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.
Lindsay DS, Dubey JP, Kennedy TJ.The present study examined the efficacy of ponazuril in inhibiting merozoite production of Sarcocystis neurona in cell cultures. Ponazuril inhibited merozoite production by more that 90% in cultures of S. neurona treated with 1.0 microg/ml ponazuril and greater than 95% inhibition of merozoite production was observed when infected cultures were treated with 5.0 microg/ml ponazuril. Ponazuril may have promise as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of S. neurona induced equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses.
Ohmura H, Nukada T, Mizuno Y, Yamaya Y, Nakayama T, Amada A.To determine a safe and efficacious dose of flecainide acetate for treating equine atrial fibrillation (Af), the safe dosage level was determined by injecting 1, 2, or 3 mg/kg i.v. of 1% flecainide acetate solution at a rate of 0.2 mg/kg/min to five clinically healthy horses. Clinical signs and the ECG were monitored (HR, PR, QRS, and QT intervals) and blood was taken to measure the plasma flecainide concentration pre- and post-administration. No abnormal signs were observed in the 1- or 2-mg/kg groups, while agitation was observed in three of five horses in the 3-mg/kg group. The QRS, and QT ...
Rush BR, Raub ES, Thomsen MM, Davis EG, Matson CJ, Hakala JE.To evaluate clinical response, pulmonary function, and adrenal gland response to incremental doses of beclomethasone dipropionate in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Methods: Crossover trial. Methods: 8 horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Methods: Horses randomly assigned to 4 groups were treated twice daily via aerosol administration of placebo or 500, 1,000, or 1,500 micrograms of beclomethasone dipropionate in a crossover design with a 10-day minimum washout period. Subjective assessment of airway obstruction, serum cortisol concentration, and maximum change in pleural pressu...
Harkins JD, Karpiesiuk W, Tobin T, Dirikolu L, Lehner AF.Ropivacaine is a local anesthetic that has a high potential for abuse in racing horses. It can be recovered from urine collected after administration as a hydroxylated metabolite following beta-glucuronidase treatment of the urine. Based on these findings, it has been inferred that ropivacaine is present in equine urine as a glucuronide metabolite; however, these metabolites have never been directly identified. Using ESI+/MS/MS, the presence of a [M+H]+ molecular ion of m/z 467 was demonstrated in urine corresponding to the calculated mass of a hydroxyropivacaine glucuronide +1. The abundance ...
Bergman HJ, de Kruif A.In this last article the veterinary supervision of problem mares at the stud is reviewed. Treatment possibilities are evaluated. The usefulness of treatment with progestagens in order to sustain pregnancy or to prevent embryonic death is discussed.
Smith CL, MacDonald MH, Tesch AM, Willits NH.To evaluate the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on equine articular cartilage matrix metabolism. Methods: Using a cartilage explant culture system, proteoglycan (PG) synthesis, PG release, lactate metabolism, chondrocyte viability, and metabolism recovery were determined after cartilage exposure to DMSO. Methods: Cartilage harvested from metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints of 12 horses (age range, 1 to 10 years). Methods: Explants were exposed to concentrations of DMSO (1% to 20%) for variable times (3 to 72 hours). PG synthesis and release were determined by a radiolabel i...
Trolldenier H, Klarmann D, Krabisch P, Rohde J, Steiner A, Verspohl J.368 streptococcal strains from udder secretions of cattle (Sc. agalactiae, Sc. dysgalactiae, Sc. uberis) and 191 streptococcal isolates from horse specimens (Sc. equi ssp. zooepidemicus, Sc. equi ssp. equi) originating from different agricultural regions in Germany (Lower Saxony, in particular the region of Weser-Ems, Bavaria, Altmark) were investigated for their sensitivity to 4 beta-lactam antibiotics (benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, cefotaxime). Two different test methods were applied: the agar diffusion test for determination of the diameter of the zone of inhibition and the E-tes...
Hultén C, Sandgren B, Skiöldebrand E, Klingeborn B, Marhaug G, Forsberg M.The acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) has proven potentially useful as an inflammatory marker in the horse, but the knowledge of SAA responses in viral diseases is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate SAA as a marker for acute equine influenza A2 (H3N8) virus infection. This is a highly contagious, serious condition that inflicts suffering on affected horses and predisposes them to secondary bacterial infections and impaired performance. Seventy horses, suffering from equine influenza, as verified by clinical signs and seroconversion, were sampled in the acute (the first 48 h...
Hubert JD, Hardy J, Holcombe SJ, Moore RM.To report a surgical technique for treatment of nonreducible cecocolic intussusception and outcome in 8 horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Eight horses with nonreducible cecocolic intussusception treated by cecal amputation through a right ventral colotomy. Methods: Data were obtained from medical records and telephone conversations by using a standardized questionnaire. The large colon was exteriorized and, if necessary, evacuated of its contents through a pelvic flexure enterotomy. A second colotomy was made on the ventral surface of the right ventral colon (RVC) centered over or...
