"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.
Castagnasso EE, Kienast ME, García PP, Giovambattista G.Recently, the use of DNA markers has provided a more accurate method of identifying individuals and verifying parentage. In this report, we describe foal assignment in a farm bred jumping horses (Silla argentino). Ten mares were freely served by two stallions, resulting in nine foals. Weaning occurred without registration of the mare of each offspring, resulting in a failure to identify either the mare or the sire of each foal. Animals were typed using 12 microsatellite systems and four biochemical polymorphisms in order to determine the paternity/maternity of each foal. We used the CERVUS pro...
Lloyd D, Walmsley JP, Greet TR, Payne RJ, Newton JR, Phillips TJ.There is little published clinical evidence on the use of a laparoscopic approach for the removal of pathologically enlarged ovaries in standing mares. Objective: To show the orders of success and complication rates that can be expected if pathologically enlarged ovaries are removed from standing, sedated mares under laparoscopic guidance using only electrosurgical means of haemostasis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of 55 mares in which the removal of an enlarged ovary was attempted by applying a standard laparoscopic procedure for routine ovariectomy in standing mares including a...
Gómez Alvarez CB, Wennerstrand J, Bobbert MF, Lamers L, Johnston C, Back W, van Weeren PR.Lameness has often been suggested to result in altered movement of the back, but there are no detailed studies describing such a relationship in quantitative terms. Objective: To quantify the effect of induced subtle forelimb lameness on thoracolumbar kinematics in the horse. Methods: Kinematics of 6 riding horses was measured at walk and at trot on a treadmill before and after the induction of reversible forelimb lameness grade 2 (AAEP scale 1-5). Ground reaction forces (GRF) for individual limbs were calculated from kinematics. Results: The horses significantly unloaded the painful limb by 1...
Smith LJ, Mellor DJ, Marr CM, Reid SW, Mair TS.Post operative complications following exploratory laparotomy can be potentially life-threatening, increase post operative morbidity and result in an increase in the length of hospitalisation of the affected individual. No study has evaluated the efficacy of specific strategies to reduce the incidence of post operative incisional complications. Objective: The use of an abdominal bandage following colic surgery through a celiotomy incision would significantly reduce the prevalence of post operative incisional complications. Methods: A controlled, randomised clinical trial to test the hypothesis...
Moore JN, Norton N, Barton MH, Hurley DJ, Reber AJ, Donovan DC, Vandenplas ML, Parker TS, Levine DM.Endotoxaemia currently is associated with a poor prognosis in horses. The results of recent trials in other species indicate that phospholipid emulsions reduce the deleterious effects of endotoxin (LPS). However, in a previous study in horses, a 2 h infusion of emulsion caused an unacceptable degree of haemolysis. Objective: Rapid administration of a lower total dose of emulsion would reduce the effects of LPS and induce less haemolysis; the emulsion would reduce inflammatory effects of LPS in vitro. Methods: Twelve healthy horses received an i.v. infusion either of saline or a phospholipid em...
Gilliam LL, Holbrook TC, Dechant JE, Johnson BJ.A 6-year-old Quarter Horse stallion was referred to Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for evaluation of abdominal pain that developed after breeding activity earlier in the day. The horse developed diarrhea and progressively worsening neurologic signs (circling, ataxia, head pressing) within 22 hours of presentation and was subsequently euthanized due to severe self-destructive behavior. Antemortem biochemical and hematologic abnormalities included hypocalcemia but no evidence of hepatic disease. Idiopathic hyperammonemia and encephalopathy were suspected; cerebros...
Robinson P, Williams KJ, Sullins KE, Arnoczky SP, Stick JA, Robinson NE, de Feijter-Rupp H, Derksen FJ.Trans-endoscopic laser surgery, such as unilateral laser-assisted ventriculocordectomy (LVC), has gained popularity in the treatment of RLN because a laryngotomy incision or general anaesthesia are not required. However, removal of the vocal fold and ventricle takes considerable laser energy and could cause collateral tissue damage, including injury to the adjacent laryngeal cartilages. Objective: To document the histological effects of laser surgery on laryngeal tissues in horses that have undergone LVC for the treatment of laryngeal hemiplegia (LH). Methods: Six horses were used: 4 with expe...
