Topical administration for horses refers to the application of medication or therapeutic agents directly onto the skin or mucous membranes. This method is used to deliver drugs locally to treat conditions such as skin infections, wounds, or inflammatory disorders. Common forms of topical treatments include creams, ointments, gels, and sprays. The effectiveness of topical administration depends on factors such as the drug's formulation, the condition of the skin, and the specific area being treated. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and clinical applications of topical administration in equine medicine.
Fessler JF, Faber NA, Blevins WE, Coatney RW.A 13-year-old Belgian stallion developed a squamous cell carcinoma at the site of a neck laceration that had been treated topically with various irritating chemicals for 18 months. Orthovoltage treatments at 3 times over 5 years controlled the tumor. Eight years after the initial hospitalization, the area was healed and the stallion appeared healthy.
Miller TR.Topical administration of drugs is the treatment of choice for diseases of the anterior segment. Drug levels attained by this means are usually of short duration, however, necessitating frequent therapy or continuous perfusion if prolonged drug levels are required. A drug-delivery device (collagen shield or contact lens) or subconjunctival injections can be used to augment topical therapy if frequent treatment is not possible. Subconjunctival injections are recommended for drugs that have low solubility and, hence, low corneal penetration. Retrobulbar injections are seldom indicated, except fo...
Madison JB, Gronwall RR.Three sets of paired circular and square full-thickness skin wounds were made on the dorsum of the metacarpus (n = 48) of 8 horses. Each wound was 6.25 cm2 in area. The wounds were treated topically with an ointment, nonadherent dressing, and bandaged with a snug elastic wrap. Wounds were photographed every other day until healing was complete. Wound areas were measured and exponential and linear wound healing models were applied to the wound healing data generated. Wound healing variables measured for each wound were: number of days to healing, maximal size attained, rate of wound contraction...
Scarratt WK, Furr MO, Robertson JL.A pregnant, miniature horse mare had clinical signs of hepatoencephalopathy and concurrent hypocalcemia. The signs included dullness, inappetence, blindness, head pressing, weakness, muscle fasiculations, uveitis, and urinary incontinence. Hepatic dysfunction and hypocalcemia were confirmed by serum biochemical analysis. The mare was treated successfully with a continuous infusion of Ringer solution, calcium gluconate, dextrose, B-complex vitamins, sodium ampicillin, and flunixin meglumine; topical administration of ophthalmic ointments; and decompression of the urinary bladder. Histologic exa...
Bigbie RB, Schumacher J, Swaim SF, Purohit RC, Wright JC.Equine amnion and live yeast cell derivative were evaluated as a biological dressing and as a topical wound medicament respectively, in the treatment of granulating wounds of the distal portion of the limbs of horses. Wounds measuring 2.5 x 2.5 cm were created on the dorsomedial aspect of the metacarpal and metatarsal region of all 4 limbs of 9 horses. Each wound was assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatment groups: group C, treated with a nonadherent bandage as a control; group A, treated with amnion beneath a nonadherent bandage; and group L, treated with live yeast cell derivative beneath a non...
Madison JB, Hamir AN, Ehrlich HP, Haberman J, Topkis V, Villasin JV.Full-thickness skin wounds were created on the dorsum of both metacarpi in 8 horses. Three topical treatment regimens were studied. All wounds were bandaged with a nonadherent dressing, which was held in place with a snug elastic wrap. Group-A wounds were treated with a proprietary topical wound medication that consisted of a spray and an ointment. Group-B wounds were treated with the same regimen, except the putative active ingredients in the ointment were omitted. Group-C wounds were treated with a dry nonadherent bandage only. Wound dressings were changed every day and the limbs were photog...
Brooks DE, Millichamp NJ, Peterson MG, Laratta LJ, Morgan RV, Dziezyc J.Five horses with severe nonulcerative keratouveitis had corneal lesions characterized by a pink stromal infiltrate that initially appeared in the stroma near the limbus. Unremitting iridocyclitis also was evident. In 3 horses, microscopic lesions consisted of marked corneal stromal fibrosis, with mild to severe inflammatory cellular infiltration. Corticosteroids and mydriatic/cycloplegics applied topically and corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications administered parenterally were used with varying degrees of success to control pain and retain vision.
