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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.
[Effect of flunixin meglumine on plasma prostanoid concentrations in horses with colic in the perioperative period]. In the present study the significance of eicosanoids in the development of shock in horses on the basis of ileus has been investigated using the prostanoids thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and prostaglandine E2 (PGE2) as indicators. The prostanoid synthesis inhibitor flunixin meglumine was to be examined regarding its efficacy in the effective blockade of the synthesis of these mediators within the peri-operative timeframe as well as its effects on clinical signs and laboratory parameters. 21 horses suffering from ileus and ready for surgical intervention received an intravenous flunixin dosis of 1.1 mg...
A scoring system for gastric ulcers in the horse. Five investigators familiar with gastric ulcer disease in horses met to establish a scoring system that could be utilised in future studies. Slides of gastric lesions were viewed and discussed and a scoring system established that required the nonglandular and glandular portions of the stomach to be graded separately. Each portion of the stomach (glandular and nonglandular) received a score for number of ulcers present and a score for severity of ulcers which resulted in each stomach receiving 4 separate scores. After the grading system was developed, each investigator independently graded 16 ...
Chronic colic in the mature horse: a retrospective review of 106 cases. The clinical features of 106 horses presenting with chronic colic examined over a 5 year period were reviewed. Chronic colic was defined as colic signs observed daily for 3 days or longer, except when masked by analgesics. The diagnosed causes of chronic colic included colonic impaction (31%), peritonitis (16%), enteritis/colitis (7%), colonic displacement/torsion (6%) and lymphosarcoma (4%). A variety of other diseases were diagnosed in a small number of cases, including intestinal adhesions, ileal obstructions, grass sickness, liver disease, caecal impactions, thromboembolic disease, intussu...
Technical validation of a face mask adapted for dry powder inhalation in the equine species. Development of dry powder inhalation (DPI) for horses requires the use of an adapted face mask. In experiment I, 4 masks (A, B, C and D) were tested and factors influencing the delivery of the dry powder were determined. Mask A was one which is commercially available for metered-dose inhalation. Mask B had the same shape as Mask A but an airtight rubber seal was added for the connection between the mask and horse's head. Mask C was a prototype adapted for DPI with connection for the DPI device between the nostrils, airtight expiratory valves in front of each nostril and airtight rubber seal to...
Quantification of antigen-specific antibody concentrations in tracheal lavage fluid of horses with summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease. To determine whether horses with summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD) have increased concentrations of antigen-specific IgG and IgE in tracheal lavage fluid, compared with values in clinically normal horses. Methods: 8 horses (6 females, 2 geldings; 6 Quarter Horses, 2 Appaloosas), 14 to 23 years old and with previous diagnosis of SPAOPD, served as the principal group; 8 horses (2 females, 6 geldings; 1 Quarter Horse, 7 Thoroughbreds), 6 to 9 years old, with no evidence of respiratory tract disease, served as the control group. Methods: Data were collected twice dur...
Computed tomographic evaluation of comminuted middle phalangeal fractures in the horse. Comminuted fractures of the middle phalanx have been well described in the horse. Choice of treatment, surgical planning and prognosis have traditionally been based upon evaluation of radiographs. However, the complex nature of comminuted fractures makes radiographic interpretation difficult. Computed tomography (CT) allows the production of cross-sectional images with spatial separation of structures which are superimposed on survey radiographs. This allows accurate assessment of the number and direction of fracture lines within the bone. In this paper we report the use of CT in the evaluatio...
Transient glucose malabsorption in two horses–fact or artefact? Two horses, presented for investigation of chronic weight loss despite normal to increased feed intake, had flat oral glucose absorption curves, suggesting malabsorption. The cause of the apparent malabsorption was not evident grossly or on light microscopic examination of the intestinal tract. Both horses survived long term and at follow-up examination had regained weight and their capacity to absorb glucose. These cases illustrate that flat glucose absorption curves may occur in horses with no obvious intestinal lesions, that they may revert to normal and that the results of these tests shou...
