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Topic:Clinical Signs
Clinical signs in horses refer to observable physical or behavioral manifestations that may indicate the presence of disease or injury. These signs can include a range of symptoms such as changes in appetite, alterations in gait, abnormal respiratory patterns, or variations in body temperature. Recognizing clinical signs is an integral part of equine veterinary practice, as they provide initial insights into the health status of the animal. Veterinarians rely on these signs to formulate differential diagnoses and guide further diagnostic testing. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the identification, interpretation, and diagnostic value of clinical signs in equine health management.
West Nile virus encephalomyelitis in horses in Ontario: 28 cases. West Nile virus encephalomyelitis was diagnosed in 28 horses presented to the Ontario Veterinary College Veterinary Teaching Hospital between August 20 and October 15, 2002. The age range of affected horses was 5 months to 20 years (mean 6.9 years, median 6 years). Clinical signs were highly variable. Duration of hospitalization ranged from < 1 to 12 days (mean 5 days, median 5.4 days). Overall, 16 of the 28 (57%) horses were discharged and, of the 14 from which follow-up information was available, 13 (93%) were reported to be clinically normal 4 to 6 weeks following discharge, while the other...
Assessment of clinical characteristics, management practices, and activities of geriatric horses. To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, management practices, and owner perception of a population of geriatric horses, and to compare these data with findings in a group of younger horses. Methods: Original study. Methods: 218 horses. Methods: Data were collected via a survey tool from owners of 165 horses that were > or = 20 years of age and 53 horses that were < 20 years of age. Results: Compared with young horses, the geriatric group included a significantly greater number of ponies; geriatric horses were also more likely to have a history of colic, dental disease, ...
Obstruction of the cecocolic orifice by ileocecocolic intussusception following jejunocecostomy in a horse. A 4-year-old Thoroughbred stallion was referred for signs of mild to moderate colic, anorexia, and decreased water intake of 3 weeks' duration. Ultrasonographic examination revealed an intussusception, the most common of which would be a cecal inversion or ileocecal intussusception. Surgical exploration identified an ileocecocolic intussusception with extension of the intussusceptum into the right ventral colon; however, the cause of the intussusception could not be identified. The intussusception could not be surgically corrected, and the horse was euthanatized. A side-to-side jejunocecostomy...
Lead poisoning combined with cadmium in sheep and horses in the vicinity of non-ferrous metal smelters. The diagnosis of lead poisoning combined with cadmium in sheep and horses living on farmland in the vicinity of non-ferrous metal smelters in Baiyin of Gansu province in China was based on laboratory findings as well as clinical signs. The concentrations of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in soils, water, forages, feed and blood, hair and tissues of affected sheep and horses were determined in the surroundings of the smelters in Baiyin and controls. Haematological values were also measured. The concentrations of these elements in soils, forages, water and feed were significantly higher than tho...
Gastric ulceration in an equine neonate. A 24-hour-old colt presented with clinical signs consistent with gastric ulceration. Treatment was initiated with a histamine type-2 receptor antagonist and clinical signs resolved. Gastroscopy at 16 d confirmed the presence of a gastric ulcer. Although gastric ulceration is common in foals, it is rarely reported in foals this young.
The sacroiliac joints: evaluation using nuclear scintigraphy. Part 2: Lame horses. Sacroiliac (SI) joint disease is difficult to diagnose definitively on clinical grounds. Objective: Lameness not attributable to SI joint pain may result in asymmetrical uptake of radiopharmaceutical in the tubera sacrale and SI joints; and that horses with clinical signs suggestive of sacroiliac joint disease would have differences in the ratios of radiopharmaceutical uptake between the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and either the tubera sacrale or SI joints compared with normal horses. Objective: To determine whether differences in radiopharmaceutical activity could identify individuals with pr...
