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.
Beccati F, Gialletti R, Passamonti F, Nannarone S, Di Meo A, Pepe M.Septic arthritis/tenosynovitis in the horse can have life-threatening consequences. The purpose of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to describe ultrasound characteristics of septic arthritis/tenosynovitis in a group of horses. Diagnosis of septic arthritis/tenosynovitis was based on historical and clinical findings as well as the results of the synovial fluid analysis and/or positive synovial culture. Ultrasonographic findings recorded were degree of joint/sheath effusion, degree of synovial membrane thickening, echogenicity of the synovial fluid, and presence of hyperechogenic spo...
Inness CM, Morgan KL.Polo, one of the world's oldest sports, is unique in merging human skill and balance with animal agility and performance in a contact sport. These modern-day 'centaurs' offer medical, dental and veterinary scientists an unrivalled, if quirky, opportunity to collaborate. Collection of epidemiological data on injuries to UK polo riders and ponies is the first step. Objective: To measure the reported risk and risk factors for injuries to UK polo ponies, their perception and mitigation by player-owners. Methods: A retrospective cohort design and telephone interviews were used. Methods: Data on equ...
Altgärde J, Redéen S, Hilding N, Drott P.Horse riding, with almost 200,000 participants, is the eighth most popular sport in Sweden. Severe injuries can occur with horse riding accidents which is well documented. This study was undertaken to investigate if injuries associated with horse riding are common, which type of injuries occur, what mechanisms are involved and to estimate the costs to the society. Methods: All patients attending the emergency department at Linköping University Hospital, during the years 2003-2004, due to horse related trauma were prospectively recorded. The patients were divided into two groups according to a...
McCoy AM, Ralston SL, McCue ME.Osteochondrosis (OC) is commonly diagnosed in young Standardbred racehorses but its effect on performance when surgically treated at a young age is still incompletely understood. This is especially true for Standardbred pacers, which are underrepresented in the existing literature. Objective: To characterise the short- (2-year-old) and long-term (through 5-year-old) racing performance in Standardbred pacers and trotters after early surgical intervention (<17 months of age) for tarsal OC. Methods: Retrospective clinical study. Methods: The study population consisted of related, age-matched Stan...
Krueger CR, Ruple-Czerniak A, Hackett ES.In horses undergoing celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal pain, identification of variables correlating with lesion severity and location, and survival provide veterinarians and owners with information that aids in making informed decisions regarding appropriate treatment. Muscle enzyme activity is often increased in horses undergoing celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal pain and it is not known if muscle enzyme activity increase is specific to lesion type or impacts prognosis for survival. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of pre-operative increase in muscle enzyme ...
Gray SN, Dechant JE, LeJeune SS, Nieto JE.To investigate postoperative hemoperitoneum in a population of horses that had surgery for colic. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 23). Methods: Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative information was obtained from medical records (1985-2012) of horses with postoperative hemoperitoneum after emergency exploratory celiotomy. Pre-existing hemoperitoneum during surgery and nonsurgical hemoperitoneum were excluded. Results: Of 4520 horses that had emergency exploratory celiotomy for gastrointestinal disease, 23 horses met inclusion criteria; an incidence of 0.5%. Ho...
Bergren AL, Credille BC, Epstein KL, Giguère S.To compare clinical data of horses with entrapment of the small intestine by the gastrosplenic ligament (ESIGL) to clinical data of horses with other strangulating small intestinal lesions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records (January 2001-December 2011) of horses that had exploratory celiotomy for acute abdominal pain associated with strangulating small intestinal lesions were reviewed. Signalment, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic variables, surgical findings and surgical procedures performed, postoperative data and short-term survival were recorded. R...