Evaluation of platelet activation and platelet-neutrophil aggregates in ponies with alimentary laminitis. To determine whether platelets are hyperaggregable or form platelet-neutrophil aggregates during the prodromal stages of acute laminitis of ponies. Methods: Healthy adult ponies: 8 experimental and 6 control. Methods: Acute laminitis was induced by oral administration of corn starch and wood flour to 8 ponies, and indices of platelet activation were evaluated. Blood samples were collected before and at 4, 8, 12, 24, 28, and 32 hours after carbohydrate administration, and PCV, total plasma protein concentration, platelet count, activated clotting time, whole blood recalcification time, spontane...
Clinical trial of moxidectin oral gel in horses. A clinical trial carried out over 98 days was done to evaluate treatment of horses with moxidectin gel for efficacy as measured by (1) reduction in the production of parasite ova post treatment, (2) a comparison of the posttreatment parasite egg count suppression of moxidectin to ivermectin, and (3) assessment of the field safety, animal acceptance of the moxidectin formulation, and the utility of the moxidectin delivery device. One hundred and fifty Standardbred horses with naturally acquired parasite infections were used in the study. Moxidectin had more prolonged and greater suppressive inf...
Detection of antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus in serum of horses with mycosis of the auditory tube diverticulum (guttural pouch). To detect antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus antigens in serum samples from horses and to evaluate the relevance of this method as an alternative approach to the diagnosis of mycosis of the auditory tube diverticulum (guttural pouch mycosis [GPM]). Methods: Twelve clinically normal horses (controls) and 12 horses with GPM diagnosed by endoscopic observation of characteristic mycotic plaques. Methods: Antibodies to A fumigatus antigens were detected in serum by use of an ELISA and immunoblot analysis with extracellular antigens. Results: Antibodies against A fumigatus antigens were found ...
Postmortem lesions in the intercarpal ligaments of the equine midcarpal joint. To determine the frequency of damage to the medial palmar intercarpal ligament (MPICL), and the range of sizes of the dorsomedial intercarpal ligament (DMICL) of the midcarpal joint in horses with no history of carpal joint disease. Methods: Cadaver limbs were collected from 72 horses with no history of carpal joint disease. One hundred and forty-two midcarpal joints were dissected and the MPICL and DMICL were examined. Measurements were made with a digital micrometer. Results: MPICL tearing was present in 88 of 96 joints from horses 2 years and older. Tears were predominantly of the dorsolate...
Immunohistochemical demonstration of African horse sickness viral antigen in formalin-fixed equine tissues. The distribution of viral antigen was studied in various tissues of three ponies, aged 3-4 years, infected experimentally with a virulent strain of African horse sickness virus (AHSV) serotype 4. Tissues were collected from the animals in the terminal stage of the peracute form of the disease and from one noninfected horse, included as a control. A polyclonal antibody with specificity for AHSV, plus the nonstructural protein NS2, was used in a sensitive avidin-biotin-peroxidase-complex (ABC) method performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. AHSV antigen was located primari...
Influence of the force applied and its period of application on the outcome of the flexion test of the distal forelimb of the horse. The influence of the force applied and its period of application on the outcome of the flexion test of the distal forelimb was investigated in a group of eight sound horses. The degree of lameness after the flexion test was scored by a standard clinical classification, and by measuring the angle of maximum fetlock extension by means of the infrared light-based MacReflex gait analysis system. There was a good correlation between the clinical score and this electronically recorded kinematic parameter (r = 0.96). Both the force applied and the period of application affected the outcome of the tes...
Complications associated with use of a one-hole subpalpebral lavage system in horses: 150 cases (1977-1996). To determine type and frequency of complications associated with use of a one-hole subpalpebral lavage (SPL) system in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 150 horses with 156 SPL systems. Methods: Signalment, primary complaint, method used for placement, time SPL system was in place, and complications were retrieved from medical records. Results: Complications were not associated with placement, maintenance, or removal of 66 of 156 (42%) SPL systems. A minor complication was reported in association with 53 (34%) SPL systems, and a serious complication was reported in association wit...
Field examination of the equine patient with nasal discharge. This article describes the field investigation of horses with nasal discharge (serous, purulent, blood and feed). Flow charts on how to evaluate affected horses, and photographs of the examination procedures and of horses affected with nasal discharge are included.
