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.
Wnuk E, Janicka W, Stachurska A, Janicka K, Wnęk M, Jagusiak W, Łuszczyński J.The sense of smell is the first sense by which horses determine the suitability of feed for consumption. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the degree of familiarity with the smell and taste of plants on horses' olfactory exploration. Behavioural responses of twenty adult horses to nine herbs of three degrees of familiarity-least familiar (unknown in the first trial), known only by smell, and known by smell and taste-were investigated. During the tests, the horses were allowed to explore the individual herbs placed in a crib constructed to prevent them from eating the contents...
Alonso MA, Dos Santos GR, Fonte JS, Marques PC, Pereira DD, Toral FLB, Bordignon V, Junior JB, Squires E, Fernandes CB.This retrospective study evaluated whether different reproductive biotechnologies influence neonatal behaviour parameters in foals. Data from 102 foalings in two commercial breeding farms were analysed, including foals conceived by artificial insemination (AI), conventional embryo transfer (ET) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Neonatal parameters recorded were birth weight, time to achieve sternal recumbency, time to stand, time to nurse and time to meconium elimination. Mixed statistical models were applied to assess the influence of reproductive technique, breed, sex and farm. Si...
Gómez MD, Sánchez-Guerrero MJ, Perdomo-González DI, Ripollés-Lobo M, Bartolomé E, Valera M.This study evaluates performance data and genetic merit of the main horse populations competing in Olympic disciplines in Spain and examines their implications for the optimization of official Breeding Programs. Performance records from 2004-2023 were analyzed, including 101,093 participations in Dressage, 319,000 in Show Jumping, and 17,535 in Eventing. These records were combined with pedigree information from 35,589 horses in Dressage, 33,935 in Show Jumping, and 12,102 in Eventing and evaluated using BLUP animal models to obtain standardized Estimated Breeding Values (EBV; mean 100 ± 20) ...
Rogers CM, Ledbetter EC, Reid AM, Scott EM, Knickelbein KE.Use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of immune-mediated keratitis (IMMK) in horses is becoming common. The safety and morphologic impact on the normal equine cornea have not been investigated, and the mechanism of its efficacy is unknown. Objective: To investigate the morphologic effects and safety of in vivo PDT on healthy equine corneas. Methods: In vivo experiment. Methods: Six university-owned horses underwent unilateral corneal PDT with intrastromal infracyanine green (EmunDo®) and photoactivation with an 810 nm diode laser (500 mW for 2.5 min = 75 Joules). Compl...
de Luna Paiva TD, de Melo Lopes AR, Silva ÁJC, Figueiredo MAF, da Cunha Nogueira SS, Nogueira-Filho SLG.Medical ozone is used in various treatments due to its oxidising properties. Objective: We aimed in this study to evaluate the impact of intrarectal ozone therapy on haematological and biochemical parameters, as well as the pain induced by the procedure in sport horses. Methods: In vivo experiment with 12 Quarter Horses (3 males and 9 females) used as their own controls to assess the effects of ozone therapy. Methods: Blood samples were collected before treatment (Control), 24 h after ozone therapy (24 h post-treatment), and 7 days after the last day of ozone therapy (7 days post-treatment). ...
van den Brom-Spierenburg AJ, Siegers EW, Westermann CM, Vernooij JCM, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Theelen MJP.In hospitalized foals, limited data are available on the utility of sequential measurement of SAA concentrations and the value of these data in a clinical setting. Objective: To determine serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in ill neonatal foals at multiple timepoints during hospitalization, and to evaluate a potential association with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) status, blood culture (BC) result, and survival. Methods: Hospitalized ill foals (n = 90, ≤ 14 days). Methods: In this retrospective study, foals were classified based on SIRS criteria: "SIRS" or "NonSIRS," ...
Tyson KN, Couetil LL, Ivester KM, Murray L, Mukhopadhyay A, Marmolejo JF, Jannasch A.Nebulization of injectable dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP; 0.01 mg/kg) to horses with severe equine asthma (SEA) was previously found to be ineffective. Horses with SEA have marked bronchoconstriction that decreases peripheral lung deposition of nebulized drugs. Administration of a bronchodilator immediately before nebulizing dexamethasone may improve efficacy. Objective: Evaluate the therapeutic effects and optimal dose of nebulized DSP after nebulized albuterol in horses with SEA. Methods: Seven horses with SEA from a research herd. Methods: In this masked randomized crossover trial, h...