Auer DE, Ng JC, Seawright AA.Topically applied copper phenylbutazone, phenylbutazone, copper salicylate, salicylate and dimethylsulfoxide glycerol (80:20) were investigated as anti-inflammatory agents in rats and horses. Dimethylsulfoxide and glycerol (80:20) or dimethylsulfoxide, ethanol and glycerol (60:20:20) were used as the drug solvents. Subcutaneously administered carrageenin was used to induce inflammatory oedema, either in the paws of rats or the alar fold of the horse. The severity of the oedema and the anti-inflammatory effect of the drugs were assessed by measuring changes in the paw or alar-fold diameters. Co...
Sutherland IH.Following the development of a unique claim structure encompassing both nematode and arthropod species, ivermectin was first introduced as a veterinary parasiticide in 1981. For cattle(c), sheep(s), horses(h) and pigs(p) injectable(c,s,p), oral(c,s,h) and topical(c) products are available delivering ivermectin at 200 to 500 micrograms/kg. Efficacy extends to nematodes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, conjunctival sac and soft tissues. Among the arthropod parasites claims have been established for the biting fly Haematobia irritans(c), the screw-worm Chrysomyia bezziana(c), larva...
Bertone AL.Exuberant granulation tissue is common in large, lower limb wounds of horses, particularly horses of large body size. Methods of control include chemical cautery, cryogenic surgery, and surgical resection. Surgical resection is preferred because it is easy to perform, provides tissue for histologic evaluation, and preserves the epithelial margin. Effective treatments to prevent the formation of granulation tissue include leaving granulating wounds open to the air or, possibly, bandaging with topical steroids. Bandaging or casting may promote exuberant granulation tissue in wounds in which it h...
Dart AJ, Pascoe RR.A 12-year-old Quarterhorse stallion was presented with a severe lameness in the left forefoot. There was a 3 cm diameter cavity in the sole that extended to the solar surface of the distal phalanx. Radiographs revealed an osteomyelitis and a sequestrum which probably developed following the prolonged topical application of 10 percent formalin. The sequestrum was removed and the infected bone curetted under general anaesthesia. The horse was shod with heart bar shoes on both front feet 7 days after the surgery. Eight months later, radiographs showed marked rotation of the distal phalanx despite...
Beaumier PM, Fenwick JD, Stevenson AJ, Weber MP, Young LM.Plasma and urinary levels of salicylic acid were examined in Standardbred mares after administration of various feeds, containing different compositions of hay. In addition, horses were administered acetylsalicylic acid orally and methyl salicylate topically. Elevated salicylic acid levels were observed in horse urine and plasma in animals fed lucerne hay. The plasma and urinary elimination of salicylic acid exhibited a diurnal pattern which was related to the type of feed and the feeding schedule. Within 24 h after oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid, plasma and urine salicylic acid l...
Neaderland MH, Riis RC, Rebhun WC, Erb HN.Corneal ulcers to the depth of the anterior third of the stroma were created surgically in both eyes of 10 ponies. One eye in each pony was treated topically with chloramphenicol and 1% atropine ophthalmic ointments 3 times per day; the contralateral eye was not treated topically. All ponies were given phenylbutazone orally for relief of ocular pain. Fluorescein-stained ulcers were measured once a day. The median healing time of the treated eyes (11 days) and the median healing time of the nontreated eyes (13.5 days) were found not to be significantly different. Clinically, however, more sever...
Hacker DV, Buyukmihci NC, Franti CE, Bellhorn RW.The mydriatic effect of 10% phenylephrine was evaluated in 9 horses. Base-line pupillary size in mesopic conditions and during light stimulation was ascertained before application of pharmacologic agents. In study 1, 10% phenylephrine was applied to each eye (n = 5 horses). After 15 minutes, the pupillary size was determined in both lighting conditions. Phenylephrine was again applied to each eye, and after an additional 15 minutes, the pupillary size was determined. In study 2, 1% tropicamide was applied to each eye (n = 4 horses), and after 30 minutes, the pupillary size was determined in bo...
