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.
Okumura M, Fujinaga T, Urakawa E, Tagami M, Tsukiyama K.To determine keratan sulfate (KS) concentration in the serum of foals at the early stage of growing, and to evaluate the role of serum KS as a cartilage catabolic marker, comparing its values with the fluctuation of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as a measurement of osteoblastic activity. Methods: 12 foals with normal growth and 3 foals with joint abnormalities within 18 months after birth. Methods: Measurement of KS concentration and ALP activity in serum and radiographic and physical examinations were done. Results: In all foals, serum KS concentration was high from 1 week after b...
White NA, Dabareiner RM.Impactions have been reported in the stomach and all segments of the intestine. Impactions predominately occur just oral to sites of intestinal narrowing or active pacemakers. The most common sites of impaction are in the ileum, the cecum, and the large colon pelvic flexure. The treatment of gastrointestinal impactions depends on the segment affected and the amount of bowel damage which has occurred from distension. Many impactions respond to appropriate administration of analgesics, cathartics, and oral or intravenous fluids. The prognosis for impactions treated medically is better than for t...
Sieme H, Klug E, Bader H.Equine ejaculates are significantly characterized by widely varying parameters especially in those of practical relevance for equine Al. Therefore it is of interest for practical purposes to get subpopulations of concentrated, vital, and competent spermatozoa from the origin ejaculates. Special preparation of the donor stallions will stabilize sperm output. Fractionated semen collection from stallions supplies sperm enriched seminal fractions very useful to work with further in semen preservation. Most important to achieve a concentrated sperm subpopulation are semen manipulations post ejacula...
Westhoff D, Kamp G.Evidence is provided that the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase is covalently linked to the fibrous sheath. The fibrous sheath is a typical structure of mammalian spermatozoa surrounding the axoneme in the principal piece of the flagellum. More than 90% of boar sperm glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity is sedimented after cell disintegration by centrifugation. Detergents, different salt concentrations or short term incubation with chymotrypsin do not solubilize the enzyme, whereas digestion with trypsin or elastase does. Short term incubation with trypsin...
Freeman DE.Although earlier reports describe a poor prognosis for small intestinal surgery in the horse, there is growing evidence that the short-term survival rate can exceed 80%. In addition to advancements in surgery and aftercare, early referral contributes considerably to the improved prognosis. Surgical procedures that restore anatomic and physiologic continuity to close to normal can minimize postoperative complications. Jejunojejunostomy carries a better prognosis than jejunocecostomy, probably because the latter involves anastomosis between two intestinal segments with dissimilar functions. Care...
Aurich C, Lange J, Hoppen HO, Aurich JE.The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of oestradiol, melatonin and season on the opioid regulation of LH and prolactin release. Effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone (0.5 mg/kg) on LH and prolactin secretion were determined in ovariectomized pony mares. In experiment 1, mares in January (n = 6) were pretreated with oestradiol benzoate (5 micrograms/kg) for 20 days. In experiment 2, beginning in May, mares (n = 7) received melatonin (15 mg) for 15 days and subsequently a combination of melatonin plus oestradiol for 20 days. In experiment 3, beginning in May, mares (n = 6) w...
Dechan J.Medical management was unable to prevent the development of an extrapulmonary abscess in a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with anaerobic pleuropneumonia. Intercostal thoracostomy achieved drainage of the abscess. Resolution of the abscess and subsequent bronchopleural fistulas was monitored by ultrasonography and video-endoscopy. The horse returned to training 4 mo after discharge.
Freeman DE, Inoue OJ, Eurell TE.To study the effect of flunixin meglumine on short circuit current (Isc) in equine right ventral colon in vitro. Methods: Intestinal mucosa from healthy horses and ponies. Methods: Isc was measured in mucosa from the right ventral colon mounted in Ussing chambers. In experiment 1, collection and incubation solutions were: control (no additions); flunixin meglumine, 4 micrograms/ml; indomethacin, 10(-6) M; and flunixin meglumine (4 micrograms/ml) with 10(-6) M prostaglandin E2. In experiment 2, incubation conditions were: control [plain Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate [KRB] solution]; flunixin meglumi...