McKenna KD, Struble SE, Max LNF, Linardi RL, Ortved KF.To quantify platelets, leukocytes, cytokines, and growth factors in ProVet autologous platelet concentrate (APC). We hypothesized that APC would contain significantly increased leukocytes and platelets compared to whole blood and significantly increased concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors compared to serum. Unassigned: Blood was obtained from 6 horses and processed to produce APC. Leukocyte and platelet concentrations were quantified in whole blood and APC. Cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1Ra, and growt...
Fernández-Villa C, Miranda M, Rigueira L, Martinez L, Villanueva B, Freire S, López-Alonso M.Serum mineral concentrations are key indicators of nutritional status, metabolic function and health in horses; however, contemporary reference intervals (RI) derived from large, well-characterised populations remain scarce. Objective: To establish serum RI for macro- and microminerals in clinically healthy horses in Northwestern Spain and to evaluate the influence of sex, age, breed and diet on mineral status. Methods: Blood samples were collected from clinically healthy horses (n = 211), and serum concentrations of essential macrominerals (calcium [Ca]; phosphorous [P]; magnesium [Mg]; sodiu...
Loublier C, Taminiau B, Seidel L, Moula N, Tano C, Cesarini C, Costa M, Lecoq L, Daube G, Amory H.Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics are used in equine practice. Understanding veterinarians' perceptions and practices is crucial for effective implementation. Objective: (1) Evaluate the prevalence, usage patterns and perceived effectiveness of probiotics and FMT among equine veterinarians in France and Belgium. (2) Assess their knowledge, practices and influencing factors across demographics and settings. (3) Explore links between FMT protocols and treatment satisfaction. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: An online survey collected demographic data and responses o...
Minamijima Y, Kuroda T, Maeda Y, Narita S, Yamashita S, Yamada M.Medetomidine, an α₂-adrenergic agonist, is widely used as a sedative in horses. While its pharmacological effects are established, limited data exist on elimination of its metabolites, 3'-hydroxy medetomidine (HMD) and 3'-carboxy medetomidine (CMD), which are of regulatory interest. HMD is currently targeted in plasma and urine under International Screening Limits (ISLs) established by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). In this study, seven Thoroughbreds received 6.3 μg/kg of medetomidine intravenously. Blood and urine were collected for 96 h and analyzed b...
Dörsam K, Nischang V, Büttner K, Fey K, Werz O, Jordan PM.Equine asthma (EA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract in horses, which is mainly triggered by dusty hay. EA is becoming increasingly acknowledged as a valuable animal model for studying human asthma. Research on the pathogenesis of EA has primarily focused on the associated cells and cytokines involved. However, the role of inflammation-related lipid mediators (LM) in the development and progression of equine asthma remains elusive. LMs are categorized into pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (AA)-derived leukotrienes (LTs) and prostaglandins (PGs), as well as infla...
Terlinden A, Jacquet S, Manivong S, Coudry V, Tallaj A, Cullier A, Legendre F, Garcia AA, Moldovan F, Sirois P, Banquy X, Galéra P, Audigié F....Intra-articular drug delivery systems (DDS) are emerging as promising therapies for osteoarthritis (OA), yet their efficacy in spontaneous clinical cases remains largely untested. This uncontrolled, descriptive pilot study was designed to provide a proof of concept for the feasibility, safety, and preliminary clinical effects of intra-articular administration in sport horses with naturally occurring OA. The study involved a peptide-functionalized nanogel composed of chitosan and hyaluronic acid, delivering endothelin type A (BQ-123) and bradykinin B1 (R-954) receptor antagonists, which have pr...
