Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
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.
Occurrence of IgE in foals: evidence for transfer of maternal IgE by the colostrum and late onset of endogenous IgE production in the horse. IgE is the key antibody involved in type I allergies. Allergen mediated crosslinking of IgE bound to high affinity Fcepsilon-receptors on mast cells and basophils stimulates cellular degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines. In this report, we demonstrate that IgE antibodies can be transferred from the mother to offspring in horses via the colostrum. We found a clear correlation between the IgE concentration in colostrum and the total IgE concentration in foal sera on day 2 after birth (r(sp)=0.83). Maternal IgE was detected in foal sera by ELISA and on peripheral bloo...
Skeletal scintigraphy in the horse: current indications and validity as a diagnostic test. Gamma scintigraphy is a well established imaging modality, which in equine practice is predominantly used in the investigation of lameness and suspected musculoskeletal problems. Whilst there is a growing literature on the indications for scintigraphy in the horse, there has been little emphasis so far on identifying the validity of scintigraphy as a diagnostic test. In particular, to what extent can the results of a scintigraphic examination be trusted? In this opinionated review the current indications for skeletal scintigraphy in the horse are considered and its validity as a diagnostic tes...
Non-skeletal scintigraphy of the horse: indications and validity. Gamma scintigraphy is an established imaging modality in the horse and is principally utilised to investigate skeletal disease using bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals. However, depending on the radiopharmaceutical and imaging sequence, scintigraphy can be used to investigate disease in virtually any organ system. In this article the indications and validity of scintigraphy as a clinical diagnostic tool to investigate non-skeletal disease in the horse are reviewed. These indications include: investigation of dental disease, identification of inflammatory foci, vascular lesions, muscle and tendo...
A dorsal approach for the removal of the nasal septum in the horse. To describe and evaluate a technique involving a dorsal approach for the removal of the nasal septum in adult horses. Methods: Retrospective clinical study. Methods: Four client-owned horses. Methods: Access for partial nasal septum resection was through a dorsal nasal bone flap. Septum resection was performed because of reduced airflow from septal deviation and/or thickening caused by traumatic insult or neoplasia. Preoperative clinical signs and diagnostic results were recorded. Intra- and postoperative complications were noted and follow-up information was obtained from telephone interviews...
Subtotal ostectomy of dorsal spinous processes performed in nine standing horses. To describe and evaluate subtotal ostectomy of dorsal spinous processes (DSP) performed in standing horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Nine adult horses. Methods: The diseased portions of the DSP were removed with the horses standing and sedated after infiltrating a local anesthetic agent around the affected DSP. Medical records of affected horses were reviewed to determine history, findings of physical and radiographic examination, surgical technique, postoperative complications, and outcome. Results: Five horses had subtotal ostectomy of DSP because of osteomyelitis, and 4 becaus...
Severe acute rhabdomyolysis associated with Streptococcus equi infection in four horses. Four Quarter Horses (9 months to 7 years of age) with submandibular lymphadenopathy and firm muscles (palpation of which elicited signs of pain) were evaluated; in general, the horses had a stiff gait, and 3 horses became recumbent. Streptococcus equi was cultured from aspirates of lymph nodes or samples of purulent material collected from the auditory tube diverticula. Once the horses were recumbent, their condition deteriorated rapidly despite aggressive antimicrobial and antiinflammatory treatment, necessitating euthanasia within 24 to 48 hours. One horse did not become recumbent and recove...
An in vitro biomechanical comparison of a limited-contact dynamic compression plate fixation with a dynamic compression plate fixation of osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones. To compare the monotonic biomechanical properties and fatigue life of a broad, limited contact, dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) fixation with a broad, dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by 1 of 2 methods for fracture fixation. Methods: Twelve pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones. Methods: Twelve pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 test groups (4 pairs each) for (1) 4-point bending single cycle to failure t...