Huhtinen M, Peippo J, Bredbacka P.Embryo biopsy has been used to detect inherited disorders and to improve the phenotype by analyzing of linkages between marker loci and the desired characteristics. Unfortunately, early procedures required the removal of a large portion (one-half) of the embryo for analysis, and the transfer of bisected equine embryos has not been particularly successful. Recent discovery of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has made possible the detection of specific DNA sequences from only a few cells. We investigated whether the removal of a small biopsy would allow for successful PCR and normal embryonic...
Patterson-Kane JC, Parry DA, Goodship AE, Firth EC.One of the current concepts with regard to equine superficial digital flexor tendonitis is that cumulative subclinical microscopic damage weakens the structure, predisposing the tendon to partial or complete rupture. This microtrauma is likely to affect the waveform or crimp of the collagen fibrils, which are the units of tensile strength. Collagen fibril crimp morphology characteristics were determined in superficial digital flexor tendons of 18 horses presented for necropsy. Horses were separated into exercised (n = 9) and non-exercised groups (n = 9), based on recent function. Five of the e...
Raeside JI, Christie HL.Large amounts of estrogens are secreted by the tests of the mature stallion. In a recent study by Claus et al. [Claus, Dimmick, T., Gimenez, T., Hudson, L.W., 1992. Estrogens and prostaglandin F2 alpha in the semen and blood plasma of stallions. Theriogenology 38, 687-693.], it was stated that high levels of estrogens were also present in semen. As a preliminary step to study possible implications for fertility in the stallion, we have measured estrone sulphate (E1S), the principal estrogen in blood, in both seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Semen was collected from four Standardbred stallions a...
Gilbert SA, Timoney PJ, McCollum WH, Deregt D.A nested PCR, developed for the detection of equine arteritis virus (EAV) in semen, detected less than 2.5 PFU of EAV per ml of naturally infected seminal plasma. Based on results from testing 88 semen samples from 70 stallions, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 100 and 97%, respectively.
Hawkins JF, Lescun TB.A 4-month-old Quarter Horse was admitted for evaluation of infection that developed following bilateral hemicircumferential periosteal transection and elevation. Sepsis of the common digital extensor tendon sheath was diagnosed. Treatment included lavage of the tendon sheath, placement of an indwelling drain for lavage after surgery, establishment of drainage, and administration of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs. Three months after treatment, the foal was clinically normal.
Alemu T, Luckins AG, Phipps LP, Reid SW, Holmes PH.A field study involving 309 horses was undertaken in the provinces of Arsi and Bale in the Ethiopian highlands to investigate the prevalence of Trypanosoma equiperdum infections using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of both trypanosomal antigen and antibody. Adult horses of both sexes were examined for clinical signs of T. equiperdum infection and serum samples were collected for the assays. One hundred and one horses showed the presence of trypanosomal antibodies in their serum and 70 animals showed typical clinical signs of dourine. Nineteen horses showed the pr...
Cunningham FM, Andrews M, Landoni MF, Lees P.Calcium ionophore A23187 induced time and concentration dependent production of immunoreactive leukotriene (LT) B4 by equine heparinized whole blood in vitro. Time dependent production of immunoreactive LTB4 by equine neutrophils and immunoreactive LTC4 by equine eosinophils in vitro was also demonstrated. The 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) inhibitors, BAY X 1005 and BAY Y 1015, produced concentration dependent inhibition of ionophore-induced LTB4 synthesis by equine whole blood (mean +/- SEM IC50s n = 5; 6.14 +/- 0.28 microM vs. 12.30 +/- 0.75 microM for BAY Y 1015 and BAY X 1005, r...
