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.
Kayar SR, Hoppeler H, Mermod L, Weibel ER.Individual mitochondria were reconstructed from ultrathin serial sections of selected muscle fibers in the M. semitendinosus of a horse, over a length of nearly two sarcomeres. Mitochondria were found to be highly variable, with size and complexity of single mitochondria increasing with the fractional part of a fiber occupied by mitochondria. In fibers with a mitochondrial volume density of less than 4%, corresponding to the mitochondrial content of fast-twitch glycolytic fibers, mitochondria were generally rather simple cylindrical shapes, oriented parallel to the myofibrils. In fibers with a...
Saad B, Corradin G, Bosshard HR.The antigenic determinants for two monoclonal antibodies directed against horse apo-cytochrome c, a protein of disordered structure, as judged by spectroscopic and hydrodynamic criteria, have been studied by a combination of methods: antigen competition in solution by radio immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunoassay, and differential acetylation of free and antibody-bound antigen. In the latter method the accessibility of lysine residues of the antigen in the antigen-antibody complex is compared to the accessibility in the free antigen. The two antibodies against the heme-free protein do not re...
Robertson JT, Embertson RM.Surgical management of various congenital and perinatal abnormalities of the urogenital tract are discussed, including ruptured bladder, ruptured urachus, ureteral defect, patent urachus and umbilical remnant infection, ureteral ectopia, congenital inguinal hernia, and atresia ani and rectourethral or rectovaginal fistula.
Broadstone RV, Scott JS, Derksen FJ, Robinson NE.The effects of atropine on lung function and airway reactivity in two groups of ponies were measured. Principal ponies had a history of recurrent airway obstruction when housed in a barn and fed hay; control ponies had no history of airway obstruction. Principal and control ponies were paired, and measurements were made when principal ponies were in clinical remission (period A) and during an acute attack of airway obstruction (period B). Atropine did not alter pulmonary resistance (RL), dynamic compliance (Cdyn), or airway responsiveness in either group of ponies at period A or in the control...
Marasas WF, Kellerman TS, Gelderblom WC, Coetzer JA, Thiel PG, van der Lugt JJ.Each of two horses was dosed by stomach tube with culture material on maize of Fusarium moniliforme MRC 826. One horse developed severe hepatosis and mild oedema of the brain after 6 doses of 2.5 g of culture material/kg body mass/day in 7 days. The second horse, in a similar experiment but at a dosage rate of 1.25 g/kg/day, developed mild hepatosis and moderate oedema of the brain. In both animals the brain oedema was particularly noticeable in the medulla oblongata. The mycotoxin fumonisin B1 was extracted and purified from the culture material of F. moniliforme MRC, 826 which contained appr...
Frame SR, Harrington DD, Fessler J, Frame PF.Mechanobullous disease was diagnosed in a male Belgian foal that had sloughed hooves at 30 hours and at 6 and 12 days of age. Histologic and electron microscopic studies disclosed that lesions were the result of separation of the basal epithelial cell layer from the lamina densa of the basement membrane zone along the lamina lucida. Results of immunofluorescence on tissue specimens were negative for immunoglobulin deposition. The breeding history of the foal's dam indicated that the foal was produced from breeding of the mare to its full sibling stallion. This same mare had produced a female f...
Traub-Dargatz JL, McKinnon AO.Included in this article are descriptions of adjunctive methods of examination of the urogenital tract, including ultrasonography of the kidneys, urinary bladder, ovaries and uterus; endoscopy of the urethra, urinary bladder, and uterus; contrast radiography of the urinary tract; kidney biopsy; and laparoscopy of the abdomen, emphasizing examination of the mare's reproductive tract.
Trotter GW.Surgical exploration of the horse that has presumably had a normal castration or a previously successful cryptorchid surgery remains a distinct challenge. No hard and fast rules dictate a proper course of action for each case. If a horse was anesthetized for routine castration, discovered to have only one scrotal testis, had a brief exploratory on the nondescended side and was recovered, trauma to the inguinal region would probably be sufficiently minimal that an inguinal approach could be used at subsequent exploratory surgery. If the inguinal canal was extensively manipulated and the tail of...
Ebisawa I, Takayanagi M, Kigawa M.Clostridium tetani was isolated from human and animal stools at the following rates [95% confidence interval (CI)]: Human, 0% (1.5-0); horse, 1% (5-0); cow in cowshed, 4% (10-1); cow in pasture, 8.3% (17-1), calf in pasture, 0% (7-0); dog, 2% (11-0) and sheep in pasture, 25% (44-14). Quantification of C. tetani in 16 animal stools positive for the bacillus was impossible in most cases, as the number of tetanus bacilli present was not large enough for this purpose. Contaminating anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria in human and animal stools, i.e., C. perfringens and Streptococcus sp., ...
