Lethargy in horses refers to a state of decreased energy, motivation, or enthusiasm, often observed as reduced activity or responsiveness. This condition may be indicative of underlying health issues, including metabolic disorders, infections, or nutritional deficiencies. Lethargy can manifest as a symptom associated with various equine diseases or stressors, impacting the horse's overall well-being and performance. Veterinary assessment typically involves a thorough examination to identify potential causes, which may include blood tests, physical evaluations, and diagnostic imaging. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the causes, diagnosis, and management strategies for lethargy in horses, providing insights into its implications for equine health and welfare.
Billmann P, Durham A, Christen G, Savioli G, Gross JJ, Gerber V, Fouché NE.Limited published data are available regarding the relationships among clinical signs associated with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), age, and concentrations of proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides and cortisol. Objective: Identify clinical signs associated with age, beta-endorphin (β-END), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol concentrations and compare β-END and cortisol concentrations between horses with PPID and geriatric controls. Methods: A total of 113 horses aged 18-32 years. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Clinical signs were scored, plasma β-END, ACTH, an...
Pinnell EF, Her J, Gordon D, Kinsella HM, Langston CE, Toribio RE.An adult American Quarter Horse mare presented for pigmenturia and lethargy of 12 hours' duration and was diagnosed with silver maple leaf toxicity. The mare had intravascular hemolysis and azotemia. The mare was treated with a transfusion of whole blood, fluids administered IV, antibiotics, oxygen insufflation, and supportive care. The azotemia persisted despite conventional medical management and hemodialysis was elected. After 2 intermittent hemodialysis treatments over 3 days, the azotemia almost resolved, clinical signs improved, and the mare was discharged. The blood urea nitrogen, c...
Sundra T, Kelty E, Rossi G, Rendle D.Dopaminergic agonists are accepted as the most effective treatment for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. However, some horses are refractory to daily oral pergolide, the recommended registered treatment. Extended-release cabergoline (ERC) injection may offer an alternative. The objective of this retrospective case series was to describe clinical and endocrinological responses to ERC. Unassigned: Medical records of horses treated with weekly intramuscular injections of ERC (5 mg/mL, BOVA Aus) at either 0.01 mg/kg (high dose, HD) ( = 10) or 0.005 mg/kg (low dose, LD) ( = 30) w...
Hermange T, Ruault B, Couroucé A.The aim of this study is to describe clinical data associated with acorn intoxication and to find variables associated with survival. Data from horses presented at CISCO-ONIRIS from 2011 to 2018 with a diagnosis of acorn intoxication were included. Diagnosis was based on the following: season, the presence of acorns in the environment, clinical and hemato-biochemical parameters suggestive of a digestive/renal disease, the co-morbidity of companion animals, and post-mortem findings. Statistical analysis was completed using Student's t-test for mean comparisons and a Chi-square test for group co...
Faccin M, Landsgaard KA, Milliron SM, Jennings AH, Keith Chaffin M, Giaretta PR, Rech RR.A 1.5-year-old American quarter horse gelding (case 1) and an 11-month-old American quarter horse filly (case 2) were presented for acute onset pelvic lameness and lethargy. Case 1 had nasal discharge, while case 2 developed rapid muscle atrophy. Both horses had elevated serum creatine kinase activity. The horses showed similar polyphasic histiocytic and lymphoplasmacytic myositis with necrosis, mineralization, and regeneration. Additionally, case 1 had Streptococcus equi subsp. equi-induced suppurative retropharyngeal lymphadenitis with renal purpura hemorrhagica and myoglobinuric nephropathy...
Edwards L, Magdesian KG.To describe a population of horses with acute kidney injury (AKI) following administration of bisphosphonates including clinical signs, clinicopathologic data, treatment, and outcome. Methods: Retrospective study from August 2013 to July 2020. Methods: Veterinary university teaching hospital. Methods: Eight adult horses with AKI following administration of nonnitrogenous bisphosphonates. Methods: None. Results: Five horses received intramuscular clodronate (5/8; 62.5%) and 3 horses received intravenous tiludronate (3/8; 37.5%). Six horses (6/8; 75%) received concurrent nonsteroidal anti-inflam...