Cooley PL, Wyman M.Three horses were admitted with indolent-like corneal ulcers. All horses were treated topically with antibiotics. Two horses had ulcers with redundant epithelial borders, which were debrided with cotton-tipped applicators after topical anesthesia was induced. One ulcer healed after 2 debridements. Of 2 horses treated surgically, one had complications.
Bertone AL, Sullins KE, Stashak TS, Norrdin RW.Preformed collagen gel was topically applied to cutaneous wounds of the equine dorsal fetlock (thoracic limb) and metatarsal regions to evaluate the effect on exuberant granulation tissue production and wound healing. In 6 horses and 3 ponies (less than 140 cm high at the withers and less than 365 kg), 36 standardized cutaneous limb wounds were surgically induced (4 wounds/animal); 18 wounds were treated topically with collagen gel, and 18 wounds were not treated (controls). Collagen gel was initially applied to the wound at 0, 2, or 7 days after wound formation (groups 1, 2, and 3, respective...
French DD, Haynes PF, Miller RI.A horse had severe granulomatous lesions of the upper airways that were attributable to Conidiobolus coronatus. Therapeutic success was documented by clinical examination of the horse 4 years after treatment by surgical extirpation and intralesional and topical use of amphotericin B.
Gallicano KD, Park HC, Young LM.A sensitive method was required to analyze low levels of camphor in equine urine and plasma. Camphorated oil (20% w/w camphor) was administered topically (6 g) and intratracheally (1 g) to standardbred mares. The drug was extracted from urine and plasma by diethyl ether and analyzed as its 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative by reverse phase HPLC with UV detection. The UV detector was set at 368.5 nm and the samples were eluted from the C18 column by 82% acetonitrile in water. The detection limit achieved was about 10 ng/mL urine and about 20 ng/mL plasma. After topical administration, only ...
Miller RI, Wold D, Lindsay WA, Beadle RE, McClure JJ, McClure JR, McCoy DJ.Five horses with pythiosis of the limbs were treated unsuccessfully by surgery or topical application of amphotericin B, or both. Follow-up immunotherapy resulted in 1 horse responding favorably. Three horses were cured of the fungal infection but developed osteitis or deep-seated laminitis, which necessitated their destruction. The remaining horse, which had severe anemia, died before the course of vaccination was completed.
Greet TR.Three horses were referred for investigation of a unilateral foul smelling scanty nasal discharge, complicated in one case by intermittent epistaxis. Thick purulent material or a mycotic plaque was identified by an endoscopic examination of the middle meatus but in two horses this had to be repeated under general anaesthesia before the abnormalities were detected. Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from all three cases and septate hyphae were identified on smears from lesions. Histological examination of the lesion in one case revealed a fungal mycelium. Topical treatment with natamycin soluti...
Merkens HW.In view of the beneficial effect of Dermazellon on the healing of wounds healing poorly, reported in human patients, a number of wounds caused by wire in horses were treated with Dermazellon. Dermazellon gel was readily applicable and produced satisfactory results.
True RG, Lowe JE.Juglone, a toxic compound found in all parts of plants of the walnut tree family Jugans, was evaluated as the possible toxin involved in black walnut shaving-associated laminitis in the horse. Large amounts (up to 1 g) of this chemical administered per os inconsistently caused mild signs of laminitis in ponies. Topical application of juglone to the digits of horses caused local skin irritation but did not cause laminitis. Intravenous administration of juglone caused acute pulmonary edema in some individuals previously exposed to the compound per os or IV.
