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.
Maria WS, Cambuy MO, Costa JO, Velarde DT, Chávez-Olórtegui C.The correlation coefficients between in vivo neutralization of lethal toxicity (ED50), neutralization of the hemolytic activity (PLA2) and levels of antibodies measured by ELISA, was investigated to test the potency of horse anti-bothropic antivenom. Twenty six horses were hyperimmunized with Bothrops venoms (B. alternatus, B. jararaca, B. jararacussu, B. neuwiedii and B. moojeni). To set up an indirect ELISA, for neutralization of PLA2 activity and for determination of ED50 in Swiss mice, the whole Bothrops jararaca venom (reference venom for assessing the bothropic antivenom potency in Brazi...
Heneine LG, Carvalho AD, Barbosa CF, Arávjo dos Santos MR.The objective of this study was the search for a suitable venom antigen to be used in an in vitro alternative immunoassay, to the standard antivenom neutralization assay using mice. Bothrops jararaca venom was fractionated in DEAE-Sephacel columns and the fractions were tested for a correlation between antibody capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) absorbance values and the 'in vivo' antivenom potency. Individual antivenoms from 14 horses and 15 separate FUNED polyspecific Bothrops ampouled antivenoms (final product) were used. Fractions showing the higher correlations were further...
Ayala I, Montes A, Benedito JL, Castillo C, Hernández J, Gutierrez C, García-Partida P.Configuration and amplitude values of the QRS complex of the electrocardiogram were studied with standard Einthoven leads in 173 healthy Spanish-bred (Andalusian) horses, aged between 1 month and 17 years. Animals which were 1 month old had a predominantly negative QRS complex, whereas a predominantly positive complex direction was found in the rest of the animals. Statistically significant variations were found for the Q-wave and QRS main vector between the different age groups, with highest values for the Q-wave and most negative values for the direction of the QRS main vector in animals up ...
Pinkowski W, Mohr E, Krzywanek H.During training, in 10 trotters, blood samples from the vena jugularis were taken before and after a heat with 80% of maximum capability as well as in the recovery period. Lactic acid concentration and pH-value, haematocrit and haemoglobin content, as well as protein concentration and osmolality were measured. With the exception of protein concentration, the time course of the values during the recovery could be described by simple mathematical models (biexponential or exponential equations). Only in the case of blood lactate concentration, the basal value was not yet achieved 120 min after th...
Rosiles MR, Bautista J, Fuentes VO, Ross F.Equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM), swine pulmonary oedema and human oesophageal cancer have been associated with fumonisine B1 (FB1) ingestion. For the first time in this study it is reported that FB1 was identified as being associated with an outbreak of ELEM at Oaxaca, Mexico. Symptoms of ELEM and Equine Venezuelan Encephalitis (EVE) are similar and a different diagnosis is obligatory. In the geographical area (Oaxaca, Mexico) where donkeys died showing a neurological syndrome, 14 corn samples were collected. With the use of TLC (Thin layer chromatography) and HPLC (High performance liquid...
Pearson RA, Dijkman JT, Krecek RC, Wright P.Two experiments were designed to compare the energy used in carrying loads by donkeys and ponies. In the first experiment 3 donkeys and 3 ponies were compared on treadmills in the UK. Density of load (lead shot or straw) had no significant effect on the energy cost of carrying loads; however, the energy cost of carrying a load decreased significantly (p < 0.001) as the weight of the load increased (in donkeys 6.44, 4.35 and 3.03 J/kg load/m, in ponies 5.82, 3.75 and 3.68 J/kg load/m, for loads of 13, 20 and 27 kg/100 kg liveweight (M) respectively). Differences between species were not sign...
MacLeod JN, Fubini SL, Gu DN, Tetreault JW, Todhunter RJ.To determine whether steady-state levels of type-II procollagen, aggrecan core protein, or fibronectin mRNA in articular chondrocytes are altered by synovitis or administration of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA). Methods: Articular cartilage specimens collected from 10 ponies, 2.5 to 3.5 years old and 200 to 300 kg. Methods: 4 experimental groups were compared, using the cartilage specimens: control, MPA-treated, lipopolysaccharide-induced synovitis, and lipopolysaccharide-induced synovitis with MPA treatment. RNA was isolated from articular cartilage and compared by northern blot analysis, u...
