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.
Guglick MA, MacAllister CG, Clarke CR, Pollet R, Hague C, Clarke JM.To determine pharmacokinetics of i.v., i.m., and oral administration of cefepime in horses and to compare pharmacokinetics of i.m. administration of cefepime with those of ceftiofur sodium. Methods: 6 clinically normal adult horses. Methods: Horses received 3 doses of cefepime (11 mg/kg of body weight, PO; 2.2 mg/kg, i.v.; and 2.2 mg/kg, i.m.) and 1 dose of ceftiofur (2.2 mg/kg, i.m.). Two horses also received L-arginine, p.o. and i.v., at doses identical to those contained in the cefepime dihydrochloride-L-arginine preparations previously administered. Blood samples were collected for 24 hour...
Holcombe SJ, Derksen FJ, Stick JA, Robinson NE.To determine the effect of bilateral blockade of the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve on soft palate function in horses. Methods: 5 Standardbreds. Methods: Peak tracheal inspiratory and expiratory pressures and airflow were measured while horses exercised at the speeds corresponding to 75 and 100% of the speed that resulted in maximal heart rate, with and without pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve blockade. Respiratory frequency-to-stride frequency coupling ratio was measured by correlating foot fall measurements with respiratory frequency. The pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve was bl...
Monahan CM, Chapman MR, Taylor HW, French DD, Klei TR.Eighteen mixed-breed, naturally infected ponies ranging in age from 1 to 16 yr and four cyathostome-naïve ponies reared and maintained under parasite-free conditions ranging in age from 1 to 4 yr were used in this study. Naturally-infected ponies were treated with 1 dose of ivermectin (IVM) at 200 micrograms kg-1, followed by a 5-day regimen of oxibendazole (OBZ) at 20 mg kg-1 to remove existing cyathostome burdens; cyathostome-naïve control ponies were treated with IVM alone. The naturally infected ponies were matched on age and gender, then randomly assigned to one of three treatment group...
Sosa León LA.One of the most common consequences of prolonged exercise is fluid and electrolyte depletion. Fluid and electrolyte losses during exercise may limit the horse's performance and, in extreme cases, jeopardize its health. To avoid or treat the deleterious effects of dehydration, fluid and electrolyte supplementation is essential. This article provides recommendations for fluid and electrolyte supplementation for horses involved in endurance-related events.
Foreman JH.Exhaustion occurs in most equestrian sports, but it is more frequent in events that require sustained endurance work such as endurance racing, three-day eventing, trial riding, and hunting. Exhaustion is also more likely when an unfit, unacclimatized, or unsound horse is exercised. Mechanisms that contribute to exhaustion include heat retention, fluid and electrolyte loss, acid-base imbalance, and intramuscular glycogen depletion. Clinical signs include elevated temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate; depression; anorexia; unwillingness to continue to exercise; dehydration; weakness; stiffne...
Kofler J, Kübber-Heiss A, Schilcher F.Clinical, ultrasonographic and pathological findings of a cutaneous, multilocular T-cell lymphosarcoma (malignant lymphoma) in a 13-year-old, brown Austrian warmblood mare are reported. The horse was under clinical observation, and the tumours were sonographically monitored over an 8 month period, revealing worsening of body condition, weight loss, lameness of the left hindlimb and a slight increase in the tumours size. Most of the tumours were covered by normal skin, one showed ulceration. Ultrasonography of the tumours allowed accurate anatomical localization in relation to the adjoining tis...
Widmer WR, Blevins WE, Jakovljevic S, Levy M, Teclaw RF, Han CM, Hurd CD.A prospective clinical trial comparing adverse postmyelographic effects and myelographic quality of metrizamide and iohexol was conducted. Using a predetermined, randomized assignment, 24 horses exhibiting neurologic signs were administered either metrizamide (180 mgl/ml) or iohexol (180 mgl/ml) via cerebellomedullary puncture. Each horse was evaluated postmyelographically for adverse effects. Myelographic quality was assessed by a numerical scoring method. Adverse effects were observed more frequently with metrizamide (21) compared with iohexol (6) myelography (p < 0.05). Seizures, intensific...
Ammann VJ, Vrins AA, Lavoie JP.The effects of beclomethasone dipropionate on pulmonary function and arterial blood gas values were investigated in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Six mature mares, diagnosed as having COPD based on clinical signs, cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage and pulmonary function testing, were used. Beclomethasone dipropionate (3750 microg) was administered b.i.d. for a 2 week period with a metered dose inhaler using a mask. Pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analyses were performed at weekly intervals, starting before beclomethasone administratio...
