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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.
Ultrasonographic observations of the flexor tendons and ligaments of the metacarpal region of horses. Observations were made in dorsal and sagittal planes of the ultrasonographic mean gray scale of the flexor tendons and ligaments of the metacarpal regions of 5 Thoroughbred geldings, during weight bearing and nonweight bearing. In images made when the horses were nonweight bearing, the mean gray scale of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons and accessory ligament was significantly reduced, but that of the interosseous medius muscle (suspensory ligament) was not. When relaxed, collagen fiber bundles in the tendons and ligaments acted as diffuse, rather than specular, reflectors of ul...
Paranasal sinuses. Numerous conditions, including trauma, infection, neoplasia, and developmental problems, can affect the paranasal sinuses. Successful resolution of these problems is predicated upon a thorough diagnostic workup to ensure the most accurate presumptive diagnosis. Surgical intervention is enhanced by using approaches that allow wide access to sinus compartments. Rigorous postoperative management is also important to a successful outcome.
Trichophytobezoar as a cause of transverse colon obstruction in a foal. A 5-week-old belgian colt was examined for colic of 12 hours duration after several episodes of diarrhea. Physical examination revealed signs of abdominal pain, mild dehydration and normal auscultable borborygmi in all abdominal quadrants. Distention of the cecum, large colon and small intestinal was evident on abdominal radiographs. The foal was treated medically as the owners declined surgery. The colt was euthanized because of continued deterioration and failure to respond to medical therapy. Post-mortem exam revealed the presence of a trichophytobezoar obstructing the distal part of the tr...
[Equine influenza outbreaks with viral antigenic drift in Berlin 1988-1991]. In this paper three outbreaks of equine influenza in Berlin (Germany) in the years of 1988, 1989 and 1991 are discussed, reporting mainly clinical, hematological, virological and some epizootiological aspects. We have detected variations from the traditional pattern of equine influenza, whereby the main clinical symptoms like cough or fever were absent in several cases. If cough was found, it was moist. Furthermore a mucous nasal discharge was present in a number of cases for a period of 4-5 days. Extreme neutropenia, lymphocytosis and predominantly an unchanged level of monocytes were observe...
Miscellaneous conditions of the equine head. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is associated with horses that are fed diets with an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus or diets containing oxalates. Clinical signs include a shifting lameness, with tenderness of the joints, reluctance to move, or a stiff, stilted gait. Some horses may have broadening of the nasal bones, enlargement of the maxilla and/or the mandible, or a ridge over the nasal bones. Diagnosis may include physical examination findings; analysis of feed; and clinical pathologic data, which may include normocalcemia, normal to increased serum phosphorus, and increased...
Radiographic examination of the equine head. Radiographic examinations of the equine head can be performed with portable x-ray machines. The views comprising the examination depend on the area of the head being examined. With a knowledge of radiographic anatomy and radiographic signs of disease, valuable diagnostic information can be obtained from the radiographic examination. In addition, the radiographic information can also be used to develop a prognosis and determine the most appropriate therapy.
Clinical anatomy of the equine head. This topical presentation emphasizes the structures most likely to be encountered in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the equine head. Most of the approaches are from superficial to deep. Anatomic variations associated with aging are described. The larynx and guttural pouches are not included in this article.
Distribution of dopamine beta-hydroxylase and neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive nerves in healthy equine lungs. Immunohistochemical methods were used to determine the distribution of pulmonary nerves containing either an enzymatic marker of adrenergic nerves, dopamine beta hydroxylase, or the putative neurotransmitter neuropeptide Y in 7 equids with healthy lungs. Nerves immunoreactive for these substances were found on airway smooth muscle in nearly all the samples of healthy equine lung examined. These nerves were generally more numerous in the larger airways but could be detected even in noncartilaginous bronchioles. Pulmonary and bronchial vessels also contained numerous immunoreactive nerves. On th...
Reconstructive surgery of selected injuries of the head. Traumatic injuries to the head region of the horse are a common presenting complaint. Because of a copious blood supply, these wounds typically exhibit a tremendous capability for healing. By following the basic principles of wound management and employing a few techniques unique for specific injuries, the healing of these wounds can result in a satisfactory outcome.
Comparative immunohistolocalization of carbonic anhydrase isozymes I, II and III in the equine and bovine digestive tract. Immunohistochemical localizations of carbonic anhydrase isozymes (CA-I, CA-II and CA-III) in equine and bovine digestive tracts were studied. In the horse, epithelial cells in both the oesophagus and non-glandular part of the stomach lacked all three isozymes. In contrast, surface epithelial and parietal cells in the glandular region of the stomach showed reactivity for CA-II. In the small intestine, absorptive columnar cells covering the villi in the duodenum were positive for CA-II. The epithelium of the jejunum and ileum lacked all three isozymes. In the large intestine, CA-II was detected ...
Pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime in neonatal pony foals. Serum concentrations of cefotaxime and desacetylcefotaxime were measured in 1-week-old pony foals after IV administration of a single dose of cefotaxime. The cefotaxime disposition data conformed to a two-compartment model with elimination half-life of 0.60 hour. The combined cefotaxime and desacetylcefotaxime data was best described by a four-compartment model. The apparent half-life describing the disappearance of desacetylcefotaxime was 1.69 hours. Dosage of 40 mg/kg of body weight given IV every 4 to 6 hours for neonatal foals with gram-negative septicemia and every 2 hours for foals with ...
Head trauma. The equine head is especially prone to trauma from kicks, collisions, entrapments, and falls. The specialized structures of the equine head are important in both function and appearance. When injury causes either loss of function or cosmesis, timely treatment is paramount. This article discusses the occurrence and therapy of trauma to the equine head, including fractures of the mandible and premaxilla, facial bone, hyoid apparatus, and skull base.
Maturation of insulin and glucose responses to normal feeding in foals. Postprandial insulin and glucose concentrations were measured in 3 Arabian and 3 Thoroughbred foals at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months of age. Prefeeding serum insulin concentrations were similar in foals at 1 day (25.9 +/- 5.1 pmol/L), 1 week (32.4 +/- 5.8 pmol/L), and 1 month (38.2 +/- 7.9 pmol/L), but had increased significantly to 131.0 +/- 20.2 pmol/L at 3 months of age (P < 0.05). There was significantly increased serum insulin secretion after a feed in foals at 3 months of age (P < 0.05) when compared with that at younger ages. Prefeeding serum glucose concentrations ranged fr...
Maturation of the central nervous system: comparison of equine and other species. This review covers the development and maturation of the cerebellum of the horse and compares this developmental sequence with that of man, mouse and chicken. These comparisons attempt to correlate morphological and neurochemical features, developmental time and functional performance necessary for survival at birth. Although there is great disparity between these 3 species, the basic anatomical structures of the cerebellum are present as are specific cellular groups, synapses and neurochemical markers. In addition to this structural homogeneity, other attributes of the cerebellum are its easi...
Diagnostic techniques for evaluation of the paranasal sinuses. Physical examination of the paranasal sinuses is often insufficient to confidently reach a conclusion concerning suspected pathology in these cavities. Often, other evaluation techniques are necessary. This article describes physical examination, rhinoscopy, sinus centesis, radiology, and sinus endoscopy of the equine paranasal sinuses. These techniques can be used to diagnosis and determine the cause of most sinus disorders.
Clinical view of disturbances in equine foetal maturation. This review summarises comparative aspects of equine pregnancy and birth. The allantochorion covers the entire endometrial surface of the mare's uterus and the placenta is microcotyledonary and epitheliochorial in structure. The foetus has, therefore, to pass through the allantochorion at birth. The umbilical cord has amniotic and allantoic portions and remains intact after delivery, enabling an arterial venous circulation to be maintained for several minutes. Maternal IgG does not cross the placental barrier and passive transfer post-natally is essential for immune status. Gestation in Thorou...
Characterization of serum lysosomal enzymatic activities. III. Effect of infectious influenza in Egyptian equines. An outbreak of infectious influenza was recognized in Menofeia governorate in October 1989. Eight naturally influenza infected as well as 8 healthy control horses, mules and donkeys were selected for collection of blood and sera separation to estimate four lysosomal enzymatic activities and to describe the clinical findings, which were fever, congested nasal, conjunctival membranes and cough. Bronchopneumonia followed later with bilateral purulent nasal discharge as a complication in 2 donkeys. Thereafter laboured breathing occurred. Therefore a therapeutic penicillin-streptomycin dose was inj...
Dental surgery. Anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the teeth are presented. Signs of dental disease and techniques for oral and radiographic examination of the teeth are discussed. Surgical procedures described include extraction, repulsion, and endodontic therapy.
