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.
Chahan B, Zhang S, Seo JY, Nakamura C, Zhang G, Bannai H, Jian Z, Inokuma H, Tuchiya K, Sato Y, Kabeya H, Maruyama S, Mikami T, Xuan X.The prevalence of Babesia (Theileria) equi and B. caballi infections in donkeys in western Xinjiang China was investigated. In total, 93 serum samples were randomly taken from donkeys in the Kashi and Ili areas, and examined for B. equi and B. caballi infections by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using recombinant antigens. Of the 93 samples, 9 (9.6%) and 36 (38.7%) samples were positive for B. equi infection and B. caballi infection, respectively. In addition, 2 (2.2%) samples were positive for both B. equi and B. caballi infections. These results indicate that equine babesiosis might be e...
Asano K, Suzuki K, Chiba M, Sera K, Asano R, Sakai T.To investigate the relationships between trace elements concentrations in hair and atrial fibrillation (AF) in horses, concentrations of nineteen trace elements were detected in hair using the particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method. The horses were assigned to either control (n=22, no abnormalities) or AF groups (n=5) based on electrocardiograph findings. The mean concentrations of Ca and Zn in the hair of the AF group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The Zn/Cu ratio of the hair in the AF group (29.8 +/- 5.5) was significantly higher than that in the control gr...
Gawor J.The study was performed to evaluate intensity of strongylid infection in stabled tarpans using the method of collecting worms after anthelmintic treatment and in wild tarpans from Popielne reserve on the basis of faecal examination. After treatment with ivermectin 12 cyathostomes and one large strongyle species were recovered from the faeces of two tarpans. The most abundant cyathostome species were C. catinatum, C. pateratum, C. longibursatum, C. nassatum and C. coronatus. A higher intensity of infections with small strongyles (cyathostomes) was found in stabled group than in the group from t...
Frye MA.Equine urinary tract infection (UTI) most commonly occurs as a sequela to structural or functional inhibition of normal urine flow. Although it is an infrequent diagnosis in equids, the incidence of UTI in human beings is high and has inspired great investigative effort. The resultant findings with potentially broad application as well as current equine studies are reviewed here. Recent developments in the understanding of host-agent interactions and renal defense mechanisms, emerging antimicrobial resistance, and novel therapeutic alternatives to prophylactic antibiotic use are emphasized.
Pellegrini-Masini A, Livesey LC.This article provides an overview of meningitis and encephalomyelitis in horses, including diagnostic tests, treatment developments, and preventative measures reported in the equine and human medical literature of the past few years.
Feary DJ, Hassel DM.Enteritis and colitis remain challenging and life-threatening diseases despite many recent advances. Successful treatment is largely dependent on early recognition and directed therapy, which is facilitated by obtaining a complete history and physical examination. A number of new therapies and methods of monitoring critically ill patients have become integral components of treatment success. The critical monitoring of equine foals and adults continues to be an exciting and emerging field.
Lu KG, Morresey PR.Diagnosis, treatment, and, ultimately, prevention of reproductive disease are vital components of equine veterinary medicine. A thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology is necessary to reconcile the pathologic findings of disease. Only then can a rational treatment plan be formulated. Many recent advances in knowledge about the reproductive system of multiple species have application to the mare and stallion.
Dranchak PK, Valberg SJ, Onan GW, Gallant EM, Binns MM, Swinburne JE, Mickelson JR.To determine whether there was genetic linkage between the recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) trait in Thoroughbred horse pedigrees and DNA markers in genes (the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel [RYR1] gene, the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase [ATP2A1] gene, and the transverse tubule dihydropyridine receptor-voltage sensor [CACNA1S] gene) that are important in myoplasmic calcium regulation. Methods: 34 horses in the University of Minnesota RER resource herd and 62 Thoroughbreds from 3 families of Thoroughbreds outside of the university in which RER-affected status wa...
Goodrich LR.Much has been learned in the past decade about osteomyelitis. The inhibitory mechanisms of the "biofilm slime" layer that is formed by bacterial extracapsular exopolysaccharides and binds to bone, joints, and implants are now better understood than in the past. The surface colonization of bacteria that occurs within these biofilms is a biologic phenomenon that is somewhat unique to orthopedic infections. This survival strategy of bacteria is effective, and it is important for veterinarians who treat osteomyelitis to be aware of current diagnostic and therapeutic treatment modalities. The pract...
