Disease treatment in horses encompasses a range of medical interventions and management strategies aimed at addressing various health conditions affecting equine species. These treatments can include pharmacological approaches, such as the administration of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antiparasitic medications, as well as non-pharmacological methods like physical therapy, dietary adjustments, and surgical procedures. The selection of appropriate treatments depends on the specific disease, its severity, and the individual needs of the horse. This topic brings together peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the efficacy, safety, and advancements in therapeutic options for equine diseases, providing insights into best practices and emerging trends in equine veterinary medicine.
Ma J, Jiang C, Lin Y, Wang X, Zhao L, Xiang W, Shao Y, Shen R, Kong X, Zhou J.To study the in vivo evolution of the attenuated Chinese equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) vaccine, viral gp90 gene variation and virus replication in immunosuppressed hosts were investigated. The results showed that after vaccination, the gp90 gene followed an evolutionary trend of declining diversity. The trend coincided with the maturation of immunity to EIAV, and eventually, the gp90 gene became highly homologous. The sequences of these predominant quasispecies were consistently detected up to 18 months after vaccination. Furthermore, after transient immune suppression with dexamethaso...
Prause AS, Stoffel MH, Portier CJ, Mevissen M.In horses, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders occur frequently and cause a considerable demand for efficient medication. 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HT) have been reported to be involved in GI tract motility and thus, are potential targets for treating functional bowel disorders. Our studies extend current knowledge on the 5-HT(7) receptor in equine duodenum, ileum and pelvic flexure by studying its expression throughout the intestine and its role in modulating contractility in vitro by immunofluorescence and organ bath experiments, respectively. 5-HT(7) immunoreactivity was demonstrated in ...
Haase F, Siewert C, von Rautenfeld DB, Fischbach JU, Seifert H.Measuring the leg volume of horses is useful for diagnostic and treatment of different diseases in relation to swollen legs. In the present study different methods to quantify the limb volume are compared, the water displacement method, an optoelectronic 2-dimensional body scanner, the so-called perometer and calculation of volume by applying the disc model. As reference method the golden standard of human medicine - the water displacement method was used. We took volume measurements from different tall horses in a defined section of the forelegs between the coronary band and the carpal joint....
Schnabel LV, Lynch ME, van der Meulen MC, Yeager AE, Kornatowski MA, Nixon AJ.Tendinitis remains a catastrophic injury among athletes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently been investigated for use in the treatment of tendinitis. Previous work has demonstrated the value of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to stimulate cellular proliferation and tendon fiber deposition in the core lesion of tendinitis. This study examined the effects of MSCs, as well as IGF-I gene-enhanced MSCs (AdIGF-MSCs) on tendon healing in vivo. Collagenase-induced bilateral tendinitis lesions were created in equine flexor digitorum superficialis tendons (SDFT). Tendons were treated with ...
Bass MM, Duchowny CA, Llabre MM.This study evaluated the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on social functioning in children with autism. We hypothesized that participants in the experimental condition (n = 19), compared to those on the wait-list control (n = 15), would demonstrate significant improvement in social functioning following a 12-weeks horseback riding intervention. Autistic children exposed to therapeutic horseback riding exhibited greater sensory seeking, sensory sensitivity, social motivation, and less inattention, distractibility, and sedentary behaviors. The results provide evidence that therapeutic ho...
Haerdi-Landerer MC, Habermacher J, Wenger B, Suter MM, Steiner A.The search for an effective treatment for septic arthritis is ongoing. Current therapies are expensive since they require repeated joint lavage and long term antibiotic treatment. Local application of antimicrobial drugs is advantageous because high concentrations can be attained at the infection site, although repeated injections increase the risk of superinfection of the joint. Thus, slow release formulations, which have the advantage of local treatment yet single application of the drug, are appealing. Antibiotics used in slow release formulations are selected for tissue compatibility, an a...
