Topic:Prognosis
Prognosis in horses refers to the prediction of the likely outcome or course of a disease or injury in equine patients. It involves assessing various factors such as the nature and severity of the condition, the horse's overall health, and response to treatment. Prognostic evaluations help veterinarians and horse owners make informed decisions regarding treatment options, management strategies, and potential recovery. The process often incorporates clinical assessments, diagnostic tools, and historical data to estimate the chances of recovery or progression. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore methodologies, factors influencing prognostic outcomes, and the implications of prognostic evaluations in equine veterinary practice.
Impact of colic surgery on return to function in racing Thoroughbreds: 59 cases (1996-2009). To determine the effect of colic surgery on return to function in Thoroughbred racehorses, identify clinical variables associated with successful return to racing, and compare racing performance between horses undergoing colic surgery and an untreated cohort. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: 59 Thoroughbred racehorses 2 to 5 years of age that underwent colic surgery and survived to hospital discharge and 90 untreated Thoroughbred racehorses equivalent in class. Methods: Medical records of patients evaluated for colic between January 1996 and July 2009 were reviewed, and horses wit...
Immunosuppressive therapy with horse anti-thymocyte globulin and cyclosporine as treatment for fulminant aplastic anemia in children. Patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) and an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 0 typically have fatal outcomes. We defined fulminant AA (FAA) as ANC = 0 for at least 2 weeks prior to and after immunosuppressive therapy (IST). We analyzed the outcomes of 35 children with FAA among 288 children who enrolled in a prospective study for AA (AA-97 study). AA was classified as FAA (n = 35), very SAA (vSAA; n = 129), or SAA (n = 124). All of the children received the IST with horse anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine (CsA). A significantly lower response rate at 6 mo...
Factors associated with survival in 148 recumbent horses. There are currently few data available on the prognosis and outcome of recumbent horses. Objective: To investigate the outcome of hospitalised horses that had been recumbent in the field or hospital and factors affecting their survival within the first 3 days of hospitalisation and survival after 3 days to hospital discharge. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical records. Methods: Records of 148 horses admitted to the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California Davis from January 1995 to December 2010 with a history of recumbency or horses that bec...
Sequential L-lactate concentration in hospitalised equine neonates: A prospective multicentre study. Evaluation of serial blood lactate concentrations [LAC] are of prognostic value for morbidity and mortality in critically ill human patients and neonatal foals, but have not been prospectively evaluated in a large multicentre study of critically ill neonatal foals. Objective: To prospectively evaluate the prognostic value of sequential [LAC] analysis in critically ill neonatal foals with risk of mortality. Methods: Prospective, observational study. Methods: Thirteen university and private equine referral hospitals enrolled 643 foals over the 2008 foaling season and [LAC] was measured at admiss...
Adenocarcinoma involving the tongue and the epiglottis in a horse. Tumors involving the oral cavity of the horse are uncommon. No cases of equine adenocarcinoma on the dorsum of the tongue have been reported in the literature. We report a case of adenocarcinoma located on the dorsum of the posterior one-third of the tongue in a 29-year-old gelding with severe dysphagia. Endoscopy revealed an epiglottis involvement, and histology was consistent with adenocarcinoma arising from minor salivary glands, which was associated with a severe fungal colonization of affected tissues. The goals of this report are to present an uncommon case of dorsum of the tongue-associ...
Sarcoids. Sarcoids are the most common skin tumors seen in horses worldwide. The pathogenesis of sarcoids is multifactorial, including an association with bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 and a genetic susceptibility to tumor development. Clinical manifestations vary and include occult, verrucous, nodular, fibroblastic, mixed, and malignant (malevolent) types. The tumor is nonmetastasizing but can become very aggressive locally. Multiple tumors are common. All clinical types can be present in the same horse. No treatment protocol is universally effective. The tumor has a high risk of recurrence. Recu...
Clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis for horses with impaction of the cranial aspect of the base of the cecum: 7 cases (2000-2010). To determine the clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis for horses with impaction of the cranial aspect of the base of the cecum (cecal cupula). Methods: Retrospective observational case series. Methods: 7 horses with colic attributed to cecal cupula impaction. Methods: Medical records were reviewed and horses that underwent exploratory celiotomy from 2000 through 2010 were identified. Horses with cecal cupula impaction and without other abdominal problems to which colic could be attributed were selected for inclusion in the study. Information regarding history, clinical findings, diagnostic...