Wilford S, Woodward E, Dunkel B.A retrospective questionnaire-based survey was used to determine the perceived efficacy of Newmarket bloodroot ointment in treating equine sarcoids. In 49 horses with 74 sarcoids, 64 sarcoids responded either completely (n = 49) or partially (n = 15) while 10 did not respond or worsened. Sarcoids < 2 cm responded better to treatment (P < 0.001) than did larger sarcoids. Un sondage rétrospectif réalisé par questionnaire a été utilisé pour déterminer l’efficacité perçue de l’onguent à la sanguinaire de Newmarket pour traiter les sarcoïdes équines. Chez 49 chevaux atteints ...
Kelleher ME, Puchalski SM, Drake C, le Jeune SS.To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of direct digital abdominal radiography for the diagnosis of enterolithiasis in equids and to assess the effect of the number and anatomic location of enteroliths and gas distention of the gastrointestinal tract on diagnostic sensitivity of the technique. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 238 horses and ponies ≥ 1 year old that underwent digital abdominal radiography with subsequent exploratory celiotomy or postmortem examination. Methods: For each case, 3 reviewers independently evaluated radiographic views. Radiographic images were eva...
Wormstrand BH, Ihler CF, Diesen R, Krontveit RI.Colic, defined as pain originating from the abdomen, is a common condition in horses. Most of the cases resolve spontaneously or after medical treatment, but a few require surgical treatment. Surgical treatment of colic in horses is resource-demanding and expensive, and information on prognosis is therefore important for both owners and surgeons. In the present study, surgical cases in two equine hospitals in Norway between 2005 and 2011 were reviewed. The aim of the study was to describe associations between prognostic indicators, diagnoses and short term survival by use of random effects log...
Weber EJ, Sanchez LC, Giguère S.The modified sepsis scoring system provides a method to identify sepsis in foals early in the disease process, but inconsistent results have been obtained from its clinical application in previous studies. Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the modified sepsis score in a larger population of foals. A secondary objective was to identify factors associated with sepsis. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Records were retrospectively analysed for neonatal admissions to the University of Florida Large Animal Hospital from 1982 to 2008. Backwards stepwise multivaria...
MacKinnon MC, Bonder D, Boston RC, Ross MW.There is limited information regarding the impact of training track surface on the occurrence of stress fractures. Objective: To evaluate the impact of training track surface on the proportion of long bone and pelvic stress fractures associated with lameness in Thoroughbred horses in flat race training undergoing nuclear scintigraphic examination. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Scintigraphic examinations of Thoroughbred flat racehorses were evaluated from 2 hospitals (hospital A [Toronto Equine Hospital], 2003-2009, and hospital B [George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, Scho...
Aleman M, Madigan JE, Williams DC, Holliday TA.Reports of the use of brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) as a diagnostic modality in foals have been limited. Objective: To describe BAER findings and associated causes of hearing loss in foals. Methods: Study group 18 foals (15 neonatal, 3 nonneonatal), control group (5 neonatal foals). 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. Clinical data were extracted from the medical records. Foals were grouped under disease categori...
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...
Hu AJ, Bramlage LR.To assess postoperative probability of racing, career longevity, and convalescent time in Thoroughbred racehorses with moderate to severe superficial digital flexor tendonitis (SDFT) in the forelimbs treated by desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (ie, superior check ligament desmotomy [SCLD]). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 332 Thoroughbred racehorses with SDFT consecutively treated by means of SCLD. Methods: Medical records and racing records were reviewed to assess return to racing, number of races completed, time to first race, and life...
Gonzalez LM, Fogle CA, Baker WT, Hughes FE, Law JM, Motsinger-Reif AA, Blikslager AT.There is an important need for objective parameters that accurately predict the outcome of horses with large colon volvulus. Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of a series of histomorphometric parameters on short-term outcome, as well as the impact of colonic resection on horses with large colon volvulus. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Adult horses admitted to the Equine and Farm Animal Veterinary Center at North Carolina State University, Peterson and Smith and Chino Valley Equine Hospitals between 2006 and 2013 that underwent an exploratory coeliotomy, diagnosed with ...