Hughes JP.Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) is a highly contagious venereal disease of horses caused by a fastidious, Gram-negative coccobacillus which grows best on chocolate agar under microaerophilic conditions (5-10% CO2). Clinically, the disease is characterized by a copious watery-to-mucopurulent, vaginal discharge two to ten days after breeding by an infected stallion (11, 13). Shortened estrous cycle lengths are common and may be the only indication of endometritis in some instances (7). Inapparent carriers of the disease in both the mare and stallion make control of the disease more difficult. O...
McMullan WC, Joyce JR, Hanselka DV, Heitmann JM.Amphotericin B was used systemically or locally, or both, in the treatment of localized subcutaneous phycomycosis in horses. In 8 of 10 cases, the results were satisfactory. Intravenous treatment was well tolerated at an average starting daily dosage of 0.38 mg/kg, increasing up to as high as 1.47 mg/kg. It was concluded that the ideal treatment regimen would include early surgical removal of the lesion followed by daily intravenous and topical administration of amphotericin B, with periodic extirpation of small necrotic tracts as necessary.
Vaughan JT, Montes LF, Bembibre A, Blaquier PC.A 5-year-old Thoroughbred chestnut mare was presented because of multiple lesions noticed for approximately one year over the vulva and ther perianal areas. Clinically, there were moist warts that stood out because of their whitish color which contrasted strikingly with the surrounding, normally pigmented, uninvolved skin (Fig. 1). Repeated topical applications of 20% podophyllin in 95% ethyl alcohol produced rapid involution. Histopathologically, marked acanthosis, numerous mitoses, prominently vacuolated epidermal cells and a chronic dermal inflammatory infiltrate were seen (Figs. 2, 3, and ...
Fennell C.Skin scrapings from clinical cases of equine skin disorder were examined by culture to determine the micro-organisms involved. In-vitro and in-vivo studies were then made to determine the efficacy of Trichloro-carbanilide as a topical treatment for these cases. The laboratory findings and results of treatment are described, and the value of Trichlorocarbanilide in cases of bacterial, actinomycete and fungal infection assessed.
Quéré E, Chahory S.Painful eye conditions are a therapeutic challenge in horses. Subpalpebral lavage (SPL) treatment systems allow topical aqueous medications to be conveniently, safely, and frequently administered to the ocular surface. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the outcomes and the complications associated with the location of the SPL treatment systems, in the superior or inferior eyelid in horses in a university practice. Clinical records of all horses admitted to the National Veterinary School of Alfort between January 2004 and October 2021, in which a SPL treatment system was used ...
Ziadi A, Ozmaie S, Asghari A, Rajaei SM.This study aims to assess the effect of topical 0.5% apraclonidine on Intraocular pressure (IOP) in horses and compare the effects of timolol maleate 0.5% with 0.5% apraclonidine in the equine eye. Twenty healthy female thoroughbred horses were used. Horses were divided into two groups. Ten horses received single dose of 0.2 mL of 0.5% apraclonidine in one randomly selected eye and the contralateral eye received single dose of 0.2 mL of artificial tears. In the second group, 10 horses received single dose of 0.2 mL of 0.5% timolol maleate in one eye and the opposite eye received single dose of...
Gilhooly MH, Eades SC, Stokes AM, Moore RM.To measure and compare palmar digital venous plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentrations and digital arterial blood flow after application of topical nitroglycerine (NTG). Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Healthy adult horses (n=8). Methods: Digital blood flow was measured by an ultrasonic Doppler flow probe surgically implanted around the medial palmar digital artery. Blood was collected from a catheter placed in the medial palmar digital vein for quantification of NO. NTG patches, NTG ointment or control patches were placed over the palmar digital vessels at the level of the fetlock. Two ho...
Colbath AC, Valdés-Martínez A, Leise BS, Hackett ES.OBJECTIVE To determine the pharyngeal and laryngeal distribution of radiopaque contrast medium administered orally or via nasopharyngeal catheter to standing horses. ANIMALS 5 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURES A crossover study was conducted. Radiopaque contrast medium (12 mL) was administered orally and via nasopharyngeal catheter to each horse. Pharyngeal and laryngeal distribution of contrast medium was determined by examination of radiographs obtained immediately after administration of contrast medium, compared with those obtained before administration. Regional distribution of contrast me...
