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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.
Yield and composition of milk from lactating mares: effect of body condition at foaling. The yield and composition of milk from nursing mares were studied during the first 2 months of lactation in two groups of six and five saddle mares respectively made thin or fat before foaling, then fed ad lib. post partum. Milk yield did not significantly vary with body condition (16.5 and 15.4 kg/d for fat and thin mares respectively). Milk from fat mares had a higher fat content than milk from thin mares; the reverse was found for protein. The composition of milk fat was modified: milk of fat mares was poorer in short- and medium-chain fatty acids (C8-C14). Milk fat output was affected by b...
Pancytopenia secondary to lymphoid leukemia in three horses. Pancytopenia was observed in two 3-year-old geldings and one 11-year-old mare. All horses had a brief history (2 days to 4 weeks) of fever, anorexia, and depression. One of the three horses had blast cells present on a peripheral blood smear. Examination of the bone marrow showed substantial infiltration with neoplastic lymphoid cells. At necropsy, neoplastic cells were restricted to the bone marrow in one horse, present in bone marrow, liver, and spleen in the second horse, and reported in multiple tissues in the third horse, including bone marrow, kidneys, lung, myocardium and lymph nodes. T...
The protective M proteins of the equine group C streptococci. The group C streptococci are the most commonly isolated bacteria from disease states in the horse. Important virulence factors of S. equi and S. zooepidemicus are the hyaluronic acid capsule and the antiphagocytic fibrillar M protein located on the surface of the cell wall and extending into and through the capsule. The hyaluronic acid capsule is non-antigenic and so is not involved in protective immunity. The M protein, a superantigen, elicits very strong B and T cell responses that may result in protective immunity mediated by opsonic antibodies in plasma and by locally synthesized IgG and I...
Review of 115 cases of colic in the pregnant mare. The medical records of pregnant mares over a 3-year period were reviewed. In all cases persistent pain or progressive abdominal distension were the main reason for referral. The overall survival rate for the 115 mares treated for colic was 73.9% (85 cases). The abortion rate was 20.5% in surgical patients (34 cases), 40% (5 cases) for mares with uterine torsions and 10.8% (46 cases) after medical treatment. The total abortion rate was 16.4%. Clinical evidence of endotoxaemia was, except for 1 mare, present in all the aborting mares after colic treatment. Anaesthesia did not appear to be a prob...
Preliminary report: the development of an intraosseous infusion technique for neonatal foals. Six normal foals between the ages of 2 and 7 days were used in this study to develop a technique for intraosseous infusion in equine neonates. A 14-gauge 1/2-inch needle was placed intraosseously in the right proximal medial one-third aspect of the radius and tibia of each foal. A maximum of 1 L of isotonic fluids was administered intraosseously at these sites. Radiographs were taken at the time of intraosseous needle placement, and at days 10, 30, and 60 following the procedure. The mean time for needle placement was 33 seconds for the tibia and 63 seconds for the radius. The mean fluid flow ...
Progression of femoropatellar osteochondrosis in nine young horses. Clinical, radiographic and arthroscopic findings. The clinical and radiographic progression, and arthroscopic findings for nine young horses (< 1 year of age) with femoropatellar osteochondrosis (OCD) are presented. Horses had a 2 to 12 week history of bilateral (8 horses) or unilateral (1 horse) hindlimb lameness. The most consistent clinical signs included femoropatellar joint distention and bilateral hindlimb lameness. At the onset of clinical signs, radiographic lesions were not present (4 horses) or subtle (5 horses), but were easily identified on radiographs taken 4 to 24 weeks later. Arthroscopic surgery was delayed until radiograph...
In vitro maturation of equine oocytes collected by follicle aspiration and by the slicing of ovaries. The aim of this study was to examine 2 techniques for oocyte recovery from equine ovaries at slaughter: by aspiration of follicles and by additional slicing of ovaries. The morphology and nuclear configuration of oocytes recovered with either technique, and the time course of nuclear maturation during in vitro maturation were evaluated. Recovery rates were 1.75 and 4.14 oocytes per ovary for aspiration and slicing (total 145 and 344 oocytes from 83 ovaries), respectively. The oocytes were classified according to their cumulus/ooplasm morphology into 4 groups: compact/circular(A), compact/semic...