Edelmann ML, McMullen R, Stoppini R, Clode A, Gilger BC.To determine the effect of age at the time of surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) placement, and presence of chronic uveitis on visual outcome after phacoemulsification and aspiration (PA) of cataracts in horses. Methods: Records of 41 horses (46 eyes) receiving unilateral or bilateral PA. Methods: Retrospective analysis of horses receiving unilateral or bilateral PA at the NCSU-VTH (35 horses, 39 eyes) and in Northern Italy (six horses, seven eyes) was performed. Visual status at last follow-up was compared to age at the time of surgery, IOL status, and presence of chronic uveitis preoperatively....
Physick-Sheard P, Kraus M, Basrur P, McGurrin K, Kenney D, Schenkel F.To assess evidence for genetic contributions to atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Standardbred horse. Methods: Equine referrals to the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre (OVCHSC) for 1985-2009, and age and gait matched breed registry controls. Methods: Breeds presenting ≥ 5 times annually were tabulated (admission year and diagnosis; total 40,039; AF 396; no AF 39,643), and breed and year effects examined. Heritability and inbreeding coefficients were determined for Standardbred AF cases and racing contemporaries, and odds ratios for AF were calculated for frequently occurring s...
Santschi EM, Williams JM, Morgan JW, Johnson CR, Bertone AL, Juzwiak JS.To determine if medial femoral condylar (MFC) subchondral cystic lesions (SCL) causing lameness will demonstrate radiographic evidence of healing and lameness reduction after placement of a transcondylar screw in lag fashion. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 20) with lameness attributed to a MFC SCL. Methods: A 4.5 mm screw was inserted in lag fashion across MFC SCL in horses with hindlimb lameness. Post-operative radiography and lameness examinations were performed at 30-60 day intervals after surgery for 120 days, and SCL radiographic area and lameness were graded. Tr...
Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, Werpy NM, White NA, Mitchell MA, Edwards RB, Mitchell RD, Gold SJ, Allen AK.There is limited knowledge of the foot lesions that influence the outcome of palmar/plantar digital neurectomy (PDN). Objective: 1) To report the short- and long-term outcomes of horses that underwent PDN to alleviate chronic foot pain due to lesions diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2) factors that may influence the outcome of PDN. Methods: Multicentre retrospective study. Methods: Medical records of 50 horses subjected to PDN due to chronic foot pain were reviewed. Age, breed, sex, athletic activity, duration of lameness, affected limb(s), response to anaesthesia of the palma...
van den Top JG, Harkema L, Lange C, Ensink JM, van de Lest CH, Barneveld A, van Weeren PR, Gröne A, Martens A.Equine penile and preputial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a potentially lethal disease of which little is known regarding the relationship between tumour characteristics and prognosis. Objective: To assess the relationship between tumour differentiation grade (tumour subtype), presence of papillomaviruses, expression of viral genes (E2, E6, L1), nuclear proteins p53 and Ki67 and metastasis in equine penile and preputial SCC and to assess the relationship of tumour subtype, presence of papillomavirus type 2, p53 and Ki67 with survival. Methods: Retrospective case-control study using archived...
Lund CM, Ragle CA, Lutter JD, Farnsworth KD.To describe the use of a motorized morcellator for elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing equids and to evaluate long-term outcome. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 30 equids (20 horses, 9 mules, and 1 pony). Methods: Medical records of equids undergoing elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy from 2007 to 2013 were evaluated. Cases were selected on the basis of use of a motorized morcellator for ovary extraction. Data collected included age, breed, reason for surgery, surgery date, surgical approach, intraoperative complications, surgery and morcellation times...
Papachristos A, Edwards E, Dowrick A, Gosling C.Despite a number of injury prevention campaigns and interventions, horse riding continues to be a dangerous activity, resulting in more accidents per hour than motorcycling, skiing and football. Injuries are often serious, with one in four patients requiring admission to hospital. This study aims to describe the severity of equestrian-related injuries (ERIs) using both clinical parameters and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study of all patients aged ≥18 years admitted to The Alfred Hospital between January 2003 and January 2008 with an ERI was performed. Specific clinica...
