"Horses" is a broad topic that encompasses various aspects of equine biology, behavior, and management. This category includes studies on the anatomy, physiology, and genetics of horses, as well as their behavior, nutrition, and care. Research in this area may also cover the historical and cultural significance of horses, their roles in agriculture, sport, and therapy, and the challenges associated with their conservation and welfare. The page aggregates peer-reviewed research articles and scholarly studies that explore the multifaceted relationships between humans and horses, examining both scientific and socio-economic perspectives.
Jenei TM, García-López JM, Provost PJ, Kirker-Head CA.To determine prevalence, clinical findings, and long-term survival rate after surgery associated with incarceration of the small intestine through the gastrosplenic ligament (ISIGL) in horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 14 horses with ISIGL. Methods: Medical records of horses with ISIGL examined between January 1994 and December 2006 were reviewed. Signalment, initial physical examination findings, results of abdominal fluid analysis, and clinical laboratory values were recorded, along with surgical findings, including segment of incarcerated intestine and surgical procedures...
Respondek F, Goachet AG, Julliand V.Prebiotic compounds, such as short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS), have been shown to improve health, welfare, or both, in several species, but few studies have been conducted in horses, despite the sensitivity of their hindgut microflora. We hypothesized that prebiotic oligosaccharides, known to be able to stabilize the intestinal microflora in other species, would be of importance in horses. Our study was designed to evaluate the effect of scFOS supplementation on the equine intestinal microflora and to assess its effectiveness in reducing hindgut microbial disturbances related to sudd...
Vanderperren K, Raes E, Bree HV, Saunders JH.This is the second part of a two-part review of the structures and disorders of the equine tarsus. In this part the bones of the tarsal region are considered and the technical aspects of taking radiographic, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic images of the different lesions are addressed. The diagnostic use of arthroscopy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance are discussed. In current clinical practice the most frequently used combination to arrive at a diagnosis is still radiography and ultrasonography.
Pastoret V, Carstanjen B, Lejeune JP, Farnir F, Remy B, Reginster JY, Serteyn D, Gabriel A.The first aim of this study was to establish a profile of age-related normal serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) in Ardenner horses. For this first part, blood samples from 49 healthy Ardenner horses were collected. The second aim was to study two biochemical markers of bone metabolism, OC and a carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), in 30 young Ardenner horses during 1 year. Amongst them, 17 showed lesions of juvenile degenerative joint disease in the distal forelimbs. A specific radioimmunoassay for equine OC was used to measure the serum concentration of...
Reed SA, Johnson SE.Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer promise as therapeutic aids in the repair of tendon, ligament, and bone damage suffered by sport horses. The objective of the study was to identify and characterize stem-like cells from newborn foal umbilical cord blood (UCB). UCB was collected and MSC isolated using human reagents. The cells exhibit a fibroblast-like morphology and express the stem cell markers Oct4, SSEA-1, Tra1-60 and Tra1-81. Culture of the cells in tissue-specific differentiation media leads to the formation of cell types characteristic of mesodermal and endodermal origins. Chondrogenic...
Rutherford DJ, Textor J, Fretz PB.A 4-week-old Thoroughbred filly presented with lameness of acute, severe onset of the left foreleg (LF) of 3 days' duration. Results: Diffuse swelling was present around the distal radius and carpus of the LF. Carpal varus that could be reduced manually was present. Radiographs revealed an intra- articular frontal-plane fracture in the distal radial epiphysis, which continued cranially through the distal radial physis (DRP). The lateral aspect of the DRP was wider than expected. Latero-medial carpal instability was resolved by placement of a lag screw from the dorsal midline through the epiphy...
de Oliveira Lima AN, da Silva Santos S, Herrera HM, Gama C, Cupolillo E, Jansen AM, Fernandes O.The protozoan Trypanosoma evansi is described as presenting high morphological and genetic similarities among the isolates despite its biological heterogeneity and wide geographical distribution. PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacers of the ribosomal gene in combination with the coding region of the 5.8S ribosomal subunit further submitted to restriction enzymes digestion were carried out in DNAs extracted from 41 T. evansi strains isolated from horses, dogs, coatis and capybaras from two distinct regions of the Brazilian Pantanal. We also used one T. evansi isolate from Africa...