Cordes B.The research article titled, “Effects of compounding and storage conditions on stability of pergolide mesylate” investigates the importance of adhering to the official US Pharmacopeia (USP) when formulating pergolide mesylate […]
Venugopal CS, Holmes EP, Polikepahad S, Laborde S, Kearney M, Moore RM.The purpose of the study was to compare in vitro airway responses to neurokinin A & B (NKA and NKB) and expression of NK-2 receptors in airways of horses affected and unaffected with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Neurokinin-A, an inflammatory mediator belonging to the tachykinin family of neuropeptides, causes bronchoconstriction by binding to NK-2 receptors. Neurokinin-B is a lesser-known neuropeptide that acts on NK-3 receptors. Horses were placed into RAO-affected and RAO-unaffected groups based on their history, clinical scoring, and pulmonary function testing. Lung tissue from e...
Bell CD, Howard RD, Taylor DS, Voss ED, Werpy NM.To determine clinical outcome following intrathecal injection of the podotrochlear (navicular) bursa for signs of foot pain in horses evaluated via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluate efficacy of corticosteroids administered with or without hyaluronate. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 23 horses. Methods: Data collected included signalment, history, intended use, duration and severity of lameness, results of diagnostic anesthesia, radiographic abnormalities, MRI abnormalities, and outcomes for return to use. Results: MRI was conducted on 23 horses with lameness localized ...
Frisbie DD, Kawcak CE, McIlwraith CW.OBJECTIVE-To assess the clinical, biochemical, and histologic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis (OA). ANIMALS-Twenty-four 2- to 3-year-old horses without evidence of lameness. PROCEDURES-OA was induced arthroscopically in 1 middle carpal joint of each horse. Fourteen days after induction of OA, horses were treated with a sham ESWT probe (placebo; n = 8), polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) administered IM every 4 days for 28 days as a positive control treatment (8), or ESWT administered on days 14 and 28...
Gazzeri R, Neroni M, Alfieri A, Galarza M, Faiola A, Esposito S, Giordano M.Numerous materials have been used to replace defects in the dura mater as result of neurosurgical and spinal procedures. Tissudura is a biomatrix made of cross-linked equine collagen fibrils, mainly of the interstitial type I. The specially engineered dura-like layered structure provides a non porous primary water tight structure, is transparent and allows verification of the efficacy of cerebral hemostasis. Methods: A consecutive series of patients between 18 years and 75 years of age were prospectively enrolled from three separate European institutions between May 2007 and February 2008. All...
Kaiser A, Meier HP, Straub R, Gerber V.Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a reportable, eradicable epizootic disease caused by the equine lentivirus of the retrovirus family which affects equids only and occurs worldwide. The virus is transmitted by blood, mainly by sanguivorous insects. The main symptoms of the disease are pyrexia, apathy, loss of body condition and weight, anemia, edema and petechia. However, infected horses can also be inapparent carriers without any overt signs. The disease is diagnosed by serological tests like the Coggins test and ELISA tests. Presently, Switzerland is offi cially free from EIA. However, Switz...
Baguelin M, Newton JR, Demiris N, Daly J, Mumford JA, Wood JL.We present a metapopulation model of the spread of equine influenza among thoroughbred horses parametrized with data from a 2003 outbreak in Newmarket, UK. The number of horses initially susceptible is derived from a threshold theorem and a published statistical model. Two simulated likelihood-based methods are used to find the within- and between-yard transmissions using both exponential and empirical latent and infectious periods. We demonstrate that the 2003 outbreak was largely locally driven and use the parametrized model to address important questions of control. The chance of a large ep...
Rigert S, Geyer H, Kummer M.The following case report describes the treatment of canker in a 14 years old warmblood gelding. The horse showed the typical appearance with caseous surface and early detachment of the superficial horn layers. The histological results show a severe degradation in the germinal layer of the epidermis of the frog. Surgical therapy under general anaesthesia was performed. On all limbs a tourniquet was applied and all abnormal tissue in the region of the frog and also the subdermal tissue underneath were removed. Postoperatively the horse was treated with hoof bandages for 2 weeks. Treatment plate...
