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.
Moiroud CH, Coudry V, Denoix JM. The aim of this study was to analyse the pelvic fracture distribution and location in a referral centre caseload. Methods: Medical records of 6,717 horses examined in a referral centre over a 7-year period were reviewed to identify all horses diagnosed with a pelvic fracture. Eighty-six horses were identified and divided into three disciplines, namely Thoroughbred racehorses (TBR), Standardbred trotter racehorses (STR) and non-racing sport horses (NRSH). Results: A pelvic fracture was diagnosed in 1.3% of the cases examined during the study period. Prevalence was significantly higher ...
Jones ARE, Ragle CA, Mattoon JS, Sanz MG.To describe the use of non-contrast-enhanced CT to identify deep digital flexor (DDF) tendinopathy in horses with lameness attributed to pain in regions distal to the metatarsophalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joints. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 28 client-owned horses. Methods: Medical records were searched to identify horses that underwent non-contrast-enhanced CT with or without high-field MRI as part of an evaluation for lameness localized to areas distal to the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint in ≥ 1 limb. Horses were included in the study if they had ≥...
Fortina M, Maniscalco P, Carulli C, Meccariello L, Colasanti GB, Carta S.Horse racing is a hazardous sport. We analyzed the incidence and characteristics of jockey injuries in a typical horse race. Methods: We analyzed all injuries sustained by 224 jockeys in the last 72 years. Results: It was found that in 96.1% of the races there was at least one fall and in 28.6% of the races 50% or more of the jockeys fell. In 43.4% of the falls, the jockey was taken to the emergency room. Comparing the Palio with traditional races in other countries, a higher injury incidence rate was observed for every 100 falls (109.884 vs 27-59) and a lower concussion rate/100 falls (0.97 v...
Walmsley EA, Jackson M, Wells-Smith L, Whitton RC.Subchondral bone injury at the palmar/plantar aspect of the condyles of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone (MC/MT3) commonly causes lameness and poor performance in racehorses. Injury occurs due to repetitive loading, the magnitude of which may be influenced by the position of the distal phalanx relative to the ground surface, i.e. the solar angle. The association of solar angle and injury at the palmar/plantar condyles of distal MC/MT3 therefore warrants investigation. Objective: Investigate the relationship between solar angle and radiopharmaceutical uptake at the palmar/plantar aspect of ...
Doering AK, Reesink HL, Luedke LK, Moore C, Nixon AJ, Fortier LA, Ducharme NG, Ross MW, Levine DG, Richardson DW, Stefanovski D, Ortved KF.To determine the prognosis for racing of horses surgically treated for slab fractures of the third carpal bone (C3). Methods: Retrospective case study. Methods: Horses (n = 125) surgically treated for C3 slab fractures. Methods: Medical records of horses surgically treated for dorsal or sagittal C3 fractures were reviewed for age, sex, breed, limb, fracture type, degree of cartilage damage, and surgical treatment. Radiographs were evaluated to determine fracture depth, width, and displacement. Osteophytes, C3 lysis, and fragmentation were scored. Racing performance was obtained from online...
Gray SM, Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, Secor EJ.To report our experience with partial arytenoidectomy in sedated standing horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Fourteen client-owned adult horses. Methods: The medical records (2013-2017) of horses treated with unilateral partial arytenoidectomy while standing and sedated were reviewed. Demographics, endoscopic findings, previous treatments, and outcome after surgery were investigated and recorded. Results: Thirteen horses had unilateral left-sided recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) and 1 horse had bilateral RLN. Five horses had a previous failed prosthetic laryngoplasty. Left-side...
Mayaki AM, Intan-Shameha AR, Noraniza MA, Mazlina M, Adamu L, Abdullah R.Back disorder is an ailment that often affects athletic and riding horses. Despite the rapidly growing equine athletic and equestrian activities, there is no documentation on the nature of equine back disorder (EBD) in Malaysian horses. The purpose of this study was to characterize EBD cases presented to University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, between 2002 and 2017. Methods: The compilation of data was based on signalment, case history, duration of clinical signs, anatomical location of the pain, method of diagnosis, type of EBD, treatment, and outcome. The diagnosis of EBD ...