Luce R, Shepherd M, Paillot R, Blacklawst B, Wood JL, Kydd JH.An assay has been developed that measures EHV-1 specific interferon gamma synthesis (IFNgamma), a cytokine produced following the activation of memory T lymphocytes and therefore a measure of cell mediated immunity. The method requires validation in the field. Objective: To measure the frequency of EHV-1 specific, IFNgamma synthesising peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in a population of Thoroughbred horses, and examine its relationship with age, gender, premises and history of vaccination or field infection with EHV-1. Methods: Lymphocytes from 200 Thoroughbred horses were stimulated ...
Roleff S, Arndt G, Bottema B, Junker L, Grabner A, Kohn B.The CA530-VET is a completely automated impedance cell hematology analyzer, which yields a 16-parameter blood count including a 3-part leukocyte differential. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the operational potential of the CA530-VET and its value for use in veterinary practice. Methods: The analyzer was tested for blood carry-over, precision, and accuracy. Comparison methods included the CELL-DYN 3500, microhematocrit centrifugation, manual platelet (PLT) counting for feline and equine species, and a 100-cell manual WBC differential. Blood samples for comparison of the methods...
Macieira S, Rivard GE, Champagne J, Lavoie JP, Bédard C.An 18-month-old Oldenbourg filly was presented with a bleeding diathesis. Laboratory testing included platelet count, gingival bleeding time, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), von Willebrand factor (vWf) antigen, clottable fibrinogen, clot retraction time, PFA-100 closure time, platelet aggregometry (on platelet-rich plasma), and thrombelastography (TEG). TEG was performed by using kaolin and tissue factor as coagulation activators. Expression of the platelet receptor for fibrinogen was assessed by flow cytometry by using anti CD41 (alpha(IIb) or glycoprotein...
Varloud M, Fonty G, Roussel A, Guyonvarch A, Julliand V.Our knowledge of the microflora of the stomach of the horse is still limited, although some data indicate its important role in nutrition. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the microbial and biochemical profiles in the stomach of the horse and to quantify the disappearance of dietary starch. Total anaerobic bacteria, lactate-utilizing bacteria, lactobacilli, and streptococci were determined, and biochemical characteristics (pH, and DM, D- and L-lactate, D-glucose, NH3, and VFA concentrations) were measured in chyme collected from 4 horses by naso-gastric intubation aided by e...
Jost U, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Dolf G, Swinburne JE, Ramseyer A, Bugno M, Burger D, Blott S, Gerber V.REASONS FOR STUDY: Equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is probably dependent on a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors and shares many characteristic features with human asthma. Interleukin 4 receptor a chain (IL4RA) is a candidate gene because of its role in the development of human asthma, confirmation of this association is therefore required. Methods: The equine BAC clone containing the IL4RA gene was localised to ECA13q13 by the FISH method. Microsatellite markers in this region were investigated for possible association and linkage with RAO in 2 large Warmblood ...
Ewart SL, Robinson NE.This review highlights the critical importance of phenotype definition in the understanding of the pathogenesis of respiratory disease in horses. The general approach to genetic studies is discussed and comparative studies of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) conditions, such as asthma, described in the context of learning more about equivalent equine conditions. The availability of methods to study genetic tests have previously relied on DNA sequence knowledge from man, laboratory and domesticated animals, but recent data from the horse genome sequence are now available. This should facilita...
Lattimer JM, Cooper SR, Freeman DW, Lalman DL.Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of a closed system, fermentation apparatus (Daisy II incubator) and determine the effects of a yeast culture (YC) preparation (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on in vitro microbial populations, diet digestion, and fermentation patterns in horses. In Exp. 1, 4 mature horses were fed a pelleted concentrate and alfalfa cubes in a 50:50 (%, as-fed) ratio. Fecal samples were taken from each horse to form the inoculum and placed in 4 separate incubation vessels. Twenty nylon bags (10 with 0.25 g and 10 with 0.50 g of the total mixed diet) were placed in e...
Frye JG, Fedorka-Cray PJ.Third-generation cephalosporin (3GC) antimicrobials are the drugs of choice for treatment of salmonellosis in children. Salmonella isolated in the USA are assayed by the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) for resistance to antimicrobials including first-, second- and third-generation cephalosporins. From 1999 to 2003, 34,411 Salmonella were isolated from animals in the USA, of which 10.9% were found to be resistant to ceftiofur, a 3GC used in animals, whilst only 0.3% were resistant to ceftriaxone, a 3GC used in human medicine. Ceftiofur resistance rose from 4.0% in 19...