Raz T, Carley S, Card C.The objective was to compare the effects of eFSH and deslorelin treatment regimes on ovarian stimulation and embryo production of donor mares in early spring transition. Starting January 30th, mares kept under ambient light were examined by transrectal ultrasonography. When a follicle > or =25 mm was detected, mares were assigned to one of two treatment groups, using a sequential alternating treatment design. In the eFSH group, mares (n=18) were treated twice daily with eFSH (12.5mg im) until they achieved a follicle > or =35 mm; hCG was given 36 h later. In the deslorelin group, mares (n=18) ...
Borzacchiello A, Mayol L, Schiavinato A, Ambrosio L.An amphiphilic hyaluronic acid (HA) derivative has been obtained by the amidation of the carboxylic group of the glucuronic acid. This derivative, HYADD4-G (HY4), is the hexadecylamide of 500-730 kDa hyaluronic acid, derived from Streptococcus equi at about 2% degree of substitution (2 mol hexadecylamine per 100 mol hexuronic acid). Its viscoelastic properties, at a concentration of 5 mg/mL in phosphate buffer saline, have been compared with those solutions of native HA, having the same molecular weight. Changes in the viscoelastic properties of equine synovial fluid (SF) when mixed with HY4 o...
Loewenstein C, Mueller RS.This article reviews allergen-specific immunotherapy in human and veterinary medicine. Current hypotheses of possible mechanisms of actions are outlined. Indications, success rates, adverse effects and factors influencing outcome of therapy are discussed in humans, dogs, cats and horses.
Gargala G, Le Goff L, Ballet JJ, Favennec L, Stachulski AV, Rossignol JF.Sarcocystis neurona is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The aim of this work was to document inhibitory activities of nitazoxanide (NTZ, [2-acetolyloxy-N-(5-nitro 2-thiazolyl) benzamide]) and new thiazolides/thiadiazolides on S. neurona in vitro development, and investigate their structure-activity relationships. S. neurona was grown in bovine turbinate cell cultures. At concentrations varying from 1.0 to 5.0mg/L, nitazoxanide and 21 of 32 second generation thiazolide/thiadiazolide agents exerted a > or =95% maximum inhibition on S. neuro...
Reese RE, Andrews FM.Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is common in horses. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, gastroscopic examination, and response to treatment. Effective pharmacologic agents are available to treat EGUS, but more comprehensive measures of environmental and dietary management are needed to decrease ulcer severity and recurrence. This article provides an understanding of dietary components and how feeds interact with stomach mucosal barrier function to cause EGUS. In addition, a secondary goal is to provide information on how diet and environmental management can reduce ulcer sever...
McKenzie HC, Geor RJ.Nutritional support of the foal can be challenging because of the constant changes in nutritional requirements and dietary composition during the transition from neonate to weanling. Additional complexity arises because of dilemmas regarding the means and route of delivery of nutrition to the foal, and the possibility that metabolic dysfunction may impair the ability of the foal to use nutrients appropriately. This article provides practical information on enteral and parenteral nutritional support of sick neonatal foals. The potential benefits of a conservative, hypocaloric feeding strategy, ...
Muurlink T, Walmsley J, Young D, Whitton C.Current noninvasive techniques for imaging the soft tissue structures of the stifle have limitations. Arthroscopy is commonly used for the investigation and treatment of stifle pain. Cranial and caudal arthroscopic approaches to the femorotibial joints are used. However, complete examination of the axial aspect of the medial femorotibial joint (MFTJ) is not possible currently. Objective: To develop a cranial approach to the caudal pouch of the MFTJ and to assess whether it would allow a more complete examination of the compartment and facilitate the caudomedial approach. Methods: The regional ...
Chambers TM, Quinlivan M, Sturgill T, Cullinane A, Horohov DW, Zamarin D, Arkins S, García-Sastre A, Palese P.Three previously described NS1 mutant equine influenza viruses encoding carboxy-terminally truncated NS1 proteins are impaired in their ability to inhibit type I IFN production in vitro and are replication attenuated, and thus are candidates for use as a modified live influenza virus vaccine in the horse. Objective: One or more of these mutant viruses is safe when administered to horses, and recipient horses when challenged with wild-type influenza have reduced physiological and virological correlates of disease. Methods: Vaccination and challenge studies were done in horses, with measurement ...