Roels S, Ducatelle R, van De Vijver B, De Kruif A.An 18-month-old cross-bred Fjord pony colt presenting a fibrosarcoma of the prepuce with severe infiltrative growth, was treated by topical application of 5-fluorouracil. Biopsies were taken before and after a treatment period of 2 months. As a control, preputial tissue from a healthy horse was biopsied. Tissue sections were stained immunohistochemically for Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and Proliferation related factor--Ki67 (MIB1). Using computerized quantitative image analysis of these sections, Mitotic index (PCNA), Growth Fraction (Ki67) and total nuclear area percentage of th...
Hermans H, van den Berg EMH, Slenter IJM, Vendrig DJC, de Nijs-Tjon LJL, Vernooij JCM, Brommer H, Boevé MH, Gehring R.Topical dexamethasone and prednisolone are currently the mainstay treatment for equine ophthalmic inflammatory diseases, such as equine recurrent uveitis. Comparative pharmacokinetic studies in horses are lacking and current guidelines are mainly based on empirical data and extrapolation from other species. Objective: To investigate the penetration and local concentrations of topically applied dexamethasone and prednisolone in normal equine ocular fluids and serum. Methods: Prospective randomised experimental pharmacokinetic study. Methods: Twenty-one Shetland ponies without ophthalmic disease...
Scarratt WK, Furr MO, Robertson JL.A pregnant, miniature horse mare had clinical signs of hepatoencephalopathy and concurrent hypocalcemia. The signs included dullness, inappetence, blindness, head pressing, weakness, muscle fasiculations, uveitis, and urinary incontinence. Hepatic dysfunction and hypocalcemia were confirmed by serum biochemical analysis. The mare was treated successfully with a continuous infusion of Ringer solution, calcium gluconate, dextrose, B-complex vitamins, sodium ampicillin, and flunixin meglumine; topical administration of ophthalmic ointments; and decompression of the urinary bladder. Histologic exa...
Del Río-Sancho S, Concas D, Oreste P, Zoppetti G, Briggs PH, Kalia YN.The aim was to investigate diclofenac delivery into and across equine skin in vitro using Franz diffusion cells from a novel diclofenac epolamine (DIC-EP; 1.3%) formulation and to compare the results to those of Surpass (1% diclofenac sodium liposomal cream) and a 1% aqueous solution of diclofenac sodium. Skin was harvested from the lower legs of Freiberger geldings immediately after slaughter and sliced to a thickness of ~2 mm. Skin samples were divided into two groups [Group 1: 1 year old (n = 2) and Group 2: 6-8 years old (n = 3)]. Cumulative permeation of diclofenac in Groups 1 and...
van Nieuwstadt RA, Kalsbeek HC.In a horse with chronic unilateral nasal discharge guttural pouch mycosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus was diagnosed. A percutaneous indwelling catheter was surgically installed in the left guttural pouch. Initial treatment with a povidone iodine solution proved to be unsatisfactory. Treatment was continued by administering enilconazole by ways of an indwelling through-the-nose-catheter. The latter treatment resulted in complete recovery.
Barnett SE, Sellon DC, Hines MT, Seino KK, Knych HK.OBJECTIVE To determine the plasma pharmacokinetics and safety of 1% diclofenac sodium cream applied topically to neonatal foals every 12 hours for 7 days. ANIMALS Twelve 2- to 14-day old healthy Arabian and Arabian-pony cross neonatal foals. PROCEDURES A 1.27-cm strip of cream containing 7.3 mg of diclofenac sodium (n = 6 foals) or an equivalent amount of placebo cream (6 foals) was applied topically to a 5-cm square of shaved skin over the anterolateral aspect of the left tarsometatarsal region every 12 hours for 7 days. Physical examination, CBC, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, gastric endos...