Längerer L.Bernardino P, James K, Barnum S et al. What have we learned from 7 years of equine rhinitis B virus qPCR testing in nasal secretions from horses with respiratory signs. Vet Rec 2021; 188 (10): e26. DAS EQUINE RHINITIS-B-VIRUS (ERBV) HAT EINE HOHE INZIDENZ, IST IN SEINER BEDEUTUNG JEDOCH NUR WENIG ERFORSCHT. EINE INFEKTION MIT DEM ERBV äUßERT SICH IN SYMPTOMEN WIE FIEBER, ANOREXIE, LETHARGIE, NASENAUSFLUSS, HUSTEN, LYMPHADENOPATHIE UND ÖDEMEN DER DISTALEN GLIEDMAßEN. AUßERDEM TRETEN HäUFIG SUBKLINISCHE INFEKTIONEN AUF. DAS ZIEL DIESER STUDIE WAR, DIE HäUFIGKEIT DES NACHWEISES VON ERBV IM...
Bambra W, Daly JM, Kendall NR, Gardner DS, Brennan M, Kydd JH.Equine influenza virus is a highly contagious respiratory pathogen that causes pyrexia, anorexia, lethargy and coughing in immunologically naïve horses. Vaccines against equine influenza are available and vaccination is mandatory for horses that participate in affiliated competitions, but this group forms a small proportion of the total horse population. The aims of this study were to: i) identify the equine influenza vaccination rate as reported in 2016 by horse owners in the United Kingdom (UK); ii) examine the demographics of owners and horses which were associated with significantly lower...
Mattei DN, Kopper JJ, Sanz MG.Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a known cause of fever, anorexia, and lethargy in adult horses. Although there are multiple reports of ECoV outbreaks, less is known about the clinical presentation of individual horses during a nonoutbreak situation. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation of horses diagnosed with ECoV infection that were not associated with an outbreak. Medical records of all horses admitted to Washington State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, during an 8-year period were reviewed (2010-2018). The five horses included in this study were older ...
Odelros E, Kendall A, Hedberg-Alm Y, Pringle J.Peritonitis in horses is historically associated with prolonged treatment regimens of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and a guarded prognosis for survival. The condition is most often seen as a secondary complication to traumatic injuries involving the abdominal cavity, rupture of bowel or abdominal surgery. However, cases of idiopathic peritonitis with no such underlying cause have been described. In Sweden idiopathic peritonitis is commonly identified and, in contrast to peritonitis secondary to traumatic incidents, affected horses appear to respond well to medical treatment. The objectives of...
Biscoe EW, Whitcomb MB, Vaughan B, Dechant JE, Magdesian KG.OBJECTIVE To describe clinical features and outcome of horses with severe large intestinal thickening diagnosed with transabdominal ultrasonography. Methods: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 25 horses. PROCEDURES Medical records of horses that underwent transabdominal ultrasonography between 2003 and 2010 were reviewed. Horses were included if the wall of the large intestine was ≥ 9 mm thick in any of 6 abdominal zones. RESULTS Median age was 13 years (range, 3 to 28 years). Horses were initially examined because of colic, diarrhea, inappetence, weight loss, lethargy, fever, or hematuria. ...
Pusterla N, Vin R, Leutenegger CM, Mittel LD, Divers TJ.A new enteric virus of adult horses, equine coronavirus (ECoV), has recently been recognized. It is associated with fever, lethargy, anorexia, and less frequently, colic and diarrhea. This enteric virus is transmitted via the feco-oral route and horses become infected by ingesting fecally contaminated feed and water. Various outbreaks have been reported since 2010 from Japan, Europe and the USA. While the clinical signs are fairly non-specific, lymphopenia and neutropenia are often seen. Specific diagnosis is made by the detection of ECoV in feces by either quantitative real-time PCR, electron...
Medina-Torres CE, Hewson J, Stämpfli S, Stalker MJ.A 9-day-old Thoroughbred filly was presented for diarrhea and lethargy. Diagnostic test results were compatible with severe renal dysfunction. Diffuse cystic lesions of both kidneys were identified on ultrasonographic examination. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of multiple renal cysts. Congenital nephropathy compatible with bilateral diffuse cystic renal dysplasia was diagnosed. Une pouliche Thoroughbred âgée de 9 jours a été présentée pour de la diarrhée et de la léthargie. Les résultats des tests diagnostiques étaient compatibles avec une dysfonction rénale grave. ...
