Healing and horses encompass the physiological processes and mechanisms by which horses recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgical procedures. This topic covers the cellular and molecular pathways involved in tissue repair, pain management, and rehabilitation strategies. Research in this area often focuses on wound healing, bone and joint recovery, and the role of various therapies such as physical rehabilitation, pharmacological interventions, and alternative treatments. Studies also investigate the influence of factors such as nutrition, genetics, and environment on the healing process. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the biological and clinical aspects of healing in equine medicine.
Ross C, Haussler KK, Kenney JD, Marks D, Bertone JJ, Henneman K, May KJ.Vigorous and prolonged effort is required to gain true mastery of the healing arts. Conventional and complementary medicine have complementary strengths and weaknesses. Like the yin and yang of traditional Chinese medicine, they naturally flow into one another by a process of induction, creating balance. Integrative medicine is the frontier; it is the future. If we are to progress beyond our current understanding and ability to heal, we must work with theoretic models that allow us and our perception to operate "outside the box." For some, this understanding is intuitive. It is through coopera...
McClure SR, VanSickle D, Evans R, Reinertson EL, Moran L.Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) may stimulate healing of desmitis in multiple species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic and histologic appearance of collagenase-induced suspensory ligament (SUL) desmitis in untreated ligaments and ligaments treated with ESWT in horses. Four mature horses had SUL desmitis induced in both forelimbs. Beginning 3 weeks after induction of the lesions, one ligament per horse was treated 3 times at 3-week intervals with ESWT. The percent lesion, echogenicity and fiber alignment scores of the SULs were evaluated at 3-week inter...
Jann H, Blaik M, Emerson R, Tomioka M, Stein L, Moll D.To describe the healing characteristics of deep digital flexor tenorrhaphy within the digital sheath. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Five mature horses. Methods: Right thoracic limb, deep digital flexor tenorrhaphy was performed within the digital sheath. Limbs were cast in partial flexion using a short limb cast for 6 weeks. Next, extended heel shoes were used for limb support for 14 weeks. Healing was evaluated by sequential ultrasonographic examinations, and limb use was evaluated by force plate analysis. At 26 weeks, mechanical strength and morphologic characteristics of the repair ...
Frisbie DD, Oxford JT, Southwood L, Trotter GW, Rodkey WG, Steadman JR, Goodnight JL, McIlwraith CW.The current study investigated healing of large full-thickness articular cartilage defects during the first 8 weeks with and without penetration of the subchondral bone using microfracture in an established equine model of cartilage healing. Chondral defects in the weightbearing portion of the medial femoral condyle were made bilaterally; one defect in each horse was microfractured whereas the contralateral leg served as the control. The expression of cartilage extracellular matrix components (Types I and II collagen and aggrecan) was evaluated using histologic techniques, reverse transcriptio...
Reiners SR, Jann HW, Stein LE, Good JK, Claypool PL.To compare the healing and mechanical strength of a multiple split autologous tendon graft (MG) to a whole autologous tendon graft (WG) in the deep digital flexor tendon of ponies. Methods: In vitro evaluation of two different tendon-grafting techniques. Methods: Six ponies of mixed gender and age. Methods: Tenotomies performed in forelimb deep digital flexor tendons (DDFT) distal to the insertion of the accessory ligament (AL-DDFT) were repaired with free autologous grafts from the hindlimb lateral digital extensor tendon (LDET). Grafts were either whole (WG) or split into three longitudinal ...
Fortier LA, Balkman CE, Sandell LJ, Ratcliffe A, Nixon AJ.This study evaluated the constitutive insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) gene expression pattern in spontaneously healing cartilage defects over the course of 16 weeks, and correlated the tissue morphology and matrix gene expression with IGF-I mRNA levels. Full-thickness 15 mm cartilage defects were debrided in the femoral trochlea of both femoropatellar joints of 8 horses and the healing defects examined 2, 4, 8, or 16 weeks after surgery. Samples were harvested for histologic assessment of tissue healing using H&E staining, toluidine blue histochemical reaction for proteoglycan deposition,...