Launois T, González Hilarión LM, Barbe F, Leurquin C, Bihin B, Hontoir F, Dugdale A, Vandeweerd JM.We report a retrospective evaluation of intravitreal gentamicin (6 mg in 0.3 mL solution) injection in 71 horses with equine recurrent uveitis between 2010 and 2016. Aqueous flare and hyalitis were scored at the baseline in all horses, then at 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, 365, and 730 in 37, 46, 30, 25, 22, 18, and 11 horses, respectively. Forty-two animals had a global score of inflammation (sum of scores for aqueous flare and hyalitis) of zero at the last examination (number of re-examinations per horse ranged from 1 to 5). Among the 29 remaining horses, four were not reassessed after the interven...
Zoff A, Dugdale AHA, Scarabelli S, Rioja E.This study compared the values of variables measured by pulse co-oximetry (Masimo Radical 7; Masimo Europe Limited, UK) with those measured by a co-oximeter-enabled blood gas analyser (Siemens Rapid-point 500; Siemens Healthcare Limited, UK) in anaesthetized horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: A total of 30 anaesthetized horses. Methods: In total, 47 heparinized arterial blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis to determine haemoglobin concentration (tHb, g L) and percentage of haemoglobin saturation with oxygen (SaO). Arterial haemoglobin saturation with oxygen was deter...
Whitton RC, Walmsley EA, Wong ASM, Shannon SM, Frazer EJ, Williams NJ, Guerow JF, Hitchens PL.Long bone fractures in racehorses may present as stress fractures which have a good prognosis, or complete fractures, which often result in a fatal outcome. In order to identify differences in modifiable management practices that may contribute to these outcomes, racing histories of horses with humeral or tibial fractures and of matched controls were examined. A retrospective case-control study of Australian Thoroughbred racehorses diagnosed with a fracture of the humerus or tibia by scintigraphy or at post-mortem between 2002 and 2016 was undertaken. Control horses were matched from the same ...
White SD, Bourdeau PJ, Brément T, Vandenabeele SI, Haspeslagh M, Bruet V, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM.Donkeys are important throughout the world as work animals and occasionally as pets or a meat source. Most descriptions of skin disease in donkeys are reported in small case series, textbooks or review articles. Objective: To document skin diseases and their prevalence in donkeys and to investigate predilections for the most common conditions. Methods: Case populations at four veterinary schools totalling 156 donkeys. Methods: A retrospective study was performed by searching computerized medical records, using the key word "donkey", at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Californi...
Pye J, Espinosa-Mur P, Roca R, Kilcoyne I, Nieto J, Dechant J.To determine if preoperative and intraoperative clinical variables correlate with resection and anastomosis (RA) in horses presenting with strangulating small intestinal (SI) lesions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy for a strangulating SI lesion (n = 243). Methods: The records of horses undergoing surgical correction for strangulating SI lesions from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2017 were reviewed. Horses were categorized as treated with RA or not treated with RA. Obtained information included history, signalment, clinical findings, d...
Spargo KE, Rubio-Martinez LM, Wheeler DP, Fletcher L, Carstens A.The incidence and types of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbreds that resulted in euthanasia on selected racetracks in South Africa between 1998 and 2012 were investigated by an observational retrospective investigation. Data from the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa for these racetracks were used to calculate incidence rates in Thoroughbreds (n = 114) that sustained catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries during racing that required immediate euthanasia, based on the diagnosis made by the on-site veterinarian as well as on fetlock radiographs and dissections o...
Kleinpeter A, Göpfert A, Köhler E, Brehm W.Aim of the study was the retrospective evaluation regarding vision and recurrence in equine recurrent uveitis (ERU)-affected horses treated by intravitreal low-dose gentamicin injection in Tierklinik Alt Sammit during the years 2006-2013. Methods: The study included 50 equine patients (61 ERU-affected eyes) of different age and breed with different stages of ERU. The solution for the injection contained 4.0 mg sterile gentamicin per eye. The injection was performed according to the procedure described by Pinard et al. in 2005 under general anaesthesia in lateral recumbency of the patient and...
