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.
Secombe CJ, Bailey SR, de Laat MA, Hughes KJ, Stewart AJ, Sonis JM, Tan R.The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the current knowledge and opinions about the epidemiology, clinical findings (including sequelae), diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, particularly in the Australian context. This information and the recommendations provided will assist practitioners in making informed decisions regarding the diagnosis and management of this disorder.
Carossino M, Barrandeguy ME, Li Y, Parreño V, Janes J, Loynachan AT, Balasuriya UBR.Equine rotavirus A (ERVA) is the leading cause of diarrhea in neonatal foals and a major health problem to the equine breeding industry worldwide. The G3P[12] and G14P[12] ERVA genotypes are the most prevalent in foals with diarrhea. Control and prevention strategies include vaccination of pregnant mares with an inactivated vaccine containing a prototype ERVA G3P[12] strain with limited and controversial field efficacy. Here, we performed the molecular characterization of ERVA strains circulating in central Kentucky using fecal samples collected during the 2017 foaling season. The data indicat...
Roska S, Morello S, Rajamanickam V, Smith LJ.Effects of lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) and hetastarch 130/0.4 (HES) on colloid osmotic pressure (COP), plasma osmolality (OSM) and total protein (TP) were investigated in 18 inhalational-anaesthetised healthy horses. Horses received 4-6 ml/kg LRS (LRS; n=9) or HES (HES; n=9) from anaesthesia induction through 60 min, after which all were administered LRS. COP, TP and OSM were measured before premedication (baseline), postinduction and 30 (n=18), 60 (n=18), 90 (n=18) and 120 (n=12) minutes. Baseline COP, OSM and TP were not different between groups. TP decreased in both groups at all t...
Haussler KK.Manual therapies involve the application of the hands to the body, with a diagnostic or therapeutic intent. Touch therapies, massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation are all critical components in the management of muscular, articular, and neurologic components of select injuries in performance horses. Musculoskeletal conditions that are chronic or recurring, not readily diagnosed, or are not responding to conventional veterinary care may be indicators that manual therapy evaluation and treatment is needed.
Vendruscolo CDP, Moreira JJ, Seidel SRT, Fülber J, Neuenschwander HM, Bonagura G, Agreste FR, Baccarin RYA.The aim of this study was to verify whether transient inflammatory reactions induced by intra-articular medicinal ozone administration affect joint components, by in vivo evaluation of inflammatory (prostaglandin E2, Substance P, Interleukin-6, Interleukine-1, Tumor Necrosis Factor), anti-inflammatory (Interleukin-10) and oxidative (superoxide dismutase activity and oxidative burst) biomarkers and extracellular matrix degradation products (chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid) in synovial fluid. The effects of medicinal ozone were analyzed at two ozone concentrations (groups A and B, 20 an...
Zhang XJ, Li HL, Deng DY, Ji C, Yao XD, Liu JX.Tetanus is still a major cause of human deaths in several developing countries. In particular, the neonatal form remains a significant public health problem. According to the World Health Organization, administration of tetanus toxoid is recommended for neonatal tetanus patients. Furthermore, tetanus antitoxin or anti-tetanus immunoglobulin (Ig) are used for mild case or intensive care. This paper discusses a novel purification technique for improving equine anti-tetanus Ig production. First, equine plasma dealt with two steps salting out with ammonium sulfate; second, ultrafiltration concentr...
Stokol T, Serpa PBS, Brooks MB, Divers T, Ness S.Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a major cause of infectious respiratory disease, abortion and neurologic disease. Thrombosis in placental and spinal vessels and subsequent ischemic injury in EHV-1-infected horses manifests clinically as abortion and myeloencephalopathy. We have previously shown that addition of heparin anticoagulants to equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can abolish ex vivo EHV-1-induced platelet activation. The goal of this study was to test whether platelets isolated from horses treated with unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) were resista...
Valberg SJ.Optimal function of skeletal muscle is essential for successful athletic performance. Even minor derangements in locomotor muscle function will impact power output, coordination, stamina, and desire to work during exercise. In this review, the presenting clinical signs, differential diagnoses, approach to diagnostic testing and treatment of muscle atrophy and weakness, focal muscle strain, and exertional myopathies are discussed. Exertional myopathies include polysaccharide storage myopathies, recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis, malignant hyperthermia, and myofibrillar myopathy.