Bermúdez SE, Espinosa JD, Cielo AB, Clavel F, Subía J, Barrios S, Medianero E.We present the results of a study on myiasis in Panama during the first years of a Cochliomyia hominivorax eradication program (1998-2005), with the aim of investigating the behavior of the flies that produce myiasis in animals and human beings. The hosts that registered positive for myiasis were cattle (46.4%), dogs (15.3%), humans (14.7%), birds (12%), pigs (6%), horses (4%), and sheep (1%). Six fly species caused myiasis: Dermatobia hominis (58%), Phaenicia spp. (20%), Cochliomyia macellaria (19%), Chrysomya rufifacies (0.4%), and maggots of unidentified species belonging to the Sarcophagid...
Nannarone S, Gialletti R, Veschini I, Bufalari A, Moriconi F.Alpha-2 agonists are synthetic drugs which cause sedation, analgesia and myorelaxation due to their interaction with alpha-2 adrenoreceptors, widely distributed throughout bodily systems. Because of these actions such drugs are generally used in veterinary practice: to tranquilize animals (pharmacologic restraint) for the safety of both veterinar-ians and cooperators. Such properties facilitate diagnostic examinations or minimally in-vasive and poorly painful surgical procedures, as well as limiting stress factors to the patients. The aim of this study is to find out the minor dosage able to m...
Figueiredo MD, Salter CE, Hurley DJ, Moore JN.Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) is an acute phase protein that binds the lipid A moiety of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and transfers LPS monomers to soluble CD14 in plasma or membrane bound CD14 on mononuclear phagocytes. The result of these interactions is activation of the TLR4 receptor complex, and the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators. Inclusion of LBP in cellular assays increases the sensitivity of cells expressing CD14 to LPS. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) compare differentially treated sera from cattle and horses as sources of LBP activity using...
Pacini S, Spinabella S, Trombi L, Fazzi R, Galimberti S, Dini F, Carlucci F, Petrini M.It has been proven that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can differentiate into tenocytes. Attempts to repair tendon lesions have been performed, mainly using scaffold carriers in experimental settings. In this article, we describe the clinical use of undifferentiated MSCs in racehorses. Significant clinical recovery was achieved in 9 of 11 horses evaluated using ultrasound analysis and their ability to return to racing. Our results show that the suspension of a small number of undifferentiated MSCs may be sufficient to repair damaged tendons without the use of scaffold support. Ultrasound sca...
Momozawa Y, Terada M, Sato F, Kikusui T, Takeuchi Y, Kusunose R, Mori Y.The aim of the study was to determine parameters reflecting equine anxiety trait by comparing results obtained in a behavior test and an anxiety score assessed by familiar caretakers in response to a questionnaire. In the behavior test, horses were individually led into a novel room by their caretakers and loosely tethered to decrease excessive movement using the common cross-tying technique with two leads and breakable plastic cords. The horses initially remained with their caretaker for 2 min; the caretaker then left and the subject animal was left alone for 2 min. The latency to break the p...
Lorenzo-Figueras M, Morisset SM, Morisset J, Lainé J, Merritt AM.To measure concentrations and activities of major digestive enzymes in healthy equine pancreatic tissue. Methods: 7 adult horses with normal pancreatic tissues. Methods: Small pieces of pancreatic tissue were collected immediately after euthanasia, immersed in liquid nitrogen, and maintained at -80 degrees C until analyzed. Concentrations and activities of amylase, lipase, chymotrypsin, trypsin, and elastase were determined by use of a microtiter technique. Relative pancreatic protein concentrations were determined by use of bovine serum albumin as the standard. Pancreatic DNA was extracted an...