Ainsworth DM, Eicker SW, Yeagar AE, Sweeney CR, Viel L, Tesarowski D, Lavoie JP, Hoffman A, Paradis MR, Reed SM, Erb HN, Davidow E, Nalevanko M.To determine whether physical examination, laboratory, or radiographic abnormalities in foals with Rhodococcus equi infection were associated with survival, ability to race at least once after recovery, or, for foals that survived and went on to race, subsequent racing performance. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 49 Thoroughbreds and 66 Standardbreds admitted to 1 of 6 veterinary teaching hospitals between 1984 and 1992 in which R equi infection was positively diagnosed. Methods: Results of physical examination, laboratory testing, and thoracic radiography were reviewed. Indices of raci...
Sprayberry KA, Madigan J, LeCouteur RA, Valentine BA.A Thoroughbred-Percheron crossbred gelding developed a fulminant cascade of sequelae following a severe episode of rhabdomyolysis. Complications may occur with rhabdomyolysis of any etiology. In warmblood horses with Percheron bloodlines, rhabdomyolysis may be secondary to polysaccharide storage disease, and aggressive therapy should be undertaken promptly to avoid the complications.
Nagy P, Solti L, Kulcsár M, Reiczigel J, Huszenicza G, Abaváry K, Wölfling A.Several assay systems (3H radioimmunoassay (RIA) with and without extraction; microplate enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA); qualitative ELISA (tube test)] were used to measure plasma progesterone concentration in mare plasma. The direct RIA showed a close correlation (R = 0.94) with the extraction RIA. The direct RIA and the microplate ELISA were compared in two different studies. In the first study 1155 samples of postpartum mares were used for progesterone determination with both assays. The ELISA resulted in more elevated values both in oestrus and dioestrus (0.19+/-0.3 and 2.44+/-3.62 nmol...
Schneider M, Fey K, Tellhelm B, Litzke LF, Sasse HH.This article reports a case of guttural pouch bleeding which was managed successfully by using intravascular embolisation systems to occlude the damaged vessels. Percutaneous catheterisation of the common carotid artery allowed angiographic visualisation of the main head arteries: A. carotis externa, A. carotis interna and A. occipitalis, which showed no abnormalities angiographically. Originating from the A. occipitalis, one artery sent smaller, extensively branching and tortuous vessels to the guttural pouch area. This branching was interpreted as a sign of inflammatory hypervascularization....
Johnsen AH, Sandin A, Rourke IJ, Bundgaard JR, Nilsson G, Rehfeld JF.Previous studies have indicated that equine G-cell processing of progastrin differs from that of other species. Since the difference may be due to structural features, we have identified equine gastrin-17 and -34 (
Holman PJ, Becu T, Bakos E, Polledo G, Cruz D, Wagner GG.Babesia equi, a causative agent of equine piroplasmosis, was isolated from horses in the Chaco Province of Argentina, a known piroplasmosis endemic region. Fifteen B. equi field isolates were acquired by culture from 23 actively working horses from 2 ranches. The horses appeared healthy with no clinical signs or histories indicative of equine piroplasmosis. All 23 horses had B. equi-specific antibody activity by the indirect fluorescent antibody test and 18 were also complement fixation test positive for B. equi. Equine erythrocytes were prepared for parasite culture using a microcentrifuge tu...
Young LE, Blissitt KJ, Clutton RE, Molony V.To evaluate temporal hemodynamic effects of dobutamine in horses anesthetized with halothane. Methods: 8 adult Thoroughbreds. Methods: Anesthesia was induced by i.v. administration of romifidine and ketamine and maintained using halothane in oxygen. After 60 minutes, dobutamine was administered i.v. for 60 minutes at 4 micrograms/kg of body weight/min. Measurements of left ventricular function were obtained by transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Results: Mean, systolic, diastolic, aortic, pulmonary arterial, and left and right ventricular end-diastolic and systolic pr...
Crossett B, Suire S, Herrler A, Allen WR, Stewart F.One of the major, progesterone-dependent proteins secreted into the uterine lumen of the mare is a 19-kDa lipocalin (P19). It associates strongly with the embryonic capsule that envelops the young horse conceptus in early gestation, suggesting that it may be involved in sustaining early development. However, it was not known whether the protein was transported through the capsule and/or trophoblast layer and into the yolk sac cavity. To address this question, polyclonal antisera were raised against a C-terminal peptide (based on the deduced amino acid sequence of P19) and a recombinant-derived...
