Retrospective studies in horses involve the analysis of pre-existing data to identify patterns, outcomes, and associations related to health and disease within equine populations. These studies utilize historical records, such as veterinary medical histories, treatment outcomes, and diagnostic results, to explore various aspects of equine health and management. Retrospective studies can provide insights into the prevalence of diseases, the effectiveness of treatments, and risk factors associated with certain conditions. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that focus on the methodologies, findings, and implications of retrospective analyses in equine veterinary science.
Barker I, Freeman SL.Colic is the most common emergency problem in horses. The aims of this study were to survey costs of different referral treatments and to review insurance policies relevant to horses with colic. Data were collected retrospectively from nine equine hospitals for case costs, categorised into four different outcomes: admitted and euthanased; euthanased during or immediately after surgery; medical treatment and survived more than 24 hours; and surgical treatment and survived more than 24 hours. Data from five UK equine insurance companies were extracted and analysed using a standardised case e...
Bryner MF, Hoey SE, Montavon S, Fürst AE, Kümmerle JM.To determine long term outcomes of nonracing equines athletes treated for short incomplete proximal sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx (SIPSFP1) by lag screw fixation. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Thirty-one horses. Methods: Medical records from horses with an SIPSFP1 (2008-2014) were reviewed. Long-term (≥12 months) outcomes were assessed with telephone interviews and clinical and radiographic examinations. Results: Warmblood was the predominant breed in cases included in the study. Among horses with long-term interview information, 27 of 31 returned to previous athletic...
Baldwin CM, Smith MRW, Allen S, Wright IM.Slab fractures of the third carpal bone (C3) are a common injury of Thoroughbred racehorses. Results of arthroscopically guided repair have not been reported since the initial description of the technique in 1986. Additionally, fracture details and racing outcomes in a population of Thoroughbreds racing under UK jurisdiction have not previously been described. Objective: To report the frequency distribution of C3 slab fractures and to determine the impact on racing performance following arthroscopically guided repair in a population of Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Retrospective case serie...
Tutunaru A, Dupont J, Gougnard A, Ida K, Serteyn D, Sandersen C.To the authors' knowledge, there are no reports describing the use of cis-atracurium in the horse. To describe the onset time and the duration of the neuromuscular blockade (NMB) of three different doses of cis-atracurium in horses and to determine the appropriate dose needed maintain a NMB. Retrospective study. Horses which received cis-atracurium as part of a balanced anaesthetic protocol at the Equine Teaching Hospital of the University of Liège between March 2014 and June 2017 were included in this study. A train-of-four (TOF) stimulation pattern was used to assess the NMB. The cis-atracu...
Pisello L, Rampacci E, Stefanetti V, Beccati F, Hyatt DR, Coletti M, Passamonti F.This study aimed to describe bacteria isolated from the reproductive tract of mares and to identify changes in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns to those antibiotics commonly used for the treatment of equine endometritis. A total of 4122 equine uterine swabs were collected from mares suffering from reproductive tract disorders in the period 2010-2017. Aerobic culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using agar disc diffusion were performed on each sample. Aerobic bacteria were isolated from 3171 of 4122 (76.9 per cent) samples. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were (885...
Burgess BA, Morley PS.Transmission of Salmonella in veterinary hospitals is typically associated with environmental contamination. Links between isolates recovered from hospitalized large animals and environment suggest animals as the likely source. Therefore, understanding factors influencing shedding is key in control. Shedding in hospitalized animals has been investigated, but many studies focused on subsets of animals limiting generalizability. Objective: (1) Investigate factors associated with fecal shedding of Salmonella among hospitalized large animals at a veterinary hospital. (2) Compare results obtained u...
Jacobs CC, Stefanovski D, Southwood LL.To determine whether perioperative variables can be used to differentiate a medical vs a surgical reason for postoperative reflux (POR) after small intestinal (SI) surgery in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses >1 year of age that recovered from SI surgery and had POR. Methods: Medical records of horses that underwent SI surgery and developed POR from 2009-2015 were reviewed. Surgical reasons for POR were defined as an anastomosis complication, mechanical obstruction, or nonviable intestine identified at repeat celiotomy/necropsy. A medical reason for POR was presumed wh...