Witte TH, Mohammed HO, Radcliffe CH, Hackett RP, Ducharme NG.The success of combined prosthetic laryngoplasty with ipsilateral ventriculocordectomy (LPVC) has not been compared to that of partial arytenoidectomy (PA) in a clinical population. Objective: In Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses: (1) earnings after LPVC are unaffected by the severity of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) (laryngeal grade III vs. grade IV); (2) LPVC and PA yield similar results in the treatment of grade III RLN; (3) performance outcome following PA is independent of diagnosis (RLN vs. unilateral arytenoid chondritis [UAC]); and (4) neither LPVC nor PA returns horses to the level ...
Levet T, Martens A, Devisscher L, Duchateau L, Bogaert L, Vlaminck L.There is a lack of evidence-based data on the prevalence, outcome and risk factors of distal limb cast sores, and no objective tool has been described for the early detection of cast sores. Objective: To investigate the prevalence, location, outcome and risk factors of cast sores after application of a distal limb cast and to determine whether static thermography of the cast is a valuable tool for the assessment of sores. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on horses treated with a distal limb cast. At each cast removal, cast sores were graded as superficial sores (SS), deep dermal sore...
Barakzai SZ, Boden LA, Hillyer MH, Marlin DJ, Dixon PM.Previously, objective comparisons of surgical procedures to relieve dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) have been limited by the presumptive basis of the diagnostic measures applied. Objective: To assess and compare the efficacy of thermal cautery surgery to conservatively treated controls in racehorses definitively diagnosed with idiopathic intermittent DDSP. Objective: Both conservative and surgical treatments have a beneficial result on racing performance in racehorses affected with DDSP. Methods: Race records were obtained for Thoroughbred racehorses definitively diagnosed with D...
Brooks AC, Menzies-Gow NJ, Wheeler-Jones CP, Bailey SR, Elliott J, Cunningham FM.Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can activate equine platelets directly or indirectly, via leukocyte-derived platelet activating factor (PAF). Thromboxane (Tx) production by LPS-stimulated equine platelets requires p38 MAPK and this kinase has been suggested as a therapeutic target in endotoxaemia. The present study has utilised selective inhibitors to investigate the role of p38 MAPK and two other kinases, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase C (PKC), in regulating PAF-induced Tx production, aggregation and 5-HT release in equine platelets, and the modification of these responses b...
Barker SA.Beginning in 2004, the horseracing industry experienced an epidemic of drug positives for the amphetamine-like drug aminorex. Investigation of the therapeutic treatment of the horses called positive for this drug suggested that its source was from the administration of the anthelmintic levamisole. This study examines the urine concentrations of aminorex as a function of time following administration of synthetic, racemic aminorex. Confirmation of the presence of aminorex in urine samples from the horses known to be treated with levamisole is also presented as are data concerning the concentrat...
Cano A, Galosi CM, Martin Ocampos GP, Ramirez GC, Vera VJ, Villamil LC, Chaparro JG.This paper describes the isolation and characterisation of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) in Colombia. The virus was isolated from a nasal swab and an aborted foetus of a pregnant mare imported from Argentina, with clinical signs of rhinopneumonitis. The new strain was characterised through culture and morphological, serological and immunocytochemical studies. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA restriction maps revealed an EHV-1 1P genome. This is the first report on the isolation and characterisation of EHV-1 in Colombia.
Gómez-Cabrera K, Salas-Romero J, Sifontes JA, de la Torre Cánova R, Salas JE, Nielsen MK.For the past several decades, selective anthelmintic therapy (SAT) has been recommended in temperate climate countries for controlling gastrointestinal parasites in horses. However, the feasibility of this approach in tropical climates remains unknown, given the very different parasite transmission patterns and a larger representation of working equids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bio-economic feasibility of SAT in horses kept under tropical conditions of Camagüey, Cuba. Fecal egg counts were determined from 794 adult horses and used for evaluating three different putative treat...