Wittern C, Hendrickson DA, Trumble T, Wagner A.A 364-kg (800-lb) 15-month-old sexually intact cryptorchid male Quarter Horse was admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital for castration. The horse was placed in standing stocks, and a caudal epidural injection of 18 mg of detomidine hydrochloride (50 micrograms/kg [23 micrograms/lb] of body weight) was administered. Fifteen minutes after injection, the horse unexpectedly collapsed to the floor, first into sternal, and then into lateral, recumbency. Because the horse would not get up, the decision was made to perform the surgery with the horse under general anesthesia. The horse required ...
Cornelissen BP, Rijkenhuizen AB, van den Hoogen BM, Rutten VP, Barneveld A.To develop and define a model of acute synovitis/capsulitis in the equine metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) to study clinical effects of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Methods: 5 adult Standardbreds. Methods: Polyvinyl alcohol foam particles were injected into the left front fetlock of horses; the right front fetlock was used as a control. Horses were examined clinically and for lameness on a regular basis. Blood samples were taken to measure routine variables. Synovial fluid samples were collected from both fetlocks, and macroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical variables were measur...
Bowker RM, Van Wulfen KK, Springer SE, Linder KE.To examine macro- and microscopic characteristics of cartilage of the distal phalanx (ungual cartilage [UC]) and digital cushion in the equine foot and to relate them to the foot's function of energy dissipation. Methods: 85 horses and 5 foals of various breeds and ages. Methods: Feet, obtained at necropsy, were perfused with India ink (n = 30), latex (5), or polymer plastic (10). Select feet were examined histologically for tissue architecture and to identify elastic fibers. Immunochemistry to identify substance P peptides in nerves (feet from foals) and gold chloride impregnation of axons (n...
Klug E, Sieme H, Peters E.Equine artificial insemination (AI) meanwhile has been widely established in the warm blood horse industry. Because of its importance consistent hygienic aspects and their significance for the use of stallions as semen donors in AI-programs are presented and clarified. Incidence as well as importance of equine venereal infectious diseases are considered. Data of physiological bacterial genital flora and treatment principles of therapeutic control of venereal infectious bacterial agents as well as a model of control of Equine Viral Arteritis are given. A prophylactic hygiene program for donor s...
Crevier-Denoix N, Collobert C, Sanaa M, Bernard N, Joly C, Pourcelot P, Geiger D, Bortolussi C, Bousseau B, Denoix JM.To assess histologic variations of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) according to site and to horse age and activity, and to correlate these data with reported segmental mechanical results. Methods: Superficial digital flexor tendons isolated from 42 horses 0.5 hour to 23 years old. Methods: 7 segments of each SDFT were delimited and submitted for conventional histologic examination. Each segment was examined and graded for fiber undulation, cellularity, number and size of interfascicular connective spaces (ICS), presence or absence of focal and diffuse chondroid metaplasia, ...
Rush BR, Worster AA, Flaminio MJ, Matson CJ, Hakala JE.To determine alteration in adrenocortical function in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively. Methods: 6 horses with inducible and reversible heaves. Methods: Episodes of heaves were induced by exposure to moldy hay and straw for 7 days (natural challenge). Horses then underwent treatment (aerosolized beclomethasone, parenterally administered dexamethasone, and aerosolized propellant) for 7 days. Horses remained in the mold-contaminated environment for 7 days after discontinuat...
Brashier MK, Geor RJ, Ames TR, O'Leary TP.To determine whether supplemental i.v. calcium administration would attenuate or prevent gentamicin-induced acute renal failure, defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration > or = 50% above baseline. Methods: 10 healthy pony mares. Methods: Pony mares were randomly assigned to receive calcium at a dosage of 20 mg/kg of body weight or saline solution i.v., twice daily for 14 days. All pony mares received gentamicin at a dosage of 20 mg/kg i.v. every 8 hours for 14 days. Gentamicin pharmacokinetic, serum biochemical, and urinalysis data were measured every other day for the 14-da...
Nasu T, Yamanaka T, Nakai M, Ogawa H.The blood supply in the equine hoof was studied by a microvascular casting corrosion technique and scanning electron microscopy in combination with observations of sections of the decalcificated digit. The dermal lamella was observed at the hoof wall and the dermal papilla at the other parts of the hoof. The microvascular architecture of the dermal lamella differed from that of dermal papilla. The vascular cast in the dermal papillar regions indicated that each papilla contained two central vessels (artery and vein), which ran parallel to each other, and the capillary plexus surrounding these ...
