Disease management in horses encompasses the strategies and practices employed to prevent, control, and treat diseases affecting equine populations. This field involves understanding the etiology, transmission, and clinical presentation of various equine diseases, as well as implementing biosecurity measures and therapeutic interventions. Common diseases in horses include equine influenza, strangles, and equine herpesvirus. Effective disease management relies on accurate diagnosis, vaccination protocols, and the use of antimicrobials and other treatments. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, challenges, and advancements in managing diseases in equine health.
Ochoa R, de Velandia S.Clostridium perfringens type A enterotoxin seroneutralization was carried out on sera from 50 horses recovered from grass sickness and from 100 other horses with no record of having had the disease. Of the affected horses, 70% had seroneutralizating titers higher than 1:64, half of these being equal or higher than 1:128. More than 88% of the horses with no record of grass sickness had titers lower than 1:64. These data support the theory of association between C perfringens type A toxins and grass sickness.
Pearson H, Weaver BM.The paper reports 6 cases of priapism with subsequent protrusion and paresis after neuroleptanalgesia and anaesthesia in horses. Five were ultimately treated by amputation of the penis but the sixth horse is responding satisfactorily to conservative treatment at the time of writing. Causative factors, preventive measures and possible methods of treatment are discussed.
Boles CL, Raker CW, Wheat JF.An abnormality of the epiglottis and arytenoepiglottic folds that caused epiglottic entrapment was diagnosed in 21 horses. Until recently, this entrapment was poorly understood. Definitive diagnosis of epiglottic entrapment can be made only by endoscopic examination of the epiglottis, arytenoepiglottic folds, and soft palate to differentiate the abnormality from dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Dorsal displacement of the soft palate is often associated with entrapped epiglottis. Epiglottic deformity, especially hypoplasia, is often associated with the entrapment. The abnormality was det...
Freeman DE, Naylor JM.An indwelling stomach tube was placed through a cervical esophagostomy in 5 clinically normal horses and in 3 horses requiring artificial alimentation. In all but one case, surgery was performed on conscious horses following tranquilization and infiltration of the surgical sites with a local anesthetic. Six horses were fed liquid rations through the indwelling tubes, which were left in place from 3 to 26 days. After the tubes were removed, the stomas healed rapidly and with minimal complications. Cervical esophagostomy proved to be a safe, easy, and effective method for the provision of extrao...
Roberts SJ, Hillman RB.Various common problems encountered daily pleasure horse practice will be discussed covering diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
McPherson EA, Lawson GH, Murphy JR, Nicholson JM, Fraser JA, Breeze RG, Pirie HM.Mean normal values for PaO, and max A Ppl for horses were determined. Using 2 standard deviations below (Pa0,) and above (max A Ppl) the mean normal values as a guide, horses affected with COPD were satisfactorily distinguished from other horses in a series of 100 animals. The frequency of occurrence of 20 different clinical parameters in affected, not affected and possibly affected horses was examined statistically. Poor work performance and a history of previous febrile illness occurred more often in COPD horses than in others. The presence of a chronic cough, dyspnoea, double expiratory eff...
Smith DF.The pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation and medical management of the horse with intestinal obstruction is outlined. Emphasis is on early and accurate determination of the need for surgery and on providing optimal preoperative medical support.
McBeath DG, Best JM, Preston NK, Duncan JL.Examination of faecal egg counts in horses and ponies has shown that after treatment with fenbendazole at dose levels of 7.5, 45 and 60 mg/kg, faeces remained free from strongyle eggs for periods of 6 to 18 weeks. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to routine anthelmintic treatment of horses. In particular, the activity of fenbendazole against mucosal stages of strongyle parasites allows for treatment to be recommended at less frequent intervals than when using other anthelmintics.
Traub-Dargatz JL.Bacterial pneumonia in the horse often occurs secondary to viral respiratory infection; however, primary infections can occur. A diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia is made on the basis of history, physical examination, and laboratory and radiographic findings. Treatment consists of appropriate antimicrobial therapy for at least 7 to 10 days; further therapy may be needed in more severe cases. Prevention of bacterial pneumonia includes attempting to prevent viral respiratory infections and appropriate management to prevent stress to the respiratory tract.