Bonagura JD.The clinician must appreciate unique aspects of equine cardiovascular physiology in order to distinguish normal variation from a pathophysiologic state. Cardiovascular problems in the horse include auscultation of cardiac murmurs, identification of cardiac arrhythmias, and recognition of congestive heart failure. A cardiac data base including history, general and cardiovascular examination, and resting and postexercise electrocardiogram are necessary to evaluate most horses for significant heart disease. Additional studies, such as echocardiography and cardiac catheterization, are useful in se...
Bishop RC, McCoy AM, Kemper AM, Stewart RM, Wilkins PA.To evaluate the effect of the cyclooxygenase-2-selective NSAID firocoxib, compared to the nonselective NSAID flunixin meglumine on viscoelastic coagulation parameters in healthy horses. 12 healthy adult mixed-breed horses. Following a crossover protocol, horses were administered flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, IV, q 12 h for 5 days), allowed a 6-month washout period, and then administered firocoxib (0.3 mg/kg, PO, once, then 0.1 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h for 4 days). Omeprazole (1 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h) was administered concurrently with each NSAID. Viscoelastic coagulation profiles and traditional coagula...
Godfrey JL, Hardy J, Cohen ND.OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of volume of IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) on amikacin concentrations in synovial and interstitial fluid of horses. ANIMALS 8 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURES Each forelimb was randomly assigned to receive IVRLP with 4 mL of amikacin sulfate solution (250 mg/mL) plus 56 mL (total volume, 60 mL) or 6 mL (total volume, 10 mL) of lactated Ringer solution. Horses were anesthetized, and baseline synovial and interstitial fluid samples were collected. A tourniquet was placed, and the assigned treatment was administered via the lateral palmar digital vein. Venous...
Guedes AGP, Tearney CC, Cenani A, Aristizabal F, Nieto J.To compare postanesthetic xylazine and dexmedetomidine on recovery characteristics from sevoflurane anesthesia in horses. Methods: Randomized, crossover study. Methods: Six geldings, mean±standard deviation (SD) (range), 17±4 (11-24) years and 527±80 (420-660) kg. Methods: Horses were anesthetized with sevoflurane for 60 minutes under standardized conditions for a regional limb perfusion study. In recovery, horses were administered either xylazine (200 μg kg) or dexmedetomidine (0.875 μg kg) intravenously. Recoveries were unassisted and were video-recorded for later evaluation of rec...
Saastamoinen M, Särkijärvi S, Hyyppä S.Garlic () is claimed to have numerous beneficial properties to the health of humans and animals. It is commonly used for example to treat respiratory diseases and infections in horses' lungs. However, in addition to its possible positive influences, garlic may also have adverse health effects. The hypotheses of this study were that garlic supplementation may help to clear mucus in the airways, but also causes declining hematologic values in prolonged feeding. To our knowledge, this is the first organized study in controlled conditions to show the health effects of garlic supplementation for ho...
Penraat JH, Allen AL, Fretz PB, Bailey JV.The use of monoiodoacetate (MIA) for arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIJ) and the effect of exercise on the degree of fusion were investigated. Eight horses received 3 injections (Weeks 0, 3, 6) of MIA (2 mL; 60 mg/mL) into the right or left front PIJ. Peri-operatively, the horses received phenylbutazone, butorphanol, and abaxial sesamoidean nerve blocks to relieve pain. During the study, the horses were monitored for general health, lameness, and swelling around the injection area. Radiographs were taken biweekly to evaluate bony fusion. Horses were randomly divided into no...
Gerber V, Swinburne JE, Blott SC, Nussbaumer P, Ramseyer A, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Dolf G, Marti E, Burger D, Leeb T.Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is a multifactorial and polygenic disease. Affected horses are typically 7 years of age or older and show exercise intolerance, increased breathing effort, coughing, airway neutrophilia, mucus accumulation and hyperreactivity as well as cholinergic bronchospasm. The environmental factors responsible are predominantly allergens and irritants in haydust, but the immunological mechanisms underlying RAO are still unclear. Several studies have demonstrated a familiar predisposition for RAO and it is now proven that the disease has a genetic basis. In offspring, th...