Bianchi MV, Mello LS, Wentz MF, Panziera W, Soares JF, Sonne L, Driemeier D, Pavarini SP.Diseases related to the alimentary system are the main cause of death in horses. This retrospective study aimed to describe the pathological findings of fatal parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis caused by cyathostominae, Eimeria leuckarti, Balantidium coli, and Strongyloides westeri in horses. The records of parasite-induced intestinal lesions in horses necropsied in Southern Brazil between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed. Ten horses had fatal parasitic enteritis and/or typhlocolitis, and the main causes were: cyathostominae typhlocolitis (6/10), E. leuckarti enteritis (1/10), S. westeri ...
Mustikka MP, Grönthal TSC, Pietilä EM.To retrospectively describe laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome associated with equine infectious keratitis in Finland. Unassigned: Medical records of horses diagnosed with infectious keratitis in University of Helsinki Equine Hospital from January 2007 to June 2018 were reviewed. Results: Forty-seven cases were included. Keratomycosis was diagnosed in 27 eyes and bacterial keratitis in 20 eyes. Aspergillus flavus was the most frequent fungal isolate (9/17, 53%), followed by Cylindrocarpon sp. (3/17, 18%) and Aspergillus fumigatus (2/17, 12%). Susceptibility was tested for 10/11 Asperg...
Acton AS, Gaw CE, Chounthirath T, Smith GA.Horse-related injuries can cause severe morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to investigate the epidemiological features of horse-related injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. A retrospective analysis of horse-related injuries from 1990 through 2017 was conducted utilizing the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Cases were identified using the NEISS code 1239 (Horseback Riding: Activity, Apparel, or Equipment). Analyses performed included calculation of national injury estimates, relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence int...
Caramello V, Zarucco L, Foster D, Boston R, Stefanovski D, Orsini JA.Post-operative complications are reported for all methods of equine cheek tooth extraction but not all methods carry the same risks. An outcome comparison for commonly used methods is needed so that clinicians can make informed treatment decisions. Objective: We conducted a side-by-side comparison of five cheek tooth extraction methods, comparing types and incidence of complications among oral extraction, tooth repulsion (three surgical approaches) and lateral buccotomy techniques. Methods: Retrospective clinical study using hospital medical records. Methods: Medical records of all horses unde...
Morgan RE, Fiske-Jackson AR, Hellige M, Gerhauser I, Wohlsein P, Biggi M.Odontogenic tumors present as locally invasive, slow growing, firm swellings on the face. They are rare in all species and are characterized histologically by the degree of differentiation and dental tissue of origin. Radiographic appearance is not pathognomonic for these lesions. Computed tomographic (CT) examination allows exact determination of tumor extension and aggressiveness. The objectives of this retrospective, case series study were to describe the clinical presentation, CT characteristics, and outcome in horses with histologically confirmed odontogenic tumors, and to identify imagin...
Aouane N, Nasri A, Bekara MAA, Metref AK, Kaidi R.The Barb horse occupies a prominent place in the history, culture, and equestrian traditions of the Maghreb (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia). Although many studies on the breed standard and morphometry have been published, there are no studies on its fertility and reproductive potential. Thus, this work aimed to study the fertility of Barb, Arabian Purebred, and Thoroughbred horses in Algeria. Methods: A total of 168 stallions and 1202 mares at the Chaouchaoua Stud farm in Tiaret, Algeria, were included in the study. The reproductive performance during 1592 cycles over 10 consecutive mating sea...
Brown K, Stefanovski D, Davidson E.Decline in high speed treadmill (HSTM) exercise testing may be attributed to the rise of over-ground endoscopy and telemetric electrocardiography, in addition to concerns of adverse events during treadmill exercise resulting in injury or inadequate testing. Objective: To describe adverse events occurring during HSTM exercise tests at a single institution and determine their effect on likelihood of completing diagnostic HSTM exercise testing. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine if a significant difference in frequencies of adverse events...