Cushing TL.A 4-year-old crossbred Quarterhorse mare was submitted to the Clemson Veterinary Diagnostic Center for necropsy examination with a chronic history of inappetence, weight loss and lethargy. Prior to death the horse had developed mild diarrhoea and began showing evidence of colic. Necropsy examination revealed a markedly enlarged heart due predominantly to marked dilation of the right atrium, tortuous congested mesenteric blood vessels, marked ascites, pleural effusion and pulmonary oedema. Further examination of the heart showed the endocardium of the left side of the heart, including the mitra...
Tennent-Brown BS, Mudge MC, Hardy J, Whelchel DD, Freeman DE, Fischer AT.6 horses were determined to have torsion of a liver lobe at 4 referral institutions over a 21-year period. Results: Clinical findings were nonspecific but often included signs of marked inflammation. Two of the 6 horses were examined because of colic, and 2 were assessed because of peritonitis that failed to respond to treatment; the remaining 2 horses were examined because of nonspecific clinical signs that included inappetence, lethargy, and weight loss. The results of laboratory tests were widely variable, and values for liver enzyme activities were typically within reference limits or only...
Facemire PR, Facemire LM, Honnold SP.A 2-year-old gelding presented with a history of lethargy and anorexia. Physical examination revealed pleural and abdominal fluid, as well as several masses in the scrotum. The horse became acutely dyspneic despite 7 days of supportive care. Because of the poor prognosis, the owners elected euthanasia. Gross necropsy findings included multiple masses in the scrotum and inguinal canals and along the dorsal peritoneal cavity. The neoplasm infiltrated the kidneys, liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, mesentery, and abdominal surface of the diaphragm. Histologically, the neoplasm is composed of ...
Yamarik TA, Wilson WD, Wiebe VJ, Pusterla N, Edman J, Papich MG.Using a randomized, cross-over study design, ciprofloxacin was administered i.g. to eight adult mares at a dose of 20 mg/kg, and to seven of the eight horses at a dose of 5 mg/kg by bolus i.v. injection. The mean C(0) was 20.5 μg/mL (±8.8) immediately after i.v. administration. The C(max) was 0.6 μg/mL (±0.36) at T(max) 1.46 (±0.66) h after the administration of oral ciprofloxacin. The mean elimination half-life after i.v. administration was 5.8 (±1.6) h, and after oral administration the terminal half-life was 3.6 (±1.7) h. The overall mean systemic availability of ...
Cozens ER.A 4-year-old miniature horse experienced intermittent episodes of pyrexia, lethargy, and purulent vaginal discharge following dsytocia. Vaginal endoscopy and transrectal ultrasonography revealed a blind-ending vaginal cavity and distended uterus. Surgical treatment was declined and the mare was euthanized. Post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of pyometra and vaginal adhesions. Un cheval miniature âgé de 4 ans a vécu des épisodes intermittents de pyréxie, de léthargie et de pertes vaginales purulentes après la dystocie. Une endoscopie vaginale et une échographie transrectale...
Pratt SM, Spier SJ, Carroll SP, Vaughan B, Whitcomb MB, Wilson WD.To determine clinical signs, results of diagnostic testing, and outcome in horses with internal Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 30 horses. Methods: Information pertaining to clinical data, results of diagnostic tests, and costs of hospitalization and treatment was extracted from medical records of affected horses. Results: Internal C. pseudotuberculosis infection was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, and clinicopathologic data, including results of serologic tests and bacterial culture. The most common clinical si...
Aleman M, Nieto JE, Carr EA, Carlson GP.This report describes 4 fatal cases of serum hepatitis associated with the administration of commercial plasma in the horse. Serum hepatitis in the horse is characterized by acute hepatic central lobular necrosis, and it has been associated with the administration of biological products of equine origin. None of these horses had a recent history of equine biologic-origin vaccination; however, they had received 1.5-5 L of commercial plasma, and in I horse, an additional 8 L of fresh blood. Acute, severe colic unresponsive to medical therapy, lethargy, or sudden death developed in these 4 horses...
