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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.
Validity of saddle pressure measurements using force-sensing array technology–preliminary studies. Back pain is a common and poorly understood clinical problem. An important factor in this regard is the induction or exacerbation of back pain from badly designed or poorly fitting saddles. This study used a pressure-sensing mat to investigate saddle fit. The aims of the study were to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the force-sensing array technology when used to measure pressure beneath the saddles of horses, and to collect some initial data from normal healthy horses with well-fitting saddles. Experiments were undertaken to establish that a linear relationship existed between the tot...
Prevalence of antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in horses from Argentina. Sera from 76 horses from Argentina were examined for antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Antibodies to S. neurona were found in 27 (35.5%) of 76 horses using immunoblots with culture derived merozoites as antigen. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 10 (13.1%) of 76 horses by using the modified agglutination test with formalin-fixed tachyzoites and mercaptoethanol; titers were 1:25 (two horses), 1:50 (six horses), 1:100 (two horses), and 1:200 (one horse). Antibodies to N. caninum were not found in any of the 76 horses by the use of N. caninum agglutina...
Physiological correlates associated with cribbing behaviour in horses: changes in thermal threshold, heart rate, plasma beta-endorphin and serotonin. The aim of the present study was to obtain information on the possible mechanisms underlying cribbing behaviour in horses. To investigate the horse's responsiveness to an external stimulus, a device for telemetric measurement of thermal threshold, using the forelimb withdrawal reflex, was developed and validated. Measurements of thermal threshold took place in cribbing horses (n = 11) before and during cribbing periods. Heart rate was monitored continuously in the same horses. Blood samples were collected before and during cribbing periods as well and in age- and sex-matched control horses (n ...
Laryngeal movements during the respiratory cycle measured with an endoscopic imaging technique in the conscious horse at rest. A video-laryngoscopic method, implemented with an algorithm for the correction of the deformation inherent in the endoscope optical system, has been used to measure the dorsoventral diameter (Drg) and the cross-sectional area (CSArg) of the rima glottidis in five healthy workhorses during conscious breathing at rest. Simultaneous recording of the respiratory airflow was also obtained in two horses. Drg measured 82.7 +/- 4.5 mm (mean +/- S.D.) independently of the respiratory phase, and did not differ from the measurement in post-mortem anatomical specimens of the same horses. CSArg ranged from...
Results of physical inspection before races and race-related characteristics and their association with musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbreds during races. To estimate the relative risk of injury among horses deemed to be at increased risk of injury on the basis of prerace physical inspection findings and to examine the association of injury during races with race-related characteristics. Methods: Cohort study. Methods: 2,187 Thoroughbred horses that started 3,227 races in Kentucky. Methods: All race starts for which a horse was deemed to be at increased risk of injury on the basis of prerace physical inspection findings and a random sample of race starts for which horses were not deemed at increased risk of injury were included in the study. Fin...
Chronic renal failure associated with nephrolithiasis, ureterolithiasis, and renal dysplasia in a 2-year-old quarter horse gelding. A 2-year-old quarter horse gelding presented for evaluation of polyuria and polydipsia. Azotemia was detected on serum chemistry profile. Small, misshapen, hyperechoic kidneys with decreased corticomedullary demarcation, hydronephrosis, and a right nephrolith were noted ultrasonographically. The diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease and dysplasia was made histopathologically using ultrasound-guided biopsy. Two ureteroliths were found in the right ureter via cystoscopy, and a nephrolith was seen in the right kidney at necropsy. Clinical, ultrasonographic, and pathologic features of equine uroli...
Isolation of Salmonella organisms from the mesenteric lymph nodes of horses at necropsy. To determine the prevalence of Salmonella infections in horses at necropsy. Methods: Cross-sectional prevalence survey. Methods: 102 horses. Methods: Mesenteric lymph nodes were collected from horses that were necropsied. Horses had died or were euthanatized because of severe disease or at the request of the owner. Twenty-eight of the horses were racehorses euthantized following acute catastrophic injuries on the racetrack. Mesenteric lymph nodes were submitted for Salmonella culture via direct plating of tissue specimens on MacConkey agar and by use of 4 enrichment culture techniques that use...
Comparison of the merits of measuring equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and blood and faecal concentrations of oestrone sulphate for determining the pregnancy status of miniature horses. The relative merits of measuring blood concentrations of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG, previously known as pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG)), or oestrone sulphate (OS), or faecal OS concentrations for determining pregnancy status in miniature horses were investigated. Pregnant mares between 40 and 140 days after mating had serum eCG concentrations > 1 I.U. mL-1, with the highest concentrations occurring between days 50 and 120. However, eCG measurements were susceptible to returning a 'false positive' diagnosis of pregnancy. Plasma OS concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 3.6 ng ...
