COI, 12S rDNA, and ITS1 regions. Equine ocular setariasis is mainly caused by Setaria digitata, and the identification of this filarial nematode is based on morphology. However, morphological characterization alone is insufficient for the detection and differentiation of S. digitata from its congeners. In Thailand, the molecular detection of S. digitata is lacking and its genetic diversity is still unknown. This study aimed to phylogenetically characterize equine S. digitata from Thailand based on sequences derived from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), the mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal DNA (12S ...
Rhodococcus equi-What is New This Decade? Foals become infected shortly after birth; most develop subclinical pneumonia and 20% to 30% develop clinical pneumonia that requires treatment. It is now well established that the combination of screening programs based on thoracic ultrasonography and treatment of subclinical foals with antimicrobials has led to the development of resistant Rhodococcus equi strains. Thus, targeted treatment programs are needed. Administration of R equi-specific hyperimmune plasma shortly after birth is beneficial as foals develop less severe pneumonia but does not seem to prevent infection. This article provi...
Establishment of a sequential dual tracer 18 F-NaF/18 F-FDG PET protocol for imaging the equine foot. The combination of F-Sodium Fluoride ( F-NaF) and F-FluoroDeoxyGlucose ( F-FDG) for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the equine foot is appealing for detection of both osseous and soft tissue lesions in a single scan. As the combination of tracers could lead to a loss of information, a sequential approach, consisting in imaging with one tracer prior to injecting the second tracer, might be valuable. The goals of this prospective, methods comparison, exploratory study were to establish the order of tracer injection and timing for imaging. Six research horses were imaged under...
Rapid detection of alveolar echinococcosis in hepatic nodules of horses by recombinase polymerase amplification assay. Alveolar echinococcosis in slaughtered horses remains a public health issue. This study aimed to develop a Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay targeting the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 () gene of for the rapid detection of equine alveolar echinococcosis. Thirty-six hepatic solid nodules obtained from each horse (Â =Â 36) were evaluated based on histopathological examination and -targeted PCR and then submitted to the RPA assay. The results of the developed RPA assay were 94.4% consistent with those of PCR and Cohen's kappa coefficient value was 0.89 statistically,...
Correlation of Arthroscopic Grading and Optical Coherence Tomography as Markers of Early Repair and Predictors of Later Healing Evident on MRI and Histomorphometric Assessment of Cartilage Defects Implanted with Chondrocytes Overexpressing IGF-I. Injury of articular cartilage is common, and due to the poor intrinsic capabilities of chondrocytes, it can precipitate joint degradation and osteoarthritis (OA). Implantation of autologous chondrocytes into cartilaginous defects has been used to bolster repair. Accurate assessment of the quality of repair tissue remains challenging. This study aimed to investigate the utility of noninvasive imaging modalities, including arthroscopic grading and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for assessment of early cartilage repair (8 weeks), and MRI to determine long-term healing (8 months). Large (15 mm...
Development and Application of Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Salmonella Abortusequi. Salmonella enterica subsp. serovar Abortusequi is a major pathogen in horse and donkey herds, causing abortion in pregnant equids and resulting in enormous economic losses. A rapid and reliable method is urgently needed to detect . Abortusequi in herds where the disease is suspected. To achieve this goal, a TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay targeting the gene for the flagellin protein phase 2 antigen FljB was developed. This real-time PCR assay had high specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. The detection limit of the assay was 30 copies/μL of standard plasmid and 10 CFU/μL of bacter...
Concurrent measurement of serum and radiomic biomarkers in the clinical investigation of equine musculoskeletal injuries: A prospective pilot study. The prevention of musculoskeletal injuries and their related welfare and economic impacts represent an immediate priority for the horse racing industry. This prospective pilot study aimed to evaluate a method to quantitatively analyze scintigraphic features of specific anatomical regions of the horse's appendicular skeleton in combination with secondary measures of musculoskeletal metabolism in blood. Twelve horses referred for scintigraphic assessment of lameness were enrolled. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to the administration of radiotracer. Serum concentrations associate...
Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of orally administered acetaminophen (paracetamol) in adult horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia. Acetaminophen has been evaluated in horses for treatment of musculoskeletal pain but not as an antipyretic. Objective: To determine the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of acetaminophen compared to placebo and flunixin meglumine in adult horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia. Methods: Eight university owned research horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia. Methods: Randomized placebo controlled crossover study. Horses were treated with acetaminophen (30 mg/kg PO; APAP), flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, PO; FLU), and placebo (PO; PLAC) 2 hours after administration of LPS. Plasma ...
Hypoxia signaling in the equine small intestine: Expression and distribution of hypoxia inducible factors during experimental ischemia. Hypoxia inducible factors (HIF) are widely researched in human medicine for their role in different disease processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and distribution of HIF in experimental small intestinal ischemia in the horse. Unassigned: In 14 horses under general anesthesia, segmental jejunal ischemia with 90% reduction in blood flow was induced. The horses were randomly divided into two groups of seven horses, one subjected to ischemic postconditioning (IPoC) by delayed reperfusion, and a control group (group C) undergoing undelayed reperfusion. Intestinal sample...
Metacarpophalangeal Joint Pathology and Bone Mineral Density Increase with Exercise but Not with Incidence of Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fracture in Thoroughbred Racehorses. Proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fracture is the leading cause of fatal musculoskeletal injury in Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong and the US. Efforts are underway to investigate diagnostic modalities that could help identify racehorses at increased risk of fracture; however, features associated with PSB fracture risk are still poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate third metacarpal (MC3) and PSB density and mineral content using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT), Raman spectroscopy, and ash fraction measurements, and (2) investig...
Digital lamellar inflammatory signaling in an experimental model of equine preferential weight bearing. Supporting limb laminitis (SLL) is a complication of severe orthopedic disease in horses and is often life-limiting, yet the pathophysiology remains obscure. Objective: To investigate the role of digital lamellar inflammatory signaling in the pathophysiology of SLL using a model of unilateral weight bearing, hypothesizing that there would be evidence of lamellar inflammation in limbs subjected to the model. Methods: Thirteen healthy adult Standardbred horses were used for this study (11 geldings, 2 mares; mean age 6.5 ± 2.5 years; mean body weight 458.3 ± 32.8 kg). Methods: Randomized...
Effect of plasma transfusion on serum amyloid A concentration in healthy neonatal foals and foals with failure of transfer of passive immunity. Anecdotal evidence suggests plasma transfusions increase serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in healthy neonatal foals making this marker of inflammation inappropriate for therapeutic decision making in such animals. Objective: Administration of hyperimmune fresh frozen plasma (FFP) increases SAA concentration in healthy foals and in foals with failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). Methods: Eighty-six healthy foals. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Foals <24 hours of age receiving plasma transfusion for treatment of FTPI (serum immunoglobulin G [IgG] concentrations 8 g/L; nÂ...
Successful surgical removal of a pheochromocytoma in a mare via trans-costal approach. Pheochromocytomas have been previously reported in horses, but successful antemortem diagnosis and surgical removal without recurrence of clinical signs have not been described. Objective: To report the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, surgical technique, anaesthetic management and post-operative care of a mare diagnosed with pheochromocytoma. Methods: Clinical case report. Methods: An 18-year-old Quarter Horse mare presented for recurrent episodes of colic, profuse sweating, muscle fasciculations and agitation over a 2-month period. Clinical, clinicopathologic and ultrasonographi...
Evaluation of an Equine Nasogastric Intubation Model for Training Veterinary Students. Simulation in veterinary education is an important means of providing a safe, welfare-friendly way for students to hone their skills prior to performing procedures on live animals. Students may not get many chances to practice passing a nasogastric tube and checking for reflux in live horses during clinical rotations and extra-mural studies. A low-cost equine nasogastric intubation model was created at the University of Surrey, allowing students to practice passing a tube and checking for reflux. Thirty-two equine veterinarians evaluated the model for realism, and its potential usefulness in t...
