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.
Miller RI, Campbell RS.During a clinical study of equine phycomycosis in tropical northern Australia 3 specific forms of phycomycosis were identified. Of 266 cases diagnosed in 5 different laboratories, hyphomycosis caused by Hyphomyces destruens was responsible for 76.7%, basidiobolomycosis caused by Basidiobolus haptosporus for 18.0%, and entomophthoramycosis caused by Conidiobolus coronatus for 5.3%. Most cases of hyphomycosis were observed between March and July, that is after the monsoonal wet summer, but were calculated from clinical histories to originate in the wet season between November and May. Basidiobol...
Roberts MC, O'Boyle DA.Salmonella anatum was given orally to 8 horses on 11 occasions in doses ranging from 9.5 X 10(6) to 8.8 X 10(11) organisms. Four distinct syndromes were induced based upon clinical, laboratory and pathological findings: (1) asymptomatic; (2) moderate clinical signs with or without changes in faecal consistency; (3) fever, depression, anorexia with unstructured or diarrhoeic faeces; and (4) septicaemia with or without diarrhoea, and peripheral circulatory failure. All animals excreted the organism. The peak temperature preceded the onset of diarrhoea by 1 or 2 days. Changes in faecal consistenc...
Bottoms GD, Templeton CB, Fessler JF, Johnson MA, Roesel OF, Ewert KM, Adams SB.This study had 2 objectives: (i) to correlate plasma thromboxane and prostaglandin I2 (epoprostenol) concentrations with hemodynamic changes occurring in equine endotoxin shock, and (ii) to determine the effects of flunixin meglumine on plasma concentrations of these prostaglandins relative to hemodynamic changes. Shock was induced in 2 groups, each of 4 anesthetized ponies, and in a 3rd group of 2 ponies. Group A ponies were given endotoxin only (and were not treated), and group B ponies were given endotoxin and then treated with flunixin meglumine. Group C ponies were treated with flunixin m...
van Dyk E, Immelman A, van Heerden JS.After isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from endometrial biopsies of 6 mares they were treated with amikacin sulphate. Three were treated by intra-uterine application of the drug, in one the drug was given by intramuscular injection, in another the intravenous route was used while in the last mare simultaneous local and intravenous treatment was applied. An intra-uterine Tris-EDTA instillation preceeded the uterine amikacin instillations to aid in the breakdown of the capsule around the bacterium. Serum concentrations of amikacin were determined after intravenous and intramuscular administra...
McIlwraith CW.The postoperative management of the surgical colic patient varies according to the complications experienced. Many of these complications can be related to the time at which surgery is performed
relative to commencement of the problem, the condition of the patient at the time of surgery, the particular condition, and, last but not
least, the surgeon's performance. Some of the points have been discussed elsewhere in the symposium. The maintenance of asepsis, attention to minimizing trauma to the bowel, and appropriate attention
to visceral and parietal closures are all important principles. ...
Bramlage LR, Hanes GE.A 3-year-old Thoroughbred mare was examined because of hindlimb lameness from incomplete fracture of the tibia, which became a complete diaphyseal fracture during the examination. The fracture was repaired by open reduction and internal fixation with lag screws and 2 neutralization plates. A cranial approach was used and the plates were placed craniolateral and medial on the tibia. At 18 months after surgery, there was no evidence of complications resulting from the fracture or its repair. It was concluded that a cranial approach with craniolateral and medial plate placement allows easier inse...
Meijer P.Two cases of tetany in the horse are reported. The two patients were thoroughbreds. One was eight and the other thirteen years old. The mares were in heat and were brought to the service (stud) station to be mated. Both patients were nursing a foal. One was a four-week-old foal and the other was seven weeks old. The calcium level of the serum had dropped in the two patients, to 4.0 mg and 5.4 per ml. respectively. The magnesium level was 1.0 mg and 1.9 mg per 100 ml. respectively. The animals responded satisfactorily to intravenous infusion of calcium borogluconate and magnesium chloride. One ...
Madewell BR, Carlson GP, MacLachlan NJ, Feldman BF.A 17-year-old Arabian gelding was presented because of CNS depression and weight loss. Physical examination revealed generalized lymphadenopathy, pitting edema, and ascites. The diagnosis of lymphosarcoma with leukemic manifestations was based on cytologic and histopathologic examination of lymph node biopsy samples and a peripheral leukocyte count of 98,300/microliters, 94% of which were mature lymphocytes. These circulating lymphocytes lacked B-lymphocyte markers and did not respond to mitogenic stimulation, indicating functional incompetence. Though ultrastructural findings were equivocal, ...
Campbell WC.The avermectins are macrocyclic lactones produced by Streptomyces avermitilis. One of them has been chemically modified and given the non-proprietary name ivermectin. The compounds have shown efficacy against various stages of filarial parasites. With respect to pre-adult stages in the mammalian host, activity has been observed against Dirofilaria immitis in ferrets and dogs, and Dipetalonema viteae and Litomosoides carinii in jirds (Meriones); but activity has not been observed against the developing stages of Brugia spp. in jirds or Onchocerca spp. in cattle. The compounds have not shown act...