Graham RJTY, Rosanowski SM, McILWRAITH CW.Osteochondral fragmentation of the carpus is a common cause of lameness in racehorses. Prognosis following arthroscopic removal of the fragments was reported in 1987, but little is known of recent success rates. Objective: To identify associations between the severity and location of osteochondral fragments in the carpus, and to describe the racing performance of horses pre- and post-surgery in Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. To identify factors associated with a horse racing post-surgery. Methods: Retrospective study of clinical records (2006-2016). Methods: Surgical and racing records for ...
Wilson M, Williams J, Montrose VT, Williams J.Most stallions within breeding programmes are expected to breed and compete concurrently. The exercising of stallions with regards to training regimes during the breeding season is a controversial subject. Daily exercise at low intensities is important for the mental and reproductive well-being of the stallion, however higher intensities of exercise, as seen in competing stallions, may have detrimental effects on seminal quality. To calculate if competition does affect semen quality, this study investigated the effect that equestrian discipline and timing of competition had on a range of stall...
Prisk AJ, García-López JM.To determine the long-term return to performance of horses with impinging and/or overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP) treated with interspinous ligament desmotomy (ISLD) and to determine the prognostic value of radiographic and scintigraphic grades. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Seventy-one horses with ORDSP treated with ISLD. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, physical examination, gait evaluation, and number of interspinous spaces treated. Preoperative radiographic and scintigraphic images were evaluated with grading scales. Follow-up was obtained with a t...
Bennet ED, Parkin TDH.Endurance riding competitions are increasingly popular, with a corresponding awareness of the frequency of Failure to Qualify (FTQ) due to lameness or metabolic problems. Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules require a minimum number of days between competitions, known as a mandatory rest period (MRP). Objective: To analyse the impact on FTQ outcomes of MRPs which applied between January 2014 and December 2016, and model potential changes to MRPs to establish which rule change could lead to the largest further reduction in the number of FTQ outcomes. Methods: Retrospective cohort st...
Moiroud CH, Coudry V, Denoix JM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of fracture location and horse sporting discipline as prognostic indicators after a pelvic fracture in a referral centre caseload. Methods: Data were collected for the short- and long-term follow-up of all cases with a diagnosis of pelvic fracture in a 7-year period. Information was obtained for 75 horses through a postal and internet survey. The proportion of horses returning to competition following fractures was compared between groups according to the competition discipline and the characteristics of the fracture. Results: Fort...
Veraa S, de Graaf K, Wijnberg ID, Back W, Vernooij H, Nielen M, Belt AJM.Variation in equine caudal cervical spine morphology at C6 and C7 has high prevalence in Warmblood horses and is suspected to be associated with pain in a large mixed-breed group of horses. At present no data exist on the relationship between radiographic phenotype and clinical presentation in Warmblood horses in a case-control study. Objective: To establish the frequency of radiographically visible morphologic variation in a large group of Warmblood horses with clinical signs and compare this with a group without clinical signs. We hypothesised that occurrence of morphologic variation in the ...
Secombe CJ, van Eps AW, Bruce M, Lester GD.To investigate the relationship between bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology, particularly mast cells, and airway hyper-reactivity in athletic horses presented for poor performance that included a respiratory tract evaluation in two disparate locations in Australia. Methods: Multi-centre, retrospective and prospective cross-sectional study METHODS: Eighty four adult horses underwent both pulmonary function testing and histamine bronchoprovocation with a commercial flowmetric plethysmography system. A bronchoalveolar lavage was performed four to twelve hours later. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid...
Frietman SK, Compagnie E, Stout TAE, Jonker FH, Ter Braake F.To describe perioperative management, surgical procedure, and outcome in mares with third-degree perineal lacerations (TDPL) treated with a single-stage repair, the Utrecht repair method (URM). Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Twenty mares with TDPL. Methods: Medical records of mares with TDPL reconstructed with a URM were reviewed for perioperative management; surgical outcome; and postoperative fertility, athletic performance, and complications. Results: Mares ranged in age from 3.5 to 11 years. Long-term follow-up was available for 13 mares. Mean duration of follow-up was 9 years ...