Jensen AM, Ahmed W, Elbrønd VS, Harrison AP.It has been proposed that manipulating proprioceptive signals of the equine distal limb as part of a rehabilitation process in cases of musculoskeletal pain or neurologic deficits can be used to correct postural control and restore normal motor programs. This trial has examined the effect of treatment with a light-weight and loose-fitting bell boot (82 g) on an imbalance of muscle gluteus superficialis function in horses as measured using acoustic myography (AMG). Eight horses were trained over a 60-minute period every 3 days for 6 weeks, a protocol based on preliminary findings. Acoustic my...
Lupo A, Haenni M, Saras E, Gradin J, Madec JY, Börjesson S.A predominance of the bla/IncHI1 plasmid combination in horses has been reported in Czech-Republic, Denmark, and The Netherlands. To clarify a possible specific plasmid epidemiology of bla in horses in a European perspective, a collection of 74 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli recovered from diseased horses in France and Sweden during the period 2009-2014 was investigated in respect of their genetic relatedness, plasmid content, and molecular features. Overall, 80% of E. coli isolates from diseased horses harbored bla on large IncHI1 plasmids with plasmid sequence ty...
Uberti B, Morán G.Neutrophilic bronchiolitis is the primary lesion in asthma-affected horses. Neutrophils are key actors in host defense, migrating toward sites of inflammation and infection, where they act as early responder cells toward external insults. However, neutrophils can also mediate tissue damage in various non-infectious inflammatory processes. Within the airways, these cells likely contribute to bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and pulmonary remodeling by releasing pro-inflammatory mediators, including the cytokines interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-17, neutrophil elastase, reactive oxygen specie...
Boivin R, Vargas A, Cano P, Lavoie JP.Recurrent inflammation in severe equine asthma causes a remodeling of the airways leading to incompletely reversible airway obstruction. Despite the improvement of clinical signs and lung function with glucocorticoids (GC), inflammation, translated by an increased percentage of neutrophils, persists in the airways. Regulatory T cells (Treg) have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and play an important role in balancing the immune response by suppressing effector lymphocyte activity. However, interactions between Treg, neutrophils and glucocorticosteroids in vivo are unclear, parti...
Ströbel C, Günther E, Romanowski K, Büsing K, Urubschurov V, Zeyner A.Foal first diarrhoea is one of the most prominent problems in the early life of horses. Probiotics might have the potency to prevent or at least diminish neonatal diarrhoea. We hypothesised that the treatment of foals with probiotic strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Enterococcus faecium starting early after birth and then daily over 2 weeks would prevent or mitigate foal heat diarrhoea. The influence of this probiotic treatment on diarrhoea incidence and growth and health performance of young foals was investigated. Thirty-four foals were randomly allocated to two groups. From day 1 to 1...
Contino EK.Joint disease is one of the most common issues effecting sport horses. Because there is no cure for joint disease, treatment goals surround slowing progression of the disease, minimizing pain, increasing function, and optimizing performance. Accomplishing these goals often requires a multimodal approach that combines systemic medications or supplements; intra-articular therapies, such as corticosteroids or biologics; management considerations; and physical therapy exercises.
Takahashi Y, Ishikawa Y, Ohmura H.OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of quinidine and flecainide in treating naturally occurring, recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in Thoroughbred racehorses. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 107 Thoroughbred racehorses. PROCEDURES Medical records of racehorses with AF that were treated with quinidine or flecainide between 1987 and 2014 were reviewed. Signalment, history, treatments, complications, and outcome data were collected. Horses were allocated to 2 groups according to the initial treatment: initial treatment with quinidine (group 1) or initial treatment with flecainide (gro...
Thompson RL, Gunn AJ, Stephen CP, Ip H, Brookes VJ.Uterine luminal pH has been demonstrated to be a valid indicator of uterine health in species such as cattle and sheep. However, research regarding uterine luminal pH in equines is lacking. The objectives of this study were to assess uterine luminal pH in mares during the estrous cycle, and evaluate the effect of dilute vinegar lavage on both uterine luminal pH and endometrial health. The study was conducted using a randomized block design in which eight mares (four Thoroughbred and four Standardbred) were aged matched then randomly assigned to two groups. Endometrial biopsies were taken from ...
