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Topic:Equine Diseases
Equine diseases encompass a wide range of health conditions that can affect horses, including infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and genetic conditions. These diseases can impact the overall health, performance, and well-being of horses. Common equine diseases include equine influenza, equine herpesvirus, laminitis, and equine metabolic syndrome. Diagnosis and management of these diseases often require a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and appropriate treatment strategies. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for various equine diseases, providing valuable insights for veterinarians and researchers in the field.
Interday variation and effect of transportation on indirect blood pressure measurements, plasma endothelin-1 and serum cortisol in Standardbred and Icelandic horses. Systemic hypertension is a prominent feature in humans with metabolic syndrome (MS) and this is partly caused by an enhanced endothelin-1 (ET-1) mediated vasoconstriction. There are indications that systemic hypertension might be a feature in equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) but if ET-1 is involved in the development of hypertension in horses is not known. Increased levels of cortisol have also been found in humans with MS but there are no reports of this in horses. Before blood pressure, plasma ET-1 and serum cortisol can be evaluated in horses with EMS, it is necessary to investigate the inte...
The influence of spasmolytic agents on heart rate variability and gastrointestinal motility in normal horses. The effects of hyoscine-N-butylbromide (hyoscine) and propantheline-bromide (propantheline) on heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV) and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) contractions in the normal horse were determined. Five adult horses had ECG recordings for 180 min after treatment with propantheline (100mg), hyoscine (120 mg) or saline. Both propantheline and hyoscine reduced GIT sounds, with propantheline having a longer duration of effect (≥120 min). Both drugs elevated HR relative to the control baseline period (P<0.05), with the effects of propantheline again being of longer duration. ...
Treatment with aspirin or clopidogrel does not affect equine platelet expression of P selectin or platelet-neutrophil aggregates. Inflammation-induced P-selectin (CD62P) expression on platelets and endothelial cells facilitates interactions among platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), and can also promote coagulation. The effects of clopidogrel and aspirin (ASA) on equine platelet CD62P expression were investigated. Six horses were treated in a cross-over design with clopidogrel (2mg/kg PO q 24) or ASA (5mg/kg PO q 24h) for 5 days. Platelets collected at 24, 72, 96, 120, and 168 h after the initiation of therapy were stimulated using 0.1 μg/mL thrombin, followed by flow cytometric analysis using anti-CD41/61 ...
Scanning electron microscopy and microbiological evaluation of equine burn wound repair after platelet-rich plasma gel treatment. Deep second-degree burns (DSDb) involve all epidermis layers, including the basal laminae. In general, DSDb heals with extensive areas of scarring. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a source of growth factors, obtained by centrifugation and addition of thrombin and calcium, resulting in a gel. The objective of this study was to monitor the healing of DSDb by sequential biopsies after PRP treatment and evaluating by a scanning electron microscopy. Also, characterize bacterial profile and PRP antibacterial effect in horses' burns. Four horses were placed into two groups, G1 and G2, with the groups r...
Serological detection of St. Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus in equines from Santa Fe, Argentina. St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) present ecological and antigenic similarities and are responsible for serious human diseases. In addition, WNV is a significant pathogen in terms of equine health. The purpose of our study was to analyse the seroprevalence of SLEV and WNV in equine sera collected in Santa Fe Province, Argentina. The seroprevalence determined using the plaque reduction neutralisation test was 12.2% for SLEV, 16.2% for WNV and 48.6% for a combination of both viruses. These results provide evidence of the co-circulation of SLEV and WNV in equines in Sa...
Effects of collecting serial tracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage samples on the cytological findings of subsequent fluid samples in healthy Standardbred horses. To evaluate the effect of collecting serial tracheal aspirate (TA) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples on the cytological findings of subsequent fluid samples obtained from horses without clinical signs of respiratory disease. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Six healthy Standardbred horses. Methods: Endoscopically-guided TA samples, and BAL samples collected using the blind field technique were obtained from the six horses on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, and 17. On day 17, horses were sampled three times: at baseline and at 2.5 h and 4 h apart. The differential cytology of the fluid samples co...
Myenteric ganglionitis as a cause of recurrent colic in an adult horse. A 10-year-old Lipizzaner stallion was evaluated over the course of 1.5 years because of intermittent, recurrent colic. Results: The horse was initially treated medically for gastric ulcers; dietary changes were made, and a deworming protocol was instituted, without resolution of colic episodes. Subsequently, the horse underwent exploratory celiotomy and a large colon volvulus was identified with diffuse colonic wall thickening. A pelvic flexure biopsy sample was submitted for histologic examination, which revealed lymphocytic (CD3-positive T cells) myenteric ganglionitis (MG). The horse develo...