Kusano K, Minamijima Y, Mashita S, Kunii H, Yamashita S, Nagata S.Repeated topical application of indomethacin is common in Japanese racehorses, despite the lack of pharmacokinetic data. Objective: To determine the concentrations of indomethacin and its metabolite, desmethylindomethacin, in plasma and urine of Thoroughbreds topically treated repeatedly with indomethacin. Methods: In vivo experimental. Methods: Seven female Thoroughbreds were topically treated with 50 g of 1% indomethacin cream per horse to the back and hips (500 mg of indomethacin/head/2400 cm , 0.21 g/cm ) for 3 consecutive days. Samples were pretreated by protein precipitation for plas...
Jacobi S, Townsend WM, Bolin CA.To evaluate whether equine serum administered via a simulated subpalpebral lavage system (SPL) supports proliferation of Streptococcus zooepidemicus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the tubing. Methods: A sterile i.v. catheter with injection cap was inserted into sterilized silicone tubing (Mila). To mimic an SPL within the dorsal conjunctival fornix, the tubing was secured to an elevated platform. The tip of the tubing extended from the platform into a vial containing culture medium just inoculated with approximately 1.5 x 10(8) CFU/mL P. aeruginosa or S. zooepidemicus. To mimic administratio...
Ball MA, Rebhun WC, Trepanier L, Gaarder J, Schwark WS.The objectives of this study were to determine the concentration of itraconazole achieved in corneal tissue and aqueous humour after topical application of a 1% itraconazole ointment: to determine the effect of including dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) in the ointment on achievable ocular tissue itraconazole concentrations; and to assess if any gross or histopathologic ocular toxicity results from the topical application of 1% itraconazole with or without the addition of DMSO. The experimental trial consisted of 6 horses considered to have normal eyes. Each horse had one eye treated with 0.3 mL of ...
Rigert S, Geyer H, Kummer M.The following case report describes the treatment of canker in a 14 years old warmblood gelding. The horse showed the typical appearance with caseous surface and early detachment of the superficial horn layers. The histological results show a severe degradation in the germinal layer of the epidermis of the frog. Surgical therapy under general anaesthesia was performed. On all limbs a tourniquet was applied and all abnormal tissue in the region of the frog and also the subdermal tissue underneath were removed. Postoperatively the horse was treated with hoof bandages for 2 weeks. Treatment plate...
Monclin SJ, Farnir F, Grauwels M.Tetracaine hydrochloride (THCl) has been reported to cause irritation in dogs. In man, some topical anaesthetics have been shown to disrupt the tear film. Tear break-up time (TBUT) is a useful test allowing an assessment of the quality of the precorneal tear film. Only one TBUT value has been reported in horses with no information on the technique used. Objective: To provide a method for performing the TBUT in horses and to report any side effects of a single application of THCl in clinically normal horses, particularly on the stability of the tear film. Methods: In Study 1, one drop of 0.5 or...
Gallicano KD, Park HC, Young LM.A sensitive method was required to analyze low levels of camphor in equine urine and plasma. Camphorated oil (20% w/w camphor) was administered topically (6 g) and intratracheally (1 g) to standardbred mares. The drug was extracted from urine and plasma by diethyl ether and analyzed as its 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative by reverse phase HPLC with UV detection. The UV detector was set at 368.5 nm and the samples were eluted from the C18 column by 82% acetonitrile in water. The detection limit achieved was about 10 ng/mL urine and about 20 ng/mL plasma. After topical administration, only ...
Azimpour S, Emami Alagha H, Faghihi H, Rajaei SM, Shokoohimand A.The purpose of this study was to determine the effects and potential side effects of topical preservative-free (PF) tafluprost 0.0015% in ophthalmologically normal horses. Methods: Five adult grade horses. Methods: One of the eyes of each horse was randomly chosen as the "treatment" eye, and consequently, the contralateral eye served as the "control." A single dose of PF tafluprost 0.0015% (0.2 mL) was instilled in the treated eye of each horse. Intraocular pressure (IOP), Schirmer's tear test (STT) levels of each eye, and an ophthalmic examination were performed at T0 (baseline), T30, T120, ...