Trauma case reportsFebruary 21, 2019
Volume 20 100179 doi: 10.1016/j.tcr.2019.100179
van Delft EAK, Thomassen I, Schreuder AMM, Sosef NL.Every year patients present to the emergency department due to bites, scratches and falls caused by animals. Although bite and scratch injuries have been described in literature, the exact number of patients that visit the emergency department due to all animal related injuries has never been described before. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all emergency department visits throughout a 1-year period was performed from April 2015 until March 2016. Results: 516 Patients were treated at the emergency department because of animal related injuries. Most were female and the median age was 38 ...
Nuttall HE, Ravenhill PJ.Equine dental disease remains a widespread affliction in domestic horses, with the potential to cause significant welfare problems. This retrospective study aimed to increase understanding of this aspect of equine health by examining dental records of 932 horses, taken from a 1-year period of first-opinion practice in south-western England and southern Wales. Three grossly-identifiable dental diseases were analysed: equine periodontal disease, diastemata and peripheral caries. The prevalence of active periodontal disease, diastemata and peripheral caries were 13.9%, 8.7% and 8.2%, respectively...
Swor TM, Dabareiner RM, Honnas CM, Cohen ND, Black JB.OBJECTIVE To describe the chief complaints by owners and the types and prevalences of musculoskeletal problems associated with lameness or poor performance in cutting horses. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 200 client-owned cutting horses examined at the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2015, because of lameness or poor performance. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed, and data were collected regarding signalment, history, findings on physical and lameness examinations, results of diagnostic procedures performed,...
Steel CM, Devery S, Hance SR, Adkins AR, Hitchens PL.Fragmentation of the dorsal aspect of the distal talus (FDDT), at the dorsolateral articular margin of the proximal intertarsal joint (PITJ) on pre-sale radiographs of yearling Thoroughbreds has not been previously described and data to support decisions made by veterinarians to predict future racing potential of horses with these lesions are lacking. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study we aimed to determine the prevalence of FDDT in juvenile Thoroughbreds and to report their race records. From a database of survey and repository radiographic examinations of 5709 horses, 36 with ...
Blanchard A, Barr EM, Gilger BC.The purpose of this case series is to evaluate the use of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging in equine corneal disease to demonstrate the feasibility, diagnostic effectiveness, and limitations of this imaging modality. Methods: Retrospective study: Handheld SD-OCT (Envisu, Bioptigen Inc, Morrisville, NC) was used for high-resolution imaging of horses with corneal disease presenting to the North Carolina State University Equine Ophthalmology Service from 2013 to 2018. Results: Fourteen horses were included in this study, including six horses with corneal ulceration, t...
Cheong SH, Castillo Herrera JM, Dockweiler JC, Donnelly CG, Sones JL, Ellerbrock RE, Lawlis SM, Gilbert RO, Diel de Amorim M.Augmentation of parturition can be used to advance labor in mares to occur at a time when personnel is available to assist if necessary. We performed a retrospective study to determine the efficacy and safety of augmentation to manage foalings. Augmentation was performed with 3 IU oxytocin i.v. when mammary calcium concentrations were ≥250 ppm, mammary secretion pH ≤ 6.5, and the mare showed impending signs of parturition. Augmented parturitions (n = 19) were compared with three different control groups. The three control groups were: 1) Time Match control (n = 37) which were...
Krueger CR, Lewis RD, McIlwraith CW, Major MD, Brakenhoff JE, Hand DR, Rowland AL, Hess AM, Johnson SW, Hackett ES.OBJECTIVE To determine effects of prosthetic laryngoplasty on return to racing, performance index, and career longevity in racing Quarter Horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) and to evaluate performance variables for horses with RLN undergoing prosthetic laryngoplasty, compared with a control horse population. DESIGN Multicenter, retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 162 racing Quarter Horses with RLN treated with prosthetic laryngoplasty (case horses) and 324 racing Quarter Horse without RLN (control horses). PROCEDURES Medical and race records of case and control horses examined at...