Salazar P, Traub-Dargatz JL, Morley PS, Wilmot DD, Steffen DJ, Cunningham WE, Salman MD.To determine outcome of equids in the western United States with clinical signs of West Nile virus (WNV) infection and identify factors associated with risk of death in infected equids. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: 484 equids in Nebraska and Colorado. Methods: Owners of 484 equids with laboratory-confirmed West Nile virus infection in Nebraska and Colorado were contacted by telephone, and a questionnaire was used to obtain information on signalment, management, clinical signs, date of disease onset, duration of disease, WNV vaccination status, and health status at the time of the i...
Kellam LL, Johnson PJ, Kramer J, Keegan KG.Signs of mild colic, intermittent lethargy, and weight loss of 6 weeks' duration in a 2-year-old Quarter Horse gelding were attributed to persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) phytobezoar formation. Diagnosis of the phytobezoar was facilitated by gastric endoscopy. Signs of gastrointestinal tract obstruction were associated with a large phytobezoar in the lumen of the stomach, gastric ulceration, and obstruction of the small intestine (as a consequence of fragmentation of the primary bezoar). Conservative treatment, using mineral oil and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, was unsuccessful. A celiotomy ...
Brees DJ, Sondhoff AH, Kluge JP, Andreasen CB, Brown CM.A 7-month-old foal was admitted to the hospital with a history of lethargy, weight loss, mild diarrhea, and anorexia. A diagnosis of proliferative enteritis caused by Lawsonia intracellularis-like organisms was made after necropsy and histologic examination of the small intestine. Although infection with L intracellularis-like organisms is a rare cause of enteritis in foals, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if the foal was housed in the proximity of pigs or pig feces. Antemortem diagnosis remains challenging because isolation of the organism in fecal material r...
McKenzie EC, Mills JN, Bolton JR.Gastric squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in three horses. Clinical signs observed in all cases were weight loss, anorexia and lethargy. Respiratory signs were prominent in one case. All three horses had depressed albumin and elevated globulin and fibrinogen concentrations. Two horses were mildly anaemic. Inflammatory exudates were present in peritoneal cavities in all cases, and cytological evaluation provided a positive diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in two cases. Pleural fluid samples taken from two cases were also classified as inflammatory exudates, but no neoplastic cells were ...
Galey FD, Holstege DM, Plumlee KH, Tor E, Johnson B, Anderson ML, Blanchard PC, Brown F.Since mid-1989, 37 cases of oleander poisoning in livestock have been diagnosed at the California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System. The most frequent source for oleander exposure was plant clippings. Sudden death was the most common presenting complaint. Other signs reported included diarrhea, pulmonary edema, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, colic, and lethargy. In the past, a presumptive diagnosis of oleander poisoning could be based only on matching clinical signs with evidence of consumption of oleander. A new 2 dimensional Thin-layer chromatography analysis of ingesta for oleandri...
Mogg TD, Palmer JE.The medical records of 23 American Miniature Horses with hyperlipidemia, hyperlipemia, or hepatic lipidosis were reviewed. The most common clinical signs were anorexia and lethargy. The mean duration of clinical signs was 2.4 days. A primary disease was identified in 19 cases. Enterocolitis was the most common primary disease (n = 10). Intentional feed restriction, as part of treatment for colic, resulted in hyperlipemia in 2 horses and hyperlipidemia in 1. Four horses had primary hyperlipemia, 3 of which had signs of hepatoencephalopathy secondary to hepatic lipidosis. Dextrose, heparin, and ...
Dowling PM, Williams MA, Clark TP.Adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed in a 9-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding that had received monthly injections of stanozolol for 8 years. After the injections were abruptly discontinued, the horse developed anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, and bilateral forelimb lameness. Secondary hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, lack of high endogenous plasma ACTH concentration, and lack of cortisol response to administration of ACTH. Because the medical history did not include glucocorticoid administration, the cause was determined to be excessive administration of ...