Wagner B, Overesch G, Sheoran AS, Holmes MA, Richards C, Leibold W, Radbruch A.Previous restriction analysis of cloned equine DNA and genomic DNA of equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells had indicated the existence of one c epsilon, one c alpha and up to six c gamma genes in the haploid equine genome. The c epsilon and c alpha genes have been aligned on a 30 kb DNA fragment in the order 5' c epsilon-c alpha 3'. Here we describe the alignment of the equine c mu and c gamma genes by deletion analysis of one IgM, four IgG and two equine light chain expressing heterohybridomas. This analysis establishes the existence of six c gamma genes per haploid genome. The genomic a...
Pusterla N, Hall TL, Wetzlich SE, Monmaney G, Collier JR, Hill JA, Tell LA.The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of single- and multi-dose ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA) administered subcutaneously at a dose of 13.2 mg/kg to 12 neonatal foals 1-3 days of age. Six foals received a single subcutaneous dose, while 6 additional foals received 4 doses of CCFA at 48-h intervals. Blood samples were collected at pre-determined times following drug administration, and plasma concentrations of ceftiofur free acid equivalents (CFAE) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Following single-dose administration of CCFA, the...
Peacock RE, Smart L.A dog was presented for acute abdominal distension after inadvertent access to a large amount of dry dog food and possibly horse feed consisting of chaff, pony cubes and vitamin, mineral and yeast supplements. Results: A marked hyperchloraemia and decreased anion gap on blood electrolyte analysis prompted a review of the patient's history for potential ingestion of bromide. It was revealed that the horse feed was supplemented with potassium bromide. The serum bromide level was 23.6 mmol/L. The dog recovered uneventfully. Conclusions: This case report highlights the importance of knowing common...
Strootmann T, Spitzbarth I, Della Tommasa S, Brehm W, Köller G, Troillet A.Research and provision of data on macrophages by cytological synovial fluid analysis and light microscopy in horses with septic arthritis MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of 167 synovial fluid samples were evaluated and subdivided into different groups: (1) non-septic, (2) haematogenous septic arthritis in foals and (3) traumatic/iatrogenic septic arthritis. The effect of joint lavage on synovial fluid cytology and on the occurrence of macrophage phenotypes was investigated. Results: Regardless of aetiology and age of the horse, macrophage concentrations in synovial sepsis are decreased to a medi...
Lançoni R, Celeghini ECC, Gonella-Diaza AM, Júnior VG, de Carvalho CPT, Zoca GB, Garcia-Oliveros LN, Batissaco L, Oliveira LZ, de Arruda RP.This study aimed to assess the semen ubiquitin levels of stallions with good (GF) and poor semen freezability (PF) and to evaluate the relationship between sperm ubiquitination and sperm morphological defects. Five ejaculates from eight adult stallions (n = 40) were collected and cryopreserved. Then, the ubiquitin level in equine sperm cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry with epifluorescence microscopy, and sperm morphology was assessed by differential interference contrast microscopy. Sperm cells were classified according to the intensity (classification 1: from I to IV; I = very l...
Johnson KL, Hespel AM, Price JM, de Swarte M.Radiology can be a challenging subject for students and finding new techniques that help improve their understanding could have positive effects in their clinical practice. The purpose of this prospective experimental study was to implement the use of color-coded, three-dimensional-printed, handheld equine carpus models into a radiographic anatomy course and evaluate the impact objectively and subjectively using quizzes and student response surveys. A first-year veterinary class was randomly divided into two similarly sized groups (groups A and B) for an equine normal radiographic anatomy labo...
Dymock DC, Pauwels FE.To describe key morphological attributes of the third metacarpal bone (Mc3) of horses and to determine whether or not the symmetry of the Mc3 varied significantly between limbs of the same horse. Methods: Ten pairs of metacarpi were collected from slaughter facilities. The age and breed of the horses were recorded. Fixed points and axes that could be easily reproduced between bones were identified on high-quality photographic images of each bone. Using image analysis, three angles were measured. Angle gamma measured the rotation around the long axis of the diaphysis of Mc3, angle delta the ang...
Vlaminck L, Cnudde V, Pieters K, Van Den Broeck W, Steenhaut M, Jacobs P, Gasthuys F.To evaluate the biological behavior of a nonresorbable bone substitute (NRBS) in the alveoli of ponies, compared with tissue quality in naturally healing alveoli, after cheek tooth extraction. Methods: 5 clinically normal ponies. Methods: In each pony, both maxillary fourth premolars (Triadan 108/208) were repulsed bilaterally during anesthesia. One randomly chosen alveolus was filled with NRBS and isolated from the oral cavity by use of dental impression material and a spring-wire retention device. The other alveolus was occluded in its occlusal third portion with dental impression material. ...