Study of the effect of Bronchipret on the lung function of five Austrian saddle horses suffering recurrent airway obstruction (heaves). The effects of an oral preparation containing an extract of thyme and primula (Bronchipret; Bionorica) on the lung function of five horses suffering heaves were determined in a longitudinal study. The horses accepted the product well. The plasma concentrations of the marker substance, thymol, indicated that at least one of the substances in the extract had been absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The compliance, pulmonary pressure and airway resistance of the horses' lungs were all significantly improved after one month of treatment However, the severity of their clinical signs and their...
The effect of three types of rasps on the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth: a scanning electron microscopic study. Two hand rasps (tungsten chip blade, solid carbide blade) and an electrically-driven solid carbide axial bur were used to treat the cheek teeth of 2 horses immediately postmortem. All teeth were normal and were rasped to a standard considered satisfactory in practice. Six teeth from each horse served as untreated controls. Following treatment, the teeth were extracted and the clinical crown removed and prepared for scanning electron microscopy. Teeth were also extracted and examined from a horse that had excessive dental treatment previously. Dental debris created by the procedures was collect...
Experimental infection of ponies with equine influenza A2 (H3N8) virus strains of different pathogenicity elicits varying interferon and interleukin-6 responses. The production of interferon (IFN), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was monitored in horses during the course of influenza A2 virus infections. The effects of two virus strains, Newmarket/2/93 and Sussex/89, were compared, of which the latter is considered the more pathogenic in terms of clinical signs. Ten naive ponies were infected with influenza A/equine/Sussex/89 and 10 with influenza A/equine/Newmarket/2/93, respectively. As expected ponies infected with Sussex/89 showed the most pronounced clinical signs but there was no notable difference in viral excretion compare...
Cutaneous and ocular habronemiasis in horses: 63 cases (1988-2002). To describe clinical manifestations of cutaneous and ocular habronemiasis in horses and evaluate outcome of treatment. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 63 horses. Methods: The diagnosis was made on the basis of history, clinical signs, and identification of calcified concretions (sulfur granules) in lesions. Histologic examination of biopsy specimens was used to confirm the diagnosis. Case horses were compared with a control population of 12,720 horses examined during the same period. Results: Arabians, gray horses, and horses with diluted coat colors were overrepresented; Thoroughbreds ...
Desmitis of the straight sesamoidean ligament in horses: 9 cases (1995-1997). To determine clinical signs, diagnostic findings, and outcome for horses with desmitis of the straight sesamoidean ligament (SSL) near its insertion on the middle phalanx. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 9 horses. Methods: Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic findings, and treatment was obtained. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone conversations with owners. Results: In all horses, the diagnosis was made by use of high-resolution ultrasonography. Seven horses had moderate lameness on initial examination; lamen...
Use of volumetric capnography to identify pulmonary dysfunction in horses with and without clinically apparent recurrent airway obstruction. To investigate whether volumetric capnography indices could be used to differentiate between horses without recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and horses with RAO that were in clinical remission or that had clinically apparent RAO. Methods: 70 adult Swiss Warmblood horses (20 used for pleasure riding and 50 used for dressage or show jumping). Methods: Horses were allocated to 4 groups on the basis of history, clinical signs, results of endoscopy, and cytologic findings (group 1, 21 healthy horses; group 2, 22 horses with RAO that were in remission; group 3, 16 horses with mild RAO; group 4, 11...
Brain abscesses as a metastatic manifestation of strangles: symptomatology and the use of magnetic resonance imaging as a diagnostic aid. The occurrence of unexpectedly high numbers of horses with neurological signs during two outbreaks of strangles required prompt in-depth researching of these cases, including the exploration of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a possible diagnostic technique. Objective: To describe the case series and assess the usefulness of MRI as an imaging modality for cases suspected of space-occupying lesions in the cerebral cavity. Methods: Four cases suspected of suffering from cerebral damage due to Streptococcus equi subsp. equi infection were examined clinically, pathologically, bacteriologically...
Four cases of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy in the United Kingdom. This paper describes four cases of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy which were confirmed by histological examination of muscle biopsy specimens. The horses were of mixed breeding, with warmblood and thoroughbred dominating. They all had recurrent episodes of rhabdomyolysis, indicated by clinical signs and increased plasma levels of muscle enzymes. They were managed conservatively and have continued athletic careers despite their disease.
