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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.
Plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin F2 alpha in mares during uterine involution. Twelve mares were allowed to foal naturally, after which they were monitored to study uterine involution. Starting on day 3 after parturition, the internal genital tract was examined per rectum manually and ultrasonographically every other day for changes in uterine characteristics and ovarian activity. By day 5, gravid and nongravid uterine horns were similar in size, and by day 7, uterine fluid was absent. On day 7 after parturition, endometrial biopsy samples were obtained for histologic evaluation, and uterine swab specimens were obtained for microbiologic culture. Uterine swab specimens f...
Detection of group C rotavirus antigens and antibodies in animals and humans by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed to detect group (gp) C rotavirus antigens and antibodies. Both assays were confirmed to be specific for gp C rotavirus by using serogroup A, B, and C rotaviruses; hyperimmune antisera to these serogroups of rotaviruses; and paired serum specimens from animals infected with gp C rotaviruses. The ELISA for antigen detection reacted not only with porcine gp C rotaviruses but also with human and bovine gp C rotaviruses. Following experimental challenge of gnotobiotic pigs with porcine gp C rotavirus, the virus was found by ELISA in all dia...
Medical evaluation of the cardiovascular system. The approach to pre-purchase evaluation of the equine cardiovascular system is discussed with emphasis on cardiac auscultation and on the terminology that should be used when reporting clinical findings. Innocent cardiac murmurs and arrhythmias are contrasted with those that should be considered as reliable signs of cardiovascular disease. Ultrasonography and electrocardiography are recommended to establish baseline values for future reference, to support opinions rendered by the examining veterinarians, or to provide for diagnosis and treatment.
Evaluation of hemorheologic variables as implications for exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in racing thoroughbreds. Hematologic and rheologic changes were examined in 49 Thoroughbreds before and after competitive racing. Mean postrace values for RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and PCV increased by 58 to 61%, whereas blood viscosity increased 2 to 3 times. Postrace echinocyte numbers were 162% greater than prerace values. Smaller, but statistically significant, changes were found for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, plasma total protein concentration, total WBC count, neutrophil count, and lymphocyte count. Variables measured did not predict whether a horse was a b...
Plasma concentration of furosemide versus specific gravity of urine in predicting dose of administration in race horses. This study was undertaken to determine the applicability of plasma concentration of furosemide and specific gravity (SG) of urine in regulating the use of furosemide administered 4 hours prior to race time in Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) race horses. Nonbleeders (CTL) and certified bleeders (FUR) actively racing in Illinois (IL) and Pennsylvania (PA) were used in the study. Various doses (less than 250, 250, 300, 350, 400 and 500 mg) were administered either as a single intravenous (IV) dose or as a combination (IV-IM) of IV and intramuscular (IM) administrations 4 hours before...
Examination of the upper and lower respiratory tract relevant to purchase. The intent and extent of the respiratory tract examination relevant to purchase are dictated by numerous factors, including historical information, signs suggestive of respiratory tract abnormalities, intended use of the horse, and economic considerations. Following a thorough and systematic examination of the horse at rest, evaluation during and following exercise may be warranted. The physical examination should include evaluation of regional symmetry of the head, neck, and thorax; evaluation of nasal airflow and patency; palpation of the nasal septum, larynx, and trachea; examination for su...
Comparison of applanation tonometers in dogs and horses. Two Mackay-Marg tonometers and 2 Tono-Pen tonometers were evaluated in eyes in which intraocular pressure (IOP) had been altered and measured by use of a manometer. Eyes of anesthetized dogs and enucleated horse eyes were used. Compared with the manometer, none of the tonometers accurately measured IOP over the range between 0 and 100 mm of Hg. However at manometer measurements from 0 to 30 mm of Hg, several of the tonometers accurately measured IOP. In addition, significant differences were observed when the measurement accuracy of one tonometer was compared with that of another, especially a...
Medical examination of the digestive system relevant to purchase. Routine examination of the digestive system relevant to purchase includes gross examination of the feces, auscultation of the abdomen, and examination of the oral cavity and teeth for verification of age and identification of any gross abnormality. Further examination is indicated only when there is a history of diseases such as colic, especially colic surgery, or esophageal obstruction. Special procedures that might be indicated, depending upon the history and findings on the routine physical examination, include rectal palpation of the abdominal viscera; endoscopic examination of the esophag...
Effect of calcium on the stability of mares’ milk lysozyme. The three aspartic acid residues that form part of the Ca-binding site of mares' milk lysozyme have apparent pK values of 4.9, 4.3 and 4.1. The fluorescence of tryptophan has been used to compare the denaturation of mares' milk lysozyme by guanidinium chloride at various concentrations of Ca with that of hens' egg-white lysozyme (EC 3.2.1.17) and alpha-lactalbumin. Fluorescence revealed an intermediate stage in the denaturation of mares' milk lysozyme. The Ca-free form of mares' milk lysozyme is slightly more stable than that of alpha-lactalbumin, but its interaction with Ca is similar to that...