Chaffin MK, Schmitz DG, Brumbaugh GW, Hall DG.Splenic and hepatic ultrasonography were beneficial for diagnosis of lymphosarcoma in 3 horses with anorexia, weight loss, and lethargy. Ultrasonographic abnormalities of the spleen included a large, complex, hypoechoic mass in 1 horse, multiple well-marginated, hypoechoic nodules in 1 horse, and diffuse hyperechogenicity in another horse. Ultrasonographic abnormalities of the liver included a spherical, hypoechoic nodule in 1 horse and diffuse hyperechogenicity in another. Histologic examination of ultrasound-guided biopsy specimens or aspirates revealed lymphosarcoma. Necropsy findings confi...
Pusterla N, Vin R, Leutenegger CM, Mittel LD, Divers TJ.A new enteric virus of adult horses, equine coronavirus (ECoV), has recently been recognized. It is associated with fever, lethargy, anorexia, and less frequently, colic and diarrhea. This enteric virus is transmitted via the feco-oral route and horses become infected by ingesting fecally contaminated feed and water. Various outbreaks have been reported since 2010 from Japan, Europe and the USA. While the clinical signs are fairly non-specific, lymphopenia and neutropenia are often seen. Specific diagnosis is made by the detection of ECoV in feces by either quantitative real-time PCR, electron...
Salazar P, Traub-Dargatz JL, Morley PS, Wilmot DD, Steffen DJ, Cunningham WE, Salman MD.To determine outcome of equids in the western United States with clinical signs of West Nile virus (WNV) infection and identify factors associated with risk of death in infected equids. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: 484 equids in Nebraska and Colorado. Methods: Owners of 484 equids with laboratory-confirmed West Nile virus infection in Nebraska and Colorado were contacted by telephone, and a questionnaire was used to obtain information on signalment, management, clinical signs, date of disease onset, duration of disease, WNV vaccination status, and health status at the time of the i...
Galey FD, Holstege DM, Plumlee KH, Tor E, Johnson B, Anderson ML, Blanchard PC, Brown F.Since mid-1989, 37 cases of oleander poisoning in livestock have been diagnosed at the California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System. The most frequent source for oleander exposure was plant clippings. Sudden death was the most common presenting complaint. Other signs reported included diarrhea, pulmonary edema, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, colic, and lethargy. In the past, a presumptive diagnosis of oleander poisoning could be based only on matching clinical signs with evidence of consumption of oleander. A new 2 dimensional Thin-layer chromatography analysis of ingesta for oleandri...
Aleman M, Nieto JE, Carr EA, Carlson GP.This report describes 4 fatal cases of serum hepatitis associated with the administration of commercial plasma in the horse. Serum hepatitis in the horse is characterized by acute hepatic central lobular necrosis, and it has been associated with the administration of biological products of equine origin. None of these horses had a recent history of equine biologic-origin vaccination; however, they had received 1.5-5 L of commercial plasma, and in I horse, an additional 8 L of fresh blood. Acute, severe colic unresponsive to medical therapy, lethargy, or sudden death developed in these 4 horses...
Pratt SM, Spier SJ, Carroll SP, Vaughan B, Whitcomb MB, Wilson WD.To determine clinical signs, results of diagnostic testing, and outcome in horses with internal Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 30 horses. Methods: Information pertaining to clinical data, results of diagnostic tests, and costs of hospitalization and treatment was extracted from medical records of affected horses. Results: Internal C. pseudotuberculosis infection was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, and clinicopathologic data, including results of serologic tests and bacterial culture. The most common clinical si...
Mattei DN, Kopper JJ, Sanz MG.Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a known cause of fever, anorexia, and lethargy in adult horses. Although there are multiple reports of ECoV outbreaks, less is known about the clinical presentation of individual horses during a nonoutbreak situation. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation of horses diagnosed with ECoV infection that were not associated with an outbreak. Medical records of all horses admitted to Washington State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, during an 8-year period were reviewed (2010-2018). The five horses included in this study were older ...
Odelros E, Kendall A, Hedberg-Alm Y, Pringle J.Peritonitis in horses is historically associated with prolonged treatment regimens of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and a guarded prognosis for survival. The condition is most often seen as a secondary complication to traumatic injuries involving the abdominal cavity, rupture of bowel or abdominal surgery. However, cases of idiopathic peritonitis with no such underlying cause have been described. In Sweden idiopathic peritonitis is commonly identified and, in contrast to peritonitis secondary to traumatic incidents, affected horses appear to respond well to medical treatment. The objectives of...