Davern AJ, Peloso JG, Hawkins JF, Moore GE, Morehead JP.OBJECTIVE To evaluate 2- and 3-year-old and career race performance of Thoroughbred racehorse prospects with and without osteochondral fragmentation of the accessory carpal bone (ACB) identified on yearling presale radiographs. DESIGN Retrospective, matched cohort study. ANIMALS 47 nonlame Thoroughbreds with (exposed cohort) and 94 nonlame Thoroughbreds without (unexposed cohort) osteochondral fragmentation of ACB facture identified on yearling sales repository radiographs. PROCEDURES Repository radiographic interpretation reports for September yearling sales of a large Kentucky auction house ...
Sánchez-Guerrero MJ, Solé M, Azor PJ, Sölkner J, Valera M.Vitiligo and melanoma are relatively common disorders in grey Pura Raza Español horses and other horse breeds with grey-coloured coats. Objective: To determine the breed prevalence, environmental risks factors and estimate the genetic parameters for vitiligo and melanoma in Pura Raza Español horses. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: We analysed data from a large worldwide population of Pura Raza Español horses. The database included the vitiligo and melanoma scores, on either a four- or six-point linear scale, of 11,436 horses. Genetic parameters were estimated using a Bayesian ...
Knickelbein KE, Luethy D, Thomasy SM, Reilly C, Strom AR, Lassaline ME.(a) To evaluate the epidemiology of equine eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis (EK) in the western United States, (b) to ascertain the efficacy of keratectomy and diamond burr debridement vs medical management alone, (c) to determine the efficacy of various medical therapies, and (d) to further characterize the histopathologic findings of the disease in horses. Methods: Twenty-nine horses (47 eyes) diagnosed with EK from 1993 to 2017. Methods: Retrospective medical record review; owner questionnaire. Results: Average age of presentation was 11 ± 4 years. Warmbloods were significantly overrep...
Public healthJanuary 25, 2019
Volume 168 67-75 doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.11.023
Meredith L, Thomson R, Ekman R, Kovaceva J, Ekbrand H, Bálint A.Horse riding is a popular activity but has also been found to lead to many injuries and even fatalities. No reduction in the numbers of those being admitted to hospital for equestrian-related injuries have been seen in Sweden in recent years. The aim of this work was to examine injuries, fatalities, and predictors of fatalities in equestrian-related activities and to investigate the cost of these injuries to the public health system. Methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of hospital data. Methods: National Swedish hospital and mortality registers were retrospectively examined, inclusi...
Holcombe SJ, Shearer TR, Valberg SJ.We conducted a retrospective cohort study to test the hypothesis that performing 4 weeks of core abdominal rehabilitation exercises (CARE) postoperatively would be safe and associated with faster return to training and improved performance after colic surgery. Performance horses that recovered from colic surgery performed by the same surgeon and survived ≥ 1 year from 2008 to 2017 were included. Data were obtained from a review of medical records. Information about the horses' rehabilitation and performance was obtained from owners/trainers. Data from horses that completed a 4-week CARE pr...
Norton EM, Avila F, Schultz NE, Mickelson JR, Geor RJ, McCue ME.Ponies are highly susceptible to metabolic derangements including hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and adiposity. Objective: Genetic loci affecting height in ponies have pleiotropic effects on metabolic pathways and increase the susceptibility to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). Methods: Two hundred ninety-four Welsh ponies and 529 horses. Methods: Retrospective study of horses phenotyped for metabolic traits. Correlations between height and metabolic traits were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficients. Complementary genome-wide analysis methods were used to identify a region of in...
van Bergen T, Haspeslagh M, Wiemer P, Swagemakers M, van Loon G, Martens A.To report the clinical features, outcomes, and prognostic factors associated with the surgical treatment of epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE). Methods: Retrospective study at a single referral hospital. Methods: Horses (n = 142) undergoing surgery (n = 145) for EFE. Methods: Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data of surgeries on horses that underwent exploratory laparotomy for EFE were obtained. The postoperative outcome was assessed by follow-up telephone calls with the owners/caregivers. Factors associated with postoperative reflux (POR), relaparotomy, hospital discharge...