Brooks DE, Plummer CE, Carastro SM, Utter ME.To evaluate the long-term visual outcome of phacoemulsification lens extraction surgery in foals and horses and identify any unique postoperative complications that affect the visual outcome. Methods: This is a retrospective medical records study of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in 95 foals and horses from 1990 to 2013. Results: Cataracts were removed by phacoemulsification from 111 eyes of 95 horses ranging in age from 22 days to 26 years (average 8.0 ± 5.7 years). Forty-four of the 95 animals were foals (46.3%). Sixteen horses or foals had surgery bilaterally. One hundred and two eye...
Davis W, Caniglia CJ, Lustgarten M, Blackwelder T, Robertson I, Redding WR.Lateral digital flexor tendonitis is a rarely reported cause of hind limb lameness in performance horses. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe clinical and diagnostic imaging findings for a group of horses with lateral digital flexor tendinitis within the tarsal sheath. Equine cases with a diagnosis of lateral digital flexor tendonitis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the affected region were retrieved from North Carolina University’s medical record database. Recorded data for included horses were signalment; findings from history, physical examination, lame...
Layman QD, Rezabek GB, Ramachandran A, Love BC, Confer AW.Several Actinobacillus spp. are common commensal bacteria of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive tract of horses and can cause disease in both foals and adults. The current retrospective study was designed to review Actinobacillus spp. isolated from clinical samples or necropsies of 99 horses during 1999-2011. The cases consisted of 43 foals (2 years of age), 2 aborted fetuses, and 11 with unspecified ages. Clinical history, signs, bacterial species isolated, and associated lesions were documented. Actinobacillus spp. were isolated 111 times. The most common isolates were...
Christophersen MT, Dupont N, Berg-Sørensen KS, Konnerup C, Pihl TH, Andersen PH.Outcomes of colic treatment are of great interest to clinicians, horse owners and insurers. One commonly used criterion of success is the overall short-term survival rate. This is used as to compare treatments and to measure quality of veterinary care, but may be biased by demographic or social factors such as attitudes towards animal suffering and euthanasia. The aims of this study were to 1) describe and analyse characteristics in horses with signs of colic referred to the University Hospital for Large Animals (UHLA), University of Copenhagen, Denmark over a 10-year period and 2) to compare ...
Gilsenan WF, Getman LM, Parente EJ, Johnson AL.To report headshaking and presumptive trigeminal neuritis as a potential complication after paranasal sinus surgery in horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 5) that developed headshaking within 45 days of paranasal sinus surgery. Methods: Medical records (2007-2010) of horses that had been evaluated for headshaking after paranasal sinus surgery were reviewed. Results: Of 5 horses that developed headshaking within 45 days of paranasal sinus surgery, resolution occurred after treatment in 2 horses. One horse was euthanatized because clinical signs associated with h...
Ortved KF, Stewart AW, Fubini SL, Hackett RP.To report surgical management of 4 horses with cryptorchidism caused by failure of regression of the cranial suspensory ligament (CSL). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Cryptorchid horses (n = 4). Methods: Horses with unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism caused by failure of regression of the CSL were treated by removing the retained testes through a standing laparoscopic approach (2), flank laparotomy (1), or paramedian celiotomy (1). After identification of the retained testis attached to the caudal pole of the kidney by the CSL, the vascular pedicle and ductus deferens were li...
Carmichael SP, Davenport DL, Kearney PA, Bernard AC.The purpose of this study is to determine whether discrepant patterns of horse-related trauma exist in mounted vs. unmounted equestrians from a single Level I trauma center to guide awareness of injury prevention. Methods: Retrospective data were collected from the University of Kentucky Trauma Registry for patients admitted with horse-related injuries between January 2003 and December 2007 (n=284). Injuries incurred while mounted were compared with those incurred while unmounted. Results: Of 284 patients, 145 (51%) subjects were male with an average age of 37.2 years (S.D. 17.2). Most injurie...
