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.
CRAWFORD M.This disease has a very long history, with the earliest written description by Vegetius in the fourth century A.D. It has many names, such as periodic ophthalmia, recurrent ophthalmia, iridocyclitis, uveitis, moon-blindness, etc. Periodic ophthalmia is perhaps the name more generally used, but I prefer to use recurrent iridocyclitis because (a) there is no definite fixed period between the recurrent attacks and (b) because the essential lesion is iridocyclitis.
McClure SR, Hooper RN, Watkins JP.A 13-month-old Quarter Horse colt sustained a puncture wound to the frog region of the foot, which penetrated the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint, 7 days prior to examination. A street-nail procedure was performed to debride the tract and provide drainage of the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint. An indwelling lavage system was placed through the dorsal aspect of the joint and antimicrobials were infused intermittently to supply a high local concentration of drug and to frequently lavage the distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa.
Beata Byczkowska , Bogumiła Pilarczyk , Agnieszka Tomza-Marciniak .The emergence of drug resistance among parasites is a side effect of the common use of chemotherapeutic agents in horses. Combating parasites typically involves routine deworming treatments twice a year (before and after the grazing season). However, in grazing farming this treatment may be insufficient. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of programs to combat the invasion of strongyles (Strongylidae) in horses in the selected stables of Western Pomerania. Coprological examination was conducted in 85 horses from three stables located in Western Pomerania. Horses from all th...
Sander K, Deegen E, Ohnesorge B.In a placebo-controlled drug study data were collected about flow, volume and expiratory CO2-concentration in 13 horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before and until 2.5 h after intravenous injection of clenbuterol. An ultrasonic flow measuring unit and an infrared-CO2-analyser (Spiroson Scientific) were used. functional deadspace and expiratory mixed volume were calculated. In addition the effect on the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in arterial blood was tested and the alveolo-arterial oxygen difference (AaDO2) determined. The volume of the functio...
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...
Boero MJ, Schneider JE, Mosier JE, Guffy MM, Butler HC, Leipold HW.A 1 cm defect was created in the proximal medial cortex of 12 tibiae, cancellous bone was removed from the site, and the bones were fractured by loading in torsion. The fractures did not occur through the donor sites and the fracture patterns and loads to fracture were similar for the treated tibiae and their untreated mates. Cancellous bone was harvested from the proximal medial aspect of both tibiae in nine adult horses. The soft tissue wounds were monitored for more than 10 days in seven horses and healing of the osseous defects was evaluated radiographically at regular intervals to month 6...
Palmer JE.Many sick neonatal foals have respiratory failure secondary to perinatal hypoxia, sepsis, or pneumonia. These foals require ventilatory support to prevent respiratory embarrassment and other complications associated with chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia. This article discusses practical aspects of ventilatory therapy, such as choosing a candidate for mechanical ventilation, choosing the proper ventilatory mode, placing a foal on a ventilator, maintaining a foal on mechanical ventilation, and weaning from mechanical ventilation. This article details some of the techniques that have been develope...
Kähn W, Palmer J, Vaala W.Various techniques for support and control of respiration in neonatal foals are described. It is crucial to evaluate respiration through frequent arterial blood gas analysis. Details for blood sampling from the metatarsal arteries and interpretation of results are provided. Typical diseases in newborn foals, which cause hypoxemia and/or hypercapnia and can be indications for respiratory support are apnea, hypopnea, pulmonary atelectasis, surfactant deficiency, meconium-, fetal fluid- and milk aspiration, maladjustment syndrome, cardiovascular abnormalities, anemia, airway obstruction, compromi...
Yamamoto K.Monospecific (MSp-) antisera against E1 and E2 glycoproteins of western equine encephalitis (WEE) virus were prepared and examined for binding activities to whole virions, hemagglutination-inhibition (HI), neutralization (NT) and protection. Both anti-E1 and anti-E2 MSp-Abs protected mice against WEE virus challenge. A competition experiment with monoclonal antibodies showed that these MSp-antisera appear to lack the antibody population for some epitopes involved in viral neutralization.