Sensitivity and specificity of bronchoalveolar lavage and protected catheter brush methods for isolating bacteria from foals with experimentally induced pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. One indication for referral of horses to veterinary hospitals is for diagnosis of the microbiologic cause of pneumonia, particularly when the initial treatment fails. Although endoscopic methods have long been available for microbiologic sample collection, accuracy of these methods under these conditions have not been studied in detail. We compared the bacteria isolated from samples obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with those obtained by protected catheter brush (PCB) from foals with unilateral pneumonia induced by inoculation with Klebsiella pneumoniae. As part of previously described...
[Parasitological fecal studies of equids, dogs, cats and hedgehogs during the years 1984-1991]. The results of the coproscopical examinations in horses, dogs, cats and hedgehogs between 1984 and 1991 are presented. In 9192 samples from horses 55.5% stages of strongylids, 4.0% of Parascaris equorum, 2.2% of anoplocephalids, 1.6% Strongyloides westeri, 0.7% of Oxyuris equi, 0.6% of Eimeria leuckarti, 0.2% of Fasciola hepatica and 0.04% of Dictyocaulus arnfieldi were found. In 48.0% of the 46 samples from donkeys eggs from strongylids were detected, in 17.4% larvae from Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, in 2.2% eggs from Strongyloides westeri, Parascaris equorum and oocysts from Eimeria leuckarti, re...
Developmentally regulated changes in the glycoproteins of the equine embryonic capsule. The embryonic capsule, which covers the equine blastocyst after it loses its zona pellucida, is composed of mucin-like glycoproteins. In the present study, we investigated both macroscopic and molecular changes in the capsule during development. The weight of the capsule increased from day 11-12 of pregnancy and reached a maximum at about day 18, coinciding with the time during which the conceptus migrates extensively throughout the uterus. The sialic acid content of the capsule declined markedly from about day 16, the time of conceptus 'fixation' in the uterus, which suggests a unique develop...
Muscular pathology in equine laryngeal neuropathy. Three adductor muscles of the larynx, the cricoarytenoideus lateralis (CAL), the arytenoideus transversus (AT) and the ventricularis (Ve), from 36 horses were examined histologically. The neurogenic changes seen in each muscle were evaluated qualitatively. In addition, in 6 horses with clinical and subclinical signs of neurogenic atrophy, measurements of muscle fibre area were performed. Neurogenic changes observed in the Ve were less than in CAL and AT. Measurements of muscle fibre area also demonstrated that CAL and AT showed a wider range of pathological changes than did Ve. The results sho...
Ultrasonographically detected changes in equine superficial digital flexor tendons during the first months of race training. The forelimb superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendons of 6 Thoroughbreds were examined clinically and ultrasonographically during the first 4 months of race training. Sonograms were interpreted clinically and by use of computer-aided analysis. Tendon tissue from all horses was examined histologically at the end of the study. Computer-aided analysis of sonograms of the SDF tendons revealed trends toward an increase in mean cross-sectional area and a decrease in mean echogenicity over time with training. An inverse relation was found between increase in cross-sectional area and decrease in mean ...
Familial occurrence of narcolepsy in miniature horses. In an investigation of 2 closely related Miniature Horses with a history of excessive sleepiness, depression and episodes of collapse, a diagnosis of narcolepsy was made on the basis of neurological examination and pharmacological testing. Further investigations included electroencephalographic examination (EEG), and analysis of protein content, cell count and monoamine metabolite concentrations of lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). There were no abnormalities noted in the EEGs, and no consistent changes in CSF neurotransmitter metabolites in the narcoleptic horses when compared with 3 nor...
