Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
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.
Circadian intraocular pressure rhythms in athletic horses under different lighting regime. The present study was undertaken to investigate the existence of intraocular pressure (IOP) rhythms in athletic thoroughbred horses maintained under a 24 h cycle of light and darkness (LD) or under constant light (LL) or constant dark (DD) conditions. We identified an IOP circadian rhythm that is entrained to the 24 h LD cycle. IOP was low during the dark phase and high during the light phase, with a peak at the end of the light phase (ZT10). The circadian rhythm of IOP persisted in DD (with a peak at CT9.5), demonstrating an endogenous component in IOP rhythm. As previously shown in other mam...
Use of a stand-alone pressure plate for the objective evaluation of forelimb symmetry in sound ponies at walk and trot. Subtle lameness in horses may be difficult to diagnose and methods to evaluate lameness objectively are useful when equine clinicians fail to reach a consensus. The aim of this study was to determine whether equine pressure plate measurements are repeatable when used to calculate forelimb loading (peak vertical pressure [PVP], peak vertical force [PVF], vertical impulse [VI]) and symmetry ratios, and to establish if these data are similar to the 'gold standard' force plate values. Since plate dimensions are relatively small, ponies were used to enable recordings to be taken from both forelimbs...
Surgical complications of colic surgery. Colic is one of the most common and challenging problems that equine practitioners encounter. Although the majority of horses with colic can be treated with medical management, up to 10% of horses with colic require surgical intervention. The decision for surgery is often straightforward based on historical and diagnostic information. However, some horses require further diagnostics and observation to determine if surgery is needed. Surgical intervention can be life saving. However, complications may arise during surgery, in the immediate postoperative period, or during long-term management, a...
Identification of protein tyrosine phosphatases and dual-specificity phosphatases in mammalian spermatozoa and their role in sperm motility and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Protein tyrosine kinases have important roles in spermatozoa; however, little is known about the presence and regulation in these cells of their counterparts in signaling, namely, protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) and dual-specificity phosphatases (DSPs). The objectives of the present study were to identify PTPs and DSPs in boar, stallion, and dog spermatozoa; to characterize their subcellular distribution; and to investigate the roles of tyrosine phosphatases in maintenance of protein tyrosine phosphorylation level and in sperm motility. Using Western blotting with specific antibodies in b...
Complications of laparoscopic surgery. This article describes surgical complications associated with laparoscopy, how to avoid them, how to recognize them if they do happen, and how to deal with them in the most expedient method possible. Complications of sedation, anesthesia, positioning, the general surgical approach, and complications associated with specific surgical procedures are examined. The best defense against surgical complications is a thorough training program and an understanding of anatomy that will help the surgeon work in the three-dimensional environment while being limited to two dimensions on the monitor. The au...
Complications of equine oral surgery. The vast majority of equine oral procedures are dental-related and, unless great care is taken, almost all such procedures have the potential to cause marked short- or long-term damage to other oral structures. This review of the more common complications of oral surgery begins at the rostral oral cavity with procedures of the incisors, and then moves caudally to deal with complications related to procedures of wolf teeth and cheek teeth, including salivary duct disruption and dental sinusitis. Finally, complications associated with maxillary and mandibular fractures are discussed.
Complications of ophthalmic surgery in the horse. Corneal transplantation, amniotic membrane transplantation, phacoemulsification cataract extraction, and laser glaucoma therapy are routine ophthalmic surgical procedures in horses. This article discusses the indications, techniques, and postoperative complications of these and other ophthalmic surgical procedures in horses. Meticulous and accurate anatomic repair can minimize postoperative complications to maintain positive visual outcomes in ophthalmic surgery of the horse.
Molecular characterization of Rhodococcus equi from horse-breeding farms by means of multiplex PCR for the vap gene family. This study evaluated the molecular characteristics of Rhodococcus equi isolates obtained from horses by a multiplex PCR assay that amplifies the vap gene family (vapA, -B, -C, -D, -E, -F, -G, and -H). A total of 180 R. equi isolates were studied from four different sources, namely healthy horse feces (112), soil (12), stalls (23), and clinical isolates (33) from horse-breeding farms. The technique was performed and confirmed by sequencing of amplified vap gene family controls. Thirty-two (17.8%) of the R. equi isolates were positive for the vapA gene and carried at least three other vap genes....
Molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus zooepidemicus isolated from the respiratory tracts of Thoroughbred racehorses in training. The objective of this study was to characterise the molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus zooepidemicus isolated from the respiratory tracts of 198 Thoroughbred racehorses based at three Newmarket training yards over a 10 month period. Typing utilised two separate PCR procedures targeting the M-like protein hypervariable and the 16S-23S RNA gene intergenic spacer regions of the bacterium. S. zooepidemicus, isolated from 23% (224/983) of study samples, comprised 24 different types of varying prevalence. The four most common types, A1HV4, A1HV2, C1HVu and D1HV1, accounted for 45% of all the ty...
Twin pregnancy experimental model for transvaginal ultrasound-guided twin reduction in mares. Multiple pregnancies are still an important cause of noninfectious abortion, stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and significant delays in reproductive performance in mares. Despite new management techniques, reduction in multiple pregnancies is an ongoing preoccupation and challenge for the equine veterinarian. The aim of the present study was to establish a twin pregnancy experimental model in the mare to study the effectiveness of a transvaginal ultrasound-guided embryonic vesicle injection. Mares in heat were inseminated and then received an embryo at day 7 of the estrous cycle. At days 14 and...
Tracheal collapse in American Miniature Horses: 13 cases (1985-2007). To describe the clinical and laboratory findings, diagnostic features, and outcome of tracheal collapse in American Miniature Horses at a referral institution. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 13 American Miniature Horses with tracheal collapse. Methods: Medical records of American Miniature Horses with tracheal collapse at a referral hospital were reviewed. Data extracted included signalment, history, clinical signs, laboratory data, diagnostic procedures, outcome, and histologic findings. Results: Tracheal collapse was documented in 5.6% of American Miniature Horses admitted to t...
Early conception factor lateral flow assays for pregnancy in the mare. The ECF lateral flow assay test is marketed to detect non-pregnancy in mares. The objectives of the present study were to determine the accuracy of the ECF test, the accuracy of the electronic reader accompanying the ECF test, and agreement between two human readers and the electronic reader. Serum samples were collected from anestrus, cycling but not inseminated, and inseminated mares, and were evaluated with the ECF test (EDP Biotech Company, Knoxville, TN, USA) at The Ohio State University and at the EDP Biotech Laboratory. Specificity ranged from 0.07 to 0.16, the negative predictive value...
Thyroid function in anhidrotic horses. This study was performed to determine whether anhidrotic horses have altered thyroid function compared with horses that sweat normally. Objective: Anhidrotic horses have normal thyroid function. Methods: Ten client-owned horses with clinical signs of anhidrosis were paired with 10 horses living in the same environment that had normal sweat production. Methods: Horses were diagnosed as having normal sweat production or being anhidrotic based on responses to intradermal injections of terbutaline and physiologic responses to lunging exercise. Control horses were selected from the same environment...
[Epidemiological investigation on natural infection to Borna disease virus (BDV) among horses in Yili, Xinjiang]. To investigate the epidemiological pattern of Borna disease virus (BDV) infection in horses and to analyze the phylogenetic tree of derived BDV in Yili, Xinjiang. Methods: We established a modified nested RT-PCR (nRT-PCR) to detect BDV p24 segment in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and brain tissues of 120 horses in Yili, Xinjiang. Positive products were analyzed by sequencing and homology analysis. Results: The positive rate of BDV infection was 2.5% in both PMBCs and brain tissues at the same time. The gene sequence revealed in positive PCR samples was more than 93%, identical to ...
Clinical trials using a telemetric endoscope for use during over-ground exercise: a preliminary study. Dynamic collapse of the upper respiratory tract (URT) is a common cause of poor performance in horses. These conditions occur predominantly during strenuous exercise when the URT is unable to maintain dilation in the face of high inspiratory pressures. In most cases, these disorders cannot be accurately diagnosed during a resting endoscopic examination. To date, a definitive diagnosis of dynamic URT obstructions has been possible only by performing an endoscopic examination during high-speed treadmill exercise. However, recent technological advances now enable URT endoscopy to be performed whi...