Nickels FA.This article discusses the complications of castration and ovariectomy and their treatment and prevention. These two procedures were chosen because castration is the most common surgical procedure performed by the equine practitioner and ovariectomy is associated with a high number of complications.
Owen RA, Jagger DW, Quan-Taylor R.The prevalence of Anoplocephala perfoliata in 103 horses and ponies from Clwyd, Powys and the adjacent English marches, slaughtered during January 1987, was 69 per cent.
Clark ES, Morris DD, Allen D, Tyler DE.A yearling Hanoverian filly had intermittent colic for 6 weeks, chylous peritoneal effusion, and a firm mass palpable per rectum. Exploratory laparotomy revealed mesenteric lymphadenopathy, adhesion of the mesenteric root to the duodenum and jejunum, distention of the mesenteric veins and lymphatic vessels, and increased jejunal venous pressure. Lesions in the duodenum, jejunum, and colon included infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the lamina propria.
Harrison IW, Raker CW.Review of medical records of 78 horses admitted to the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals with dorsal displacement of the soft palate revealed 94% of these horses to have evidence of an intermittent abnormal "gurgling" respiratory noise at the time of exercise. Sternothyrohyoideus myectomy was used as a primary treatment for 17 of these horses, with a success rate of 58%. Anatomic dissection of 30 horses indicated that the midcervical region is the optimal site for sternothyrohyoideus myectomy to alleviate dorsal displacement of the soft palate.
Vaala WE, Clark ES, Orsini JA.Gram-negative neonatal septicemia was diagnosed in a premature Standardbred colt. Clinical signs included lethargy, weakness, loss of suckle reflex, tachypnea, and injected mucous membranes. Sequelae included pneumonia, omphalophlebitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Prepartum maternal uterine infection, premature delivery, abnormal parturition with premature fetal membrane separation, and failure of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins increased the foal's risk for developing sepsis. Treatment included administration of moxalactam disodium and cefadroxil. The clinical efficacy...
Honnas CM, Ragle CA, Meagher DM.The medical records of 16 horses with necrosis of the collateral cartilage of the distal phalanx were reviewed. Typical history included a laceration or puncture wound over the affected cartilage, resulting in persistent drainage proximal to the coronary band. All horses had signs of lameness. The duration of drainage prior to admission to the hospital ranged from 5 days to 5 months. The involved cartilages were left front lateral (n = 4), right front lateral (n = 5), left rear lateral (n = 1), right rear lateral (n = 4), left front medial (n = 1), and left rear medial (n = 1). The affected ca...
Boosman R, Németh F.Impairment of the microcirculation in the distal part of the foot is an important factor in the aetiology of equine laminitis. To prevent the development of chronic laminitis and the resulting complications, two new therapeutical principles were tested in the treatment of acute laminitis. Thrombosis which frequently occurs in the corium of the foot, could be controlled by administration of anticoagulants such as heparin. Alpha-receptor blocking agents such as phenoxybenzamine were used, to improve the peripheral blood flow. The use of these drugs and that of anti-inflammatory agents during the...
Kiper ML, MacAllister C, Qualls C.A cranial mesenteric arterial aneurysm with fistulous tracts to the cecum and ileum was discovered in a Missouri Fox Trotter stallion. The principal clinical sign was hematochezia, observed at 7- and 10-day intervals. The lesion may have been attributable to arteritis caused by fourth-stage larvae of Strongylus vulgaris.
Mutsaers CW, van der Velden MA.Within a one-year period two ponies were operated on because of colon impaction. The two ponies had each been treated with Amitraz (Taktik) quite recently. In view of findings reported in the literature, the colon impaction in these two ponies was very likely to have been due to treatment with Taktik.
Waelchli RO, Ehrensperger F.Hydrops allantois was diagnosed in two Haflinger mares with severe abdominal distension. Both mares were seven months pregnant. Abortion was induced with two injections of prostaglandin six hours apart followed by further manual dilation of the cervix and administration of oxytocin the next day. There were 90 and 95 litres of fluid, respectively, in the allantoic cavities which resembled extracellular fluid with regard to concentrations of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate and chloride, but not total protein. Both fetuses had severe brain abnormalities which we...
van der Mey GJ, Bos H.The study of the literature on a preliminary performance test for saddle horses (stallions) is concerned with European countries. Interest is found to be increasing in the various countries. Performance of the test in the Netherlands (since 1966) is described and the various criteria of evaluation are discussed in detail. The intensity of selection based on this test is referred to. In 1974, it was 78 per cent in the Netherlands. Part of studies on the relationship between some results of testing are reviewed. The traction test shows a very low coefficient of correlation with the other parts o...
