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Topic:Clinical Study
Clinical studies in equine research involve the systematic investigation of health and disease in horses through structured scientific methods. These studies aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatments, understand disease mechanisms, and improve veterinary care practices. Clinical studies can include randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case-control studies. They may focus on various aspects such as pharmacokinetics, therapeutic interventions, and diagnostic techniques. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the design, implementation, and findings of clinical studies in equine medicine, providing insights into their impact on horse health and veterinary practices.
Actinomycosis of the mandible, mimicking a malignancy in a horse. Osteomyelitis of the mandible with Actinomyces species was diagnosed in a 4-year-old sports horse with radiographic changes suggestive of neoplasia. Surgical debridement, intravenous and local iodine solution treatment were administered. Mandibular Actinomyces infections are reported in humans and ruminants; they have not been previously reported in the horse. Actinomycose de la mandibule simulant une malignité chez un cheval. Une ostéomyélite de la mandibule à Actinomyces sp. a été diagnostiquée chez un cheval de sport âgé de 4 ans montrant des changements radiographiques ressemblant...
High subclinical West Nile virus incidence among nonvaccinated horses in northern California associated with low vector abundance and infection. Although horse cases frequently are reported during West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks, few investigations have focused on the epidemiology of this transmission. From April to October 2003 to 2005, mosquito abundance and infection were monitored 3 days per week at an equine research facility at the University of California, Davis. Thirty-two nonvaccinated horses enrolled as controls in a vaccine study were bled monthly, and their serum was tested for evidence of WNV infection by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). In 2004, one positive Culex pipiens pool was associated with a single hors...
Circulating fatty acid profiles in response to three levels of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in horses. Fatty acids of the n-3 type confer health benefits to humans and other species. Their importance to equine physiology could include improved exercise tolerance, decreased inflammation, and improved reproductive function. The circulating fatty acid profile and the acquisition and washout of fatty acids in response to n-3 supplementation were determined for horses in the current study. A fatty acid supplement high in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid was fed to deliver EPA plus DHA at 0 (control), 10, 20, or 40 g/d to 16 mares (n = 4/group) for 28 d. Plasma was collected at -...
Small intestine adenocarcinoma in conjunction with multiple adenomas causing acute colic in a horse. An 11-year-old Andalusian stallion developed marked signs of colic associated with an acute small intestine obstruction. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a distal jejunum full-thickness wall induration and multiple small adherent intraluminal masses. Fifteen centimeters of jejunum, including the induration, and several intraluminal masses were resected. Histologic examination revealed an adenocarcinoma and multiple polypoid adenomas. The horse was discharged, and no complications were reported 12 months postoperatively. Colic was considered secondary to partial jejunal lumen obstruction by the ...
Insulins in equine urine: qualitative analysis by immunoaffinity purification and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for doping control purposes in horse-racing. Insulin is a peptide hormone consisting of two peptide chains (A- and B-chain) that are cross-linked by two disulfide bonds. To obtain improved pharmacokinetic onset of action profiles of insulin treatment in diabetic patients, recombinant long-, intermediate-, and rapid-acting insulin analogs are produced, in which the C-terminal end of the B-chain plays an especially important role.A review of the veterinary literature reveals the low prevalence of equine type I diabetes mellitus, which indicates that the therapeutic use of insulin in racing horses is unlikely. Although there is no unequivoc...
Effects of single-dose intravenous phenylbutazone on experimentally induced, reversible lameness in the horse. The objective was to test the hypothesis that phenylbutazone (PBZ) alleviates lameness in an adjustable heart bar shoe model of equine foot pain. Eight Quarter Horse mares underwent 4-weekly treatments randomly: 0.9% saline placebo (SAL: 1 mL/45 kg body weight i.v.) with no lameness; SAL with lameness; PBZ (4.4 mg/kg body weight i.v.) with no lameness; and PBZ with lameness. Blinded heart rate (HR) and lameness score (LS) were assessed every 20 min for 2 h and then hourly through 9 h. At 1 h SAL or PBZ was administered. Jugular venous samples were obtained at hours 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 and wer...
Pharmacokinetics of tilmicosin in equine tissues and plasma. The macrolide antibiotic tilmicosin has potential for treating bacterial respiratory tract infections in horses. A pharmacokinetic study evaluated the disposition of tilmicosin in the horse after oral (4 mg/kg) or subcutaneous (s.c.) (10 mg/kg) administration. Tilmicosin was not detected in equine plasma or tissues after oral administration at this dose. With s.c. injection, tilmicosin concentrations reached a maximum concentration of approximately 200 ng/mL in the plasma of the horses. Tilmicosin concentrations in plasma persisted with a mean residence time (MRT) of 19 h. Maximum tissue resid...