Elce YA.This article addresses the pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of several different infections within the equine abdomen and pelvic region. The latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of perirectal abscesses, umbilical infections, and local and diffuse peritonitis are discussed. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in diagnostics and therapeutics with reference to human literature that may be useful in equine practice.
Donahue JM, Sells SF, Bolin DC.To identify Actinobacillus spp isolates recovered from fetuses and pericardial fluid from horses affected with mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) and determine whether these bacterial species are the same as those isolated from clinically normal horses. Methods: Isolates of actinobacilli recovered from 18 horses with pericarditis and 109 fetuses aborted by mares affected by MRLS. Procedures-Actinobacillus spp isolates were identified to the level of species or subspecies by use of conventional phenotypic tests and biochemical and enzyme test kits. The 16S rRNA gene from selected isolates w...
Smith KJ, Bertone AL, Weisbrode SE, Radmacher M.To identify patterns and correlations of gross, histologic, and gene expression characteristics of articular cartilage from horses with osteoarthritis. Methods: 10 clinically normal horses and 11 horses with osteoarthritis of the metacarpal condyles. Methods: Metacarpophalangeal joints were opened and digitally photographed, and gross lesions were scored and quantified. Representative cartilage specimens were stained for histologic scoring. Total RNA from dorsal and palmar articular surfaces was processed on an equine gene expression microarray. Results: Histologic scores were greater in both ...
Gerard MP, Wotman KL, Komáromy AM.Infectious conditions of the equine head are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Pathogenic bacterial, viral, and fungal organisms may localize in the extensive nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, and guttural pouches, creating a range of clinical signs and conditions that can be severe enough to lead to unexpected fatality. Renewed interest in equine dentistry has led to a greater recognition of dental disease that is associated with infection. This article focuses on bacterial and fungal infections of the main anatomic regions of the equine head, where advances in diagnosis and managem...
Carmalt JL, Gordon JR, Allen AL.It has been suggested that dental abnormalities lead to temporomandibular joint inflammation and pain that may be mitigated by regular dental care. There is considerable literature on the pathophysiology of equine joint disease including studies on cytokine profiles in diseased appendicular joints. This study examined the effects of age and dental malocclusions summarized as a dental pathology score on equine temporomandibular joint cytokine (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF alpha and TGF-beta1, -beta2, -beta3) concentrations. TGF-beta3 was not detected in any joint sample. IL-1, IL-6 and TNF alpha were ...
Young AE, Bower LP, Affolter VK, De Cock HE, Ferraro GL, Bannasch DL.Chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) is a debilitating condition identified in Clydesdales, Shires and Belgian draft horses and results in progressive swelling of the lower legs associated with the development of thick skin folds, ulcerations, fibrosis and marked hyperkeratosis. The result is severe discomfort and recurrent secondary infection, often requiring euthanasia. Due to the delayed onset, many horses are bred prior to diagnosis. CPL has only been documented in three related draft horse breeds, suggesting a genetic cause. Determining the molecular basis would enable owners to test hors...
Staempfli S, Janett F, Burger D, Kündig H, Imboden I, Hässig M, Thun R.In this study, the effect of exercise (treadmill, riding) on scrotal surface temperature (SST) in the stallion with and without suspensory was evaluated. Experiments were carried out between September and November 2004 using 12 Franches-Montagnes stallions from the National Stud in Avenches (Switzerland). Each stallion performed a standardized incremental treadmill and a ridden test with and without suspensory. The intensity of exercise was monitored by heart rate and blood lactate concentration. For SST measurements, special thermistors were developed and affixed to the most ventral part of t...
Aurich J, Aurich C.The liberalization of European animal breeding legislation and an increasing diversity of equestrian sports have led to a constant rise in the number of horse breeds and breed registries. In addition to the trend towards more and smaller breed registries, there is another trend towards an international expansion of the bigger established sport horse breeds. Regional breeds, at least in smaller countries, may no longer be able to run an independent breeding programme. The typical horse breeder, in the future, will be a female and qualified in equestrian sports. Artificial insemination (AI) main...
Dukti SA, Perkins S, Murphy J, Barr B, Boston R, Southwood LL, Bernard W.Prevalence of gastric ulcerations differs widely according to breed and circumstances of management. Further study of the biological variables involved is required in order to identify more exactly the reasons for the reported range. Objective: The objectives of this present study, which do not appear to have been addressed previously in the literature, were 1) the prevalence of gastric ulceration in horses with abdominal pain. 2) difference in prevalence in horses responding to medical therapy and those requiring surgical intervention. 3) whether gastric ulceration is associated with any part...