Lopez Cruz C, Gonzalez LM, McKinney-Aguirre CA, Hepworth-Warren KL, Roessner HA, Burke M, Fogle CA.To describe the methodology used to identify the contributors to a perceived sudden increase in exploratory celiotomy surgical site infections (SSI) and complications at the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (NCSU VTH) between 2019 and 2020 and evaluate the effect of the designed intervention up to 4 years after its implementation. Methods: Case-control retrospective study over a five-year period. Methods: A total of 448 horses that underwent exploratory celiotomy for the treatment of acute abdominal pain were included. Methods: Medical records of horses that under...
Rakowska A, Biazik A, Sobuś M, Cywińska A.The article aimed to review the current literature analysing the complexity of an exercise-induced acute phase response in athletic horses undergoing intense training and endurance competitions. Since the endurance discipline demands physical fitness, exceptional health and excellent adaptation to an increasing workload, diagnostic methods of assessing the factors mentioned above are highly required. Athletic horses in endurance training undergo numerous metabolic but also immune adaptations, including changes in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. The inflammatory reaction...
Taguchi T, Lopez MJ, Aoun R, Helber L.Over the last few decades, cell and cell-based therapies emerged as treatment options for equine tendinopathy and desmopathy. The objective of this study was to critically evaluate outcomes following treatment of equine tendinopathy or desmopathy with adult multipotent stromal/stem cells (MSCs). Unassigned: The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for "equine/horse," "tendon/tendinopathy/tendonitis/ligament/ligamentopathy/desmopathy/desmitis," "stem/stromal/mesenchymal/multipotent," and "cell" from January 2001 to June 2025. Studies were identified according to PRISMA guidelines, ...
Auvinen JRE, Kritchevsky JE, Reinhart JM, Gochenauer AE, Jannasch AS, Han-Hallett Y.Manipulation of forms of rectally administered metronidazole to improve bioavailability in horses has not been reported. Objective: Evaluate the pharmacokinetics of 3 rectal metronidazole preparations compared to nasogastric (NG) administration. Methods: Seven healthy horses. Methods: Phase 1A was a randomized, 3-way crossover, single-dose pharmacokinetic study, and Phases 1B and 2 were non-randomized, single-dose follow-up studies. Metronidazole (20 mg/kg) was administered NG and rectally in water (RW20), as a rectal gel (RG), and in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Metronidazole (80 mg/kg) was a...
Mahalingam-Dhingra A, Bedenice D, South A, Minuto J, Robins TJ, Trautwein V, Larkin M, Wagner B, Mazan MR.Corticosteroids are the main pharmacologic treatment for equine asthma (EA) but may have adverse effects in metabolically unstable horses. Recent pilot studies support the use of nebulized lidocaine as an alternative treatment option. Objective: Nebulized lidocaine will improve EA-associated clinical variables and airway inflammation. Methods: Twenty client-owned horses diagnosed with EA. Methods: Randomized, blinded, in-hospital study comparing 1 mg/kg preservative-free 4% lidocaine (n = 10) nebulized via Flexineb (twice daily for 7 doses) to 0.9% saline control (n = 10). Clinical examin...
Bindi F, de Marchi L, Elias-Cortajarena A, Sala G, Vitale V, Spadari A, Rinnovati R, Bonelli F, Sgorbini M.Colic is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in horses, with oxidative stress implicated in its pathophysiology. Objective: Evaluate biomarkers (BIOs) of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in healthy horses and those with non-strangulating colic (NSC) and strangulating colic (SC) and assess correlations with survival. Methods: Seventy-one adult horses: 10 healthy and 61 colic-affected (42 NSC, 19 SC) admitted to 3 veterinary teaching hospitals. Methods: Prospective, multicenter cohort study. Blood samples were collected at admission (T0) and up to 96 h post-admission. Biomarkers me...
Slavik K, Underwood C, Lowndes C, Skelton G, van Eps A.To examine the effects of botulinum toxin inoculation into the deep digital flexor (DDF) muscle on foot biomechanics. Unassigned: 6 healthy horses were injected with botulinum toxin in the DDF of 1 forelimb. The opposite forelimb was untreated. Ground reaction forces (GRF) were measured using a pressure sensor in regions of interest, including the dorsal hoof wall (toe). The location of the center of pressure (COP) was measured relative to the dorsal hoof wall during static standing and at peak stance during walking. Repeat measurements 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days after injection were compared t...