Vissani MA, Zabal O, Tordoya MS, Parreño V, Thiry E, Barrandeguy M.Equid alphaherpesvirus 3 (EHV3) is the etiological agent of equine coital exanthema (ECE), which is a venereal, highly contagious disease, characterized by the formation of papules, vesicles, pustules and ulcers on the external genitalia of mares and stallions. EHV3 remains in a latent state after a successful infection and there are latently infected animals in which the virus is reactivated and generally re-excreted subclinically. There are no available vaccines for this condition and prevention is based on the clinical examination of mares prior to mating, which allows to segregate those sh...
Agne GF, Jung SW, Wooldridge AA, Duran SH, Ravis W, Toribio R.Diuretic treatment is the mainstay for management of congestive heart failure in horses, and its use has been restricted to injectable medications because no currently data supports the use of PO administered loop diuretics. Objective: To determine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of PO administered torsemide and, determine if PO administered torsemide, could be used as an alternative to injectable diuretics in the horse. Methods: Six healthy adult mares. Methods: A 2-phase, prospective study, that consisted of pharmacokinetic profiling of a single dose (6 mg/kg PO) and pharm...
Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, McCoy AM, Selberg KT.Foot problems are very common causes of lameness in horses. With the recent diagnostic advances to evaluate and treat foot pathology as well as to monitor response to therapy, it is now possible to more accurately evaluate the effectiveness of many of these treatments. This review details some of the recent advances of the most common conservative and surgical treatment options for foot problems in horses, including an overview of evidence on the efficacy to support the use of these treatment options and on factors that may affect prognosis.
Mason LV, Moroney JR, Mason RJ.Guidelines regarding the impact and value of prophylaxis or maintenance therapy in equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) are not well-established or defined. The merits and the magnitude of effects of prophylaxis for spontaneous or recurrent squamous gastric ulceration in horses in training are uncertain. Objective: To pool data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to eliminate reporting bias and evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic omeprazole in the prevention of EGUS in training horses, and secondarily to compare prophylactic dosages of omeprazole. Methods: Meta-analysis. Methods: This m...
Menzies-Gow NJ, Knowles EJ, Rogers I, Rendle DI.Circulating adiponectin concentrations were lower in ponies with a history of endocrinopathic laminitis and in nonlaminitic ponies that subsequently developed laminitis. The assays used in these studies have been discontinued or are no longer valid. Objective: (1) to determine the validity of immunoturbidimetric (IT) and enzyme linkedimmunosorbent (ELISA) assays for equine total and high molecular weight (HMW) [adiponectin] measurement and (2) to investigate the association between [adiponectin] measured using these assays and endocrinopathic laminitis. Methods: Method validation and cohort st...
Campoy L, Morris TB, Ducharme NG, Gleed RD, Martin-Flores M.Locoregional anaesthetic techniques can facilitate certain surgeries being performed under standing procedural sedation. The second and third spinal cervical nerves (C2, C3) are part of the cervical plexus and provide sensory innervation to the peri-laryngeal structures in people; block of these nerves might permit laryngeal lateralisation surgery in horses. Objective: To describe the anatomical basis for an ultrasound-guided cervical plexus block in horses. To compare this block with conventional local anaesthetic tissue infiltration in horses undergoing standing prosthetic laryngoplasty. Met...
Halsberghe BT.Hoof problems are commonly seen in veterinary practice and manipulation of hoof growth rate can be practical and beneficial for that matter. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on hoof growth rate of front feet in the horse. The study was an experimental, single subject, repeated measure design, with all horses serving as control and treatment. Ten horses were subject to WBV, 30 min, twice daily, five days a week, for 60 days in addition to their regular exercise routine. Hoof growth was measured from the reference hairline down to a horizo...
Jenkins C, Jelocnik M, Micallef ML, Galea F, Taylor-Brown A, Bogema DR, Liu M, O'Rourke B, Chicken C, Carrick J, Polkinghorne A.Chlamydia psittaci is an avian pathogen capable of spill-over infections to humans. A parrot C. psittaci strain was recently detected in an equine reproductive loss case associated with a subsequent cluster of human C. psittaci infections. In this study, we screened for C. psittaci in cases of equine reproductive loss reported in regional New South Wales, Australia during the 2016 foaling season. C. psittaci specific-PCR screening of foetal and placental tissue samples from cases of equine abortion (n = 161) and foals with compromised health status (n = 38) revealed C. psittaci positiv...