Smith LJ, Mellor DJ, Marr CM, Mair TS.Septic digital tenosynovitis is a serious problem in the horse, with a poor prognosis being reported for recovery. Objective: The occurrence of septic digital tenosynovitis would significantly reduce the likelihood of a horse returning to its previous level of athletic function. Methods: Medical records of 90 horses treated for septic digital tenosynovitis were reviewed. Data retrieved included age, sex, location of inciting cause of sepsis, time from onset of clinical signs to presentation for treatment, and whether the horse survived to be discharged. Long-term outcome was determined through...
Burn JF, Franklin SH.The presence of abnormal respiratory sounds is commonly associated with obstructions of the upper respiratory tract. In order to establish their clinical significance measurements are required of both normal and abnormal respiratory sounds produced by horses exercising over-ground. Objective: To determine whether high quality recordings of respiratory sound can be made during over-ground exercise, and to develop a convenient measurement system that can be used to obtain respiratory sounds from horses exercising in field conditions. Methods: A range of prototypes was evaluated against the requi...
de Grauw JC, van de Lest CH, van Weeren R, Brommer H, Brama PA.Joint pain is one of the most common causes of lameness in the horse but its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Objective: To investigate which synovial fluid markers may be related to the presence of clinically detectable joint pain in the horse. Methods: Concentrations of structural (CPII, C2C, GAG) and inflammatory markers (PGE2, LTB4, CysLTs, bradykinin and substance P) were measured in fetlock joint fluid from 22 horses in which lameness was localised to the fetlock region by perineural anaesthesia. Levels of these markers were then compared in horses that responded (n = 15) to those that...
Changoor A, Hurtig MB, Runciman RJ, Quesnel AJ, Dickey JP, Lowerison M.To improve osteochondral graft reconstruction of subchondral cystic lesions in the medial and lateral femoral condyles by matching the material properties of donor and recipient sites. Objective: To measure biomechanical and biochemical parameters that influence the function and healing of osteochondral grafts used to reconstruct subchondral cystic lesions. Objective: Suitable donor sites are available within the stifle joint for reconstructing the femoral condyles, despite considerable regional property variation. Methods: Fifty-six osteochondral cores were harvested from 6 distal femurs for ...
Bergin BJ, Pierce SW, Bramlage LR, Stromberg A.Hyaluronan (HA) has been used to treat joint disease via intra-articular, i.v. and oral administration. The efficacy of intra-articular and i.v. use has been evaluated but the oral route has yet to be examined. Objective: To determine the effect of oral hyaluronan gel on joint effusion following arthroscopic surgery for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the tarsocrural joint of yearling Thoroughbreds. Methods: Forty-eight yearlings diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) of the tarsus were arbitrarily chosen prior to arthroscopic surgery. The yearlings were incl...
Wilmink JM, van den Boom R, van Weeren PR, Barneveld A.The acceptance of skin grafts in horses is unpredictable and the final cosmetic result can be disappointing. Besides movement and infection, graft failure is often caused by chronic inflammation, inherently present during second intention healing of limb wounds in horses. In human burns affected by infection and inflammation, the acceptance of the island skin grafts of the modified Meek technique appeared to be better than meshed sheet skin grafts. Objective: The percentage take of Meek micrografts is higher than of other techniques; and rates of both wound contraction and epithelialisation ar...
Weekes JS, Murray RC, Dyson SJ.In recent years, pain arising from the proximal metacarpal and metatarsal regions has become well recognized as a cause of lameness and various disease entities have been identified. However, our knowledge of normal patterns of radiopharmaceutical uptake is limited, making interpretation of images problematic. It is therefore important to characterize normal patterns of radiopharmaceutical uptake at specific sites to ensure valid interpretation of images in clinical cases with subtle lesions. The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal me...
Engeli E, Yeager AE, Erb HN, Haussler KK.The purpose of this study was to establish the normal percutaneous ultrasonographic appearance of anatomic structures within the equine sacroiliac region. Percutaneous ultrasonography was performed in a cranial-to-caudal direction in 10 normal adult live horses. The following structures were examined in detail: supraspinous ligament, lumbar and sacral spinous processes, thoracolumbar fascia and its caudal extension, tubera sacralia, ilial wings, dorsal and lateral portions of the dorsal sacroiliac ligaments, lateral part of the sacrum, and the lateral sacral crest. After ultrasonography, all a...