Andrew SE, Brooks DE, Smith PJ, Gelatt KN, Chmielewski NT, Whittaker CJ.The medical records of 39 horses treated for ulcerative keratomycosis over a 10 year period were reviewed. Records were evaluated to determine the medical and/or surgical treatment protocol, visual outcome, globe survival and whether the outcome was influenced by the fungal species isolated. Stromal abscesses and iris prolapses caused by fungi were not included. Twenty of the horses underwent medical treatment only, and 19 horses had combined medical and surgical treatment. Most horses had been treated with topical antibiotics (n = 32) and atropine sulphate (n = 23) prior to referral; topical ...
Wiemer P, Ugahary F.A 6-year-old trotter gelding presented with exercise intolerance and swelling of the left side of the head during exercise and grazing. The complaints were caused by a complete thrombosis of the left jugular vein. In this case report a surgical approach is described in which a bypass was created with a synthetic vascular graft. After treatment the horse was capable of racing at his former level. The patency of the synthetic graft was 11 months.
van Foreest AW, Wiemer P.Periapical disorders in horses can be treated by resection of the apex. The indications, contraindications, diagnosis, treatment and complications of the intervention are discussed. Four case reports of horses in which apicoectomy with retrograde endodontic treatment was performed are reviewed.
Parlevliet JM.The studies described in this thesis investigated the factors that can affect the fertility of stallions. The introduction describes the male gamete and the processes that occur during maturation of sperm and fertilization. Methods to evaluate the quality of sperm and ova are then discussed. Fertility can be expressed in various ways and is also affected by many factors such as the stallion, the mare and management factors. The fertility of stallions is usually assessed a good year after they have served mares, because then the number of foals is known. However, it would be preferable to be ab...
Douwes RA, van der Kolk JH.The use of dimethyl sulphoxide in equine medicine is discussed with special reference to trauma of the central nervous system, chronic endometritis, trauma of the locomotor apparatus, and ischaemic bowel pathophysiology. The ability of dimethyl sulphoxide to reduce connective tissue formation might be of interest in abdominal surgery. The anti-inflammatory effect of dimethyl sulphoxide is used in the treatment of muscle trauma, tendinitis, laminitis, and arthritis. Dimethyl sulphoxide can potentiate the effects of other drugs. The most common dose is 1 g/kg body weight intravenously up to a 40...
Manohar M, Goetz TE, Sullivan E, Griffin R.The present study was carried out to examine the effects of phenylbutazone treatment on the pulmonary haemodynamic effects of frusemide in strenuously exercising horses. Using catheter mounted manometers, whose in vivo signals were referenced at the point of the shoulder, heart rate, right atrial, right ventricular and pulmonary vascular pressures were measured in 3 different sets of experiments. Seven Thoroughbreds were subjected to 1) control (no medications), 2) frusemide control and 3) phenylbutazone + frusemide. The experiments were carried out in random order and were separated by 7 days...
Doxey DL, Milne EM, Ellison J, Curry PJ.Responses to questionnaires were received from 31 owners of horses or ponies treated for chronic grass sickness (dysautonomia). Contrary to previous opinions the respondents indicated that the majority of the animals were capable of strenuous work, had regained the weight they had lost and, apart from a few residual problems such as difficulty in coping with dry fibrous food, had returned to a normal life. They had recovered slowly and had involved the owners in considerable extra work, but all the owners indicated that they considered the effort to have been worthwhile.
Walker MA, Schumacher J, Schmitz DG, McMullen WC, Ruoff WW, Crabill MR, Hawkins JF, Hogan PM, McClure SR, Vacek JR, Edwards JF, Helman RG, Frelier PF.Three adult horses underwent aggressive treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, using course-fractionated cobalt 60 radiotherapy. Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is not commonly diagnosed in horses. Historically, horses with this type of neoplasm have not been treated or have undergone some form of surgery. The prognosis for long-term survival or cure has been poor. Long-term results of cobalt 60 radiotherapy were good to excellent and exceeded those usually reported for horses treated surgically. On the basis of these r...