Van Hoogmoed L, Snyder JR.The medical management of postoperative abdominal disorders remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the equine clinician. Recent advances in the development of techniques and medications to offset or attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury, endotoxemia, and ileus are encouraging and potentially will decrease the incidence of additional complications.
Wang YX, Kotlikoff MI.We investigated the muscarinic activation of Ca(2+)-activated Cl- currents [ICl(Ca)] in voltage-clamped equine tracheal myocytes. The threshold of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) required for activation of ICl(Ca) was 202 +/- 22 nM, and full activation of the current occurred at 771 +/- 31 nM. Hexahydro-sila-difenidol (M3 antagonist) inhibited the methacholine-induced phasic [Ca2+]i increase and ICl(Ca) in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas methoctramine (M2 antagonist) only slightly attenuated the [Ca2+]i increase and ICl(Ca) (14.8 and 21.4%, respectively), consistent with ...
Powell DG, Dwyer RM, Traub-Dargatz JL, Fulker RH, Whalen JW, Srinivasappa J, Acree WM, Chu HJ.To determine safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of an inactivated equine rotavirus vaccine. Methods: Prospective randomized controlled trial. Methods: 316 pregnant Thoroughbred mares during the first year of the study and 311 during the second year. Methods: During the first year, mares received 3 doses of vaccine or placebo, IM, at 8, 9, and 10 months of gestation. Serum neutralizing antibody titers were measured before vaccination and 1 and 35 days after foaling. Antibody titers were measured in foals 1, 7, 35, 60, 90, and 120 days after birth. During the second year, mares that had been v...
Carson-Dunkerley SA, Hanson RR.To describe the short- and long-term survival rates in horses undergoing ovariectomy for granulosa cell tumors by use of the diagonal paramedian approach. Methods: Retrospective case study. Methods: 12 horses with granulosa cell tumors. Methods: A diagonal paramedian approach for unilateral ovariectomy was used for removal of each mare's granulosa cell tumor. Information about complications and outcomes was analyzed. Results: Only minimal complications were detected postoperatively when the diagonal paramedian approach was used, regardless of the preferred technique for ovarian pedicle ligatio...
Liang FT, Granstrom DE, Timoney JF, Shi YF.We report a simple, economical, and efficient protocol for protein purification from cells. First, proteins of cell lysates were separated by standard sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and electroblotted to protein-blotting membrane. The blots were stained with Coomassie blue or developed by immunoblotting to visualize specific proteins. The bands corresponding to those visible by immunoblotting were excised from the dye-stained blots and subjected to isoelectric focusing. The focused gel was stained with Coomassie blue. Finally, the stained bands were excise...
Ball MA, Rebhun WC, Gaarder JE, Patten V.To evaluate the efficacy of itraconazole-dimethyl sulfoxide ointment for treatment of keratomycosis in horses in the northeastern United States. Methods: Prospective clinical trial. Methods: 9 horses (10 affected eyes). Methods: All horses treated for keratomycosis at Cornell University between July 1994 and July 1996 were included in the study. The diagnosis of keratomycosis was confirmed by cytologic examination, and all horses were treated with 0.25 ml of a 1% itraconazole-30% dimethyl sulfoxide petrolatum-based ointment, applied to the affected eye every 4 hours. Results: Topical applicati...
Papaioannou KZ, Murphy RP, Monks RS, Hynes N, Ryan MP, Boland MP, Roche JF.An objective double-staining method was developed to evaluate viability and mitochondrial function of stallion spermatozoa using flow cytometry. Sperm viability was assessed by propidium iodide (PI) exclusion, and mitochondrial function was measured by the intensity of rhodamine 123 (R123) fluorescence. Flow cytometry estimates of sperm viability measured by PI were equivalent (P > 0.05) to estimates made using Hoechst 33258 stain and fluorescent microscopy (% dead: 25 +/- 2.4 vs 21.5 +/- 3.5). The use of both PI and R123 was validated by addition of various proportions of freeze-shocked (m...