Blockade of endotoxin-induced cecal hypoperfusion and ileus with an alpha 2 antagonist in horses. Stimulation of alpha 2 adrenergic receptors inhibits colonic motility and may constrict some peripheral vascular beds. Endotoxemia elicits release of sympathetic neurotransmitters and increases sympathetic nerve activity, which may result in stimulation of alpha 2 adrenergic receptors. The objective of this study was to determine whether blockade of alpha 2 adrenergic receptors would restore cecal motility and blood flow during endotoxemia in horses. Strain-gauge force transducers and ultrasonic flow probes were used to measure cecal and colonic mechanical activity and lateral cecal arterial b...
Conservative management of femoral diaphyseal fractures in four foals. Femoral fractures in young horses can occur as a result of severe trauma and generally have a poor prognosis despite treatment. Four young horses with femoral diaphyseal fractures were managed with conservative treatment consisting of prolonged rest, analgesics, hind limb support, and corrective farriery. A favorable outcome in the form of pasture soundness with potential for limited athletic usefulness was obtained in 3 out of the 4 cases. This report supports the use of conservative treatment of selected diaphyseal femoral fractures in young horses.
Accuracy of a reflectance pulse oximeter in anesthetized horses. The accuracy of a reflectance pulse oximeter was determined in 22 anesthetized horses. Oximetric blood oxygen saturation was measured with the pulse oximeter probe attached to the mucosa of the mandible. Arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) was calculated from arterial blood gas values and the equine blood oxygen dissociation curve. The mean +/- SD difference between oximetric blood oxygen saturation and SaO2 was -1.3 +/- 3.1% for values of SaO2 ranging from 80 to 100%. The difference between oximetric blood oxygen saturation and SaO2 was influenced by SaO2, the mean arterial blood pressure...
Aspergillosis granuloma in the mediastinum of a non-immunocompromised horse. A National Show Horse with a mediastinal granuloma was presented with clinical signs which included fever, nasal discharge and cough. The mediastinal mass was identified radiographically and ultrasonographically. A presumptive diagnosis of aspergillosis was made following isolation of Aspergillus spp. from both transtracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples and agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) identification of serum antibody to Aspergillus spp. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination of the mediastinal mass obtained at necropsy examination.
Duodenal perforations and gastric ulcers in foals. The history, clinical signs, post mortem and histopathological findings from two foals with perforating gastroduodenal ulcers and one foal with a non-perforating gastric ulcer are compared with those of other species with similar lesions. Two of the foals had several erosions in the oesophageal mucosa and the condition had been associated with strictures in the duodenum. The cause of the disease remains obscure but a possible connection with stress has been suggested.
Echinocytosis in horses: 54 cases (1990). Retrospective review of CBC and serum chemical data from 124 horses admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital over a 9-month period (Feb 1, 1990 to Oct 31, 1990) indicated that 54 horses had echinocytosis (prevalence = 44%). In horses with echinocytosis, the most frequent diagnosis was colitis (23 horses; 43%). Odds ratios (measure of association) were calculated to determine the association of echinocytosis with specific hematologic and biochemical abnormalities. When evaluated in a multivariate model, low serum sodium concentration (< 136 mEq/L) was the only variable significantly associa...
Genetic study of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in horses. Four Quarter Horses (1 stallion, 3 mares) with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis were mated to unaffected horses to determine the genetic basis of the disease. The affected stallion was bred to 11 unaffected mares (4 Quarter Horses, 1 Arabian, 2 Standardbreds, and 4 Thoroughbreds). The 3 affected mares were bred to an unaffected Quarter Horse stallion. Of the 15 offspring obtained from these matings, 9 were affected with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, and 6 were unaffected, consistent with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Diagnosis was established by results of oral administration of...
Intermittent antimicrobial infusion for management of a septic distal interphalangeal joint in a horse. A 13-month-old Quarter Horse colt sustained a puncture wound to the frog region of the foot, which penetrated the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint, 7 days prior to examination. A street-nail procedure was performed to debride the tract and provide drainage of the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint. An indwelling lavage system was placed through the dorsal aspect of the joint and antimicrobials were infused intermittently to supply a high local concentration of drug and to frequently lavage the distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa.
Two fatal cases of diarrhoea in horses associated with larvae of the small strongyles. Detailed pathological examinations of two horses with subacute fatal diarrhoea suggested an association between the diarrhoea and damage to the colonic and caecal mucosae caused by large numbers of cyathostome larvae (larval cyathostomiasis). The affected animals deteriorated rapidly, and died after a short illness.
Renal dysplasia in two adult horses: clinical and pathological aspects. Renal dysplasia is reported in two adult horses in chronic renal failure. Renal dysplasia, complicated by severe interstitial pyelonephritis, was diagnosed on renal biopsy and confirmed on post mortem examination.