Genton M, Vila T, Olive J, Rossignol F.To report the feasibility of standing MRI (sMRI) and document the value of sMRI in surgical planning for surgical repair of limb fractures in the horse. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Thirty-one horses with preoperative sMRI. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for fracture type, application of a polyester cast, sMRI sequences performed, technical variables, and image quality. Fracture geometry and concomitant lesions were compared between sMRI and radiography. The relative value of sMRI with regard to surgical planning was classified as minor (sMRI did not provide additional ...
Tokushige H, Araki M, Kusano K, Arima D, Ito H, Yamazaki Y, Urayama S, Kambayashi Y, Tateno O, Ohta M.This study compares clinical characteristics between induction with thiopental/guaifenesin and propofol/ketamine in Thoroughbred racehorses anesthetized with sevoflurane and medetomidine. Clinical records of 214 horses that underwent arthroscopic surgery between 2015 and 2016 were retrospectively retrieved. Horses were premedicated with medetomidine and midazolam to sedate at the adequate level for smooth induction, and then induced with either thiopental (4.0 mg/kg) and guaifenesin (100 mg/kg) in Group TG (n=91) or propofol (1.0 mg/kg) and ketamine (1.0 mg/kg) in Group PK (n=123). Anesthesia ...
Liu SJ, Wang Q, Tang HH, Bai JZ, Wang FY, Lv Z, Chen SZ, Liu JS, Hong Y, Zhang JW.Retrospective analysis. Methods: China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China. Objective: A retrospective study that documents the modalities and clarifies the heterogeneity among spinal cord injuries (SCIs) caused by trauma to the thoracolumbar vertebral junction. Methods: X-ray and MRI imaging, neurological records, and the urodynamics results of 190 patients were reviewed and used to categorize different SCI modalities. First, injuries were divided into complete and incomplete injuries using the International Standard for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury. Next, the ...
Odelros E, Kendall A, Wulcan S, Bergvall K.Otitis externa is rare in horses and the condition is poorly described in the literature. Objective: To describe clinical signs, treatment regimens and prognosis of otitis externa in horses. Methods: Eight horses diagnosed with otitis externa during 2011-2018. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records and follow-up contact with owners. Results: Common clinical signs seen in affected horses were pruritus, ear discharge and ear droop of affected ears. The most common cytological findings were neutrophils, bacteria and yeast. All horses responded well to treatment; two horses were reported...
Mitchell ARM, Scott CJ, Cheong SH, Carrigan P, Diel de Amorim M, Collins CD.Minimizing the interval between parturition and successful rebreeding of thoroughbred broodmares is important in maintaining annual foal production and broodmare profitability. Routine postpartum uterine lavage may help achieve this by aiding uterine clearance and involution in the early postpartum period and increasing pregnancy rates. This retrospective study investigates the effect of postpartum uterine lavage in 32 thoroughbred mares housed on a single farm in Australia in 2014 and 2015. In the control year (2014), postpartum uterine lavage was not performed. In the treatment year (2015), ...
Dunkel B, Mason CJ, Chang YM.A recent study described increased l-lactate concentrations in ponies with gastrointestinal disease compared to horses, but blood glucose (BG) concentrations were not considered. The study tested the hypothesis that BG and l-lactate concentrations are correlated in horses and ponies with gastrointestinal disease and that BG concentrations, not equid type (pony vs horse), are an independent predictor of L-lactate concentrations. It was further hypothesized that equid type was an independent predictor of BG concentrations. Methods: Retrospective study 2008-2016. Methods: University teaching hosp...
Bourély C, Cazeau G, Jarrige N, Haenni M, Gay E, Leblond A.Horses are one of the potential reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants that could be transferred to human subjects. Objective: To describe the AMR patterns of major bacteria isolated from diseased horses in France. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Data collected between 2012 and 2016 by RESAPATH, the French national surveillance network for AMR, were analysed. Only antimicrobials relevant in veterinary and human medicine for the isolated bacteria were considered. Mono- and multidrug resistance were calculated. The resistance proportions of major equine di...
