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.
Pulmonary function in horses with recurrent airway obstruction after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively. To determine changes in clinical signs of disease and response to pulmonary function testing in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively. Methods: 6 horses with inducible and reversible heaves. Methods: Episodes of heaves were induced by exposure (challenge) to moldy hay and straw for 7 days. Horses were assigned to treatment groups (aerosolized beclomethasone dipropionate, parenterally administered dexamethasone, aerosolized propellant [control]), and respiratory frequency and s...
Serum gentamicin concentrations in compromised neonatal foals. Twenty-one compromised neonatal foals hospitalised at the Rural Veterinary Centre (RVC) during 1993 were studied to determine i) serum gentamicin concentrations obtained when gentamicin was administered at 3.3 mg/kg bwt twice daily i.m.; ii) factors which contributed to inter-foal variation in serum gentamicin concentrations achieved and iii) clinical efficacy of gentamicin therapy in foals with confirmed septicaemia. Septicaemia was confirmed in 7 foals with positive blood cultures and suspected in 8 foals with a sepsis score > 11. Peak serum concentrations (Ps) were > 6 microg/ml in al...
Monitoring and detection of acute viral respiratory tract disease in horses. To develop a system to monitor and detect acute infections of the upper respiratory tract (i.e., nares, nasopharynx, and pharynx) in horses and to assess the association among specific viral infections, risk factors, and clinical signs of disease. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: 151 horses with clinical signs of acute infectious upper respiratory tract disease (IURD) from 56 premises in Colorado. Methods: Health management data, blood samples, and nasal or nasopharyngeal swab samples were obtained for 151 horses with clinical signs of acute IURD. Of these horses, 112 had an additional blo...
Local and systemic isotype-specific antibody responses to equine influenza virus infection versus conventional vaccination. Inactivated alum-adjuvanted conventional equine influenza virus vaccines are of poor efficacy and offer limited short-term protection against infection. In sharp contrast, natural infection with equine influenza virus confers long-term protective immunity. In order to identify the protective immune responses to equine influenza virus, the influenza virus-specific IgA, IgGa, IgGb, IgGc and IgG(T) antibody responses in nasal secretions and serum induced by natural infection and a commercial vaccine were studied by ELISA. Two groups of four influenza-naive ponies were established. In the natural ...
Suspected bacterial meningoencephalitis in two adult horses. Bacterial infections (such as meningitis or meningoencephalitis) of the central nervous system are rare in horses. They are most prevalent in neonates as a result of septicaemia. A few cases have been reported in the adult and most have been fatal. Streptococcal species appear to be the organism most commonly identified in these cases. Thus, this disease may be a secondary complication of upper respiratory tract infections. Clinical signs are extremely variable making diagnosis difficult. In most cases, postmortem has been the definite diagnostic procedure. This paper describes the clinical co...
Clinical appearances, healing patterns, risk factors, and outcomes of horses with fungal keratitis: 53 cases (1978-1996). To compare initial clinical appearances, healing mechanisms, risk factors, and outcomes of horses with fungal keratitis. Methods: Retrospective analysis. Methods: 52 horses (53 eyes) with fungal keratitis. Methods: Medical records and clinical photographs of eyes were reviewed. Keratomycoses were categorized on the basis of clinical appearance at initial examination and pattern of healing. Results: Five distinct forms of mycotic keratitis were recognized. Of 53 affected eyes, 34 (64%) retained sight and had varying degrees of corneal scarring after treatment, 6 (11%) had a cosmetic appearance ...
Experimental transmission of Ehrlichia equi to horses through naturally infected ticks (Ixodes pacificus) from Northern California. We report the experimental transmission of Ehrlichia equi from naturally infected Ixodes pacificus ticks to horses. Three weeks after exposure to ticks, two of three horses developed clinical signs compatible with E. equi infection, while one horse remained asymptomatic. 16S rRNA gene PCR of blood leukocyte lysates was positive for all horses at various time points; two horses seroconverted. The 16S rRNA gene sequences amplified from tick-exposed horses showed more than 99% homology to corresponding fragments of the 16S rRNA genes of E. equi, Ehrlichia phagocytophila, and the human granulocyti...
Datura seed intoxication in two horses. A sunflower-based feed supplement grossly contaminated with the seed of a Datura sp. resulted in severe signs of poisoning in 2 horses. One horse died peracutely of acute gastric dilatation and rupture following ingestion of the contaminated feed. The 2nd horse developed unresponsive paralytic ileus that led to euthanasia. Examination of the feed and gastrointestinal contents of both horses showed a high proportion of the characteristic Datura sp. seeds. The clinical signs and pathology in both cases were consistent with intoxication by the parasympatholytic alkaloid components of Datura sp.
