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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.
A survey of horses with acute diarrhoea: diagnosis, assessment of the prognosis, and comparison of two antibiotic therapies. Twenty horses, ponies, and foals referred with acute diarrhoea were divided at random into two treatment groups. One group was treated intravenously with trimethoprim/ sulfadiazine and the other group with ampicillin/gentamicin. Both groups were given the same standardized symptomatic therapy. All animals were evaluated clinically and 5 variables (general impression, heart rate, rectal temperature, appetite, and consistency of the faeces) were estimated on a five point scale (0-4). Jugular blood samples were taken at admittance and at regular intervals for routine screening. Three blood variab...
Skeletal origins of exercise intolerance in horses. Skeletal origins of exercise intolerance and performance failure can reside in multiple tissues. Diagnosis of injury that results in an ability to continue to exercise, yet inefficiently do so, requires familiarity with evaluation of subtle lameness and often with the specific demands of the different equine sports. Imaging is usually vital to diagnosis development and understanding of lesion influences on locomotion. Therapy is lesion dependent. Return to competitive exercise and performance is dictated by an understanding of skeletal tissue response to injury, rational progressive treatment,...
Pharmacokinetics of flunixin meglumine in healthy foals less than twenty-four hours old. To determine pharmacokinetic variables that describe the disposition of flunixin after i.v. administration of flunixin meglumine to foals < 24 hours old. Methods: 6 healthy foals, 2 males and 4 females (mean age, 11.6 hours; range, 6 to 22.5 hours). Methods: Flunixin (as flunixin meglumine) was administered to foals at a dosage of 1.1 mg/kg of body weight. Flunixin concentration in plasma samples was analyzed, using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Concentration versus time profiles were analyzed according to standard pharmacokinetic techniques. Blood samples were obtained from foals by j...
Direct detection of equine herpesvirus DNA in tissues of aborted equine fetuses. Restriction endonuclease analysis of equine herpesviruses 1 (EHV-1) and 4 has been investigated using cultured cells infected with these viruses. The DNA cleavage patterns of these viruses were observed in the intracellular DNA after digestion with Eco RI and electrophoresis. This procedure was applied to the diagnosis of equine herpesvirus infection in aborted equine fetuses. The characteristic Eco RI restriction pattern of EHV-1 DNA was directly detectable in the emulsion of lungs collected from aborted equine fetuses.
Endodontic therapy and surgical excision of a chronic suppurative osteomyelitic lesion in a horse: a case report. A 22-year-old thoroughbred gelding was presented for evaluation and treatment of chronic dental disease. The horse had a history of quidding and abnormal bite behavior. Intraoral examination revealed signs of chronic generalized gingival inflammation and severe dental caries affecting the maxillary and mandibular incisor teeth. Treatment was provided on two separate visits over an interval of four months. The first visit consisted of the surgical extraction of three unrestorable incisor teeth and restoration of six carious maxillary incisor teeth. The second visit consisted of conventional end...
Measurement of extravascular lung water by the double indicator dilution method using heat and sodium in horses under general anesthesia. Rapid infusion is believed to be harmful to the lung, however, the pathological status of pulmonary edema resulting from excessive fluid therapy in horses has not been clarified because the quantitative diagnosis of pulmonary edema is impossible. To evaluate the precision of the double indicator dilution method using heat and sodium in horses, which allows the quantitative diagnosis of pulmonary edema, we compared extravascular lung water volume measured using a lung water computer based on the theory of the double indicator dilution method with that determined by the direct method. The value ...
Pharmacokinetics and haematological parameters of recombinant human erythropoietin after subcutaneous administrations in horses. The pharmacokinetics of recombinant human Epo (rHuEpo) were investigated after subcutaneous administration to horses. Four horses received a single 30IU kg-1 dose of rHuEpo. One horse received three repeated doses of 120 IU kg-1 at 48 h intervals. Plasma erythropoietin (Epo) was measured by radioimmunoassay. In both cases pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated using a one-compartment open model and first-order input and output rates. The mean values (+/-SD) for elimination half-life, CL/F, and Vd/F after a single dose were 12.9 +/- 3.34 h, 11.8 +/- 4.96 L h-1, and 233 +/- 126 L, respectivel...
