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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.
Continuous Bluetooth pulse oximetry monitoring in conscious and anesthetized horses: a pilot study. To assess the feasibility, patient tolerance, and accuracy of a wireless Bluetooth pulse oximeter sensor system on horses for an extended period. Unassigned: A prospective, case-control, unblinded study involved 7 horses at risk of hypoxemia and 7 healthy controls. A wireless Bluetooth transmission sensor was attached to their nostril for a prolonged period. Sensor retention time, patient tolerance, and sensor performance in capturing valid monitoring points were recorded. During the monitoring, 4 samples of arterial blood were collected, and paired measurements (SaO2) and estimations (SpO2) o...
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Therapies for Liver Disease. Liver dysfunction may reduce the metabolism of drugs that undergo extensive hepatic processing. This will lead to reduced clearance and elimination, and can cause accumulation of the drug, increasing the risk of toxicity. Pentoxifylline and ursodeoxycholic acid are 2 pharmaceuticals that can provide benefits for a variety of equine hepatic diseases. Nutraceuticals are frequently used in horses with hepatopathy, targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocellular injury. Neutraceuticals such as S-adenosylmethionine, silymarin and vitamin E are most commonly used although extensive rese...
A study of the forces generated during equine cheek tooth extraction. Significant force is often applied when elevating equine teeth from the alveolus during extraction. No previous studies have investigated these forces. Objective: To develop a method to allow measurement of elevation forces (EF) applied during extraction, and to record forces during extraction of cheek teeth in both cadaver specimens and clinical cases, evaluating factors that might affect this and comparing differences between tooth positions and horse signalments. Methods: In vitro experimental study of cadavers and observational study of a convenience sample of clinical cases. Methods: Stra...
A multimodal approach to equine thoracolumbar myofascial pain: integrating clinical examination, AI-based gait analysis, and the ridden horse pain ethogram. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is considered highly prevalent in horses, yet it is frequently underdiagnosed due to limited understanding of its clinical presentation and functional consequences, as well as the inherent challenges associated with its clinical assessment and objective measurement. In equines, the relationship between palpation-based MPS indicators, gait asymmetries, and pain-related behaviours during ridden work remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the association between thoracolumbar palpation pain scores and gait asymmetries measured in-hand and dur...
Evaluation of Point-of-Care Coagulation Measurement Systems for Activated Clotting Time and Partial Thromboplastin Time in Heparinized and Non-Heparinized Equine Blood. To compare the performance of one point-of-care activated clotting time (ACT) machine (Vet-Tube), one point-of-care activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) machine (Coagulation DX), and one bench-top ACT machine (Medtronic ACT II plus) with previously published measurements from stationary devices in whole blood from healthy horses. Methods: Prospective, observational study SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital, from August 2023 to September 2023. Methods: Thirty healthy university-owned horses. Methods: ACT and aPTT were measured via point-of-care analyzers (ACT POC, aPTT POC)...
A retrospective study of morbidity and mortality in captive Przewalski’s horses (Equus przewalskii) between 1973 and 2021. Przewalski's horses (Equus przewalskii) were declared extinct in the wild in 1996, but reintroduction programmes initiated in 1997 have enabled the re-establishment of free-ranging populations. The maintenance of healthy captive populations remains essential to support these conservation efforts, yet systematic pathological investigations in captive Przewalski's horses are lacking. This study provides the first necropsy-based overview of morbidity and mortality in a captive European population. Pathology reports from 64 horses examined between 1973 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Acros...
Radiographic identification and description of the equine middle conchal sinus (ethmoidal sinus): Implications for diagnosing middle conchal sinusitis. The middle conchal sinus (MCS) (ethmoidal sinus) remains one of the least understood equine paranasal compartments. Despite recognition of its involvement in sinonasal disease, disorders of the MCS often remain underdiagnosed in the absence of computed tomographic (CT) imaging due to limited anatomical understanding and challenges with radiographic visualisation. Objective: The objectives of the study were (1) to characterise the radiographic features and anatomical location of the MCS in horses and (2) to illustrate the practical relevance of the anatomical and radiographic findings in two cl...
