Topic:Renal Health
Renal health in horses encompasses the study of kidney function, disorders, and their management in equine species. The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, regulating fluid balance, and maintaining electrolyte levels. Renal disorders in horses can arise from various causes, including dehydration, toxins, infections, and congenital abnormalities. Common conditions affecting equine renal health include acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Diagnostic methods often involve blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging techniques to assess kidney function and structure. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the physiology, pathology, and therapeutic approaches related to renal health in horses.
Polyomavirus-associated nephritis in 2 horses. Polyomaviruses produce latent and asymptomatic infections in many species, but productive and lytic infections are rare. In immunocompromised humans, polyomaviruses can cause tubulointerstitial nephritis, demyelination, or meningoencephalitis in the central nervous system and interstitial pneumonia. This report describes 2 Standardbred horses with tubular necrosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with productive equine polyomavirus infection that resembles BK polyomavirus nephropathy in immunocompromised humans.
Flow-mediated K(+) secretion in horses intoxicated with lolitrem B (perennial ryegrass staggers). To investigate the effects of lolitrem B intoxication on renal K(+) secretion in response to increased tubular flow rates. Methods: Results are derived from a repeated measure pilot study of seven horses fed non-perennial ryegrass feed for a week prior to exposing them to perennial ryegrass seed and hay that contained an average of 2 ppm lolitrem B. At the end of the control and treatment period frusemide (1 mg/kg I/V) was administered and serial fractional excretion of K(+)(FEK(+)) and fractional excretion of Na(+)(FENa(+)) calculated. Baseline concentration of aldosterone in plasma, serum K(...
Removal of ureteral calculi in two geldings via a standing flank approach. Two geldings, aged 11 and 17 years, were examined for treatment of ureteroliths located approximately 10 cm proximal to the bladder. Results: Ureteral obstruction was an incidental finding in 1 horse that was referred because of urinary tract obstruction and a cystic calculus. This horse did not have clinical or laboratory evidence of renal failure, although severe hydronephrosis was evident on transabdominal ultrasonography. The second patient had a serum creatinine concentration of 6.3 mg/dL (reference range, 0.8 to 2.2 mg/dL) and mild hydronephrosis of the affected left kidney. Results: In ...
Pharmacokinetics and safety of single and multiple oral doses of meloxicam in adult horses. Safety of meloxicam, a potent NSAID with selective COX-2 inhibition, has not been evaluated in horses. Objective: To evaluate pharmacokinetics and safety of single and repeated oral doses of meloxicam in adult horses. Methods: Forty-nine healthy, university-owned adult lightbreed horses. Methods: Study conducted in 2 parts. Part I addressed pharmacokinetics of single oral dose meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg) in 16 horses. Part II, 33 horses were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups to assess prolonged administration (0.6 mg/kg PO q24h for 6 weeks, n = 7) or higher doses (1.8 mg/kg, n = 7, or 3.0 mg/k...
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in a 14-year-old gelding. A 14-year-old Cleveland Bay cross gelding was presented with severe urinary incontinence that had been present for 1 year, and chronic polydipsia and polyuria over 4 years. Water intake had been recorded as 240 L over a 24-hour period. Results: The horse had marked urinary incontinence and polyuria and polydipsia. The urine was markedly hyposthenuric, but no abnormalities on urinalysis were detected. There were no other abnormal clinical or neurological signs. Haematological and serum biochemical examinations showed no abnormalities and ultrasonographic and endoscopic examination of the urinar...
Supplementation of Ascorbic Acid in Weanling Horses Following Prolonged Transportation. Though horses synthesize ascorbic acid in their liver in amounts that meet their needs under normal circumstances, prolonged stress results in low plasma concentrations due to enhanced utilization and renal excretion and can reduce immune function. It was hypothesized that plasma ascorbic acid could be maintained in weanling horses by oral supplementation following prolonged transportation. Weanlings were supplemented with no ascorbic acid (Tx 0: n = 4), 5 grams ascorbic acid twice daily for 5 days (Tx 1: n = 4) or for 10 days (Tx 2: n = 4) following >50 hours of transportation. Supplementa...
Morphological observation of a horseshoe (fused) kidney and its vascular pattern in a horse. The present study describes the anatomical and microscopic features of a horseshoe kidney that was found in a 7-year-old male horse. The specimen consisted of two kidneys joined at their caudal poles by an isthmus composed of renal parenchyma and situated caudal to the caudal mesenteric artery. Six main renal arteries arose from the aorta and the external iliac arteries and ramified into 21 branches before entering the kidney. A hypoplastic and ectopic left testis, located in the inguinal canal, was observed as an associated anomaly.