Robinson B, Gummow B.A disease outbreak investigation was conducted in western Queensland to investigate a rare suspected outbreak of pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) toxicosis in horses. Thirty five of 132 horses depastured on five properties on the Mitchell grass plains of western Queensland died in the first six months of 2010. Clinical-pathological findings were consistent with PA toxicosis. A local variety of Crotalaria medicaginea was the only hepatotoxic plant found growing on affected properties. Pathology reports and departure and arrival dates of two brood mares provided evidence of a pre wet season exposure ...
Held JP, Oliver JW.A study was designed to assess the secretory response of thyroid glands in horses to an economically feasible dose (5 IU) of thyrotropin injected IV, and to establish valid blood sampling periods in cases in which thyroxine concentrations were different from base-line values. Significant (P less than 0.001) response (doubling or near-doubling of base line) occurred as early as 3 hours after thyrotropin administration, with peak response at 4 to 5 hours. It was concluded that administration of 5 IU of thyrotropin is economical and effective in the horse, with collection of a second blood sample...
East IJ.In 2007, an epizootic of equine influenza (EI) occurred in Australia, involving parts of the states of Queensland and New South Wales. Following an extensive control program, the disease was eradicated within 4 months, after infecting more than 75,000 horses on over 10,000 properties. In Queensland, examination of land use patterns revealed that the majority of infected premises (89.5%) were located in one of three land use classes viz. rural residential, residential-unspecified or grazing natural vegetation. All nine clusters of infection in Queensland were surrounded to some degree by parcel...
Sebastian M, Gantz MG, Tobin T, Harkins JD, Bosken JM, Hughes C, Harrison LR, Bernard WV, Richter DL, Fitzgerald TD.During 2001, central Kentucky experienced acute transient epidemics of early and late fetal losses, pericarditis, and unilateral endophthalmitis, collectively referred to as mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS). A toxicokinetic/statistical analysis of experimental and field MRLS data was conducted using accelerated failure time (AFT) analysis of abortions following administration of Eastern tent caterpillars (ETCs; 100 or 50 g/day or 100 g of irradiated caterpillars/day) to late-term pregnant mares. In addition, 2001 late-term fetal loss field data were used in the analysis. Experimental dat...
Doxey DL, Milne EM, Harter A.The outcome for 35 horses with chronic dysautonomia which were kept in the hospital at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and subsequently returned to their owners is recorded. They constituted 42.7 per cent of the 82 chronic cases seen between 1991 and 1994; the other 47 horses were euthanased while in hospital. Of the 35 animals returned to their owners four died and 27 were available for follow up; of these 27, 12 were working competitively and six were being trained for future competitive work. It takes at least a year before it is clear whether a horse can compete successfully ...
Johnson DJ, Ostlund EN, Palmer TJ, Fett KL, Schmitt BJ.Semen from an apparently healthy 4-year-old American Quarter Horse was submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories for Equine arteritis virus isolation. Visual inspection of the semen sample upon arrival noted it was unusually yellow in color. The semen sample was inoculated onto cell monolayers, and cytopathic effect was observed 5 days postinoculation. The resultant isolate tested negative for Equine arteritis virus, and was subsequently identified as Equine rhinitis A virus. Equine rhinitis A virus has been isolated from horse urine, but has not been described in stallion sem...
Rodríguez A, Peña L, Flores JM, González M, Castaño M.This study was undertaken to investigate the presence of neuroendocrine cells (N.E.C.) by immunocytochemical means in equine lungs during three distinct evolutionary periods: fetal, neonatal and adult. The authors identified bombesin, somatostatin and calcitonin secretory cells. In the fetal lungs the N.E.C. were located in the interstitial tissue and exhibited greater immunoreactivity to bombesin than to the other two neuropeptides studied. A large number of calcitonin-producing cells and a smaller number of bombesin-positive cells were seen in the bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium of newb...
Bostedt H.A clinical study about the effects of a beta 2-mimetic agent (Clenbuterol) in mares with pregnancy disorders or disorders during the periparturient period (n = 34) is reported. In general, a single dose of 0.3 mg Clenbuterol given i.v. induces sufficient tocolysis. Subsequent doses or follow-up treatment depend upon individual development during dystocia, indication of treatment and clinical preparturient status (dorsoflexio uteri ante partum, abortus imminens, preparturient labor pains).
Bistner SI, Riis RC.Several manifestations of equine corenal ulcers caused by mycotic agents are discussed. Antifungal therapy is reviewed. Mycotic keratitis should be suspected when routine corneal ulcer therapy is nonproductive.