Micklethwaite L, Wood AK, Sehgal CM, Polansky M, Dowling BA, Dart AJ, Rose RJ, Hodgson DR.To determine whether quantitative analysis of sonographic brightness could be used to detect healing of an induced injury of the superficial digital flexor tendon in horses and whether rate of healing was influenced by equine recombinant growth hormone. Methods: 8 clinically normal Standardbreds. Methods: A localized injury was created in the left and right superficial digital flexor tendons of each horse by injection of 2,000 units of collagenase. After injury, 4 horses received equine recombinant growth hormone, a possible promoter of tendon healing. Sonographic images (7.5 MHz) of the flexo...
Andrew SE, Brooks DE, Biros DJ, Denis HM, Cutler TJ, Gelatt KN.OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the use of posterior lamellar keratoplasty as a surgical treatment for deep corneal stromal abscesses in horses. Animals studied Nine horses of various breeds and ages that presented with corneal stromal abscesses located in the posterior one-third of the cornea. Procedure Retrospective medical record study. RESULTS: Nine horses had deep corneal stromal abscesses that were treated with posterior lamellar keratoplasty. Median patient age was 3 years. Six patients were females and three were geldings. Medical therapy alone had been attempted prior to surgery i...
Dechant JE, MacDonald DG, Crawford WH.Simple complete dorsal fractures of the proximal phalanx were repaired in 2 mature pleasure horses with cortical bone screws placed in lag fashion. Healing occurred within 12 weeks and both horses returned to their previous performance level of light pleasure riding within 6 months of injury.
Newton SA, Knottenbelt DC, Daniel EA.The surgical repair of a traumatic injury to the parotid (Stenson's) duct of an adult horse is described and compared with previous reports. The diagnosis was confirmed by the analysis of a flow of saliva-like fluid observed while the horse was eating. The repair was attempted under general anaesthesia three days after the injury. Surgical anastomosis was considered to have improved the rate of healing. However, there was some evidence of leakage of saliva from the site for three days after the removal of the in-dwelling catheter, seven days postoperatively. A full recovery followed.
Muylle S, Simoens P, Lauwers H.The evolution of the healing process of venous puncture wounds was studied macroscopically and light-microscopically in order to determine the time of venipuncture. Seven small equids of various ages, all in normal healthy condition, were experimentally injected in the external jugular vein with a physiological Hartmann solution at different times before euthanasia. Two types of needle diameters i.e. 16.5 G and 19 G, were used. A fairly good uniformity in the healing process was seen in the 7 animals. In most cases the lesions induced within 5 weeks before death were macroscopically visible, w...
Okamoto Y, Minami S, Matsuhashi A, Sashiwa H, Saimoto H, Shigemasa Y, Tanigawa T, Tanaka Y, Tokura S.The sponge-, cotton-, and flake-type remedies made of chitin (chitin-sponge, chitin-cotton, and chitin-flake, respectively), and non-woven fabric of polyester (NWF) composited with chitin (chitin-NWF) were applied to various types of trauma, abscess, surgical tissue defect and herniorrhaphy in 147 clinical cases including 72 dogs, 38 cows, 33 cats, 2 rabbits, one monkey and one horse. Chitin-sponge was applied in 30 cases as filling agent of surgical tissue defect, and in 25 cases of trauma, 31 cases of abscess as wound dressing or tissue defect filling agent. In 77 out of 86 cases (89.5%), go...
Howard RD, Stashak TS.Traumatic injuries to the head region of the horse are a common presenting complaint. Because of a copious blood supply, these wounds typically exhibit a tremendous capability for healing. By following the basic principles of wound management and employing a few techniques unique for specific injuries, the healing of these wounds can result in a satisfactory outcome.