Harris PA.The paper provides some basic epidemiological and clinical descriptive information for the equine rhabdomyolysis syndrome (ERS) in the United Kingdom. Information was obtained retrospectively from laboratory submission data as well as cases investigated by the author via their veterinary surgeon. Sex appeared to be a significant variable, with females being more likely than males to suffer from ERS compared to other conditions (P less than 0.01). More samples were submitted in the period November-February than at other times of the year (P less than 0.01). The condition appeared to be found in...
Dickinson CE, Traub-Dargatz JL, Dargatz DA, Bennett DG, Knight AP.To determine the clinical manifestations, morbidity, mortality, and treatment methods for rattlesnake venom poisoning in horses. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records. Methods: 27 horses with acute venom poisoning attributable to prairie rattlesnakes, and 5 with chronic problems subsequent to a rattlesnake bite. Results: Most horses were bitten on or near the muzzle while on pasture, resulting in head swelling, dyspnea, and epistaxis. Additional manifestations of acute poisoning included fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, cardiac arrhythmia, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hemorrh...
Whitty JA, Miller AV, Miller AD, Carney PC, Scrivani PV.The styloid process sheath (SPS) is a part of the tympanic temporal bone and an incomplete bony sleeve surrounding the styloid process, tympanohyoid cartilage, and dorsal part of the stylohyoid bone. In horses undergoing head CT, we observed a range of SPS sizes and questioned whether differences were early features of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) or normal anatomic variations associated with age, body weight, sex, or breed. We hypothesized that SPS sizes were positively correlated with age and body weight, but not with sex or breed. Using a convenience population of horses that underwe...
De Lange L, Vera L, Decloedt A, Van Steenkiste G, Vernemmen I, van Loon G.Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are the most common congenital cardiac defect in horses. Objective: To identify prevalence, age, breed, and sex distribution of VSD and to describe associated clinical and ultrasonographic findings. Methods: Hospital-based population of 21 136 horses presented to the equine internal medicine department. Methods: Medical records over a 12-year period were reviewed for VSD confirmed by ultrasonography. Age, breed, sex, sport discipline, murmur, clinical signs, outcome, VSD type, VSD size, shunt velocity, cardiac dimensions, concomitant cardiac anomalies, and v...
Wright IM, Minshall GJ.Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the distal sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) has not previously been described in the literature. Objective: To describe the clinical, radiological and arthroscopic features of OCD of the distal sagittal ridge of the McIII and to report outcome in a series of cases. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Case records and images of horses with OCD of the distal sagittal ridge of the McIII admitted to a single referral centre between February 2006 and February 2013 were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone questionna...
Ricard RM, St-Jean G, Duizer G, Atwal H, Wobeser BK.The purpose of this study was to identify the most common causes of equine abortion in Canada, and to compare findings to similar reports from other countries. Equine. Necropsy reports from 901 equine abortion cases were acquired from provincial veterinary diagnostic laboratories across Canada. The final diagnosis was classified into basic abortion causes (infectious, non-infectious, unknown) and into primary and secondary categories for analysis. Non-infectious causes of abortion were the most frequently identified in Canada, with fetoplacental causes, including umbilical cord torsion or plac...
Miller R, Pott B.A case of subcutaneous phycomycosis of a horse from which Basidiobolus haptosporu was isolated is described. Although some clinical signs were similar to the disease caused by Hyphomyces destruens, the gross and microscopic pathology were different in several respects. Main characteristics of the histopathology were the narrow eosinophilic sleeve around wide, frequently septate hyphae scattered throughout the affected tissue and found commonly at the advancing border of the lesion. A retrospective study of 63 cases of phycomycosis diagnosed at this laboratory since 1970 indicated a further 11 ...
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...