Martens RJ, Mealey K, Cohen ND, Harrington JR, Chaffin MK, Taylor RJ, Bernstein LR.To determine the pharmacokinetics of gallium maltolate (GaM) after intragastric administration in healthy foals. Methods: 6 healthy neonatal foals. Methods: Each foal received GaM (20 mg/kg) by intragastric administration. Blood samples were obtained before (time 0) and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after GaM administration for determination of serum gallium concentrations by use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Results: Mean +/- SD pharmacokinetic variables were as follows: peak serum gallium concentration, 1,079 +/- 311 ng/mL; time to peak serum concentra...
Colitz CM, Latimer FG, Cheng H, Chan KK, Reed SM, Pennick GJ.To determine the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole following IV and PO administration and assess the distribution of voriconazole into body fluids following repeated PO administration in horses. Methods: 6 clinically normal adult horses. Methods: All horses received voriconazole (10 mg/kg) IV and PO (2-week interval between treatments). Plasma voriconazole concentrations were determined prior to and at intervals following administration. Subsequently, voriconazole was administered PO (3 mg/kg) twice daily for 10 days to all horses; plasma, synovial fluid, CSF, urine, and preocular tear film con...
Arnhold SJ, Goletz I, Klein H, Stumpf G, Beluche LA, Rohde C, Addicks K, Litzke LF.To isolate and characterize bone marrow-derived equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for possible future therapeutic applications in horses. Methods: Equine MSCs were isolated from bone marrow aspirates obtained from the sternum of 30 donor horses. Methods: Cells were cultured in medium (alpha-minimum essential medium) with a fetal calf serum content of 20%. Equine MSC features were analyzed to determine selfrenewing and differentiation capacity. For potential therapeutic applications, the migratory potential of equine MSCs was determined. An adenoviral vector was used to determine the transdu...
Ledbetter EC, Patten VH, Scarlett JM, Vermeylen FM.To determine in vitro susceptibility patterns of fungi associated with keratomycosis in horses in the northeastern United States and compare those patterns with results of studies from other geographic regions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 68 horses with keratomycosis. Methods: Medical records of horses with a clinical diagnosis of keratomycosis, positive results of corneal fungal cultures, and susceptibility data were reviewed from the years 1987 to 2006. Fungal identification and in vitro antifungal susceptibility test results were recorded. The percentage of susceptible isol...
Maeda K, Yasumoto S, Tsuruda A, Andoh K, Kai K, Otoi T, Matsumura T.In the present study, an equine-derived cell line was established by transfecting primary fetal horse kidney (FHK) cells with expression plasmid encoding simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen and then cloning them by limiting dilution. The cloned cell line, named FHK-Tcl3, grew well and could be propagated over 30 times by splitting them 1:3. Equine herpesvirus (EHV)-1 and EHV-4 replicated well in FHK-Tcl3. EHV-2 and EHV-4 were isolated from samples collected from horses in the field using FHK-Tcl3, and EHV-3 also propagated in FHK-Tcl3. These results indicated that this novel cell line, FHK-...
Oncel T, Vural G, Gicik Y, Arslan MO.This study was carried out in order to detect antibodies to Babesia (Theileria) equi in the local breed of horses in the province of Kars, Turkey. A total of 108 serum samples from apparently healthy horses in eight villages were examined for B. equi antibodies by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Of the 108 samples tested, 27 (25%) were found to be seropositive. The horses sampled in Aydinalan village had the highest prevalence (50.0%) of Babesia equi infection while the lowest prevalence was found among horses from Bayraktar village (12.5%). Statistically significant differ...
Holcombe SJ, Derksen FJ, Robinson NE.Determining the respiratory related activity of the palatinus and palatopharyngeus muscles in exercising horses is relevant because dysfunction of these muscles has been implicated in the pathogenesis of dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Objective: To determine if the palatinus and palatopharyngeus muscles have respiratory activity that increases with intensity in exercising horses. Methods: Electromyographic activity was measured in the palatinus and palatopharyngeus muscles using bipolar fine-wire electrodes while the horses completed an incremental exercise treadmill protocol. Results...