Smith LCR, Wylie CE, Palmer L, Ramzan PHL.There are few observational studies regarding the potentially serious complication of synovial sepsis following intrasynovial medication in general equine practice. Quantification of risk is fundamental to fully inform decision-making and owner consent prior to undertaking procedures. Objective: To describe the occurrence of synovial sepsis following intrasynovial injections in a large ambulatory equine practice between 2006-2011. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Medication records were cross-referenced against synovial cytology submissions and hospital admissions for synovial sep...
Pollard D, Wylie CE, Newton JR, Verheyen KLP.Previous robust epidemiological studies of equine laminitis have utilised only veterinary-diagnosed episodes of disease, potentially underestimating true disease frequency. Objective: To estimate the incidence of, and describe clinical signs associated with, owner-reported active laminitis in horses/ponies, using both veterinary-diagnosed and nonveterinary-diagnosed episodes. Methods: Prospective cohort. Methods: Data were collected from horse/pony owners in Great Britain between August 2014 and December 2016 using a web-based application. The incidence of owner-reported laminitis was estimate...
Taylor EL, Galuppo LD, Steffey EP, Scarlett CC, Madigan JE.To describe a sling recovery system (Anderson Sling) for horses and to evaluate outcome of high-risk horses recovered from general anesthesia by a sling. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=24) recovered from general anesthesia. Methods: Complete medical and anesthetic records (1996-2003) for horses recovered from general anesthesia using the Anderson Sling system were evaluated retrospectively. Information retrieved included anesthetic protocol, surgical procedure, recovery protocol, recovery time, and quality of the recovery. Horses were recovered from anesthesia supported by th...
Fortier LA, Nixon AJ, Ducharme NG, Mohammed HO, Yeager A.To determine the outcome of horses with "complex" digital tenosynovitis treated by tenoscopic proximal annular ligament desmotomy and resection of synovial masses or adhesions, or both, within the digital sheath. Methods: Retrospective evaluation. Methods: Twenty-five horses with a clinical and ultrasonographic diagnosis of palmar or plantar proximal annular ligament constriction and ultrasonographic evidence of synovial masses or adhesions within the digital tendon sheath. Methods: Each horse had tenoscopic surgery for annular ligament desmotomy combined with adhesiolysis and/or synovial mass...
Seltzer KL, Byars TD.To determine the percentage of Thoroughbred racehorses that would be capable of racing performance after recovery from infectious pleuropneumonia. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 70 Thoroughbred horses that had recovered from pleuropneumonia. Only horses 5 years old known to be in race training at the time of illness were included in the study. Results: Forty-three of the 70 (61%) horses raced after recovery, and 24 of the 43 (56%) won at least 1 race. Horses that required placement of an indwelling thoracic drain apparently did not have a worse prognosis than did horses that did...
Scotty NC, Cutler TJ, Brooks DE, Ferrell E.To define the indications for equine ocular ultrasonography and to provide representative ultrasonographic images of lens and posterior segment diseases. Methods: Retrospective study. Equine medical records dating from January 1983 to March 2001 were reviewed. All cases that: (1) had a lens and/or posterior segment abnormality; and (2) received a complete ophthalmic examination and ocular ultrasonography were included. Results: Forty-three cases (n = 64 eyes) out of 112 total cases of equine lens and/or posterior segment abnormalities qualified. The following conditions were identified ultraso...
Judy CE, Chaffin MK, Cohen ND.To identify features of guttural pouch (auditory tube diverticulum) empyema in horses and compare findings of uncomplicated guttural pouch empyema with guttural pouch empyema complicated by chondroids. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 91 horses with guttural pouch empyema. Methods: Medical records of horses with guttural pouch empyema were reviewed. Results: The most common owner complaint and abnormal finding was persistent nasal discharge. Chondroids were detected in 21% (19/91) of affected horses. Streptococcus equi was isolated from the guttural pouch in 14 of 44 horses; for Streptoc...
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...
Wise LN, Bryan JN, Sellon DC, Hines MT, Ramsay J, Seino KK.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...
Mancuso LA, Lassaline M, Scherrer NM.To describe the clinical course, outcomes, and complications associated with use of commercially available porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix (ECM) grafts (ACell Vet(®) Corneal Discs) in equid patients with keratomalacia, and to evaluate the efficacy of ECM grafts as a viable alternative to other biomaterials for corneal grafting in equid patients. Methods: Sixteen horses and one donkey (17 eyes) with unilateral keratomalacia severe enough to warrant surgical repair between August 2012 and September 2013. Methods: Retrospective medical record review to identify equid patients meetin...