Wise LM, Bodaan CJ, Stuart GS, Real NC, Lateef Z, Mercer AA, Riley CB, Theoret CL.Bandaging of limb wounds in horses leads to formation of exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) that retards healing due to protracted inflammation, aberrant vascularisation and delayed epithelialisation. EGT is not observed if wounds are left undressed or when wounds are on the body. A previous study showed that short-term administration of proteins derived from orf virus dampened inflammation and promoted epithelialisation of open wounds in horses. Here, we investigated the impact of orf virus interleukin-10 and vascular endothelial growth factor-E on the development and resolution of EGT. Excis...
Ghasemi S, Sardari K, Mirshokraei P, Hassanpour H.Application of synthetic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitors, such as doxycycline is one of the possible therapeutic options for osteoarthritis. However, little is known about the protective mechanism of doxycycline in equine models on MMPs inhibitors as well as on serum amyloid A (SAA) gene expression. This study investigated the effects of doxycycline on mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and SAA of equine fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). The FLSs were established from synovial fluids of clinically normal metacarpophalangeal joints of 6 skeletally mature horses. The ...
Jonsdottir S, Stefansdottir SB, Kristinarson SB, Svansson V, Bjornsson JM, Runarsdottir A, Wagner B, Marti E, Torsteinsdottir S.Insect bite hypersensitivity is an allergic dermatitis of horses caused by bites of Culicoides midges. Sufficient amount of pure, endotoxin-free allergens is a prerequisite for development and monitoring of preventive and therapeutic allergen immunotherapy. Aims of the study were to compare the Culicoides nubeculosus (Cul n) allergens Cul n 3 and Cul n 4, produced in transgenic barley grains with the corresponding E. coli or insect cells expressed proteins for measuring antibody and cytokine responses. Allergen-specific IgG responses were measured by ELISA in sera from twelve horses not expose...
Hollis AR, Starkey MP.MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that play a pivotal role in diverse cellular processes through post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The dysregulation of specific microRNAs is associated with disease development and progression. In this review, we summarise how microRNAs modulate gene expression, and explain microRNA nomenclature. We discuss the potential applications of microRNAs in equine disease diagnosis and treatment, in the context of the sum of current knowledge about microRNA expression in normal and diseased equine tissues.
Ortved KF, Begum L, Stefanovski D, Nixon AJ.Following joint trauma, a posttraumatic inflammatory cascade drives degeneration of the joint. We aimed to assess whether transduction of chondrocytes with AAV5 overexpressing the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10 would have protective effects in pellet cultures stimulated with IL-1β. Chondrocytes were isolated from 3 healthy horses and were transduced with AAV5-IL-10 at a dose of 1 x 105vg/cell. Chondrocyte pellets were formed by centrifugation and were stimulated with IL-1β starting 48 hours following transduction. After 2, 6 and 14 days in culture, supernatants were collected for cytokine a...
van Rijn PA, Maris-Veldhuis MA, Boonstra J, van Gennip RGP.African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV) (Orbivirus genus, Reoviridae family) causes high mortality in naïve domestic horses with enormous economic and socio-emotional impact. There are nine AHSV serotypes showing limited cross neutralization. AHSV is transmitted by competent species of Culicoides biting midges. AHS is a serious threat beyond the African continent as endemic Culicoides species in moderate climates transmit the closely related prototype bluetongue virus. There is a desperate need for safe and efficacious vaccines, while DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated) vaccines would...
Rautiainen J, Lehto LJ, Tiitu V, Kiekara O, Pulkkinen H, Brünott A, van Weeren R, Brommer H, Brama PA, Ellermann J, Kiviranta I, Nieminen MT....To evaluate the status of articular cartilage and bone in an equine model of spontaneous repair by using the sweep imaging with Fourier transform (SWIFT) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique. Methods: Experiments were approved by the Utrecht University Animal Ethics Committee. Six-millimeter-diameter chondral (n = 5) and osteochondral (n = 5, 3-4 mm deep into subchondral bone) defects were created in the intercarpal joints of seven 2-year-old horses and examined with SWIFT at 9.4 T after spontaneous healing for 12 months. Conventional T2 maps and gradient-echo images were obtained for com...