Lawsonia intracellularis-like organism infection in a miniature foal. A 7-month-old foal was admitted to the hospital with a history of lethargy, weight loss, mild diarrhea, and anorexia. A diagnosis of proliferative enteritis caused by Lawsonia intracellularis-like organisms was made after necropsy and histologic examination of the small intestine. Although infection with L intracellularis-like organisms is a rare cause of enteritis in foals, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if the foal was housed in the proximity of pigs or pig feces. Antemortem diagnosis remains challenging because isolation of the organism in fecal material r...
Detection of new DNA polymerase genes of known and potentially novel herpesviruses by PCR with degenerate and deoxyinosine-substituted primers. A consensus primer PCR approach was used to (i) investigate the presence of herpesviruses in wild and zoo equids (zebra, wild ass, tapir) and to (ii) study the genetic relationship of the herpesvirus of pigeons (columbid herpesvirus 1) to other herpesvirus species. The PCR assay, based on degenerate primers targeting highly conserved regions of the DNA polymerase gene of herpesviruses, was modified by using a mixture of degenerate and deoxyinosine-substituted primers. The applicability of the modification was validated by amplification of published DNA polymerase genes of 16 herpesvirus specie...
New approaches to detect cortisol administration in the horse. The cortisol threshold concentration of 1.0 microg/ml in horse urine adopted by the International Federation of the racing Authorities in 1994 is specific. However, an increase in the sensitivity for the detection of cortisol administration would be helpful. Previous studies have shown that 20beta-dihydrocortisol concentration in urine would be a good indicator of cortisol administration. The purpose of the present work was to estimate the population parameters and the critical values of 20beta-dihydrocortisol and 20beta-dihydrocortisone concentration in urine compared with that of cortisol. U...
Hydrocortisone levels in the urine and blood of horses treated with ACTH. An investigation was undertaken to demonstrate whether therapeutic treatment with ACTH raises hydrocortisone (cortisol) levels in horse urine above the limit (1000 ng/ml) established by the International Conference of Racing Authorities with the aim of controlling the abuse of cortisol and ACTH in equine sports. ACTH (200 iu) was administered i.m. to 3 Thoroughbred horses; urine and blood samples were collected at intervals afterwards and analysed by an immunoenzymatic system (ELISA) and HPLC-MS. To ascertain post exercise cortisol levels in untreated horses, 101 urine and 103 serum samples we...
Equine castration: review of anatomy, approaches, techniques and complications in normal, cryptorchid and monorchid horses. Complications associated with equine castration are the most common cause of malpractice claims against equine practitioners in North America. An understanding of the embryological development and surgical anatomy is essential to differentiate abnormal from normal structures and to minimise complications. Castration of the normal horse can be performed using sedation and regional anaesthesia while the horse is standing, or under general anaesthesia when it is recumbent. Castration of cryptorchid horses is best performed under general anaesthesia at a surgical facility. Techniques for castratio...
Airway responses to histamine aerosol in clinically normal foods. To describe the spectrum of nonspecific airway reactivity in a group of clinically normal foals. Methods: 12 clinically normal mixed-breed foals, 48 to 92 days old, without history of clinical lung disease. Methods: Nonspecific airway reactivity was determined by measuring the extent of changes in dynamic compliance during nebulization of incrementally increasing concentrations of histamine aerosol. Degree of airway reactivity was expressed as the dose of histamine that evoked a decrease in dynamic compliance (Cdyn) to 65% of the after saline nebulization value (PC65Cdyn) or increase in pulmon...
Testing for therapeutic medications: analytical/pharmacological relationships and limitations’ on the sensitivity of testing for certain agents. Proper veterinary care of horses requires that horses in training have access to modern therapeutic medication. However, the sensitivity of equine drug testing now allows for detection of pharmacologically insignificant concentrations of many therapeutic medications. In 1995, the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) resolved that members 'address trace level detection so as not to lead to disciplinary action based on pharmacologically insignificant traces of these substances'. The rationale behind this approach is to prevent overly-sensitive testing from inhibiting the prop...
Species-specific amplification by PCR of ribosomal DNA from some equine strongyles. The first and second internal transcribed spacer sequences of 28 morphologically-defined species of horse strongyle were characterized, and specific oligonucleotide primers were designed for some species based on the nucleotide differences. Utilizing these primers, a PCR approach was developed for the specific amplification of ribosomal DNA of Strongylus vulgaris, Cyathostomum catinatum, Cylicocyclus nassatus, Cylicostephanus longibursatus or Cylicostephanus goldi. The method allowed the species-specific amplification of parasite DNA derived from faecal samples and/or copro-cultures, demonstra...
