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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.
An algorithm to describe the oxygen equilibrium curve for the thoroughbred racehorse. An algorithm to describe the oxygen equilibrium curve (OEC) of the Thoroughbred horse was derived from raw oxygen equilibrium curve data obtained under standard conditions of temperature, pH and PCO2 (Smale and Butler, 1994). This algorithm was derived by a curve-fitting procedure based on the algorithm for human blood produced by Kelman (1966). The temperature, fixed acid and net CO2 coefficients were then incorporated in the algorithm to enable the accurate calculation of % saturation from any combination of PO2, temperature, pH and PCO2. The algorithm was checked using blood gas data obtain...
Relationships between electrocardiographic findings, racing performance and training in standardbred horses. The presence of abnormal T waves in three or more electrocardiographic leads has been used to diagnose the cause of poor race performance in horses. This study investigated the relationship between previous racing performance in Standardbred horses and T waves, and the effect of training on the T wave. Thirty-two horses were electrocardiographed in two Sydney racing stables. Sixteen horses (50%) had ECGs with three or more leads with abnormal T waves, and these horses had won more races, had a greater ratio of wins per start and a greater number of dollars earned per start than horses with les...
Equine echocardiography. This article provides an overview on the principles of transthoracic echocardiography in horses. Indications for echocardiography, equipment, and technical considerations are discussed and a systematic approach for a complete echocardiographic examination in horses is described. Methods for assessment of chamber dimensions, allometric scaling of measurements, assessment of systolic and diastolic ventricular function, assessment of atrial function, hemodynamic assessment, and evaluation of valvular regurgitation are explained, focusing on traditional 2-dimensional (2D), motion-mode, and Doppler...
Effect of prior lavage on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell population of lavaged and unlavaged lung segments in horses. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on 16 horses to determine whether it caused local or diffuse inflammation in the lungs. In 7 horses, BAL was performed in both lungs twice, 48 hours apart. Although total cell counts of the BAL samples did not change significantly, there were increased numbers and percentage of neutrophils in the second lavage fluid samples. In 5 horses, BAL was performed in 1 lung and repeated 48 hours later in the same lung and in the corresponding airway in the contralateral lung. The absolute cell count and percentage of neutrophils were significantly (P = < 0....
Equine echocardiography–sound advice at the heart of the matter. Echocardiography is an extremely versatile tool for both the equine clinician and physiologist. There are three useful forms of echocardiography, B mode, M mode and Doppler. Together they provide complementary information on cardiac disease and haemodynamic status. B mode is used to image the cardiac chambers, valves, myocardium and pericardium. M mode allows determination of motion of cardiac structures; it is superior to B mode for timing of events and it is used to make precise measurements of the heart. Doppler echocardiography can assess intracardiac blood flow and its velocity. Echocardi...
The cross-sectional areas of normal equine digital flexor tendons determined ultrasonographically. Fifty-two animals, comprising 22 Irish Draught crosses (Group A), 15 Thoroughbreds (Group B) and 15 ponies (Group C) were examined ultrasonographically using a 7.5 mHz linear array probe and stand-off pad. All animals were free of tendon disease as determined from clinical and ultrasonographical examination. The superficial (SDFT) and deep (DDFT) digital flexor tendons were scanned at 7 transverse (axial) levels between the carpus and metacarpophalangeal joint. Each transverse image was digitised using a commercially available frame grabber and the cross-sectional areas of each tendon at each ...
Histological findings in corneal stromal abscesses of 11 horses: correlation with cultures and cytology. Histopathology was compared to culture results and cytology from horses with corneal stromal abscess at the Auburn University and the Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals. Significant bacteria were not isolated in culture or seen on histopathology in any of the horses. Although most bacteria infecting equine corneas can be isolated with blood and MacConkey's agars, failure to detect bacterial growth may not rule out infection because anaerobic or intracellular bacteria would not be isolated. The inability to visualise bacterial organisms on histological sections did not rule out...
Observations on the anatomy and pathology of the palmar intercarpal ligaments in the middle carpal joints of thoroughbred racehorses. Ten carpi from juvenile Thoroughbred horses were dissected in detail to record the anatomy of the palmar intercarpal ligaments (PICLs). These were found not to be substantially attached to the palmar carpal ligament. The lateral PICL was sited at the convergence of the palmar aspects of the third, fourth, intermediate and ulnar carpal bones and aligned predominantly in a proximodistal direction. The medial PICL had a large origin distally on the lateral aspect of the radial carpal bone (Cr) and attached to third (C3) and second (C2) carpal bones with apparently separate fibre orientations. Fib...
Removal of inspissated purulent exudate from the ventral conchal sinus of three standing horses. Primary paranasal sinusitis, complicated by inspissated purulent exudate in a ventral conchal sinus, was diagnosed in 3 horses. Partial nasal obstruction, caused by axial deviation of the ventral concha, was detected endoscopically in 2 of the horses. A mass, dorsal to the maxillary molars, was detected via a lateral radiographic view of the skull of 3 horses and on the dorsoventral view of 1 of the horses. Inspissated purulent exudate was removed from the ventral conchal sinus of the horses via trephination of the conchofrontal sinus and penetration of the caudal wall of the ventral conchal s...