Nunn FG, Pirie RS, McGorum B, Wernery U, Poxton IR.There is much evidence to suggest that group III Clostridium botulinum (types C and D) are involved in the aetiology of equine grass sickness (EGS). Antibodies have been detected previously in the blood and high levels associated with resistance to disease. Specific mucosal antibodies in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are likely to be important in protection, and this study was performed to ascertain if such antibodies could be detected and if their levels were related to disease state. Objective: To develop a method for quantifying IgA antibodies to C. botulinum types C and D in the GI tract...
Engle CC, Foley CW.Uterine tubal fluids were collected twice a day from mares for 5 consecutive estrous cycles between March 15 and September 1. Follicular fluids were aspirated from the follicles of exteriorized ovaries of 3 mares between days 2 and 5 of estrus. Uterine tubal fluid and follicular fluid were analyzed for osmolarity, dry matter, total lipids, total free fatty acids, glucose, fructose, and lactic acid. Blood samples were collected (jugular venipuncture) throughout the estrous cycle, and the same physical and biochemical analyses were made on blood plasma. A difference (P less than 0.01) was found ...
Yin X, Lu G, Guo W, Qi T, Ma J, Zhu C, Zhao S, Pan J, Xiang W.An outbreak of equine influenza was observed in the Asian wild horse population in Xinjiang Province, China, in 2007. Nasal swabs were collected from wild horses and inoculated into 9-10-day SPF embryonated eggs. The complete genome of the isolate was sequenced. A comparison of the amino acid sequence revealed that the isolate was an equine influenza virus strain, which we named A/equine/Xinjiang/4/2007. Each gene of the virus was found to have greater than 99 % homology to equine influenza virus strains of the Florida-2 sublineage, which were circulating simultaneously in China, and a lesser ...
El-Hage CM, Bannai H, Wiethoelter AK, Firestone SM, Heislers CM, Allen JL, Waller AS, Gilkerson JR.To determine the nature of serological responses in Australian horses using a commercial duplex indirect ELISA (iELISA) following vaccination against strangles. Methods: A group (n = 19) of client-owned horses from five properties were recruited to receive a primary course of a Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (S. equi) extract vaccine. Serological responses were determined by duplex iELISA incorporating S. equi-specific fragments of two cell wall proteins, SEQ2190 and SeM (antigens (Ag) A and C, respectively). Methods: The horses were administered a primary strangles vaccination course. Blood w...
Spriet M.Positron emission tomography (PET) has established itself as a pertinent tool in equine musculoskeletal imaging in the last few years. With the ability to provide functional information regarding both bone and soft tissues, PET has found several clinical applications in horses. PET is currently used in horses as an enhanced bone scan, providing high-resolution 3-dimensional information, in particular for imaging of the racehorse fetlock. Combined with CT and MRI, PET is particularly pertinent in horses for the assessment of subchondral bone and enthesis. The development of a dedicated PET scan...
Sweeney CR, Freeman DE, Sweeney RW, Rubin JL, Maxson AD.Three horses were determined to have hemorrhage into a guttural pouch unassociated with mycosis, empyema, neoplasia, or foreign body. The source of the hemorrhage appeared to be the rupture of the longus capitis muscle and its associated vascular supply.
Ray CS, Baxter GM, McILWRAITH CW, Trotter GW, Powers BE, Park RD, Steyn PF.The objective of this study was to determine if damage to the articular cartilage alone or articular cartilage plus subchondral bone of the distal medial femoral condyle of young, exercised horses resulted in the formation of subchondral cystic lesions. Twelve Quarter Horses (age 1-2 years), free of clinical and radiographic signs of osteochondrosis and lameness were used. In 6 horses (Group 1), a 15 times 1 mm linear full thickness defect in the articular cartilage was made arthroscopically on the weightbearing surface of the distal aspect of the medial femoral condyle. In the other 6 horses ...
