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Topic:Equine Medicine
Equine Medicine encompasses the study and application of medical practices specifically related to the health and well-being of horses. This field involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders affecting equine species. It covers a wide range of topics, including internal medicine, surgery, reproduction, and pharmacology. Research in equine medicine often focuses on understanding the physiological and pathological processes unique to horses, as well as developing effective therapeutic interventions. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore various aspects of equine medicine, providing insights into the latest advancements and methodologies in the care and management of horse health.
A novel water additive increases voluntary water intake in healthy horses. To determine whether healthy horses would increase their voluntary water intake (VWI) when offered a novel water additive (NWA) compared to plain water (TAP) and water flavored with sweet feed, referred to as sweet tea (ST). Unassigned: 12 clinically healthy horses, aged 2 to 5 years old, were enrolled in the experimental crossover design. Four horses were assigned to each group for each of the 3 study weeks. The order that the horses were allocated to study groups was randomly assigned. All horses had access to 2 buckets filled to 16 L, one containing plain water (untreated bucket) and one co...
Comparison of arterial blood pressure and quality of induction and recovery in horses anesthetized with diazepam or guaifenesin co-induction combined with xylazine and ketamine and maintained on isoflurane. The objective of this prospective alternating crossover study was to compare quality of induction and recovery and cardiopulmonary function in horses administered guaifenesin or diazepam as co-induction drugs. Six healthy horses were anesthetized twice to undergo an MRI and surgical biopsies, with 5 wk between treatments. Horses were sedated intravenously (IV) with xylazine, 0.6 mg/kg BW, and IV induction started 4 min later. Group G received guaifenesin, 100 mg/kg BW, over 2 min and ketamine, 2 mg/kg BW, within 1 to 2 min of starting the guaifenesin. Group D received diazepam, 0.1 mg/kg BW, w...
Nasopharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal collapse: intra- and interrater agreement supports novel endoscopic scoring classifications in horses. The contribution of reduced airway patency from heightened inspiratory pressure or active muscular contraction to the pathophysiology of pharyngeal collapse is unknown. Existing classifications refer to the entire pharyngeal region; however, anatomical differences are evident between rostral and caudal collapse. Novel classifications and grading systems are proposed to differentiate 2 pathologies: nasopharyngeal collapse (NPC; collapse of ≥ 1 pharyngeal wall rostral to the tip of the epiglottis; grades 0 through 4), and laryngopharyngeal collapse (LPC; collapse of ≥ 1 pharyngeal wall cauda...
Characterisation of microbial metabolite profiles across the gastrointestinal tract of horses fed on pasture, hay or oat-supplemented rations. Dietary composition substantially influences the intensity and site of microbial metabolite production in the gastrointestinal tract. These metabolites have numerous beneficial effects on equine health, but may also be involved in the development of gastrointestinal disorders. It remains unclear whether different feeding strategies, including starch supplementation, can alter microbial metabolite profiles along the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to compare the metabolite profiles of the microbial communities in the gastrointestinal tract of horses fed on pasture 24 h/day (PST; n =â...
Prior-informed population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of dexamethasone in horses. Dexamethasone (DEX) is widely used in equine practice with diverse studies having characterized its pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) including our published comprehensive meta-analysis. Individual DEX concentrations in plasma and urine and serum cortisol from five studies (n = 32 horses) were analyzed using a minimal physiologically-based PK (mPBPK) model and a circadian baseline-indirect response PD model. The previous meta-analysis provided complex structural models to assess sources of variability across an array of studies involving intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) a...
Weigh tape more accurately estimates equine body weight than morphometric formula: a controlled technical assessment. Accurate body weight (BW) estimation in horses is essential for clinical and nutritional management; however, calibrated scales are often unavailable under field conditions. Objective: To compare the longitudinal accuracy and consistency of a commercial weigh tape and the Carroll and Huntington morphometric formula against calibrated digital scale measurements in adult horses. Methods: In a prospective longitudinal experimental study, six clinically healthy adult crossbred horses (mean real body weight [Rbw] 355.5 ± 21.2 kg) were monitored weekly for 63 days under controlled management condit...