Imaging of the Equine Abdomen Using Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)-A Resource for the Equine Practitioner. Wireless ultrasound (US) probes for point of care (POC) evaluation of horses presented for veterinary evaluation of colic have become widely available in recent years. The availability and performance of this technology mean POCUS is readily available to the equine practitioner and the technology is well suited to patient evaluation or serial monitoring in first opinion practice. In human health care and veterinary contexts, it has been suggested that there is a need for practitioners to better appreciate the value of POCUS for assessment of gastrointestinal structure and function. This study ...
Novel technique for correcting urovagina via urethral transposition in the horse. Vesicovaginal reflux is a common cause of infertility in mares. Surgical correction is commonly recommended and involves caudal relocation of the urethral orifice which forces the urine to be expelled caudally. There have been several previously described techniques. Complications associated with caudal urethral extension occur in 11-33.3% of cases. Objective: To identify a novel technique for performing caudal urethral translocation that effectively corrects vesicovaginal reflux with minimal associated complications. Methods: In vivo experiment and clinical case series. Methods: The experimen...
Age-Related Comparative Study of C-Reactive Protein, Lipid Profile Biomarkers, and Strongyle Nematode Gastrointestinal Parasitic Burden in Horses. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection remains one of the most prevalent and economically significant health challenges in equine populations. The infective stages of GI parasites can activate systemic inflammatory responses and disrupt lipid metabolism leading to exacerbation of parasitic infection. Moreover, age-related low-grade chronic inflammation may further contribute to the persistent infection which impacts the health status of individual horses. Objective: This study examined serum levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile parameters to identify ...
Estrous cycle-dependent changes in platelet indices in healthy mares. Platelets (PLTs) are key regulators of hemostasis, inflammation, and tissue remodeling, and their phenotype is known to fluctuate with sex steroid concentrations in several species. However, the influence of the estrous cycle on PLT characteristics in mares has not been investigated. We hypothesized that PLT indices vary between reproductive phases in association with changes in estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P4). The aim of this study was to characterize PLT indices in estrus and diestrus and to determine how these hematological parameters relate to circulating E2 and P4 concentrations...
Reduced centrifugation duration improves diagnostic performance of an equine tapeworm egg counting technique. Anoplocephala perfoliata, can cause severe health problems in horses. Standard coprological tests have performed poorly for detecting A. perfoliata, and while a centrifugation-enhanced flotation technique is superior to other techniques, it is time consuming due to three 10-minute centrifugation steps. This study aimed to evaluate modifications of this technique that reduce the centrifugation durations to 5 and 1 min, respectively. Fecal samples were collected from ten adult A. perfoliata egg count positive mares and divided into 9 subsamples to allow for three replicate counts for each of th...
Evidence of Physiological Comodulation During Human-Animal Interaction: A Systematic Review. This review examines the evidence in the literature for physiological co-modulation during human-animal interaction, identifying studies that assessed comodulation via simultaneous measurement of physiological signals in both species, performing quantitative comparisons. We searched (last search: August 5, 2025) PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Animal Studies Repository, Cochrane, and the Consensus App academic search engine. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted version of the ROBINS-I V2 tool. The results, grouped by data analysis method, interaction context, and physiological pa...
Syndrome of High Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase in Racehorses. Horses in racing and race training can develop high gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) syndrome (HGS), or increased GGT without overt evidence of primary liver disease. Current evidence points toward overtraining and a response to oxidative stress, but the etiology is incompletely understood. Evidence for an association of HGS with poor performance is mixed. Without a clear understanding of the etiology, the only evidence-based treatment option is rest or reduced training intensity. More research is needed to determine whether HGS is a physiologic adaptation, perhaps indicative of overtraining b...
Cervical spinal cord compression may affect anesthetic recovery quality and seizure incidence in horses after myelography. To compare anesthetic recovery quality and seizure incidence after cervical myelography in horses with or without cervical spinal cord compression. Unassigned: Anesthesia and medical records from January 2017 to December 2022 of horses anesthetized for myelography were retrieved. Patients with incomplete records, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis diagnosis, or an anesthetic protocol outside an established standard were excluded. Demographic analysis, ataxia score, and anesthetic management variables were recorded in an observational retrospective fashion. Each variable was compared between gr...