Collier MA, Haugland LM, Bellamy J, Johnson LL, Rohrer MD, Walls RC, Bartels KE.This study was performed to investigate the effects of holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser energy on articular cartilage and subchondral bone adjacent to traumatically created cartilage lesions in a continuous weight-bearing model. The 2.1-microns wavelength was delivered efficiently and precisely in hand-controlled contact and near-contact hard tissue arthroscopic surgery in a saline medium. Bilateral arthroscopy was performed on normal antebrachiocarpal and intercarpal joints of four adult horses. One hundred twenty traumatic lesions were created on three weight-bearing articular ...
Fretz PB, Li Z.Low energy helium-neon laser irradiation was administered to full thickness skin wounds (3 cm x 3 cm) on the dorsal surface of the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joints and cranial surface of the tarsocrural joints of eight horses. The effects on wound healing were analyzed statistically. There were no differences (p > 0.55) observed in the rate of wound healing between the low energy laser irradiated wounds and the control wounds. There was a significant difference (p < 0.006) observed in the rate of healing between the anatomical sites. Tarsal wounds healed more rapidly than fetlock...
Madison JB, Gronwall RR.Three sets of paired circular and square full-thickness skin wounds were made on the dorsum of the metacarpus (n = 48) of 8 horses. Each wound was 6.25 cm2 in area. The wounds were treated topically with an ointment, nonadherent dressing, and bandaged with a snug elastic wrap. Wounds were photographed every other day until healing was complete. Wound areas were measured and exponential and linear wound healing models were applied to the wound healing data generated. Wound healing variables measured for each wound were: number of days to healing, maximal size attained, rate of wound contraction...
Jann HW, Good JK, Morgan SJ, Berry A.Healing of transected superficial digital flexor tendons was evaluated mechanically and histologically in eight horses. Tendons sutured with polyglyconate had higher loads at failure than nonsutured tendons at weeks 5 and 9. The tendon stress at failure (force per unit area) was higher in the sutured tendons at week 5 but not at week 9, reflecting the increased size of the scar at week 9. Histologically, scars after tenorrhaphy were consistently more mature than nonsutured tenotomy scars. The mean maturity score for sutured tendons was higher than for nonsutured tendons at weeks 5 and 9. Overa...
Harrison LJ, May SA, Richardson JD, Mills G, Dixon P.Four horses with an incomplete fracture of a hindlimb longbone were examined. In two, the tibia had been fractured by external trauma. In the other two horses proximal metatarsal 3 had fractured during normal activity. The diagnoses were made radiographically and the horses were treated conservatively by box rest. The fractures healed satisfactorily and the horses became sound.
Orsini JA, Buonanno AM, Richardson DW, Nunamaker DN.A Salter-Harris type-II fracture of the distal portion of the femur in a 1-year-old Pony of America was repaired by use of lateral plating combined with interfragmentary compression. The configuration of the fracture and the method of internal fixation with a condylar buttress plate were unique and resulted in primary bone healing, seen at the 5-month follow-up examination.
Bertone AL.Second-intention healing (contraction and epithelization) is most appropriate for heavily traumatized, contaminated wounds that may have a prolonged debridement phase. Therapy during healing can promote rapid debridement and faster healing. Healing of lower limb wounds by second intention may be protracted, owing to poorer wound contraction and excessive granulation tissue production as compared with body wounds.
Sanders-Shamis M, Bramlage LR, Weisbrode SE, Gabel AA.The effect of electrical stimulation by means of selected electromagnetic field devices on healing of cannon bone osteotomies in horses was examined. The defects were created as 3 cm x 1 mm longitudinal osteotomies through the dorsal cortices of the mid-metacarpi/metatarsi of adult horses. This type of defect would asses bone healing in a situation similar to an acute, stable fracture of the cortex. Three electromagnetic devices of different design were tested in three different groups of horses. Healing was evaluated radiographically and histologically. Results showed that osteotomies treated...
Todhunter RJ, Parker JE.A recently castrated horse was examined because of preputial and ventral abdominal swelling, prolapse of the preputial fold, and serosanguinous fluid dripping from the external urethral orifice. After a poor response to initial medical management, a urethral laceration was found during exploratory surgery. Half of the ventral portion of the corpus cavernosum penis had been transected. Primary closure was followed by healing without complications.