Cardiovascular causes of exercise intolerance. Exercise intolerance, due to cardiovascular disease in horses, may be caused by cardiac arrhythmias, valvular regurgitation, congenital abnormalities, myocardial dysfunction, pericardial disease, and vascular thrombosis. The most common cardiovascular cause of exercise intolerance in horses is atrial fibrillation. Cardiovascular abnormalities such as cardiac arrhythmias or murmurs, however, are common in athletic horses and are not always associated with exercise intolerance. Use of an electrocardiography (during rest and exercise) and echocardiography may be necessary to better determine the ...
[Immunopathology of Borna disease in the horse: clinical, virological and neuropathologic findings]. Tissues from nine horses and one donkey suffering from natural Borna disease were investigated. Clinically, all animals demonstrated progressive reduced mentation and aggravating gait disturbances. During the clinical course anorexia and progressive loss of proprioception were observed. Cranial nerve failure was accompanied by signs of pharyngeal paralysis, sialorrhea, bruxism, and by blindness. Virologically, infectious virus was detected in the brain of all animals investigated but was not found regularly in all areas of the brain. However, in all cases, infectivity was found in the thalamus...
Collagen fiber organization is related to mechanical properties and remodeling in equine bone. A comparison of two methods. We studied birefringence as an indicator of collagen fiber orientation in the diaphysis of the equine third metacarpal bone. We had previously shown that tissue from the lateral cortex of this bone is stronger monotonically, but less fatigue resistant, than tissue from the medial and dorsal regions. To learn whether collagen fiber orientation might play a role in this regional specialization, we tested three hypotheses using the same specimens: (1) collagen fiber orientation is regionally dependent; (2) remodeling changes collagen fiber orientation; (3) longitudinal collagen fibers correlate p...
Muscular causes of exercise intolerance in horses. The muscular system of the horse is remarkable in its athletic scope and capacity to adapt to the demands placed on it. Muscular fatigue often causes exercise intolerance in horses as a primary muscular dysfunction or secondary to abnormalities in other integrated systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, or skeletal system. This article reviews basic muscular physiology leading to a discussion of the physiologic causes of muscular fatigue. In addition, a review of pathologic muscle disorders such as muscle strains and exertional myopathies that lead to poor performance is provided.
Distribution of penicillins into subcutaneous tissue chambers in ponies. The distribution of penicillins into a tissue chamber implanted subcutaneously in ponies was studied. Ampicillin sodium (equivalent to 15 mg/kg ampicillin) was administered intravenously. Pivampicillin, a prodrug of ampicillin, was administered by nasogastric tube to fed ponies at a dose of 19.9 mg/kg (equivalent to 15 mg/kg ampicillin). Procaine penicillin G was administered intramuscularly at a dose of 12 mg/kg (equivalent to 12000 IU/kg). Six ponies were used for each medication. Antibiotic concentrations in plasma and tissue chamber fluid (TCF) were measured for 24 h after administration. ...
Discospondylitis in an adult horse. Discospondylitis, of presumed bacterial origin, was diagnosed in an adult thoroughbred racehorse. The clinical signs were vague and associated with abnormal mobility of the neck and forelimbs. Clinical pathology showed only a non-specific inflammatory response. A scintigraphic examination revealed the site of the lesion and the diagnosis was confirmed by the identification of radiographic changes affecting two thoracic vertebrae. A prolonged course of antimicrobial agents produced a complete recovery and the horse returned to full athletic use.
Treatment of a comminuted frontal-plane fracture of the distal phalanx in a horse. Successful treatment of a comminuted frontal plane fracture of the distal phalanx in a horse is described. The bone fractured through the solar canal, close to the insertion of the deep digital flexor tendon. A hoof case was used to reduce bending and tensile stresses on the solar surface by limiting expansion of the hoof wall during weightbearing. In addition, the heel was elevated, using 3 degrees wedge pads incorporated within the hoof cast, to reduce distraction at the fracture site caused by the pull of the deep digital flexor tendon. Two casts were used over a 4-month period. Complete ra...
Pathomorphological findings in a case of onychomycosis of a racehorse. The hooves of a racehorse which were affected with white line disease and hoof wall disorders on both forelimbs were histopathologically investigated using thin ground section and standard paraffin section techniques. On both hooves, large quantities of fungus were found to have invaded the white line tissues, especially in the terminal horn which were markedly damaged. The fungus was also present among the cellular debris in the fissures of horny tissues. The morphological characteristics of the fungus were brown (its natural color), PAS-positive, mold-like shape with septa inside the tissues...