Osteomyelitis of the patella in eight foals. To describe the characteristics of osteomyelitis lesions of the patella and to report short- and long-term outcome after treatment in 8 foals. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Foals (n = 8). Methods: Medical records (2003-2007) and radiographs of foals that had osteomyelitis of the patella were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings consistent with osteomyelitis of the patella, and a long-term follow-up of >15 months. Information acquired included signalment, hematologic and serum biochemical profile results, clinical and radiographic si...
Reference ranges and reliability of transabdominal ultrasonographic renal dimensions in thoroughbred horses. The aims of this study were to establish a normal reference range (mean ± 2 SD) and assess reliability of renal dimensions obtained using transabdominal ultrasonography in Thoroughbred horses (n = 7). A minimum of three ultrasonographic cineloops were obtained from each intercostal space and the left paralumbar fossa by two observers daily for three consecutive days. Renal length, width, and thickness and cortex, medulla, and pelvic dimensions were obtained. Measurements were undertaken by both observers, who were unaware of prior measurements, to assess reproducibility and measured on three ...
The relationship between serum calcium concentration and outcome in horses with renal failure presented to referral hospitals. Hypercalcemia is common in horses with renal failure, but it is not known whether it impacts prognosis. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine whether hypercalcemia was associated with decreased likelihood of survival to discharge in horses with renal failure. Secondary objectives were to determine whether hypercalcemia was more common in acute (ARF) or chronic renal failure (CRF), whether feeding alfalfa was associated with hypercalcemia, and whether serum creatinine concentration was associated with survival. Methods: Medical records of 63 horses presented to referra...
Clenbuterol toxicosis in three Quarter Horse racehorses after administration of a compounded product. 3 Quarter Horse racehorses were examined for suspected clenbuterol overdose 12 to 24 hours after administration by mouth of a compounded clenbuterol product. Results: All horses developed sinus tachycardia, muscle tremors, hyperhidrosis, and colic. Abnormalities on serum biochemical analysis included hyperglycemia, azotemia, and high creatine kinase activity. The presence of clenbuterol in the serum of all 3 horses and in the product administered was confirmed and quantified by use of liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Propranolol (0.01 mg/kg [0.005 mg/lb], I...
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-vasopressin axis in successful and unsuccessful endurance horses. Limited information exists concerning the defence of homeostasis during endurance competitions and the relationship with performance. Objective: This research analysed renin (REN), angiotensin II (ANG), aldosterone (ALD) and vasopressin (AVP) in horses covering different distances, assesses differences between successful and eliminated horses and evaluates correlations between hydration status, renal function, electrolytes, REN, ANG, ALD and AVP. Methods: Packed cell volume (PCV), velocity and serum concentrations of REN, ANG, ALD, AVP, Na, K, Cl, Ca, Mg, P, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotra...
Optimum conditions for serum clearance of iodixanol, applicable to the estimation of glomerular filtration rate in horses. To estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in horses, an optimum dose of the nonionic contrast medium iodixanol as a tracer was assessed with blood-sample times. Iodixanol was administered intravenously at 10-40 mg I/kg to geldings and mares, and blood was collected 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min later. Serum iodixanol concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and serum urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine concentrations were also measured. The combination of 20 mg I/kg iodixanol and sampling times of 60, 90, and 120 min after injection was considered...
Acute kidney injury mediated by oxidative stress in Egyptian horses with exertional rhabdomyolysis. The present study was carried out to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiologic process of acute renal failure associated with exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) in Egyptian horses. ER was tentatively diagnosed in 31 Baladi horses based on case history, physical examination findings and confirmed by elevation of plasma creatine kinase (CK) and urine myoglobin concentrations. According to severity of the condition, the diseased horses were categorized into two main groups; the first group included 18 horses with minimal clinical signs and plasma CK <60 000 IU/L; whereas, the seco...
A multicenter retrospective study of 151 renal biopsies in horses. Renal biopsies are uncommonly performed in horses and little is known about their diagnostic utility and associated complication rate. Objective: To describe the techniques, the complication rate, risk factors, and histopathology results; as well as evaluate the safety and diagnostic utility of renal biopsy in the horse. Methods: One hundred and forty-six horses from which 151 renal biopsies were obtained. Animals ranged in age from 48 hours to 30 years. Methods: Multicenter retrospective study, with participation of 14 institutions (1983-2009). Results: Renal biopsy in horses was associated w...