Nout-Lomas YS, Story MR.Equine head and neck disorders can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, depending on the structures involved and disease process. Important components of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, ophthalmological, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems are contained within the head and neck, and clinical signs of disorders will result in expected clinical signs. However, clinical manifestations of disease are sometimes subtle, and when not recognized can lead to behavioral changes including undesired behaviors and poor sleep. Recognizing behavioral phenotypes of horses with proble...
The ability of spermatozoa to withstand cryopreservation differs between stallions. While the underlying mechanisms of these differences are not fully understood, seminal plasma (SP) may play a crucial role in modulating sperm cryotolerance. Seminal plasma contains a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs), nanometer-sized membrane particles that can transfer biomolecules to sperm modulating their function. This study aimed to isolate and characterize two sized-sEV subsets-small (S-) and large (L-)-from stallion SP, and to evaluate their involvement in sperm freezability. Sem...
Kwon YS, Jeong H, Kim J, Kim J, Chun K, Yang SK, Kim B.Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of equine lameness, yet pragmatic evidence for nutraceuticals in horses remains limited. Unassigned: We prospectively evaluated 12 weeks of daily natural eggshell membrane (NEM; 12 mg/kg, orally) supplementation in Warmblood horses with chronic lameness using a single-arm before-after design. Ten horses were enrolled and prespecified paired contrasts compared visit 3 (V3, week 12) with baseline (V1). Outcomes included rider-reported under-saddle function (walk and trot), examiner-graded lameness (rest and walk-trot composite), simple joint-angle kinematics...
Keller J, Hassenstein MJ, Jung K, Geburek F.Ground reaction forces are accepted as gold standard for objective assessment of weightbearing lameness but measurements at the hoof are limited to experimental devices. This study aimed to evaluate whether innovative instrumented hoof boots (IHBs) could detect and monitor lameness in horses during diagnostic anaesthesia. Twenty-six horses referred for lameness examination (15 front limbs, 17 hindlimbs) were equipped with IHBs and body mounted inertial sensors. Data were collected simultaneously before and after diagnostic anaesthesia until objectively considered positive. Recorded IHB data i...
Hmb O, L W, M V, Jm W, Ct F.A systematic study of regional skin thickness in different types of horses has not yet been described. Knowledge about regional skin thickness has long been used in human medicine to optimise wound care and skin grafting outcomes and similar knowledge could prove useful in equine wound management. The objective of the current study was to report the topographical variation in skin thickness of Warmblood (WB) and Coldblood (CB) type horses and to compare different methods for measuring skin thickness. Horses free of skin conditions and euthanised for reasons unrelated to this study were include...
Mendes RP, Gonzaga MS, Matheus MM, Bittar MJ, Doria RGS, Corrêa RR.Developmental and eruption abnormalities are common and can result in progressive dental diseases. Ectopic eruption of the affected tooth may be the result of these processes. This study aims to report the occurrence of a permanent mandibular tooth in a horizontal position, with retention of the corresponding deciduous tooth, in a miniature horse. A 2-year-old female miniature horse was admitted to the veterinary hospital with a hard swelling on the left mandibular ramus, which had been growing continuously for three months. After a complete evaluation, it was concluded that the swelling was t...
McCosh KK, Selberg KT, Platt LA, Seabaugh KA.To compare effusion scores obtained via ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) in equine cervical articular process joints (CAPJs). Unassigned: Cadaveric cervical specimens (skull through C7) from 6 horses were used. One specimen was used to establish maximal joint distension volume. In the main study phase, 50 CAPJs were randomly assigned to receive 0, 2, or 4 mL of positive contrast solution. The CAPJs were imaged via US and CT before and after injection. Effusion was subjectively graded on a scale of 0 to 4 for both modalities. Statistical analyses compared pre- and post-injection eff...
Migliorisi A.The goal of this article is to provide the equine practitioners with a framework for a diagnostic algorithm for the patient presented with possible seizures/epilepsy. Using a comparative approach, a review of companion animal and human research is provided with the intention of expanding our current knowledge on seizure/epilepsy, as well as diagnostic and treatment strategies for equine patients.
