Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
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.
Abdominal surgery in neonatal foals. Abdominal surgery in foals under 30 days old has become more common with improved neonatal care. Early recognition of a foal at risk and better nursing care have increased the survival rates of foals that require neonatal care. The success of improved neonatal care also has increased the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal, umbilical, and bladder disorders in these foals. This chapter focuses on the early and accurate diagnosis of specific disorders that require abdominal exploratory surgery and the specific treatment considerations and prognosis for these disorders.
Echocardiographic diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries in a neonatal foal. The clinical and echocardiographic findings in a 19-h-old female foal with a ventricular septal defect, patent foramen ovale, patent ductus arteriosus, and complete transpositon of the great vessels are described. Clinical signs were suggestive of complex congenital heart disease and echocardiography of the foal allowed definitive diagnosis prior to postmortem.
Equine neonatal thoracic and abdominal ultrasonography. Pathologic disorders of the equine neonate often develop shortly after foaling as a result of prematurity, dystocia, trauma, or septicemia. Recognition of these disorders requires routine patient assessment along with diagnostic aids, including abdominal and thoracic ultrasonography. Fortunately, modern technology affords today's equine practitioners the opportunity to use ultrasonography to advance their practice, and it is the authors' hope that this article might help in those efforts.
Neurologic disorders of neonatal foals. Neurologic examination of the neonatal foal is quite different from the process used to examine older foals and adult horses. Abnormal neurologic signs are best appreciated in the context of a detailed knowledge of general neonatal medicine and awareness of nor-mal foal behavior and milestones of development. A systematic approach to neurologic examination is provided. The results of such examination are used to localize a lesion or lesions in the nervous system. Descriptions and treatment strategies are given for most common and important neonatal neurologic diseases.
Neonatal foal diarrhea. Diarrhea is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal foal. Numerous noninfectious and infectious agents are responsible for enterocolitis and enteritis. This article provides an overview of the differential diagnoses for neonatal diarrhea and general and specific guidelines for therapy.
Nondiarrheal disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in neonatal foals. Neonates can have a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, primary and secondary in nature. Important primary disorders include con-genital abnormalities and meconium retention. One of the most important secondary lesions is generalized ileus. Gastric ulceration can occur as a primary or secondary event. This article addresses the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal problems commonly observed in neonatal foals.
Resuscitation and emergency management for neonatal foals. Early intervention can dramatically alter outcome in foals. Cardio-pulmonary cerebral resuscitation can be successful and clinically worthwhile when applied to foals that arrest as part of the birthing process. Readily available equipment and an ordered plan starting with addressing the respiratory system (airway and breathing) followed by the circulatory system (circulation and drugs) are the keys to success. Hypoglycemia is common in foals that are not nursing and in septic foals. Support of serum glucose can be an important emergency treatment. Respiratory support with oxygen therapy should...
Rupture of the peroneus tertius tendon in 27 horses. The purpose of the study was to identify factors influencing the outcome and prognosis of rupture of the tendon of the peroneus tertius muscle in 27 horses. Information on history, physical examination findings, diagnosis, treatment, and final outcome was summarized from medical records. Long-term follow-up information on horses was obtained by telephone survey. A stepwise logistic regression model was used to analyze factors influencing the outcome. Rupture occurred in the midbody of the tendon in 11 horses, at the insertion site in 11 horses, and at the origin in 2 horses. Overall, 18/23 (78...
A retrospective analysis of left dorsal displacement of the large colon treated with phenylephrine hydrochloride and exercise in 12 horses (1996-98). To review the outcome of cases of left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC) treated with phenylephrine HCl and mild exercise. Methods: Physical parameters, laboratory data, ultrasonographic findings and outcome were analysed in a retrospective study of 12 horses with a confirmed diagnosis of LDDLC which were treated with phenylephrine HCl and mild exercise. Results: Administration of phenylephrine HCl and mild exercise resulted in the resolution of LDDLC in 11 of 12 treated horses. One horse failed to resolve the entrapment and required surgical correction. Conclusions: Administratio...
