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Topic:Diagnostic Technique
Diagnostic techniques in equine medicine encompass a range of procedures and tools used to identify diseases, injuries, or other health conditions in horses. These techniques include imaging methods such as radiography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as laboratory tests like blood work and tissue biopsies. Each diagnostic method provides specific information that can aid in the assessment and management of equine health issues. Radiography is commonly used for evaluating bone structures, while ultrasonography is useful for soft tissue examination. MRI offers detailed images of both soft and hard tissues, though its use is limited by cost and availability. Laboratory tests can detect biochemical and hematological changes indicative of disease. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the development, application, and efficacy of various diagnostic techniques in equine veterinary practice.
Evaluation of the usefulness of a PCR assay performed at a clinical laboratory for the diagnosis of respiratory disease induced by equine herpesvirus type 1 in the field. A PCR assay for the diagnosis of respiratory disease induced by equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) was performed at the clinical laboratory in the Racehorse Clinic of the Ritto Training Center of the Japan Racing Association from December 2007 to March 2008. The assay was performed without the trouble of contamination throughout the study and its turnaround time was approximately 6 hr. The PCR detection rates of EHV-1 among seroconverted horses were 22.2% for nasal swabs and 33.3% for blood samples. However, EHV-1 DNA was also detected in horses without seroconversion at a low rate. These resul...
Molecular and cytogenetic studies in a case of XX SRY-negative sex reversal in an Arabian horse. An 18-month-old Arabian foal characterized by a stallion-like appearance was submitted for cytogenetic and molecular genetics examinations due to abnormalities of external genitalia and the presence of ovotestis-like structures in the abdominal cavity. By RB-banding the animal showed the normal female equine karyotype (2n = 64,XX). Molecular analysis revealed the absence of the SRY and ZFY genes and the presence of ZFX, a typical female equine condition. The entire RSPO1 coding region was examined to exclude its involvement. Although a SNP was found in exon 3, it was not responsible for an ami...
Axial speed of sound for the monitoring of injured equine tendons: a preliminary study. Equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT) are often injured, and they represent an excellent model for human sport tendinopathies. While lesions can be precisely diagnosed by clinical evaluation and ultrasonography, a prognosis is often difficult to establish; the knowledge of the injured tendon's mechanical properties would help in anticipating the outcome. The objectives of the present study were to compare the axial speed of sound (SOS) measured in vivo in normal and injured tendons and to investigate their relationship with the tendons' mechanical parameters, in order to assess the ...
Sustainable equine parasite control: perspectives and research needs. Clinically important equine parasites are ubiquitous in managed horse populations. The traditional approach to parasite control is frequent administration of anthelmintics to all horses on a farm. However, increasing levels of anthelmintic resistance is forcing horse owners and veterinarians to shift this control paradigm. Treatment regimens involving routine deworming of all horses throughout the year are now being replaced by more sustainable approaches, which take in to account the importance of maintaining adequate parasite refugia. The selective therapy principle has been recommended for ...
The in vitro diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance in cyathostomins. Cyathostomins are the primary parasitic pathogens of equids. For over 40 years, these nematodes have been controlled using broad spectrum anthelmintics. Three classes of anthelmintic are currently available for this use but, unfortunately, resistance to each of these has now been recorded in cyathostomin populations. As part of an optimal strategy to control cyathostomin infections in the field, it will be important to identify drug-resistant worms at as early a stage as possible. This objective needs to be supported by methodologies that will allow the accurate comparison of anthelmintic resi...
Understanding abdominal ultrasonography in horses: which way is up? The recent introduction of more affordable and portable ultrasound equipment makes it possible to perform transabdominal ultrasonography on equine patients in the field. Clipping the hair is not always necessary: intraabdominal structures can be quickly evaluated by soaking hair with isopropyl alcohol and using a 3.0- to 3.5-MHz curvilinear transducer. The ultrasonographer must be acquainted with the location and architecture of normal intraabdominal structures and simultaneously mindful of the depth of the viewing field, the tissue interface densities, the orientation of the transducer relati...
Development and validation of a method for Cd, Pb and As analysis in bovine, equine and poultry liver by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A method for the determination of As, Cd and Pb in bovine, equine and poultry liver by ICP-MS was developed and validated. Samples were digested in a microwave oven using a 10% HNO(3) solution. A set of experiments was made according to a central composite design (CCD) for optimisation of the plasma argon flow, nebuliser argon flow and radiofrequency power applied to the plasma. During the validation, Rh and Ru were evaluated as internal standards and, after validation, the best was Rh for Pb and Cd analysis, but for As better results were obtained without an internal standard. The method allo...