Rinnovati R, Meistro F, Ralletti MV, D'Angelo P, Spadari A, Zingariello E, Pollera C, Stancampiano L.In horses, surgical site infections (SSIs) are multifactorial complications influenced by patient-related, procedural, and environmental factors. While perioperative contamination has been extensively studied in the operating theater, the anesthetic induction and recovery environment has received limited attention. The aim of this study was to characterize bacterial contamination within an equine anesthetic induction and recovery stall and to evaluate its spatial and temporal distribution. Environmental samples were collected from four predefined locations within the stall at three time points...
Lefèvre RA, Barluet de Beauchesne L, Sabarros F, Briefer Freymond S, Ramseyer A, Keller M, Reby D, Fitch WT, Briefer ÉF.Understanding why the frequencies of some species' vocalizations are far above or below those predicted by body size is key for explaining the remarkable diversity of mammalian vocal behavior. Horses, among the largest terrestrial mammals, provide a clear example of such deviation: their whinnies contain a very high fundamental frequency (>1,000 Hz) in addition to a second, lower one (∼200 Hz). While the lower fundamental frequency of whinnies is readily attributed to vocal fold (laryngeal) vibrations, the biomechanical processes underlying the production of the higher one remain unknown. Us...
Hesselkilde EM, Isaksen JL, Petersen BV, Carstensen H, Jespersen T, Pehrson S, Kanters JK, Buhl R.In equine medicine, 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) rarely are used, which may in part be a result of shortcomings in the existing guidelines for obtaining 12-lead ECGs in horses. The guidelines recommend placing the limb leads on the extremities, which is inappropriate because the ventricular mean electrical axis is then perpendicular to the limb leads, leading to large variations in ECG configuration even among healthy horses. From an electrophysiological point of view, the leads instead should be parallel to the electrical axis to minimize variability. Objective: Develop an improved metho...
Brosnahan MM, Paradis MR.To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, management practices, and owner perception of a population of geriatric horses, and to compare these data with findings in a group of younger horses. Methods: Original study. Methods: 218 horses. Methods: Data were collected via a survey tool from owners of 165 horses that were > or = 20 years of age and 53 horses that were < 20 years of age. Results: Compared with young horses, the geriatric group included a significantly greater number of ponies; geriatric horses were also more likely to have a history of colic, dental disease, ...
Paillot R.Inactivated Parapoxvirus ovis (iPPVO) and Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are currently used in equine medicine as immune-modulators for prophylactic treatment or adjunct to conventional therapy in order to improve immune defences, to prevent or treat infectious diseases. Their mode of action relies on a non-antigen specific interaction with the innate and/or adaptive immune responses. iPPVO stimulates and regulates cytokine secretion by leucocytes, while P. acnes acts primarily through the activation of macrophages. This report aims to describe their activity as immune-modulators and to su...
Sykes BW, Kathawala K, Song Y, Garg S, Page SW, Underwood C, Mills PC.Pilot investigations have suggested that a novel, long-acting, injectable i.m. formulation of omeprazole (LA-OMEP) can induce acid suppression for up to 7 days following a single injection. Objective: To investigate the pharmacodynamics and assess the clinical efficacy of the LA-OMEP formulation. Methods: Part A comprised a pharmacodynamic study. Part B consisted of a pilot clinical trial. Methods: Part A enrolled six adult Thoroughbred horses with percutaneous gastrotomy tubes. Intragastric pH was measured for continuous 23-h periods (08.00-07.00 h) for eight consecutive days (days 0-7). A si...
Williams LB, Co C, Koenig JB, Tse C, Lindsay E, Koch TG.Equine mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are commonly transported, chilled or frozen, to veterinary clinics. These MSC must remain viable and minimally affected by culture, transport, or injection processes. The safety of two carrier solutions developed for optimal viability and excipient use were evaluated in ponies, with and without allogeneic cord blood-derived (CB) MSC. We hypothesized that neither the carrier solutions nor CB-MSC would elicit measurable changes in clinical, hematological, or biochemical parameters. In nine ponies (study 1), a bolus of HypoThermosol(®) FRS (HTS-FRS), CryoSt...