Carstanjen B, Abitbol M, Desbois C.The following case report describes the diagnosis and surgery of bilateral polydactyly of unknown origin in a colt. A 7-month-old Berber colt was referred for cosmetic and curative excision of supernumerary digits. Radiographic examination revealed bilateral polydactyly and welldeveloped first carpal bones. Surgery consisted of an osteotomy of both second metacarpal bones combined with an amputation of the supernumerary digits. The follow-up at 18 months after surgery revealed a sound horse with an excellent cosmetic outcome.
Berger J, Valdez S, Puschner B, Leutenegger CM, Gardner IA, Madigan JE.Highly reactive horses may pose risks to humans involved in equestrian activities. Among the factors that may affect horses' reactivity to external stimuli are pesticides used for fly control in equine facilities. The organophosphorus (OP) insecticide tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) is used as a feed-through larvicide to prevent completion of the fly larval life cycle in horse manure. TCVP exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase (ChE) leading to the accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (AChE) in synapses of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The aim of the pre...
Clauss M, Castell JC, Kienzle E, Schramel P, Dierenfeld ES, Flach EJ, Behlert O, Streich WJ, Hummel J, Hatt JM.To test whether mineral recommendations for horses are likely to guarantee adequate mineral provision for black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis), we investigated the apparent absorption (aA) of macro- and microminerals in eight black rhinoceroses from three zoological institutions in a total of 32 feeding trials with total faecal collection, with additional data from three unpublished studies (18 feeding trials). Feeds and faeces were analysed for Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Co. The resulting aA coefficients, and the linear relationships of apparently absorbable dietary mineral content...
Delguste C, Amory H, Doucet M, Piccot-Crézollet C, Thibaud D, Garnero P, Detilleux J, Lepage OM.Tiludronate, a bisphosphonate, has recently been introduced in veterinary medicine to treat orthopedic conditions in the horse. This study was designed to evaluate its effects on biochemical biomarkers of bone metabolism and on bone density and structure in an experimental model of disuse osteoporosis induced by cast application in horses. Methods: Two groups of eight horses were immobilized during 8 weeks. The first group (P-group) received a placebo, and the second group (T-group) received tiludronate 1 mg/kg by slow IV infusion. Both treatments were administered twice, 28 days apart. Immobi...
Bobbert MF, Gómez Alvarez CB, van Weeren PR, Roepstorff L, Weishaupt MA.The purpose of this study was to determine whether individual limb forces could be calculated accurately from kinematics of trotting and walking horses. We collected kinematic data and measured vertical ground reaction forces on the individual limbs of seven Warmblood dressage horses, trotting at 3.4 m s(-1) and walking at 1.6 m s(-1) on a treadmill. First, using a segmental model, we calculated from kinematics the total ground reaction force vector and its moment arm relative to each of the hoofs. Second, for phases in which the body was supported by only two limbs, we calculated the individu...
Doube M, Firth EC, Boyde A.To interrelate articular calcified cartilage thickness, mineralisation density, tidemark count and tidemark linear accretion rate by site in the equine third metacarpal distal condyle. To determine the effects of exercise during early life on articular calcified cartilage. Methods: Six of 12 pasture-raised Thoroughbred horses were exercised from 10 days old. Calcein labels were given 19 and 8 days prior to euthanasia at 18 months old. Osteochondral specimens were cut from the distal third metacarpal condyle and imaged using confocal scanning light microscopy (CSLM) and quantitative backscatter...
Turner PG, Dugdale A, Young IS, Taylor S.Monitoring the composition of gases breathed by anaesthetised patients requires measurement methods with fast responses, high accuracy and good reliability. There is also an increasing demand for systems to be able to monitor more than one target analyte simultaneously, but some gas analysers can be sensitive to the presence of methane gas in exhaled breath, consequently leading to inaccurate measurements of the anaesthetic agent. This study investigated the feasibility of employing portable quadrupole mass spectrometry to monitor volatile anaesthetic agents (halothane, isoflurane and sevoflur...
Fioretto ET, de Abreu RN, Castro MF, Guidi WL, Ribeiro AA.The superior cervical ganglion (SCG) provides sympathetic input to the head and neck, its relation with mandible, submandibular glands, eyes (second and third order control) and pineal gland being demonstrated in laboratory animals. In addition, the SCG's role in some neuropathies can be clearly seen in Horner's syndrome. In spite of several studies published involving rats and mice, there is little morphological descriptive and comparative data of SCG from large mammals. Thus, we investigated the SCG's macro- and microstructural organization in medium (dogs and cats) and large animals (horses...