Jansson N, Ducharme NG, Hackett RP, Mohammed HO.To examine the effect of cordopexy, laryngoplasty, and cordopexy combined with a modified laryngoplasty on airway mechanics. Methods: Experimental airway mechanics were determined by subjecting equine cadaveric larynges to airflows similar to inspiratory airflow of exercising horses. Methods: Twenty equine larynges. Methods: Using cadaveric larynges, we developed and tested a new technique of arytenoid cartilage abduction. All larynges had the right arytenoid cartilage abducted to mimic the degree of arytenoid abduction that occurs at maximal exertion in live horses. Three surgical techniques ...
Désévaux C, Laverty S, Doizé B.To develop a technique for sternal bone biopsy in standing horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Five adult horses. Methods: Horses were restrained in a standing stocks and sedated. The sternal biopsy site, identified by ultrasonographic examination, was clipped and prepared for aseptic surgery and infiltrated with local anesthetic. An electric bone biopsy drill (Osteocore; Institut Straumann AG, CH-4437, Waldenburg, Switzerland)), which yielded 4-mm-diameter bone specimens, was used to obtain sternal biopsies through a small skin incision. Sections (7 microm) of the bone specimens wer...
Christley RM, Rose RJ, Hodgson DR, Reid SW, Evans S, Bailey C, Hodgson JL.This study evaluated a questionnaire investigating the attitudes and behaviours of veterinarians regarding the cause, diagnosis and treatment of lower respiratory-tract disease in racehorses. The questionnaire was sent to all non-student members (648) of the Australian Equine Veterinary Association: two mailings and a single telephone contact (each separated by four weeks). Subsequent phases were only administered to those who had not responded to earlier phases. In total, 467 (72.1%) of the 648 mailed questionnaires were returned. Of these, 354 were usable. The remaining 113 respondents gave ...
Christley RM, Rose RJ, Hodgson DR, Reid SW, Evans S, Bailey C, Hodgson JL.A questionnaire was administered to members of the Australian Equine Veterinary Association to investigate their attitudes and behaviours regarding the cause, diagnosis and treatment of lower-respiratory-tract disease in racehorses. The most-important perceived risk factors related to the level of exposure and resistance to infectious agents, whereas factors associated with racing and climatic factors were lower ranked. By far the most-commonly implicated primary cause of disease was respiratory viruses. However, specific diagnostic tests (such as viral serology or virus isolation) were rarely...
Southwood LL, McIlwraith CW.To determine the outcome of horses with basal fractures of the proximal sesamoid bone from which a fracture fragment involving a portion of the base of the bone was removed arthroscopically and to determine whether fragment size was associated with outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 26 horses. Methods: Dorsopalmar and axial-abaxial lengths of the fracture fragment were measured on the dorsopalmar and mediolateral radiographic views, respectively, and percentage of the base of the sesamoid bone involved was estimated. Fractures were classified as grade 1 ( 25% but < 100% of the ...
Stratton-Phelps M, Wilson WD, Gardner IA.To determine whether foals with pneumonia that were treated with erythromycin, alone or in combination with rifampin or gentamicin, had a higher risk of developing adverse effects, compared with foals treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS), penicillin G procaine (PGP), or a combination of TMS and PGP (control foals). Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 143 foals < 240 days old. Methods: Information on age, sex, breed, primary drug treatment, total days of treatment with the primary drug, and whether the foal developed diarrhea, hyperthermia, or respiratory distress was obtained...
Fenton JI, Chlebek-Brown KA, Peters TL, Caron JP, Orth MW.Objective To determine whether glucosamine inhibits experimentally induced degradation of equine articular cartilage explants. Methods Articular cartilage was obtained from the antebrachio-carpal and middle joints of horses (2-8 years old) killed for reasons unrelated to lameness. Cartilage discs were harvested from the weight-bearing region of the articular surface and cultured. Media were exchanged daily and the recovered media stored at 4 degrees C. Explants were maintained in basal media 2 days prior to the start of four treatment days. On days 1-4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 microg/ml) or...
Racklyeft DJ, Raidal S, Love DN.To review relevant literature on factors associated with the development of equine pleuropneumonia. Methods: A review of the literature using a range of databases including Current Contents, Medline, ChemAbstracts, Biological Abstracts and CAB and a comprehensive search strategy which involved use of keywords, author and subject category searches. Additional sources included review of articles cited by key accumulated references. Results: Since the early years of this century, many of the "gaps" in our knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease have been filled. We now know that equine pleu...
Bergman HJ, de Kruif A, van Dessel S.In this article different possible treatments for problem mares are discussed. The therapeutic possibilities vary and can be classified into anatomical correction, anti-infectious therapy, and treatment to enhance the uterine defence mechanisms. Anatomical correction and treatment with antibiotics are valuable therapies and have been used for many years. In recent years, stimulation of the mechanical defence mechanism of the uterus, by flushing it with physiological solution combined with parenteral oxytocin, has been shown to increase the chance of getting problem mares in foal.