Heuerman J, Haiub H, Cull E, Lupatini R, Shrum B, Sidhu R.In this case report, we highlight the benefits of Medisca CopaSil application for scar healing in a horse having sustained second-degree burn injuries covering most of its back. The application of CopaSil started three months after sustaining the burn injury when silver sulfadiazine topical cream treatment showed no significant improvement. CopaSil is formulated with ingredients that may help in reducing inflammation and accelerate healing by modulating the immune response. After using CopaSil for six months, the horse's back was healed, and the hair began to regrow. The complete healing...
Imposimato I, Mariella J, Freccero F, Gialletti R.Riboflavin/UV-A corneal cross-linking (CXL) has been applied to treat corneal ulcers in adult horses, but its use in critically ill neonatal foals has not been described. Five cases of hospitalized, critically ill neonatal foals that were in intensive care with corneal ulcers, the ophthalmic treatment, and their outcome up to 1 year are described. A single treatment of CXL phototherapy was performed in three of five foals (five eyes). The application of a riboflavin ophthalmic solution for 20 minutes was followed by the UV-A light irradiation at 30 mW/cm2 for 3 minutes. Topical antibiotic admi...
Stellmack JM, Logan AA, Higgins AH, Hoffman RM.Periods of limited activity during semester break may reduce performance during return to ridden work. This study evaluated fitness and muscling of horses when returning to work, following a 12-week period during which horses either continued (conditioned) or discontinued (non-conditioned) ridden work. It was hypothesized that non-conditioned horses would have a lower level of fitness, resulting in higher resting and peak heart rates and lower levels of muscling. Twelve mature, stock type horses aged 16 ± 5 years were assigned to either a conditioned group that maintained light-to-moderate ri...
Paranjape VV, Knych HK, Berghaus LJ, Giancola S, Cathcart J, Reed RA.Anatomical location-dependent differences in transdermal opioid penetration are well described in human patients. Although this has been investigated in horses with fentanyl, there is no literature available on location-dependent plasma buprenorphine concentrations when administered as a transdermal matrix-type patch. Unassigned: This study aims to compare the plasma concentrations achieved from the matrix-type transdermal buprenorphine patches placed at different anatomical sites (metacarpus, gaskin, and ventral tail base) in healthy adult horses. Unassigned: This is a randomized experimental...
Pratt S, Sole-Guitart A, de Klerk K, Evans E, Hume J, Palmieri C, Rainger J, Goodwin W.Post-traumatic distal limb wounds cause discomfort and heal gradually by second intention. The topical application of Tri-Solfen (lidocaine hydrochloride, bupivacaine hydrochloride, adrenaline acid tartrate and cetrimide [LBAC]) produces effective postsurgical cutaneous analgesia in lambs, calves and piglets; however, its effect on wounds in horses is unknown. The antinociceptive effect, measured by mechanical threshold (MT), and the wound healing impacts of LBAC compared with saline were investigated on surgically created 20 × 20 mm distal limb wounds in 10 horses. Treatment was applied once...
de Moura Alonso J, Watanabe MJ, de Moraes Gimenes Bosco S, Apolonio EVP, de Vasconcelos AB, do Prado AC, Alves ALG, Rodrigues CA, Hussni CA.Fungal rhinitis in horses is rare, although severe, due to the progressive nasal obstruction. Aspergillus is one of the fungi most often involved in these cases. A 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare weighing 325 kg was admitted with a history of recurrent nasal discharge and bleeding, foul smell, reluctance to exercise, and abortion. Laboratory and imaging examinations revealed eosinophilia, scarring and erosion areas in the nasal mucosa, purulent and bloody secretions, and remarkable yellowish plaques. Histopathological examination revealed fungal rhinitis and bacterial culture revealed the prese...