Feige K, Schwarzwald C, Fürst A, Kaser-Hotz B.The major purpose of this investigation was to describe the causes, possible complications, and prognoses of horses with esophageal obstruction. Of 34 cases presenting with esophageal obstruction, 28 cases were due to impaction of ingesta. Obstruction due to pre-existing esophageal disease occurred in 4 horses with megaesophagus, in 1 horse with stricture in the upper third of the esophagus, and in 1 horse with esophageal diverticulum. There was no significant difference in the contamination of the trachea between horses that subsequently developed aspiration pneumonia and those that did not. ...
Magdesian KG, Dujowich M, Madigan JE, Hansen LM, Hirsh DC, Jang SS.To determine molecular characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility, and toxigenicity of Clostridium difficile isolates from horses in an intensive care unit and evaluate associations among severity of clinical disease with specific strains of C difficile. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: 130 horses. Methods: Feces were collected from horses admitted for acute gastrointestinal tract disease with loose feces and submitted for microbial culture and immunoassay for toxin production. Polymerase chain reaction assays were performed on isolates for toxins A and B genes and strain identification...
McCauley CT, Hawkins JF, Adams SB, Fessler JF.To determine outcome of horses in which cutaneous masses were removed with a carbon dioxide laser. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 32 horses. Methods: Medical records of horses with 1 or more cutaneous masses treated with a carbon dioxide laser were examined. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians. Results: Cutaneous masses were classified as sarcoids (15 horses), neoplastic masses other than sarcoids (squamous cell carcinoma [91; fibroma [1]; and melanoma [1]), and nonneoplastic masses (6). Minimum follow-up time was 6 mo...
Lopes MA, White NA, Donaldson L, Crisman MV, Ward DL.To assess changes in systemic hydration, concentrations of electrolytes in plasma, hydration of colonic contents and feces, and gastrointestinal transit in horses treated with IV fluid therapy or enteral administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), sodium sulfate (NaSO4), water, or a balanced electrolyte solution. Methods: 7 horses with fistulas in the right dorsal colon (RDC). Methods: In a crossover design, horses alternately received 1 of 6 treatments: no treatment (control); IV fluid therapy with lactated Ringer's solution; or enteral administration of MgSO4, Na2SO4, water, or a balanced e...
Parashar R, Singla LD, Gupta M, Sharma SK.The haemato-biochemical indices and oxidative stress markers in horses naturally infected with Trypanosoma evansi were evaluated by analyzing the level of these parameters between T. evansi infected (microscopically positive patent group and PCR positive latent group) and infection free horses. To compare the hemato-biochemical indices and oxidative stress indicators, horses were divided into three categories based on diagnostic test employed and positive results obtained. These included Romanowsky stained slide positive group (Group I; n = 6), PCR positive group (group II; n = 28) and negativ...
Sweeney CR, Benson CE, Whitlock RH, Meirs DA, Barningham SO, Whitehead SC, Cohen D.The age-specific attack rates of Streptococcus equi infections of the upper respiratory tract and lymph nodes (strangles) in horses for the different age groups were 17.6% for broodmares, 47.5% for 1-year-old horses, and 37.5% for foals. Streptococcus equi was isolated from nasal, pharyngeal, or lymph node specimens in 31 (60.8%) of 51 sick horses. A male 1-year-old horse, shipped from Kentucky to farm A, was considered to be the index case. Six (19.4%) of 31 horses with strangles remained as shedders of S equi after clinical signs of the disease had ended. Shedders of S equi were not identifi...
Van de Water E, Oosterlinck M, Korthagen NM, Duchateau L, Dumoulin M, van Weeren PR, Olijve J, van Doorn DA, Pille F.An established lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model previously described in Warmbloods, was inconsistent in Standardbred horses, where lameness was not detected despite the presence of synovitis. The present study aimed to determine the dose of LPS from E. coli O55:B5 required to induce mild to moderate lameness following middle carpal joint injection in Standardbred horses and to quantitate the induced lameness over time, with and without anti-inflammatory pre-treatment. In a baseline trial, eight healthy, clinically sound Standardbred horses were used in a rule-based dose-escalation design trial, ...