Risk factors for colic in equids hospitalized for ocular disease. To evaluate the incidence of colic and risk factors for colic in equids hospitalized for ocular disease. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Animals-337 equids (317 horses, 19 ponies, and 1 donkey) hospitalized for ocular disease. Methods: Medical records of equids hospitalized for > 24 hours for treatment of ocular disease between January 1997 and December 2008 were reviewed. Information from only the first hospitalization was used for equids that were hospitalized for ocular disease on more than 1 occasion. Information gathered included the signalment, the type of ocular lesion and t...
Blastomycotic osteomyelitis associated with severe lameness in a horse. A 12-year-old Quarter horse gelding was presented for evaluation of severe right forelimb lameness, 2 draining tracts over the lateral aspect of the right proximal antebrachium, and weight loss. A presumptive diagnosis of blastomycotic osteomyelitis was established based on radiographs and cytology of the exudate. This diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy. Un hongre Quarter horse âgé de 12 ans a été présenté avec une boiterie grave du membre antérieur droit, 2 faisceaux de drainage sur l’aspect latéral de l’avant-bras droit proximal et une perte de poids. Un diagnostic par infér...
Mycotic encephalitis, sinus osteomyelitis, and guttural pouch mycosis in a 3-year-old Arabian colt. Mycotic encephalitis caused severe ataxia and other neurologic deficits in a horse. The finding of a single, large focus of cerebral malacia, with histopathologic evidence of fungal elements, suggested infection was a result of direct transfer from the frontal sinuses, rather than hematogenous spread from the guttural pouch. Une encéphalite mycotique a causé une ataxie grave et d’autres déficits neurologiques chez un cheval. La découverte d’un grand foyer unique de malacie cérébrale avec une preuve histopathologique d’éléments fongiques a suggéré que l’infection était un tr...
Tendon structure changes after maximal exercise in the Thoroughbred horse: use of ultrasound tissue characterisation to detect in vivo tendon response. Investigations into the response of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of the Thoroughbred horse to mechanical stimuli have been limited to in vitro cell culture studies focused primarily on gene expression of critical matrix proteins. It is uncertain how well in vitro outcomes translate to the tendon of the horse during exercise. The current study examined changes in tendon structure in response to maximal exercise using ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC) to scan the SDFT prior to and after competitive racing. UTC uses contiguous transverse ultrasound images to assess the dyna...
Pulmonary intravascular macrophages as proinflammatory cells in heaves, an asthma-like equine disease. Heaves, an obstructive neutrophilic airway inflammation of horses, is triggered by dust components such as endotoxin and has similarities to human asthma. Pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs) increase horses' sensitivity to endotoxin-induced lung inflammation; however, their role in an airborne pathology remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of PIMs in the development of heaves in horses. Clinical and inflammatory responses were evaluated following induction of heaves by moldy hay exposure and PIM depletion with gadolinium chloride (GC). Mares (N = 9) were exposed to four ...
Cardiac changes in horses with atypical myopathy. Atypical myopathy (AM) is an acute, fatal rhabdomyolysis in grazing horses that mainly affects skeletal muscles. Postmortem examinations have shown that myocardial damage also occurs. Limited information is available on the effect of AM on cardiac function in affected and surviving horses. Objective: To describe electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes associated with AM in the acute stage of the disease and after follow-up. Methods: Horses (n = 12) diagnosed with AM in which cardiac ultrasound examination and ECG recording were available. Methods: All horses underwent clinical exami...
Prepurchase examination in ambulatory equine practice. Prepurchase examination provides a significant opportunity for veterinarians to offer an important professional service to the equine industry. When the service is performed competently and ethically, prospective buyers and sellers will recommend the examining veterinarian to fellow horse owners and professionals. To become comfortable with and skilled at performing prepurchase examinations, a veterinarian must understand the operational challenges associated with this service-and master them. Veterinarians performing prepurchase examinations should address the needs and manage the expectation...
Diode laser endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in the normal equine eye. To determine the clinical and histologic effects of diode endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in the phakic equine eye. Methods: Phase I: 10 equine cadaver eyes. Phase II: four normal adult horses. Methods: Phase I: ECP probe angle of reach (AR) was determined. Multiple ECP energy levels: 0.75, 0.90, 1.05, 1.20, 1.35, 1.50 J, and the resulting visible and histologic ciliary process changes were evaluated. Phase II: Ocular quadrants were treated with ECP at 0.90, 1.14, 1.38 J, and a control. The contralateral eye underwent a sham operation. Tissue changes (clinical and histologic) were evalu...