Brees DJ, Sondhoff AH, Kluge JP, Andreasen CB, Brown CM.A 7-month-old foal was admitted to the hospital with a history of lethargy, weight loss, mild diarrhea, and anorexia. A diagnosis of proliferative enteritis caused by Lawsonia intracellularis-like organisms was made after necropsy and histologic examination of the small intestine. Although infection with L intracellularis-like organisms is a rare cause of enteritis in foals, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if the foal was housed in the proximity of pigs or pig feces. Antemortem diagnosis remains challenging because isolation of the organism in fecal material r...
Kirkpatrick CE, Skand DL.Giardia infection was believed responsible for chronic diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, inappetence, and dermatitis in a 4-year-old Thoroughbred horse. Fecal cysts were detected by the zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation method. All clinical signs resolved upon treatment with metronidazole suspension (5 mg/kg body weight per os, TID for 10 days).
Irvine CH.Hypothyroidism in the foal occurs as two entities because of the separate actions of thyroid hormones in regulation of metabolic rate and in cell differentiation. The hypometabolic state which results in inadequate thermogenesis and lethargy, occurs concurrently with a period when thyroid hormone secretion is inadequate. Also the severity of the concurrent symptoms is related to the degree of hormone inadequacy as measured by plasma concentrations of free T4 and T3. By contrast, the developmental lesions caused by hypothyroidism are often observed during periods when plasma thyroid hormone con...
Chaffin MK, Schmitz DG, Brumbaugh GW, Hall DG.Splenic and hepatic ultrasonography were beneficial for diagnosis of lymphosarcoma in 3 horses with anorexia, weight loss, and lethargy. Ultrasonographic abnormalities of the spleen included a large, complex, hypoechoic mass in 1 horse, multiple well-marginated, hypoechoic nodules in 1 horse, and diffuse hyperechogenicity in another horse. Ultrasonographic abnormalities of the liver included a spherical, hypoechoic nodule in 1 horse and diffuse hyperechogenicity in another. Histologic examination of ultrasound-guided biopsy specimens or aspirates revealed lymphosarcoma. Necropsy findings confi...
Mogg TD, Palmer JE.The medical records of 23 American Miniature Horses with hyperlipidemia, hyperlipemia, or hepatic lipidosis were reviewed. The most common clinical signs were anorexia and lethargy. The mean duration of clinical signs was 2.4 days. A primary disease was identified in 19 cases. Enterocolitis was the most common primary disease (n = 10). Intentional feed restriction, as part of treatment for colic, resulted in hyperlipemia in 2 horses and hyperlipidemia in 1. Four horses had primary hyperlipemia, 3 of which had signs of hepatoencephalopathy secondary to hepatic lipidosis. Dextrose, heparin, and ...
Kellam LL, Johnson PJ, Kramer J, Keegan KG.Signs of mild colic, intermittent lethargy, and weight loss of 6 weeks' duration in a 2-year-old Quarter Horse gelding were attributed to persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) phytobezoar formation. Diagnosis of the phytobezoar was facilitated by gastric endoscopy. Signs of gastrointestinal tract obstruction were associated with a large phytobezoar in the lumen of the stomach, gastric ulceration, and obstruction of the small intestine (as a consequence of fragmentation of the primary bezoar). Conservative treatment, using mineral oil and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, was unsuccessful. A celiotomy ...
Bambra W, Daly JM, Kendall NR, Gardner DS, Brennan M, Kydd JH.Equine influenza virus is a highly contagious respiratory pathogen that causes pyrexia, anorexia, lethargy and coughing in immunologically naïve horses. Vaccines against equine influenza are available and vaccination is mandatory for horses that participate in affiliated competitions, but this group forms a small proportion of the total horse population. The aims of this study were to: i) identify the equine influenza vaccination rate as reported in 2016 by horse owners in the United Kingdom (UK); ii) examine the demographics of owners and horses which were associated with significantly lower...