Physiological determinants of plasma biochemical parameters in horses: a structured review. The biochemical profile of horses is a cornerstone in equine clinical diagnostics, offering valuable insights into health status, disease progression, and physiological adaptation to internal and external stimuli. However, the interpretation of these biochemical parameters is far from straightforward, as they are subject to significant variation influenced by a range of physiological factors. Age, sex, breed, level of physical activity, nutritional condition, and reproductive status can all modulate baseline biochemical values, potentially leading to diagnostic inaccuracies if not properly con...
Evaluation of autologous fecal microbiota transplantation for restoring equine gut microbiota after antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. Microbial resilience is important to maintain a healthy gut environment in horses, especially after antibiotic administration, but the efficacies of post-antibiotic recovery strategies remain poorly characterized. We used microbial amplicon sequencing to compare spontaneous recovery, autologous fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and probiotic administration in 18 horses following antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. Clinically healthy horses received a combination of cephalothin and minocycline for 5 consecutive days before intervention. Fecal microbial recovery was longitudinally evaluated by u...
Validation of measurable radiographic parameters for quantitative assessment of carpal and metacarpal bone morphology in foals. Radiographic morphometry provides a quantitative means to evaluate bone conformation in horses, yet validation of these parameters in foals has not previously been undertaken. This study aimed to determine the intra- and inter-rater repeatability and reproducibility of established carpal and third metacarpal (MC3) radiographic parameters in Thoroughbred foals and to establish baseline conformational data. Twenty Thoroughbred foals were radiographed without sedation from birth to 14 months of age at two-month intervals. Dorsopalmar carpal and lateromedial MC3 radiographs were obtained using sta...
Comparative cardiac histopathology and toxicology screens in horses succumbing to exercise-associated sudden cardiac death and control horses. Horse racing has faced increased scrutiny because of concerns about equine welfare and the safety of both equine and human participants. Sudden death (SD) in racehorses is relatively uncommon, and its causes are still unclear. Little information and considerable confusion exist regarding the clinical significance of microscopic lesions in the hearts of horses with SD. We examined the hearts of 29 horses that suffered exercise-associated sudden cardiac death (EASCD) and 29 clinically healthy control horses that were euthanized because of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries. Acute cardiomyocyt...
Psycho-Spiritual Reflections on the Horse/Human Relationship. This essay offers a psycho-spiritual and psychoanalytic meditation on the horse-human relationship as a nonverbal site of attunement, regulation, and meaning-making. Drawing on autobiographical clinical narrative, it explores how horseback riding became a medium for experiencing and reflecting upon embodied connection, mutual responsiveness, and contemplative presence. Encounters with horses illuminate forms of reciprocity that preceded and exceed speech, while also opening reflection on maternal attachment, separation, loss, and the emergence of selfhood. In dialogue with Freud, Winnicott, Pi...
Plasma and urinary exposure of cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid in horses following consumption of contaminated feed. Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are non-psychoactive cannabinoids naturally present in hemp-derived products. While these compounds are prohibited during equine competition, horses may be inadvertently exposed through contaminated feed. Data describing systemic and urinary exposure to CBD and CBDA following such low-dose, involuntary intake are limited. This study aimed to describe plasma and urine concentration-time profiles of CBD and CBDA in horses after consumption of experimentally contaminated feed. Results: Twelve Standardbred horses received feed containing low doses (1...
Evaluation of systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria in horses with colic associated with acute gastrointestinal disease. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a severe clinical condition commonly observed in horses with acute gastrointestinal disease associated with colic and is linked to increased risk of organ dysfunction and mortality. Early identification of SIRS and reliable prognostic indicators are essential to improve clinical management. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of SIRS in adult horses with colic, evaluate its association with outcome, and investigate the prognostic value of selected clinicopathological variables. Unassigned: A total of 41 adult horses admitted for acute gas...
Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices for equine Endoparasite control among livestock owners in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study. Endoparasites are a major health concern affecting equine productivity and welfare worldwide. Understanding farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward parasite control is critical for designing effective interventions. This study assessed KAP levels among farmers in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, and identified factors associated with good KAP. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 farmers. KAP scores were initially categorized into three levels (low, moderate, and high) and analyzed using chi-square (χ) tests to explore bivariate associations....
Mitigating and addressing complications in equine laparoscopy. The purpose of this article was to report a condensed overview of current strategies for mitigating and managing complications in equine laparoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive surgical techniques have become standard in equine surgery for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, with purported advantages including reduced postoperative pain, expedited recovery, fewer incisional complications, and enhanced visual imagery for the surgeon compared to traditional open approaches. Despite these benefits, complications can arise, and the literature demonstrates variability in definition...
Ovum pick-up in mares: Evidence review and best practice recommendations using a modified GRADE approach. Ovum pick-up (OPU) is a procedure that is now performed in mares worldwide to harvest oocytes for in vitro embryo production. There is a lack of consensus surrounding best practices for various procedural elements of the technique and recently there has been an increasing focus on the welfare aspects of the procedure. Our objective was to summarize current practice and to develop guidelines for OPU in the mare, using a modified GRADE approach to optimize efficiency and mare welfare. Published evidence on various aspects of the procedure was compiled, and to supplement the relative lack of publ...
Cerebral arterial mapping in the equine brain: a detailed anatomical study. Detailed knowledge of the cerebral arterial system in equine brain is required for advancing neuroanatomical understanding and supporting the interpretation of neurological disorders. The equine cerebrum, characterized by extensive cortical organization and functional specialization, requires a continuous arterial blood supply; however, detailed information on its arterial anatomy remains limited. This study aimed to describe the arterial supply to the equine cerebrum, including the origin, branching patterns, and distribution of the major cerebral arteries. Unassigned: Ten adult horse heads w...
Case Report: Oral and topical chronic administration of THC-rich and CBD-rich cannabis oil as palliative care in a rescued horse with open wound, sarcoid and chronic pain. Cannabinoid-based therapies have shown analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing potential across veterinary species; however, clinical data on long-term use of THC-rich formulations in horses remain scarce. This case report describes the use of combined oral and topical THC-rich and CBD-rich full-spectrum cannabis oils as part of a palliative care strategy in a rescued horse with severe chronic disease. A senior mixed-breed gelding was rescued with a large, chronic ulcerative lesion of the left hind limb, severe malnutrition, non-weight-bearing lameness (AAEP grade 5/5), and refractory ...
Vitrification of in vivo produced equine embryos: Size really does matter! Vitrification rather than slow-freezing has become the method of choice for the cryopreservation of in-vivo produced embryos. It is a simple technique that does not require a programmable freezing machine and relies chiefly on placing the embryo on a surface, rather than within a straw, in a small volume of vitrification solution to achieve extremely rapid cooling rates. However, in the field of equine embryo vitrification size truly does matter. Methodologies for both vitrification and warming prior to transfer are largely dictated by the size of the embryo. Since embryo size is directly rela...
Renal Perfusion in Healthy Horses: A Feasibility Study With Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound. This study assessed the feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for evaluating renal perfusion in horses and compared perfusion parameters between age groups. In a prospective study, eight healthy horses were divided into young (3-5 years, n = 4) and old (16-17 years, n = 4) groups. All animals underwent B-mode, Doppler ultrasonography, and CEUS of the right kidney after an intravenous bolus of SonoVue (0.02 mL/kg). Qualitative analysis assessed contrast kinetics, whereas quantitative parameters (peak intensity, time to peak [TP], area under the curve, and wash-out time) were o...
Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy for pyloric obstruction bypass in a horse and a foal. Gastric outflow obstruction in horses is a rare but challenging condition, often resulting from either congenital anomalies or acquired lesions such as chronic ulceration or pyloric polyps. Conventional surgical bypass procedures, including gastrojejunostomy (GJ) or gastroduodenostomy and less commonly duodenojejunostomy, can restore patency but may lead to postoperative complications. Objective: To describe the presentation, surgical management, and postoperative outcome of two horses-an adult and a foal treated with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy combined with a side-to-side jejunojejunostomy (...
