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 ...
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.
Velloso Álvarez A, Sandow CB, Rodgerson DH, Spirito MA.To evaluate the short and long-term outcomes of foals treated surgically for fractured ribs and variables that may affect outcome. Methods: Retrospective. Methods: Seventy-three equine neonates with surgically repaired fractured ribs. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to include sex, breed, the side of thorax affected, number of ribs fractured, co-morbidities directly associated with rib fracture, and surgical technique used. Short-term outcome was defined as survival to discharge. Long-term outcome was whether or not they started a race. Race records of maternal siblings were obtained fo...
Geddes LA, Bourland JD, Tacker WA.The threshold energy and current required for ventricular defibrillation was determined in dogs ranging in weight from 6.4 to 38 kg and in ponies ranging in weight from 40 to 101 kg. Trapezoidal waves, 10 ms in duration, with 10%, 50%, 70%, and 90% tilt were applied to transchest electrodes. For all values of tilt, the energy and current required increased with body weight. The energy dose (joules per kilogram of body weight) was higher for the heavier animals, whereas the current dose (peak amperes per kilogram of body weight) was essentially the same for dogs and ponies. In both species and ...
Kobluk CN, Gross GM.This article deals with the presenting histories, clinical examinations, and therapies of the causes of poor performance and exercise intolerance in the western performance horse and the sprint racehorse. The veterinarian's ability to diagnose and treat various pathophysiologic conditions that affect these horses is crucial to the major goals of a return to optimal performance and a long athletic career. Although these horses are a significant portion of most veterinary practices, there exists a minimal amount of information on their clinical evaluation and treatment. This article intends to f...
Noschka E, Moore JN, Peroni JF, Lewis TH, Lewis SJ, Robertson TP.To provide insights into the role of prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (PGF(2 alpha)) in the developmental stages of laminitis induced in horses by ingestion of black walnut heartwood extract (BWHE). Methods: 10 adult mixed-breed horses. Methods: Horses were separated into 2 groups and were euthanatized at 12 hours after placebo (water) administration (control horses) or after BWHE administration and development of Obel grade 1 laminitis. Blood samples were obtained to determine plasma PGF(2 alpha) concentrations hourly for the first 4 hours and subsequently every 2 hours after substance administration...
Divers TJ, Mongodin EF, Miller CB, Belgrave RL, Gardner RB, Fraser CM, Schutzer SE.Antemortem diagnosis of neuroborreliosis in horses has been hindered by both the low sensitivity of PCR testing for in CSF and the low specificity of serum:CSF ELISA ratios used to determine intrathecal antibody production against the bacterium. PCR testing of the CSF of an adult horse with acute neurologic disease for the flagellin gene was negative. However, we enriched DNA through nucleic acid hybrid capture, followed by next-generation sequencing, and identified in the CSF of the horse, confirming a diagnosis of neuroborreliosis.
Cogley TP, Cogley MC.A synthetic alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, detomidine hydrochloride, was used in the study of in vivo activity of Gasterophilus intestinalis (Diptera: Gasterophilidae) during migration in the tongue of the horse. Use of the drug allowed the investigator to manipulate the tongue and closely observe the movement patterns and tissue disturbance caused by burrowing first-stage larvae. Detomidine hydrochloride should be utilized in studies of drug efficacy and larval biology, whenever possible, to avoid the need to sacrifice the horse.
Manning M, Dubielzig R, McGuirk S.A foal with azotemia, acidemia, and electrolyte abnormalities was diagnosed with uroperitoneum. The foal was anesthetized with isoflurane, and throughout the 4 hours of anesthesia and abdominal surgery, its mean arterial pressure ranged between 45 and 65 mm Hg. The foal developed a myopathy postoperatively and died 24 hours after surgery.
French DA.Equine practitioners are frequently called to attend to soft tissue injuries. The majority of these cases are routine and straightforward; however, a certain percentage may present as a life-threatening situation with potentially serious complications. Client communication, adequate preparation, patient stabilization, accurate injury assessment and appropriate wound preparation are key factors to expedite recovery and achieve a favorable outcome. Understanding the limitations of field therapy and deciding when to transport the case to a clinic or referral center plays an important role in the ...