Mazerbourg S, Zapf J, Bar RS, Brigstock DR, Monget P.We recently showed that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) proteolytic degradation in ovine preovulatory ovarian follicles is IGF-dependent and regulated by the heparin-binding domain (HBD) from IGFBP-3 and from connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), heparan/heparin-interacting protein (HIP), and vitronectin. The present study investigated regulation of IGFBP-4 proteolytic degradation in porcine, bovine, and equine ovarian preovulatory follicles. Follicular fluid from such preovulatory follicles contains proteolytic activity, degrading exogenous IGFBP-4. An excess of IGF-I...
Miksovská J, Day JH, Larsen RW.Carbon monoxide binding to myoglobin was characterized using the photothermal beam deflection method. The volume and enthalpy changes coupled to CO dissociation were found to be 9.3+/-0.8 mL x mol(-1) and 7.4+/-2.8 kcal x mol(-1), respectively. The corresponding values observed for CO rebinding have the same magnitude but opposite sign: Delta V=-8.6+/-0.9 mL x mol(-1) and Delta H=-5.8+/-2.9 kcal x mol(-1). Ligand rebinding occurs as a single conformational step with a rate constant of 5 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) and with activation enthalpy of 7.1+/-0.8 kcal x mol(-1) and activation entropy of -22.4...
Trotter GW, Auer JA, Arden W, Parks A.Two foals wearing hindlimb casts developed coxofemoral luxations 6 days and 9 days after the casts were applied. One foal had a cast on one hindlimb up to the proximal portion of the tibia and the other foal had tube casts on all 4 limbs. Although the incidents that resulted in the luxations were not observed, they probably occurred during awkward attempts to stand or from being pushed by the mare, with the affected limb being caught under the body in a forward extended and adducted position.
Stas EKL, Hermans H, Slenter IJM, Veraa S, Ensink JM.Iris cysts in horses are often asymptomatic and noticed incidentally. However, cysts can cause local corneal oedema and erratic behaviour like shying, decreased performance and head-shaking. Objective: To describe the use of diode laser as a noninvasive treatment option for iris cysts in the horse and to document factors influencing its efficacy, associated complications, long-term outcome and rate of recurrence. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Case records of horses treated for iris cysts by diode laser at the Utrecht University Equine Clinic were reviewed between 2008 and 2020. ...
Piquette GN, Kenney RM, Sertich PL, Yamoto M, Hsueh AJ.The association of equine granulosa-theca cell tumors with atrophied contralateral ovaries and abnormal estrous cycles suggests that these tumors produce hormones that affect pituitary gonadotropin production. Because inhibin, a heterodimer protein secreted by granulosa cells, decreases FSH production, we examined the presence of inhibin alpha- and beta A-subunits and their mRNAs in ovarian tumors obtained from three mares. These tumors contained neoplastic cords and nodules, multiple fluid-filled cysts, and a predominance of neoplastic granulosa cells. Reduced proteins from tumor-conditioned ...
Cassart D, Fett T, Sarlet M, Baise E, Coignoul F, Desmecht D.The morphopathological picture of a subset of equine myopathies is compatible with a primary mitochondrial disease, but functional confirmation in vivo is still pending. The cationic dye JC-1 exhibits potential-dependent accumulation in mitochondria that is detectable by a fluorescence shift from green to orange. As a consequence, mitochondrial membrane potential can be optically measured by the orange/green fluorescence intensity ratio. A flow cytometric standardized analytic procedure of the mitochondrial function of equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells is proposed along with a critical...
Semik-Gurgul E, Gurgul A, Szmatoła T.Recent publications confirmed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform an essential function in gene-specific transcription regulation. Nevertheless, despite its important role, lncRNA has not yet been described in equine sarcoids, the skin neoplasia of horses. Therefore, the aim of this study is to deepen the knowledge about lncRNA expression in the pathogenesis of equine sarcoids and provide new insight into the regulatory function of lncRNA in the bovine papillomavirus-dependent neoplasia of horse dermal tissues. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from 12 equine sarcoid samples and the corres...