Development and duration of antibody response against Ehrlichia equi in horses. To characterize antibody response in horses with clinical signs of Ehrlichia equi infection. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: 13 horses with confirmed acute E equi infection. Methods: Sequential serum sampling was performed in Connecticut and New York during 1995 and 1996 to identify horses with naturally acquired equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (EGE). Horses with clinical signs of EGE (i.e., fever without respiratory involvement) were confirmed as having E equi infection by polymerase chain reaction detection of ehrlichial DNA and by a minimum fourfold increase in total antibody titer by...
Effects of two large doses of equine recombinant growth hormone on clinical, haematological and serum biochemical variables in adult horses. To evaluate the clinical, haematological, and serum biochemical effects of two large doses of recombinant equine growth hormone. Methods: Duplicated Latin square. Methods: Three Thoroughbred and three Standardbred mares aged between 12 and 17 years. Methods: Two horses were randomly assigned into one of three groups. On each of three successive days, each horse pair received one of two dosages of growth hormone or a saline placebo so that by the end of the experiment all three horse pairs had received both dosages and the saline placebo. Dose rates selected were 50 micrograms/kg, and 100 micro...
Impact of mixed strongyle infections in foals after one month on pasture. Twelve Standardbred foals (age 3-6 months), with little previous exposure to parasites, were allocated to 2 groups and put onto pasture with low (Group L) or high (Group H) levels of larval contamination of large strongyles and cyathostomes. After 4 weeks grazing in September, the foals were housed indoors until necropsy 15 weeks later. Foals in Group H became clinically more affected than those of Group L in that they showed loss of vigour, weight gain depression, intermittent soft faeces and inappetence. One foal of Group H had persistent diarrhoea and was subjected to euthanasia 12 weeks af...
Enterocolitis associated with Clostridium perfringens infection in neonatal foals: 54 cases (1988-1997). To identify clinical signs, physical examination findings, results of diagnostic tests, treatments administered, and clinical outcome of neonatal foals with enterocolitis associated with Clostridium perfringens infection. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 54 neonatal foals. Results: Most foals had acute onset of obtunded mentation, colic, or diarrhea and developed leukopenia, neutropenia, an abnormally high number of band neutrophils, toxic WBC, and hypoproteinemia within 24 hours after admission, despite high serum IgG concentrations (> 800 mg/dl). Abdominocentesis and abdominal radiogra...
Adrenal insufficiency in a neonatal foal. A 3-day-old female Pinto was admitted with profuse watery diarrhea and severe hypovolemic shock. After 1 week of intensive care, the foal developed seizures associated with profound serum electrolyte abnormalities suggestive of hypoadrenocorticism. Treatment with prednisone and isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) solution led to prompt clinical response. Premature withdrawal of prednisone resulted in relapse of clinical signs. A diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was made on the basis of clinical signs, electrolyte abnormalities, low baseline cortisol concentration, and lack of response to administrat...
Type-II renal tubular acidosis and ventricular tachycardia in a horse. A 14-year-old Arabian mare was admitted for lethargy, anorexia, and low fecal output. On the basis of laboratory, physical examination, and electrocardiographic findings, diagnoses of type-II renal tubular acidosis (RTA), impaction of the large colon, and ventricular tachycardia were made. Diagnosis of type-II RTA was based on measurement of a low fractional excretion value for potassium and fractional excretion value for sodium within the reference range. In contrast, horses with type-I RTA have high fractional excretion values for sodium and fractional excretion values for potassium within r...
Factors associated with survival in septicemic foals: 65 cases (1988-1995). In order to identify variables obtained at admission that could be used to predict survival in septicemic foals, medical records of 65 foals diagnosed with septicemia were reviewed. Initially, variables were analyzed independently (univariate analysis) for association with survival. Of the physical examination and historical data examined using univariate analysis, the ability to stand at admission, respiratory rate > or = 60 breaths per minute (bpm), and normal-appearing mucous membranes were significantly associated with survival. Foals with history of induced parturition were significant...
Prevention of rotavirus diarrhoea in foals by parenteral vaccination of the mares: field trial. Many countries have reported rotavirus diarrhoea in foals. In Argentina it causes important economic losses to the horse industry. In this work we present the results obtained using an experimental vaccine in a farm with enzootic infection of rotavirus. A hundred mares were vaccinated 60 and 30 days before foaling with inactivated rotavirus SA11 (G3P2), H2 (G3P12), Lincoln (G6P1), with aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant; 65 mares were included in the unvaccinated, control group. To evaluate the vaccine, morbidity, duration of the diarrhoea and rotavirus shedding were recorded. Antibody levels were...