DNA hypomethylation and oxidative stress-mediated increase in genomic instability in equine sarcoid-derived fibroblasts. It is widely accepted that equine sarcoid disease, the most common skin associated neoplasm in equids, is induced by bovine papillomavirus (BPV-1). Although BPV-1 DNA has been found in almost all examined sarcoids so far, its detailed impact on the horse's host cell metabolism is largely unknown. We used equine fibroblast cell lines originating from sarcoid biopsies to study BPV-1-associated changes on DNA methylation status and oxidative stress parameters. Sarcoid-derived fibroblasts manifested increased proliferation in vitro, transcriptional rDNA activity (NORs expression) and DNA hypometh...
Development of an automated plasmapheresis procedure for the harvest of equine plasma in accordance with current good manufacturing practice. To develop a high-speed, continuous-flow, automated plasmapheresis procedure for the high-volume harvest of equine plasma in accordance with current good manufacturing practice. Methods: 143 horses (predominantly draft breeds) between 3 and 10 years of age at the time of purchase. Methods: Adaptations were made to automated plasmapheresis instruments and sterile disposable collection sets, which allowed for dual-instrument, continuous-flow operation. Donor horses were connected to the apparatus via 2 catheters (1 inserted in each jugular vein). The instruments removed whole blood from donors, ...
Measurement of digital laminar and venous temperatures as a means of comparing three methods of topically applied cold treatment for digits of horses. To compare effects of 3 methods of topically applied cold treatment (cryotherapy) on digital laminar and venous temperatures in horses. Methods: 9 healthy adult Thoroughbreds. Methods: Thermocouples were placed in palmar digital veins and digital laminae of both forelimbs of horses. Three methods of cryotherapy were applied to the distal aspects of the limbs: wader boot (63-cm-tall vinyl boot filled with ice and water [ice slurry]), ice bag (5-L fluid bag filled with ice slurry), and a gel pack boot (boot containing frozen gel packs). Gel packs and ice slurries were replenished every hour duri...
The equine intestinal microbiome. The equine intestinal tract contains a complex microbial population (microbiota) that plays an important role in health and disease. Despite the undeniable importance of a 'normal' microbiota, understanding of the composition and function of this population is currently limited. As methods to characterize the microbiota and its genetic makeup (the microbiome) have evolved, the composition and complexity of this population are starting to be revealed. As is befitting a hindgut fermenter, members of the Firmicutes phylum appear to predominate, yet there are significant populations of numerous ot...
A method for proteomic analysis of equine subchondral bone and epiphyseal cartilage. Proteomic analyses of cartilage and, to a lesser extent, of bone have long been impaired because of technical challenges related to their structure and biochemical properties. We have developed a unified method based on phenol extraction, 2DE, silver staining, and subsequent LC-MS/MS. This method proved to be efficient to characterize the proteome of equine cartilage and bone samples collected in vivo. Since proteins from several cellular compartments could be recovered, our procedure is mainly suitable for in situ molecular physiology studies focused on the cellular content of chondrocytes, o...
Effects of clenbuterol administration on serum biochemical, histologic, and echocardiographic measurements of muscle injury in exercising horses. To determine the effects of clenbuterol, at a dosage of up to 3.2 μg/kg for 14 days, PO, on skeletal and cardiac muscle in healthy horses undergoing treadmill exercise. Methods: 12 healthy horses from 3 to 10 years old. Methods: Horses were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 6) or clenbuterol group (6) and received either saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or clenbuterol, PO, every 12 hours for 14 days. Horses were subjected to submaximal treadmill exercise daily during treatment. Muscle biopsy specimens were collected before and after treatment for determination of apoptosis. Echocardiograph...
Histopathological examination of chronic laminitis in Kaimanawa feral horses of New Zealand. To investigate the prevalence, histopathological and histomorphometric presentation of chronic laminitis in a population of Kaimanawa feral horses. Methods: Following the capture and euthanasia of feral horses from the Kaimanawa Ranges of New Zealand, the left forefoot of 28 stallions and 28 mares aged between 6 and 12 years were removed and processed for histology. Sections of lamellar samples from each horse were examined using light microscopy. The presence of laminitis was assessed and the histopathological lesions were described. Horses were grouped by histological diagnosis into laminiti...
Histopathological lesions associated with equine periodontal disease. Equine periodontal disease (EPD) is a common and painful condition, the aetiology and pathology of which are poorly understood. To characterise the histopathological lesions associated with EPD, the skulls of 22 horses were assessed grossly for the presence of periodontal disease, and a standard set of interdental tissues taken from each for histopathological examination. Histological features of EPD included ulceration and neutrophilic inflammation of the gingival epithelium. Mononuclear and eosinophilic inflammation of the gingival lamina propria and submucosa was commonly present irrespecti...