Thoracic trauma in foals: post mortem findings. Thoracic trauma occurs in newborn foals and may cause associated clinical signs; this condition remains poorly documented. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the pathological features of thoracic trauma in newborn foals presented for necropsy examination between 1990 and 2000. Methods: Necropsy reports of foals with thoracic trauma from 1990-2000 were reviewed. Subject details, clinical signs, thoracic and abdominal lesions were noted and analysed statistically. Results: Sixty-seven (9%) of 760 necropsied foals had thoracic trauma. In 19 foals, fractured ribs were considered ...
Equine Cushing’s disease. Equine Cushing's disease (ECD) is a chronic progressive disease of the intermediate pituitary gland of older horses. Horses with Cushing's disease often have other health problems, such as laminitis, chronic infections, pseudolactation, and other issues. Diagnosis of ECD is usually based on clinical signs and endocrine tests. Medical management of affected horses is usually a long-term or lifelong commitment. The goal of this article is to review the pathophysiology of ECD, outline diagnostic tests, and present treatment options.
Equine recurrent airway obstruction: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and patient management. Recurrent airway obstruction is a condition that affects some older horses maintained in confinement. Clinical signs range from exercise intolerance with occasional cough to dyspnea at rest. Bronchoalveolar lavage cytology is characterized by neutrophilic leukocytosis (15%-85%) and is recommended for making the diagnosis in horses with mild to moderate disease. Environmental management combined with periodic bronchodilator and antiinflammatory corticosteroid therapy yields the best prognosis for disease remission.
The toxicokinetics of cyanide and mandelonitrile in the horse and their relevance to the mare reproductive loss syndrome. The epidemiological association between black cherry trees and mare reproductive loss syndrome has focused attention on cyanide and environmental cyanogens. This article describes the toxicokinetics of cyanide in horses and the relationships between blood cyanide concentrations and potentially adverse responses to cyanide. To identify safe and humane blood concentration limits for cyanide experiments, mares were infused with increasing doses (1-12 mg/min) of sodium cyanide for 1 h. Infusion at 12 mg/min produced clinical signs of cyanide toxicity at 38 min; these signs included increased heart...
Transmission of Anaplasma phagocytophila (human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent) in horses using experimentally infected ticks (Ixodes scapularis). Most human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) studies carried out in horses use needle inoculation of infected leucocytes or cell cultures. This route of inoculation does not accurately reflect natural infection of the tick-borne agent. To investigate whether tick transmission influences the course of granulocytic ehrlichiosis in the horse model, experimental transmission through infected laboratory-reared Ixodes scapularis ticks was attempted into two healthy horses. One additional horse served as negative control and was exposed to uninfected ticks. Eleven days after exposure to nymphal or adul...
Treatment with pergolide or cyproheptadine of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (equine Cushing’s disease). Medical records of 27 horses (including 13 ponies) treated with pergolide or cyproheptadine for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction were reviewed to determine the effect of treatment on plasma ACTH, insulin, and glucose concentrations and clinical signs. Prior to treatment, the most common clinical signs were laminitis, hirsutism, and abnormal body fat distribution. The median pergolide dose was 3.0 microg/kg p.o. q24h (range, 1.7-5.5 microg/kg). All horses treated with cyproheptadine were given 0.25 mg/kg p.o. q24h. After pergolide treatment, ACTH concentrations (n = 20; median = 30.4 pg/ml...
Nasal adenocarcinoma with diffuse metastases involving the orbit, cerebrum, and multiple cranial nerves in a horse. A 9-year-old Trakehner gelding was examined because of right exophthalmus. Clinical findings included a lack of menace response in the right eye, reduced direct and consensual right pupillary light reflexes, ventrolateral strabismus of the right eye, mild right-sided facial asymmetry, a head tilt to the left, and increased extensor tone in the right limbs. Findings were suggestive of a multifocal lesion affecting the right forebrain; right optic, oculomotor, and facial nerves; and left vestibulocochlear nerve. Ultrasonographic examination of the right eye revealed a vascular retrobulbar mass. ...