Del Piero F.Equine viral arteritis (EVA) can cause prominent economic losses for the equine industry. The purpose of this review is to provide the pathologist some familiarity with the clinical history, lesions, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of EVA. EVA is caused by an arterivirus (equine arteritis virus, EAV), and the vascular system is the principal but not unique viral target. EVA has variable presentations, including interstitial pneumonia, panvasculitis with edema, thrombosis and hemorrhage, lymphoid necrosis, renal tubular necrosis, abortion, and inflammation of male accessory genital glands. EAV anti...
Bergman HJ, de Kruif A, van Dessel S.A review is given of treatment for 'problem' mares that do not become pregnant. To determine the best therapy, it is necessary to understand the defence mechanisms of the uterus and the pathogenesis of not getting in foal. A thorough clinical examination is absolutely necessary to come to a correct diagnosis. This examination will be explained in a practical way. In the second article the different therapies for treating problem mares are discussed. The therapeutic possibilities vary widely. They can be classified in: anatomical corrections, anti-infectious therapy, and treatment to enhance th...
Larsen M.Resistance against anthelmintics is widespread, particularly in parasitic nematode populations of small ruminants. Several new techniques or supplements have been developed or are under investigation. Biological control (BC) is one of these new methods. The net-trapping predacious fungus Duddingtonia flagrans produces thick walled resting spores, chlamydospores, which are able to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract of cattle, horses, sheep and pigs. Under Danish climatic conditions it has been shown that the number of parasite larvae on pasture and the worm burden of the grazing...
Hommel D, Bollandard F, Hulin A.Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is a mosquito-borne viral disease that occurs in equine species and in man. The strains can be grouped epidemiologically into two major categories: enzootic and epizootic. Enzootic strains cause sporadic human disease and are not associated with disease among equines. These strains are found throughout Florida. Central America, northern South America and Brazil. Epizootic strains are associated with enormous morbidity and mortality in equine species. In man, VEE virus infections are largely asymptomatic and in children and young adults there is an increased...
Harvey RG, Hunter PA.The use of the penicillins in veterinary dermatology is discussed. An outline is provided of the main penicillins used in the veterinary field. These include benzyl penicillin, penicillin V, ampicillin, amoxycillin, co-amoxiclav and oxacillin. An increase in β-lactamase production among strains of Staphylococcus intermedius, the principal canine pathogen in pyoderma, has been seen in recent years. Thus only those penicillins with resistance to β-lactamase (co-amoxiclav or isoxazolyl penicillins) are likely to be of value in treating canine pyoderma. However, feline, porcine and equine staphy...
Uhlinger C.Leukoencephalomalacia in horses is caused by fumonisins. These mycotoxins are produced by Fusarium spp. that contaminate corn and corn byproducts while in the field. The most common clinical presentation is a multifocal neurologic disease that affects multiple horses in a herd. Although the majority of affected horses die, treatment directed at decreasing inflammation and edema in the CNS may result in recovery in some animals.
Perkins NR, Robertson JT, Colon LA.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...
Morris DD.This article reviews normal hemostasis in order to provide the reader with the basis for understanding the pathogenesis and manifestations (both clinical and laboratory) of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in horses. DIC is subsequently discussed. The diagnosis and treatment of DIC in horses are also described.
Reef VB.A 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare was referred for evaluation and treatment of a large pectoral skin slough and hemoglobinuria. The skin slough was secondary to Clostridium perfringens cellulitis and associated gas gangrene. Cold hemagglutinin disease was diagnosed and was suspected to be secondary to C perfringens septicemia. The autoimmune hemolytic anemia, severe intravascular hemolysis, and hemoglobinuria were treated with dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. The infection was treated with 20 X 10(6) units of sodium penicillin, IV, 4 times daily, and the wound was debrided. When the mare relap...
Macpherson ML, Bailey CS.Placental infections in the mare are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The following article will review techniques for identifying placental infections, approaches for treating placentitis, and methods for managing these mares after foaling.
Ikeda JS, Hirsh DC.An outbreak of equine salmonellosis occurred at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, between June 1981 and March 1982. Forty-four horses were infected with Salmonella saint-paul, a serotype rarely isolated from animals at the university before the outbreak. Unlike the isolates of S saint-paul obtained at the beginning of the outbreak, almost all strains isolated near the end were resistant to ampicillin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, kanamycin, sulfadiazine, trimethoprim, and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine. A conjugal-resistance plasmid (R-plasmid) ...
Orsini JA, Donawick WJ.Two female Standardbred foals 2 and 3 months of age were presented with signs of gastroduodenal obstruction that was confirmed with contrast radiography and exploratory surgery. Ventral midline celiotomy was performed, showing stenosis of the duodenum proximal and distal to the hepatopancreatic ampulla. The common hepatic duct, the pancreatic duct, and the sigmoid section of the duodenum proximal to the stenosis were greatly dilated. To bypass the intestinal obstruction, a side-to-side duodenojejunostomy was performed. Obstruction of the common hepatic duct was relieved by side-to-side hepatic...