Nieto JE, Snyder JR, Vatistas NJ, Spier SJ, Van Hoogmoed L.To describe the insertion technique, efficacy, and complications associated with the use of an active (closed-suction) abdominal drain in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Animals-Sixty-seven horses with abdominal contamination treated by abdominal lavage and use of a closed-suction abdominal drain. Methods: Medical records of horses (1989-1996) that had a closed-suction abdominal drain were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interviews with owners. Results: Sixty-eight closed-suction abdominal drains were used in 67 horses that had abdominal contamination, peritonit...
DeLorey MS.The goal of this retrospective study was to record the direction of the diagonal incisor malocclusion (DIM) and excursion to molar contact (EMC) distances both before and after corrective procedures to determine if any general trends were apparent which may aid in predicting the outcome of DIM corrections. Pre-correction and post-correction data were compared to confirm a benefit to the patient from the corrective procedure. The results of this preliminary study reveal a few general trends to serve as basic guidelines for the practitioner Lateral EMC distances to the left and right in cases of...
Scott GS, Crawford WH, Colahan PT.To determine arthroscopic findings in lame horses with subtle radiographic lesions of the medial femoral condyle. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 15 horses examined because of lameness that had subtle radiographic evidence of osteochondral lesions involving the medial femoral condyle in at least 1 joint. Methods: Medical records were reviewed, and results of physical examination, radiography, and arthroscopy were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained through reexamination of the horses or telephone conversations with the referring veterinarians, owners, or trainers. Results: Lame...
Gross I, Hadar A, Bala M, Hashavya S.Horse riding has become increasingly popular in recent years and is a common activity among children. As a result, pediatric horse-related injuries are frequently encountered in emergency departments. Objective: To examine the characteristics of horse-related injuries in the pediatric population. Methods: We collected and analyzed the data on all pediatric horse-related injuries presented to a tertiary hospital, level one trauma center, during the years 2006-2016. Results: A total of 53 children with horse-related injuries were documented. Forty-two patients were male (79%) and their mean age ...
Alward A, Corriher CA, Barton MH, Sellon DC, Blikslager AT, Jones SL.Ingestion of wilted red maple leaves by horses can result in severe hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia. Little is known about what factors influence the outcome of red maple leaf toxicosis in horses. Objective: Our hypothesis was that physical examination findings, clinicopathologic variables or therapeutic modalities may predict outcome in horses with red maple leaf toxicity. Methods: Horses with red maple leaf toxicosis presented to referral hospitals in the southeast region of the United States. Methods: A multi-institutional retrospective study was designed to identify factors that pre...
Hardy J, Minton M, Robertson JT, Beard WL, Beard LA.The clinical findings and outcome of 161 horses diagnosed with 174 episodes of nephrosplenic entrapment (NSE) were reviewed retrospectively. The median age at presentation was 5 years (9 months to 24 years), and duration of colic was 2-92 h. Nasogastric reflux was present in 49 of 113 horses (43.4%) and was significant (> or = 21) in 32 (28.3%) horses. The recurrence rate was 13/161 (8.1%). Thirteen horses (13/174, 7.5%) had other lesions including small intestinal obstruction (4), 360 degrees large colon torsion (5), gastric rupture (2), thromboembolic colic (1) and small colon infarction (1)...
Bienzle D, Jacobs RM, Lumsden JH.A retrospective study was performed in order to assess the relationship between serum calcium and serum albumin concentrations in domestic animals. Results of 9041 canine, 1564 feline, 2917 equine, and 613 bovine serum samples from hospitalized patients were examined by regression analysis. Subpopulations of cases with concurrent elevations in creatinine or that were less than six months of age were evaluated separately. Statistically significant linear relationships between calcium and albumin concentrations were established for each species (p <0.05). The coefficients of determination (r(...