Markel MD, Snyder JR, Hornof WJ, Meagher DM.Nuclear scintigraphy was used to evaluate healing of third metacarpal bone (MC III) fractures in 2 horses (horses 1 and 2) and a third metatarsal bone fracture in 1 horse (horse 3) after stabilization of each fracture with 2 broad dynamic compression plates. In horse 1, the fracture had uniform uptake of 99mTc methylene diphosphonate on days 1, 15, and 30 after surgery. The fracture healed, and the horse was discharged from the clinic on day 52. In horse 2, a 6-cm photopenic region (ie, area of low radioactivity) was seen over the diaphysis of MC III on day 3. The region persisted and became m...
Markel MD, Richardson GL, Peterson PR, Meagher DM.Three adult horses were admitted with chronic coronary band avulsions of 2-, 3-, and 46-month durations, respectively. The hoof had a typical appearance in all 3 horses, with a spur of coronary band and associated horn growing at right angles to the hoof wall. Each horse was anesthetized, and the coronary band was reconstructed. Follow-up evaluation of the 3 horses (12, 15, and 23 months after surgery, respectively), revealed healing of all 3 avulsed coronary bands. Mild roughening of the hoof wall distal to the previous avulsion site was observed.
Collier MA, Rendano VT, Kallfelz FA.A delayed union metacarpal stress fracture was repaired in a horse, using lag-screw fixation in conjunction with dc electrical stimulation. Twelve weeks after surgery, radiographic and scintigraphic evaluations revealed that the fracture line was not discernible and that there was a decrease in radiopharmaceutic uptake, as compared with that in previous bone imaging studies. In this horse, DC stimulation of a delayed union stress fracture in a bone resulted in a healing pattern similar to that in human beings with delayed union fractures when treated with electrical stimulation.
Leaper DJ, Foster ME, Brennan SS, Davies PW.Magnetic fields have been considered for treating many ailments over man's history. There have been many anecdotal unsupported claims for successful treatment of soft tissue injury although reports have been more substantive in the orthopaedic field. The widespread clinical and veterinary use of a light self-adhesive magnetic foil in Europe prompted this trial of experimental wound healing. One hundred and sixty Sprague-Dawley rats had a linear 2.5 cm incision or a circular 1 cm skin defect made over the mid-dorsal spine. Equal numbers were randomised to receive either a magnetic foil or a dum...
Williams IF, McCullagh KG, Goodship AE, Silver IA.The histological and morphological characteristics of the scar tissue formed during healing after traumatic equine tendon injury have been compared with those of scar tissue produced in response to an enzyme-induced pony tendon injury. Several techniques are currently in use in the treatment of equine tendon sprain and this work formed part of a study of their respective efficacy. It was concluded that the enzyme-induced lesion is resolved by a reparative process very similar in its prognosis and extent to that following a naturally occurring tendon sprain. It may therefore justifiably be used...
Wagner PC, DeBowes RM, Grant BD, Kaneps AJ, Watrous BJ.Proximal growth plate fractures of the tibia in 4 foals were treated surgically. A medial approach was utilized in 3 cases and a lateral approach in the fourth. Bone screw fixation was achieved with cancellous screws and washers. In 3 cases, the screw shaft crossed the proximal tibial growth plate with no adverse effects. In all animals, there was rapid and cosmetic healing. At 8 to 18 months after surgery, all horses were sound at a walk, trot, and canter.
Williams IF, McCullagh KG, Silver IA.During tissue response to injury the glycoproteins fibronectin and Type III collagen are synthesized in increased amounts. We have studied the distribution of these molecules in the healing tendon at various times after injury by comparison with that of the major constituent of normal tendon, Type I collagen. Immunofluorescent localization demonstrated the presence of fibronectin throughout the tendon within one week after injury. Staining was found in the matrix, both around capillaries and around fibroblast-like cells. Fibronectin was still apparent in the healing tendon at one month after i...