Cillán-García E, Milner PI, Talbot A, Tucker R, Hendey F, Boswell J, Reardon RJ, Taylor SE.The type and location of deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) lesions may be important in predicting outcome. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of different types of DDFT lesions within the hoof capsule and to determine whether lesion type predicts return to athletic activity. Lesions of the DDFT were divided into: core lesions, dorsal border lesions and parasagittal splits. Lesion location was documented, and follow-up information was obtained by telephone survey at least 18 months after diagnosis. Of 168 horses with primary DDFT injury, 54 horses had dorsal border les...
Prisk AJ, García-López JM.To determine the long-term return to performance of horses with impinging and/or overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP) treated with interspinous ligament desmotomy (ISLD) and to determine the prognostic value of radiographic and scintigraphic grades. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Seventy-one horses with ORDSP treated with ISLD. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, physical examination, gait evaluation, and number of interspinous spaces treated. Preoperative radiographic and scintigraphic images were evaluated with grading scales. Follow-up was obtained with a t...
Vercruysse J, Eysker M, Demeulenaere D, Smets K, Dorny P.A controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the persistence of the effect against small strongyles of a 2 per cent moxidectin gel administered orally to foals at a dose rate of 0.4 mg/kg bodyweight. Five of nine helminth-free foals were treated on day 0, and the remaining four foals were used as controls. On days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 all nine foals were infected experimentally with 200,000 small strongyle larvae. Three treated and two control foals were necropsied on day 42 and the rest on day 43. Fourteen species of small or medium sized small strongyles were found in the control foals, 10 ...
Diamond MJ, Young LE, Bartram DH, Gregg AS, Clutton RE, Long KJ, Jones RS.Romifidine, 100 micrograms/kg administered by intravenous injection, was evaluated as a premedicant to ketamine/halothane anaesthesia in 60 horses. Sedation developed within one to two minutes. In three cases mild staggering occurred within two minutes. Anaesthesia was induced after five minutes by the intravenous administration of ketamine (2 to 2.2 mg/kg). A mean time of 79 seconds elapsed before lateral recumbency was adopted. Fifty-four of the horses sank smoothly to the floor, with occasional steps sideways. Jaw tone, limb rigidity and mild muscle tremors often persisted for short periods...
Schmotzer WB, Timm KI.Successful diagnostic local anesthesia is dependent upon a thorough knowledge of appendicular anatomy, application of correct technique, and accurate interpretation. Use of cadaver specimens to review anatomy and practice needle placement is strongly recommended. A marker solution, such as new methylene blue, can be injected into cadaver limbs, which can be subsequently dissected to verify accuracy. Detailed interpretation of local anesthetic blocks in the lame horse reaches beyond the scope of this article. Interpretive difficulties, however, can be responsible for the failure of a block to p...
Walmsley E, Steel C, Haines G, Lumsden J, O'Sullivan C.The incidence of colic following swimming exercise (SC) in a racehorse population examined over 3 years was 0.08%. Following 167,977 swims, 136 cases were reported. Colic resolved spontaneously in 2 horses, medically in 129 or surgically in 5. In a separate study, 21 horses were subject to exploratory laparotomy for SC. Findings included non-strangulating displacements in 7 horses, strangulating displacements in 7, a combination of non-strangulating and strangulating displacements in 1, prominent gaseous intestinal distension in 5 and no abnormalities in 1 horse. A poor response to analgesia p...
Yan W, Shin KS, Wang SJ, Xiang H, Divers T, McDonough S, Bowman J, Rowlands A, Akey B, Mohamed H, Chang YF.Clostridium (C.) difficile is a common cause of nosocomial diarrhea in horses. Vancomycin and metronidazole have been used as standard treatments but are only moderately effective, which highlights the need for a novel alternative therapy. In the current study, we prepared antiserum of equine origin against both C. difficile toxins A and B as well as whole-cell bacteria. The toxin-neutralizing activities of the antibodies were evaluated in vitro and the prophylactic effects of in vivo passive immunotherapy were demonstrated using a conventional mouse model. The data demonstrated that immunized...