Tennent-Brown BS, Mudge MC, Hardy J, Whelchel DD, Freeman DE, Fischer AT.6 horses were determined to have torsion of a liver lobe at 4 referral institutions over a 21-year period. Results: Clinical findings were nonspecific but often included signs of marked inflammation. Two of the 6 horses were examined because of colic, and 2 were assessed because of peritonitis that failed to respond to treatment; the remaining 2 horses were examined because of nonspecific clinical signs that included inappetence, lethargy, and weight loss. The results of laboratory tests were widely variable, and values for liver enzyme activities were typically within reference limits or only...
Edwards L, Magdesian KG.To describe a population of horses with acute kidney injury (AKI) following administration of bisphosphonates including clinical signs, clinicopathologic data, treatment, and outcome. Methods: Retrospective study from August 2013 to July 2020. Methods: Veterinary university teaching hospital. Methods: Eight adult horses with AKI following administration of nonnitrogenous bisphosphonates. Methods: None. Results: Five horses received intramuscular clodronate (5/8; 62.5%) and 3 horses received intravenous tiludronate (3/8; 37.5%). Six horses (6/8; 75%) received concurrent nonsteroidal anti-inflam...
Stowe HD.Thirty-four adult ponies were used to determine the effects of single oral doses of copper (Cu) supplements (0, 20, and 40 mg of Cu/kg of body weight) on the toxicity of oral doses of selenium (Se) supplements (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg of Se/kg of body weight) administered 24 hours after the copper was given. Signs of Se toxicosis-sweating, diarrhea, tachycardia, tachypnea, mild pyrexia, lethargy, and colic-developed in ponies given 6 and 8 mg of Se/kg of body weight without Cu pretreatment. Two of 4 ponies given 6 mg of Se/kg and both ponies given 8 mg of Se/kg without Cu pretreatment died within...
Cozens ER.A 4-year-old miniature horse experienced intermittent episodes of pyrexia, lethargy, and purulent vaginal discharge following dsytocia. Vaginal endoscopy and transrectal ultrasonography revealed a blind-ending vaginal cavity and distended uterus. Surgical treatment was declined and the mare was euthanized. Post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of pyometra and vaginal adhesions. Un cheval miniature âgé de 4 ans a vécu des épisodes intermittents de pyréxie, de léthargie et de pertes vaginales purulentes après la dystocie. Une endoscopie vaginale et une échographie transrectale...
Medina-Torres CE, Hewson J, Stämpfli S, Stalker MJ.A 9-day-old Thoroughbred filly was presented for diarrhea and lethargy. Diagnostic test results were compatible with severe renal dysfunction. Diffuse cystic lesions of both kidneys were identified on ultrasonographic examination. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of multiple renal cysts. Congenital nephropathy compatible with bilateral diffuse cystic renal dysplasia was diagnosed. Une pouliche Thoroughbred âgée de 9 jours a été présentée pour de la diarrhée et de la léthargie. Les résultats des tests diagnostiques étaient compatibles avec une dysfonction rénale grave. ...
Facemire PR, Facemire LM, Honnold SP.A 2-year-old gelding presented with a history of lethargy and anorexia. Physical examination revealed pleural and abdominal fluid, as well as several masses in the scrotum. The horse became acutely dyspneic despite 7 days of supportive care. Because of the poor prognosis, the owners elected euthanasia. Gross necropsy findings included multiple masses in the scrotum and inguinal canals and along the dorsal peritoneal cavity. The neoplasm infiltrated the kidneys, liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, mesentery, and abdominal surface of the diaphragm. Histologically, the neoplasm is composed of ...
Uhlinger C.Black walnut toxicosis was diagnosed in 10 horses at one stable. The time from exposure to shavings to development of clinical signs was 8 to 12 hours. Most common clinical signs were moderate to severe laminitis (Obel grade 2 or 3), pitting edema of the distal portion of the limbs, and rapid respiratory rate. Two horses had clinical signs of colic and 2 other horses had anorexia and lethargy. All 10 horses recovered without complications.
McKenzie EC, Mills JN, Bolton JR.Gastric squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in three horses. Clinical signs observed in all cases were weight loss, anorexia and lethargy. Respiratory signs were prominent in one case. All three horses had depressed albumin and elevated globulin and fibrinogen concentrations. Two horses were mildly anaemic. Inflammatory exudates were present in peritoneal cavities in all cases, and cytological evaluation provided a positive diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in two cases. Pleural fluid samples taken from two cases were also classified as inflammatory exudates, but no neoplastic cells were ...