Phenotypic associations between young horse assessments and orthopaedic diagnoses in insured Swedish Warmblood horses. Lameness is the most common health problem in riding horses, and insurance data have previously been used to investigate the prevalence of orthopaedic diagnoses in Swedish Warmblood (SWB) horses. Young horse performance testing is an important part of the SWB breeding programme and contributes data to the genetic evaluation. Assessed traits from these tests have been shown to be useful indicator traits of performance in show jumping and dressage, but their associations with orthopaedic health have not previously been investigated. Objective: To study the associations between assessed traits fr...
Serum osteocalcin is associated with scintigraphic abnormalities in lame and clinically sound racehorses. Musculoskeletal injury is a major welfare and economic challenge in racehorses, with stress-related bone injury contributing to training interruption and catastrophic failure. Advanced imaging modalities can detect early skeletal pathology but remain limited in routine screening environments. Circulating biomarkers of bone turnover may provide complementary indicators of skeletal remodelling but require validation against objective imaging findings. Objective: Evaluate whether osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), or the CTX/OC ratio, are associated with scintig...
Distal limb wraps produce gait- and material-dependent post-exercise changes in stride timing and limb kinematics in horses. Distal limb wraps are widely used during equine exercise, but their effects on post-exercise kinematics and movement symmetry remain poorly defined. Objective: To determine whether elastic and fleece distal limb wraps alter temporal stride variables, distal limb kinematics, and axial movement symmetry after standardised round-pen exercise. Methods: Six adult horses completed a prospective crossover study with three conditions: no wraps, elastic wraps, and fleece wraps. Wraps were applied bilaterally to all distal limbs at an initial pressure of 20 mmHg. After 20 minutes of free round-pen exerc...
Diagnostic Performance of Digital Tomosynthesis for Detecting Osteophytes and Subchondral Bone Changes in the Equine Distal Interphalangeal and Metacarpophalangeal Joints. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of equine lameness and can involve periarticular osteophytes and subchondral bone (SB) changes. This exploratory ex vivo study evaluated the diagnostic performance of digital tomosynthesis (DT) for detecting these findings in the distal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, using computed tomography (CT) classifications as the reference. Sixteen distal forelimbs from nine adult horses underwent imaging with both modalities under simulated weight-bearing conditions. Three independent observers graded osteophytes and SB changes, and the scores were dich...
Oxidative stress markers in different age ranges of healthy horses. Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, impairing cellular functions and contributing to diseases and aging. Despite the growing interest in oxidative stress, studies specifically evaluating the influence of age on laboratory and oxidative stress parameters in clinically healthy horses remain limited. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of age on laboratory and oxidative stress parameters in clinically healthy horses. A total of 152 clinically healthy horses (80 females and 72 males) were selected, including young horses aged 3 to 48Â months (...
Effects of Repeated Monopolar Pulsed Capacitive Radiofrequency Energy Treatments on Mechanical Nociceptive Thresholds and Skin Temperature in Show-Jumping Horses with Thoracolumbar Pain. This study evaluated the effects of repeated monopolar Capacitive Resistive Electrical Transfer (CRET) therapy on mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) and skin surface temperature in horses with perceived chronic thoracolumbar pain. Fifteen show-jumping horses were enrolled in a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial. Ten horses received treatment, and five underwent a sham procedure. Five treatment sessions were performed at 72 h intervals using a monopolar capacitive radiofrequency device operating at 500 kHz. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) were assessed before treatment, afte...
[Determination of 33 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug residues in horse urine by QuEChERS-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry]. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs （NSAIDs） are often used to treat horses' injuries and pain due to long-term training and competitions. In equestrian competitions， NSAIDs do not affect the upper limit of a horse's athletic ability， but they can enable the horse to perform close to its maximum capacity by reducing inflammation and pain. This not only affects the competition results， but also fails to ensure the health and welfare of the horses. Therefore， it has become crucial to effectively monitor and control NSAIDs residues during equestrian competition. In this study， a r...
Warmed intravenous fluid administration attenuated a reduction in body temperature in anaesthetised horses. Peri-anaesthetic hypothermia is a well-documented complication of general anaesthesia and is associated with prolonged recovery, impaired wound healing, and delayed coagulation. Fluid warmers can be used to mitigate heat loss, but there is little evidence supporting their effectiveness in equine anaesthesia. Objective: To determine whether administration of warmed intravenous fluids attenuates heat loss during general anaesthesia in horses. Methods: Prospective, randomised, crossover in vivo experiment. Methods: Six healthy adult horses were anaesthetised twice and administered intravenous flu...