Raidal SL, McKean R, Ellul PA, Nielsen SG, Quinn CT.To characterize the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delivered by a commercial human CPAP device on respiratory function in foals with pharmacologically induced respiratory suppression. Methods: Prospective randomized, cross-over study comparing CPAP with spontaneous respiration and oxygen insufflation. Methods: University veterinary teaching hospital. Methods: Twelve foals born in consecutive seasons from a university teaching herd. Methods: Foals were randomized to receive 10 minutes of respiratory support by mask oxygen supplementation or CPAP as a first treatment after...
Thieulent C, Hue ES, Sutton G, Fortier C, Dallemagne P, Zientara S, Munier-Lehmann H, Hans A, Paillot R, Vidalain PO, Pronost S.Equid herpesvirus-1 infections cause respiratory, neurological and reproductive syndromes. Despite preventive treatments with vaccines, resurgence of EHV-1 infection still constitutes a major threat to equine industry. However, no antiviral compound is available to treat infected horses. In this study, 2891 compounds were screened against EHV-1 using impedance measurement. 22 compounds have been found to be effective in vitro against EHV-1. Valganciclovir, ganciclovir, decitabine, aphidicolin, idoxuridine and pritelivir (BAY 57-1293) are the most effective compounds identified, and their antiv...
Larsen KS, Eydal M, Mencke N, Sigurdsson H.Lice infestations on horses caused by the lice Werneckiella (Damalinia) equi and Haematopinus equi are observed worldwide. In this study, the distribution and clinical manifestations of lice on Icelandic horses were examined. Thirty-eight out of 93 animals (40.86%) were identified as infested with W. equi. Sixty-eight animals (73.12%) presented dermatological lesions associated with lice infestation, while only 32 of these animals presented lice. Six animals had no clinical signs although of being lice-positive, and 19 animals (20.43%) showed neither lice nor clinical manifestations. Lice burd...
Mee AM, Cripps PJ, Jones RS.A retrospective analysis examined mortality associated with all procedures requiring general anaesthetic, performed at the Philip Leverhulme Large Animal Teaching Hospital, during the five-year period from February 1991 to December 1995. The study involved details relating to 2276 equine general anaesthetics and a variety of patient variables were examined. Within a group of 1279 animals undergoing anaesthesia for elective procedures, 46 (3.6 per cent) died or were euthanased owing to a poor prognosis or financial implications. Mortality relating directly to the surgery or anaesthesia occurred...
Slocombe JO.Aims of this study with 13 equids naturally infected with Anoplocephala perfoliata were to document (i) a critical test with a period of 48 h from treatment to necropsy to assess the efficacy of an anthelmintic against the tapeworm, (ii) the efficacy of pyrantel pamoate oral paste at 13.2 mg pyrantel base/kg body weight, and (iii) the time after treatment when fecal egg counts would best estimate the tapeworm's prevalence in a herd. Feces passed in successive 12-h periods after treatment were examined for tapeworms. At necropsy, tapeworms in equids were identified as attached to the mucosa or ...
Audigié F, Tapprest J, Didierlaurent D, Denoix JM.Complications of cervical myelography arising from the puncture of the subarachnoid space to collect the cerebrospinal fluid and to inject the contrast medium have been described in humans and animals. In this study, 2 ultrasound-guided procedures were developed for puncture of the atlanto-occipital subarachnoid space, collection of cerebrospinal fluid, and injection of contrast medium. Myelography was performed on 6 ataxic horses using these procedures. The first attempt to puncture the subarachnoid space was successful in 5 horses and in one horse, a second attempt was necessary. Collection ...
Abd El-Rahim IH, Hussein M.This study describes an epizootic of respiratory tract disease caused by influenza virus infection in a large population of equines in Luxor and Aswan, Upper Egypt, during the winter of 2000. The epizootic started in January and the infection rate reached its peak in February before gradually decreasing until the end of April, 2000. Horses, donkeys and mules of all ages and both sexes were affected. Free movement of the infected equines and direct contact between the animals at markets facilitated the rapid spread of the disease. The cause of the epizootic was established by use of serological...