Munroe GA, Cauvin E.The clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in a case of a comminuted articular fracture of the accessory carpal bone of a thoroughbred chaser are described, and its surgical treatment and aftercare are detailed. The horse made an uneventful recovery and successfully returned to racing.
Tschetter JR, Blikslager AT, Little D, Howard RD, Woody SL, Beex LM, Crisman MV.Colic is a serious disease syndrome in horses. Much of the mortality is associated with ischaemic-injured intestine during strangulating obstruction, yet there is limited understanding of the associated molecular events. Identification of differentially expressed genes during ischaemic injury should expand our understanding of colic and may lead to novel targeted therapeutic approaches in the future. Objective: To isolate and identify differentially expressed genes in equine jejunum following a 2 h ischaemic event compared to normally perfused jejunum. Methods: Suppressive subtractive hybridis...
Cook AG, Buechner-Maxwell V, Morrow JK, Ward DL, Parker NA, Dascanio JJ, Ley WB, Cooper W.Horses that are exposed to Sarcocystis neurona, a causative agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, produce antibodies that are detectable in serum by western blot (WB). A positive test is indicative of exposure to the organism. Positive tests in young horses can be complicated by the presence of maternal antibodies. Passive transfer of maternal antibodies to S. neurona from seropositive mares to their foals was evaluated. Foals were sampled at birth (presuckle), at 24h of age (postsuckle), and at monthly intervals. All foals sampled before suckling were seronegative. Thirty-three foals f...
Savage NC, Liptrap RM.Fenprostalene (250 micrograms) or saline was given at 60 h after the onset of oestrus in alternate oestrous periods to 8 mares for 4 cycles. Onset of oestrus and stage of cycle were determined by daily teasing, palpation and ultrasonography until time of treatment when follicular development was monitored at 12-h intervals to confirm ovulation. Serum progesterone concentrations were monitored daily. The interval from treatment to ovulation was significantly decreased (41.25 vs 73.50 h; P = 0.001) as was the duration of oestrus (5.63 vs 6.88 days; P = 0.005). There was no significant difference...
Curcio BR, Canisso IF, Pazinato FM, Borba LA, Feijó LS, Muller V, Finger IS, Toribio RE, Nogueira CEW.The overall goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of various therapeutic combinations of estradiol cypionate (ECP, a long-acting estrogen) and altrenogest (ALT, a long-acting progestin) in addition to basic treatment for placentitis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS) and flunixin meglumine (FM). Specific outcomes measured in this experiment were (i) time from induction of bacterial placentitis to delivery, and foal parameters (high-risk, survival, and birth weight); and (ii) serum steroid concentrations (progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 17β-estradiol, and cortisol) in res...
Orsini JA.Foals are good candidates for abdominal surgery because their smaller size permits a more complete abdominal exploration and frequently definitive procedures in many cases. The use of rectal examination is replaced with alternative diagnostic modalities such as barium contrast radiography and ultrasonography. With the advancements in these technologies they can distinguish common gastrointestinal lesions and, in most cases, provide sufficient information to guide surgical intervention. The unique aspects of diagnosis and surgical management of gastrointestinal disorders of the foal are discuss...
Schiesser E, Geyer H, Kummer M, Jackson M.The interest in equine dentistry has significantly increased in the last 15 years. On the part of the veterinarians as well as of the horse owners there is a strong attention to the topic. The aim of the questionnaire was to investigate amongst horse owners what their level of information and preferences about dental treatment are and how they are implemented. The questionnaire was translated into the three national languages and included 20 questions about level and sources of information, frequency of treatments and the horse owner's stance over sedation of the animals. With a return rate of...