A comparison of coprological, serological and molecular methods for the diagnosis of horse infection with Anoplocephala perfoliata (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea). Anoplocephala perfoliata (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea), the commonest intestinal tapeworm of horses, can cause colic, intussusceptions, ileal impactions and intestinal perforations. Common diagnostic techniques for A. perfoliata infection, i.e. coprology and serology, show inherent limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity and new approaches are thus required. Hence, the present study compared the reliability of coprological, serological (i.e. ELISA) and molecular (i.e. nested PCR) methods in detecting A. perfoliata infection in naturally infected horses and in horses treated with a comb...
Pharmacokinetics of tramadol in horses after intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration. Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic drug that has been used clinically for the last two decades to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in humans. The present study investigated tramadol administration in horses by intravenous, intramuscular, oral as immediate-release and oral as sustained-release dosage-form routes. Seven horses were used in a four-way crossover study design in which racemic tramadol was administered at 2 mg/kg by each route of administration. Altogether, 23 blood samples were collected between 0 and 2880 min. The concentration of tramadol and its M1 metabolite were ...
Equine laminitis: membrane type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-14) is involved in acute phase onset. Enzymatic separation at the hoof lamellar dermal-epidermal interface may play a role in the development of laminitis and characterising and locating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of MMPs or TIMPs) in lamellar tissues may further understanding of pathogenesis. Objective: To clone and sequence the cDNA encoding lamellar MMP-14 and TIMP-2, and quantify their transcription in normal and laminitic tissue; and to develop antibody to locate MMP-14 in lamellar tissues. Methods: Tissue samples were obtained from an oligofructose induced model of laminitis. Tot...
Streptococcus henryi sp. nov. and Streptococcus caballi sp. nov., isolated from the hindgut of horses with oligofructose-induced laminitis. Four Gram-positive, catalase-negative, coccoid-shaped isolates were obtained from the caecum and rectum of horses with oligofructose-induced equine laminitis. Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on these isolates. Initial biochemical profiling assigned two of the isolates to Streptococcus bovis. The other two isolates, however, could not be assigned conclusively on the basis of their biochemical profiles. Gene sequence analysis demonstrated that the four new isolates were related most closely to Streptococcus suis based on the 16S rRNA gene and to Streptococcus orisratti based o...
Characterization of agonist-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilatory responses in the vascular bed of the equine digit. The role of endothelium-derived relaxing factors was studied in the regulation of vascular responses in the Krebs perfused equine isolated digit. Perfusion pressure was recorded in response to bolus doses of 5-hydroxytryptamine (6 nmol) alone or co-administered with carbachol (CCh; 0.2 micromol), bradykinin (BK; 0.2 nmol), substance P (SP; 0.2 nmol) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 0.2 micromol). N(omega)-Nitro-L-Arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 300 microm) caused partial but significant inhibition of CCh-induced vasodilatory response, whereas BK and SP-induced responses were resistan...
Retrospective study of palmar/plantar annular ligament injury in 71 horses: 2001-2006. Constriction of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) and its contents by the palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL) is well recognised. However, primary injury of the PAL has not been well documented. Objective: To describe the clinical features of PAL injury, determine its prevalence with or without subcutaneous fibrosis and/or concurrent injury within the DFTS, and assess response to treatment. Methods: Horses were selected for inclusion based upon clinical features consistent with PAL injury and the presence of a thickened PAL (> or =2 mm) verified ultrasonographically. A retrospective...
Effects of long-term oral administration of levothyroxine sodium on serum thyroid hormone concentrations, clinicopathologic variables, and echocardiographic measurements in healthy adult horses. To determine the effects of long-term oral levothyroxine sodium (L-T(4)) administration on serum thyroid hormone concentrations, thyroid gland function, clinicopathologic variables, and echocardiographic examination measurements in adult euthyroid horses. Methods: 6 healthy adult mares. Methods: Horses received L-T(4) (48 mg/d) orally for 48 weeks. Every 4 weeks, physical examinations were performed; blood samples were collected for CBC, plasma biochemical analyses, and assessments of serum total triiodothyronine (tT(3)) and thyroxine (tT(4)) concentrations. Plasma creatine kinase MB activity ...