Equine respiratory viruses in foals in New Zealand. To identify the respiratory viruses that are present among foals in New Zealand and to establish the age at which foals first become infected with these viruses. Methods: Foals were recruited to the study in October/ November 1995 at the age of 1 month (Group A) or in March/ April 1996 at the age of 4-6 months (Groups B and C). Nasal swabs and blood samples were collected at monthly intervals. Nasal swabs and peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) harvested from heparinised blood samples were used for virus isolation; serum harvested from whole-blood samples was used for serological testing for the...
The effects of polyester (terylene) fibre implants on normal equine superficial digital flexor tendon. To determine the effect of polyester (terylene) fibre implants on normal equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon structure. Methods: Normal forelimb SDF tendons (n=24) of 12 horses were divided into unoperated, sham-operated, and implanted (terylene fibre implant) groups. Horses were assessed for lameness and ultrasonographic changes to SDF tendons at intervals up to 48 weeks post-operatively. After euthanasia, SDF tendons were collected for histological and ultrastructural examination. Histological sections were examined for alcian blue staining intensity, cellularity, fibril bundle al...
Meningoencephalomyelitis in a foal due to Salmonella agona infection. A neonatal Thoroughbred foal was presented with rib fractures and left forelimb lameness secondary to dystocia. Results: The foal developed a head tilt, seizures and watery diarrhoea during hospitalisation and died at 7 days of age. Histological examination of the brain and spinal cord revealed a suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis with vasculitis, and numerous intralesional, gram-negative bacilli. Similar microscopic lesions were noted in the lungs, renal medullary interstitium, and umbilicus. Bacilli in the brain, spinal cord and umbilicus were identified immunohistochemically as Salmonella...
Pathophysiology and diagnosis of third carpal bone disease in horses: a review. Third carpal bone (C3) disease is a significant cause of lameness in Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses. The bone density of C3 increases as a result of exercise, reducing the compliance of the bone and predisposing it to injury. Currently, the most widely used method of diagnosis is subjective radiography using the tangential view. Radiographically, increases in bone mineral density (BMD) appear as sclerosis but it is not known at what point increases in sclerosis indicate the onset of disease or increased risk of C3 fracture. A quantitative assessment of the BMD of C3 in horses would impro...
Immune-mediated keratitis in horses: 19 cases (1998-2004). The purpose of this study is to describe clinical and histologic findings, treatment, and outcome of horses with suspected immune-mediated keratitis (IMMK). Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Nineteen horses that presented to NCSU-VTH from 1998 to 2004 with IMMK. Procedures Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, duration of clinical signs, therapy prior to initial examination, ophthalmic abnormalities, diagnostics performed, therapy instituted, and long-term vision. Results: Nineteen horses (22 eyes) were diagnosed with IMMK. Three distinct clinical groups were...
Pulmonary oedema associated with anaesthesia for colic surgery in a horse. A 506 kg Warmblood horse with colic was anaesthetized for exploratory celiotomy. Anaesthesia was complicated by arterial hypoxaemia which persisted throughout surgery from the induction of anaesthesia. After endotracheal extubation in the recovery box, a degree of airway obstruction probably occurred during a brief delay in naso-tracheal intubation. Signs of pulmonary oedema were seen shortly afterwards. Furosemide and oxygen were given. Arterial hypoxaemia was present [PaO2: 6.5 kPa (49 mmHg)] when FIO2 was an estimated 0.3. The horse recovered and stood after 45 minutes. It was re-anaestheti...