Hand-assisted laparoscopic removal of a nephroblastoma in a horse. A 3-year-old Thoroughbred was presented for evaluation of hematuria post exercise. On physical examination, an enlarged kidney was identified, as well as serum biochemical abnormalities such as an elevated creatine kinase (CK) and hypoalbuminemia. The kidney was removed laparoscopically and a nephroblastoma was identified. Un Thoroughbred âgé de 3 ans est présenté pour évaluation de l’hématurie après l’effort. À l’examen physique, un rein enflé est identifié ainsi que des anomalies biochimiques sériques comme une créatine kinase (CK) élevée et l’hypoalbuminémie. Le rein...
Clinical application of Patlak plot CT-GFR in animals with upper urinary tract disease. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), an important parameter of renal function, is difficult to assess clinically. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen measurements lack sensitivity, whereas radionuclide determination of GFR is not always available and requires postinjection patient isolation. GFR can be determined using computed tomography (CT), most commonly via Patlak plot analysis. Four adult cats, two adult dogs, and a foal underwent abdominal CT under general anesthesia for various diseases of the upper urinary tract. CT-GFR was measured with a single-slice dynamic acquisition and Patlak...
Acute lameness associated with osseous metastasis of a peri-renal carcinoma in a horse. We present a case of aggressive metastatic carcinoma in a horse that was initially presented for shoulder lameness. Although radiography and scintigraphy were useful for localising a lesion in the proximal humerus, subsequent development of non-specific signs of systemic disease prompted further evaluation. Haematology and blood biochemistry, urinalysis and ultrasonography were all instrumental in identifying renal involvement. A diagnosis of a peri-renal mass causing secondary renal failure prompted euthanasia of the horse because of the poor prognosis. Antemortem findings were supported by n...
The effects of hypertonic dehydration changes on renal function and arginine vasopressin in the horse during pulling exercises. This study investigated the effect of hypertonic dehydration on exercise in horses. Valencian draft horses (n=43) with hypertonic dehydration following water and food deprivation and competing in pulling events (COM), were compared to euhydrated horses (n=11) during a pulling exercise test (PET). Both groups were divided into bodyweight (BW) categories A (≤350 kg), B (351-450 kg), and C (≥451 kg), and pulled 2, 2.25, and 2.5 times BW, respectively. Exercise duration (ED) was 1.3±0.8 min. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature and blood samples were taken at rest, after exercise,...
Spurious hypercreatininemia: 28 neonatal foals (2000-2008). To (1) determine the occurrence of spurious hypercreatininemia in a population of hospitalized foals<2 days old, (2) assess the resolution of the hypercreatininemia, and (3) determine its association with survival in these foals. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 2 Referral hospitals. Methods: Foals442 micromol/L (>5.0 mg/dL) from 2 referral hospitals. Methods: None. Results: The medical records of 33 foals were reviewed. Twenty-eight had spurious hypercreatininemia and 5 had acute renal failure. Admission creatinine was not significantly different between the 2 groups (mean [...
Comparison of serum iohexol clearance and plasma creatinine clearance in clinically normal horses. Objective-To determine whether a limited sampling time method based on serum iohexol clearance (Cl(iohexol)) would yield estimates of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in clinically normal horses similar to those for plasma creatinine clearance (Cl(creatinine)). Animals-10 clinically normal adult horses. Procedures-A bolus of iohexol (150 mg/kg) was administered IV, and serum samples were obtained 5, 20, 40, 60, 120, 240, and 360 minutes after injection. Urinary clearance of exogenous creatinine was measured during three 20-minute periods. The GFR determined by use of serum Cl(iohexol) and plas...
Ultrasonography of bovine urinary tract disorders. Ultrasonography is a helpful diagnostic tool in cattle with urinary tract disorders. It can be used to diagnose pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, hydronephrosis, renal cysts, renal tumors, amyloidosis, cystitis, bladder paralysis, bladder rupture, bladder neoplasms, and, occasionally, nephrosis, glomerulonephritis, and embolic nephritis. This article describes the anatomy, scanning technique, indications, limitations, normal and pathologic sonographic appearance of the bovine urinary tract. References from horses and humans are included, especially when the sonographic findings in these species ma...