Bolen G, Busoni V, Jacqmot O, Snaps F.Although ultrasonography is widely used in equine orthopedics, its use in the distal portion of the digit is still limited. The purpose of this descriptive study was to document the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the palmarodistal aspect of the digital area imaged between the bulbs of the heels. Ultrasonographic images were obtained with a 7.5 MHz microconvex transducer in 10 fresh equine cadaver forelimbs and five soundhorses. Sagittal, parasagittal, and transverse images were obtained from the proximal aspect of the middle phalanx to the distal sesamoid bone. Anatomic sections were ob...
Menzies-Gow NJ, Marr CM.The repeatability and sensitivity of Doppler ultrasonographic measurement of lateral digital arterial and venous blood flow has not been previously determined. Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure blood flow within the forelimb lateral digital vessels in one normal adult Thoroughbred horse on six occasions and in six normal adult Thoroughbred horses on three occasions, each occasion being at least 1 h apart, to determine the within- and between-horse variation. The values obtained from the right and left lateral digital vessels did not differ significantly. The within-horse coefficients...
Labens R, Innocent GT, Voûte LC.Various radiographic rating scales have been described for use in horses with distal tarsal osteoarthritis but little information is available on their reliability. The aim of this study was to develop a radiographic rating scale based on the results of an expert consultation process (the Delphi process), and to test the reliability of the radiographic rating scale. Seven radiographic features were identified as important indicators of distal tarsal osteoarthritis and these were then incorporated in the radiographic rating scale, which used a 100-mm-long visual analog scale. On two occasions n...
Causey RC.Uterine infections are a major cause of infertility, but the role of mucus in equine uterine defense is not well understood. Mucociliary currents play an important role in protecting mucous membranes, including the upper and lower respiratory tracts of mammals, and are required for feeding and oxygenation of many aquatic invertebrates. Although phagocytosis has long been considered the first line of uterine defense in the mare, there are concerns about its efficacy in the uterine lumen. Additional local defenses, such as mucociliary currents, have therefore been proposed. The uterine epitheliu...
Théon AP, Wilson WD, Magdesian KG, Pusterla N, Snyder JR, Galuppo LD.To determine outcome associated with cutaneous tumors treated via intratumoral chemotherapy with cisplatin and identify risk factors affecting local tumor control and complications in equidae. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 573 equidae with 630 cutaneous tumors. Methods: Medical records of horses, mules, donkeys, and ponies with cutaneous tumors treated via intratumoral chemotherapy with cisplatin were analyzed. Results: 549 horses, 13 mules, 8 donkeys, and 3 ponies with 630 histologically confirmed cutaneous tumors were included. Tumors included sarcoids (n = 409), squamous cell...
Casoni D, Spadavecchia C, Adami C.Prevention and treatment of intraoperative hypoxemia in horses is difficult and both efficacy and safety of therapeutic maneuvers have to be taken into account. Inhaled salbutamol has been suggested as treatment of hypoxia in horses during general anesthesia, due to safety and ease of the technique. The present report describes the occurrence of clinically relevant unwanted cardiovascular effects (i.e. tachycardia and blood pressure modifications) in 5 horses undergoing general anesthesia in dorsal recumbency after salbutamol inhalation. Balanced anesthesia based on inhalation of isoflurane in...
Saville WJ, Morley PS, Reed SM, Granstrom DE, Kohn CW, Hinchcliff KW, Wittum TE.To investigate risk factors for use in predicting clinical improvement and survival of horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Methods: Longitudinal epidemiologic study. Methods: 251 horses with EPM. Methods: Between 1992 and 1995, 251 horses with EPM were admitted to our facility. A diagnosis of EPM was made on the basis of neurologic abnormalities and detection of antibody to Sarcocystis neurona or S neurona DNA in CSF. Data were obtained from hospital records and through telephone follow-up interviews. Factors associated with clinical improvement and survival were analyzed, us...