Investigation of the immediate analgesic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for treatment of navicular disease in horses. To measure the acute analgesic properties of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in horses with navicular disease using objective ground reaction forces (GRF). Methods: Prospective study. Methods: Nine client-owned horses with unilateral forelimb lameness caused by navicular disease. Methods: Horses were trotted at 3 m/s over a force plate to record pre-treatment GRF of the lame and contra-lateral forelimbs. After ESWT of the lame limb, applied with a radial unit to each of the frog and heel bulb areas with 1500 pulses at 4 bar and 10 Hz, GRF measurements were repeated at 15 minutes and 2...
Synovial fluid and plasma concentrations of ceftiofur after regional intravenous perfusion in the horse. To determine radiocarpal (RC) joint synovial fluid and plasma ceftiofur concentrations after regional intravenous perfusion (RIP) and systemic intravenous (IV) administration. Methods: Experimental cross-over study. Methods: Five normal adult horses. Methods: One RC joint was randomly selected for RIP and the contralateral RC joint was sampled to determine intrasynovial ceftiofur concentrations after IV administration. Wash-out between IV and RIP was > or = 14 days. After surgical introduction of an intraarticular catheter, ceftiofur (2 g) was administered under general anesthesia either IV or...
Treatment of a second carpal bone fracture by removal under ultrasonographic guidance in a horse. To report an unusual 2nd carpal bone (C2) slab fracture and its treatment, using an ultrasonographically assisted, minimally invasive arthrotomy technique, for fragment removal. Methods: Case report. Methods: An 11-year-old crossbred Warmblood gelding. Methods: A bone fragment, spanning the height of C2, identified on the palmaromedial aspect of C2 was demarcated intraoperatively using ultrasonographically guided needles and removed by arthrotomy. Results: Fracture fragment removal was achieved using a small, ultrasonographically guided arthrotomy. The horse has become sound after treatment an...
Use of the Anderson Sling suspension system for recovery of horses from general anesthesia. To describe a sling recovery system (Anderson Sling) for horses and to evaluate outcome of high-risk horses recovered from general anesthesia by a sling. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=24) recovered from general anesthesia. Methods: Complete medical and anesthetic records (1996-2003) for horses recovered from general anesthesia using the Anderson Sling system were evaluated retrospectively. Information retrieved included anesthetic protocol, surgical procedure, recovery protocol, recovery time, and quality of the recovery. Horses were recovered from anesthesia supported by th...
A new approach for perineural injection of the lateral palmar nerve in the horse. To evaluate the accuracy of a new technique for perineural injection of the lateral palmar nerve and to determine frequency of inadvertent injection into the carpal synovial sheath with this technique. Methods: Prospective experimental study. Methods: Thirty equine cadaver forelimbs. Methods: Each of 3 clinicians injected 0.5 mL of a 1% aqueous solution of new methylene blue as a marker at the medial aspect of the accessory carpal bone of 10 limbs. Immediately after each injection, the lateral palmar nerve was identified by dissection of and inspected for proximity of dye, and the carpal synov...
Evaluation of a canine cranial cruciate ligament repair system for use in equine laryngoplasty. To report the use of a nylon suture system (Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair System; Securos Inc Veterinary Orthopedics) as a prosthesis for equine laryngoplasty. Methods: Experimental and prospective clinical study. Methods: Cadaver specimens (n = 5) and 7 horses with left laryngeal hemiplegia. Methods: A commercially available monofilament nylon suture system was implanted as a laryngeal prosthesis. Arytenoid cartilage abduction was achieved with a tensioning device applied to the suture prosthesis during transnasal endoscopic observation. Suture fixation was achieved with crimping cl...
An in vitro evaluation of plate luting using osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones with a limited contact-dynamic compression plate. To evaluate the effects of plate luting on the biomechanical properties of a broad limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by LC-DCP fixation, with 1 of the pair luted with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Methods: Ten pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones. Methods: Ten pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 2 test groups (5 pairs each) for (1) palmarodorsal 4-point bending single cycle to failure testi...