Tranquilli WJ, Manohar M, Thurmon JC, Manning JP.Long-term catheterisation of the coronary sinus using a specially designed catheter was accomplished in 6 ponies via a right lateral thoracotomy. The catheter comprised a 10 to 12 cm long stiff segment (Teflon) joined to a 100 cm length of pliable medical grade (vinyl) tubing. Catheters were kept functional up to 10 weeks postoperatively. Location of the catheter tip was verified by determining the oxygen tension of anaerobically withdrawn blood samples. Normal values of oxygen tension of the coronary sinus blood in ponies were similar to those reported for the dog, whereas oxygen content was ...
Douglas RH, Del Campo MR, Ginther OJ.On the day of ovulation (Day 0), 20 pony mares were randomly assigned to one of five groups (4 mares/group) which were given intracarotid arterial (ICA) and intraovarian arterial (IOA) injections on Day 7 as follows: 1) vehicle ICA, vehicle IOA (control); 2) .125 mg PGF2α ICA, vehicle IOA; 3) vehicle ICA, .125 mg PGF2α IOA; 4) .250 mg PGF2α ICA, vehicle IOA; or 5) vehicle ICA, .250 mg PGF2α IOA. Peripheral plasma progesterone and LH concentrations were determined for 0 (pretreatment) and .1, .25, .50, .75, 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h posttreatment. The intervals (days) from treatment to ...
Irwin DH, Howell DW.An easy diagnostic technique for recognising fibrotic myopathy and scarring in the caudal popliteal area is described. A simplified corrective surgical technique is offered and discussed briefly. Some aspects of haematomas are reviewed.
Alexander GR, Chester Z.To assess the effectiveness of free conjunctival grafts in the treatment of horses with a range of keratopathies. Methods: A retrospective clinical study of ten client-owned horses treated at Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital from May 1996 to September 2001. Methods: The suitability of patients for the surgical procedure was assessed using a slit lamp biomicroscope and by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Surgery was performed with the aid of an operating microscope, under general anaesthesia. A subpalpebral ocular lavage catheter was used for administration of topical atropine and anti...
McDonnell SM, Garcia MC, Blanchard TL, Kenney RM.Ten pony mares that had developed stallion-like sexual behavior as the result of anabolic steroid treatment (boldenone undecylenate, 0.55 mg/kg intramuscularly (i.m.), once weekly for 12 injections) were evaluated for ability to aid in detecting estrus in cycling mares. In across-the-fence estrus detection trials, androgenized mares failed to elicit signs of estrus or diestrus. In 10-min pasture trials, in which each androgenized mare was placed in a group of 10 cycling mares (six of which were estrous), seven of the 10 androgenized mares elicited estrous behavior from one or two mares. Observ...
Rance TA, Park BK.Oestrone, equilin and dehydroepiandrosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay in peripheral plasma from five pony mares; samples were taken from day 60 of pregnancy at approximately weekly intervals through to parturition. Of the three steroids measured, dehydroepiandrosterone showed the most consistent pattern of secretion. DHA concentrations remained low until day 105, increased rapidly from day 120 and attained maximum values between days 168–210; levels declined to day 300, but there was considerable variation between mares in DHA patterns prior to parturition. There was great variation...
Sarasola P, Horspool LJ, McKellar QA.The effect of urine pH on plasma disposition of ampicillin sodium was evaluated. A single dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight was administered IV to Thoroughbreds with alkaline (pH greater than 8.0) or acidic (pH less than 4.5) urine. Urine alkalinity was achieved and maintained by oral administration of up to 400 mg of sodium bicarbonate/kg/d, and acidity was achieved and maintained by oral administration of up to 400 mg of ammonium chloride/kg/d. Ampicillin sodium was measured in the plasma of horses by use of an agar diffusion microbiological assay with Bacillus subtilis as the test organism. T...
Dejardin LM, Arnoczky SP, Cloud GL.During impact, equine hooves undergo viscoelastic deformations which may result in potentially harmful strains. Previous hoof strain studies using strain gauges have been inconclusive due to arbitrary gauge placement. Photoelastic stress analysis (PSA) is a full-field technique which visually displays strains over entire loaded surfaces. This in vitro study identifies normal hoof strain patterns using PSA. Custom-made photoelastic plastic sheets were applied to the hoof surface. The hooves were axially loaded (225 kg) under level and varus/valgus conditions. Strain patterns were video-recorded...