Medeiros LQ, Gozalo-Marcilla M, Taylor PM, Campagnol D, de Oliveira FA, Watanabe MJ, de Araujo Aguiar AJ.Dexmedetomidine (DEX) alone, or combined with butorphanol (BUT), may be administered by constant rate infusions (CRIs) in standing horses. This blinded, randomised, crossover study in six healthy adult horses aimed to determine the sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of DEX (dexmedetomidine (3.5 µg/kg+5 µg/kg/hour CRI) and DEX/BUT (dexmedetomidine (3.5 µg/kg+3.5 µg/kg/hour CRI) and butorphanol (20 µg/kg+24 µg/kg/hour CRI)). Head height above ground (HHAG), ataxia, responses to tactile/auditory stimuli and cardiopulmonary variables were recorded before, at 5/15/30/60/90 min...
Young KE, Garza V, Snowden K, Dobson RJ, Powell D, Craig TM.Diversity of parasite populations was compared between two herds of horses, one a regularly treated herd the other a feral herd which has bad no anthelmintic treatment for at least 25 years. Eggs obtained from fecal samples of both herds were tested for anthelmintic resistance by use of an in-vitro larval hatch/development assay (LDA), DrenchRite. A fecal egg reduction test was also performed with the domesticated herd using fenbendazole, pyrantel pamoate and ivermectin. Cyathostomes were the predominant group of worms present in both herds. Trichostrongylus axei was seen in both herds, but St...
Oguma K, Ishida M, Maeda K, Sentsui H.Equine cells are required for isolation of viruses that infect the horse. However, only a few equine cell lines and cell cultures are available so far. Fetal horse kidney (FHK)-Tcl3.1 cell is a novel cell line established by introducing simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen. In the present study, the ability to propagate equine viruses was compared between FHK-Tcl3.1 cells and other equine cells. FHK-Tcl3.1 cells efficiently increased many viruses derived from or having pathogenicity to horses and produced high infective titers in culture fluids. These results indicate that FHK-Tcl3.1 cells w...
Lugo J, Gaughan EM.Infectious diseases of synovial and hoof structures in horses can be devastating to soundness and can result in life-threatening complications. Timely diagnosis and early aggressive treatment can result in successful outcomes and resumption of athletic careers; however, delays in recognition and therapy can be the most costly reasons for failure. Sterilization of affected compartments and tissues requires removal of microorganisms and compromised tissue. Debridement, lavage, and appropriate antimicrobial drug use are the most reliable avenues of treatment. Antimicrobial drugs can be administer...
Serteyn D, Mottart E, Michaux C, Micheels J, Philippart C, Lavergne L, Guillon C, Lamy M.Muscular microcirculation was studied in seven halothane anaesthetised horses in lateral recumbency using a laser Doppler flowmeter. A significant difference between the dependent and the uppermost triceps brachii was recorded. In the dependent muscles, microflow at first decreased and then increased up to the starting value. In the uppermost muscles, a significant rise of the microflow was measured.
Norton EM, Wooldridge AA, Stewart AJ, Cusimano L, Schwartz DD, Johnson CM, Boudreaux MK, Christopherson PW.Hemophilia A is an X-chromosome-linked disorder caused by a deficiency in factor VIII (FVIII). Although foals have been diagnosed with hemophilia A based on deficiency in FVIII activity, causative gene mutations have not been identified. The genomic DNA and cDNA encoding FVIII of a Tennesee Walking Horse colt affected with hemophilia A and the genomic DNA of his dam and a normal unrelated horse were analyzed with no splice site or coding sequence abnormalities identified in any of the horses. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were then performed on hepatic cDNA from the affected colt and an unr...
Ekiri AB, Long MT, Hernandez JA.The main objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of Salmonella in fecal samples collected from hospitalized horses with or without signs of gastrointestinal (GI) tract disease. The PCR assay used primers and a probe that targeted the invA gene of Salmonella. Assuming a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96.6%, and a disease prevalence of 2%, 5%, and 10-15% in study horses, the PCR assay had a high (100%) negative predictive value, and a positive predictive value that ranged from 37% in horses ...
Ecke P, Hodgson DR, Rose RJ.Hydration status, electrolyte balance and acid-base balance were studied in four adult standardbred geldings with castor oil-induced diarrhoea. The horses received an oral rehydration solution (ORS) at a point when signs consistent with mild decreases in effective circulating fluid volume were first detected. Within 1.5 h of ORS administration, all horses exhibited a significant metabolic acidosis. At this time, mean values for venous blood pH, [HCO3], and standard base excess were 7.264 +/- 0.011, 17.7 +/- 0.3 mmol L-1, and -8.2 +/- 0.4 mmol L-1, respectively. Throughout the duration of the s...