Mansfield LS, Mehler S, Nelson K, Elsheikha HM, Murphy AJ, Knust B, Tanhauser SM, Gearhart PM, Rossano MG, Bowman DD, Schott HC, Patterson JS.We tested the hypothesis that brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) harbor Sarcocystis neurona, the agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), and act as intermediate hosts for this parasite. In summer 1999, wild caught brown-headed cowbirds were collected and necropsied to determine infection rate with Sarcocystis spp. by macroscopic inspection. Seven of 381 (1.8%) birds had grossly visible sarcocysts in leg muscles with none in breast muscles. Histopathology revealed two classes of sarcocysts in leg muscles, thin-walled and thick-walled suggesting two species. Electron microscopy sh...
Webb BA, Barney WE, Dahlman DL, DeBorde SN, Weer C, Williams NM, Donahue JM, McDowell KJ.A new equine abortigenic disease, mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS), was recognized and significantly impacted the Ohio Valley in the springs of 2001 and 2002. MRLS caused approximately 330 million US dollars in losses in 2001. An epidemiological investigation of MRLS associated occurrence of the disease with exposure to eastern tent caterpillars (M. americanum). This work investigates the epidemiological association between M. americanum and MRLS to determine if this association was correlative or causative. A pilot study and simulated exposure to M. americanum and their excreta on pastu...
Moore JN, Barton MH.Although recognition of clinical signs of endotoxemia is not difficult, determining the underlying cause for the development of endotoxemia may be a challenging task. For this reason, importance must be placed on performance of a thorough physical examination, attention to detail, and determination of whether or not surgical intervention is required. In most instances, a definitive diagnosis may require repeated examinations and laboratory work. In the meantime, affected animals require treatment for endotoxemia, with the aim being to reduce the duration of endotoxemia, prevent the interaction...
Durham AE.Equine endocrine disease is commonly encountered by equine practitioners. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) predominate. The most logical therapeutic approach in PPID uses dopamine agonists; pergolide mesylate is the most common. Bromocryptine and cabergoline are alternative drugs with similar actions. Drugs from other classes have a poor evidence basis, although cyproheptadine and trilostane might be considered. EMS requires management changes as the primary approach; reasonable justification for use of drugs such as levothyroxine and metformin m...
Maher MC, Schnabel LV, Cross JA, Papich MG, Divers TJ, Fortier LA.To determine whether low-dose, low-frequency doxycycline administration is capable of achieving chondroprotective concentrations within synovial fluid (SF) while remaining below minimum inhibitory concentration 90 (MIC90 ) of most equine pathogens and would be an option in the management of osteoarthritis. Objective: To determine whether low-dose, low-frequency oral administration of doxycycline can attain in vivo SF concentrations capable of chondroprotective effects through reduction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 activity, while remaining below MIC90 of most equine pathogens. Method...
de Laat MA, Robinson MA, Gruntmeir KJ, Liu Y, Soma LR, Lacombe VA.Equine metabolic syndrome is characterized by obesity and insulin resistance (IR). Currently, there is no effective pharmacological treatment for this insidious disease. Glucose uptake is mediated by a family of glucose transporters (GLUT), and is regulated by insulin-dependent and -independent pathways, including 5-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Importantly, the activation of AMPK, by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) stimulates glucose uptake in both healthy and diabetic humans. However, whether AICAR promotes glucose uptake in horses has not been established. I...
Freeman SL, England GC.A technique of transrectal ultrasonography was developed to investigate the effects of romifidine 80 and 120 microg/kg bwt on intestinal motility in the horse. Motility of the small intestine, caecum and left ventral colon were assessed following injection of romifidine and a saline control, using a blinded, cross-over study design in 6 horses. Measurements were taken at 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after drug administration. There was a slight nonsignificant decrease in motility in the control group over the 4 h study period. Both doses of romifidine produced a marked decrease in gastroin...
Mair TS, Sherlock CE, Boden LA.Few studies have evaluated cortisol concentrations in horses with colic. In humans with septic shock, high cortisol levels are associated with an increased risk of death. The objectives of this study were to compare the serum total cortisol concentrations (STCCs) in horses with colic to those without colic, and to assess whether the STCC relates to the pathological nature or outcome of the disease. STCCs were determined at presentation in horses with colic and in systemically healthy 'control' horses. Horses with colic were grouped based on clinical and clinico-pathological parameters at admis...