Dechant JE, MacDonald DG, Crawford WH.Simple complete dorsal fractures of the proximal phalanx were repaired in 2 mature pleasure horses with cortical bone screws placed in lag fashion. Healing occurred within 12 weeks and both horses returned to their previous performance level of light pleasure riding within 6 months of injury.
Stick JA, Slocombe RF, Derksen FJ, Scott EA.Esophageal healing was studied in 12 ponies after cervical esophagotomy. The esophagus was sutured, feed and water were withheld for 48 hours, and then all ponies were permitted to eat. In group I (n = 6), a longitudinal esophagotomy was made. In group II (n = 6), a rotational esophagotomy was made with the mucosal incision 180 degrees away from the incision in the esophageal muscle. Three ponies in each group were fed a soft diet ad libitum for 9 days, and then were allowed access to hay and grain. The remaining ponies were fed hay and grain. The esophagotomies of all hay-fed ponies dehisced ...
Newton SA, Knottenbelt DC, Daniel EA.The surgical repair of a traumatic injury to the parotid (Stenson's) duct of an adult horse is described and compared with previous reports. The diagnosis was confirmed by the analysis of a flow of saliva-like fluid observed while the horse was eating. The repair was attempted under general anaesthesia three days after the injury. Surgical anastomosis was considered to have improved the rate of healing. However, there was some evidence of leakage of saliva from the site for three days after the removal of the in-dwelling catheter, seven days postoperatively. A full recovery followed.
Molnar R, Barber SM, Pharr JW, Panizzi L, Plaxton A.A Quarter horse gelding sustained fracture and displacement of spinous processes T2-T10. Radiographic evidence of healing was seen 3 mo following injury, and at 2 years post-injury all spinous processes had healed and undergone partial re-alignment. This re-alignment has not been reported before. Un hongre Quarter horse a subi une fracture et un déplacement des apophyses épineuses T2–T10. Les preuves radiographiques de la guérison ont été observées 3 mois après la blessure et 2 ans après la blessure toutes les apophyses épineuses avaient guéri et subi un réalignement partiel. Ce ...
Orsini JA, Buonanno AM, Richardson DW, Nunamaker DN.A Salter-Harris type-II fracture of the distal portion of the femur in a 1-year-old Pony of America was repaired by use of lateral plating combined with interfragmentary compression. The configuration of the fracture and the method of internal fixation with a condylar buttress plate were unique and resulted in primary bone healing, seen at the 5-month follow-up examination.
Silver IA.This paper discusses the factors which affect the healing of wounds at the tissue and organ levels. It covers some of the problems which complicate the sequence of healing and considers the mechanisms involved in regeneration and repair of tissues. The factors associated with the stimulus and sequence of healing and their interactions are also reviewed.
Ross C, Haussler KK, Kenney JD, Marks D, Bertone JJ, Henneman K, May KJ.Vigorous and prolonged effort is required to gain true mastery of the healing arts. Conventional and complementary medicine have complementary strengths and weaknesses. Like the yin and yang of traditional Chinese medicine, they naturally flow into one another by a process of induction, creating balance. Integrative medicine is the frontier; it is the future. If we are to progress beyond our current understanding and ability to heal, we must work with theoretic models that allow us and our perception to operate "outside the box." For some, this understanding is intuitive. It is through coopera...
Boone L, Peroni J.Regenerative medicine is defined as the process of replacing or regenerating cells, tissues, or organs to restore or establish normal function. The use of regenerative medicine in equine practice to treat injured musculoskeletal tissues with limited capacity for intrinsic healing is growing. This article provides the practitioner with a brief and basic overview of the regenerative products currently used in equine practice.
Hackett ES, Bruemmer J, Hendrickson DA, McCue PM.Description-An 11-year-old Quarter Horse stallion was admitted for intermittent hemospermia of 4 years' duration. Results: A linear vertical defect had been detected endoscopically following multiple episodes of hemospermia on the caudodorsal convex surface of the urethra at the level of the ischial arch. Results: When sexual rest alone did not result in complete healing of the urethral defect, a subischial urethrotomy and buccal mucosal urethroplasty were performed. The surgical site healed without complication. Four months of sexual rest was recommended after surgery. Repeat endoscopy at 4 m...