Shakarami MH, Mohammadabadi T, Motamedi H, Sari M, Teimouri Yansari A.This study was conducted to isolate and identify the cellulolytic bacteria from gastrointestinal tract of Arabian horse and investigate their effect on the nutritional value of wheat straw (WS). Results: Fresh faeces were collected from four Arabian horses. The cellulose-hydrolytic bacteria were isolated by using a medium amended with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The activity of CMC was determined by measuring the release of reducing sugars from CMC. Among the isolates, four isolates (L11, L12, L2 and Z2) showed maximum hydrolysis capacity. 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that these isolat...
Krcmar S, Mikuska A, Merdić E.The response of female tabanids to natural attractants was studied in the Monjoros Forest along the Nature Park Kopacki rit in eastern Croatia. Tabanids were caught in canopy traps baited with either aged cow, horse, sheep, or pig urine and also in unbaited traps. Tabanids were collected in a significantly higher numbers in traps baited with natural attractants compared to unbaited traps. The number of females of Tabanus bromius, Tabanus maculicornis, Tabanus tergestinus, and Hybomitra bimaculata collected from canopy traps baited with cow urine and traps baited with other natural attractants ...
Grulke S, Benbarek H, Caudron I, Deby-Dupont G, Mathy-Hartert M, Farnir F, Deby C, Lamy M, Serteyn D.Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a specific enzyme of neutrophil azurophilic granules with a strong oxidative activity. Thanks to a radioimmunoassay of equine myeloperoxidase, the authors have observed a significantly higher plasma level of MPO in horses operated for strangulation obstruction of the large intestine (n = 6) than in horses suffering from a non-strangulating displacement of the large intestine (n = 9). For the 2 groups, 3 phases were distinguished: reception (P1), intensive care (P2) and terminal phase (P3). The mean peak values of MPO for these phases were 121.6 ng/mL (P1), 168.6 ng/mL ...
Delvescovo B.This article describes the most common causes of urine discoloration. The review includes a description of the most common disorders causing hematuria, highlighting clinical presentation, treatments, and pathophysiology. Causes of hemoglobinuria and myoglobinuria together with their mechanisms of renal injury are also reviewed.
Bakała A, Karlik W, Wiechetek M.The aim of the study was to establish the optimal methods for hypothermic storage of equine isolated hepatocytes. Viability of equine isolated hepatocytes after hypothermic storage was dependent on the type of storage medium as well as on the cell density in the storage suspension and the preservation period. Hepatocytes stored at 4 degrees C in Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) and Williams' Medium E (WE) for 24 h showed very low viability, numerous cell membrane blebs, very low attachment rate (11.9 +/- 6.5% and 34.8 +/- 19.1%, respectively) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylte...
Tanimoto T, Yamasaki S, Ohtsuki Y.A well-demarcated solitary splenic mass (20 x 20 x 15 cm in size) containing hemorrhagic and necrotic foci was observed in a 4-year-old Thoroughbred stallion. Histologically, the mass consisted of lymphoma cells of the diffuse large non-cleaved type, with a high mitotic index and scattered macrophages that formed a starry sky pattern. The lymphoma cells revealed diffuse positivity for acid phosphatase and alpha naphthyl butyrate esterase, and were also positive for intracytoplasmic IgM on occasion, and mostly for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Ultrastructural examination revealed moderate...
Davis MS, Lockard AJ, Marlin DJ, Freed AN.In human subjects that exercise strenuously in cold weather, there is evidence that hyperventilation with cold air leads to peripheral airway cooling, desiccation and mucosal injury. Our hypothesis was that hyperventilation with cold air can result in penetration of unconditioned air (air that is not completely warmed and humidified) into the peripheral airways of exercising horses, resulting in peripheral airway mucosal injury. To test this hypothesis, a thermister-tipped catheter was inserted through the midcervical trachea and advanced into a sublobar bronchus in three horses that cantered ...
Colbourne CM, Bolton JR, Mills JN, Whitaker D, Yovich JV, Howell JM.Pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma with spread to the pleural cavity were diagnosed in 2 horses. Clinical signs included respiratory distress, depression and pleural pain. The affected body cavities contained copious, serous effusions containing very large neoplastic mesothelial cells with densely-staining cytoplasm, hyperchromic nuclei and prominent, often multiple, nucleoli. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells appeared as solid aggregates, with profuse microvillous borders and neolumen formation. Cytological examination, together with confirmative ancillary diagnostic test...