Marichal G, Trigo P, Soto C, Meikle A, Suárez G.The Raid Uruguayo (RAID) is an equestrian endurance competition. This study characterized the hydroelectrolytic parameters (Na, K, Cl, tCa, and iCa), hematocrit (Ht), total plasma protein (TPP), and blood pH from 900 equine athletes (finishers and non-finishers) competing over distances of 80 to 115 km under different climate conditions. Paired blood samples were taken prior to the start of the competition (sample 1) and at the end of the race or at the time of leaving the competition (sample 2). The association of the comfort index (CI: low, moderate, and high) with blood parameters was evalu...
Beard WL, Waxman S.The purpose of this article is to review the veterinary literature for various surgical procedures of the equine upper respiratory tract in an effort to evaluate the evidence supporting various therapies. This article focuses on the therapeutic benefit from more widely occurring conditions, such as laryngeal hemiplegia, dorsal displacement of the soft palate, arytenoid chondritis, and epiglottic entrapment.
Owen JM.Thirty eight cases of Fasciola hepatica infection in horses with associated clinical signs are reported. A method of examining large amounts of faeces for fluke is described. A safe method of treatment for infected horses is given which involves oral medication with oxyclozanide at a dose rate of 15 ml/50 kg body weight.
Rae C, Board PG, Kuchel PW.In mammalian red blood cells the metabolism of methylglyoxal, and some alpha-ketoaldehydes, takes place via two, generally, highly active enzymes, glyoxalase 1 and 2. The 1H NMR spin-echo spectra of horse erythrocytes, and the various reactants in the glyoxalase system, were characterized as a prelude to obtaining series of spectra in time courses of methylglyoxal metabolism. We characterized the kinetics of the enzyme system in red cells from a normal horse and also from one which had very low activity of glyoxylase 2. The kinetics of the reaction scheme, with methylglyoxal as the starting su...
Frees KE, Lillich JD, Gaughan EM, DeBowes RM.To determine history, physical and diagnostic examination findings, medical treatment, and outcome of horses with open injuries to the digital flexor tendon sheath treated with the assistance of tenoscopy. Methods: Betrospective study. Methods: 20 horses. Methods: Medical records of 20 horses with open injuries to the digital flexor tendon sheath were reviewed. Signalment, history, physical and diagnostic examination results, bacteriologic culture and susceptibility testing results, surgical and medical treatments, and follow-up examination results were determined. Outcome was determined by us...
Sommerauer S, Muelling CK, Seeger J, Schusser GF.Anaesthesia of the external ear canal (external acoustic meatus) is usually performed by blocking both the great and internal auricular nerves by regional infiltration. However, exact landmarks for blocking the internal auricular nerve to accomplish effective anaesthesia have not been described yet. In this study, detailed anatomical dissection of the equine external ear canal and its nerve supply was carried out on fifteen cadaver heads. Tissue samples of the dissected nerves were taken from two cadaver heads processed and were evaluated microscopically. Prior to the dissection, the region of...
O'Neill HD, Bladon BM.Current arthroscopic approaches to the caudal pouches of the lateral femorotibial joint are challenging and risk iatrogenic nerve and cartilage injury. Objective: Describe an alternative arthroscopic approach to the caudal pouches of the lateral femorotibial joint in the horse and report intra-articular abnormalities observed during diagnostic stifle arthroscopy of these pouches. Methods: Descriptive cadaver anatomical and clinical study. Methods: An approach to the caudal pouches of the lateral femorotibial joint was developed during clinical surgery using an arthroscopic portal in the poplit...
Morini M, Gobbo F, Rinnovati R, Romagnoli N, Peli A, Massarenti C, Spadari A, Pietra M.Equine asthma is a common respiratory disease that may affect horses of any age. The diagnosis of severe equine asthma (SEA) (historically referred as recurrent airway obstruction or RAO) is based mainly on the history of the animal and clinical signs, which are further supported by the cytological examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). This can also be helpful in monitoring the inflammation of the lower airways in response to environmental management and medication. The cytocentrifugated preparation is usually considered the method of choice for BAL cytological interpretation. The a...
