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.
Walton TE, Alvarez O, Buckwalter RM, Johnson KM.Ten horses (Equus caballus) were vaccinated with strain TC-83 Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus vaccine. Febrile responses and leukopenia due to a reduction of lymphocytes and neutrophils were observed in all animals. Viremias were demonstrable in eight horses, with a maximum of 10(3.5) median tissue culture infectious dose units per ml of serum in two horses. Clinical illness with depression and anorexia were observed in five horses. Neutralizing (N), hemagglutination-inhibiting, and complement-fixing antibodies to the vaccine virus were demonstrable by 5, 6.5, and 7 days, respe...
Phaneuf LP, Grivel ML, Ruckebusch Y.The electrical potentials were recorded from the antrum, the duodenum, the ileum and the first part of the colon of ponies under (a) normal resting conditions, (b) during nonpainful colic and (c) after intravenous morphine administration. The normal pony, at rest, had five contractions of the antrum per minute. On the small intestine, the basal electrical activity decreased from the duodenum (14-15/min) to the ileum (10-11/min). The small bowel also had three types of motility: peristaltic waves, rhythmic segmentations and random contractions. On the colon, bursts of potentials indicating inte...
Kerr DD, Jones EW, Holbert D, Huggins K.A 3-way Latin square design was used to compare the sedative and preanesthetic effects of xylazine given intravenously (i.v.) (1.1 mg./kg.) and given intramuscularly (i.m.) (2.2 mg./kg.) and acetylpromazine maleate (0.66 mg./kg.) given i.v. in the horse. Physiologic responses were recorded and clinical observations were made. Intravenous administration of xylazine and atropine sulphate (0.011 mg./kg.) appeared to have superior sedative properties, without having adverse effects on cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Both the i.v. and the i.m. administrations of xylazine prior to induction ...
Beroza GA, Perry RW, Cotter DM.Permanent implantation of nonabsorbable materials is appropriate in many surgical circumstances but is not commonly used to close equine celiotomies. This paper describes a simple method of continuous nonabsorbable implantation of polyamide suture used successfully to close 48 equine celiotomies. Forty-eight clean or clean-contaminated celiotomies were successfully performed over 5 years using this technique. The postsurgical survival observation period ranged from 1-6 years (median 3.5 years). There were 45 long-term survivors (93.75%). Only 2 minor implant complications (4.4%) were observed ...
Saulez MN, Slovis NM, Louden AT.Tracheal trauma with resultant rupture is uncommonly reported in veterinary literature. We report the case of a 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding that sustained a 1 cm longitudinal perforation of the dorsal tracheal membrane in the proximal cervical region. The horse subsequently developed dyspnoea due to acute upper respiratory obstruction secondary to severe emphysema of the guttural pouches. A temporary tracheostomy caudal to the site of tracheal perforation was performed under local anaesthesia. This procedure helped relieve the upper airway obstruction and aided resolution of the injury by...
Littlewort MC.This paper outlines the major problems in evaluating and assessing prognosis in horses with minor cardiac abnormalities. It emphasises that progress will only be made if adequate data on the "natural history" of equine cardiac disease can be collected. This will necessitate a long-term study of suitable cases and will require the collaboration of specialist institutions and general practitioners if it is to be successful.
O'Callaghan MW.The problem of transitory cardiac arrhythmias in equidae is discussed particularly with regard to the referral of suspect cases to specialist institutions for second opinion. Recently developed electro-stimulation techniques designed to uncover problem arrythmias, are briefly described and their potential in the analysis of cardiac electrical function under varying conditions is reviewed. The author cautions on the too rapid evaluation of the techniques for this purpose while remaining optimistic of the potential of electro-stimulation in the objective analysis of cardiac electric parameters.
Booth AD, Hidalgo FL, Bellezzo F, Young JM, Bianco AW, Hughes LE, Maher M, Trumble TN, Ernst N.To describe outcomes of horses with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) treated with partial ceratohyoidectomy. 10 client-owned horses. Medical records from 2 institutions were examined for records of horses with THO treated with partial ceratohyoidectomy between 2010 and 2021. History, signalment, clinical signs, diagnostics, medications, and surgery-related details were recorded. Horses with a minimum of 6 months follow-up were recruited for neurologic and imaging examinations in the hospital or field where radiography of the basihyoid-ceratohyoid articulation were performed along with CT, w...
