Topic:Clinical Symptoms
Clinical symptoms in horses encompass a range of observable signs that may indicate underlying health issues, such as disease, injury, or physiological stress. These symptoms can vary widely depending on the condition and may include changes in behavior, appetite, respiratory patterns, or physical appearance. Common clinical symptoms in horses include lameness, colic, coughing, nasal discharge, and changes in body temperature or heart rate. Identifying and interpreting these symptoms is an essential aspect of equine veterinary practice, as they provide critical information for diagnosis and management of health conditions. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the identification, assessment, and implications of clinical symptoms in equine health management.
Molecular characteristics and pathogenicity of an equid alphaherpesvirus 1 strain isolated in China. Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is prevalent in China, and causes notable economic damage to the equine industry. However, there is no information regarding the molecular characteristics and pathogenicity of the Chinese strains. Therefore, an EHV-1 strain, named YM2019, was isolated from the lung tissue of an aborted horse fetus in Xinjiang, China, and its genome and pathogenicity were analyzed. The full genome of the isolate was 150,267 base pairs in length, with 56.7% G + C content. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis showed that strain YM2019 (GenBank: MT063054) belonged to the ORF30 N75...
Ureteropyeloscopic removal of a nephrolith from a 19 year old Hanoverian gelding. To describe the ureteropyeloscopic removal of a nephrolith in a horse. Methods: A 19 year old Hanoverian gelding with history of urolithiasis requiring surgical intervention. Methods: Case report METHODS: The horse presented with signs of abdominal straining and stranguria. A proximal urethral calculus was palpable externally within the perineal urethra. Perineal urethrostomy (PU) at the location of the urethral calculi was performed to remove the urethral obstruction. Left nephrolithiasis was then treated by endoscopic retrieval, inserting the endoscope through the PU. The procedures were per...
A randomized clinical trial to compare ketamine-butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine and detomidine-etorphine-acepromazine for anesthesia of captive Przewalski horses (Equus przewalskii). To compare ketamine-butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (KBAM) to detomidine-etorphine-acepromazine (DEA) for field anesthesia in captive Przewalski horses (Equus przewalskii). Methods: 10 adult Przewalski horses. Methods: A prospective randomized crossover trial was conducted. Each horse was immobilized once with KBAM (200 mg ketamine, 109.2 mg butorphanol, 36.4 mg azaperone, and 43.6 mg medetomidine) and once with DEA (40 mg detomidine premedication, followed 20 minutes later by 3.9 to 4.4 mg etorphine and 16 to 18 mg acepromazine). Both protocols were administered by IM remote dart injection...
Owner reported clinical signs and -treatment decisions in equine pastern dermatitis. Equine pastern dermatitis has a high prevalence in the equine population, especially in draft breeds. This skin condition is difficult to treat, and it is suspected that owners often decide on a treatment without consulting a veterinarian. The objectives of this study were to describe owner-reported clinical signs, severity, and reasons to consult a veterinarian. Moreover, we inquired about preventive measures and treatments, both instituted by owners without previous consultation or prescribed by their veterinarians. A total of 123 horses (owners recruited over social media) were included in ...
Clinical features and treatment response to differentiate idiopathic peritonitis from non-strangulating intestinal infarction of the pelvic flexure associated with Strongylus vulgaris infection in the horse. Peritonitis in horses secondary to non-strangulating infarction (NSII) has a guarded prognosis, even after intestinal resection. In contrast, horses with idiopathic peritonitis respond well to medical treatment. Affected horses in both cases often show signs of both colic and systemic inflammation, but early diagnosis is crucial for optimal treatment and an accurate prognosis. One cause of NSII is thrombus formation secondary to Strongylus vulgaris larval migration. There has been a documented increase in S. vulgaris prevalence in Sweden since the implementation of selective anthelmintic treat...
Standing laparoscopy combined with a conventional inguinal approach to treat extended septic funiculitis in 12 horses. To describe a 2-step surgical procedure combining standing laparoscopy with a conventional inguinal approach to treat deep intra-abdominal funiculitis (extended septic funiculitis) after castration. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Twelve client-owned horses. Methods: Medical records of horses treated for extended septic funiculitis with the 2-step surgical procedure were reviewed. Data collected included the initial castration technique, number of surgical interventions for septic funiculitis prior to presentation, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical procedure, and short-term ...
Effect of Romanowsky-Stained Concentrated Preparations versus Direct Smears on Veterinary Students’ Ability to Identify Bacterial Sepsis in Fluid Cytology Samples from Dogs, Cats, and Horses. Veterinary students' accuracy, confidence, and time required to diagnose bacterial sepsis in fluid cytology samples was evaluated using two different slide preparation methods: direct smears and cytocentrifuged concentrated preparations. We hypothesized veterinary students would diagnose fluids as septic on concentrated preparations more accurately and quickly than on direct smears. Thirty third- and fourth-year students who had previously participated in a clinical pathology course completed a survey regarding general cytology experience and reviewed 40 randomized Romanowsky-stained slides vi...