Atrial fibrillation associated with central nervous symptoms and colic in a horse: a case of equine cardiomyopathy. A 18-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare was referred for colic. Upon arrival, lethargy, blindness, head pressing, ataxia, and circling were the main clinical signs. On rectal examination a hard mass and oedema around the cranial mesenteric artery were palpated. Plasma liver enzyme activities and the ammonia level were elevated. Atrial fibrillation with a pulse frequency of 36-52 beats per minute was noticed. On both sides a holosystolic murmer with the maximum intensity on the right side could be auscultated. Postmortem examination revealed eccentric hypertrophy of the right atrium and a pale spott...
The exhausted horse syndrome. Exhaustion occurs in most equestrian sports, but it is more frequent in events that require sustained endurance work such as endurance racing, three-day eventing, trial riding, and hunting. Exhaustion is also more likely when an unfit, unacclimatized, or unsound horse is exercised. Mechanisms that contribute to exhaustion include heat retention, fluid and electrolyte loss, acid-base imbalance, and intramuscular glycogen depletion. Clinical signs include elevated temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate; depression; anorexia; unwillingness to continue to exercise; dehydration; weakness; stiffne...
Evaluation of digital and laminar blood flow in horses given a low dose of endotoxin. To measure blood flow in the palmar digital artery and laminae corium, using ultrasonic and laser Doppler flowmetry, respectively. Methods: 6 healthy horses. Methods: Digital blood flow and laminar perfusion, respectively, were measured by placing a flow probe around the palmar digital artery and a laser Doppler flow probe in a hole in the dorsal aspect of the hoof wall. All horses were given saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1 L, IV, during a 30-minute period). Seven days later, each horse was given endotoxin (0.1 microgram/kg of body weight, IV, in 1 L of saline solution, during a 30-minute perio...
The pathophysiology of osteochondrosis. Osteochondrosis is a disorder of epiphyseal cartilage about which there is considerable confusion in the literature. We believe that this is due to the fact that osteochondrosis has been studied in the chronic stage when the lesions are morphologically complicated and the initial causative insult is impossible to determine. The etiology of osteochondrosis appears to be multifactorial, with trauma, hereditary factors and rapid growth, nutritional factors, and ischemia all having a role in its pathogenesis. Although predilection sites are variable among species, the morphology of the early lesio...
Clinical and clinicopathologic effects of large doses of raw linseed oil as compared to mineral oil in healthy horses. The clinical and clinicopathologic effects of raw linseed oil and mineral oil were compared. In a crossover experimental design trial, 6 horses were given either raw linseed oil (2.5 mL/kg body weight) or mineral oil (10 mL/kg body weight), twice, 12 hours apart. Two weeks later, the horses received the opposite treatment. All horses given mineral oil or linseed oil developed nonformed feces by 24 hours of the first administration of oil. Horses treated with mineral oil had formed feces at 48 hours; horses treated with linseed oil developed normally formed feces at 96 to 108 hours. All horses ...
[Program for early detection of illness level in foals during the first 24 hours of life]. Basing on exact investigations of normal behaviour and abnormalities in newborn and up to 24 hours old foals a program for evaluation, comprehending exogeniously judgable criteria, was developed. It aims at a quick recognition of aberrations in behaviour. The program includes a score, which allows early diagnosis of even subtile abnormalities. As a result, a veterinary surgeon should be consulted if the score exposes a critical situation, so that therapy can be started in time. Furthermore informations about investigations on blood-glucose- and immunoglobulin-G-concentration in relation to neo...
Pericarditis in horses: 18 cases (1986-1995). To determine clinical signs of pericarditis in horses and to determine whether there were any relationships among clinical signs, echocardiographic findings, treatment, and outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 18 horses. Results: Physical examination was performed on 16 horses. Cardiovascular abnormalities included tachycardia (n = 16), pericardial friction rub (10), venous distention (7), murmur (7), muffled heart sounds (6), weak arterial pulse (6), jugular pulse (6), and edema (5). Twelve horses also had respiratory abnormalities; the most common was dull lung sounds, ventrally, ...
Venereal infection of mares by equine arteritis virus and use of killed vaccine against the infection. Venereal infection with equine arteritis virus (EAV) was established in each of seven mares by inoculation via the cervix with 20 ml of viral suspension (> or = 8 x 10(6) plaque-forming units; PFU), following treatment with prostaglandin and oestradiol. A dose of < or = 8 x 10(5) PFU produced infection in only five of eight mares. Serum neutralizing antibody developed in mares manifesting clinical signs of equine viral arteritis (EVA), and a weak antibody was detectable in one apparently healthy mare inoculated with 8 x 10(5) PFU. Virus isolation was demonstrated not only in the buffy coat but...
[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...
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...
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...
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.