McIlwraith CW, Foerner JJ, Davis DM.The technique and results of arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans in 318 tarsocrural joints in 225 horses are reported. Of the 225 horses, 154 were racehorses or intended for racing. Arthroscopic surgery was an effective technique for treating osteochondritis dissecans of the tarsocrural joint. The overall functional ability and cosmetic appearance of the limbs were excellent. Post surgical follow-up information was obtained for 183 horses, of which 140 (76.5 per cent) raced successfully or performed their intended use following surgery. Of the remaining 43, 11 w...
Horne MM, Pascoe PJ, Ducharme NG, Barker IK, Grovum WL.This study compared the severity of ischemic injury to the equine jejunal mucosa caused by arteriovenous obstruction (AVO) or venous obstruction (VO) with that caused by reperfusion after ischemia. The degree of mucosal damage and regeneration was scored according to a modified version of an established light microscopic classification for ischemic injury. Biopsy specimens taken after 3 and 4 hours of obstruction, and after 3 hours of obstruction and 1 hour of reperfusion, were compared. There were no changes in the severity of mucosal injury (characterized by epithelial sloughing, loss of vil...
Gaesser AM, Underwood C, Linardi RL, Even KM, Reef VB, Shetye SS, Mauck RL, King WJ, Engiles JB, Ortved KF.Autologous protein solution (APS) has been used anecdotally for intralesional treatment of tendon and ligament injuries, however, its use in these injuries has never been studied . Our objective was to evaluate the effect of APS on tendon healing in an equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis model. We hypothesized intralesional injection of APS would result in superior structural and biomechanical healing. SDF tendonitis was induced in both forelimbs of eight horses using collagenase injection. One forelimb was randomly assigned to receive an intralesional injection of APS, while th...
Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW, Kawcak CE, Werpy NM, Pearce GL.To assess the clinical, biochemical, and histologic effects of topically administered diclofenac liposomal cream (DLC) in the treatment of horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis. Methods: 24 horses. Methods: Osteoarthritis was induced arthroscopically in 1 middle carpal joint of all horses. Eight horses treated with DLC were given 7.3 g twice daily via topical application. Eight horses treated with phenylbutazone were given 2 g orally once daily. Eight control horses received no treatment. Evaluations included clinical, radiographic, magnetic resonance imaging, synovial fluid, gross...
Kalinowski M, Jarosz Ł, Grądzki Z.Rhodococcus equi is an opportunistic, intracellular saprophyte that causes severe pyogranulomatous pneumonia in foals. The bacterium displays in vitro susceptibility to many antibiotics. The highest efficacy against R. equi in vitro and in vivo is achieved by using a combination of rifampicin and macrolide antibiotics. Recent years have seen an upward trend in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of rifampicin and erythromycin, suggesting increasing resistance of R. equi to these antibiotics. The aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of 24 selected antibiotics...
van der Gaag I, Tibboel D.Intestinal atresia was found in 29 animals and stenosis in five. Atresia was found in the duodenum in one pup; in the jejunum in nine calves, two lambs and one piglet; in the ileum in one pup, one lamb and one piglet; and in the colon in one foal, seven calves, one lamb, one piglet and three kittens. Stenosis was found in the duodenum of a foal, in the jejunum in two calves and one pup, and in both the ileum and the colon of a kitten. One lamb showed ileal atresia as well as ileal stenosis. We classified the atresia as type 1, membrane atresia (four cases); type 2, cord atresia (six cases); an...
Ohba T, Ebata S, Ando T, Ichikawa J, Clinton D, Haro H.Hematoma of the ligamentum flavum is a rare cause of neural compression, for which treatment has consisted of excising the hematoma via open surgical approaches, including total laminectomy or bilateral partial laminectomy. This article presents the first report of a microscope-assisted endoscopic decompression to resect a hematoma of the ligamentum flavum.A 52-year-old man presented with back and leg pain, as well as difficulty initiating micturation. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an epidural mass at L5/S1 that was continuous with the facet joint. Visualization was obtained via an e...