Traversa D, Iorio R, Capelli G, Paoletti B, Bartolini R, Otranto D, Giangaspero A.Gastric habronemosis of horses caused by Habronema microstoma and Habronema muscae (Nematoda, Spirurida) is characterized by catarrhal gastritis, diarrhoea, progressive weight loss and ulcers. Despite its importance in the equine industry and in clinical practice, knowledge of the epidemiology of this infection is still incomplete as diagnosis in live animals is challenging. A two-step semi-nested PCR assay using ribosomal DNA (rDNA) markers has recently been used for the molecular diagnosis in vivo of gastric habronemosis based on the detection of H. microstoma and/or H. muscae DNA in equine ...
Reis IL, Lopes B, Sousa P, Sousa AC, Caseiro AR, Mendonça CM, Santos JM, Atayde LM, Alvites RD, Maurício AC.Musculoskeletal injuries such as equine osteoarthritis, osteoarticular defects, tendonitis/desmitis, and muscular disorders are prevalent among sport horses, with a fair prognosis for returning to exercise or previous performance levels. The field of equine medicine has witnessed rapid and fruitful development, resulting in a diverse range of therapeutic options for musculoskeletal problems. Staying abreast of these advancements can be challenging, prompting the need for a comprehensive review of commonly used and recent treatments. The aim is to compile current therapeutic options for managin...
Leclere M.Immune suppressive therapies target exaggerated and deleterious responses of the immune system. Triggered by exogenous or endogenous factors, these improper responses can lead to immune or inflammatory manifestations, such as urticaria, equine asthma, or autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. Glucocorticoids are the most commonly used immune suppressive drugs and the only ones supported by robust evidence of clinical efficacy in equine medicine. In some conditions, combining glucocorticoids with other pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, such as azathioprine, antihistamine, broncho...
Weber EJ, Sanchez LC, Giguère S.The modified sepsis scoring system provides a method to identify sepsis in foals early in the disease process, but inconsistent results have been obtained from its clinical application in previous studies. Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the modified sepsis score in a larger population of foals. A secondary objective was to identify factors associated with sepsis. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Records were retrospectively analysed for neonatal admissions to the University of Florida Large Animal Hospital from 1982 to 2008. Backwards stepwise multivaria...
Andrews FM, Reinemeyer CR, McCracken MD, Blackford JT, Nadeau JA, Saabye L, Sötell M, Saxton A.Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) represents a major health problem in performance horses. Much debate exists regarding endoscopic gastric ulcer scoring systems and their ability accurately to predict severity or depth of gastric ulcers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of an endoscopist to count gastric ulcers and predict gastric ulcer severity or depth using 2 endoscopic scoring systems and compare them to the same gastric ulcers see on necropsy and histopathology. Endoscopic examination of the stomach was performed under general anaesthesia on 23 mixed breed yearling...
Dixon PM, Dacre I, Dacre K, Tremaine WH, McCann J, Barakzai S.Extraction of cheek teeth (CT) by the conventional repulsion technique requires general anaesthesia and carries a high rate of post operative complications. Consequently, an alternative method of extraction, i.e. orally in standing horses, was evaluated. Objective: The need for and risks of general anaesthesia could be avoided and post extraction sequelae reduced by performing extractions orally in standing horses. Methods: One hundred mainly younger horses (median age 8, range 2-18 years) with firmly attached CT that required extraction because of apical infections, displacements, diastemata,...
van der Kolk JH, Pacholewska A, Gerber V.The search for new markers of diseases in human as well as veterinary medicine is ongoing. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) have emerged as potential new biomarkers. MiRNAs are short sequences of RNA (∼22 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression via their target messenger RNA (mRNA). Circulating miRNAs in blood can be used as novel diagnostic markers for diseases due to their evolutionary conservation and stability. As a consequence of their systemic and manifold effects on the gene expression in various target organs, the concept that miRNAs could function as hormones has been suggest...