Dowling PM, Williams MA, Clark TP.Adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed in a 9-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding that had received monthly injections of stanozolol for 8 years. After the injections were abruptly discontinued, the horse developed anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, and bilateral forelimb lameness. Secondary hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, lack of high endogenous plasma ACTH concentration, and lack of cortisol response to administration of ACTH. Because the medical history did not include glucocorticoid administration, the cause was determined to be excessive administration of ...
Cushing TL.A 4-year-old crossbred Quarterhorse mare was submitted to the Clemson Veterinary Diagnostic Center for necropsy examination with a chronic history of inappetence, weight loss and lethargy. Prior to death the horse had developed mild diarrhoea and began showing evidence of colic. Necropsy examination revealed a markedly enlarged heart due predominantly to marked dilation of the right atrium, tortuous congested mesenteric blood vessels, marked ascites, pleural effusion and pulmonary oedema. Further examination of the heart showed the endocardium of the left side of the heart, including the mitra...
Andrews FM, Rosol TJ, Kohn CW, Reed SM, DiBartola SP.Three horses less than or equal to 3 years old were evaluated because of stunted growth, weight loss, anorexia, depression, and lethargy of at least 1 month's duration. A neonatal foal was examined after its death. In each case, gross and microscopic renal lesions were compatible with bilateral renal hypoplasia (ie, cortical hypoplasia with severe medullary hypoplasia). In young horses with renal failure, bilateral renal hypoplasia should be considered in the differential diagnosis, and may represent a congenital lesion.
Faccin M, Landsgaard KA, Milliron SM, Jennings AH, Keith Chaffin M, Giaretta PR, Rech RR.A 1.5-year-old American quarter horse gelding (case 1) and an 11-month-old American quarter horse filly (case 2) were presented for acute onset pelvic lameness and lethargy. Case 1 had nasal discharge, while case 2 developed rapid muscle atrophy. Both horses had elevated serum creatine kinase activity. The horses showed similar polyphasic histiocytic and lymphoplasmacytic myositis with necrosis, mineralization, and regeneration. Additionally, case 1 had Streptococcus equi subsp. equi-induced suppurative retropharyngeal lymphadenitis with renal purpura hemorrhagica and myoglobinuric nephropathy...
Biscoe EW, Whitcomb MB, Vaughan B, Dechant JE, Magdesian KG.OBJECTIVE To describe clinical features and outcome of horses with severe large intestinal thickening diagnosed with transabdominal ultrasonography. Methods: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 25 horses. PROCEDURES Medical records of horses that underwent transabdominal ultrasonography between 2003 and 2010 were reviewed. Horses were included if the wall of the large intestine was ≥ 9 mm thick in any of 6 abdominal zones. RESULTS Median age was 13 years (range, 3 to 28 years). Horses were initially examined because of colic, diarrhea, inappetence, weight loss, lethargy, fever, or hematuria. ...
Hermange T, Ruault B, Couroucé A.The aim of this study is to describe clinical data associated with acorn intoxication and to find variables associated with survival. Data from horses presented at CISCO-ONIRIS from 2011 to 2018 with a diagnosis of acorn intoxication were included. Diagnosis was based on the following: season, the presence of acorns in the environment, clinical and hemato-biochemical parameters suggestive of a digestive/renal disease, the co-morbidity of companion animals, and post-mortem findings. Statistical analysis was completed using Student's t-test for mean comparisons and a Chi-square test for group co...
Sundra T, Kelty E, Rossi G, Rendle D.Dopaminergic agonists are accepted as the most effective treatment for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. However, some horses are refractory to daily oral pergolide, the recommended registered treatment. Extended-release cabergoline (ERC) injection may offer an alternative. The objective of this retrospective case series was to describe clinical and endocrinological responses to ERC. Unassigned: Medical records of horses treated with weekly intramuscular injections of ERC (5 mg/mL, BOVA Aus) at either 0.01 mg/kg (high dose, HD) ( = 10) or 0.005 mg/kg (low dose, LD) ( = 30) w...