McCoy AM, Smith RL, Herrera S, Kawcak CE, McIlwraith CW, Goodrich LR.To report the outcome of horses engaged in Western performance disciplines after stifle arthroscopy and identify prognostic factors for return to performance. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Eighty-two Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for horses involved in athletic performance/training for various Western performance disciplines and undergoing arthroscopy for lameness localized to the stifle. Follow-up was obtained ≥2 years postoperatively by telephone interviews with the owners. Preoperative and intraoperative f...
Stier R, Tavassol F, Dupke C, Rüter M, Jehn P, Gellrich NC, Spalthoff S.The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of the mechanism of trauma (fall versus kick), rider demographics, equestrian experience, protective equipment, and whether or not a horse was shod on the anatomic site of a horse-related maxillofacial fracture, operating time, postoperative complication rate, and length of hospital stay. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients treated for horse-related maxillofacial fractures at a single institution in Germany between January 2000 and March 2015. We used linear and logistic regression to test the above-mentioned...
Goehring LS, van Maanen C, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM.The presence of toxins or infectious agents combined with environmental factors in combination with a susceptible host can be the cause for neurological disease in groups of horses. During a 5 year observational period outbreaks of neurological diseases among horses were evaluated. Causes of occurring neurological diseases were equine botulism, lolitrem intoxications, equine herpesvirus type 1-associated myelo(encephalo)pathy, and encephalitis caused by (disseminated) Streptococcus equi subspecies equi infection. This article focuses on the first three syndromes because of their predominant in...
O'Donovan KA, Aarnes TK, Hubbell JA, Parker EM, Mollenkopf D, Lerche P, Ricco Pereira CH, Bini G, Bednarski RM.To report anesthetic-related complications and determine risks associated with anesthesia in draft horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: A total of 401 anesthetic records for draft horse breeds that underwent general anesthesia from January 2010 through December 2020 were reviewed; horses euthanized during general anesthesia were excluded. Methods: Demographics, perioperative drugs used, procedure type and duration, time to extubation, number of attempts to stand, use of sling in recovery and perioperative morbidity and mortality were investigated. Morbidity and mortality statistical ...
Close K, Epstein KL, Sherlock CE.To (1) compare postoperative complications and survival in horses after small intestinal resection and anastomosis using 2 anastomosis techniques (single layer Lembert; double layer simple continuous oversewn with Cushing), and (2) to compare outcome by anastomosis type (jejunoileostomy; jejunojejunostomy). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 53). Methods: Medical records (July 2006-July 2010) of all horses that had small intestinal resection and anastomosis. Horses were divided into groups based on technique and type of anastomosis. Comparisons of pre- and intraoperative ...
Waitt LH, Cebra CK.To characterize signalment, clinical signs of disease, and clinical response to insulin in equids with hypertriglyceridemia. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 20 horses, 17 ponies, and 7 donkeys with hypertriglyceridemia. Methods: For analysis of medical record data, horses, donkeys, and ponies with multiple serum or plasma triglycerides measurements were separated into groups. Hypertriglyceridemic equids that were (HT-I; n = 14) or were not (HT-N; 10) treated with insulin consisted of equids with an initial triglycerides concentration > 44 mg/dL but < 500 mg/dL. Equids with an init...
Sogaro-Robinson C, Lacombe VA, Reed SM, Balkrishnan R.To determine neurologic indications associated with abnormal results for computed tomography (CT) imaging of the head of horses affected by neurologic disorders. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 57 horses. Methods: Signalment, history, clinical abnormalities, and clinicopathologic findings were obtained from medical records of horses examined because of neurologic disorders, and precontrast and postcontrast CT images of the head were reviewed. Data were analyzed by use of univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: For a horse with abnormal mentation, odds of having a...
Rebhun WC, Del Piero F.To determine the most common ocular lesions in horses with lymphosarcoma. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 79 horses histologically confirmed to have lymphosarcoma. Methods: Ophthalmic examinations were performed by a single individual. Results: 21 of 79 horses had lesions involving the eye or ocular adnexa. Infiltration of the palpebral conjunctiva and eyelids was the most common lesion (n = 11). Other lesions included uveitis (n = 4), corneoscleral masses (2), third eyelid masses (2), and diffuse retrobulbar infiltrates (2). Conclusions: In horses with lymphosarcoma, ocular lesions may...