Edwards GB, Vaughan LC.Six horses were found to have infective arthritis of one elbow joint. The history, and presence of a small wound on the lateral aspect of the elbow suggested the condition was trauma induced. Two horses recovered following joint lavage under general anaesthesia and antibiotic therapy. The joint changes found post mortem in the others were characteristic of an infective arthritis.
Cohen ND, Kahn SK, Cywes-Bentley C, Ramirez-Cortez S, Schuckert AE, Vinacur M, Bordin AI, Pier GB.Rhodococcus equi is a prevalent cause of pneumonia in foals worldwide. Our laboratory has demonstrated that vaccination against the surface polysaccharide β-1→6-poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG) protects foals against intrabronchial infection with R. equi when challenged at age 28 days. However, it is important that the efficacy of this vaccine be evaluated in foals when they are infected at an earlier age, because foals are naturally exposed to virulent R. equi in their environment from birth and because susceptibility is inversely related to age in foals. Using a randomized, blind experim...
Hay AN, Potter A, Lindsay D, LeRoith T, Zhu J, Cashwell S, Witonsky S, Leeth C.Sarcocystis neurona is the predominant etiological agent of the infectious equine neurologic disease, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), which is prevalent in the United States. A wealth of knowledge about S. neurona biology and its life cycle has accumulated over the last several decades. However, much remains unknown about the aberrant equine host's immune response to S. neurona and the relatively high prevalence of exposure to the protozoa but relatively infrequent occurrence of clinical neurologic disease. Mouse models simulating EPM are commonly used to study the disease due to num...
Rosser EJ.Although there are numerous dermatoses in the horse in which the formation of crusts occurs, there are two relatively common and important infectious crusting dermatoses, namely, dermatophytosis and dermatophilosis. This article reviews the current concepts regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of each disease, as well as the more common clinical presentations, methods of diagnosis, and treatment.
Macauley BL.Incorporating horses into speech-language pathology services is a valid treatment strategy that can be used to help the client achieve their communication and/or swallowing goals. The purpose of this article is to discuss the history and terminology of incorporating horses into rehabilitation, explain theories for why incorporating horses works, and provide clinical applications to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's nine areas of practice with clinical reports.
Hinchcliff KW, Mitten LA.Furosemide and, less commonly, bumetanide and ethacrynic acid are potent diuretics administered to horses for a variety of reasons, including prophylaxis of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. These drugs affect urine volume and composition, and furosemide has marked effects on plasma volume and composition and on systemic hemodynamics at rest and during exercise.
Oldenkamp EP.A suspension based on the antibiotic, natamycin, was applied by sponging to 83 horses of various breeds and ages with signs of clinical ringworm. A number of different causative agents were involved of which Trichophyton equinum was the most common. Treatment successfully eliminated the disease within 4 weeks. After treatment the recovered animals did not show any evidence of re-infection for up to 6 months. The mycological clearance rate was 97 per cent and apart from the efficacy against ringworm, the preparation had the advantage of being non-irritant and odourless. It was also useful for t...
Morse EV, Duncan MA, Fessler JF, Page EH.Among 23 Equidae in which various treatment or management regimens for salmonellosis were observed and evaluated, 9 horses were infected with Salmonella typhimurium and 8 with S anatum; an aged mule harbored S newport, and 1 isolant was not identified. Four dual sero-type infections occurred: 3 typhimurium/anatum and 1 anatum/newington. The results obtained with various antimicrobials in therapy of peracute, acute, and chronic infections were discouraging or questionable with regard to efficacy against salmonellae per se. The antimicrobial resistance patterns of the salmonellae and coliforms f...
Boutros CP, Koenig JB.The 3rd maxillary molar is a difficult tooth to remove by extraction or repulsion. A combined frontal and maxillary approach provides good exposure for repulsion of this tooth, debridement of the sinuses, and placement of an alveolar seal. The improved exposure should minimize operative difficulties and postoperative complications.