Shideler RK, Voss JL, Aufderheide WM, Hessemann CP, Squires EL.Twenty mares were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: no altrenogest; altrenogest at 0.044 mg/kg BW; altrenogest at 0.132 mg/kg BW; or altrenogest at 0.220 mg/kg BW. Treatment was administered daily for 86 days. No signs of illness attributable to feeding altrenogest were observed during the trial. Treatment had no effect (P greater than .05) on the following parameters: WBC, differential WBC, platelet number, creatinine, LDH, CPK, total bilirubin, cholesterol, globulin, BSP, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. When comparing values over time with pretreatment means or among treatment groups, there wer...
Scilimati N, Pepe M, Pressanto MC, Angeli G, Beccati F.A 4-month-old Thoroughbred filly was referred for evaluation of severe left forelimb lameness of 24 hours duration. Radiographic projections of the shoulder revealed mild irregularity and sclerosis of the proximal humeral apophysis. Ultrasonographic examination showed a moderate increase in the amount of anechogenic synovial fluid within the intertubercular bursa and scapulohumeral joint, and irregularity of the ossifying bone surface of the intermediate tubercle of the humerus. Computed tomographic (CT) examination revealed a circular hypoattenuating area at the level of the proximal apophysi...
Mageed M, Wegert J, Dyab S, Gerlach K.This prospective, cross-sectional, pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of furosemide as a diuretic on the image quality of bone scintigraphy performed using Tc-HDP and to investigate the impact of furosemide on the radiation dose rate. Thirty-one horses undergoing bone scintigraphy were included. The horses were divided into the control (n = 14) and furosemide group (n = 17), which received 1 mg/kg furosemide intravenously 1 h post Tc-HDP administration. The image quality was assessed subjectively and semi-quantitatively. The bone-to-soft tissue (B:S) ratio was calculated from...
Adeyefa CA.The clinicopathological features and treatment of cases of dermatomycotic infections in horses are reported. Organisms isolated from these cases include Trichophyton mentagrophyte, T. equinum and Micosporum equinum. The Veterinary, medical and economic importance of the disease is discussed.
Bouré L, Marcoux M, Laverty S, Lepage OM.To develop a technique for arthroscopic excision of apical sesamoid fracture fragments using electrocautery probes. Methods: A total of 18 Standardbred horses. Methods: Arthroscopic removal of apical sesamoid fracture fragments using both hook and loop electrocautery probes was performed on 18 Standardbred horses. The fracture fragments were approached using either an ipsilateral (3) or contralateral (15) arthroscopic triangulation technique. Distension of the metacarpo- (metatarso)-phalangeal joints was achieved using a 1.5% glycine solution. Under arthroscopic guidance, both the suspensory a...
Cole R, Chesen AB, Pool R, Watkins J.Equine mast cell tumors are typically benign solitary growths of the head, neck, trunk, or limbs. When involving the limbs, these masses tend to be adjacent to joints without involving them. In radiographs there is often a well-circumscribed soft tissue mass with granular mineralization. The Arabian breed appears to be over represented. Surgical removal is usually curative. In this report, we describe the diagnosis, clinical features, and management of mast cell tumors in the rear limb of a horse.
Ho EN, Kwok WH, Wong AS, Wan TS.Quaternary ammonium drugs (QADs) are anticholinergic agents some of which are known to have been abused or misused in equine sports. A recent review of literature shows that the screening methods reported thus far for QADs mainly cover singly-charged QADs. Doubly-charged QADs are extremely polar substances which are difficult to be extracted and poorly retained on reversed-phase columns. It would be ideal if a comprehensive method can be developed which can detect both singly- and doubly-charged QADs. This paper describes an efficient liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) m...