Metcalfe LV, More SJ, Duggan V, Katz LM.Weight loss despite a good appetite is a frequent diagnostic challenge for equine veterinarians; however, there are few objective reports and little descriptive information regarding risk factors and prognostic indicators. Objective: To provide a descriptive epidemiological analysis of horses evaluated for weight loss despite a good appetite and evaluate relationships between historical and clinicopathological findings and final outcome (survival vs. nonsurvival) to identify risk factors and prognostic indicators. Methods: Medical records of horses referred for investigation of weight loss des...
Bertuglia A, Basano I, Pagliara E, Bottegaro NB, Spinella G, Bullone M.To compare the effects of tiludronate disodium and 3 other medical treatments on clinical and radiographic findings and biomarkers of disease progression in horses with osteoarthritis of the fetlock joint. 100 Standardbred racehorses with spontaneous traumatic injury of the fetlock joint. Horses were retrospectively grouped by whether they received tiludronate IV or triamcinolone acetonide and hyaluronan, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, or interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein intra-articularly. Data were collected on clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic findings and results for se...
Doles J, Williams JW, Yarbrough TB.To report a surgical technique for penile amputation and sheath ablation in horses. Study Design-Retrospective study. Animals or Sample Population-Twenty-five adult geldings of various breeds with conditions requiring penile amputation and sheath ablation. Methods: The medical records of horses that had penile amputation and sheath ablation were reviewed. Briefly, the technique involved en bloc resection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the inner and outer lamina of the prepuce and penile shaft. Resection of the penile shaft, proximal to diseased segments, and spatulation of the urethra...
McCoy AM, Smith RL, Herrera S, Kawcak CE, McIlwraith CW, Goodrich LR.To report the outcome of horses engaged in Western performance disciplines after stifle arthroscopy and identify prognostic factors for return to performance. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Eighty-two Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for horses involved in athletic performance/training for various Western performance disciplines and undergoing arthroscopy for lameness localized to the stifle. Follow-up was obtained ≥2 years postoperatively by telephone interviews with the owners. Preoperative and intraoperative f...
Muñoz E, Argüelles D, Areste L, Miguel LS, Prades M.The medical records of 468 horses that underwent 490 exploratory laparotomies for the correction of gastrointestinal diseases were reviewed to search for differences between Andalusian horses and other breeds. The seasonal distribution of surgical colics and their outcome and complications were also investigated. Bivariant analysis was used to compare the horses' age, gender and breed with the type of surgery, the bowel affected and the type of colic, and all these variables were compared in relation to euthanasia during surgery, complications, short-term survival and seasonal distribution. A ...
Ravanetti P, Lechartier A, Hamon M, Zucca E.In the last 30 years, several treatments have been proposed to treat subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) but there have been no randomised studies to compare different methods and there is no consensus as to the optimal treatment. Objective: To evaluate a biocompatible absorbable implant for the treatment of SCLs in young horses in different anatomical locations. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses with SCLs were treated with debridement through a trans-cortical extra-articular approach and an absorbable implant was inserted in the cavity. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was...
Wilson DA, MacFadden KE, Green EM, Crabill M, Frankeny RL, Thorne JG.Trimethoprim-potentiated sulphonamides (TPS) are among the most frequently administered antimicrobials in equine medicine. Anecdotally, TPS has been implicated as a cause of mild to moderate diarrhea in horses. The purpose of this study was to document the prevalence of diarrhea in horses receiving TPS, to characterize the severity of the diarrhea, and to identify any other factors associated with the development of diarrhea. A 2-part study was designed to identify the prevalence of diarrhea associated with TPS in our clinic population. Part I was a case-control retrospective study of 135 reco...