Evaluation using hoof wall strain gauges of a therapeutic shoe and a hoof cast with a heel wedge as potential supportive therapy for horses with laminitis. To evaluate using strain gauges, a hoof cast with heel wedge, and a therapeutic shoe with unsupported toe for their effectiveness in redistribution of load from the dorsal hoof wall. Methods: In vitro biomechanical study. Methods: Twenty forelimb specimens. Methods: Rosette strain gauges were placed on the dorsal and lateral hoof wall of 20 normal shaped hooves. Limbs were loaded vertically using a tensile testing machine with a 1 Hz sinusoidally cycling load up to 3000 N during 15 seconds. Mean values of principal strain and direction at 2500 N load were calculated for 3 experimental conditio...
In vitro effects of bethanechol on equine gastrointestinal contractility and functional characterization of involved muscarinic receptor subtypes. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of bethanechol (BeCh) on contractility patterns of smooth muscle preparations of equine duodenum descendens, jejunum, caecum and pelvic flexure in vitro. Concentration-response relationships were developed for BeCh using in vitro assays with and without preincubation of muscarinic (M) receptor antagonists for M2 and M3 receptors. BeCh induced a significant, concentration-dependent increase in contractile response in equine intestine in specimens with circular orientation. The maximal effect was largest for jejunal specimens with no differenc...
An in vitro biomechanical comparison of a prototype equine metacarpal dynamic compression plate fixation with double dynamic compression plate fixation of osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones. To compare the monotonic biomechanical properties of a prototype equine third metacarpal dynamic compression plate (EM-DCP) fixation with a double broad dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine third metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by 1 of 2 methods for fracture fixation. Methods: Twelve pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones. Methods: Twelve pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 test groups (4 pairs each) for (1) 4-point bending single cycle to failure ...
Laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space for prevention of recurrent nephrosplenic entrapment of the ascending colon. To evaluate outcome after laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space in horses that had previous nephrosplenic entrapment of ascending colon (left dorsal displacement of the left colon; LDDLC). Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses that had previous LDDLC. Methods: Medical records of horses that had LDDLC and subsequent laparoscopic nephrosplenic space closure between 2002 and 2004 were retrieved. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Preoperative versus postoperative comparisons were: incidence of LDDLC, incidence of colic signs, and incidence of ve...
Effects of topical nitroglycerine patches and ointment on digital venous plasma nitric oxide concentrations and digital blood flow in healthy conscious horses. To measure and compare palmar digital venous plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentrations and digital arterial blood flow after application of topical nitroglycerine (NTG). Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Healthy adult horses (n=8). Methods: Digital blood flow was measured by an ultrasonic Doppler flow probe surgically implanted around the medial palmar digital artery. Blood was collected from a catheter placed in the medial palmar digital vein for quantification of NO. NTG patches, NTG ointment or control patches were placed over the palmar digital vessels at the level of the fetlock. Two ho...
Ex vivo strength comparison of bioabsorbable tendon plates and bioabsorbable suture in a 3-loop pulley pattern for repair of transected flexor tendons from horse cadavers. To test the failure strength and energy of 2 bioabsorbable implants applied to transected deep digital flexor tendons (DDFT) from adult horses. Methods: Ex vivo biomechanical experiment. Methods: Twelve pairs of deep digital flexor tendons harvested from the forelimbs of fresh equine cadavers. Methods: Poly-L-lactic acid tendon plates were custom manufactured for application to the cylindrical surface of an adult equine deep digital flexor tendon. Twelve pairs of DDFTs were transected 2 cm distal to the insertion of the distal check ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon. One tendon of eac...
Indications, surgical technique, and long-term experience with laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space in standing horses. To describe surgical technique and outcome after laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space for treatment of recurrent left dorsal displacement of the left colon (LDDLC) in standing horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Forty-four horses with LDDLC. Methods: Laparoscopic portals were located in the left flank region. After administration of etilefrin intravenously to contract the spleen, the dorsal splenic margin was sutured to the nephrosplenic ligament to obliterate the nephrosplenic space. Horses were re-examined (< or = 3 years) for history of recurrence. In addition, medical...