Pelvic lymphoma as a cause of urethral compression in a mare. A 6-year-old mare was presented for evaluation of dysuria and pollakiuria. A pelvic mass, which caused obstruction of urinary outflow, was identified. Evidence of renal failure was also present. Due to poor prognosis the mare was euthanized. A postmortem examination revealed a pelvic lymphoma that surrounded and compressed the urethra. Lymphome pelvien comme cause de compression urétrale chez une jument. Une jument âgée de 6 ans est présentée pour évaluation de dysurie et de pollakiurie. Une masse pelvienne qui causait l’obstruction de l’écoulement d’urine a été identifiée. Des...
Renal pseudoaneurysm as a cause of hematuria in a colt. An 8-month-old Arabian-warmblood cross colt was evaluated for overt hematuria. The horse was severely anemic on presentation. A unilateral intrarenal vascular anomaly with unilateral pyelonephritis was diagnosed. Nephrectomy was attempted but was unsuccessful, and postmortem examination demonstrated the presence of an intrarenal pseudoaneurysm. Un poulain arabe de race croisée âgé de 8 mois a été évalué pour une hématurie patente. Le cheval était gravement anémique à la présentation. Une anomalie vasculaire unilatérale intrarénale avec une pyélonéphrite unilatérale a été di...
A retrospective analysis of renal carcinoma in the horse. Renal carcinoma is a rare tumor of horses. Objective: Presenting complaints and clinical signs of this disease are vague and early diagnosis increases survival time. Methods: Data were collected from the medical records of 4 horses presented to Washington State University as well as the 23 previously published case reports of horses with renal carcinoma. Methods: Retrospective study. Results: Renal carcinoma affects horses of all ages with most cases observed in geldings and Thoroughbreds. The most common presenting complaints are nonspecific and usually do not occur until late in the course o...
Nutrition of the aged horse. This article reviews current thoughts on nutrition of the older horse in health and disease. Common causes of weight loss and poor body condition in old horses include dental or oral cavity abnormalities, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and reduced feed intake attributable to competition from herd mates or pain associated with osteoarthritis. Feed intake and body condition may improve after institution of management changes. Thin but otherwise healthy old horses can benefit from a diet that provides 12% to 16% crude protein and includes highly digestible feedstuffs. In horses with sever...
P-glycoprotein in intestines, liver, kidney and lymphocytes in horse. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an important drug transporter, which is expressed in a variety of cells, such as the intestinal enterocytes, the hepatocytes, the renal tubular cells and the intestinal and peripheral blood lymphocytes. We have studied the localization and the gene and protein expression of P-gp in these cells in horse. In addition we have compared the protein sequence of P-gp in horse with the protein sequences of P-gp in several other species. Real time RT-PCR and Western blot showed gene and protein expression of horse P-gp in all parts of the intestines, but there was no strict cor...
Cisplatin: a review of toxicities and therapeutic applications. Cisplatin is a platinum chemotherapeutic used in a variety of malignancies. The antineoplastic activity occurs from DNA cross-links and adducts, in addition to the generation of superoxide radicals. Nephrotoxicity is the most well-known and potentially most clinically significant toxicity. Unfortunately, the mechanism for cisplatin nephrotoxicity has not been completely elucidated; however, many theories have been developed. Other toxicities include gastrointestinal, myelosuppression, ototoxicity and neurotoxicity. Saline diuresis is currently the most accepted way to prevent cisplatin nephrot...
Pharmacokinetics of firocoxib after administration of multiple consecutive daily doses to horses. To determine pharmacokinetic parameters and variables, firocoxib concentrations in urine and plasma, urine-to-plasma ratios, and the urine depletion profile of firocoxib and to evaluate whether the pharmacokinetic behavior of firocoxib was governed by linear processes after multiple doses of firocoxib were administered IV and orally. Methods: 6 healthy female horses (5 Paint horses and 1 Quarter Horse) in experiment 1 and 12 healthy male and female horses in experiment 2. Methods: In experiment 1, 6 horses were orally administered firocoxib paste once daily for 12 consecutive days, and plasma ...
Fibrin deposits and organ failure in newborn foals with severe septicemia. Septicemia in human neonates frequently is complicated by activation of the coagulation system, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and multiple organ failure syndrome, which may contribute to high mortality. In adult horses with DIC, the lung has been the organ most frequently affected by fibrin deposits. In addition, in vivo studies suggest that hemostatic mechanisms may be immature in foals < 1-day old. Objective: Newborn foals with severe septicemia have fibrin deposits in their tissues independently of their age, and these fibrin deposits are associated with organ failure. Met...