Cramp P, Derksen FJ, Stick JA, Nickels FA, Brown KE, Robinson P, Robinson NE.Little is known about the efficacy of bilateral ventriculectomy (VE) or bilateral ventriculocordectomy (VCE) in draught horses. Objective: To compare the effect of VE and VCE on upper airway noise in draught horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) by use of quantitative sound analysis techniques. Objective: In competitive draught horses with grade 4 RLN, VE and VCE reduce upper airway noise during exercise, but VCE is more effective. Methods: Thirty competitive hitch or pulling draught horses with grade 4 RLN were evaluated for upper airway sound during exercise. Respiratory rate (RR)...
Magnuson NS, Perryman LE, Wyatt CR, Ishizaka T, Mason PH, Namen AE, Banks KL, Magnuson JA.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 14 foals with hereditary severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) were studied to determine the extent of lymphocyte differentiation that occurs in this disorder. PBMC from all 14 horses had the morphologic characteristics of large granular lymphocytes (LGL). Cells from only one of 14 horses were responsive to phytolectin stimulation in a standard blastogenesis assay; however, PBMC from all 14 horses proliferated in continuous culture in the presence of partially purified interleukin 2. Furthermore, there were differences in the growth patterns of ...
Krakowski L, Bartoszek P, Krakowska I, Olcha P, Piech T, Stachurska A, Brodzki P.The aim of the study was to evaluate physiological changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in mares in perinatal period. Blood samples were collected from 24 pregnant Polish Konik breed mares which were divided into two groups. The first group (Group - I, n=12) comprised mares living in the wild, in the reserve. The second group (Group - II, n=12) consisted of mares kept in stables. The blood was collected 2 weeks prior to the parturition, then 24 hours after the delivery, and then at the 7th and 21st day after foaling. When comparing the two groups before the parturition, no signi...
Reilly PT, Dean EK, Orsini JA.The goals of mechanical treatment during the acute phase of laminitis are to preserve the lamellar interface by reducing the forces that are compromising its integrity and to make the horse more comfortable. Early decision making is important in managing acute laminitis. This article helps the practitioner to identify some of the commonly used and accepted methods of protecting the laminitic foot. The materials available and the theories behind their use are also described. The laminitic foot needs to be understood before determining methods for its support. Most treatment options involve shif...
Vervuert I, Coenen M, Wedemeyer U, Harmeyer J.Seven untrained Standardbred horses were used in a training programme of 6 weeks to evaluate the effects of exercise and training on bone metabolism. The horses were exercised on a treadmill according to a standardized exercise test (SET 1: six incremental steps, 5 min duration each; start 5 m/s, increase 1 m/s). SET 1 was followed by a training programme of 6 weeks. In alternating order: high-speed exercise (HSE): 15 min duration, start at VLa4, continuous increase in speed every 60 s by 0.3 m/s (14 incremental steps); low-speed exercise (LSE): constant velocity at VLa2.5, duration: approxima...
De Ceulaer K, Delesalle C, Van Elzen R, Van Brantegem L, Weyns A, Van Ginneken C.Intestinal strangulation often leads to enterectomy after which ileus can develop. This has prompted research to look into possible pathophysiological processes triggering equine ileus. However, morphological changes of the small intestinal smooth muscle in relation to equine colic have not yet been studied. Objective: The presence of some smooth muscle proteins was morphologically assessed and quantified in control and colic horses. In addition, the up- or down-regulation of heat shock proteins (HSP20 and HSP27) influencing the contractility of smooth muscles was studied. Methods: Cranial res...
Hopster K, Ohnesorge B, von Borstel M, Rohn K, Kästner S.In most ocular procedures, a central position of the eye is necessary. This can be achieved using a deep plane of anaesthesia, locoregional blocks or with neuromuscular blocking agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of atracurium on cardiovascular parameters, and on recovery quality and duration in horses. Methods: Thirty-four warmblood horses undergoing in total 50 vitrectomies were divided into two groups. Premedication, induction and maintenance were identical in all patients. After 20 minutes, horses of group A received atracurium (0.1 mg/kg) while in the control grou...