Blair MJ, Gionfriddo JR, Polazzi LM, Sojka JE, Pfaff AM, Bingaman DP.To evaluate the feasibility of using a subconjunctivally implanted micro-osmotic pump for continuous delivery of medication to the eyes of horses- during a 7-day period. Methods: 4 healthy adult horses. Methods: With horses restrained in a standing position, micro-osmotic pumps were implanted subconjunctivally in each eye for 7 days. The treatment eye received an atropine-loaded micro-osmotic pump (100 microl of 1.5% atropine), and the contralateral eye received a sterile saline-loaded pump (100 microl of 0.9% NaCl) as a control treatment. Pupil size was measured at 12-hour intervals until val...
O'Rielly JL, Beard WL, Renn TN, Padden AJ, Hinchcliff KW.To investigate the effect of combined staphylectomy and laryngotomy on upper airway mechanics in clinically normal horses running on a treadmill. Methods: 6 Standardbreds. Methods: Upper airway mechanics were measured with horses trotting or pacing on a treadmill at 5, 8, and 10 m/s before and 6 weeks after combined staphylectomy and laryngotomy. Pharyngeal and tracheal inspiratory and expiratory pressure were measured by use of transnasal tracheal and pharyngeal side hole catheters connected to differential pressure transducers. A pneumotachograph mounted on the rostral end of an airtight fac...
König B, Budras KD.The three superimposing strata of the coronet and the ageing process and decay of the hoof horn were studied in 56 fore hooves of 28 domestic horses of different age and sex. Except for horn clefts at the weight bearing margin, their hooves did not show any signs of pathological changes. Their hooves did not show any signs of pathological changes. The investigation comprised the analysis of the structure and the mechanical-physical measurement of horn hardness. The own results showed that the functional and clinical importance of the three strata of the coronet concerns the absorption and dist...
Seo JP, Yamaga T, Tsuzuki N, Yamada K, Haneda S, Furuoka H, Sasaki N.To compare the biomechanical properties of a 5-hole 4.5 mm narrow locking compression plate (LCP) and 5-hole 4.5 mm narrow dynamic compression plate (DCP) for equine proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis. Methods: Experimental mechanical study. Methods: Cadaveric adult equine forelimbs (n = 6 pair). Methods: For each forelimb pair, 1 PIP joint was stabilized with LCP and the contralateral PIP joint with DCP. The 6 construct pairs were tested using a single-cycle, 3-point dorsopalmar bending system. PIP joints were evaluated with pre- and post-test radiography. Results: The L...
Uhlendorf F, Gehlen H, Stadler P.The aim of the study was to extend the range of the electrocardiographic examination in horses, evaluating the practicability of special electrocardiographic techniques (exercise- and Holter-ECG) and comparing these with more common techniques (resting-ECG) in equine medicine. Methods: Electrocardiographic examination (resting-ECG for 1 minute, exercise-ECG and Holter-ECG) was performed in 20 horses without any clinical or echocardiographic findings and in 80 patients with abnormal findings (valvular regurgitation and/or atrial fibrillation). Results: In comparison with the resting-ECG, the ex...
Haralambus RM, Werren C, Brehm W, Tessier C.To report use of a pinless external fixator (PEF) for unilateral mandibular fractures in 9 equids. Methods: Case series. Methods: Equids (n=9) with unilateral mandibular fractures. Methods: All fractures were stabilized with the AO/ASIF PEF using a minimum of 4 clamps, under general anesthesia. Fracture configuration, complications, outcome, and owner satisfaction were evaluated. Results: All fractures were stabilized; 2 equids were euthanatized; 1 because of an inability to stand after surgery and 1 because of owner decision after PEF dislodgement. Seven repairs healed with good outcome and o...
Boles C.Emergency equine abdominal surgery is easiest and most efficiently carried out with a team of surgeons. The surgical site should be as protected as possible by the use of sterile drapes and wound protectors. A ventral midline laparotomy incision has been found to be the most convenient approach to most equine intestinal obstructions. A standing laparotomy through the left paralumbar fossa gives adequate exposure for exploration of the abdomen and is, therefore, useful as a diagnostic tool. Horses tolerate having both ventral midline and left paralumbar laparotomy incisions well. If the cause o...