DiPietro JA, Todd KS.The common anthelmintics used to treat parasitic infections of horses are described. Dosage, anthelmintic spectrum, formulation and administration, mode of action, toxicity contraindications, and resistance of parasites to anthelmintics are included.
Penell JC, Egenvall A, Bonnett BN, Pringle J.The aim was to evaluate the agreement between computerized insurance data in a large Swedish horse insurance database and the information in the corresponding clinical records (CR). A random sample of 400 veterinary care and 140 life claims was included. Information on name of the horse, breed and gender, year of birth, specific diagnosis and system diagnosis (e.g. joints, digestive and skeletal) was compared between sources. The concordance for demographic variables was categorized as agreement, disagreement or data missing. For diagnostic information, the categories were agreement, minor dis...
Wright IM, Phillips TJ, Walmsley JP.A technique for evaluation of the navicular bursa using a 4 mm 25 degrees inclined view arthroscope is described. This allows examination of the palmar/plantar surface of the navicular bone, the insertions of the navicular suspensory, T and impar ligaments, the bursal synovium and the dorsal surface of the deep digital flexor tendon. The technique was used in 16 horses with punctures of the navicular bursa. Procedures facilitated by the technique were bursal lavage, removal of pannus, synovial resection and debridement of lesions on the palmar/plantar surface of the bone and in the deep digita...
Robinson JA, Marr CM, Reef VB, Sweeney RW.A Standardbred filly was admitted for evaluation of pleuritis and pneumonia. Heart rate was 80 to 120 beats/min, and the pulse was barely palpable. Thoracic and abdominal ultrasonography and echocardiography revealed substantial pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade, fibrinous pericarditis, pleural effusion, and ascites. Initial electrocardiography revealed normal sinus rhythm with decreased amplitude of the QRS complexes consistent with pericardial effusion. Following thoracentesis, echocardiogram-guided pericardiocentesis was performed. Bacterial culture yielded no growth from any of t...
Janicek JC, Kramer J, Coates JR, Lattimer JC, Lacarrubba AM, Messer NT.A 4-month-old Missouri Fox Trotter colt was examined for a 5-week history of head tilt after treatment for suspected pulmonary Rhodococcus equi infection. Results: Computed tomography revealed osteolysis of the occipital, temporal, and caudal portion of the parietal bones of the left side of the cranium. A soft tissue mass compressing the occipital region of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum was associated with the osteolytic bone. Results: A rostrotentorial-suboccipital craniectomy approach was performed to remove fragmented occipital bone, debulk the intracranial mass, and obtain tissue sam...
Schauvliege S, Binetti A, Duchateau L, van Dijk JJ, Gasthuys F.To evaluate the cardiorespiratory effects of a 7° reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP) in anaesthetized horses. Methods: Randomized, non-blinded clinical trial. Methods: A total of 125 horses undergoing elective surgery in dorsal recumbency. Methods: Horses were allocated to one of three weight classes and assigned to be positioned either on a horizontal table or on a table in 7° RTP, according to a randomized block design. In all horses, anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and a constant rate infusion of romifidine. All horses were mechanically ventilated throughout anaesth...
Perdrizet JA, Callihan DR, Rebhun WC, Shin SJ.The clinical course and successful therapeutic management of a horse with malignant edema caused by Clostridium septicum is described. This is believed to be the first report of a horse surviving malignant edema caused by C. septicum. A discussion of this disease syndrome, including etiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, therapy, and diagnostic methods is presented.
Wilford S, Woodward E, Dunkel B.A retrospective questionnaire-based survey was used to determine the perceived efficacy of Newmarket bloodroot ointment in treating equine sarcoids. In 49 horses with 74 sarcoids, 64 sarcoids responded either completely (n = 49) or partially (n = 15) while 10 did not respond or worsened. Sarcoids < 2 cm responded better to treatment (P < 0.001) than did larger sarcoids. Un sondage rétrospectif réalisé par questionnaire a été utilisé pour déterminer l’efficacité perçue de l’onguent à la sanguinaire de Newmarket pour traiter les sarcoïdes équines. Chez 49 chevaux atteints ...