Fitzgerald WE.Four cases of snakebite in horses are presented. Diagnosis was made on clinical signs in all, plus fang punctures in 2 cases. Tiger snake antivenene was used in the treatment of 2 patients and these recovered rapidly. Of the 2 in which antivenene was not used, 1 severely affected horse died. The clinical signs which were observed were those of progressive general paralysis and were entirely referable to the neurotoxic component of the venom.
This report summarizes West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance data reported to CDC through ArboNET and verified by states and other jurisdictions as of July 23, 2002. During the reporting week of July 17-23, nine human cases of WNV were reported from two states (Louisiana and Mississippi). During the same period, WNV infections were reported in 202 dead crows, 48 other dead birds, 13 horses, and 69 mosquito pools.
Farndale RW, Napthine CS, Evans RJ, Hayes LJ, Heath MF.Equine platelet aggregation was stimulated by collagen fibres or platelet-activating factor. The action of both ligands was blocked by forskolin or prostaglandin E(1) agents which are known to activate adenylate cyclase. Equine platelet membranes were found to contain adenylate cyclase activity which was inhibited in dose-dependent fashion by both collagen and platelet-activating factor. Platelet-activating factor-induced inhibition was antagonised by WEB2086.
Nollet H, Van Loon G, Deprez P, Sustronck B, Muylle E.To establish reference values for right ventricular maximal rate of increase in pressure (dP/dt(max)) in horses and determine the usefulness of this variable to evaluate cardiac contractility. Methods: 15 crossbred horses, 3 to 20 years old. Methods: Cardiac catheterization was performed, using a high-fidelity catheter tip micromanometer, to determine right ventricular dP/dt(max). The following mathematic corrections were made: for preload, (dP/dt(max))/instantaneous total pressure, (dP/dt(max))/instantaneous developed pressure, and (dP/dt(max))/end diastolic pressure; for afterload, (dP/dtCPI...
Rose PL, Schumacher J, Taylor TS.An extensive stricture of the left dorsal colon in a Thoroughbred colt was resected and the colon was anastomosed. In two horses, circumferential strictures at the pelvic flexure 2.5 to 3 cm long were corrected with a modified Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty technique. The horses were reported to be doing well at 6, 8, and 45 months, respectively.
Wester PW, Franken P, Häni HJ.Both clinical and pathological features of seven horses suffering from a squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach are presented. The main complaints in the horses, aged six years or more, were loss both of weight and of condition. Metastases had often developed. The diagnostic difficulties and possibilities are discussed.
Hardeman LC, van der Meij BR, Back W, van der Kolk JH, Wijnberg ID.In cases of laminitis, an increased muscle force or contracture of the deep digital flexor muscle (DDFM) is suggested, but evidence-based research is lacking. Objective: To test if the DDFM of laminitic equines shows an increased muscle force detectable by needle-EMG including Interference Pattern Analysis (IPA). Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Three groups consisted of Group 0 (control): 6 Royal Dutch Sport horses, 3 Shetland ponies and one Welsh pony (healthy, sound adults, mean ± s.d. weight 411 ± 217 kg). Group 1: 3 Royal Dutch Sport horses, one Friesian, one Haflinger...
Hofing GL, Bennett DG.Patent infections with Strongylus vulgaris were established in 6 of 8 helminth-free ponies given 41 to 101 adult worms via nasogastric tube. The parasites were removed from the cecum and ventral colon and transferred within 1 to 2 hours of the death of the donor horses. Eggs were found in the feces of the recipients in 2 or 3 days; egg counts reached maximum, 28 eggs per gram of feces, at 4 weeks after ponies were inoculated. In 6 ponies euthanatized 3 to 7 weeks after parasitic transfers were done, 28% of the inoculated worms were found alive at necropsy. A 7th pony was maintained as a donor ...