Johnston GCA, Lumsden JM.To describe the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates cultured from surgical specimens of infected arytenoid cartilage and granulomas. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Thirty-three thoroughbred horses. Methods: Hospital records were retrieved for all horses admitted to a referral hospital for arytenoid chondropathy surgery that had samples submitted for culture and sensitivity between 2005 and 2019. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results: In total, 56 bacterial isolates were obtained. Gram-positive bacteria (58%), Gram-negative bacteria (54%), and...
Collar EM, Duesterdieck-Zellmer KF, Huber MJ, Semevolos SA, Parker JE, Husby KA.To assess outcomes and behavior changes associated with bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomies. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Fifty-one equids. Methods: Medical records were evaluated from equid bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomies from January 2012 to October 2018 with a potential of 6 months follow-up. Follow-up information obtained by telephone interviews included behavior before and after surgery. Likelihood ratio chi-square tests and odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI were calculated where applicable, with statistical significance at p < .05. Results: Bilateral ovariectomy was pe...
Huggins L, Norris J, Conley A, Dini P.Abnormal or undesired mare behaviours are often assumed to be associated with ovarian abnormalities. Objective: We aimed to determine the incidence of abnormal behaviours and their association with concentrations of one or more ovarian hormones associated with a granulosa cell tumour (GCT). Methods: Retrospective descriptive. Methods: A total of 2914 hormonal profile samples submitted with the words behave, behaviour, or behaving in the submission history were analysed. The association between reported abnormal behaviours and concentrations of testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhib...
Davis JG, García-López JM.To report the findings and long-term outcome of 76 sport horses with meniscal injury. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Seventy-six horses with 93 meniscal injuries in 85 stifles. Methods: Medical records of sport horses diagnosed with meniscal injury during arthroscopy were reviewed. Owner follow up was obtained via telephone interview ≥1.5 years postoperatively. Preoperative and intraoperative findings, and postoperative treatments, were analyzed for potential association with return to athletic performance. Results: The medial meniscus was involved in 82.8% of cases, with gra...
Spriet M, Arndt S, Pige C, Pye J, O'Brion J, Carpenter R, Blea J, Dowd JP.This retrospective, methods comparison study aimed to compare skeletal scintigraphy and F-NaF positron emission tomography (PET) for the detection of abnormalities in the fetlocks of Thoroughbred racehorses. Thirty-three horses (72 limbs) imaged with both scintigraphy and F-NaF PET, for investigation of lameness or poor performance related to the fetlock, were included. Seven observers, including experienced racetrack practitioners, surgery and imaging residents, and a board-certified veterinary radiologist, independently reviewed all data for evidence of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake...
Haechler S, Van den Ingh TS, Rogivue C, Ehrensperger F, Welle M.Congenital hepatic fibrosis with autosomal recessive or dominant inheritance has been described in humans, cats, piglets, and dogs. In horses, only two cases of congenital hepatic fibrosis have been previously reported. This retrospective study of records from the Institute for Animal Pathology, University of Berne, identified 30 foals with liver lesions compatible with congenital hepatic fibrosis. Anamnestic data revealed clinical signs of severe liver injury in most affected animals. Pathologic examination showed severely enlarged, firm livers with thin-walled cysts. Histologically, the live...
Minshall GJ, Wright IM.Accurate radiological and ultrasonographic descriptions of frontal plane fractures of the accessory carpal bone (ACB) are lacking, and implications of these fractures for the carpal sheath and its contents have not previously been reported. Objective: Aims were as follows: 1) to describe the location and radiological features of frontal plane fractures of the ACB; 2) to document communication of displaced fractures with the carpal sheath and consequent injury to the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT); 3) to describe ultrasonographic identification of lesions; and 4) to report tenoscopic evaluat...