Evaluation of xylazine and ketamine for total intravenous anesthesia in horses. To evaluate the use of xylazine and ketamine for total i.v. anesthesia in horses. Methods: 8 horses. Methods: Anesthetic induction was performed on 4 occasions in each horse with xylazine (0.75 mg/kg, i.v.), guaifenesin (75 mg/kg, i.v.), and ketamine (2 mg/kg, i.v.). Intravenous infusions of xylazine and ketamine were then started by use of 1 of 6 treatments as follows for which 35, 90, 120, and 150 represent infusion dosages (microg/kg/min) and X and K represent xylazine and ketamine, respectively: X35 + K90 with 100% inspired oxygen (O2), X35 + K120-(O2), X35 + K150-(O2), X70 + K90-(O2), K15...
Use of lithium dilution and pulse contour analysis cardiac output determination in anaesthetized horses: a clinical evaluation. To assess the suitability of a human algorithm for calculation of continuous cardiac output from the arterial pulse waveform, in anaesthetized horses. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Twenty-four clinical cases undergoing anaesthesia for various conditions. Methods: Cardiac output (Qt), measured by lithium dilution (QtLiDCO), was compared with a preceding, calibrated Qt measured from the pulse waveform (QtPulse). These comparisons were repeated every 20-30 minutes. Positive inotropes or vasopressors were administered when clinically indicated. Cardiac indices from 30.7 to 114.9 mL...
Importation of canid rabies in a horse relocated from Zimbabwe to South Africa. In July 2003 a 2-year-old Thoroughbred colt was imported from Harare, Zimbabwe to the Ashburton Training Centre, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Five months after importation, the colt presented with clinical signs suggestive of rabies: it was uncoordinated, showed muscle tremors and was biting at itself. Brain tissue was submitted for analysis and the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by the fluorescent antibody test and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the cytoplasmic domain of the glycoprotein and the G-L intergenic...
[Conservative treatment of open incomplete radial fracture in an adult horse]. A non-displaced radialfracture of a horse was,diagnosed. The horse had an open fracture resulting from external trauma. A diagnosis was made on radiographs taken 48h after trauma. The horse was treated conservatively by box rest and Robert-Jones bandages. After 7 days the wound was opened to let the wound drainage necrotic material and small sequesters and was washed every other day. After 7 weeks, radiographs showed complete consolidation. Four months after the injury the horse was back to work at his former level and is still working two years after the incident.
Transient complete atrioventricular block following transvenous electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in a horse. Transvenous electrical cardioversion was attempted in a horse with drug refractory atrial fibrillation. A temporary pacing catheter and two defibrillation catheters were inserted transvenously into the right ventricular apex, the right atrium and the pulmonary artery, respectively. Under general anaesthesia 100, 200, 300 and 360 J monophasic shocks were delivered between both defibrillation catheters but sinus rhythm could not be restored. Immediately after the 200, 300 and 360 J shock, transient third-degree atrioventricular block occurred for a period of, respectively, 15, 40 and 55 s. These...
Septic arthritis and granulomatous synovitis caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium complex in a horse. A 12-year-old American Saddlebred gelding was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for evaluation of a chronic lameness problem in the right radiocarpal joint. The horse had been treated for osteoarthritis of the right radiocarpal joint with multiple injections of cortisone during the past 3 years. The horse was severely lame on the right forelimb at a trot. Radiography and computed tomography revealed a 3 x 2-cm lytic defect in the distal portion of the radius and periarticular bone proliferation around the right radiocarpal joint. Ultrasonography of the distal portion of the radius rev...
The effects of halothane and isoflurane on cardiovascular function in laterally recumbent horses. Experimental studies in adult horses have shown that general anaesthesia maintained with isoflurane is associated with less depression of cardiovascular function compared with halothane anaesthesia. Adverse effects of intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV) have also been demonstrated. Nevertheless, the haemodynamic effects of these agents and the effects of differing modes of ventilation have not been assessed during clinical anaesthesia in horses undergoing surgery. Methods: The haemodynamic effects of isoflurane or halothane anaesthesia during spontaneous or IPPV were studied non-...