Mirck MH.The use of trichlorfon as an anthelmintic in horses has increased since it was combined with mebendazole and febantel, and became commercially available as Telmin-trichlorfon and Rintal-plus respectively. Field studies showed that these combined preparations frequently gave rise to cases of poisoning. Mild to severe colic was observed up to six hours after treatment, diarrhoea and/or anorexia continuing to be present for one to six days after administration. The 'horse weight measurer' introduced by Janssen Pharmaceutica is not sufficiently accurate to prevent overdosage. It is advisable only ...
Gaughan EM.Dental surgery is most often directed at removal of diseased or injured teeth by the least invasive method possible. Some procedures available can preserve traumatized or infected teeth. Complications of dental surgery are well documented and often encountered by veterinary surgeons. Principles of debridement, curettage, lavage and ventral drainage combined with appropriate medicinal management can reduce complications and lead to successful outcome after dental surgery.
Evans DR.In reporting the results of the medical examination for purchase, the veterinarian should not make an evaluation as to the animal's suitability for the purpose intended but should rather reveal all of the abnormal and undesirable findings and give his or her opinion as to the effect these findings will have on the performance of the horse for the purpose intended. A written report should be provided, and any factors that have had an influence on the opinion rendered should be a part of the report. A record of all procedures performed, the results of these procedures, the names and addresses of...
Tobin T, Swerczek TW, Blake JW.This report concerns the detection and acute toxicity of pine oil (a commercially available disinfectant) after intravenous administration in horses. alpha Terpineol was identified as a major constituent of pine oil. alpha Terpineol was recovered from equine tissues by extraction into heptane and detected by gas chromatography, using either flame ionization detection or pentafluoropropionic anhydride derivatization and electron capture detection. After intravenous injection of 0.1 ml/kg, death due to massive pulmonary edema occurred within minutes. In this animal blood and tissue levels of alp...
Barr AR, Denny HR.Three horses with non-displaced fractures of the radius were examined. The affected animals showed a sudden onset of severe forelimb lameness with swelling of the antebrachium. Two cases had associated wounds on the medial aspect of the distal radius. The diagnoses were confirmed on radiographic examination. All three cases were treated conservatively by box rest. In one case slight further displacement of the fracture occurred three weeks after the initial injury but all the fractures went on to heal. The three horses returned to work but two were limited to light ridden exercise.
Baxter GM, Adams JE, Johnson JJ.Severe hypercarbia was documented by arterial blood gas analysis in 2 adult horses anesthetized for exploratory laparotomy. Both horses appeared to be adequately anesthetized, but continued to breathe against the ventilator. In both cases, the inspiratory valve on the anesthesia machine was found to be stuck open, permitting expired CO2 to return to the inspiratory limb of the anesthetic circuit and to be inhaled with the next breath. Correction of the malfunctioning valve alleviated the hypercarbia. Problems with the flow valves of the anesthesia machine should be suspected when anesthetized ...
Mugg PA, Hill A.The failure of N. gonorrhoeae to grow on isolation media was found to be due to inhibitory substances present in commercially available horse sera. Subsequent investigations indicated that the inhibitory action of the horse serum may have been due to antibodies to N. gonorrhoeae, H. influenzae, H. parainfluenzae and beta hemolytic streptococci. This experience highlights the need for media quality control programmes in laboratories which prepare microbiological culture media.
Cooper MJ.Fluprostenol (ICI 81,008) is a 16-aryloxyprostaglandin, structurally related to PGF2alpha. It is a highly potent luteolytic agent, being effective in thoroughbred mares at a single intramuscular dose of 250 mug and having a wide margin of safety in this species. A total of 941 mares have been treated with fluprostenol in an international trial, for various forms of infertility associated with abnormal persistence of luteal function. These mares were selected for treatment on the basis of clinical examination and 760 (approximately 80 per cent) responded fluprostenol by showing oestrus within s...