Dowling BA, Dart AJ, Trope G.Three horses with severely comminuted, open facial bone fractures and one horse with a comminuted, open orbital rim fracture were referred for treatment. Severe facial bone asymmetry and epistaxis were apparent in all cases and subcutaneous emphysema was present in two, however physical and neurological examinations were otherwise normal. Radiography and endoscopy were of some use in assessing the degree of damage, although the true extent of the damage was more apparent at surgery. Surgical reduction of the fractures was recommended to maximise cosmetic and functional outcome. After surgical ...
Rendon RA, Shuster L, Dodman NH.Stereotypic cribbing in horses is thought to involve excess dopaminergic activity within the striatum. Various models of stress-induced stereotypies including cribbing in horses postulate that stress stimulates the release of endorphins, triggering the release of striatal dopamine. Dopamine in turn activates basal ganglia motor programs, reinforcing behavior via a reward mechanism. Furthermore, the release of dopamine by endorphins has been shown to depend on activation of NMDA receptors. In the present study, horses identified as cribbers and volunteered by their owners were treated with the ...
Mathias S, Allen WR.The incidence of recurrent spontaneous abortion within the human population in the Western world is low (2-5%) but significant, and a proportion of these pregnancy losses are thought to have an underlying immunological cause. Immunization of women who have a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion with lymphocytes isolated from their husband or a third party donor is one of several forms of immunotherapy used to treat the problem. Early pregnancy loss in Thoroughbred mares is also significant and, as in women, a small number of mares undergo repeated pregnancy losses. Two trials have been pe...
De Godoy RF, Filgueiras RR, Gontijo LA, Ximenes FH, De Gouvêa LV, Da Silva Pereira C, Almeida RM, Leite CR, Neto AR, Borges JR.To report repair of a right proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fracture in a foal with a hybrid external fixator (HEF). Methods: Case report. Methods: A 5-month-old male foal. Methods: After open surgical reduction, an HEF built with wires, 2 half-rings, 3 half-threaded connecting rods, and Schanz pins was used to stabilize the fracture. Results: Immediately after surgery, the foal had relatively good weight bearing. The HEF was removed at 60 days after radiographic confirmation of healing. Conclusions: HEF can be used to stabilize a proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fracture in a 5-mon...
Pennati A, Apfelbeck T, Brounts S, Galipeau J.Mammalian platelets participate in the immediate tissue injury response by initiating coagulation and further promoting tissue injury mitigation and repair. The latter properties are deployed following platelet release of presynthetized morphogens, cytokines, and growth and chemotactic factors, which launch a tissue regenerative, angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory program. Several blood-derived biologic products, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet lysate (PL), are currently on the market to allow proper healing and tissue regeneration. However, not all growth factors are released from...
Barber MJ, Sampson SN, Schneider RK, Baszler T, Tucker RL.A 5-year-old Appaloosa mare was examined for severe left forelimb lameness of 4 months' duration. Results: Lameness was evident at the walk and trot and was exacerbated when the horse circled to the left. Signs of pain were elicited in response to hoof testers placed over the frog of the left front hoof, and a palmar digital nerve block eliminated the lameness. Radiographs revealed no abnormalities, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed increased bone density in the medullary cavity of the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone in the proton density and T2-weighted images and a defect in the...
Roussel AJ, Becht JL, Adams SB.Choledocholithiasis was diagnosed in a five-year-old gelding on the basis of laboratory results and histopathology. Surgery was performed to relieve the obstruction. The horse responded favorably and at 39 days postoperatively was clinically and clinicopathologically normal.
Kozelek P, Holcik J, Sedlinska M.The paper describes experiments and their results that offered an insight to relationship between RR and QT intervals in equine ECG signals recorded under various conditions. In contrast to human heart in a great number of cases the QT intervals prolonged with a heart rate acceleration. Peak-to-peak differences between maximum and minimum RR intervals during the excitation response in non-standard responses were twice as smaller as in standard responses and the lengths of QT intervals were significantly longer in the non-standard records. This fact means that the electrical processes in equine...
Froydenlund TJ, Meehan LJ, Morrison LR, Labens R.Navicular bursa (NB) centesis is a common diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in equine practice. This case report documents the clinical, diagnostic imaging and histological findings in a horse with a suspected iatrogenic deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injury following centesis of the NB a modified distal plantar approach (placement of two needles in a weight bearing position). Although it cannot be proven with absolute certainty, the authors believe that this is the first reported case where NB centesis is the likely cause of a DDFT lesion, and with magnetic resonance imaging performed ...