Dorsally placed commercially available subpalpebral lavage systems have low complication rates in horses. To retrospectively evaluate the complication rate following dorsal placement of a commercially available 1-hole subpalpebral lavage system (SPL) at a veterinary teaching hospital. 102 client-owned horses with ophthalmic disease. Medical records of horses (2010 to 2020) with ophthalmic disease were reviewed to determine whether a commercially available SPL system was dorsally placed. Data collected from the medical record included signalment, presenting complaint(s), diagnosis, ophthalmic procedures performed, SPL laterality, hospital service that placed the SPL, anesthetic technique for placem...
Parasympathetic Tone Changes in Anesthetized Horses after Surgical Stimulation, and Morphine, Ketamine, and Dobutamine Administration. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity can modify cardiovascular parameters in response to nociceptive stimuli or drugs in anesthetized animals. The aim of this study was to determine if a surgical nociceptive stimulus and morphine, ketamine, and dobutamine administration would modify ANS activity observed as a change in the mean parasympathetic tone activity (PTAm) in anesthetized horses. In 20 anesthetized horses, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and PTAm were monitored before and 1, 3, and 5 min after surgical incision, and before and 10 min after the administration of morphi...
Umbilical Cord Herniation With Small Intestinal Evisceration in Two Thoroughbred Neonates. This report describes two cases of spontaneous small intestinal evisceration via normally inserted umbilical stumps, without abdominal wall trauma. Both cases occurred immediately following uneventful parturition. The authors believe that these represent cases of umbilical cord herniation. This is a well-recognised condition in humans, but has not been previously described in equines. One foal died before veterinary intervention. The second foal underwent a jejunal resection with end-to-end anastomosis and survived to successfully race. This report describes a previously unrecognised condition...
ALVAC-fIL2, a feline interleukin-2 immunomodulator, as a treatment for sarcoids in horses: A pilot study. Sarcoid tumors are common in horses and may negatively impact the performance and value of the horse. No known treatment is reliably successful. Objective: To determine tolerability, overall response rate, time to response, and progression-free survival of horses with biopsy-confirmed or suspected sarcoids treated with ALVAC-fIL2. Methods: Client-owned horses with measurable, presumed- or biopsy-confirmed sarcoid tumors. Methods: Prospective pilot study. One milliliter of ALVAC-fIL2 was injected into 4 to 5 areas of the sarcoid(s) in each horse (week 0); this treatment was repeated in weeks 1,...
Correction: Maskato et al. Prospective Feasibility and Revalidation of the Equine Acute Abdominal Pain Scale (EAAPS) in Clinical Cases of Colic in Horses. Animals 2020, 10, 2242. The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...].
Z-Bar Shoeing Demonstrates Potential for Long-Term Foot Pain Management during an Exercise Training Regimen in a Show Jumping Pony with Uniaxial Palmar Pain. Z-bar shoeing has been implemented to relieve uniaxial palmar pain arising from the structures in the affected region. However, there have been no reports on the long-term application of the z-bar shoe during exercise training regimens. A 10-year-old mixed-breed show jumping pony presented with an occasional short stride and abnormal rhythm while turning during routine exercise for three months. Gait analysis conducted by trotting off on both hard and soft surfaces showed no lameness in the straight line on both types of surfaces. However, right forelimb lameness was detected with moderate and...
Assessment of agreement using the equine glandular gastric disease grading system in 84 cases. Equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) is a common condition causing signs of gastric pain although lesions are highly variable in their appearance. The only definitive method to diagnose EGGD ante-mortem is gastroscopy. The current recommended method for describing these lesions is the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) guidelines; however, repeatability between users is variable. This study aimed to validate the reliability of lesion descriptions using ECEIM consensus guidelines, using four blinded equine internal medicine diplomates. Ninety-two horses with EGGD with pre- ...
Arthroscopic removal of palmar intermediate carpal bone fracture fragments in four horses using a transthecal approach through the carpal flexor tendon sheath. To describe the removal of palmar intermediate carpal bone (ICB) fracture fragments using a transthecal approach through the carpal flexor tendon sheath. Methods: Case series. Methods: Four horses with fractures of the palmar aspect of the ICB. Methods: Two horses were injured when falling and two during recovery from general anesthesia. Three horses underwent MRI to supplement conventional imaging. Three horses had concurrent fractures of the radial and/or accessory carpal bones. Conventional proximolateral carpal sheath arthroscope and instrument portals were used, supplemented with a medial...
Chronic Renal Failure-Causes, Clinical Findings, Treatments and Prognosis. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rare in horses with an overall prevalence reported to be 0.12%. There is often a continuum from Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) to CKD, and patients with CKD may be predisposed to episodes of AKI. The most common clinical signs are non-specific with weight loss, polyuria/polydipsia and ventral edema. Less common clinical signs are poor appetite and performance, dull hair coat, oral ulcerations, gastro-intestinal ulceration, gingivitis, dental tartar and diarrhea. Rarely, horses may develop forebrain signs. Creatinine increases when at least 2/3 of kidney function have...