Lyons ET, Tolliver SC, Kuzmina TA, Collins SS.Critical tests were performed in 2009 and 2010 in four 2-year-old horses naturally infected with internal parasites. The horses were from a herd (Farm MC) where reduced activity of ivermectin and moxidectin on small strongyles was demonstrated previously from EPG (eggs/gram of feces) data in field tests. Also, in critical tests in horses from the same herd, ivermectin was less effective on immature small strongyles in the lumen of the large intestine than when the drug was first marketed. The main interest in the present critical tests was to determine the efficacy of moxidectin (400 μg/kg) o...
Elashry MI, Baulig N, Wagner AS, Klymiuk MC, Kruppke B, Hanke T, Wenisch S, Arnhold S.Combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and biomaterials is a rapidly growing approach in regenerative medicine particularly for chronic degenerative disorders including osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The present study examined the effect of biomaterial scaffolds on equine adipose-derived MSC morphology, viability, adherence, migration, and osteogenic differentiation. MSCs were cultivated in conjunction with collagen CultiSpher-S Microcarrier (MC), nanocomposite xerogels B30 and combined B30 with strontium (B30Str) biomaterials in osteogenic differentiation medium either under static or...
Millares-Ramirez EM, Le Jeune SS.Girth aversion or girthiness is a nonspecific clinical sign anecdotally associated with multiple conditions in the horse (behavioral problems, gastric ulcers, back pain); however, studies have not been conducted to definitively correlate this clinical sign to specific pathologies. This retrospective study aims to describe the clinical signs and final diagnoses of 37 horses evaluated at the University of California, Davis with a presenting complaint of girthiness. Medical records of all horses presented to the veterinary hospital between 2004 and 2016 for girthiness were reviewed. Twelve horses...
Paradis MR.Owners of older horses have generally owned them for a long time. They have developed a bond that is similar to that seen with companion animals. Their desire to have their animal(s) age gracefully with comfort and mobility has stirred research in the field of equine geriatric medicine. Equine geriatric medicine is to the first decade of the twenty-first century as neonatal medicine was to the 1980s. Hopefully, the demographics discussed in this article highlight area where research can be most helpful.
Clayton HM, Kaiser LJ, Lavagnino M, Stubbs NC.Based upon human data, it is probable that many conditions associated with neck pain in horses may benefit from performing mobilisation exercises as part of the rehabilitation protocol. Objective: To compare sagittal plane intervertebral angulations in a neutral standing position with the angulations at end range of motion in 3 dynamic mobility exercises performed in cervical flexion. Methods: Sagittal plane motion of the head, neck and back were measured in 8 sound horses standing in a neutral position and in 3 end-of-range neck flexion positions: chin-to-chest, chin-between-carpi, and chin-b...
Shikh Alsook MK, Gabriel A, Piret J, Waroux O, Tonus C, Connan D, Baise E, Antoine N.Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) harvested from cadaveric tissues represent a promising approach for regenerative medicine. To date, no study has investigated whether viable MSCs could survive in cadaveric tissues from tendon or ligament up to 72 hours of post-mortem. The purpose of the present work was to find out if viable MSCs could survive in cadaveric tissues from adult equine ligaments up to 72 hours of post-mortem, and to assess their ability (i) to remain in an undifferentiated state and (ii) to divide and proliferate in the absence of any specific stimulus. Methods: MSCs were isolated ...
Galiazzo G, De Silva M, Giancola F, Rinnovati R, Peli A, Chiocchetti R.The activation of cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors by endogenous, plant-derived or synthetic cannabinoids may exert beneficial effects on pain perception. Of the cannabinoids contained in Cannabis sativa, cannabidiol (CBD) does not produce psychotropic effects and seems to represent a molecule having great therapeutic potential. Cannabidiol acts on a great number of cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related G-protein-coupled receptors and ionotropic receptors which have, to date, been understudied in veterinary medicine particularly in equine medicine. Objective: To localise the cellula...