Russell KE, Walker KM, Miller RT, Sellon DC.To determine blood protein concentration, immunoglobulin concentration, and lymphocyte profiles in equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) seropositive, naturally infected horses without clinical signs of disease. Methods: 26 clinically normal seropositive horses, 6 febrile ponies with experimentally induced EIA, and 52 clinically normal seronegative horses and ponies. Methods: Serum and EDTA-anticoagulated blood were obtained from all horses and ponies, and total serum protein and albumin concentrations, immunoglobulin concentrations, and blood lymphocyte subset counts were determined. Results:...
Mathie RT, Baitson ES, Hansen L, Elliott MF, Hoare J.Twelve Faculty of Homeopathy veterinarians recorded data systematically at 777 consecutive homeopathic appointments for horses over a period of 12 months. A spreadsheet enabled the recording of information, which included the date of appointment; horse and owner identity (anonymised); sex of horse; main medical problem treated; whether the condition was chronic or acute; whether the appointment was new or a follow-up; owner-assessed clinical outcome on a seven-point scale, ranging from -3 to +3, compared with the first appointment; homeopathic medicine(s) prescribed; and whether any convention...
Reardon R, Bailey R, Walmsley J, Heller J, Lischer C.The mechanical properties of equine cervical vertebrae joined by implants have not yet been reported. Locking compression plates (LCP) may provide a useful alternative system to the commonly used stainless steel kerf-cut cylinders (KCC) currently used for fixation of cervical vertebrae in horses. Objective: The objectives of this study were to establish a method for biomechanical testing of equine C4-C5 articulations and to compare the biomechanical properties of cadaveric spines stabilised with KCC and LCP. Methods: Twenty-four equine cadaveric cervical spines were size measured from radiogra...
Bowling AT.The genetic make-up of Great Basin wild (feral) horses was investigated by blood typing studies. Blood samples of 975 feral horses from seven trap sites in Nevada and Oregon were tested by serological and electrophoretic techniques for genetic markers at 19 polymorphic loci. The average number of variants for the seven feral populations [72.1 +/- 3.2 (SEM), range 62-85] was not significantly different from that of 16 domestic breeds (75.0 +/- 11.5, range 58-105). The expected average frequency of heterozygotes per locus (average heterozygosity) for the feral populations (0.402 +/- 0.009, range...
Maninchedda U, Nottrott K, Gangl M.This retrospective study on 37 horses was conducted to assess long-term complications, scarring, cosmetic appearance and owner satisfaction of horses that underwent transpalpebral enucleation with (n=26) or without (n=11) non-absorbable sutured meshwork prosthesis between 2006 and 2013. Postoperative complications related to the surgery were wound infection, discharge and dehiscence, and no significant difference between groups was found. In one horse, the meshwork had to be removed in order to treat a chronic fistula. Horses with infection or inflammation before surgery were more likely to en...
Eagle RC, Tortonese DJ.Little is known about the neuroendocrine control of fertility in the horse. In this species, unusual features characterize the normal estrous cycle such as a prolonged preovulatory LH surge during the follicular phase and a distinctive FSH surge during the midluteal phase. This study investigated the distribution and hormonal identity of gonadotrophs in the pars distalis (PD) and pars tuberalis (PT) of the equine pituitary gland as possible morphological bases for the referred unusual endocrine characteristics. In addition, the proportion of gonadotrophs in relation to other pituitary cell typ...
Andrews FM, Fenner WR.Electrodiagnostic aids, electromyography, auditory brainstem response testing, and electroencephalography are extensions of the neurologic examination and provide valuable information about the nervous system. This article discusses the use and interpretation of electrodiagnostic aids in equine neurology as well as the equipment that is employed. It is hoped that with a better understanding of the available electrodiagnostic aids, they will come into greater use.
Kareskoski AM, Palviainen M, Johannisson A, Katila T.For unknown reasons, stallion fertility and sperm longevity during cooled storage of semen vary markedly between individuals. Spermatozoa from individual stallions react differently to the presence, or the removal, of seminal plasma (SP). The aim was to evaluate differences in protein content in stallion seminal plasma with either a positive or a negative effect on sperm chromatin integrity during storage. Stallion semen samples from different ejaculate fractions were stored at 5°C for 24 hr. Sperm survival was assessed after storage using a sperm chromatin structure assay. Protein expressio...