Topper MJ, Prasse KW.To evaluate new ELISA for measurement of thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) concentration, and to correlate the values to other tests of hemostasis in horses with colic. Methods: Plasma TAT concentration and 8 other hemostasis analytes were measured in horses with colic at hospital admission and during the next 4 days. Retrospectively, data were analyzed by outcome, broad-category diagnosis, and clinical management, and for correlation between TAT and other assays. Methods: 100 horses with colic. Methods: Plasma samples were evaluated for TAT, fibrinogen, and fibrin degradation products concentra...
Hubert JD, Burba DJ, Moore RM.To describe a laparoscopic technique for granulosa cell tumor removal using a vessel sealing device (LigaSuretrade mark) in standing mares. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Eight mares (8-24 years old; weighing, 406-525 kg). Methods: Before surgery, ovarian size and adjacent body wall thickness was determined by ultrasonography. Mares were sedated and after local anesthesia (inverted L and local infiltration), laparoscopic cannulation was performed without insufflation. The mesovarium was anesthetized and the LigaSure instrument applied to the mesovarium for hemostasis and resection to r...
Tomlinson JE, Byrne E, Pusterla N, Magdesian KG, Hilton HG, McGorum B, Davis E, Schoster A, Arroyo L, Dunkel B, Carslake H, Boston RC, Johnson AL.Information about treatment protocols, adverse effects and outcomes with intrapleural recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) use in horses with fibrinous pleuropneumonia is limited. Objective: Describe factors that contribute to clinical response and survival of horses treated with rTPA intrapleurally. Methods: Horses with bacterial pneumonia and fibrinous pleural effusion diagnosed by ultrasonography, that were treated with rTPA intrapleurally. Methods: Retrospective multicenter case series from 2007-2012. Signalment, history, clinical and laboratory evaluation, treatment, and outcom...
Hensel M, Meason-Smith C, Plumlee QD, Myers AN, Coleman MC, Lawhon S, Rodrigues Hoffmann A, Rech RR.Pulmonary mycosis secondary to enterocolitis is an uncommon diagnosis in equine medicine, but is thought to result from mucosal compromise and translocation of enteric fungi. The aetiological agent associated with translocation is often identified based on fungal culture or hyphal features in histological sections. In order to understand better the aetiological agents involved, six horses diagnosed with Salmonella enteritis and concurrent pulmonary mycosis were identified retrospectively through a database search of veterinary teaching hospital records. Samples from these cases were subjected ...
MacLellan KN, Crawford WH, MacDonald DG.To report clinical experience with arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses using two parallel 5.5-mm cortical bone screws placed in lag fashion. Methods: Retrospective, clinical study. Methods: Thirty-four horses, aged 1 to 19 years. Methods: Medical records for all horses admitted (1991-1997) for pastern arthrodesis using two 5.5-mm ASIF cortical bone screws, in parallel orientation, and placed in lag fashion by use of a combined aiming device to facilitate accuracy were reviewed. Signalment, lameness diagnosis, duration of lameness, limb(s) involved, and outcome were reco...
Whitton RC, Jackson MA, Campbell AJ, Anderson GA, Parkin TD, Morton JM, Boden LA.A retrospective cohort study was performed to compare the rates of musculoskeletal injury (MSI) in horses receiving local corticosteroid injection (LCI) with those that were untreated and those prior to treatment. Of the 1911 study horses, 392 had been treated. A LCI was defined as any injection of corticosteroid into or adjacent to a synovial structure, muscle, or tendon/ligament. A MSI was defined as any limb injury identified by a veterinarian, following which the horse did not race for at least 6 months, or was retired. Hazard ratios (HR) comparing hazard of injury following injection to t...
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 ...
Myers CJ, Magdesian KG, Kass PH, Madigan JE, Rhodes DM, Marks SL.This retrospective study describes the use of and complications associated with parenteral nutrition (PN) administration to 53 equine neonates at the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Medical records were examined and information obtained on signalment, physical examination, clinical diagnosis, outcome, total hospitalization time, insulin administration, microbiology culture results, other complications (i.e. thrombophlebitis) and necropsy findings. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry analytes, venous blood gas, serum electrolyte and glucose concentrations,...