Factors influencing veterinary student interest in equine practice in the United States: A focus group study. The number of new veterinary graduates entering equine practice in the United States continues to decline, and more than half leave the field within 5 years. Understanding the perspectives of veterinary students is critical for developing interventions that promote retention and long-term career satisfaction in equine medicine. Objective: To explore what factors influence veterinary student interest in and commitment to equine practice using the Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory as a guiding framework. Methods: Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured student focus groups. Me...
Scintigraphic Characteristics of the Occipitoatlantoaxial Region in Clinically Sound Horses. The equine occipitoatlantoaxial (OAA) region is biomechanically complex, yet normative scintigraphic reference data for this area are lacking. This retrospective study characterized the physiological radiopharmaceutical uptake pattern in the OAA region of 60 clinically sound horses, assigned equally into four age groups: under 6Â years (Group A), 6-10Â years (Group B), 11-15Â years (Group C), and over 15Â years (Group D). A standardized, semiquantitative analysis of lateral bone-phase scintigrams was performed using region of interest (ROI) ratios to determine uptake patterns. A highly consist...
Correlation of 2D Linear and 3D Volumetric Measurement Techniques for Subchondral Bone Sclerosis in the Equine Distal Limb Using Standing Computed Tomography. Subchondral bone sclerosis of the distal third palmar/plantar metacarpal/metatarsal condyles is a common radiographic finding in Thoroughbred racehorses. Traditionally, assessment has relied on two-dimensional (2D) linear measurements; however, advances in imaging software now allow three-dimensional (3D) volumetric quantification of subchondral bone. This study aimed to assess the relationship and agreement between computed tomography (CT)-derived 2D linear and volumetric measurements of condylar sclerosis and computer-generated 3D volumetric measurements and determine whether 2D measurements...
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Critically Ill Foals and Horses. Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency is a transient dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to inadequate cortisol responses during severe stress from endotoxemia and sepsis in horses and foals. This condition is associated with poor outcomes, and its diagnosis is complicated by interindividual variability in cortisol response. Recent advances in dynamic testing and point-of-care hormone tests offer promise for better assessment and treatment, enabling more precise steroid replacement therapy in affected equine patients.
Modified technique for resection of the alar folds to nasal paralysis in a mule: Case report. Equids are obligate nasal breathers. Therefore, conditions that obstruct or impair this respiratory route can compromise animal welfare by causing severe respiratory distress, while also impacting athletic potential. Nasal paralysis results from injury to the facial nerve and its branches and is characterized by the lack of movement of the alar cartilage, leading to nasal collapse. Its occurrence is uncommon in horses and has not been previously reported in mules. This report describes a 9-month-old mule presented with a history of facial trauma and compression caused by a halter. After unsucc...
Characterization of the Healthy Ocular Mycobiome of Purebred Lusitano Horses Using Oxford Nanopore Long-Read Sequencing. The ocular surface represents a unique microbial ecosystem continuously exposed to environmental microorganisms; however, the fungal component of the healthy equine ocular microbiome remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to characterize the ocular surface mycobiome of 12 clinically healthy Purebred Lusitano horses from three geographical regions in Portugal kept in two housing systems using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing and conventional fungal culture. Sequencing revealed a highly diverse fungal community with marked inter-individual variability. The most abundant genera were ,...
Use of a caudal intercostal block in horses undergoing surgery for colic. In humans and companion animals, regional anaesthesia is used in multimodal analgesic protocols for abdominal wall surgery. Benefits include earlier patient mobilisation and improved pain scores. Regional anaesthetic techniques for horses undergoing abdominal surgery could provide similar benefits and warrant investigation. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a caudal intercostal block for abdominal surgery (CIBAS) in horses undergoing surgery for colic. Methods: Blinded, randomised clinical trial. Methods: Horses (n = 22) undergoing exploratory celiotomy for colic were rando...