In vitro efficacy of an ophthalmic drug combination against corneal pathogens of horses. To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of an ophthalmic drug combination against common corneal pathogens of horses. Methods: Representative isolates of 3 bacterial and 2 fungal corneal pathogens of horses. Methods: Pathogens were subjected to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing of a drug combination that consisted of equal volumes of natamycin 3.33%, tobramycin 0.3%, cefazolin 5.5%, and equine serum. Proteinase inhibitory activity of the drug combination was assessed by use of a fluorescence microplate assay with gelatin and collagen I as substrates. The MICs of the drug combination wer...
Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on full-thickness meshed sheet skin grafts applied to fresh and granulating wounds in horses. To determine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on full-thickness skin grafts applied to fresh and granulating wounds of horses. Methods: 6 horses. Methods: On day 0, two 4-cm-diameter circular sections of full-thickness skin were removed from each of 2 randomly selected limbs of each horse, and two 4-cm-diameter circular skin grafts were harvested from the pectoral region. A skin graft was applied to 1 randomly selected wound on each limb, leaving the 2 nongrafted wounds to heal by second intention. On day 7, 2 grafts were harvested from the pectoral region and applied to the gra...
Comparison of efficacy and safety of paste formulations of firocoxib and phenylbutazone in horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. To compare efficacy and safety of paste formulations of firocoxib and phenylbutazone in horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods: 253 client-owned horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Methods: Horses were treated with firocoxib (0.1 mg/kg [0.045 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h) or phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg [2 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h) for 14 days. Physical examinations and lameness evaluations were performed prior to treatment and after 7 and 14 days. Clinical improvement was defined as a reduction of at least 1 lameness grade or a combined...
Effects of systemic inflammation on insulin sensitivity in horses and inflammatory cytokine expression in adipose tissue. To determine whether an inflammatory challenge induces insulin resistance in horses and examine possible contributions of adipose tissue to inflammatory cytokine production. Methods: 15 adult mares. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (0.045 mug/kg, IV) or saline solution was administered, and insulin sensitivity was determined by means of the hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp procedure or an adipose tissue biopsy was performed. Adipose tissue samples were collected, and mature adipocytes were obtained. Mature adipocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or dedifferentiated into preadipocytes a...
Effects of an intravenous endotoxin challenge on glucose and insulin dynamics in horses. To evaluate the effects of endotoxin administered IV on glucose and insulin dynamics in horses. Methods: 16 healthy adult mares. Methods: Each week of a 2-week randomized crossover study, each horse received an IV injection (duration, 30 minutes) of Escherichia coli O55:B5 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 60 mL of sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (20 ng/kg) or sterile saline solution alone (control treatment). Frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance test procedures were performed at 24 hours before (baseline) and 24 and 48 hours after injection; glucose and insulin dynamics were assessed via min...
Effects of dexamethasone administration on insulin resistance and components of insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in equine skeletal muscle. To determine the effects of dexamethasone treatment on selected components of insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle obtained from horses before and after administration of a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC). Methods: 6 adult Standardbreds. Methods: In a balanced crossover study, horses received either dexamethasone (0.08 mg/kg, IV, q 48 h) or an equivalent volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, IV, for 21 days. A 2-hour EHC was administered for measurement of insulin sensitivity 1 day after treatment. Muscle biopsy specimens obtained before and after the EHC were a...
Hypertension and insulin resistance in a mixed-breed population of ponies predisposed to laminitis. To determine the metabolic phenotype of a group of laminitis-prone ponies when at pasture in summer, compared with when at pasture in winter. Methods: 40 ponies of various breeds predisposed to recurrent pasture-associated laminitis and 40 unaffected control ponies. Methods: Body condition score and size of the crest of the neck were assessed, blood samples obtained, and blood pressure measured by use of an indirect oscillometric technique, while ponies were kept on winter pasture (last week of November or beginning of December) and again on summer pasture (June). Serum insulin concentration a...
Effects of long-term oral administration of levothyroxine sodium on glucose dynamics in healthy adult horses. To determine the effects of long-term oral administration of levothyroxine sodium (L-T(4)) on glucose dynamics in adult euthyroid horses. Methods: 6 healthy adult mares. Methods: Horses received L-T(4) (48 mg/d) orally for 48 weeks. Frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance test procedures were performed on 3 occasions (24-hour intervals) before and at 16, 32, and 48 weeks during the treatment period. Data were assessed via minimal model analysis. The repeatability of measurements was evaluated. Results: During treatment, body weight decreased significantly from the pretreatment value; mean +/- ...
