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Topic:Equine Health
Equine health encompasses the study and management of diseases, disorders, and overall well-being of horses. It involves understanding various physiological systems, preventive care, and treatment strategies to maintain optimal health in equine populations. Common areas of focus include nutrition, infectious diseases, orthopedic conditions, and reproductive health. Research in equine health aims to advance knowledge on diagnostic methods, therapeutic interventions, and management practices that improve horse welfare and performance. This page collects peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the diverse aspects of equine health, offering insights into current findings and advancements in the field.
Digestible energy intake, dry matter digestibility and mineral status of grazing New Zealand Thoroughbred yearlings. To measure the nutritive value of pasture in terms of digestible energy intake (DEI) and dry matter (DM) digestibility, and to determine the effect of Ca, P, Cu, Zn, and Se supplementation on growth rate and degree of physeal swelling in Thoroughbred yearlings grazed on pasture. Methods: Fourteen yearling horses were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups and rotationally grazed on a ryegrass/white clover pasture for 7 months. One group was supplemented daily with a mineral mix. Liveweight changes were recorded at fortnightly intervals and pasture mineral composition determined at monthly interva...
The synovial response to exogenous phospholipid (synovial surfactant) injected into the equine radiocarpal joint compared with that to prilocaine, hyaluronan and propylene glycol. To determine the effects of the intra-articular injection of surface-active phospholipid in a propylene glycol carrier on synovial fluid composition and joint function of horses, and to compare these effects with those observed after the intra-articular administration of prilocaine, hyaluronan and propylene glycol alone. Methods: Twenty-four horses were randomly allocated to four treatment groups: Group 1 100 mg of surface-active phospholipid in 1 ml of propylene glycol; Group 2 1 ml of propylene glycol; Group 3 10 ml of prilocaine; Group 4 2 ml of hyaluronan. Left radiocarpal joints were inje...
Endoscopic observations on laryngeal symmetry and movements in young racing horses. An endoscopic survey of young race horses was performed to examine the prevalence and character of laryngeal movements during quiet respiration. The main aim was to determine whether those arytenoid movements which could possibly reflect the efficiency of left dorsal cricoarytenoid muscle function changed over a period of time. Of the 452 horses examined, 439 were Thoroughbreds and 23 were Standardbreds, 250 were less than 2 years of age (6-21 months), and 202 were 2 years old. One hundred and nine of these horses were examined again 16 months later. Arytenoid movements were given one of four ...
Factors affecting long-term survival of horses recovering from surgery of the small intestine. Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE) has been associated with a particularly poor post operative prognosis for equine colic cases, but the reasons for this are unknown. Objective: To identify variables associated with post operative survival following surgery for small intestinal disease; develop a model describing long-term post operative survival; and identify reasons for the poor prognosis associated with EFE. Methods: Data from 382 horses undergoing surgery were used to identify variables associated with survival. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model for post operative survival was ...
Meningoencephalomyelitis in a foal due to Salmonella agona infection. A neonatal Thoroughbred foal was presented with rib fractures and left forelimb lameness secondary to dystocia. Results: The foal developed a head tilt, seizures and watery diarrhoea during hospitalisation and died at 7 days of age. Histological examination of the brain and spinal cord revealed a suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis with vasculitis, and numerous intralesional, gram-negative bacilli. Similar microscopic lesions were noted in the lungs, renal medullary interstitium, and umbilicus. Bacilli in the brain, spinal cord and umbilicus were identified immunohistochemically as Salmonella...
The equine larynx. A series of landmark studies on the function of the equine larynx was conducted by a group of researchers at Massey University between 1970 and 1987. These studies commenced with investigations on the normal laryngeal anatomy and physiology (Goulden et al 1976a; Anderson et al 1980; Quinlan et al 1982), and progressed to a clinical appraisal of laryngeal hemiplegia, the most important clinical disease affecting the horse's larynx (Goulden and Anderson 198 lab, 1982). The studies concluded with a series of in-depth cytological and pathological studies of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles and nerv...