Hughes FE, Slone DE.To describe an alternative technique for large colon resection and anastomosis in horses. Methods: Retrospective study of clinical patients. Methods: 37 horses that had ventral midline celiotomies between July 1, 1990, and July 1, 1994. Methods: Large colon resection and anastomosis was performed using a modification of previously described techniques. Modifications include mesocolon ligation with a stapling device and an end-to-end apposition of the right ventral and right dorsal colon. Results: Twenty-one of the 37 horses were discharged from the hospital without complications. Two horses we...
Hague BA, Honnas CM, Berridge BR, Easter JL.To evaluate the postoperative use of peritoneal lavage for prevention of experimentally induced intraabdominal adhesions in horses. Methods: Areas of serosal abrasion were created on the jejunum of 12 horses. Postoperatively, six horses had peritoneal lavage, and six horses did not (controls). The number of adhesions was determined at necropsy 2 weeks after surgery. Methods: 12 horses. Methods: Five sites of jejunal serosal abrasion were created in each horse. A 32 French thoracic catheter was placed into the right ventral aspect of the abdomen before closure of the abdominal incision. Treated...
Damiani AM, Matsumura T, Yokoyama N, Maeda K, Miyazawa T, Kai C, Mikami T.The nucleotide sequences of the glycoprotein I (gI) and E (gE) genes of equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4) strain TH20 were determined. The predicted region encoding the EHV-4 gI gene is 1,263 nucleotides, corresponding to a polypeptide of 420 amino acids in length. The predicted region encoding the EHV-4 gE gene is 1,647 nucleotides, corresponding to a polypeptide of 548 amino acids in length. The EHV-4 gI and gE genes show 74% and 85% identity at the amino acid level with those of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), respectively. Furthermore, we have found an open reading frame homologous to t...
Sedrish SA, Moore RM, Kelly K, Martin GS, Burba DJ.To determine and compare the in vitro pullout strength of 5.5-mm cortical versus 6.5-mm cancellous bone screws inserted in the diaphysis and metaphysis of adult equine third metacarpal (MCIII) bones, in threaded 4.5-mm cortical bone screw insertion holes that were then overdrilled with a 4.5-mm drill bit to provide information relevant to the selection of a replacement screw if a 4.5-mm cortical screw is stripped. Methods: In vitro pullout tests of 5.5-mm cortical and 6.5-mm cancellous screws in equine MCIII bones. Methods: Two independent cadaver studies each consisting of 14 adult equine MCI...
Dixon PM.The structure and possible functions of respiratory secretions are reviewed. In the equine, goblet (mucus producing) cells are the main source but little information is available on the volume or composition of equine respiratory secretions. Airway mucus has complex and incompletely understood physical characteristics which can be partially assessed by a wide range of in vitro and biological techniques. The complex relationship between mucus structure and its propulsion by the airway cilia are discussed, both in health and with pulmonary disease. Mucokinesis in the horse has been assessed visu...
Arnbjerg J.With reference to previous reports on hypocalcemia in horses special attention is given to the principal symptoms such as anxiety, increased muscular tension, esp. of the musculature of the extremities, in severe cases leading to ataxia, and to a pulse-synchronized respiration (Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter). The time of appearance of the symptoms are much more variable than it is the case for hypocalcemic agalactia in cows. Furthermore the condition has been reported in foals as well as in geldings. Thus the triggering factor seems to be somewhat different from that of agalactia. Hypocalc...
Rijkenhuizen AB, Németh F.The clinical signs, the radiographic appearance, and the treatment of two cases of fracture of the accessory carpal bone are described. The fractures were in the vertical plane. Surgical intervention consisted out of fixation of the fracture with two lag screws. Follow-up information revealed that one horse became sound and returned to complete athletic activity whereas the other horse remained lame. A brief literature review is given and the surgical treatment and the complications are discussed.
Schnoke AT, Brooks DE, Wilkie DA, Dwyer AE, Matthews AG, Gilger BC, Hendrix DV, Pickett P, Grauwels M, Monroe C, Plummer CE.To describe the clinical findings and prognosis for extraocular lymphoma in the horse. Methods: Retrospective medical records study of horses diagnosed with third eyelid, corneoscleral, conjunctival, and/or eyelid lymphoma from multiple academic and private veterinary institutions. Data collected from the medical records included signalment, clinical descriptions of the extraocular lesions, treatment, and treatment outcomes. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed with Fischer's exact tests. Results: Extraocular lymphoma involving the eyelid, third eyelid, cornea, sclera, and/...