Effect of sample handling on measurement of plasma glucose and blood lactate concentrations in horses before and after exercise. Collection of a satisfactory blood sample requires special procedures to prevent changes in glucose and lactate content after the sample has been obtained. Changes in measured plasma glucose and blood lactate concentrations attributable to anticoagulants and storage procedures, respectively, were examined in blood samples obtained from horses at rest and after exercise. To evaluate the effect of anticoagulants on measured plasma glucose concentration, blood was preserved with either sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate or lithium heparin. Measured plasma glucose concentration in blood obtained at...
Effect of phenylephrine on hemodynamics and splenic dimensions in horses. Pharmacologically induced splenic contraction might be useful during certain medical or surgical procedures in horses. The effects of phenylephrine, an alpha 1-adrenergic receptor agonist, on hemodynamic function and splenic dimensions were examined in 6 healthy adult horses. Phenylephrine infusion (1, 3, or 6 micrograms/kg of body weight/min for 15 minutes) resulted in a dose-related increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure; right atrial pressure; systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial pressures; and packed cell volume (P = 0.0001). Concurrent decreases in heart rate and specific cardiac ou...
Three-dimensional sonographic imaging of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon. In a feasability study, a technique for constructing 3-dimensional sonographic images of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) was established in 6 clinically normal horses and applied to 7 horses with injured SDFT. Two-dimensional B-mode sonographic images were recorded on videotape as the sonographic transducer was manually moved along the palmar aspect of the metacarpal region. Selected videofields were digitized, and 3-dimensional images were constructed, using a computer work station and dedicated software program. The 3-dimensional images were of high quality and presented qualita...
Successful pregnancy after partial hysterectomy in two mares. Infertility was associated with a uterine mass in 2 Thoroughbred mares. Both mares had produced live foals, but had been barren for 2 years, despite repeated breedings. Each mass was removed through a right ventral paramedian incision. Histologic examination of the masses revealed a leiomyoma and an ovarian abscess. In 1 mare, approximately 30% of 1 uterine horn was removed because of tumor attachment; in the other mare, approximately 50% of 1 uterine horn was removed because of adhesions to the ovarian abscess. Pregnancy information was available for both mares for the 3 years after surgery; ...
Genetic Bit Analysis: a solid phase method for typing single nucleotide polymorphisms. A new method for typing single nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA is described. In this method, specific fragments of genomic DNA containing the polymorphic site(s) are first amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using one regular and one phosphorothioate-modified primer. The double-stranded PCR product is rendered single-stranded by treatment with the enzyme T7 gene 6 exonuclease, and captured onto individual wells of a 96 well polystyrene plate by hybridization to an immobilized oligonucleotide primer. This primer is designed to hybridize to the single-stranded target DNA immediately...
Characterization and identification of Vagococcus fluvialis strains isolated from domestic animals. Strains of Vagococcus fluvialis, a species of Gram-positive catalase-negative cocci, related to the genera Enterococcus and Carnobacterium, were isolated from various lesions of pigs, from lesions and tonsils of cattle and cats and from tonsils of a horse. Most lesion strains were isolated in mixed culture from animals with disease conditions unrelated to coccal infection. Certain differences with the species description of Vagococcus fluvialis were found: only a proportion of the strains was motile; many strains gave positive reactions to Voges-Proskauer, alkaline phosphatase and leucine aryl...
Osteochondral fragmentation of the plantar/palmar proximal aspect of the proximal phalanx in racing horses. The clinical presentation and outcome of treatment is presented for 26 cases of osteochondral fragmentation of the plantar/palmar proximal aspect of the proximal phalanx. Twenty-three were racing Standardbreds and three were racing Thoroughbreds. The most common reason for presentation was an inability to run straight at high speed. Only eight horses presented for lameness, although on examination 19 were lame. A positive flexion test was recorded in 90% of affected fetlock joints and effusion in 48%. Arthroscopic fragment removal was performed on 23 occasions in 21 horses and arthrotomy in on...
Acute effects of perineural administration of sodium hyaluronate on palmar digital neurectomy sites in horses. Biaxial palmar digital neurectomy of all limbs was performed on 6 mixed-breed castrated adult male horses, using a standard guillotine method. Using a Teflon catheter, 20 mg (2 ml) of sodium hyaluronate (group 1), 2 ml of phosphate-buffered saline solution (group 2), or catheter placement with no infusion (group 3) was applied to 4 (group 1) or 2 (groups 2 and 3) of 8 incisions/horse. Treatments were administered after closure of the neurectomy incision, and the catheter was removed. Horses were evaluated daily for 1 week, then weekly over a 9-week period for evidence of lameness, swelling, an...