Couëtil LL, Chilcoat CD, DeNicola DB, Clark SP, Glickman NW, Glickman LT.To determine whether administration of glucocorticoids provides additional benefits to environmental management of horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Methods: 28 horses with RAO. Methods: Horses were classified as having mild, moderate, or severe RAO. Within each category, horses were randomly assigned to receive inhaled fluticasone propionate, inhaled control substance, or oral administration of prednisone. During the 4-week study, horses were maintained outdoors and fed a pelleted feed. Clinical scores, pulmonary function, results of cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lava...
Hapke HJ, Strathmann W.Hordenine is an ingredient of some plants which are used as feed for animals, i.e. in sprouting barley. After ingestion of such feed hordenine may be detected in blood or urine of horses which in case of racing horses may be the facts of using prohibited compounds. Results of some experiments in pharmacological models show that hordenine is an indirectly acting adrenergic drug. It liberates norepinephrine from stores. In isolated organs and those structures with reduced epinephrine contents the hordenine-effect is only very poor. Experiments in intact animals (rats, dogs) show that hordenine h...
Chen L, Li S, Li W, Yu Y, Sun Q, Chen W, Zhou H, Wang C, Li L, Xu M, Khan MZ, Li Y, Wang T.The Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway has been extensively studied for its role in regulating antioxidant and antiviral responses. The Equid herpesvirus type 8 (EqHV-8) poses a significant threat to the equine industry, primarily manifesting as respiratory disease, abortions, and neurological disorders in horses and donkeys. Oxidative stress is considered a key factor associated with pathogenesis of EqHV-8 infection. Unfortunately, there is currently a dearth of therapeutic interventions available for the effective control of EqHV-8. R...
Koch TG, Berg LC, Betts DH.Stem cells from various tissues hold great promise for their therapeutic use in horses, but so far efficacy or proof-of-principle has not been established. The basic characteristics and properties of various equine stem cells remain largely unknown, despite their increasingly widespread experimental and empirical commercial use. A better understanding of equine stem cell biology and concepts is needed in order to develop and evaluate rational clinical applications in the horse. Controlled, well-designed studies of the basic biologic characteristics and properties of these cells are needed to m...
Fielding CL, Magdesian KG, Rhodes DM, Meier CA, Higgins JC.To describe the clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities in endurance horses eliminated from competition and requiring emergency medical treatment. Methods: Retrospective study over a 2-year period (2005-2006). Ten horses that successfully completed the ride in 2006 were included for comparison. Methods: Temporary equine emergency field hospital. Methods: All horses (n=30) that were removed from endurance competition and treated for a metabolic abnormality were studied. Methods: Horses were treated with IV fluids and analgesics. Monitoring included lab work (PCV, total protein, and electro...
Velloso Alvarez A, Boone LH, Braim AP, Taintor JS, Caldwell F, Wright JC, Wooldridge AA.There are several non-steroidal intra-articular therapeutics (NSIATs) available for use by equine practitioners for the treatment of performance-limiting joint-related pathology. Information is limited on perceived clinical efficacy, recommended treatment protocols, and associated complications. Our objective with this cross-sectional survey was to investigate the current clinical usage of NSIATs by equine practitioners. An electronic cross-sectional convenience survey inquiring about the use of steroidal and NSIATS (platelet-rich plasma, autologous conditioned serum, autologous protein soluti...
Carnevale EM.Assisted reproductive techniques that are based on oocyte manipulations have gained acceptance in the equine industry. Methods to collect and handle immature or maturing oocytes have been developed, and systems to ship oocytes now allow for collection in one location and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in another. Subsequently, ICSI-produced embryos can be transferred onsite, shipped to another location, or cryopreserved. Methods for the collection, identification, culture, maturation, and shipment of equine oocytes are reviewed, with an emphasis on procedures from laboratories providi...
Clayton HM, Sha DH.Horses are often worked along a circular trajectory but the mechanics of turning have not been reported. Objective: To develop a methodology for kinematic analysis of horses during circling and to report preliminary findings describing movements of the total body centre of mass (COMbody). Methods: Seventy-five skin markers, distributed over the head, neck, trunk and limbs of 5 sound horses, were tracked in a global coordinate system at 120 Hz as the horses trotted around a small circle. Based on segmental inertial data, 3D positions of the segmental centres of mass and COMbody were calculated....