Equine fetal sex determination using circulating cell-free fetal DNA (ccffDNA). In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reamplification of the first PCR product (2nd-PCR) and a qPCR assay were used to detect the sex determining region Y (SRY) gene from circulating cell-free fetal DNA (ccffDNA) in blood plasma of pregnant mares to determine fetal sex. The ccffDNA was isolated from plasma of 20 Thoroughbred mares (5-13 y old) in the final 3 mo of pregnancy (fetal sex was verified after foaling). For controls, plasma from two non-pregnant mares and two virgin mares were used, in addition to the non-template control. The 182 bp nucleotide sequence corresponding to the ...
Correlation between jugular and central venous pressures in laterally recumbent horses. To compare and correlate right atrial pressure, which represents central venous pressure (CVP) to jugular vein pressure (JVP) in laterally recumbent horses under anesthesia. Methods: Retrospective clinical trial. Methods: Seven adult healthy horses (411 ± 8.7 kg). Methods: Horses were sedated with IV xylazine and anesthesia was obtained with IV ketamine and diazepam. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen. All horses were positioned in left lateral recumbency. An 8F catheter introducer was inserted into the right jugular vein to measure JVP. An 8F catheter introducer was i...
Quantitative analysis of a quaternary ammonium drug: ipratropium bromide by LC/ESI-MS(n) in horse plasma and urine. A quantitative method, using LC/ESI-MS(n) with a quadrupole linear ion trap mass analyzer, has been developed for the analysis of ipratropium cation in horse plasma and urine. The method applies solid-phase extraction with WCX cartridges for plasma and MM2 cartridges for urine, prior to analysis by LC/ESI-MS(n). The efficiency of extraction combined with the sensitivity and the selectivity of MS(n) allows for the quantification of ipratropium cation at picogram per milliliter levels. The analytical capabilities of the method have been successfully checked by the quantitative analysis of ipratr...
Penetrating injuries to the frog (cuneus ungulae) and collateral sulci of the foot in equids: 63 cases (1998-2008). Objective-To determine the outcome of penetrating injuries to the central region of the foot in equids and identify factors that may affect treatment and outcome. Design-Retrospective case series. Animals-63 equids (61 horses, 1 pony, and 1 mule). Procedures-Records of equids incurring puncture wounds through the frog (cuneus ungulae) or collateral sulci of the foot between 1998 and 2008 were reviewed. Evaluated factors that were hypothesized to affect outcome included signalment, degree of lameness, foot affected, duration between injury and admission, and treatment. Injuries were graded from...
Comparison of cortisol and ACTH responses after administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone in normal horses and those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Changes in both adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol concentration in response to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) administration have been used to diagnose equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), but the use of the 2 hormones has not been compared. Objective: Measuring ACTH concentration is superior to measuring cortisol concentration after TRH administration in differentiating between normal horses and those with PPID, and the 2 hormone concentrations are disassociated in PPID horses. Methods: Eleven horses and 2 ponies with PPID and 19 normal horses. Methods: A study eval...
Serial measurement of lactate concentration in horses with acute colitis. Serial measurement of lactate concentration is utilized for therapeutic and prognostic purposes in human critical care. The prognostic value of serial lactate measurement in equine acute colitis warrants investigation. Objective: Serial lactate concentrations are predictive of outcome in horses with colitis. Methods: A total of 101 horses with colitis. Methods: Retrospective study. Plasma L-lactate concentrations were measured at admission and at 4-8 and 24 hours after admission. Associations between admission, early (4-8 hours) and late (24 hours) lactate concentrations, and survival status w...
Determination of body water compartments in neonatal foals by use of indicator dilution techniques and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. To determine values for total body water (TBW), extracellular fluid volume (ECFV), intracellular fluid volume (ICFV), and plasma volume (PV) in healthy neonatal (< 24 hours old) foals and to create a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) model for use in neonatal foals. Methods: 7 healthy neonatal foals. Methods: Deuterium oxide (0.4 g/kg, IV), sodium bromide (30 mg/kg, IV), and Evans blue dye (1 mg/kg, IV) were administered to each foal. Plasma samples were obtained following an equilibration period, and the TBW, ECFV, ICFV, and PV were calculated for each foal. An MF-BI...