Muylle S, Simoens P, Lauwers H.The evolution of the healing process of venous puncture wounds was studied macroscopically and light-microscopically in order to determine the time of venipuncture. Seven small equids of various ages, all in normal healthy condition, were experimentally injected in the external jugular vein with a physiological Hartmann solution at different times before euthanasia. Two types of needle diameters i.e. 16.5 G and 19 G, were used. A fairly good uniformity in the healing process was seen in the 7 animals. In most cases the lesions induced within 5 weeks before death were macroscopically visible, w...
Bischofberger AS, Dart CM, Perkins NR, Dart AJ.To determine the effect of manuka honey on second-intention healing of contaminated, full-thickness skin wounds in horses. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Adult Standardbred horses (n = 8). Methods: One wound was created on the dorsomedial aspect of the third metacarpus in both forelimbs, contaminated with feces, and bandaged for 24 hours. Bandages were removed and wounds rinsed with isotonic saline solution. Wounds on 1 limb had manuka honey applied daily (n = 8) whereas wounds on the contralateral limb received no treatment (n = 8). Bandages were replaced and changed daily for 12 days, after...
Todhunter RJ, Parker JE.A recently castrated horse was examined because of preputial and ventral abdominal swelling, prolapse of the preputial fold, and serosanguinous fluid dripping from the external urethral orifice. After a poor response to initial medical management, a urethral laceration was found during exploratory surgery. Half of the ventral portion of the corpus cavernosum penis had been transected. Primary closure was followed by healing without complications.
Garbin LC, Olver CS.Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biological preparation made from the patient's own plasma that contains a platelet concentration above the whole blood baseline. Owing to the release of growth factors and other cytokines after degranulation, platelets have a central role in inflammation and in different stages of the healing process. For this reason, PRP-derived products have been used to enhance healing of musculoskeletal injuries and modulate progression of inflammatory processes, including osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is one of the main causes of musculoskeletal disabilitie...
Reiners SR, Jann HW, Stein LE, Good JK, Claypool PL.To compare the healing and mechanical strength of a multiple split autologous tendon graft (MG) to a whole autologous tendon graft (WG) in the deep digital flexor tendon of ponies. Methods: In vitro evaluation of two different tendon-grafting techniques. Methods: Six ponies of mixed gender and age. Methods: Tenotomies performed in forelimb deep digital flexor tendons (DDFT) distal to the insertion of the accessory ligament (AL-DDFT) were repaired with free autologous grafts from the hindlimb lateral digital extensor tendon (LDET). Grafts were either whole (WG) or split into three longitudinal ...
Leaper DJ, Foster ME, Brennan SS, Davies PW.Magnetic fields have been considered for treating many ailments over man's history. There have been many anecdotal unsupported claims for successful treatment of soft tissue injury although reports have been more substantive in the orthopaedic field. The widespread clinical and veterinary use of a light self-adhesive magnetic foil in Europe prompted this trial of experimental wound healing. One hundred and sixty Sprague-Dawley rats had a linear 2.5 cm incision or a circular 1 cm skin defect made over the mid-dorsal spine. Equal numbers were randomised to receive either a magnetic foil or a dum...
Tsang AS, Dart AJ, Sole-Guitart A, Dart CM, Perkins NR, Jeffcott LB.To compare the effect of application of manuka honey with unique manuka factor (UMF) 5 or 20 with a generic multifloral honey on equine wound healing variables. Methods: Two full-thickness skin wounds (2.5 × 2.5 cm) were created on the metatarsus of both hindlimbs of eight Standardbred horses. The wounds on each horse were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: UMF20 (UMF20) and UMF5 (UMF5) manuka honey; generic multifloral honey (GH); and a saline control. Bandages were changed daily for 12 days, after which treatment was stopped and the bandages were removed. Wound area was measured on day ...