[Initial management of congenital varus equinus clubfoot by Ponseti’s method]. The choice of first-line treatment for congenital varus equine clubfoot remains a controversial issue largely dependent on experience. In France, functional treatment predominates. In 1948, Ponseti proposed reducing the deformity with successive casts. Although cast treatment is a very old method, Ponseti's method is original because it is based on strict rules established from anatomic evidence. The goal is not to correct the apparent deformation, but on the contrary to impose a simultaneous supination and abduction of the foot. Once the calcaneopedal block has been derotated, percutaneous te...
Serum amyloid A (SAA) as an aid in the management of infectious disease in the foal: comparison with total leucocyte count, neutrophil count and fibrinogen. Differentiation between infectious and noninfectious disease and rapid initiation of accurate treatment are essential in managing diseases in the neonatal and young foal. Identification of useful inflammatory markers for these purposes is, therefore, of great importance. The aim of this study was to compare the responses of the acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) with the responses of fibrinogen and total leucocyte and neutrophil counts in infectious diseases encountered in the young foal, and to assess whether SAA measurements give additional information useful in the management of thes...
Plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) concentrations and clinical response in horses treated for equine Cushing’s disease with cyproheptadine or pergolide. Plasma ACTH levels have been variable in horses with a positive clinical response for therapy for equine Cushing's Disease (ECD). Therefore, our purpose was to determine the value of monitoring plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) levels during treatment of equine Cushing's disease (ECD) with either cyproheptadine (n = 32) or pergolide (n = 10). First, we validated the chemiluminescent ACTH assay (specificity, precision, accuracy, intra-assay and interassay variations) and tested methods of handling the whole blood from the time of collection to when the ACTH was assayed. The sensitivity and spec...
Cecal rupture by Anoplocephala perfoliata infection in a thoroughbred horse in Seoul Race Park, South Korea. A 7-year-old Thoroughbred horse was admitted to the Equine Hospital, Korea Racing Association with signs of colic. Based on the size of impactions, the clinical signs, the results of abdominal paracentesis and medical treatment, the prognosis was poor. The horse died 3 hours later following hopeless discharge. At necropsy, the caecum and large colon were fully filled with fecal contents and there was a rupture (10 cm in dia) in the latero- ventral caecum. The mucosa of the ileo-caecal and caeco- colic valves appeared to the hyperemic, edematous and ulcerous. There were many tapeworms in the af...
Chronic nodular panniculitis in a three-year-old mare. The clinical signs of chronic nodular panniculitis in a three-year-old mare were consistent with a diagnosis of sterile nodular panniculitis, but the mare had histopathological signs of both generalised steatitis and sterile nodular panniculitis. The mare was deficient in vitamin E and selenium.
Exercise-induced pulmonary perfusion redistribution in heaves. This study aimed to compare exercise-induced pulmonary perfusion redistribution in healthy vs. 'heavey' horses using scintigraphy, a minimally invasive technique. Six healthy (A) and 5 'heavey' horses in remission (B(I)) and during clinical signs of disease (B(II)) were investigated. Dimensions of the exercising pulmonary perfusion (QE) images were expressed in percent of the resting perfusion (QR) images. Computed QE to QR ratios (QE/QR) images enabled the definition of the region more perfused at exercise than at rest (R1). In all groups, exercise induced a major enlargement of the Q image b...
Clinical signs of West Nile virus encephalomyelitis in horses during the outbreak in Israel in 2000. Between August and October 2000, 76 horses were reported by veterinary practitioners as having signs of a neurological disorder, varying from an involvement of the spinal cord alone to the entire central nervous system; 15 of the horses died or were euthanased as a result of their grave prognosis or secondary complications. At the same time, an outbreak of West Nile virus infection affected people and birds, principally domestic geese. West Nile virus was isolated from four of the horses with encephalomyelitis and five other horses seroconverted, indicating that the virus was the probable caus...