Henrikson SL, Rush BR.To determine the onset, magnitude, and duration of bronchodilation after administration of aerosolized salmeterol xinafoate in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Methods: Randomized controlled study Methods: 6 horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Procedure Horses received aerosolized salmeterol (210 microg) or no treatment, using a crossover design. Salmeterol was administered, using a mask designed for aerosol delivery in horses. Subjective rating of airway obstruction (RAO), maximal change in pleural pressure (deltaPplmax), and pulmonary resistance (RL) were determined at baselin...
Pascoe PJ, Ducharme NG, Ducharme GR, Lumsden JH.In order to determine which variables are useful and accurate in estimating prognosis in horses with abdominal pain, data were analyzed from 231 horses presented at a veterinary teaching hospital. Using multiple stepwise discriminant analysis in a recursive partition model, we obtained a decision protocol that identified survivors and nonsurvivors. The prevalence of survivors was 61% in this population. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of this model were 71, 83, 87 and 65%, respectively. This decision protocol was validated by Jackknife classification a...
Carnevale EM, Squires EL, McKinnon AO.Forty equine embryos collected 7 d post-ovulation were stored at 5 C for 24 h in one of two culture media (n = 20/group): 1) Ham's F10 + 10% heat-treated fetal calf serum (FCS) buffered by gassing with 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2 and 2) Ham's F10 + 10% FCS with Hepes buffer (25 mM). Embryos cultured in Ham's F10 + CO2 maintained a better quality score and had a larger average increase in diameter (+34.8 micron) than embryos stored in Hepes buffered Ham's F10 (-10.2 micron). Embryos were transferred surgically into recipient mares that ovulated -3 to +1 d in relation to the donor mare. Twenty embr...
Wylie CE, Proudman CJ, McGorum BC, Newton JR.Equine grass sickness (EGS) remains a frequently fatal disease of equids in Great Britain (GB). The first nationwide surveillance scheme for EGS was developed to obtain information on the occurrence of EGS and to help facilitate future proposed intervention studies, such as vaccine trials. Objective: To collect both retrospective and prospective data on cases of EGS occurring in GB since 2000 and to assess potential risk factors for categories of EGS and survival after chronic EGS. Methods: Prospective data were collected using a nationwide surveillance scheme for EGS that was developed and in...
Duncan JL, Abbott EM, Arundel JH, Eysker M, Klei TR, Krecek RC, Lyons ET, Reinemeyer C, Slocombe JO.These guidelines have been designed to assist in the planning, operation and interpretation of studies which would serve to assess the efficacy of drugs against internal parasites of horses. Although the term anthelmintic is used in the title and text, these guidelines include studies on drug efficacy against larvae of horse bot flies, Gasterophilus spp., which are non-helminth parasites commonly occurring in the stomach of horses. The advantages, disadvantages and application of critical and controlled tests are presented. Information is also provided on selection of animals, housing, feed, d...
Boscan P, Rezende ML, Grimsrud K, Stanley SD, Mama KR, Steffey EP.To define the pharmacokinetic profile of propofol 5% microemulsion formulation in horses. Methods: First, propofol was administered as bolus injection (2 mg kg(-1)) to six xylazine-sedated horses. Secondly, after sedation and bolus injection, propofol was maintained with continuous infusion for 3 h [8.1 (sd 3.2) mg kg(-1) h(-1)] to the same six horses. Thirdly, in two horses, a commercial propofol was used for comparison. Response to noxious stimulation was used to evaluate analgesia. Venous blood samples were obtained to measure propofol plasma concentration using liquid chromatography-mass s...
Swagemakers JH, Van Daele P, Mageed M.Cervical spinal nerve insult can be a sequel of osteoarthropathy in horses due to enlargement of the articular processes (AP). Objective: To describe the percutaneous endoscopic cervical foraminotomy procedure in horses. Methods: Ex vivo experimental study and clinical case report. Methods: The technique was performed in three equine cadavers and in two clinical cases with history of forelimb lameness located in the caudal cervical region. Briefly, the horse was positioned in lateral recumbency, with the affected AP joint uppermost. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the endoscopic instruments (Ø 6...