Implications of different degrees of arytenoid cartilage abduction on equine upper airway characteristics. The necessary degree of arytenoid cartilage abduction (ACA) to restore airway patency at maximal exercise has not been determined. Objective: Use computational fluid dynamics modelling to measure the effects of different degrees of ACA on upper airway characteristics of horses during exercise. Objective: Maximal ACA by laryngoplasty is necessary to restore normal peak airflow and pressure in Thoroughbred racehorses with laryngeal hemiplegia. Methods: The upper airway was modeled with the left arytenoid in 3 different positions: maximal abduction; 88% cross-sectional area of the rima glottis; a...
Deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone diagnosed by standing magnetic resonance imaging. Erosion of the palmar (flexor) aspect of the navicular bone is difficult to diagnose with conventional imaging techniques. Objective: To review the clinical, magnetic resonance (MR) and pathological features of deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone. Methods: Cases of deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone, diagnosed by standing low field MR imaging, were selected. Clinical details, results of diagnostic procedures, MR features and pathological findings were reviewed. Results: Deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone were diagnosed in 16 matu...
Diagnostic accuracy of digital photography and image analysis for the measurement of foot conformation in the horse. Rigorous evaluation of practicable methods for the objective assessment of foot conformation has not been performed. Objective: To assess the practicability, precision and accuracy of the process of obtaining measurements of horses' feet using photography and image processing software. Methods: Precision study: Lateral photographs of horses' feet were obtained twice by 2 veterinary surgeons (image acquisition - IAc). Photographs were analysed by 2 masked veterinary surgeons on 2 occasions (image analysis - IAn). Measurements were compared within and between operators for self and non-self acqu...
Screening, quantification, and confirmation of phenylbutazone and oxyphenbutazone in equine plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A sensitive liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for screening, quantification, and confirmation of phenylbutazone and oxyphenbutazone in equine plasma. Analytes were recovered from plasma by liquid-liquid extraction followed by separation in a reversed-phase column and identification by mass spectrometry with selected reaction monitoring in negative electrospray ionization mode. Extraction recovery for both analytes was >80%. Limits of detection, quantification, and confirmation for both analytes were 0.01 microg/mL (S/N>or= 3), 0.05 microg...
Accuracy of the TurfTrax Racing Data System for determination of equine speed and position. The speed and position data collected by TurfTrax Racing Data Limited during UK Thoroughbred racing have potential to benefit equine science and welfare. The size (the 2006 data set alone consists of 30,932 individual horse starts across 2667 races) and nature (speed and 2D position for each horse at 4 updates per second) of the data make it a unique resource for questions in equine safety, welfare, performance, and animal locomotion. Objective: To determine the accuracy of the TurfTrax tracking system in estimating the speed and position of horses during racing. Methods: Measurements from the...
Corneal stromal invasive squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective morphological description in 10 horses. To describe the pathomorphological features of corneal stromal invasive squamous cell carcinoma (CSI-SCC) in horses. Methods: A total of 87 equine SCC in the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin database were retrieved. The signalment and anatomical distribution were summarized. Ten CSI-SCC out of 87 SCCs were further investigated focusing on pathomorphological description. All 10 cases were stained with H&E, periodic acid-Schiff stain and Verhoeff's elastic stain. Results: Four Appaloosas, two Quarter horses, two American Paint, one Pinto and one Thoroughbred horse were affect...
Locking compression plate osteosynthesis of complicated mandibular fractures in six horses. Complicated mandibular fractures were recognised in one foal, one pony and four horses. The foal was two months old while the adult animals ranged in age from 12 to 24 years. Three horses had a unilateral horizontal ramus fracture. Two fractures were open and one was closed. Comminution was present in one of these patients while the other two horses had marked displacement of the fragments. Two suffered from comminuted fractures of the horizontal and vertical ramus of the mandible. One of these patients had open and infected fractures. One foal had a bilateral horizontal ramus fracture with ma...