Firth EC.A case of vesical calculus in which haematuria was not a presenting sign is described. Methods of removal of vesical calculi are discussed. In this case, urethral sphincterotomy facilitated delivery.
Cauvin ER, Tapprest J, Munroe GA, May SA, Schramme MC.This study was designed to develop a reliable technique for endoscopic examination of the tarsal sheath of the lateral digital flexor tendon of horses. The anatomy of the tendon sheath and associated structures was studied in detail in cadavers before determining portals for the insertion of an arthroscope into the sheath. Approaches into the sheath through the proximal pouch and through the flexor retinaculum, at the level of the sustentaculum tali, were performed and compared in cadavers. The proximal pouch portal permitted visualisation only of the proximal half of the sheath, while the app...
Gandini M, Iotti BN, Giusto G.To compare 4 techniques for pelvic flexure enterotomy closure in horses. Methods: Ex-vivo study. Methods: Cadaveric ascending colon specimens (n = 48 horses). Methods: Pelvic flexure enterotomies of different lengths (5 cm, 10 cm) were performed and closed with 1 of 4 techniques: handsewn 2 layer (HS2); handsewn 1 layer (HS1); skin staples (SKS); or TA90 stapling device (TA90). Time to close each enterotomy, bursting pressure, luminal reduction, and cost were calculated and compared. Results: HS2 was significantly more time consuming to perform in the 5 cm group whereas in the 10 cm group, onl...
Munroe GA, Cauvin E.The clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in a case of a comminuted articular fracture of the accessory carpal bone of a thoroughbred chaser are described, and its surgical treatment and aftercare are detailed. The horse made an uneventful recovery and successfully returned to racing.
Spadari A, Spinella G, Grandis A, Romagnoli N, Pietra M.No endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct has been described before. In contrast with other imaging techniques, endoscopy provides a direct inspection of the intralumen and ductal mucosa in standing sedation. Objective: To provide a reference against which the endoscopic and clinical features of obstructive nasolacrimal disease in the horse may be compared. Methods: Endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct was performed in 10 French Thoroughbred bay mares with a 3 mm shaft diameter flexible fibrescope. The duct was divided into 3 zones (1, 2 and 3) from the nostril to the lacri...
Render JA, Harrington DD, Wells RE, Dunstan RW, Turek JJ, Boosinger TR.Giant cell tumor of soft parts was diagnosed in 6 horses 3 to 12 years old (mean, 6.8 +/- 3.5 years): 3 Quarter Horse geldings, 2 Standardbred mares, and 1 Standardbred stallion. The neoplasms developed as raised, solitary masses, approximately 1 to 4 cm in diameter, which were firmly attached to subcutaneous tissue of the neck (1 horse), shoulder (1 horse), thigh (2 horses), or stifle (2 horses). Excision was followed by local recurrence in 3 horses within 1 to 1 1/2 months. The neoplasms were firm and cut with resistance. On cut surface, they were white, with mottled red hemorrhagic areas.
Sergeant ES, Wilson G.To quantify the probability of freedom from equine influenza (EI) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, based on analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Methods: Testing in the infected areas of NSW during the period 1 January to 30 April 2008. Results: Data from the random survey were collated and analysed to provide estimates of the probability of detecting EI if it was present at a prevalence ranging from 0.01% to 0.5%. The sensitivity estimates were then combined with a prior estimate of the probability of freedom in a simulation model, to estimate the posterior probability of ...
Beier RC, Norman JO.White snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum Houtt) has been known to cause trembles in animals and milk sickness in humans since the American Revolution. It still continues to poison animals. Horses and goats are particularly sensitive to white snakeroot poisoning. Resurgence of livestock production on small farm units, and utilization of fresh raw milk may result in milk sickness; if the animals have white snakeroot exposure. The goat is the only animal with good toxicity threshold data. In other animals and humans the toxicity thresholds of white snakeroot are not known, and that until responsible t...
Reinemeyer CR, Prado JC, Andersen UV, Nielsen MK, Schricker B, Kennedy T.Strongylid infections are ubiquitous in grazing horse populations. Infections with cyathostomin (small strongyle) and strongylin (large strongyle) nematodes have long been associated with clinical disease in horses, but little is known about their subclinical impact. A masked, randomized, controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effects of daily administration of pyrantel tartrate on body condition scores, weight gain, fecal egg counts, and total worm counts of young horses repeatedly inoculated with strongylid larvae. Twenty eight immature horses were treated with larvicidal anthelminti...