Biochemical and haematological changes following prolonged halothane anaesthesia in horses. Six healthy horses were anaesthetised with halothane (1.2 times the horse minimal alveolar concentration) in oxygen for more than 12 hours. Serum bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and L-iditol dehydrogenase values were significantly (P < 0.05) increased for up to nine days after anaesthesia. These changes suggest an anaesthesia related liver dysfunction. Creatine kinase increased to an average of more than 1400 IU litre-1 24 hours after anaesthesia and this change is indicative of muscle cell disruption. Renal-associated biochemical results, (that is serum creatinine ...
Training-induced modifications in cardiorespiratory and ventilatory measurements in thoroughbred horses. The effects of training and detraining on ventilation during a standardised exercise test were investigated. Ten healthy Thoroughbred horses underwent 5 standardised treadmill exercise tests (SET): SET1, at the start of the experimental period; SET2, after 3 weeks acclimatisation; SET3, after 3 week of aerobic training; SET4 after 3 weeks of anaerobic (i.e. interval) training; and SET5, after 3 weeks of detraining. The SETs were carried out in an air-conditioned laboratory on a treadmill inclined at 6 degrees. Respiratory airflow, tidal volume (VT), respiratory frequency (RF) and expired minut...
Transection of the pelvic flexure to reduce incarceration of the large colon through the epiploic foramen in a horse. A 7-year-old Thoroughbred mare underwent exploratory celiotomy for diagnosis and treatment of colic. An irreducible herniation of the large colon through the epiploic foramen was found. To reduce the hernia, the pelvic flexure was transected and the ends of the large colon were closed. The intercolonic mesentery was divided, and unaffected left ventral colon was moved into the epiploic foramen, providing sufficient space so that affected left dorsal colon could be reduced. The affected left ventral colon was then reduced and the diseased portion of both colons was resected. The colons were res...
Equine bronchoalveolar lavage cytology: survey of thoroughbred racehorses in training. Sixty-two Thoroughbred horses aged between 1 and 7 years in training in Sydney had bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples collected for cytological examination. All horses, except the yearlings and those with a cough, had raced at the time of the examination and the trainers reported satisfactory performance. Free erythrocytes were found in 73% of samples and haemosiderophages in 90% of the samples, indicating immediate or past occurrences of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Bronchoalveolar fluid from the yearlings contained significantly less (P < 0.05) erythrocytes and haemosi...
Registration of myometrial activity using multiple site electromyography in cyclic mares. A method for interpreting and analysing electromyographic (EMG) data of myometrial electrical activity was established. This method was used to study EMG activity in the uterus during the various stages of the oestrus cycle in mares. Recordings were analysed from four pairs of electrodes that were surgically implanted in the myometrium of four reproductively sound mares. The electrodes were placed at the tip, middle and base of the left horn and in the uterine body. Electrical activity was monitored by a polygraph. Data were transformed to a digitized form and statistically analysed. Myometria...
Use of a bovine hemoglobin preparation in the treatment of cyclic ovarian hemorrhage in a miniature horse. Anemia that was secondary to ovarian hemorrhage in a 4-year-old miniature horse mare was treated prior to laparotomy with polymerized ultrapurified bovine hemoglobin (PUBH). Two previous whole-blood transfusions had resulted in acute transfusion reaction, and a suitable blood donor could not be found among 9 horses, necessitating use of the blood substitute. Subsequent blood typing revealed the mare to be Aa-negative, with allo-antibodies against Aa in serum. Serious adverse reactions were not observed after infusion of PUBH, and the mare recovered. Although the safety and efficacy of using PU...
Serologic evidence of canine and equine ehrlichiosis in northeastern United States. In a retrospective study, indirect fluorescent-antibody staining methods were used to detect immunoglobulins to Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia risticii in canine and equine sera that had originally been analyzed for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. Analyses of 60 dog serum specimens collected in Connecticut and New York State during 1986 revealed antibodies to E. canis in 7 (11.7%) specimens; titration endpoints ranged from 1:40 to 1:320. Three of these dogs had anemia. Of the 187 equine serum specimens obtained in Connecticut during 1985 and analyzed by indirect fluorescent-antibody stainin...