Amann RP, Bowen JM, Pickett BW, Berndtson WE, Stashak RS, Voss JL.Twenty stallions were used to determine if the anthelmintic cambendazole affected seminal characteristics, spermatogenesis, concentration of testosterone in blood serum, or weights of the reproductive orgrans. With minor exceptions, significant differences were not found between values for 10 control and 10 stallions treated with a single oral dose (40 mg/kg body weight) of cambendazole. The treatment did not affect reproductive function and it was concluded that the drug should have no effect on the fertility of stallions.
Curtis MB, Eicker SW, Archer RM, Lindsay WA.A 5-year old Arabian mare fell during recovery from general anesthesia after an exploratory laparotomy. This fall resulted in dehiscence of the abdominal closure, and a substantial amount of intestines were exteriorized. Chemical and manual restraints were rapidly used to prevent trauma to the exposed intestines. A second general anesthesia was initiated to clean the intestines and close the incision. Multiple anesthetic problems were encountered, including arterial hypotension and hypoxemia. The horse recovered from the second general anesthesia and surgery, and all complications gradually re...
Ishige T, Kikuchi M, Kakoi H, Hirota KI, Ohnuma A, Tozaki T, Hirosawa Y, Tanaka S, Nagata SI.We evaluated the utility of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for parentage testing in Breton (BR) and Percheron (PR) horses in Japan using the proposed International Society for Animal Genetics (P-ISAG) 147 SNP panel and 414 autosomal SNPs. Genomic DNA was extracted from 98 horses of two breeds, BR (n = 47) and PR (n = 51), and sequenced using next-generation sequencing. The average minor allele frequencies for the P-ISAG panel for BR and PR were 0.306 and 0.301, respectively. The combined probabilities of exclusion (PEs) given two parents and one offspring: exclude a relat...
May SA, Hooke RE, Lees P.There is increasing evidence that the chondrocyte is capable of considerable anabolic and catabolic activity. In the case of equine chondrocytes, this study demonstrates that a variety of factors involved in the pathogenesis of joint disease stimulate the production of prostaglandin E2. These include exposure to IL-1, bone fragments and LPS. In addition, an IL-1-like factor was shown to be produced by the chondrocyte itself, when stimulated by LPS, providing a possible mechanism for amplification of extra-cartilagenous signals and even autocrine control. Considered together with evidence of in...
Textor JA, Nixon AJ, Lumsden J, Ducharme NG.To determine clinical and radiographic features of subchondral cystic lesions (SCL) of the proximal extremity of the tibia in horses that could be used to classify these lesions as being related to osteochondrosis or osteoarthritis and to evaluate results of surgical debridement. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 12 horses with 14 SCL. Methods: Medical records and radiographs obtained before and after treatment were reviewed. Results: In 6 young horses (8 lesions), SCL were considered to be related to osteochondrosis; all involved the lateral tibial condyle. The remaining 6 horses were ma...
Wurster U, Riese K, Hoffmann K.An attempt was made to establish normal values for the total protein concentrations and the enzyme activities of LDH, MDH and PGI in the intraocular fluids of rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs, sheep, cattle, pigs, horses and humans. Remarkably little species differences were noted in 9 of the 10 mammals with vitreal enzyme activities falling into a narrow range between 8.4 U/l (PGI, horse) and 92.4 U/l (MDH, guinea pig). All species obeyed the sequence aqueous less than vitreous less than serum with exception of the rat, where vitreous activities surpassed serum at least two-fold. The ve...
Marlin DJ, Scott CM, Mills PC, Louwes H, Vaarten J.The administration of 41 of an isotonic, plasma-like oral rehydration solution (ORS) with an osmotic skeleton and 41 of water (water; no osmotic skeleton), were evaluated in five thoroughbred horses. Solutions were administered by nasogastric tube 4 h after feeding. Uptake of deuterium, concentrations of plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, total protein and packed cell volume, pH, PCO2, HCO3-, total CO2, actual base excess, standard base excess, plasma volume and weight loss were assessed both at rest, and during and after exercise on a treadmill. Each horse underwent four experimenta...