Neutrophil accumulation in the large colon of horses during low-flow ischemia and reperfusion. Histomorphologic/morphometric evaluation, leukocyte scintigraphy, and myeloperoxidase activity were used to determine whether neutrophils accumulate in the large colon of horses during low-flow ischemia and reperfusion. Twenty-four adult horses were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: group 1, sham-operated (n = 6); group 2, 6 hours of ischemia (n = 9); and group 3, 3 hours of ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion (n = 9). Low-flow ischemia of the large colon was induced in horses of groups 2 and 3 by reducing colonic arterial blood flow to 20% of baseline. Radiolabeled (99mTc) autogenous neutrophils wer...
[Two congenital anomalies of the urinary tract in warmblood horses: ectopia ureteris and diverticulum vesicae]. Two cases of congenital anomalies of the urinary tract of horses are described. In case 1 there was an ectopia ureteris sinistri in an one-year-old mare. The animal showed urinary incontinence without affects of the general condition. The diagnosis was made by rectal, ultrasonic and vaginoscopic examination. Therapeutically a nephrectomy of the left kidney was carried out. In case 2 a six-year-old gelding had a congenital diverticulum at the neck of the urinary bladder. It showed colic during urination, dropping of urine and haematuria. The diagnosis was made by rectal exploration, ultrasonic ...
Ultrastructure and mineral composition of urinary calculi from horses. Urinary calculi from 17 horses with urolithiasis were examined to study their mineral content and ultrastructure. Among the analytic methods used were X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis. The calculi initially were observed by use of a stereoscopic dissecting microscope and generally were found to have nodular surfaces surrounding a banded or granular-to-chalky interior. Observation by scanning electron microscopy revealed an intricate pattern of irregularly concentric, fine bands and spherules. These had a round, finely banded, globular texture...
Rapid diagnosis of equine influenza by the Directigen FLU-A enzyme immunoassay. The Directigen FLU-A enzyme immunoassay was tested for its ability to detect equine-2 influenza viruses in nasopharyngeal fluids from horses and ponies. A total of 125 swabs from experimental infections and from different sources of natural infection in the USA and Hong Kong were examined. The assay results were compared with the results of standard virus culture in embryonated chicken eggs or Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, and with the serology of the horses sampled. In comparison with virus culture the enzyme immunoassay exhibited 83 per cent sensitivity, 78 per cent specificity, 70 per ce...
Detection of Ehrlichia risticii from feces of infected horses by immunomagnetic separation and PCR. Potomac horse fever, caused by Ehrlichia risticii, is an important disease of equines. The major features of the disease are fever, leukopenia, and diarrhea. The organism has been detected from the blood mononuclear cells of infected horses, but its presence in the feces has not been known. A method for immunomagnetic separation of E. risticii from the feces of infected horses was developed, and the separated organisms were detected by PCR. Coating immunomagnetic beads (Dynabeads) with a 1:5 dilution of rabbit anti-E. risticii serum and incubating the Dynabeads with fecal samples for 25 min at...
Camera speeds for optoelectronic assessment of stride-timing characteristics in horses at the trot. Quantitated locomotion analysis is increasingly being used during assessment and treatment of gait disorders in human beings. Locomotion analysis is also thought to have potential for enhancing the assessment of lameness in horses. Availability of high-speed video recording systems has simplified the process of quantitated locomotion analysis; however, the high cost of such systems has limited their use for routine clinical assessment in horses. The temporal resolution of 500- to 1,000-images/s (Hz) recording systems is beyond what has been considered necessary for precise quantitation of shor...
The effect of insemination volume on pregnancy rates of pony mares. It has recently been reported that large insemination volumes might affect fertility of mares. The results from these studies are confounded by other factors, however, such as inadequate number of spermatozoa in the inseminate. We conducted a study to test whether volume alone affects fertility when sufficient numbers of spermatozoa are present. Semen from one stallion was collected, extended at 50 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml, and stored in a commercial semen cooling device for 18 to 30 h before insemination. Ten pony mares were assigned during estrus in random pairs to be bred every other day with...
A new type of staphylococcal exfoliative toxin from a Staphylococcus aureus strain isolated from a horse with phlegmon. A new type of staphylococcal exfoliative toxin (sET) was isolated from the culture filtrate of a Staphylococcus aureus strain isolated from a horse with skin infection including phlegmon. The new sET was purified by precipitation with 80% saturated ammonium sulfate, column chromatography on DEAE-cellulofine A-500, gel filtration on a Sephadex G-75 column, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (7.5% polyacrylamide). The new sET elicited general exfoliation of the epidermis with the so-called Nikolsky sign when inoculated into both 3-day-old mice and 1-day-old chicks, whereas sETA and sETB from...
Evaluation of the thoraco-laryngeal reflex (‘slap test’) as an indicator of laryngeal adductor myopathy in the horse. A study was conducted over a 12 month period to assess the accuracy of the 'slap test' in the diagnosis of laryngeal adductor myopathy. The thoraco-laryngeal reflexes of 15 horses with no clinical signs of idiopathic laryngeal hemiplegia (ILH) were recorded using a video-endoscope. These 'slap test' responses were examined independently by 3 assessors. The horses were subsequently subjected to euthanasia and samples taken from the cricoarytenoideus lateralis (CAL) muscles for histopathological examination and assessment of denervation atrophy. Despite normal adductory responses, moderate to se...