Outbreak of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy in France: a clinical and molecular investigation. Equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1)-associated myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is a disease affecting the central nervous system of horses. Despite the constantly increasing interest about this syndrome, epidemiological data are limited especially when related to the description of large outbreaks. The aim of this article is to describe clinical, virological and molecular data obtained throughout a severe outbreak of EHM, with emphasis on laboratory diagnostic methods. The epidemic disease concerned a riding school in France where 7/66 horses aged 12-22 years developed signs of neurological disease in July ...
Determination of sucrose in equine serum using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Mucosal integrity may be objectively assessed by determination of the absorption of exogenous substances such as sucrose. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) have been reported for the accurate quantification of low concentrations of sucrose in serum. LC/MS offered the advantage of high sensitivity and mass selectivity without the need for extensive sample derivatization required for GC/MS methods. However, the high polarity and non-volatile nature of the sucrose molecule renders LC/MS techniques challenging. Previously published rep...
Equine ELISPOT assay to study secretion of IFNγ and IL-4 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Human and mouse immune system cells are the most frequently used specimens in ELISPOT assays. In an effect to expand the application of ELISPOT assay to other species, we developed matched antibody pairs for ready-to-use kits designed for studying the frequency of equine IFNγ- and IL-4-secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Equine PBMCs were stimulated with either concanavalin A (Con A) or calcium ionomycin mixed with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (CaI + PMA). We found that Con A, in general, had a more profound stimulating effect than CaI + PMA on IL-4 secretion, whereas bot...
Flow cytometric detection of myeloperoxidase in horse neutrophils: a novel technique in equine diagnostic research. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a protein of interest due to its involvement in equine pathologies. Until now, results in equine diagnostic research were achieved through extracellular MPO detection. However, studying the cellular MPO content in neutrophils has revealed important insights in human diseases. This study aimed to develop a technique for the specific detection of MPO on the single cell level defining a flow cytometric protocol for the detection of both equine surface-bound and cellular MPO. Both indirect and direct labeling techniques are described which include the comparison of two sec...
Brittle tail syndrome is an emerging infection in horses caused by a keratinolytic fungus Equicapillimyces hongkongensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The newly described brittle tail syndrome causes weakening and breakage of the tail hair of horses. Extensive mycological and molecular studies showed that a novel fungus Equicapillimyces hongkongensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is the most likely cause of this syndrome. It is a septate branching hyaline mould which grows optimally at 30°C, requires nicotinic acid but is inhibited by cycloheximide, and specifically infects horse hair. Hyphae fill the core of infected hair shafts with short-necked structures resembling ascomata containing banana-shaped septate ascospore-like structures perforating th...
Comparison of two trapping methods for Culicoides biting midges and determination of African horse sickness virus prevalence in midge populations at Onderstepoort, South Africa. Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of a variety of pathogens including African horse sickness virus (AHSV), a member of the family Reoviridae, genus Orbivirus. AHSV causes African horse sickness (AHS), an endemic disease of equids with an extremely high mortality rate in horses in sub-Saharan Africa. Culicoides (Avaritia) imicola Kieffer is considered to be the principal vector of AHSV and is the dominant Culicoides species in South Africa. Due to the global distribution of Culicoides vectors, there is a potential risk of AHS spreading from endemic areas to areas t...
Ultrasonographic features of the mule embryo, fetus and fetal-placental unit. The aim of this study was to establish baseline ultrasound data concerning the mule conceptus during gestation. Ten multiparous Trotter mares were artificially inseminated with chilled semen from an Amiatino jack donkey. Daily transrectal ultrasonography was carried out from the day of ovulation until Day 50 of gestation to determine the following: first detection of the embryonic vesicle (EV), mobility phase, EV diameter, day of EV fixation, changes in EV shape, date of yolk sac regression and embryo crown-rump length. Monthly ultrasonic assessments from Day 50 of gestation to term were carri...
Uterine artery blood flow remains unchanged in pregnant mares in response to short-term administration of pentoxifylline. The objective of this study was to use Doppler ultrasound technology to determine whether pentoxifylline administration increased uterine blood flow in normal pregnant pony mares. Thirteen pregnant pony mares between 18 and 190 d of gestation (mean ± SEM, 101 ± 55) were utilized for the study during two trial periods. In each trial, pentoxifylline (17 mg/kg by mouth every 12h, diluted in syrup) was administered to half of the mares for 3 d, while the other mares were treated with syrup only. Doppler measurements were obtained from the right and left uterine arteries from each mare for 2 d pr...