Morgan DD, McClure S, Yaeger MJ, Schumacher J, Evans RB.To evaluate the effects of focused, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the healing of wounds of the distal portion of the limbs in horses. Methods: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: 6 healthy adult horses. Methods: In each horse, a 4-cm-diameter full-thickness wound that included underlying periosteum was created on the dorsomedial aspect of each metacarpus and two 3-cm-diameter full-thickness wounds that included underlying periosteum were created on the dorsomedial aspect of each metatarsus. One randomly selected metacarpal wound and a randomly selected pair of metatarsal wounds...
Yuda Y, Kasashima Y, Kuwano A, Sato K, Hattori S, Arai K.Upregulation of hyaluronidase 2 (HYAL2), one of somatic hyaluronidase (HAase), was demonstrated in granulation tissue during the healing of equine superficial digital flexor tendon injuries. The activity of HAase was assessed by hyaluronan (HA)-containing gel zymography and in situ zymography using frozen sections obtained from normal and injured tendon tissues. Elevated HAase activity was identified in the extract from the tendinopathic tissues, with lower levels of the activity in normal tendons. In situ zymography using fluorescently-labeled HA demonstrated HAase activity in the granulation...
Deschene K, Céleste C, Boerboom D, Theoret CL.As a transient hypoxic state exists within skin wounds in horses and may be important for the healing process, this study sought to identify a molecular hypoxia response occurring in horse limb and body wounds healing by second intention. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) protein expression was studied throughout repair by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Paradoxically, HIF1α was strongly expressed in intact skin and its expression decreased dramatically following wounding (p<0.01), despite the expected hypoxic state within the wounded tissue. HIF1α levels reincreased in parallel...
Koch DW, Schnabel LV, Ellis IM, Bates RE, Berglund AK.Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete paracrine factors and extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to their ability to support tissue healing and regeneration. Both the transcriptome and the secretome of MSCs can be altered by treating the cells with cytokines, but neither have been thoroughly investigated following treatment with the specific cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. RNA-sequencing and western blotting were used to compare gene and protein expression between untreated and TGF-β2-treated equine bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). A co-culture system was utilized t...
Okamoto Y, Minami S, Matsuhashi A, Sashiwa H, Saimoto H, Shigemasa Y, Tanigawa T, Tanaka Y, Tokura S.The sponge-, cotton-, and flake-type remedies made of chitin (chitin-sponge, chitin-cotton, and chitin-flake, respectively), and non-woven fabric of polyester (NWF) composited with chitin (chitin-NWF) were applied to various types of trauma, abscess, surgical tissue defect and herniorrhaphy in 147 clinical cases including 72 dogs, 38 cows, 33 cats, 2 rabbits, one monkey and one horse. Chitin-sponge was applied in 30 cases as filling agent of surgical tissue defect, and in 25 cases of trauma, 31 cases of abscess as wound dressing or tissue defect filling agent. In 77 out of 86 cases (89.5%), go...
Heuerman J, Haiub H, Cull E, Lupatini R, Shrum B, Sidhu R.In this case report, we highlight the benefits of Medisca CopaSil application for scar healing in a horse having sustained second-degree burn injuries covering most of its back. The application of CopaSil started three months after sustaining the burn injury when silver sulfadiazine topical cream treatment showed no significant improvement. CopaSil is formulated with ingredients that may help in reducing inflammation and accelerate healing by modulating the immune response. After using CopaSil for six months, the horse's back was healed, and the hair began to regrow. The complete healing...
Imposimato I, Mariella J, Freccero F, Gialletti R.Riboflavin/UV-A corneal cross-linking (CXL) has been applied to treat corneal ulcers in adult horses, but its use in critically ill neonatal foals has not been described. Five cases of hospitalized, critically ill neonatal foals that were in intensive care with corneal ulcers, the ophthalmic treatment, and their outcome up to 1 year are described. A single treatment of CXL phototherapy was performed in three of five foals (five eyes). The application of a riboflavin ophthalmic solution for 20 minutes was followed by the UV-A light irradiation at 30 mW/cm2 for 3 minutes. Topical antibiotic admi...