The effect of insertional suspensory branch desmitis on racing performance in juvenile Thoroughbred racehorses. Limited information exists regarding the prognosis for juvenile racehorses sustaining injury to the suspensory ligament branch insertion (JISBI). Objective: To investigate the effect of JISBI on racing performance; and to assess whether the severity of JISBI is prognostically important. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Records were reviewed for 896 juvenile Thoroughbreds in training, to identify horses with JISBI limited to one branch (cases). The ability of cases to start a race was compared to their cohorts. Race records of maternal siblings were compared to cases. Results: The ...
Equine sarcoidosis. Equine sarcoidosis seems to be an emerging problem. As more horses are referred for dermatologic disease, equine sarcoidosis should be considered in any case of exfoliative and/or nodular skin disease with or without systemic involvement, including generalized granulomatous disease affecting most internal organs. Multiple breeds are affected with mares being predisposed. Affected horses are typically 3 years or older. The prognosis for generalized granulomatous disease is generally poor, whereas the prognosis for the localized cutaneous form is favorable but may require lifelong treatment.
Superficial digital flexor tendonitis in cutting horses: 19 cases (2007-2011). To characterize superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon lesions in the forelimbs of cutting horses and determine recurrence rate and prognosis for this condition. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 19 cutting horses with SDF tendonitis. Methods: Medical records for horses evaluated for SDF tendonitis in 2007 through 2011 were reviewed. Data regarding age, sex, lameness grade, affected limb, and treatment were collected. Ultrasonographic images were reviewed, and lesion characteristics were recorded. Follow-up telephone interviews with owners or trainers were conducted to determine re...
Clinical and clinicopathological factors associated with survival in 44 horses with equine neorickettsiosis (Potomac horse Fever). The epidemiology of equine neorickettsiosis (EN) has been extensively studied but limited clinical and clinicopathological data are available concerning naturally infected horses. Objective: Factors predictive of survival will be identified in horses diagnosed with EN. Methods: Convenience sample of 44 horses with EN admitted to 2 referral institutions. Methods: A retrospective study was performed. A diagnosis of EN was based on the presence of positive blood or fecal PCR. Results: The most common clinical signs included diarrhea (66%), fever (50%), anorexia (45%), depression (39%), colic (39%...
Equine pastern vasculitis: a clinical and histopathological study. Equine pastern vasculitis is clinically challenging and the underlying aetiopathogenesis is unclear. The aims of this retrospective study were to establish histopathological criteria for pastern vasculitis, to look for an underlying cause, to investigate whether the histopathological lesions are associated with a distinct clinical picture, to assess if and how the clinical picture varies, and to determine the treatment response. Skin biopsies and clinical data from 20 horses with a diagnosis of vasculitis of the distal extremities were investigated and histology was compared to biopsies from h...
Serial viscoelastic and traditional coagulation testing in horses with gastrointestinal disease. Objectives of this study were to compare the ability of serial thromboelastography, Sonoclot, and traditional coagulation panels to detect coagulopathies associated with disease category, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), complications, and nonsurvival in horses with gastrointestinal disease. Methods: Prospective clinical evaluation. Methods: University referral hospital. Methods: One hundred twenty-one horses admitted as emergencies for gastrointestinal disease and 28 healthy adult horses. Methods: Blood samples were collected ≤4 times from emergency horses (admission and if s...
Outcome of horses with synovial structure involvement following solar foot penetrations in four UK veterinary hospitals: 95 cases. The factors associated with outcome following solar foot penetration involving synovial structures treated using endoscopic lavage have not been described in the UK population. Objective: To provide descriptive data on horses with synovial contamination or sepsis following solar penetration in 4 UK equine referral hospitals and to identify specific factors associated with the outcome. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from 4 veterinary hospitals. Follow-up data were obtained via a telephone questionnaire. Two multivariable logistic regression models were generate...
Sensitivity and specificity of blood leukocyte counts as an indicator of mortality in horses after colic surgery. The objectives of this study were to describe and relate perioperative changes in blood leukocyte counts to the outcome of surgical colic horses, determine a cut-off value in the early postoperative period to obtain an indicator of the outcome, and compare the obtained value to a validation population of horses. Fifty-three horses undergoing colic surgery were included in the descriptive part of the study. Total leukocyte counts were performed before, during and serially after surgery. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed on the leukocyte counts of 45 of these horses to d...