Topical permethrin may increase blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) repellency but is associated with cutaneous irritation in horses. To evaluate the safety of repeated applications of permethrin concentrations (0% control, 1.5%, 5%, and 10%) to the necks and faces of horses and assess the efficacy and longevity of permethrin as an equine tick repellent. Methods: 5 healthy adult Quarter Horses. Methods: Each treatment was applied to the neck of each horse (0.01 m2) 4 times a day, for up to 10 days. An 8-mm biopsy was taken to evaluate postexposure dermal responses. Any treatments that were not withdrawn were applied to a quadrant of the horse's face 4 times a day, for up to 5 days. For tick bioassays, a treatment was applied...
Post-Mortem Computed Tomographic Features of the Most Caudal Lumbar Vertebrae, Anatomical Variations and Acquired Osseous Pathological Changes, in a Mixed Population of Horses. The radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic findings of horses with thoracolumbosacral pain have been previously reported. In this study, the computed tomographic appearance of anatomical variations and pathological changes of the equine caudal lumbar region through a post-mortem examination were investigated. A total of 40 horses that had died or were submitted for euthanasia, for reasons unrelated to the study, were included in the study. From all the specimens, the modified vertebral system was adopted to evaluate and describe the four most caudal lumbar vertebrae, which were numb...
Effects of dietary zinc chloride hydroxide and zinc methionine on the immune system and blood profile of healthy adult horses and ponies. The effects of dietary zinc on the immune function of equines have not been evaluated in detail so far. In the present study, eight healthy adult ponies and two healthy adult horses were fed a diet supplemented with either zinc chloride hydroxide or zinc methionine in six feeding periods of four weeks each (according to maintenance zinc requirement, 120 mg zinc/kg dry matter, and 240 mg zinc/kg dry matter, for both dietary zinc supplements, respectively). All animals received the six diets, with increasing amounts of zinc chloride hydroxide in the feeding periods 1-3, and with increasing a...
Identification of Heterotopic Mineralization and Adjacent Pathology in the Equine Fetlock Region by Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cone-Beam and Fan-Beam Computed Tomography. Heterotopic mineralization in equine distal limbs has been considered an incidental finding and little is known about its imaging features. The study aimed to identify heterotopic mineralization and adjacent pathology in the fetlock region with cone-beam (CB) computed tomography (CT), fan-beam (FB) CT, and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Images from 12 equine cadaver limbs were examined for heterotopic mineralization and adjacent pathology and verified by macro-examination. Retrospective review of the CBCT/MR images from 2 standing horses was also included. CBCT and FBCT identified...
Evaluation of Nasal Oxygen Administration at Various Flow Rates and Concentrations in Conscious, Standing Adult Horses. This study evaluated the effects of various flow rates and fractions of oxygen on arterial blood gas parameters and on the fraction of inspired oxygen (FO) delivered to the distal trachea. Oxygen was administered to 6 healthy, conscious, standing, adult horses via single nasal cannula positioned within the nasopharynx. Three flow rates (5, 15, 30 L/min) and fractions of oxygen (21, 50, 100%) were delivered for 15 minutes, each in a randomized order. FO was measured at the level of the nares and distal trachea. Adverse reactions were not observed with any flow rate. FO (nares and trachea) and P...
Serum amyloid A does not predict non-survival in hospitalised adult horses with acute colitis. Predicting non-survival in horses with acute colitis improves early decision making. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prognostic value of serum amyloid A (SAA) and other clinicopathological and clinical variables in adult horses with acute colitis. Clinical variables, SAA and other blood biomarkers, including plasma L-lactate (lactate), were assessed in 176 horses with acute colitis. A multivariate model for the prediction of non-survival was constructed. Icelandic horses were analysed separately. Admission SAA was similar in survivors (median 548 mg/L; range 0-5453 mg/L) and...