Fukunaga Y, Wada R, Imagawa H, Kanemaru T.Venereal infection with equine arteritis virus (EAV) was established in each of seven mares by inoculation via the cervix with 20 ml of viral suspension (> or = 8 x 10(6) plaque-forming units; PFU), following treatment with prostaglandin and oestradiol. A dose of < or = 8 x 10(5) PFU produced infection in only five of eight mares. Serum neutralizing antibody developed in mares manifesting clinical signs of equine viral arteritis (EVA), and a weak antibody was detectable in one apparently healthy mare inoculated with 8 x 10(5) PFU. Virus isolation was demonstrated not only in the buffy coat but...
Schlacher C, Peham C, Licka T, Schobesberger H.Mechanical properties of the equine back are the bases for realistic modelling of the back, which is recognised as an important step towards improved understanding of the pathogenesis of equine back conditions. Objective: The stiffness of the equine back depends on the direction of the applied force and on the position of the spine. Methods: Fourteen dissected spines were tested in a tensile testing machine. In 3 different positions, simulating dorsoventral, laterolateral and dorsoventral-30 degree rotated movement, force was applied on the dorsal spinous process of T12 to reach an excursion o...
Asahina M, Murakami K, Ajito T, Goryo M, Okada K.The tissues of an 8-year-old thoroughbred castrated male horse with equine lymphoma were examined immunohistochemically. Neoplastic masses were observed in the mediastinum, mesenteric lymph nodes, gastric mucosa and serosa, liver capsule, and spleen capsule with associated lymph nodes. Histopathologically, the neoplastic cells were seen to consist predominantly of a mixture of well differentiated small and large types. Immunohistochemically, the small lymphoid cells were MHC class IIlow+ and PanT- and the large lymphoid cells were MHC class IIhigh+ and PanT-. These findings revealed that the n...
Kingsley NB, Sandmeyer L, Parker SE, Dwyer A, Heden S, Reilly C, Hallendar-Edman A, Archer S, Bellone RR.Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is the leading cause of blindness for horses; previous research implicated the leopard complex spotting allele (LP) as a genetic risk factor for insidious uveitis in the Appaloosa. There is limited information about risk in the Knabstrupper. Objective: To evaluate clinical manifestations, disease frequency and potential risk factors for ERU in Knabstrupper horses. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Ocular examinations were performed on 116 horses, and based on identified anomalies, horses were classified as suspect, ERU-affected or having no clinical signs....
Legg KA, Bolwell CF, Gee EK, Gibson MJ, Rogers CW.This study aimed to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for race-day horse falls in Thoroughbred jumps (hurdle and steeplechase) racing in New Zealand. Incidence rates for race-day horse falls in jumps races from 2005/6 - 2018/19 racing seasons (n = 13,648 race day starts) were calculated per 1000 starts. Univariable and multivariable analyses of race-, horse- and jockey-level risk factors for horse falls were conducted using Poisson regression in a generalised linear mixed model. The incidence rate of horse falls in jumps races was 42 (95 % confidence intervals [CI], 39 - 45) per 1...
Gołyński M, Metyk M, Ciszewska J, Szczepanik MP, Fitch G, Bęczkowski PM.Homocysteine is an endogenous, non-protein sulfuric amino acid, an intermediate metabolite formed by the methionine transmethylation reaction. Its elevated serum concentration in humans, hyperhomocysteinemia, is a sensitive indicator and a risk factor for coagulation disorders, cardiovascular diseases and dementia. However, the role of homocysteine in veterinary species has not been unequivocally established. Although some research has been conducted in dogs, cats, cattle and pigs, relatively few studies on homocysteine have been conducted in horses. So far, it has been established in this spe...