Grahn BH, Cullen CL.This retrospective clinical study describes the clinical manifestations, light microscopic findings, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic lens rupture in the horse. Rupture of the lens capsule in the horse usually results in a chronic, blinding inflammation (phacoclastic uveitis) unless prompt surgical and medical therapies are implemented. The clinical manifestations of acute lens capsule rupture included: cataract; intralenticular displacement of iridal pigment; lens cortical fragments attached to the perforated lens capsule, iris, and corneal endothelium; miosis; aqueous flare; ...
Smith LCR, Wylie CE, Palmer L, Ramzan PHL.There are few observational studies regarding the potentially serious complication of synovial sepsis following intrasynovial medication in general equine practice. Quantification of risk is fundamental to fully inform decision-making and owner consent prior to undertaking procedures. Objective: To describe the occurrence of synovial sepsis following intrasynovial injections in a large ambulatory equine practice between 2006-2011. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Medication records were cross-referenced against synovial cytology submissions and hospital admissions for synovial sep...
Christophersen MT, Tnibar A, Pihl TH, Andersen PH, Ekstrøm CT.There is a paucity of studies addressing sporting activity and horse owners' satisfaction after horses have undergone colic surgery. Objective: To determine 1) survival rate after colic surgery, 2) prevalence of horses returning to, or starting, sporting activities and 3) assess the owners' satisfaction regarding colic surgery. Methods: Cases that underwent exploratory celiotomy for colic between January 2005 and August 2010 were reviewed. All horses that had one or more celiotomies and were discharged after colic surgery were included in a telephone questionnaire survey. Only horses that surv...
Fischer AT, Vachon AM.Laparoscopic intra-abdominal ligation and removal of cryptorchid testes in horses was evaluated retrospectively in 50 horses that underwent the procedure between 1991 and 1996. Sixty-one cryptorchid testes were removed by one of the following methods; the use of 1) an endoscoping stapling and transection device, 2) an endoscopic clipping device, 3) an endoscopic ligating loop. Monopolar electrosurgery was combined with these methods to facilitate coagulation and cutting of tissue. In 8 horses, 9 testes were retained between the internal and external inguinal rings. The inguinal testes were rem...
Grabner A, Fischer A.In a retrospective study of 38 horses with Borna encephalitis which were clinically and histopathologically examined in the "I. Medizinische Tierklinik" in Munich between 1977 and 1990, the epidemiology, the clinical symptomatic and the diagnostic procedures available are presented. Indirect immunofluorescence showed antibodies in the serum of 12 out of 29 cases (41%) and in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 17 out of 28 cases (61%). The evaluation of 23 cases in which indirect immunofluorescence of serum and CSF, and also the post mortem virological and histopathological examination of the bra...
Giguère S, Slade JK, Sanchez LC.Despite a lack of data regarding their efficacy, both caffeine and doxapram have been recommended for treatment of hypercapnia in equine neonates with central nervous system damage. Objective: Caffeine and doxapram alleviate hypercapnia in foals with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Methods: Sixteen foals treated with either caffeine (n = 8) or doxapram (n = 8). Methods: Information on age, body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood gas parameters, duration of therapy, and outcome was abstracted from each medical record. Results: Therapy with doxapram resulted in a signific...
Huang L, Palmieri C, Bertin FR.Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is an endocrinopathy commonly affecting old horses. It is a spontaneously occurring, progressive disease that is still poorly understood. Previous studies have observed neurodegeneration of the dopaminergic inhibition of melanotrophs, which leads to decreased dopamine (DA) in the pars intermedia (PI) and increased pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides circulating in plasma. However, rats knockout for the dopamine D2 receptor (D2r) similarly develop PI hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Thus, based on the current pathophysiological theory of PPID, whether ...
Brown CC, Meyer RF, Grubman MJ.In a retrospective study, a negative-sense digoxigenin-labeled RNA probe, corresponding to the gene encoding nonstructural protein-1 of African horse sickness virus (AHSV) serotype 4, was applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue taken from horses in the terminal stages of infection with AHSV. Fifteen infected ponies and one noninfected control were studied. Ponies exhibited a range of clinical signs and lesions. Thirteen ponies were infected with serotype 4, one with serotype 1, and one with serotype 2. Ponies were monitored clinically and euthanatized when severely clinically ill. ...