Brys M, Den Hondt S, Saey V, Claerebout E, Chiers K.Various draft horse breeds, especially breeds with abundant feathering on the lower limbs, are known to be susceptible to chorioptic mange. Clinical signs of chorioptic mange encompass intense pruritus leading to self-mutilation and hair loss, thickening of the epidermis, and the formation of hyperkeratotic crusts and scabs. Despite the frequent occurrence and high impact of this condition, treatment options are limited, with a conspicuous absence of registered products formulated for equines, and especially foals. This limited availability of approved products highlights the necessity for alt...
Styková E, Valocký I, Kačírová J, Fecskeová LK.Equine pastern dermatitis (EPD) is a multifactorial disease with a change in the skin microbiome. The present study monitored the influence of Weissella cibaria Biocenol™ 4/8 D37 CCM 9015 stabilized on alginite on the skin microbiota of healthy horses and model patients with EPD. Based on clinical signs, EPD lesions were identified as exudative or proliferative forms. A comparison of the initial microbial community based on 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between healthy vs. exudative (R = 0.52, p = 0.003) and exudative vs. ...
Viljanto M, Cutler C, Habershon-Butcher J, Hincks P, Scarth J.The use of testosterone in racehorses is predominantly monitored using international urine and plasma concentration-based thresholds and complementary steroid ratios. To date, there has been no published pharmacokinetic study on transdermally applied testosterone products in horses and whether their use could result in adverse analytical findings. Therefore, quantitative analysis of testosterone and epitestosterone in urine and testosterone in plasma samples was performed following a pilot multi-dose transdermal Testogel administration (1 mg/kg once a day for 7 days on clipped skin) to one...
Collins E, Barr E, Zhang C, Steadman M, Gilger B, Henriksen ML.To describe the most efficient topical horizontally centrifuged platelet-rich fibrin (H-PRF) treatment protocol for equine ulcerative keratitis (EUK) that is easy to use, and to report the preliminary concentration of growth factors and cytokines in equine H-PRF. Unassigned: 5 client-owned horses diagnosed with EUK were enrolled over an 11-month period. Unassigned: 3 horses were geldings, and 2 were mares. The mean (± SD) age was 5.95 ± 5.01 years. The owners' main goal was to avoid surgery for EUK. Unassigned: H-PRF was used in 3 different protocols: solid H-PRF, sutured to the EUK area (n ...
Loy J, Sornalingam K, Cawley A, Scrivener C, Keledjian J, Noble GK.Altrenogest is a synthetic progestogen widely used in equine reproductive management. Adverse effects to altrenogest have been reported in people with cutaneous exposure reported as the highest exposure pathway. Despite these reports, there has been no quantitative research to determine the capacity for altrenogest to be absorbed through skin. This study aimed to determine if cutaneous application of oral altrenogest results in systemic absorption in mares and to evaluate the influence of application site. A randomized, two-period, two-treatment crossover study was undertaken in eight mares. M...
Rosa MCB, Campos MEST, Albuquerque AS, Braz MS, Mapele RO, de Oliveira MCG, Toma HS, Ferraz PFP, Pereira RN, Raymundo DL.Skin wounds in horses, particularly in the distal extremities, often heal slowly due to mechanical stress, compromised perfusion, and excessive fibroplasia. This study evaluated the effects of topical Croton lechleri (CL) cream, alone or in combination with nitroglycerin, on the healing of skin wounds in the metatarsal region of horses. Six mares received six standardized wounds in each region and were treated with: saline solution, nitroglycerin (0.1 or 1 mg/mL), CL (1 or 10 µg/mL), or CL + nitroglycerin (10 µg/mL + 1 mg/mL). Wound contraction, histology, and bacterial culture were evaluate...
Leo LK, Bergvall KE.Equine aural plaque caused by equine papilloma viruses is common worldwide and affected horses can show severe clinical signs. Due to its viral aetiology, in some countries affected horses are not allowed to compete. Since lesions persist, showing no spontaneous regression, effective and safe treatment is required. Currently, the only treatment with consistent efficacy is imiquimod. Treatment time is prolonged and adverse effects are common. In humans, papilloma warts are successfully and safely treated with topical nitric-zinc complex solutions inducing a painless caustic effect. Objective: T...