Linear and temporal stride characteristics of 3-day event horses at a CCI*** 3-day event horse inspection. To quantify the linear and temporal characteristics of the trot of 3-day event horses during the preliminary horse inspection of an advanced grade CCI*** 3-day event. Methods: A cross sectional study was made of the kinematics of 24 3-day-event horses during the first horse inspection at a CCI*** level S-day event. Video footage was digitised and linear and temporal measurements were made. Results: The horses trotted for an average of 10.44+/-1.55 strides. Spatial measurements were made on an average of 5.66+/-0.92 consecutive strides when the horses were within the calibration zone. The horse...
A retrospective analysis of left dorsal displacement of the large colon treated with phenylephrine hydrochloride and exercise in 12 horses (1996-98). To review the outcome of cases of left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC) treated with phenylephrine HCl and mild exercise. Methods: Physical parameters, laboratory data, ultrasonographic findings and outcome were analysed in a retrospective study of 12 horses with a confirmed diagnosis of LDDLC which were treated with phenylephrine HCl and mild exercise. Results: Administration of phenylephrine HCl and mild exercise resulted in the resolution of LDDLC in 11 of 12 treated horses. One horse failed to resolve the entrapment and required surgical correction. Conclusions: Administratio...
Survival and complication rates in 300 horses undergoing surgical treatment of colic. Part 2: Short-term complications. Few studies have assessed short- and long-term complication rates of horses following surgical treatment of colic, a potentially fatal condition. Complications can lead to patient discomfort and increased costs; knowledge of predisposing factors may help to reduce complication rates. Objective: To document and analyse short-term complications in 300 horses undergoing colic surgery, and to assess some of the possible predisposing factors. Methods: History, clinical findings, surgical findings and procedures, and post operative treatments of 300 consecutive surgical colic cases (1994-2001) were ...
The effect of injectable barium selenate on the selenium status of horses on pasture. To examine the effect of intramuscular barium selenate on the blood selenium concentration of horses with marginal selenium status. Methods: Eighteen mares were assigned to one of six groups. The mares in groups 1-4 received barium selenate at 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 mg Se/kg, respectively, injected into the right pectoral muscle mass. The mares in group 5 received sodium selenate at 0.05 mg Se/kg orally at 8-week intervals. The mares in group 6 were left untreated. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days after the initial treatment for assay ...
Isolation of equine herpesvirus type 5 in New Zealand. To report the first isolation of equine herpesvirus 5 (EHV-5) in New Zealand as part of a study of equine respiratory viruses in New Zealand. Methods: Nasal swabs and peripheral blood leukocytes were collected from 114 foals and adult horses, inoculated on to equine fetal kidney, rabbit kidney and Vero cell lines and observed for cytopathic effect. EHV-5 isolates were identified using an EHV-5 specific polymerase chain reaction. All samples positive for EHV-5 were also checked for the presence of EHV-2, EHV-1 or EHV-4 DNA using published type-specific primers. The polymerase chain reaction res...
Survival and complication rates in 300 horses undergoing surgical treatment of colic. Part 1: Short-term survival following a single laparotomy. A minority of equine colic cases prove fatal unless treated surgically; however, few studies have considered long-term survival and complication rates, and few have attempted to identify factors that might affect outcomes. Such information is required for owners and veterinary surgeons to make informed decisions about the most appropriate treatment for individual cases. Objective: To document short-term survival rates of 300 horses undergoing colic surgery and analyse factors that might have predisposed to short-term death. Methods: History, clinical and surgical findings, treatments and outco...
Use of web-based data collection to evaluate analgesic administration and the decision for surgery in horses with colic. There is no current veterinary information with regard to data entry on a website. We therefore completed a prospective study on use of analgesics in relation to the need for abdominal surgery using a web-based survey instrument. Objective: To establish an internet-based data entry system that could be used to record prospective data on horses with colic. Objective: Failure of horses to respond to the initial administration of an analgesic is an indicator of the need for abdominal surgery. Methods: A survey was developed to determine if the response to administration of an analgesic during a v...
Structure of myelin P2 protein from equine spinal cord. Equine P2 protein has been isolated from horse spinal cord and its structure determined to 2.1 A. Since equine myelin is a viable alternative to bovine tissue for large-scale preparations, characterization of the proteins from equine spinal cord myelin has been initiated. There is an unusually high amount of P2 protein in equine CNS myelin compared with other species. The structure was determined by molecular replacement and subsequently refined to an R value of 0.187 (Rfree=0.233). The structure contains a molecule of the detergent LDAO and HEPES buffer in the binding cavity and is otherwise ...