Validation of a centrifugation/flotation technique for the diagnosis of equine cestodiasis. A centrifugation/flotation technique for the identification of equine tapeworm eggs is described. It was validated by using faeces samples from 80 horses of known tapeworm status, and had a sensitivity of 61 per cent and a specificity of 98 per cent. The exclusion of false negative results in animals with less than 20 tapeworms increased the sensitivity to 92 per cent. No significant correlation was found between the number of eggs observed and the number of tapeworms present in the horses.
Immunodeficiency associated with lymphosarcoma in a horse. Immune system dysfunction and immunoglobulin deficiency was diagnosed in a 2-year-old horse with disseminated lymphosarcoma. Prolonged (35 days) parenteral nutrition was delivered to support the horse during a period in which immune function studies could be performed. Correction of nutritional compromise by use of parenteral nutrition did not correct the immunoglobulin deficiency, and results of lymphocyte phenotype testing did not indicate abnormal proportions of leukocytes. Lymphoblast transformation studies were suggestive of a circulating immunosuppressive factor in the horse's serum. Nor...
Ultrasonographic evaluation and surgical treatment of humeral osteitis and bicipital tenosynovitis in a horse. Ultrasonography and radiography were used to diagnose bicipital tenosynovitis and humeral osteitis in a horse with a history of lameness of 7 weeks' duration. Surgical exploration confirmed the diagnosis.
Vegetative endocarditis in an Appaloosa gelding. A 5-year-old Appaloosa gelding was presented with a history of intermittent multiple joint swelling, weight loss, and anemia. Physical examination and clinical pathology revealed a grade IV/VI holodiastolic murmur, louder on the left, and a marked hyperproteinemia. Echocardiography of the heart demonstrated a large vegetative lesion on one of the aortic valve cusps. Blood cultures did not elucidate the causative organism, and the disease was refractory to empiric antibiotic therapy. The horse was euthanized after approximately 2 months of therapy.
Uterine torsion and uterine tear in a mare. A 15-year-old Standard-bred mare was examined because of signs of abdominal discomfort in late gestation. Palpation per rectum revealed tight broad ligaments above and below the uterus, with the right broad ligament running across the top of the uterine body down toward the left, ventral side of the abdomen. A diagnosis of counterclockwise uterine torsion was made and surgical correction was approached via a left, flank laparotomy with the horse standing. The uterus was repositioned and a uterine tear encompassing 180 degrees of the uterine surface was found in the lateral, uterine body just c...
Role of the embryonic vesicle and progesterone in embryonic loss in mares. Characteristics of spontaneous embryonic loss in 21 mares were compared with those of 52 contemporary mares that maintained pregnancy. Embryonic losses were, in retrospect, grouped according to day of loss and length of the interovulatory interval, respectively, as follows: group 1, less than or equal to day 20 and less than or equal to 30 days (n = 10); group 2, less than or equal to day 20 and greater than 30 days (n = 3); and group 3, greater than day 20 and greater than 30 days (n = 8); ovulation was day 0. Mean diameter of the embryonic vesicle in group 1 was smaller (P less than 0.05) on...
Repair of a supraglenoid tuberosity fracture in a horse. A 14-month-old Arabian colt was admitted for treatment of an articular fracture of the supraglenoid tubercle of the right forelimb. Successful repair was achieved by use of three 5.5-mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion across the fracture line. In other reports of supraglenoid tubercle fractures in horses, investigators have preferred conservative management or surgical removal of the fragment, because of limited success with internal fixation. Use of three 5.5-mm screws placed in lag fashion may offer an alternative method of treatment in selected cases of supraglenoid tubercle fractures...
Radiographic anatomy of soft tissue attachments in the equine metacarpophalangeal and proximal phalangeal region. The sites of bony attachment of the tendons, ligaments, and fibrous portion of the joint capsules of the equine metacarpophalangeal (fetlock) joint region were determined by gross dissection. These sites were transposed to standard radiographic views of the fetlock joint to yield illustrations that can be used as an aid in the diagnosis of soft tissue pathology from radiographs. Evidence of direct attachment of the common digital extensor tendon to the proximal phalanx was not found. Branches of the superficial digital flexor tendon were found to insert only on the middle phalanx. The recently...
Arthroscopic removal of an osteochondral fragment from the middle phalanx of a horse. An intraarticular osteochondral chip fracture of the distal dorsolateral aspect of the right hind middle phalanx in a 4-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding was removed arthroscopically. Accessibility and visibility of the fragment were excellent, and there was minimal soft tissue trauma.
Videoendoscopic evaluation of the mare’s uterus: III. Findings in the pregnant mare. During a 5-year period 65 Pony and 20 Thoroughbred pregnant mares were subjected to videoendoscopic hysteroscopy from 10 to 266 days of gestation. The aims of these examinations were to 1) observe foetal and placental development in vivo (60 Pony and 10 Thoroughbred mares); 2) eliminate one of unicornuate twin conceptuses (9 Thoroughbred mares); 3) recover embryonic foetal and placental tissues non-surgically for experimental purposes (47 Pony mares); 4) induce focal separation of the placenta in late gestation as an experimental model of placentitis (5 pony mares and 1 Thoroughbred mare). It ...