Elschner MC, Thomas P, Melzer F.Burkholderia mallei is a zoonotic agent causing glanders, a notifiable disease in equines. During the past decades glanders emerged, and the Kingdom of Bahrain reported outbreaks to the World Organization of Animal Health in 2010 and 2011. This paper presents the complete genome sequence of the Burkholderia mallei strain 11RR2811 Bahrain1.
Knych HK, Mama KR, Moore CE, Hill AE, McKEMIE DS.The use of intra-articular (IA) local anaesthetics has proven to be an effective means to treat post-operative pain. The effects of local anaesthetics on equine chondrocytes are mixed with some studies reporting chondrodestruction and others no adverse effects. A liposomal formulation of bupivacaine is used in people and dogs by intra- and peri-articular administration to provide up to 72 h of analgesia. The potential uses, side effects including chondrotoxicity, and likelihood of abuse (long-term analgesic effects) has not been evaluated in horses. Objective: Describe bupivacaine concentrati...
Nolen-Walston RD, Norton JL, Navas de Solis C, Underwood C, Boston R, Slack J, Dallap BL.Central venous pressure (CVP) is used in many species to monitor right-sided intravascular volume status, especially in critical care medicine. Objective: That hypohydration in adult horses is associated with a proportional reduction in CVP. Methods: Ten healthy adult horses from the university teaching herd. Methods: In this experimental study, horses underwent central venous catheter placement and CVP readings were obtained by water manometry. The horses were then deprived of water and administered furosemide (1 mg/kg IV q6h) for up to 36 hours. Weight, CVP, vital signs, PCV, total protein (...
Lewis SR, Ellison SP, Dascanio JJ, Lindsay DS, Gogal RM, Werre SR, Surendran N, Breen ME, Heid BM, Andrews FM, Buechner-Maxwell VA, Witonsky SG.Sarcocystis neurona is the most common cause of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), affecting 0.5-1% horses in the United States during their lifetimes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the equine immune responses in an experimentally induced Sarcocystis neurona infection model. Neurologic parameters were recorded prior to and throughout the 70-day study by blinded investigators. Recombinant SnSAG1 ELISA for serum and CSF were used to confirm and track disease progression. All experimentally infected horses displayed neurologic signs after infection. Neutrophils, monocytes, an...
Kakoi H, Kijima-Suda I, Gawahara H, Kinoshita K, Tozaki T, Hirota K, Yoshizawa M.To construct a system for identifying individual horses from urine samples that are submitted for postracing doping tests, we developed a genotyping assay based on 26-plex single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). DNA was isolated from urine using a commercially available DNA/RNA extraction kit, and SNP genotyping was achieved with a SNaPshot(™) technique. DNA profiles including 26 SNPs were acquired from urine samples and blood/hair samples. Within the studied Thoroughbred population, the 26-plex assay showed a probability of identity of 5.80 × 10(-11). Compared to the conventional short tan...
Wilson DG.Possibly no other development has revolutionized general surgery more dramatically than laparoscopic surgery in human patients. The development of instrumentation suitable for use in horses has allowed the veterinary surgeon to begin to introduce minimally invasive procedures. Clearly, in people, one of the greatest benefits is reduced patient morbidity and earlier return to function. The author's experience with laparoscopic procedures in the horse would tend to reinforce those observations. The most significant obstacle to widespread acceptance of minimally invasive surgery in the horse is p...
Martin BB, Klide AM.Fourteen horses that could not perform at their expected standards due to chronic back pain of 4 to 48 months duration, and had not obtained lasting improvement from other forms of therapy, were treated by stimulating nine acupuncture points using a low powered infrared laser (300 microW, 904 nm). The treatments were performed weekly, and consisted of stimulating each point for 2 minutes with a pulse frequency of 360 pulses per second. After completion of a mean of 11 treatments, clinical signs of back pain were alleviated in 10 of the 14 horses, there was no change in three, and one was lost ...