Variations in the force applied to flexion tests of the distal limb of horses. A pressure-sensitive device was developed to measure the force applied to flexion tests of the distal limb of horses. The mean force applied by a group of experienced clinicians was 150 N which results in a moment on the flexed fetlock joint of about 28.5 Nm. The coefficient of variation of the force applied by one experienced clinician was only about 12 per cent, but the coefficient of variation between clinicians was considerably higher (20 per cent), irrespective of whether the clinicians were considered to be experienced or not. The mean force applied by a group of women examiners (114 N) ...
Evaluation of the equine respiratory system using physical examination and endoscopy. Defining respiratory disease is not always easy in the horse because auscultation with accurate interpretation of lung sounds can be difficult. However, performing a thorough physical examination, including rebreathing auscultation and percussion of the thorax and sinuses, is very useful in elucidating the problem. Endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory system is also critical for definitively diagnosing certain conditions.
Techniques for sampling the respiratory tract of horses. Field diagnostic tests for respiratory diseases are constantly evolving. With each new application, equine patients with sinusitis, acute and chronic bacterial and fungal pneumonia SAID, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pleuropneumonia or poor performance are managed with greater proficiency. All of these problems can be investigated adequately in the field. This article is a guide to sampling techniques relevant to the ambulatory clinician.
Cytology of the respiratory tract. Cytology can be a rewarding diagnostic technique in equine practice. The respiratory tract readily lends itself to sampling for cytologic evaluation from the upper to lower regions of the system. This article discusses preservation and staining techniques that will allow the practitioner to present satisfactory samples to the laboratory. General considerations for cytologic analysis are discussed as well as the specific findings for individual disorders of the respiratory tract. The proper use of cytologic findings in conjunction with other diagnostic techniques for the respiratory tract are a...
Advanced diagnostic imaging modalities available at the referral center. While many equine diagnostic imaging procedures can be done in field, some procedures require specialized facilities, equipment or expertise which are generally only available in referral or specialty practices. As client awareness of the availability and advantages of these diagnostic procedures increases, veterinarians are faced with the increasing opportunity to utilize these services to provide optimal patient care. A working knowledge of the value and limitations of these methods is required to help guide veterinarians and clients in the selection of additional, and sometimes costly, diag...
Poor performance and field evaluation of the respiratory system. A thorough examination of the respiratory system is an important part of the work-up for poor performance in horses. This article provides a systematic approach to field evaluation of horses with poor performance due to respiratory system dysfunction. The information is organized to help the reader evaluate pertinent historical and physical examination findings so that a list of differential diagnoses can be generated. Also, pertinent ancillary diagnostic modalities that can help further characterize and localize causes for respiratory dysfunction in horses presented for poor performance are d...
Immune therapy in respiratory disease. Pharmacologic manipulation of pulmonary immunity plays an important role in primary and adjunct therapy for equine respiratory disease. Frequent exposure to respiratory viral pathogens, strenuous exercise, long distance transport, and inhalation of harmful substances destroy various aspects of the pulmonary defense system and predispose performance horses to development of infectious and noninfectious respiratory disease. Pulmonary immunity may be bolstered by nonspecific immunostimulants to combat primary or secondary immunodeficiency. State of the art technology improves active and passive-s...
Effect of pentoxifylline, flunixin meglumine, and their combination on a model of endotoxemia in horses. To compare effects of a single dose of pentoxifylline (PTX), flunixin meglumine (FM), and their combination (FM/PTX) in a model of equine endotoxemia. Methods: 24 healthy horses, aged 2 to 15 years. Methods: 4 groups (n = 6/group) received 30 ng of Escherichia coli O55:B5 endotoxin/kg of body weight, i.v., over 30 minutes, and 1 of the following preparations 15 minutes before and 8 hours after endotoxin infusion: FM, 1.1 mg/kg; PTX, 8 mg/kg; FM/PTX, 1.1 mg of FM and 8 mg of PTX/kg; and saline solution bolus (ENDO). Clinical and hematologic variables were measured over 24 hours. Results: Compar...
Hypereosinophilia in a horse with intestinal lymphosarcoma. Paraneoplastic eosinophilia is reported in dogs, cats, and humans. Hypereosinophilia (an eosinophil count greater than 1.5 x 10(9) L) is often associated with metastasis and a poor prognosis. This report describes a case of paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia in a pony. Neoplasia should be included in the differential diagnoses in a horse with eosinophilia.
Multiple vertebral osteochondrosis in a foal. No abstract available