Sharma S, Dhaliwal GS, Dadarwal D.Service records of 253 mares (1181 mare-years) spanning over 7 consecutive years, from nine organized Thoroughbred stud farms, situated in the subtropical northwestern India were retrospectively analyzed to assess their reproductive performance. The overall per cycle pregnancy rate at Day 16 and overall foaling rates were 50.30% and 68.95%, respectively, and were significantly higher in mares aged 3-7 years than > or =18 years old mares. The late embryonic losses (9.86%) that occurred between Days 16 and 39 post-ovulation contributed more than 50% of the overall detected pregnancy losses (19.1...
Rosales C, Krekeler N, Tennent-Brown B, Stevenson MA, Hanlon D.To describe selected periparturient variables in a sample of Thoroughbred mares and their foals on a commercial stud farm in New Zealand. Methods: Data were collected for 969 foaling records, from 592 mares, by foaling attendants from one Thoroughbred stud farm in the Waikato region of New Zealand for the breeding seasons 2008-2013, inclusive, and collated retrospectively. The associations between mare- and foal-level variables and gestation length, time of birth (expressed as the number of hours after midday), fetal membrane retention time, time for the foal to stand and suckle after birth, a...
Granot N, Milgram J, Bdolah-Abram T, Shemesh I, Steinman A.A retrospective review of the medical records of 41 horses requiring abdominal surgery for sand colic. Results: The diagnosis of sand colic was made when sand was found to be the cause of impaction of the gastrointestinal tract during surgical exploration. The most common clinical signs at presentation were abdominal pain, abdominal distension and diarrhoea. A statistically significant association was found between the respiratory rate on arrival and short-term survival. Sand impaction at multiple locations was detected in one-third of the horses. Concurrent pathology was detected in half of t...
Murray RC, Roberts BL, Schramme MC, Dyson SJ, Branch M.Injury of the distal aspect of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) is a recognized cause of lameness, but diagnosis is difficult. This study aimed to improve understanding of DDFT morphology and pathology using retrospective evaluation of magnetic resonance (MR) images. We hypothesized that: (1) The distal aspect of the DDFT in normal horses would have a repeatable proximal/distal pattern and symmetry between limbs and between lobes; (2) DDFT dimensions would be related to bodyweight, navicular bone dimensions and hoof size; (3) this symmetry and pattern would be lost in DDFT injury; and (4)...
Giebel G, Braun K, Mittelmeier W.In a retrospective study we reviewed 262 horse riding related injuries in children younger than 16 which were treated between 1975 and 1989 at the Section of Traumatology in the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Homburg/Saar. In 155 of these accidents, detailed information was gained via a questionnaire. The typical patient profile was that of young female equestrians with little experience and little weekly riding practice, without practicing falling-exercises and warming up often using different horses. At the time of the accident only 59% were wearing a head protection. Most accide...
Rossdale PD, Ousey JC, McGladdery AJ, Prandi S, Holdstock N, Grainger L, Houghton E.Plasma progestagen concentrations were measured daily by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 35 sick foals for the duration of their illness. The foals were divided into three groups on the basis of time to stand after birth. Foals were given intensive care treatment according to the severity of their illness. Plasma and urine concentrations of pregnenolone (P5) and pregnenediol (P5 beta beta) were measured by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry; plasma cortisol concentrations were measured by RIA and the foals' renal and respiratory status were assessed by creatinine clearance ratios and arterial oxy...
Dunkel B, Kapff JE, Naylor RJ, Boston R.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...
Kuemmerle JM, Auer JA, Rademacher N, Lischer CJ, Bettschart-Wolfensberger R, Fürst AE.To describe short incomplete sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx (type Ia P1 fractures) in horses not used for racing and report outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=10) with type Ia P1 fractures. Methods: Retrieved data of horses with type Ia P1 fractures were signalment, history and results of orthopedic examination. Radiographs were re-evaluated for position and length of the fracture line, presence of osteoarthritis or subchondral cystic lesions (SCL), periosteal new bone formation and subchondral sclerosis. Conservative treatment (n=4) included box confinement ...