Shupe JL, Christofferson PV, Olson AE, Allred ES, Hurst RL.Teeth from cattle, sheep, and horses that ingested various fluoride intakes and teeth from field studies of these species plus deer, elk, and bison were examined for abnormalities. Approximately 99,000 animals in 322 herds were examined for fluorosis. From field studies, 988 cattle of various ages and with different degrees of dental fluorosis were slaughtered and necropsied. The severity of fluoride-induced mottling, hypoplasia, and abnormal abrasion of paired permanent incisor teeth was correlated with abrasion of premolar and molar (cheek) teeth that form and mineralize at approximately the...
Stegmann GF.The effect of abnormal body position on cardiovascular and pulmonary function in the awake and anaesthetised horse is reviewed. Parameters such as pulmonary shunt, lung volumes, blood gases and alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure differences are discussed. Withholding food for 24 hours and mechanical ventilation may be used to improve blood gas values associated with abnormal recumbency during anaesthesia. During prolonged recovery, horses should be encouraged to adopt sternal recumbency.
Pye J, Clulow J, Adkins A.To describe the laparoscopic transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx as a useful adjunct to the topical application of prostaglandin E to treat mares with suspected uterine tubal blockage. Methods: A standard left flank laparoscopic approach was made to the abdomen using three laparoscopic portals. If restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx were observed traversing the uterine tube perpendicularly, they were carefully transected and 1 mg of prostaglandin E was then applied to the external surface of the uterine tube. Skin incisions were closed with surgical staples and the procedure...
Miller L, Woodward EM, Campos JR, Squires EL, Troedsson M.The objectives of this study were to (i) verify localization of SP22 on fresh, cooled, and frozen/thawed equine spermatozoa and to (ii) determine SP22 mRNA and protein expression in equine testicular and epididymal tissues. Immunocytochemistry and Western blots were performed on the spermatozoa samples. Northern blots and Western blots were performed on the tissue samples. The immunocytochemistry revealed the presence of SP22 in all samples tested. The fresh spermatozoa stained predominantly over the equatorial segment as did the samples cooled for 1 and 2 days. The samples cooled for 3 days, ...
Chiba A, Ujiie Y, Aoki T.While intrauterine fluid (IUF) is observed as mucous in healthy mares during estrus, the presence of IUF during diestrus is an indicator of endometritis. Mating induces endometrial inflammation in healthy mares, called mating-induced endometritis, that disappears within 1-2 days after mating. On the other hand, it is also known that IUF remaining beyond 12 hr after mating can cause persistent inflammation, bacterial growth, and decreased fertility. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of IUF and cervical bacteria before and after mating. Mares were classified i...
Salomonsson ML, Bondesson U, Hedeland M.This paper describes quantitative methods for the determination of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in equine plasma and urine based on simple precipitation and dilution followed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS). DMSO is a polar solvent with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Its pharmacological features make it prohibited in horse racing. However, since DMSO is naturally present in the horses' environment, international threshold values have been implemented for plasma and urine (1 and 15 µg/mL, respectively). Previously pr...
Murphy DJ, Peck LS, Detrisac CJ, Widenhouse CW, Goldberg EP.To evaluate efficacy and safety of IP administration of high-molecular-weight carboxymethylcellulose (HMW CMC) for the prevention of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions in ponies. Methods: 10 ponies. Methods: A 1% solution of HMW CMC was instilled intra-abdominally prior to surgery in 5 ponies, whereas 5 control ponies did not receive HMW CMC. Postoperative adhesions were induced by use of a bowel-abrasion method comprising laparotomy, typhlotomy, and abrasion of jejunal serosa at multiple sites with placement of 3 sutures at each site. Day of surgery was day 0. After surgery, ponies were ...
Vervuert I, Stratton-Phelps M.Equine nutraceuticals are promoted as useful therapies to help optimize health and athletic performance, often without the benefit of independent research to support product efficacy and safety. This review focuses on 4 main categories of equine supplements that are frequently used as nutraceuticals: (i) supplements to support metabolic health, (ii) gastric support products, (iii) common ingredients that are included in supplements designed to support hoof health, and (iv) supplements to support joint health.