Hewes CA, White NA.To determine outcome of percutaneous ultrasound-guided desmoplasty with simultaneous fasciotomy for proximal suspensory desmitis (ie, desmitis of the origin of the suspensory ligament) in horses that have not responded to stall rest. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 27 horses. Methods: Medical records of horses with proximal suspensory desmitis treated by means of desmoplasty with fasciotomy were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone conversations with owners and trainers of the horses or by examination of horses at the hospital. Results: 23 of the 27 (85%)...
Francis AO, McCabe F, McCabe P, O'Daly BJ, Leonard M.Horse riding related accidents can present with devastating pelvic and acetabular fractures. This study examines the nature, management and treatment outcomes of severe pelvic and acetabular trauma in amateur horse riders presenting to a national tertiary referral centre. We also aim to define certain at-risk groups. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive cohort of all patients who were referred to the National Centre for Pelvic and Acetabular trauma resulting from horse riding accidents. All patients who were referred to the National Centre for Pelvic and Acetabular Trauma between Janu...
Jago RC, Handel I, Hahn CN, Pirie RS, Keen JA, Waggett BE, McGorum BC.Objective criteria for predicting survival of chronic grass sickness cases are currently lacking. Objective: To determine whether the rate and/or magnitude of bodyweight change during hospitalisation of chronic grass sickness cases can provide an objective predictor of survival to discharge from hospital. Clinicians' recorded indication(s) for euthanasia were also reviewed. Methods: Single centre retrospective observational study. Methods: Case records of all horses admitted for management of chronic grass sickness to The Dick Vet Equine Hospital between 1998 and 2013 were analysed. Case backg...
Hanson RR, Schumacher J, Humburg J, Dunkerley SC.To evaluate clinical and laboratory findings for horses treated medically for ileal impactions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 10 horses with primary ileal impaction that were treated successfully with medical treatment alone. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for all horses with naturally developing ileal impaction seen at our hospital between 1990 and 1994. Results: Transrectal palpation revealed an impaction in the midabdominal area in all horses. Generalized distention of the small intestine was evident in 6 horses, whereas 4 horses were examined early in the course of t...
Raes EV, Vanderperren K, Pille F, Saunders JH.Ultrasonographic findings from 100 horses (103 joints) diagnosed with tarsal region pathology are described. Results of standard orthopaedic, radiographic and ultrasonographic examination of the tarsal region were analysed retrospectively. Periarticular swelling and/or synovial effusion was present in 100% of the joints, a wound was observed in 14.5% and 76.7% of the horses that were lame. Abnormalities were detected in 69.7% of joints using radiography and in 100% with ultrasonography. Our results show that the main disease process can affect all aspects of the tarsus. The most common ultraso...
Payne RJ, Lean MS, Greet TR.Between October 2000 and January 2007, 24 horses were presented with suspected squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the third eyelid. The hospital's medical records were analysed retrospectively to gain data about the cases, and telephone follow-up was obtained from the owners and referring veterinary surgeons. The resected third eyelid was submitted for histological examination in 21 cases; in the other three cases the tissue was not submitted at the owners' request, for economic reasons. SCC was confirmed in 16 of these 21 cases, three cases were diagnosed histologically as lymphoid hyperplasia,...
Whittaker S, Sullivan S, Auen S, Parkin TD, Marr CM.Although low birthweight is a risk factor for neonatal illness, the impact of high birthweight on the health of foals and mares, and on the foals' long-term athletic capability, is unknown. Objective: To investigate whether: 1) foals that are excessively heavy are associated with an increased prevalence of maternal illness in the first month post partum and reproductive dysfunction in the following season; 2) excessively light or heavy foals are at an increased risk of illness in the first month of life; and 3) birthweight is associated with racing success. Methods: Veterinary records from 230...