A review of cytological specimens from horses with and without clinical signs of respiratory disease. Thirty-six transtracheal washing (TTW) and 12 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens collected in clinical practice from horses with and without respiratory disease were reviewed. Cytological features were considered in accordance with the presenting complaint, clinical signs, clinical diagnoses, microbiological, radiographic and/or endoscopic findings, therapy, and response to therapy. The trichrome-stained TTW and BAL specimens were useful in interpreting the results of concurrent microbiological cultures, and determining whether a condition was present based on occurrence of typical cytolog...
A new technique for accessing the cerebral ventricles of the horse. A technique is described for catheterisation of the ventricular recess within the olfactory bulb of the horse. Twelve adult horses were used. The olfactory recess is in the frontal region, 42 +/- 3 mm below the skin, on the line joining the supraorbital foramina, and approximately 18 +/- 2 mm from the midline. The approach is relatively easy under normal experimental conditions.
[Estrus synchronization and insemination results in Arabian mares in the Eskisehir stud]. An Arab broodmare herd of 30 mares age ranging from 4 to 12 years was grouped into 3 groups (group A, B, C) with 10 mares each and exposed to three different methods of cycle synchronisation. Group A mares received two PGF2 alpha injections 14 days apart. Group B mares got additionally 2,500 IU of hCG 5 days after second prostaglandin application. Group C consisted of mares which had foaled in a synchrony of one week and got a PGF2 alpha injection 3 weeks after parturition. All the mares responding to synchronisation were inseminated closely to ovulation detected by serial rectal palpations wi...
Endoscopic examination and treatment of paranasal sinus disease in 16 horses. Sixteen horses with suspected paranasal sinus disease had endoscopic examination of the paranasal sinuses with a 4.0 mm arthroscope either while standing and sedated (14 horses) or under general anesthesia (two horses). Endoscopic diagnosis included sinusitis (four horses), sinus cyst (three horses), hemorrhage (three horses), neoplasia (three horses), and tooth root abnormalities (two horses). No abnormalities were detected in one horse. Endoscopic findings concurred with the radiographic findings in 13 horses (81%). Samples of sinus contents for bacteriologic (eight horses) and histologic ex...
The correlation between the dose and distribution of intratendinous fluid injections in the flexor tendons/ligaments of the horse. An in vitro study was carried out to define the correlation between the dose and distribution of intratendinous fluid injections in the different flexor tendons/ligaments of the palmar/plantar, metacarpal/metatarsal region of the horse. Injection of 0.1-0.2 ml resulted in a local intratendinous fluid depot showing minimal abaxial spreading and more extensive proximodistal expansion. If 0.3-0.5 ml was injected the abaxial spreading remained minimal but the proximodistal expansion increased significantly, the depots in the axial proximal, mid and distal region flowing together. Also minimal peri...
A study of 118 cases of navicular disease: clinical features. The clinical features are reported from 118 horses (mean age 9.2 years) which were diagnosed as suffering from navicular disease using predetermined criteria. The animals were used for a variety of purposes and had been lame for periods between 1 and 72 months. The majority of cases (84.7%) had been treated using various techniques before evaluation. The severity of lameness was related to the duration of clinical signs: 78% of horses were bilaterally affected but there was no left:right limb predominance. Broken foot/pastern axes were recorded in 75% of horses while 45% also exhibited mediola...
Sensory receptors in the equine foot. Two types of sensory receptors were located in the equine foot, using anatomic techniques. Histologic examination of stained hoof sections revealed lamellated corpuscles in the hoof dermis, which had many of the morphologic characteristics of Pacinian corpuscles. These sensory receptors were restricted to the palmar (caudal) aspects of the solar dermis of the heel. A second type of receptor was detected by use of immunocytochemistry, indicating apparently naked nerve endings containing the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity in skin, solar dermal tubules, and the...