Harrington DD.Acute accidental vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) toxicosis was diagnosed in a 6-month-old foal with extensive lesions of soft tissue mineralization. In an experimental study, three 18-month-old horses were given ergocalciferol per os at a rate of 9,300, 22,200, or 47,200 IU/kg of body weight/day for 21 days. Clinical signs or lesions were not seen in horses given the low and intermediate doses, whereas the horse receiving the highest dose developed clinical signs and lesions similar to those noted in the foal. Signs included depression, loss of appetite, weakness, limb stiffness with impaired mobi...
Brumbaugh GW, Thomas WP, Hodge TG.A 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding with atrial fibrillation, mitral regurgitation, and signs of bilateral congestive heart failure was initially treated IV with digoxin and furosemide. After parenteral digitalization, a daily maintenance dose of digoxin was administered orally at a rate of 21.7 micrograms/kg of body weight. At this dosage, a steady-state serum digoxin concentration of 2.3 ng/ml was achieved without clinical signs of toxicosis. The furosemide dosage was decreased and eventually discontinued as clinical improvement occurred. Clinical signs of congestive heart failure were contro...
Baxter GM, Humphries GB.A large abscess in the lateral neck region of a horse was treated with percutaneous drainage. The abscess was localized with ultrasonography and aspirated by use of a 7.7-cm spinal needle. A stainless-steel guide wire was passed through the needle, and tissue dilators were used to enlarge the percutaneous hole. A multiperforated polyvinylchloride catheter that was placed within the abscess cavity permitted aspiration and lavage of the abscess. The abscess resolved over the next 10 days with no complications. Percutaneous abscess drainage is commonly performed in people and may have application...
Afonso T, Giguère S, Rapoport G, Barton MH, Coleman AE.Pimobendan is an inodilator used in dogs for the management of heart failure due to myxomatous valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. The lack of data regarding the effects of pimobendan in horses prevents the rational use of this drug. Objective: To determine the cardiovascular effects of pimobendan in healthy mature horses. Methods: Randomised experimental study. Methods: Five horses were fasted overnight prior to receiving i.v. pimobendan (0.25 mg/kg bwt), intragastric (i.g.) pimobendan (0.25 mg/kg bwt) or i.g. placebo with a washout period of one week between each administration. Horses ...
Rick MC.Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of the various grades of rectal tears is discussed. Surgical techniques, which include direct closure, diverting colostomies, and placement of temporary rectal liners, are detailed. Also, rectal prolapses and various methods of repair are outlined.
Sertich PL, Pozor MA, Meyers SA, Brown JS.A 9-year-old Thoroughbred stallion was examined because of breeding dysfunction and possible urethritis. The stallion had good libido and readily obtained an erection, mounted, and intromitted but did not thrust and ejaculate. After mounting the mare, the stallion would squeal and dismount. Endoscopic examination of the urethra and bladder revealed irregular, spiculate yellow crystals (< 1 cm in size) and sabulous deposits; numerous calculi were embedded in the mucosa of the bladder. Because the horse was at the start of a breeding season, the owner would not give permission for general anesth...
Brabon A, Labens R, Ramachandran A, Dart AJ, Dowling BA.Four adult horses with histories of moderate abdominal pain and inappetence were diagnosed with delayed gastric emptying and gastric impaction attributed to pyloroduodenal obstruction (three cases) or duodenitis (one case). A stapled side-to-side gastrojejunostomy was performed on all horses. Two horses returned to work and survived ≥3 years. One horse was euthanased 6 months post-surgery due to recurrent abdominal pain, and one was found dead 5 months postsurgery after an unattended foaling.
Palmer JE.Cardiac arrest in foals is generally secondary to other serious systemic diseases. Although it can often be anticipated, a clear plan is vital to success. Establishing cardiac output through chest compressions is the most important first step. This step should be followed by ventilation, drug therapy, identifying the nonperfusing cardiac rhythm, and following a preplanned treatment algorithm. Birth resuscitation requires special treatment considerations. The clinician should be prepared to perform resuscitation any time a birth is attended.
Smyth GB, Brown RG, Juzwiak JS, Swaim SF, Vaughan JT.A vascularized full-thickness Estlander flap was used to repair a defect involving approximately 40% of the left lower lip of a colt. Postoperative problems were (1) providing nutritional support, (2) minimizing movement at the surgical site, and (3) partial wound dehiscence resulting in a salivary fistula. The surgical site healed well and the colt was left with a fully functional and cosmetic lower lip.
Thompson AC, Mochal-King C.Hypoparathyroidism is an uncommon endocrine disorder in the horse characterized by a transient or permanent parathyroid hormone insufficiency. Hypoparathyroidism is associated with hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, primarily presenting with clinical signs consistent with hypocalcemia. This case report describes clinical presentation and treatment of a horse with severe hypocalcemia due to primary hypoparathyroidism. A 17-year-old, 542 kg Quarter Horse gelding presented for shaking and tremors. Significant findings include generalized muscle fasciculations, synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, ...