Hellings IR, Larsen S.Gastric ulceration is highly prevalent in horses, and there is a large commercial market for feed-additives and non-licenced products that claim effect for prevention and treatment of gastric ulceration. ImproWin® has been used as a feed additive in horses with anecdotal evidence that it may have some positive effects on gastric ulceration.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ImproWin® treatment on spontaneously occurring gastric ulcers of the squamous mucosa in Standardbred and Coldblooded trotting racehorses. The study was performed as a randomised, double-blinded, single...
Collier MA, Haugland LM, Bellamy J, Johnson LL, Rohrer MD, Walls RC, Bartels KE.This study was performed to investigate the effects of holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser energy on articular cartilage and subchondral bone adjacent to traumatically created cartilage lesions in a continuous weight-bearing model. The 2.1-microns wavelength was delivered efficiently and precisely in hand-controlled contact and near-contact hard tissue arthroscopic surgery in a saline medium. Bilateral arthroscopy was performed on normal antebrachiocarpal and intercarpal joints of four adult horses. One hundred twenty traumatic lesions were created on three weight-bearing articular ...
Szóstek-Mioduchowska A, Wójtowicz A, Sadowska A, Moza Jalali B, Słyszewska M, Łukasik K, Gurgul A, Szmatoła T, Bugno-Poniewierska M....In the current study, transcriptome profiles of mare endometrium, classified into categories I, IIA, and IIB according to Kenney and Doig, were compared using RNA sequencing, analyzed, and functionally annotated using in silico analysis. In the mild stage (IIA) of endometrosis compared to category I endometrium, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were annotated to inflammation, abnormal metabolism, wound healing, and quantity of connective tissue. In the moderate stage (IIB) of endometrosis compared to category I endometrium, DEGs were annotated to inflammation, fibrosis, cellular home...
Cooper HE, Bowlby C, Long S, Durgam SS.To investigate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and their inhibitors tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) gene expression and secretion during equine deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) tenocyte and macrophage (undifferentiated, proinflammatory, and regulatory) co-culture. Methods: Third passage DDF tenocytes and donor-matched macrophages differentiated from peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes from 5 healthy horses ages 9-11 years, euthanized for reasons unrelated to musculoskeletal conditions. Methods: Passage 3 DDT tenocyte aggregate cultures were co-cultured with undifferentiated (cont...
Bergstrom TC, Spriet M, O'Brion J, Carpenter R.To assess 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) findings associated with metacarpal/metatarsal condylar fractures at the time of fracture repair and through healing. Methods: Prospective descriptive study. Methods: Fourteen Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: 18F-NaF PET was performed within 4 days of surgical metacarpal/metatarsal condylar fracture repair, on both the injured and contralateral limb. Follow-up PET scans were offered at 3- and 5-months post fracture repair. Areas of abnormal uptake were assessed using a previously validated grading system. Results: Ei...
Cullen MD, Pettitt RA, Tomlinson AW, Louro LF, Bennell AJ, Michael R, Stack JD.To describe the surgical treatment, postoperative management, and outcome of a miniature horse undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: Case report. Methods: A 4-year-old miniature horse stallion weighing 85 kg. Methods: The horse presented with left coxofemoral luxation of ~6 weeks duration. Computed tomography confirmed craniodorsal luxation with marked degenerative changes to the femoral head. The horse underwent THA using cementless press fit implants, including an interlocking lateral bolt for the femoral stem. Results: The horse recovered well from anesthesia but suffered a ...
Pechanec MY, Mienaltowski MJ.Equine tendinopathies are challenging because of the poor healing capacity of tendons commonly resulting in high re-injury rates. Within the tendon, different regions - tendon proper (TP) and peritenon (PERI) - contribute to the tendon matrix in differing capacities during injury and aging. Aged tendons have decreased repair potential; the underlying transcriptional and epigenetic changes that occur in the TP and PERI regions are not well understood. The objective of this study was to assess TP and PERI regional differences in adolescent, midlife, and geriatric horses using RNA sequencing and ...