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from animals and veterinary personnel in Ireland. Reports of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in animals have become more frequent in recent years. This paper documents the recovery of MRSA from animals with respiratory, urinary tract or wound infection and from animals subjected to surgical procedures following treatment in one veterinary hospital and 16 private veterinary clinics in different geographical locations throughout Ireland. MRSA was recovered from 25 animals comprising 14 dogs, eight horses, one cat, one rabbit and a seal, and also from 10 attendant veterinary personnel. Clinical susceptibility testing suggested...
Investigation and management of a cluster of cases of equine retained fetal membranes in Highland ponies. Four at-risk Highland ponies on the same premises all retained their fetal membranes in the same breeding season. The ponies were treated with a combination of oxytocin, infusion and distension of the allantochorionic sac with fluid, gentle traction in one case, and supportive therapy. The possible causes of the condition were investigated with clinicopathological tests and analyses of the herbage for its species composition and fungal contamination. No obvious possible causative abnormalities were identified apart from a low total serum calcium level in one case. No fescue grass was found and...
West Nile virus surveillance, Guadeloupe, 2003-2004. We conducted extensive surveillance for West Nile virus infection in equines and chickens in Guadeloupe in 2003-2004. We showed a high seroprevalence in equines in 2003 related to biome, followed by a major decrease in virus circulation in 2004. No human or equine cases were reported during the study.
Hereditary skeletal muscle diseases in the horse. A review. Since riders nowadays are expecting the highest level of performance from their horses, muscular disorders therefore represent a major problem for the equine athlete. A lot of research has been done to identify muscular disorders and their etiopathogenesis. Both acquired and inherited forms of muscle diseases have been described. In this review only the latter forms will be mentioned. Major signs of all muscle disorders are muscular stiffness, cramping or pain, muscular fasciculations, muscular atrophy and exercise intolerance. Muscle biopsies can help to identify the cause of rhabdomyolysis o...
Effect of dexamethasone, feeding time, and insulin infusion on leptin concentrations in stallions. Three experiments tested the hypotheses that daily cortisol rhythm, feeding time, and/or insulin infusion affect(s) leptin secretion in stallions. Ten mature stallions received ad libitum hay and water and were fed a grain concentrate once daily at 0700. In Exp. 1, stallions received either a single injection of dexamethasone (125 microg/kg BW i.m.; n = 5) or vehicle (controls; n = 5) at 0700 on d -1. Starting 24 h later, blood samples were collected every 2 h for 36 h via jugular venipuncture. Cortisol in control stallions varied (P < 0.01) with time, with a morning peak and evening nadir;...
Scrutiny of antimicrobial use in racing horses with allergic small airway inflammatory disease. Antimicrobials had been administered to 38/55 (69%) racing standardbred and Thoroughbred horses with poor performance, subsequently diagnosed with nonseptic inflammatory airway disease. Horses with cough were more commonly treated (P = 0.02). In almost all cases, no clinical signs suggested that bacterial infection was present. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials was common. Des antimicrobiens ont été administrés à 38/55 (69 %) chevaux standardbreds et chevaux pursang affichant une piètre performance, diagnostiqués par la suite avec une maladie inflammatoire aseptique des voies respirat...
Effect of premolar and molar occlusal angle on feed digestibility, water balance, and fecal particle size in horses. To determine whether occlusal angle of the premolar and molar teeth (ie, molar occlusal angle) was associated with feed digestibility, water balance, or fecal particle size in adult horses. Methods: Observational study. Methods: 40 pregnant mares ranging from 3 to 19 years old. Methods: The horses were randomly allocated to 1 of 5 feeding groups with 8 horses/group. Horses were sedated, and molar occlusal angle was measured with 2 methods. An oral examination was performed, and total number of dental abnormalities was recorded. Feed digestibility, water balance, and fecal particle size were me...
Common variable immunodeficiency in three horses with presumptive bacterial meningitis. Three adult horses were evaluated for signs of musculoskeletal pain, dullness, ataxia, and seizures. A diagnosis of bacterial meningitis was made on the basis of results of CSF analysis. Because primary bacterial meningitis is so rare in adult horses without any history of generalized sepsis or trauma, immune function testing was pursued. Flow cytometric phenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed, and proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes in response to concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, and lipopolysaccharide was determined. Serum IgA, IgM, and IgG co...