Detection of virulent Rhodococcus equi in exhaled air samples from naturally infected foals. Virulent Rhodococcus equi causes pyogranulomatous bronchopneumonia in foals. The route of infection of foals has been considered to be inhalation of aerosolized bacteria from soil that is contaminated with equine feces. Thus, disease caused by R. equi has been regarded as an opportunistic infection of environmental origin and not a contagious disease. In this study, we report the exhalation of virulent R. equi from the respiratory tract of naturally infected foals. A handheld air-monitoring system was used to recover virulent R. equi from the exhaled breath of foals, and the concentration of v...
Incidental isolation of Setaria equina microfilariae in preparations of equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In the course of a vaccine experiment on horses, microfilariae were observed in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from eleven of fifteen study horses. The microfilariae were clearly viable as evidenced by their vigorous movements in the cultures, thus indicating that they had survived the Ficoll gradient purification and the cryopreservation method used for retaining the PBMCs. The microfilariae were identified as Setaria equina, which is a vector-borne filarial nematode that causes a relatively benign infection of equids in which the adult worms reside in the per...
Locking compression plates for pancarpal arthrodesis in a Thoroughbred filly. To report treatment of a comminuted ulnar carpal (UC) bone fracture associated with carpal instability by pancarpal arthrodesis using 2 locking compression plates (LCP). Methods: Case report. Methods: A 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly. Methods: An UC fracture and luxation of the proximal row of carpal bones was diagnosed radiographically. Pancarpal arthrodesis was performed with 2 LCP positioned dorsolaterally and dorsomedially and centered over the carpus through a single skin incision. The filly was maintained in a full limb cast for 15 days, followed by a tube cast for 14 days, and subsequent...
Mandibular osteodistraction for correction of deep bite class II malocclusion in a horse. To describe a technique for, and outcome after, mandibular osteodistraction in the horse. Methods: Clinical report. Methods: Warmblood horse. Methods: A half ring external fixator was applied on both sides of an osteotomy site performed on the mandible of a colt. A bite plate was placed on the upper incisors creating occlusion between lower and upper jaw. After a 5-day latency period, distraction was applied (1 mm/day) until the overjet was judged normal. Results: Mandibular elongation and correction of brachygnathia was obtained without major complications. Six months after the procedure the ...
Surgical approach for removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments of the proximal sesamoid bones in horses. To describe a surgical approach for the removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments in performance horses and to report the outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=11), 7 months to 10 years of age, with lameness because of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments. Methods: Lameness was localized to the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal region by clinical examination or response to diagnostic local anesthesia. Radiographs confirmed the diagnosis of a nonarticular base sesamoid fragment. Surgical removal was performed with an incision over the base of the affected sesamoi...
Biomechanical comparison of six suture configurations using a large diameter polyester prosthesis in the muscular process of the equine arytenoid cartilage. To compare biomechanical properties of 6 suture configurations using a large diameter polyester prosthesis in the muscular process (MP) of the arytenoid cartilage and to determine failure mode. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine larynges (n=121). Methods: Suture configurations (4 single, 2 double) were inserted, and then constructs were tested in a single-cycle to failure at a 100 mm/min distraction. Load deformation curves were generated to assess the biomechanical properties of each construct. A 1-way ANOVA was used to compare the mean differences in construct failure for...
Osteochondral fragmentation in the synovial pad of the fetlock in Warmblood horses. To determine clinical and arthroscopic characteristics associated with fragments in the synovial pad of the fetlock and to characterize their morphology. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Warmblood horses (n=104) with fragment(s) in the synovial pad. Methods: Signalment and results of radiographic and clinical examination were collected before surgery. After arthroscopic fragment removal and joint evaluation for synovial and/or cartilage abnormalities, fragments were measured, and evaluated by histopathology. Results: Synovial pad fragments (n=142) were removed from 127 fetlocks. Two olde...
Effect of head position on radiographic assessment of laryngeal tie-forward procedure in horses. To assess the effect of head position on relative position of the larynx and hyoid apparatus in horses with palatal dysfunction, and to define a standard position for radiographic assessment of laryngeal tie-forward. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Adult horses (n=9) with palatal dysfunction. Methods: Left lateral radiographs of the larynx were obtained pre and postoperatively for 3 different head positions (flexed=90 degrees ; neutral=100 degrees ; extended=115 degrees ). Distance between thyrohyoid bone and thyroid cartilage was measured. Data were analyzed to investigate diffe...