Short latency auditory evoked potentials recorded from non-anaesthetized thoroughbred horses. The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP) is a recording of the electrical activity of the brainstem following an acoustic stimulation. Up to seven peaks may be identified within 10 ms, and are labelled I to VII. The first five of these peaks are of most clinical importance, and in normal horses, peaks I, III and V are always present at stimulus intensities of 70-100 dB. Repeated sampling of clinically normal subjects at different stimulus intensities has enabled mean latency values to be determined for the ipsilateral and contralateral peaks I, III and V, and also for the interpeak laten...
Abortion of virologically negative foetuses following experimental challenge of pregnant pony mares with equid herpesvirus 1. From 1988 to 1991, 51 pregnant pony mares were challenged intranasally or by aerosol with an isolate of EHV-1 (AB4) originally recovered from a quadriplegic mare. This resulted in 32 abortions, occurring from 9 to 29 days after infection. In 14 of the early abortions (Days 9-14), EHV-1 was not demonstrated in the foetal tissues by virus isolation or immunostaining despite no other non-viral cause for the abortion being evident. Application of the polymerase chain reaction to foetal tissues from 9 of these cases also proved negative. One of the 14 mares was destroyed immediately after abortion,...
Clinical and radiographic features, treatment and outcome in 15 horses with fracture of the medial aspect of the patella. A sagittal fracture of the medial aspect of the patella was identified in 15 horses, 2 of which had been kicked and 12 of which had hit a fixed fence while jumping. Eight horses showed concurrent fragmentation of the base of the patella, and 2 had sustained a concurrent fracture of the distal end of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur. A cranioproximal-craniodistal oblique radiographic view was essential to identify the site of the medial patellar fracture and to determine its configuration. Fourteen horses were treated by surgical removal of the medial patellar fracture fragment(s). Of 1...
Videoendoscopic evaluation of the mare’s uterus: II. Findings in subfertile mares. Videoendoscopy of the reproductive tract was performed in 87 Thoroughbred mares with histories of reduced fertility. During hysteroscopy samples for cytological, microbiological and histological examinations were obtained under visual control. Common findings in these broodmares included: (a) endometrial degeneration, as assessed by an uneven distribution or atrophy of endometrial folds and/or a scarred appearance of the endometrium (49 mares, 56%); (b) endometrial cysts of various sizes and locations within the uterus with the most common location being at the base of the uterine horns (48 ma...
Microwave thermography: a non-invasive technique for investigation of injury of the superficial digital flexor tendon in the horse. Microwave thermographs were recorded from 77 normal horses. In 51% the lowest temperature was recorded in the mid-metacarpal region, and in 41% it was in the distal metacarpal region. The mean temperature of the normal limbs ranged from 25.04 to 37.4 degrees C. Maximum temperature differences between symmetrical points in both forelimbs ranged from 0 to 5.33 degrees C and differences in mean limb temperatures between both forelimbs ranged from 0 to 2.91 degrees C. In 48 horses with acute (less than 4 weeks' duration) injury of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) (36 unilateral, 12 bil...
High-resolution computed tomography of the mammalian lung. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed in 21 isolated animal lungs, from 4 mammalian species (pigs, rabbits, dogs, sheep). Gross and subgross central and peripheral lung morphology was determined by HRCT. Three distinct types of lungs can be identified, principally based on the extent of interlobular septal development; the relationship of major vessels to airways; and the thickness of the visceral pleura. Type-I lung is found in pigs, sheep, and cattle; type-II lung is found in rabbits, dogs, cats, and monkeys; and type-III lung is found in human beings and horses. These mam...
Ultrasonographic imaging of a keratoma in a horse. Ultrasonography was used to confirm the tentative diagnosis of keratoma in a horse admitted for chronic progressive lameness. A definitive diagnosis of keratoma traditionally has been diagnosed by history, clinical findings, and radiographic evaluation. Confirmation of the keratoma by use of ultrasonography facilitated the formulation of a treatment plan that resolved the condition.
[Various experiences with the use of the quantitative buffy coat analyzer (QBC) in the horse]. Usability, repeatability and accuracy of the quantitative buffy coat analyser, QBC2, have been tested for the horse. The analyser provided reasonable results. The correlation between the data obtained with the QBC2 and those obtained with conventional techniques was found to be good.
Ileocecal intussusception corrected by resection within the cecum in two horses. Irreducible ileocecal intussusceptions pose a difficult surgical problem. Strangulating ileocecal intussusceptions involving the ileum and jejunum were identified in 2 horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy because of colic. Surgical correction in both horses was achieved by amputation of the ileocecal intussusception from within the cecal lumen, via typhlotomy. The inverted ileal stump was blindly stapled near the ileocecal orifice after pulling the intussusceptum into the cecum. A jejunocecostomy was performed to reestablish intestinal continuity.