Isolation of equine herpesvirus-1 lacking glycoprotein C from a dead neonatal foal in Japan. We isolated a variant equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), strain 5089, from the lung of a dead neonatal foal in Japan and characterized the biological nature of the virus. The virus spread in cultured cells mainly by cell-to-cell infection, unlike wild-type EHV-1, which spreads efficiently as a cell-free virus. The virus titer in cultured supernatant and the intracellular virus titer were low compared to those of wild-type EHV-1. Heparin treatment of the virus had no effect on viral infectivity in cell culture. Glycoprotein C (gC) was not detected by Western blotting and fluorescent antibody tests i...
Rural cases of equine West Nile virus encephalomyelitis and the normalized difference vegetation index. Data from an outbreak (August to October, 2002) of West Nile virus (WNV) encephalomyelitis in a population of horses located in northern Indiana was scanned for clusters in time and space. One significant (p = 0.04) cluster of case premises was detected, occurring between September 4 and 10 in the south-west part of the study area (85.70 degrees N, 45.50 degrees W). It included 10 case premises (3.67 case premises expected) within a radius of 2264 m. Image data were acquired by the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) sensor onboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration...
Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries of the lower limbs in Thoroughbred racehorses in New Zealand. To investigate risk factors for injury to musculoskeletal structures of the lower fore- and hind-limbs of Thoroughbred horses training and racing in New Zealand. Methods: A case-control study analysed by logistic regression was used to compare explanatory variables for musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in racehorses. The first dataset, termed the Training dataset, involved 459 first-occurrence cases of lower-limb MSI in horses in training, and the second, the Starting dataset, comprised a subset of those horses that had started in at least one trial or race in the training preparation that ended ...
Risk factors for injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon and suspensory apparatus in Thoroughbred racehorses in New Zealand. To investigate risk factors for injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory apparatus (SA) of the forelimbs in Thoroughbred racehorses in New Zealand. Methods: Poisson and negative binomial regression, with exposure time represented by cumulative training days for each horse, were used to relate explanatory variables to the incidence rate (IR) of cases of inflammation of the SDFT (n=51), and injuries involving the SA (n=48) in a population of 1,571 commercially- trained racehorses over 554,745 study days. Only the first occurrence of an injury for any one horse was el...
Pulmonary oedema associated with anaesthesia for colic surgery in a horse. A 506 kg Warmblood horse with colic was anaesthetized for exploratory celiotomy. Anaesthesia was complicated by arterial hypoxaemia which persisted throughout surgery from the induction of anaesthesia. After endotracheal extubation in the recovery box, a degree of airway obstruction probably occurred during a brief delay in naso-tracheal intubation. Signs of pulmonary oedema were seen shortly afterwards. Furosemide and oxygen were given. Arterial hypoxaemia was present [PaO2: 6.5 kPa (49 mmHg)] when FIO2 was an estimated 0.3. The horse recovered and stood after 45 minutes. It was re-anaestheti...
Immune-mediated keratitis in horses: 19 cases (1998-2004). The purpose of this study is to describe clinical and histologic findings, treatment, and outcome of horses with suspected immune-mediated keratitis (IMMK). Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Nineteen horses that presented to NCSU-VTH from 1998 to 2004 with IMMK. Procedures Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, duration of clinical signs, therapy prior to initial examination, ophthalmic abnormalities, diagnostics performed, therapy instituted, and long-term vision. Results: Nineteen horses (22 eyes) were diagnosed with IMMK. Three distinct clinical groups were...
Evaluation of hyaluronidase activity in equine and bovine sera and equine synovial fluid samples by use of enzyme zymography. To investigate the activities of hyaluronidases in equine sera and synovial fluid samples and sera from fetal and adult bovids and evaluate the extent to which the degradation of hyaluronan is influenced by chondrocytes. Methods: Commercial and noncommercial samples of equine (n = 6) and bovine (6) sera and 16 synovial fluid samples from horses. Methods: Hyaluronidase activities in sera and synovial fluid samples were assessed via enzyme zymography (performed at pH 4, 5, 6, or 7). Chondrocytes were isolated from equine cartilage and cultured with or without hyaluronan (1 mg/mL); the degradatio...