In vitro cell compatibility and antibacterial activity of microencapsulated doxycycline designed for improved localized therapy of septic arthritis. For the treatment of septic arthritis in large animals, the local application of antibiotics as a slow release system may be an appropriate means to reach high local bioactivity and low systemic side effects and drug residues. In this study, doxycycline microspheres were developed and tested in vitro for their drug-release properties, suitability for intra-articular application and antimicrobial activity. Methods: The development of a slow release system was achieved by microencapsulation of the drug into poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres by a novel ultrasonic atomization method. Drug el...
Incidence of osteochondrosis (dissecans) in Dutch warmblood horses presented for pre-purchase examination. Data are lacking in the literature regarding the incidence of osteochondrosis (dissecans) [OC(D)] in relation to lameness evaluation in Dutch Warmblood horses. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the incidence of radiological abnormalities consistent with osteochondrosis or osteochondrosis dissecans in 1,231 sound Dutch Warmblood (DW) horses presented for pre-purchase examination. Standardised (Dutch) pre-purchase examination protocols were evaluated. The pre-purchase examination included a clinical, lameness and radiological evaluation, performed at a private equine clinic...
Joint dependent concentrations of bone alkaline phosphatase in serum and synovial fluids of horses with osteochondral injury: an analytical and clinical validation. Validate use of a commercially available immunoassay for measurement of bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) in equine serum and synovial fluid (SF), and investigate the effects of osteochondral (OC) injury in horses on BAP concentrations in serum and SF. Methods: SF was collected from 37 joints of 34 Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses undergoing arthroscopic surgery for the removal of OC fragments from either the carpal joints (n=18) or the metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal (MP) joints (n=19). SF was also obtained from 52 joints of 16 normal TB horses, collected bilaterally from carpal joints of 10 horses ...
Partial divergence of cytokine mRNA expression in bronchial tissues compared to bronchoalveolar lavage cells in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate mRNA levels of cytokines in bronchial epithelium in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) during acute crisis and remission. Additionally, cytokine mRNA levels in endobronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells were compared. Seven RAO horses were examined while in respiratory crisis following provocation and again while in remission after 2 months on pasture, during which time six healthy horses on pasture were also examined. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to assess mRNA expression for cytokines IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL...
Evaluation of a new strategy to modulate skeletal development in Thoroughbred performance horses by imposing track-based exercise during growth. No data exist on the intensity of exercise required or on possible harmful effects of increasing exercise in foals over the natural level when free at pasture. Objective: To investigate whether an increase in workload over free pasture exercise in the period from directly after birth to the start of training is tolerated by Thoroughbred (TB) foals without increasing injury rate or producing other undesired side effects. Methods: Thirty-three TB foals were allocated to one of 2 exercise groups directly after birth. One group (PASTEX) was raised on pasture and the other (CONDEX) kept under ident...
Evaluation of a new strategy to modulate skeletal development in racehorses by imposing track-based exercise during growth: the effects on 2- and 3-year-old racing careers. No data exist on the effects of conditioning exercise at foal age on workload and subsequent clinical injury rate during their 2- and 3-year-old racing careers. Objective: To investigate the effects of subjecting TB foals to conditioning exercise prior to the start of race training on: the workload required to reach a level of fitness sufficient to compete; and the prevalence of orthopaedic injury during the first 2 seasons of their racing careers. Methods: Twenty 18-month-old TBs, 12 subjected to conditioning exercise at foal age (CONDEX) and 8 exercised spontaneously at pasture only (PASTEX)...
Detection of secondary biomarker of met-eGH as a strategy to screen for somatotropin misuse in horseracing. Since the Australian commercialisation of the recombinant equine growth hormone (reGH) in 1998 (EquiGen-5), Bresagen), this reGH, which differs only from eGH by an additional methionine at the N-terminal end (met-eGH), is worldwide suspected to be administered to racehorses as a doping agent. Indeed, the use of this biological drug is considered as a threat to horseracing since it acts both on growth, development or reproductive functions, and on the improvement of performances. In this work, we describe two reliable techniques based on surface plasmon resonance biosensor immunoassay (SPR-BIA)...