Historical, clinical and nasal endoscopic findings in 1600 cases of equine sinonasal disease and associations with case outcome. No large study has described the signalment, pre-referral management or clinical and nasal endoscopic findings in equine sinonasal disease. Objective: To explore associations between case outcome and signalment, pre-referral treatments, clinical and nasal endoscopic variables in sinonasal disease. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records of 19 equine hospitals on sinonasal disease cases they had examined and which had undergone computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Case outcome was obtained from clinical records and/or by contacting clients and referri...
Musculoskeletal Assessment of Forelimbs and Hindlimbs in Mounted Police Horses using Infrared Thermography. Infrared thermography (IRT) has become established as a complementary tool in equine veterinary medicine, allowing for the early detection of thermal changes associated with musculoskeletal inflammatory processes. Objective: This study aimed to apply infrared thermography to characterize the surface thermal profile of the forelimbs and hindlimbs of mounted police horses, considering clinical classification, anatomical region, body side, and repeated evaluations over time. Methods: The research was conducted at the Military Police Cavalry in Manaus (AM), Brazil, involving 20 adult horses submit...
Context-aware machine learning for lameness side and severity prediction in trotting horses: A proof-of-concept study. In clinical practice, lameness evaluation often relies on visual assessment under different examination conditions, including ground and figures, and remains subjective. Although objective symmetry indices provide quantitative measures of gait asymmetry, their interpretation across multiple conditions remains challenging because several complementary indices are required and their thresholds vary with context. Objective: To assess the ability of a context-aware machine learning approach to predict lameness side and severity at the trot using trunk-mounted IMUs. Methods: Retrospective observati...
Clinical Signs as an Indication of the Presence of Gastric Ulcers in Horses: True or False? Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and its related diseases, Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD), can be found in horses worldwide, with increased prevalences in racehorses and animals subjected to heavy training loads. Clinical signs of the disease are vague and nonspecific, and most horses affected by the disease are asymptomatic. In this retrospective study, our aim was to determine the percentages of pleasure and breeding horses showing signs compatible with gastric ulcers, and to correlate these signs with the presence of ESGD, EGGD, and bo...
Coprological assessment of gastrointestinal helminths in Arabian Thoroughbred horses housed in a stable in the Constantine region, Algeria. This study assesses the gastrointestinal parasitological status of Arabian Thoroughbred horses at the Eastern Equestrian Club in Constantine (Algeria). In this semi-arid region, epidemiological data on equine parasitoses are lacking. Twenty fecal samples were analyzed using qualitative (flotation) and quantitative (McMaster) methods, complemented by morphological identification of parasitic eggs. The results reveal an overall prevalence of 50 %, with species diversity dominated by strongyles (60 % of positive cases), followed by (40 %), spp. (30 %), (20 %), and spp. (10 %). The excretion i...
Associations between treatments and response to treatments from a large multicentre study of equine sinonasal disease. No large study has examined the treatment and response to treatment of horses with sinonasal disease confirmed by computed tomography (CT). Objective: To report the treatment and response to treatment of referred cases of equine sinonasal disease. To explore associations between case outcome and clinical and endoscopic features, CT findings, disease subtypes, and treatments in a multivariable model. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records from 19 equine hospitals on cases of sinonasal disease, all of which underwent CT imaging. Case outcome was obt...
Anesthetic Recovery Following a Midazolam-Containing Co-Induction Protocol in Horses Undergoing Total Intravenous Anesthesia. Anesthetic recovery is a critical phase in horses under field conditions, and induction protocols may influence recovery quality during total intravenous anesthesia. Objective: To compare two anesthetic induction protocols, one including midazolam and the other based solely on xylazine and ketamine, regarding anesthetic induction and recovery quality, total recovery time, and attempts to achieve standing in horses undergoing total intravenous anesthesia. Methods: Twelve healthy male horses older than 2 years were randomly assigned to XC (xylazine 1 mg/kg and ketamine 2 mg/kg) or XCM (xylazine ...
Pelvic Flexure Enterotomy in Horses: Scoping Review and Synthesis of the Literature (1996-2026). This scoping review maps the available literature aimed at identifying the most appropriate technique for suturing pelvic flexure enterotomies in horses. A comprehensive search of Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information was conducted for studies published between January 1996 and February 2026, using terms related to pelvic flexure enterotomy and equine patients. From 22,146 records, only five ex vivo studies on healthy equine colon specimens met the inclusion criteria. The studies compared variables such as suturing time, suture pattern, material,...