Herholz C, Kopp C, Wenger M, Mathis A, Wägeli S, Roth N.Female tabanid flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) can be a serious nuisance for horses because of their painful bites during blood feeding. They also play a primary role in mechanical transmission of a lentivirus causing Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a virus that has spread within Europe in recent years. According to the European law for products intended for use as a repellent on horses (recreational and sport horses), a field test is mandatory to demonstrate sufficient repellency of such a substance against the specific target fly species, but currently no agreed protocols are available for testin...
Mählmann K, Noguera Cender A, Ehrle A, Lischer CJ.To describe a novel fixation of open, unstable, unilateral mandibular fractures applying a locking compression plate as an external skeletal fixator (ESF-LCP). Methods: Four horses and one dromedary. Methods: Short case series. Methods: Animals presented with unstable, open, unilateral fractures of the mandible. Fracture fixation was performed under general anesthesia. A 4.5/5.5 narrow LCP was applied externally above the level of the skin and combined with intraoral tension band wiring. Results: Fracture fixation was achieved successfully using an ESF-LCP. Minimal tissue manipulation was requ...
Corley KT, Axon JE.Early intervention can dramatically alter outcome in foals. Cardio-pulmonary cerebral resuscitation can be successful and clinically worthwhile when applied to foals that arrest as part of the birthing process. Readily available equipment and an ordered plan starting with addressing the respiratory system (airway and breathing) followed by the circulatory system (circulation and drugs) are the keys to success. Hypoglycemia is common in foals that are not nursing and in septic foals. Support of serum glucose can be an important emergency treatment. Respiratory support with oxygen therapy should...
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...
Hendrickson DA, Nixon AJ.The genual joint in horses is complex, making synovial fluid aspiration and injection of the femoropatellar joint difficult. Horses commonly have signs of resentment to needle penetration at this site. We compared the safety and efficacy of a new technique, using a lateral approach to the femoropatellar joint, with that of the standard cranial approach in 12 horses. A significantly greater amount of fluid was obtained with the lateral approach (2.0 +/- 0.5 ml, mean +/- SEM) than with the cranial approach (0.9 +/- 0.2 ml). Significant differences were not observed in color, nucleated cell count...
Aguilera-Tejéro E, Pascoe JR, Woliner MJ.Effects of phenylbutazone (PBZ) and furosemide (FUR) on the respiratory tract of horses were evaluated, focusing on bronchial responsiveness. Four healthy Thoroughbreds were used and data were analyzed by use of a Latin square design. Histamine provocation tests (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 micrograms/min, i.v.) were done: (1) without prior treatment with PBZ or FUR, (2) 30 minutes after administration of PBZ (8 mg/kg, i.v.), (3) 1 hour after administration of FUR (1 mg/kg, i.v.), and (4) after administration of PBZ plus FUR. Pulmonary function tests (dynamic compliance, resistance, respiratory frequency...
DiPietro JA, Paul A, Todd KS.Forty horses from a herd known to have benzimidazole-resistant small strongyles were treated with mebendazole (8.8 mg/kg) or combinations of mebendazole and piperazine monohydrochloride (25, 40, or 55 mg of piperazine base/kg). Pretreatment and 7-day posttreatment fecal examinations were done. Fecal cultures and strongyle egg per gram (epg) counts, and in vitro testing for benzimidazole resistance were performed. Results of fecal examinations prior to treatment were similar in all horses, and results of testing were positive for benzimidazole resistance. Horses treated with mebendazole and pip...
Ross MW, Richardson DW, Beroza GA.Thirteen Standardbreds had subchondral lucency of the third carpal bone (C3), described as single or multiple central areas of C3 bone loss in the radial fossa. Sclerosis of the radial fossa was also detected. The mean age of 9 stallions, 3 mares, and 1 gelding was 4.1 years (range, 3 to 7 years). All horses had an acute moderate to severe lameness referable to the middle carpal joint. A dorsoproximal dorsodistal (skyline) radiographic projection was most useful and identified mild (3 horses), moderate (6 horses), and severe (4 horses) subchondral lucency and sclerosis of the radial fossa. The...