Searching for ivermectin resistance in Dutch horses. A study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of resistance against, in particular, ivermectin in cyathostomins in the Netherlands. Seventy horse farms were visited between October 2007 and November 2009. In initial screening, faecal samples were collected 2 weeks after deworming with either ivermectin, moxidectin or doramectin. Pooled faecal samples from a maximum of 10 horses were examined for worm eggs using a modified McMaster technique and for worm larvae after faecal larval cultures. In total 931 horses were involved. On 15 of 70 farms eggs and/or larvae were found. On 8 of these 15 f...
Comparison of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES®) and laparoscopy for elective bilateral ovariectomy in standing mares. To compare surgical trauma, perioperative pain, surgical time, and complication rate in mares undergoing standing bilateral ovariectomy by natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) or laparoscopy. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Healthy mares (n = 12). Methods: Ovariectomy was performed with a vessel-sealing device by transvaginal NOTES (n = 6) using a flexible endoscope and specialized instruments or by bilateral flank laparoscopy (n = 6). Preoperative and postoperative complete blood count (CBC), plasma fibrinogen concentration, serum amyloid A concentration, peritoneal n...
Estimated prevalence of the GYS-1 mutation in healthy Austrian Haflingers. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and frequency of a mutation in the gene coding for skeletal muscle glycogen synthase type 1 (GYS-1), which is the cause of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) type 1 in a population of 50 Haflingers. GYS-1 genotyping of 50 Haflingers was performed with a validated restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay. The second aim was to compare resting and post-exercise muscle enzyme activities as well as parameters of glucose metabolism in blood between horses with and without the mutation. Nine of the 50 Haflingers were ident...
Reevaluation of the effect of phenylephrine on resolution of nephrosplenic entrapment by the rolling procedure in 87 horses. To evaluate the outcome in horses treated with a rolling technique or surgically for nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon (NSE) and to examine the benefit of phenylephrine (PE) HCl on the efficacy of nonsurgical (rolling) management of NSE. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n = 211) diagnosed with NSE by rectal palpation with or without ultrasonography, or at the time of exploratory celiotomy or necropsy. Methods: Medical records (January 1, 2001-September 1, 2008) were collected from horses diagnosed with NSE at 2 referral centers. Records were used to obtain signalment, physical ...
A comparative study of proximal hindlimb flexion in horses: 5 versus 60 seconds. The flexion test is routinely used in lameness and prepurchase examinations. There is no accepted standard for duration of flexion or evidence that interpretation of results would differ with different durations of flexion. Objective: There will be no difference in interpretation of proximal hindlimb flexion for 5 or 60 s. Methods: Video recordings of lameness examinations of 34 client-owned horses were performed that included: baseline lameness, proximal hindlimb flexion for 60 s, and flexion of the same limb for 5 s. Videos were edited to blind reviewers to the hypothesis being tested. The b...
A combination of single-drop microextraction and open tubular capillary electrochromatography with carbon nanotubes as stationary phase for the determination of low concentration of illicit drugs in horse urine. In this study we developed an interesting alternative to HPLC-mass spectrometry for the quantification of seven important drugs of abuse in racehorses. The procedure proposed in this work is a combination of single-drop microextraction (SDME) and an open tubular capillary electrochromatography (OT-CEC) using multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCTs) immobilized into a fused-silica capillary as a stationary phase. The SDME showed to be a powerful tool for extraction/preconcentration of the seven drugs analyzed in the study, showing an enrichment factor between 38- and 102-fold depending on the drug. ...
Validation of a low-dose ACTH stimulation test in healthy adult horses. To determine the lowest ACTH dose that would induce a maximum increase in serum cortisol concentration in healthy adult horses and identify the time to peak cortisol concentration. Methods: Evaluation study. Methods: 8 healthy adult horses. Methods: Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or 1 of 4 doses (0.02, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/kg [0.009, 0.045, 0.114, and 0.227 μg/lb]) of cosyntropin (synthetic ACTH) were administered IV (5 treatments/horse). Serum cortisol concentrations were measured before and 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after injection of cosyntropin or saline solution; CBCs were per...