Tull TM, Bramlage LR.To evaluate the diagnostic features, results of free-choice exercise treatment, prognosis, and postinjury racing performance of Thoroughbred racehorses with cumulative stress-induced bone injury (CSBI) of the distal portion of the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones (MC3/MT3). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 55 Thoroughbred racehorses with CSBI of the distal portion of MC3/MT3. Methods: Data on signalment, history, and radiographic, scintigraphic, and lameness examination findings were reviewed. Horses with lameness localized to the distal portion of MC3/MT3, and that did ...
Röcken M, Schubert C, Mosel G, Litzke LF.To describe surgical technique and outcome after laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space for treatment of recurrent left dorsal displacement of the left colon (LDDLC) in standing horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Forty-four horses with LDDLC. Methods: Laparoscopic portals were located in the left flank region. After administration of etilefrin intravenously to contract the spleen, the dorsal splenic margin was sutured to the nephrosplenic ligament to obliterate the nephrosplenic space. Horses were re-examined (< or = 3 years) for history of recurrence. In addition, medical...
Hammond A, Sage W, Hezzell M, Smith S, Franklin S, Allen K.Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis measures the inter-beat interval variation of successive cardiac cycles. Measurement of these indices has been used to assess cardiac autonomic modulation and for arrhythmia identification in exercising horses. Objective: To report HRV indices during submaximal exercise, strenuous exercise and recovery, and explore relationships with clinical conditions (arrhythmias, lameness, equine gastric ulcer syndrome [EGUS], lower airway inflammation and upper respiratory tract obstructions [URTOs]) in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Retrospective, observational cr...
Orsini JA, Snooks-Parsons C, Stine L, Haddock M, Ramberg CF, Benson CE, Nunamaker DM.We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 15 foals and adult horses in which vancomycin was used, alone or in combination with an aminoglycoside, to treat methicillin-resistant staphylococcal and enterococcal infections. Signalment, presenting complaint, history (including history of treatment for the current complaint), results of bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, treatment, and outcome were reviewed. The average vancomycin dosage was 7.5 mg/kg q8h, administered by intravenous infusion over 30 min. The infection resolved in all 7 horses with soft tissue infections and...
Potenza KN, Huggons NA, Jones ARE, Rosanowski SM, McIlwraith CW.Rehabilitation of horses using underwater treadmill therapy has been shown to improve joint range of motion, joint mobility, stride length and proprioceptive parameters with experimental studies. However, studies investigating the prognosis and return to function following rehabilitation are lacking. Methods: A retrospective study of Thoroughbred racehorses treated with arthroscopic surgery for osteochondral fragments of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints or carpal joints undergoing conventional rehabilitation or underwater treadmill assisted rehabilitation at th...
Mair TS, Smith LJ.Early (acute) relaparotomy after surgery for equine colic is widely considered to be an acceptable treatment option for management of certain post operative complications. However, there is relatively little published information about resulting complication rates and short- and long-term outcomes. Objective: To document the proportions, indications, complication rates and survival rates of horses undergoing acute relaparatomy following colic surgery. Methods: History, clinical findings, surgical findings and procedures, post operative treatments and outcome of 300 consecutive surgical colic c...
Luethy D, Habecker P, Murphy B, Nolen-Walston R.Pheochromocytoma is the most common adrenal medullary neoplasm of domestic animals, but it is rare in horses. Antemortem diagnosis in horses is difficult, with clinical signs often being vague or non-specific. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, laboratory, and pathologic findings of pheochromocytoma in horses. Methods: Thirty-seven horses diagnosed with pheochromocytoma based on postmortem examination from 2007 to 2014. Methods: Retrospective case series. Results: Pheochromocytoma was identified in 37/4094 horses during postmortem examination. Clinical signs c...
Wilderjans H, Meulyzer M.Indirect inguinal herniation (IIH) is a potentially life-threatening condition in stallions. The ideal preventive measure for breeding stallions ensures a minimally invasive closure of the vaginal ring that avoids recurrence of IIH while preserving both testicles. Objective: To describe a minimally invasive laparoscopic tacked intra-peritoneal slitted mesh (TISM) technique in the standing horse to close the vaginal rings and to evaluate its efficacy in preventing recurrence of IIH in stallions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records of 17 stallions with a history of IIH w...