Abernathy-Young KK, LeBlanc MM, Embertson RM, Pierce SW, Stromberg AJ.To assess survival-to-discharge rates of mares and foals and postoperative complications and fertility in mares following cesarean section (C-section). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 95 mares. Methods: Medical and breeding records of mares that underwent C-section were reviewed; signalment, surgical technique, complications, survival-to-discharge rate, and pregnancy and foaling rates were recorded and evaluated. Foaling rates in the 3 years after C-section were compared with the cumulative foaling rate before C-section. Results: C-section was performed because of dystocia (n = 71...
Physick-Sheard P, Avison A, Sears W.Factors associated with mortality in standardbred racehorses were assessed through a retrospective annualized cohort study of all-cause mortality from 2003-2015 ( = 978) (identified in the Ontario Racehorse Death Registry). Race and qualifying data for official work-events were also gathered (1,778,330 work-events, 125,200 horse years). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed sex, age, and indices of workload and intensity and their interactions to be strongly associated with mortality. Track class, race versus qualifying performance, and work-event outcome (finish position, scratc...
Foley GL, Valentine BA, Kincaid AL.In a retrospective study, cutaneous melanocytic tumors from 18 horses, less than 2 years old, were examined histopathologically and clinical follow-up requested. Melanocytomas (benign melanomas) occurred in a variety of breeds and in horses of varied coat color. The age of the horses at the time of biopsy ranged from 3 weeks old to 2 years old. Four melanocytomas were congenital, 11 melanocytomas were acquired by 1 year of age, and three were acquired prior to 2 years of age. Of the 18 horses, five were male, and 13 were female. All tumors were solitary and located on the legs or trunk; none w...
Tulleners E, Stick JA, Leitch M, Trumble TN, Wilkerson JP.To determine whether epiglottic augmentation, in conjunction with more traditional surgical methods, would be useful in the treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in racehorses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 40 Thoroughbred and 19 Standardbred racehorses. Methods: Polytetrafluoroethylene paste was injected submucosally on the lingual epiglottic surface of each horse. In addition, sternothyrohyoideus myectomy or sternothyroideus tenectomy and staphylectomy were performed in most horses. Results: Racing performance was improved after surgery in 29 of 40 (73%) Thoroughbreds ...
Bedenice D, Avila B, Paradis MR.Species-related differences in the prevalence, manifestation, and outcome of neonatal illness may impact management practices of neonatal intensive care. The study aimed to elucidate similarities between disease manifestations and mortality risks of critically ill (CI) neonatal crias and foals admitted to the same referral center. Methods: A comparative, retrospective cohort evaluation of two species (camelid and equine). Methods: The study was conducted in a University hospital. Methods: Two hundred and forty-six CI neonatal crias (January 1999 to May 2016) and 356 neonatal foals (February 20...
Aleman M, Holliday TA, Nieto JE, Williams DC.Brainstem auditory evoked response has been an underused diagnostic modality in horses as evidenced by few reports on the subject. Objective: To describe BAER findings, common clinical signs, and causes of hearing loss in adult horses. Methods: Study group, 76 horses; control group, 8 horses. Methods: Retrospective. BAER records from the Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory were reviewed from the years of 1982 to 2013. Peak latencies, amplitudes, and interpeak intervals were measured when visible. Horses were grouped under disease categories. Descriptive statistics and a posthoc Bonferroni test...
Perkins GA, Nydam DV, Flaminio MJ, Ainsworth DM.The purposes of this study were to (1) prospectively establish serum IgM and IgG concentrations in normal, fit, adult horses over time and (2) determine the accuracy of serum IgM concentrations for diagnosing lymphoma. Serial IgM and IgG concentrations were measured with a radial immunodiffusion assay in 25 regularly exercised horses at 6-week intervals. Horses had serum IgM concentrations ranging from 50 to 242 mg/dL over 5 months, with 20% of horses having IgM < or = 60 mg/dL. The normal range for IgM in fit horses should be considered 103 +/- 40 mg/dL and a cut-point for an IgM deficiency, ...