Evaluation of racing performance after colic surgery in Thoroughbreds: 85 cases (1996-2010). To determine racing performance after surgery for colic in Thoroughbreds. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: 85 racing Thoroughbreds that survived to discharge following colic surgery and 170 race-matched reference horses. Methods: Earnings, starts, and earnings per start were compared between horses that underwent surgery and reference horses, the proportions of horses that returned to racing were analyzed, and career longevity was determined. Results: Among 85 racing Thoroughbreds that underwent colic surgery, 31 (36%) had primarily small intestinal lesions, of which 11 underwent ...
Prognosis of Deantigenated Equine Bone Used for Bone Augmentation: A Multicenter Retrospective Study on Early and Late Postsurgical Complications in 81 Consecutive Patients. To evaluate the clinical outcome of deantigenated equine bone (DEB) grafts in a series of patients treated with DEB at six months postaugmentation. Methods: One hundred DEB grafts were inserted in 81 patients between January 2004 and December 2006. Thirty-two DEBs were blocks and 68 were granules (52 sinus lift and 16 guided bone regeneration [GBR] procedures performed). A total of 147 implants were inserted. A Pearson chi-square test was used to detect any statistically significant correlation between the studied variables and early and/or late failures. Results: There were 6 early and 26 lat...
Thyroid hormone concentrations in foals affected by perinatal asphyxia syndrome. The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis has specific functions, mostly related to metabolic activities, cell differentiation, and development. To the authors' knowledge, there are no studies about thyroid hormone (TH) concentrations in foals affected by perinatal asphyxia syndrome (PAS). Hence, the aims of the study are (1) to evaluate plasma TH concentrations (T3 and T4) in healthy foals during the first 7 days of life; (2) to evaluate plasma TH concentration (T3 and T4) in critically ill foals affected by PAS during the first 7 days of hospitalization; and (3) to compare TH concentrations be...
Fractures of the third trochanter in horses: 8 cases (2000-2012). To determine history; clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic features; management; and outcome associated with third trochanter fractures in horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 8 horses. Methods: Records from 2000 to 2012 were reviewed, and signalment, case history, severity and duration of lameness, results of physical and lameness examinations, imaging findings, management, and outcome were evaluated. Results: All horses had a history of acute onset of severe lameness. Four of the 8 horses had localizing physical signs of fracture. No specific gait chara...
Hypertensive cardiomyopathy in horses: 5 cases (1995-2011). To describe the prognosis and clinical, echocardiographic, and pathological features of hypertensive cardiomyopathy in horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 5 horses with cardiac hypertrophy and systemic hypertension. Methods: Demographics, history, physical and cardiological examination findings, diagnosis, clinical progression, prognosis, and pathological findings were obtained from medical records. Results: The primary diagnosis was chronic laminitis in 3 horses and chronic renal failure in 2. Persistent tachycardia, hypertension, chronic laminitis, or a combination of these ...
Injection of platelet- and leukocyte-rich plasma at the junction of the proximal sesamoid bone and the suspensory ligament branch for treatment of yearling Thoroughbreds with proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and associated suspensory ligament branch desmitis. To determine the effects of treatment with platelet- and leukocyte-rich plasma (PRP) on future 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old racing performance of yearling Thoroughbreds with proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and associated suspensory ligament branch (SLB) desmitis. Methods: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: 39 yearling Thoroughbreds. Methods: Yearling Thoroughbreds with radiographic evidence of performance-limiting proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and ultrasonographic evidence of associated SLB desmitis were identified and randomly assigned to undergo PRP (treatment group) or saline (0.9% NaC...
Deep digital flexor tendon injury within the hoof capsule; does lesion type or location predict prognosis? The type and location of deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) lesions may be important in predicting outcome. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of different types of DDFT lesions within the hoof capsule and to determine whether lesion type predicts return to athletic activity. Lesions of the DDFT were divided into: core lesions, dorsal border lesions and parasagittal splits. Lesion location was documented, and follow-up information was obtained by telephone survey at least 18 months after diagnosis. Of 168 horses with primary DDFT injury, 54 horses had dorsal border les...
Effect of displaced versus non-displaced pelvic fractures on long-term racing performance in 31 Thoroughbred racehorses. To evaluate the long-term racing prognosis for Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced versus non-displaced fractures of the pelvis identified by scintigraphy. Methods: Retrospective case analysis. Methods: Medical records of 31 Thoroughbred racehorses presenting to the University of Melbourne Equine Centre with fractures of the pelvis that were identified by scintigraphy were reviewed. Pelvic fracture site was determined and defined as displaced or non-displaced based on ultrasound and/or radiographic findings. Race records were analysed for each horse, with a minimum of 24 months' follow-up, ...