The role of computed tomography in evaluation of subchondral osseous lesions in seven horses with chronic synovitis. Seven horses with severe, persistent lameness of sudden onset were evaluated with scintigraphy and/or computed tomography. The lameness was localised to the front fetlock joint in 2 horses and to the tibiotarsal joint in 5 horses. Five of the horses had a history of intra-articular injections of the involved joint prior to presentation. All horses had effusion of the affected joint and were positive to flexion tests. Intraarticular anaesthesia eliminated or improved the lameness in 4 cases and a nerve conduction block proximal to the affected joint improved the lameness in another. Cytology ex...
Chronic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in a horse with Cushing’s syndrome. An atypical case of chronic equine bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with an unusual hyphal morphology was diagnosed in a horse with Cushing's syndrome. Because of the hyphal localization in chronic ectatic bronchi and bronchioles, and juxtabronchiolar processes, the observed type of aspergillosis is similar to 'saprophytic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis' or 'semi-invasive pulmonary aspergillosis' in humans. The aetiological diagnosis of aspergillosis was accomplished by the application of a panel of monospecific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies in immunohistochemical techniques.
Evaluation of pulse oximetry in anaesthetised foals using multiple combinations of transducer type and transducer attachment site. A commercially available pulse oximeter was evaluated in anaesthetised foals to determine its accuracy for estimating arterial haemoglobin saturation (SaO2). Five different transducer/transducer attachment site (TTAS) combinations were evaluated; 1-3) a fingertip transmission transducer attached to the foal's ear, lip and tongue, 4) an adhesive transmission transducer positioned on the foal's ear and 5) a forehead reflectance transducer placed on the ventral aspect of the foal's tail-base. Eight normal, Quarter Horse foals (age 5-10 days) were studied while under general anaesthesia. Alteratio...
Atypical villonodular synovitis in a horse. A 4-year-old sexually intact male Standardbred trotter was evaluated for left forelimb lameness. A presumptive diagnosis of severe cartilage damage was made because the horse had a history of infectious arthritis involving the left metacarpophalangeal joint. Arthroscopic evaluation revealed what was presumed to be a large villonodular lesion. The mass was surgically removed, and the horse was treated with procaine penicillin G, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, phenylbutazone, and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans and eventually returned to racing. Histologic examination of the mass revealed a bed ...
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in two horses. This report contains the clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic findings in two cases of equine cutaneous leishmaniasis. Nodular, sometimes crusty or ulcerated lesions were confined to the pinna and adjacent neck in both animals. The dermal inflammatory infiltrate was lymphohistiocytic in horse No. 1 and pyogranulomatous with formation of tuberculoid granulomas in horse No. 2. Numerous Leishmania organisms were found within macrophages in both animals. There was moderate to intense and specific reaction by immunoperoxidase using a polyclonal antiserum against Leish...
Multiple peripheral nerve sheath tumors in the small intestine of a horse. Multiple neurofibromas, schwannomas, and hyperplastic enteric plexuses were observed in the distal jejunum and ileum of a 6-year-old pinto gelding. The animal was presented because of an acute episode of colic. Three meters of distal small intestine, partially incarcerated in the epiploic foramen, were surgically removed. Numerous tumor nodules up to 10 mm in diameter were found adjacent to a Meckel's diverticulum, predominantly located in the subserosa of a hypertrophic segment. Histologically, tumors were well demarcated and composed of interlacing fascicles formed by spindloid cells. Adjace...
Negative pressure pulmonary edema as a post-anesthetic complication associated with upper airway obstruction in a horse. An 8-year-old Trakehner mare developed fulminant pulmonary edema following suspected upper airway obstruction 50 minutes into an otherwise unremarkable anesthetic recovery after surgery for left cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle reinnervation and ventriculocordectomy. Establishing a patent airway by orotracheal reintubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. Gross, histological, and electron microscopic postmortem examination showed severe hemorrhagic pulmonary edema. Laryngeal swelling or hemorrhage were not evident, suggesting laryngospasm or functional airway coll...
Study of the haemolytic process and receptors of thermostable direct haemolysin from Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The haemolytic action of 125I-labelled thermostable direct haemolysin from Vibrio parahaemolyticus was studied on human and equine erythrocytes. In the first step, the haemolysin bound to the membranes of both erythrocyte species. This binding seemed temperature-independent. Then, for human erythrocytes, haemolysin produced cell disruption, and haemoglobin was released. Following this step, haemolysin was also released in a temperature-dependent manner. In contrast, equine erythrocytes were not disrupted, and no release of haemolysin occurred. The receptors of labelled haemolysin were analysed...