Ekfalck A, Rodriguez H, Obel N.LAMINITIS after abdominal surgery is a well known
complication that may occur after the horse has recovered from
colic (McIlwraith and Turner 1987). We had the opportunity to
examine a horse with post-surgical laminitis with a peracute
course whose early death made it possible to gain material from
the acute stage for histopathological investigations. We consider
that our observations may be of some value for colleagues
interested in the pathogenesis of laminitis.
Uppal PK, Yadav MP, Singh BK, Prasad S.A progenital disease encountered at one equine stud farm at Bangalore in Southern India during 1987 was investigated and confirmed as equine coital exanthema on the basis of characteristic lesions and clinical symptoms, isolation of equine herpes virus-3 (EHV-3) from the scabs collected from animals having active lesions and demonstration of neutralizing antibodies in the sera of recovered mares and stallion. This is the first authenticated report of the occurrence of equine coital exanthema in India due to EHV-3.
Schumacher J, Varner DD, Crabill MR, Blanchard TL.To evaluate the effect of a shunt created between the corpus cavernosum penis (CCP) and corpus spongiosum penis (CSP) on erectile and ejaculatory function of normal stallions and to verify persistence of the shunt. Methods: The capability of stallions to develop an erection and to ejaculate was evaluated before and after creation of a corporeal shunt. Persistence of the shunt was determined by dye injection into the CCP at necropsy. Methods: Six stallions. Methods: A CCP-CSP shunt was created in five stallions. Semen was collected before and 4 to 14 weeks after surgery, before the horses were ...
Yamaguchi T, Endo Y, Nambo Y, Sato F, Sasaki N, Yamada K.Equine bone scintigraphy is usually performed with horses in standing position under sedation. However, swaying motion often leads to poor-quality images. To examine the usefulness of motion correction (MC) processing, equine bone scintigrams were evaluated using Scheffé's method of paired comparisons. A significant difference in evaluation scores was detected by analysis of variance (F test, P<0.01). According to all observers, Yardstick analysis scores were higher for images use of MC processing than for those no use of MC processing, for all parts. Overall scores of 5 observers were as ...
Marland A, Sarkar P, Leavitt R, Lee-Ruff E, Ramnauth J.A method for the extraction of oxaprozin from equine urine and serum and its quantitation by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection is presented. Confirmation of oxaprozin in postadministration extracts was accomplished by gas chromatographic- mass spectrometric analysis of methylated extracts or liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry daughter ion mass spectra of underivatized extracts. Daypro, a formulation of oxaprozin, was administered orally at a dose of 4.8 g to four standardbred mares. Urine and serum samples were collected to 120 h postadministration. ...
Eizema K, van der Wal DE, van den Burg MM, Dingboom EG, Everts ME.An optimal developed musculoskeletal system is vital for the performance of the horse. Previously, we showed that in the m. gluteus medius from adult untrained horses, identical mRNA and protein expression patterns were found in the majority of fibres. However, co-expression of IIa and IId/x myosin heavy chain (MyHC) was substantially more common at the protein than at the mRNA level, suggesting a transcriptionally controlled fine-tuning of these 2 genes. Objective: To analyse the MyHC transcripts and proteins (including the cardiac alpha isoform) in the same muscle during post natal developme...
Knych HK, Wilson WD, Vale A, Kass PH, Steffey EP, Jones JH, Arthur RM.Although controversial, due to its reported effectiveness in attenuating bleeding associated with exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), furosemide is currently a permitted race day medication in most North American racing jurisdictions. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of furosemide in reducing the presence and severity of EIPH when administered 24 hr prior to strenuous treadmill exercise. Eight exercised Thoroughbred horses received saline or 250 mg of furosemide either 4 or 24 hr prior to high-speed treadmill exercise in a balanced 3-way cross-over design. Bl...
Wagenaar G.A description is given of three cases in which horses died very shortly after being given an intramuscular injection of iron dextran. The use of iron dextran in the case of horses is inadvisable.
Draeger J, Köhler L, Winter R.The larger the corneal graft, the more difficult is the excision of the button and especially suturing of the graft. The instruments and microsurgical unit are adapted to size and dimensions of animal surgery. The mathematical correlation between the diameter of the graft, the thickness of the cornea, and the length of the wound edges and suturing material can be calculated.
Bertone JJ, Traub-Dargatz JL, Trotter GW.Endoscopic examination of a 7-year-old gelding with weight loss indicated a palatal defect with a prominent tissue mass at the caudomedial margin of the defect. At necropsy, the condition was determined to be bilateral hypoplasia of the soft palate.