Enthesopathy and desmitis of the medial collateral ligament of the cubital joint in 4 horses. 4 horses with enthesopathy and desmitis of the medial collateral ligament of the cubital joint were examined. Results: All 4 horses had a history of acute, severe, unilateral forelimb lameness and had signs of pain during manipulation of the affected upper forelimb; 2 also had swelling in the axillary region. There was no improvement in lameness after diagnostic local analgesia below the carpal region, and 1 of 4 horses had mild improvement after cubital joint analgesia. Radiography revealed enthesophyte formation on the radial tuberosity and linear mineralization of the medial collateral liga...
Prognosis for racing with conservative management of cervical vertebral malformation in thoroughbreds: 103 cases (2002-2010). Cervical vertebral malformation (CVM) is seen in young, rapidly growing horses, and is commonly associated with a poor prognosis for racing. Objective: To examine the records of a population of Thoroughbreds with a presumptive diagnosis of CVM and to determine which radiographic findings and neurologic exam findings have an effect on these horses achieving athletic function when managed conservatively. Methods: One hundred and three thoroughbreds presumptively diagnosed with CVM and treated conservatively between 2002 and 2010. Methods: Racing records were reviewed in this retrospective study ...
Blood lactate concentrations in ponies and miniature horses with gastrointestinal disease. Clinical impression suggested that pony and miniature breeds (collectively referred to as ponies) presenting to a referral hospital for investigation of gastrointestinal disease had higher blood lactate concentrations on admission than large breed horses. Objective: The study tested the hypothesis that ponies with gastrointestinal disease had higher blood lactate concentrations on admission than large breed horses with similar disease severity. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Methods: Medical records from September 2006 to July 2011 were reviewed for ponies with a primary presenting...
Surgical treatment for acute small intestinal obstruction caused by Parascaris equorum infection in 15 horses (2002-2011). There is a consensus in the veterinary literature that Parascaris equorum (ascarid) impaction carries a poor prognosis. Hence surgery is often delayed and foals are often subjected to euthanasia after diagnosis of ascarid impaction is established. Our clinical impression was that ascarid impaction carries a better prognosis than previously reported. Objective: Our expectation was that manually evacuating the impaction into the caecum, thus refraining from opening the small intestine, would improve the prognosis for survival of horses with ascarid impaction. The aim of this study was to examine...
Acquired equine polyneuropathy in Norway and Sweden: a clinical and epidemiological study. Acquired equine polyneuropathy (AEP, also known as 'Scandinavian knuckling syndrome'), is a serious disease of unknown aetiology, which emerged clustering in horse farms in Sweden, Norway and Finland in the 1990s. Clinical and epidemiological data regarding the syndrome are scarce. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological findings and outcome in outbreaks of AEP and compare risk factors in affected and unaffected horses on affected farms in Norway and Sweden during 2007-2009. Methods: Neurological examinations were performed and data collected regarding demography, usage, turnin...
Serum amyloid A concentration in healthy periparturient mares and mares with ascending placentitis. Placentitis is a prevalent cause of abortion, premature delivery and neonatal death in mares. Early diagnosis is paramount for the survival of the fetus and delivery of a live foal. Objective: To determine: 1) Serum amyloid A (SAA) profile in healthy mares during late gestation; 2) if placentitis affects SAA concentrations and 3) the effects of therapy on SAA concentrations and pregnancy outcome in mares with placentitis. Methods: In Experiment I, 15 healthy pregnant mares were evaluated from 280 days of gestation to 60 h post partum. In Experiment II, pregnant mares were inoculated intra-cerv...
The use of percutaneous abdominal ultrasound examination in diagnosing equine small intestinal disorders. In equine field practice, the diagnosis of small intestinal disorders is usually based on the presence of distended loops on rectal palpation and large volumes of reflux obtained after the passage of a nasogastric tube. Percutaneous abdominal ultrasound examination has been widely utilized in both human and small animal internal medicine in most cases of gastrointestinal discomfort. The purpose of this study was to identify which measurable parameters were important in reaching a diagnosis of small intestinal abnormality and determining treatment options. Horses of various age, sex and breed w...