[Chronic urticaria in sports horses]. Chronic urticaria in otherwise healthy sport horses, generally has an origin in a food allergy, accompanied by a facultative latent enteritis. Etiological diagnosis may be made by skin tests that permit a following targeted avoidance.
The use of postmortem radiography as an aid in diagnosing, documenting, and understanding disease in animals. Postmortem radiography can be a valuable supplement to traditional necropsy. This article provides examples where postmortem radiographs have been useful in diagnosing and documenting lesions in animals, and have helped demonstrate important principles of the pathology and the pathogenesis of lesions identified at necropsy. This article also discusses additional circumstances where the application of postmortem radiography might be worthwhile.
A non-competitive chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay for the equine acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) — a clinically useful inflammatory marker in the horse. A non-competitive chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay for measuring serum amyloid A (SAA) in equine serum was developed. A polyclonal anti-equine-amyloid A antiserum specific for equine SAA was utilized, and the assay was standardized using highly purified equine SAA. An acute phase horse serum was calibrated against the purified SAA and was used as standard when running the assay. Serum SAA concentrations in the range of 3-1210 mg/l could be measured. The reference range of SAA in clinically healthy adult horses was <7 mg/l. The clinical validation of the assay comprised the SAA responses...
Molecular detection of Babesia equi and Babesia caballi in horse blood by PCR amplification of part of the 16S rRNA gene. Babesia equi and Babesia caballi are tick-borne haemoparasites that may cause babesiosis of Equidae. In southern Europe B. equi is enzootic and infections may occur asymptomatically and more frequently than those due to B. caballi. Complement fixation test (CFT) is the official serological test for the diagnosis of equine babesiosis, but it has low sensitivity during early and latent stages of the disease. With the aim of developing more sensitive and rapid direct diagnostic alternatives, PCR systems that amplified DNA targets of 664 or 659 bp regions of the 16S rRNA genes were designed and de...
Nortestosterone: endogenous in urine of goats, sheep and mares? For a number of species it is known that nortestosterone, either the alpha- or beta-epimer, can be of endogenous origin. For goats and mares similar results have not yet been published. As a follow-up on the experiments with cattle, a large number of urine samples per animal were collected from pregnant goats, sheep and mares. These samples were analysed for the presence of alpha- and beta-nortestosterone and alpha-estradiol using GC-MS. The results show that in the goats and mares studied alpha-nortestosterone is present during pregnancy. In this study no alpha-nortestosterone could be demons...
Identification of Ruminococcus flavefaciens as the predominant cellulolytic bacterial species of the equine cecum. Detection and quantification of cellulolytic bacteria with oligonucleotide probes showed that Ruminococcus flavefaciens was the predominant species in the pony and donkey cecum. Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus were present at low levels. Four isolates, morphologically resembling R. flavefaciens, differed from ruminal strains by their carbohydrate utilization and their end products of cellobiose fermentation.
Use of electrocautery probes in arthroscopic removal of apical sesamoid fracture fragments in 18 Standardbred horses. To develop a technique for arthroscopic excision of apical sesamoid fracture fragments using electrocautery probes. Methods: A total of 18 Standardbred horses. Methods: Arthroscopic removal of apical sesamoid fracture fragments using both hook and loop electrocautery probes was performed on 18 Standardbred horses. The fracture fragments were approached using either an ipsilateral (3) or contralateral (15) arthroscopic triangulation technique. Distension of the metacarpo- (metatarso)-phalangeal joints was achieved using a 1.5% glycine solution. Under arthroscopic guidance, both the suspensory a...
A PCR based method for the identification of equine influenza virus from clinical samples. In this paper we describe the development of a nested RT-PCR assay for the rapid diagnosis and characterisation of influenza virus directly from clinical specimens. Viral RNA is extracted from nasal swabs by the guanidine thiocyanate extraction method, and subsequently reverse transcribed. The complementary DNA is then used as template in a nested PCR reaction. Primers designed for use in this assay are specific for three templates; (1) the nucleoprotein (NP) gene, (2) the haemagglutinin gene of the H7N7 equine influenza virus (A1), and (3) the haemagglutinin gene of the H3N8 equine influenza ...
Near infrared spectroscopy in large animals: optical pathlength and influence of hair covering and epidermal pigmentation. The effects of epidermal pigmentation and hair covering on the relative transparency of various animal tissues to near infrared (NIR) light were examined, and the pathlengths of NIR light through tissues at four wavelengths in the NIR range were subsequently determined. Black hair covering and black or dark-coloured hooves prevented NIR light from penetration sufficient for conduction of pathlength or NIR spectroscopy measurements. Non-pigmented hair covering of the head did not appear to be a barrier to successful NIR light transmission. Tissues sufficiently transparent to NIR light had the d...