Scharner D, Bankert J, Brehm W.The examination of patients suffering from an acute abdomen routinely comprises both clinical and rectal examinations, and is ever more frequently accompanied by an ultrasonographic abdominal examination. The aim of the study was to compare the findings as defined through rectal examination with the results of the ultrasonographic examination for different forms of colic. Methods: In a retrospective study, the patient records of the Large Animal Clinic of the University of Leipzig from 2012 and 2013 were analysed, and those of horses suffering from colic were included. Diagnoses made through r...
Thein P, Brown K.Infections with EHV1 can lead to manifestation at the CNS of horses followed by encephalomyelitis and "equine stroke". Horse experiments could confirm the clinical picture and gave links to the potential pathogenesis of the disease. We also have been in the position to isolate and characterize an EHV4 virus out of the brain of a horse with CNS disorders. The two viruses carry different biological properties which obviously dominate the pathogenesis. These properties as well as experimental and field cases are described and different diagnostic tests are discussed.
Fadok VA.Papules and nodules are common lesions on horses and have a variety of underlying causes. This article addresses inflammatory and congenital nodules primarily, including urticaria, erythema multiforme, those nodules caused by infectious agents, epidermoid and dermoid cysts, and the uniquely equine skin tumor, the sarcoid. The eosinophilic nodules and other tumors are covered elsewhere in this issue. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to each of the diseases are emphasized.
Harland S, Smith C, Mogg T, Horadagoda N, Dart A.A mare was referred for further evaluation of a mass found in the left caudal abdomen during a routine postpartum reproductive palpation. The mare was clinically normal with no history of health problems. Ultrasonographic examination of the mass confirmed its presence, but the origin of the mass could not be accurately determined. Routine haematology and serum biochemistry results were within normal limits. The mare was initially treated conservatively with antibiotics, but the mass continued to increase in size, so it was surgically excised. The mass involved the left ovary. The mare showed t...
Roe H, Macpherson M, Denagamage T, Hopper S, Woodie B, Embertson R.Mare and foal survival are increased with prompt dystocia management. Data regarding mortality outcomes in mares and foals, when mares are recumbent at admission for dystocia resolution, are scarce. Objective: To evaluate recumbency at hospital admission as a risk factor for survival of mares and foals following dystocia management. Subsequent mare fertility was also evaluated. Methods: Retrospective cohort. Methods: Data were obtained from medical records at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital of mares with dystocia between 1995 and 2018. Mare signalment, ambulation status, survival data and foal...
Homburg-van den Broek FT, Rutgers LJ.It was found that wound infections may be considerably reduced when castration is carried out under strictly aseptic conditions. In this clinical review, healing of the wound following castration with and without closure of the scrotal wounds is compared. All castrations were performed under similar aseptic conditions, general anaesthesia having been produced in the recumbent stallion. The results do not show that there is a significant difference in the appearance of wound infections in scrotal wounds which are closed and those which are left completely open. On the basis of both papers and t...
Liau MY, Huang RJ, Chen SW.As the conventional hyperimmunization schedule in horses introduced by Tanaka could not produce enough neutralizing antibody against Naja naja atra venom, the mixture of Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-Cobra venom incorporated with adjuvant was used for immunization. The neutralizing antibody produced (30 LD50) seemed to be increased but still not to reach the satisfactory level. By using CMC-Cobratoxin adjuvant mixture as an immunizing agent, highly potent antivenin (220 LD50) was obtained.
Journée HL, Journée SL.Depending on the localization of the lesion, spinal cord ataxia is the most common type of ataxia in horses. Most prevalent diagnoses include cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM), equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), trauma and equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM). Other causes of ataxia and weakness are associated with infectious causes, trauma and neoplasia. A neurologic examination is indispensable to identify the type of ataxia. In addition, clinical neurophysiology offers tools to locate functional abnormalities in the central and peripheral nervous system. Clinical...
Sullivan M, Burrell MH, McCandlish IA.A nine-and-a-half-year-old three quarters thoroughbred gelding was presented with unilateral epistaxis. The cause was a destructive, progressive haematoma in the left maxillary sinus. In all previous reports of progressive haematomata in the equine nasal cavity, the site of origin has been the ethmoidal labyrinth. Surgical removal of the progressive haematoma resulted in an apparent cure.