Predictors of laminitis development in a cohort of nonlaminitic ponies. Quantifying risk factors for laminitis development requires improvement. Objective: To identify the most useful physical examination, metabolic and management factors to predict laminitis development in client-owned, nonlaminitic ponies. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Physical examination, metabolic and management data were collected from a pony cohort 6 monthly for up to 4 years. Ponies were monitored for the development of laminitis. Metabolic data included basal plasma concentrations of ACTH ([ACTH]), adiponectin ([adiponectin]), triglycerides and glucose. Serum insulin concen...
Gastrointestinal biopsy in the horse: overview of collection, interpretation, and applications. Evaluation of gastrointestinal (GI) biopsies is a multistep process that includes reviewing an appropriate history, determining sample quality, and evaluating histologic sections. Selected diagnostic parameters that, in combination with intestinal histopathology, can be useful to localize disease to the intestinal tract in the horse include hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, ultrasound evidence of increased thickness of the small intestinal wall, and alterations in glucose or D-xylose absorption tests. Biopsies may be acquired either endoscopically, or via laparoscopy or standing flank incis...
Perioperative lung ultrasonography in healthy horses undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is poorly evaluated in horses, especially perioperatively. Objective: (1) Describe LUS findings in healthy horses before and after general anesthesia (GA), (2) evaluate if GA induces ultrasonographic changes in healthy horses, (3) suggest a LUS scoring system, (4) identify horse variables that are associated to LUS changes after anesthesia. Methods: Twenty-five healthy adult horses undergoing elective surgery. Methods: Prospective hypothesis-driven observational study. LUS findings were recorded before anesthesia, 5 minutes in recovery, 15 minutes, 2H, 3H, 4H, 6H, and ...
Imaging of the Urinary Tract. This article provides a comprehensive review of imaging techniques used to evaluate the equine urinary tract. This overview includes officially recognized modalities and new applications reported in the most current literature. Technical aspects and indications for use of endoscopy and ultrasonography are highlighted. Normal endoscopic and ultrasonographic appearance of the upper and lower urinary tract is described, with characterization of common abnormalities found in patients with hematuria, stranguria, and renal failure. Visual examples of several pathologic conditions from clinical cases...
Urinary Tract Disorders of Foals. Urinary disease in the neonatal period can occur with primary congenital renal defects or as a secondary consequence of birth trauma, ischemic injury, nephrotoxic medications, or systemic illness. This article reviews the clinical evaluation of the urinary system in foals and highlights diagnostic and therapeutic features of the most commonly encountered urinary disorders of the equine neonatal patient.
Metabolic Disorders Associated with Renal Disease in Horses. This article overviews metabolic disorders associated with renal disease. Included is a discussion of the pathophysiology, clinical signs, and treatment of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis associated with renal tubular acidosis. Conditions affecting the central nervous system including uremic encephalopathy and hyponatremic encephalopathy secondary to renal disease are presented. Finally, a discussion of the unique features of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis in horses is provided with special emphasis on a recently described syndrome of calcinosis and calciphylaxis of unknown etiology.
Full-thickness endotracheal tube defect resulting in an anaesthetic circuit leak. Loss of endotracheal tube (ETT) integrity secondary to dental damage is reported in the human literature. Objective: To describe this problem in equine anaesthesia. Methods: Case report. Conclusions: An 18-year-old Standardbred gelding presented out of hours with colic signs. Findings on clinical examination and pain refractory to analgesia meant that exploratory laparotomy was elected for. Prior to general anaesthesia (GA) leak testing of the anaesthetic machine was performed and the pilot balloon of the endotracheal tube (ETT) was inflated to confirm cuff integrity. Intermittent-positive pre...
Critically important antimicrobials are frequently used on equine racetracks. To characterize antimicrobial use on four racetracks in the eastern US during the peak racing 2017-2018 seasons. Handwritten daily treatment sheets provided by attending veterinarians who listed treatments administered to horses stabled at the racetrack were obtained. Information contained in the treatment sheets included the date, name of the horse and its trainer, type of treatment, and a brief (usually 1-word) indication for treatment. The handwritten data listed on the racetrack treatment sheets were manually transcribed and analyzed. A total of 2,684 antimicrobial prescriptions were recor...
Rib fractures in adult horses as a cause of poor performance; diagnosis, treatment and outcome in 73 horses. Rib fractures in adult horses are poorly documented. Objective: To describe the presenting signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of horses diagnosed with rib fracture. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: The clinical records and diagnostic images of all adult horses diagnosed with a rib fracture at three referral centres over a 15-year period were reviewed. Results: Seventy-three horses met the inclusion criteria. Horses presented due to either resistance to ridden work and poor performance (n = 41), lameness (n = 21) or trauma (n = 7). In four horses, the presenting complaint...
Three-dimensional printed surgical guides for keratoma removal in horses using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging-based segmentation. To report the technique, surgical approach, and postoperative features in horses treated via a 3-dimensional (3D) printed guide-assisted keratoma resection created using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based segmentation. Methods: Five client-owned horses. Methods: Short case series. Methods: Horses were placed under general anesthesia for imaging (CT and MRI) and underwent a second anesthesia for surgery. Two horses had guides created from CT-based imaging, 3 horses had guides created from MRI. Various sized nonarbored hole saws were used to create accurate and pr...