Upper airway dysfunction associated with collapse of the apex of the corniculate process of the left arytenoid cartilage during exercise in 15 horses. To report dynamic collapse of the apex of the left corniculate process under the right corniculate process into the airway at the dorsal apposition of the paired arytenoid cartilages during exercise as a cause of upper airway dysfunction in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Fifteen horses with a history of poor performance and/or upper respiratory tract noise during exercise. Methods: Video recordings of all horses referred for upper airway evaluation using high-speed treadmill videoendoscopy (HSTV) between January 1998 and December 2003 were reviewed. Records of horses that devel...
Laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares using a polyamide tie-rap. To describe use of a polyamide tie-rap to ligate the mesovarium during standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: Ten mares. Methods: Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in 10 mares. Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed using 3 portals in the paralumbar fossa. A commercial polyamide tie-rap was prepared as a loop and marked with 4 colored lines close to the buckle, to enable us to check whether the loop was tightened securely. The ovary was grasped with forceps and after the mesovarium was minimally transected cranially and caudally, the loop of...
Bilateral ureterocystostomy to correct left ureteral atresia and right ureteral ectopia in an 8-month-old standardbred filly. To report the diagnosis and outcome after surgical correction of bilateral distal ureteral anomalies in a Standardbred filly. Methods: Clinical case report. Methods: An 8-month-old, 310 kg Standardbred filly with left ureteral atresia and right ureteral ectopia. Methods: The filly was admitted for evaluation of incontinence since birth and severe urine scalding of the hindquarters. Diagnosis was made by both direct (cystoscopy and vaginoscopy) and indirect (intravenous pyelography, ultrasonography, and scintigraphy) evaluation of the ureters and bladder. The filly had left ureteral atresia, hy...
Laparoscopic ovariectomy using the endo-GIA stapling device and endo-catch pouches and evaluation of analgesic efficacy of epidural morphine sulfate in 10 mares. To evaluate use of ENDO-GIA staples and ENDO-Catch pouches for ovariectomy in mares and to evaluate the efficacy of epidural morphine analgesia. Methods: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: Mares (n = 10) with normal ovaries. Methods: An Endo-GIA II stapler (United States Surgical Corp., Norwalk, CT) was used to amputate the ovaries bilaterally, in standing mares, and Endo-Catch II pouches (United States Surgical Corp.) were used for retrieval. Epidural morphine was used in 5 mares, and procedure duration, volume of lidocaine required to desensitize the ovarian pedicle, and sedation were compa...
Medullary plasma pharmacokinetics of vancomycin after intravenous and intraosseous perfusion of the proximal phalanx in horses. To study the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in plasma obtained from the medullary sinusoids of the proximal phalanx (P1) after intravenous (IV) and intraosseous (IO) regional limb perfusion (RLP). Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Twelve horses. Methods: IV and IO RLP were performed in 2 groups (n = 6) of horses. Vancomycin hydrochloride (300 mg in 60 mL 0.9% NaCl) was randomly infused in 1 front limb, with the contralateral limb as control (60 mL 0.9% NaCl). A hole was drilled in the lateral cortex of P1, and blood samples from the medullary sinusoids of P1 were collected before infusion,...
Measurement of articular cartilage stiffness of the femoropatellar, tarsocrural, and metatarsophalangeal joints in horses and comparison with biochemical data. To determine normal cartilage stiffness values in different weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing areas of 3 different equine joints, and to evaluate the relationship between cartilage stiffness and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen content. Methods: Compressive stiffness of the articular cartilage was measured in 8 horse cadaver femoropatellar (FP), tarsocrural (TC), and metatarsophalangeal (MT) joints. Gross evaluation, collagen content, GAG content, and histologic appearance were assessed for each measurement location. Methods: Eight equine cadavers (4 intact females, 4 castrated males; ...
Efficacy demonstration of tetanus vaccines by double antigen ELISA. This paper describes a double antigen ELISA (DAE) for rapid, specific and reliable assessment of the antitetanus immune status of horses and sheep. Compared with the indirect ELISA, the double antigen ELISA has the advantage of species-independent testing of sera. Thanks to its test design, it is more specific since the detected antibodies are forced to bind tetanus toxoid twice. In addition, it is very sensitive to tetanus antibodies, enabling the detection of low antibody titres, in range which is relevant for the assessment of the protective status (tetanus toxin neutralising antibodies). T...
