Treatments for horses encompasses a range of medical and therapeutic interventions aimed at maintaining or restoring equine health. This field involves the use of pharmaceuticals, surgical procedures, and alternative therapies to address various conditions affecting horses. Common treatments include the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and vaccines, as well as physical therapies and nutritional management. Research in this area focuses on evaluating the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of different treatment modalities. This page collects peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methods, advancements, and clinical outcomes associated with equine treatment practices.
Elane GL, Blikslager AT, Mair TS.The COVID-19 pandemic represented a significant source of anxiety and stress for equine veterinarians and clients, with the potential for measurable effects on caseload and owner economics. Unassigned: To compare the number of horses presenting for emergency colic evaluation and treatment, as well as costs at two equine referral hospitals. Unassigned: Retrospective cohort. Unassigned: Medical records of horses admitted to North Carolina State University (NCSU) and Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic (BEVC) were compared. Total equine accessions, number of horses referred for colic, and patient age w...
Malalana F.Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancerous cells through the use of cytotoxic drugs. Whilst the use of systemic (intravenous) chemotherapy in equine practice is generally limited to the management of lymphoma, cytotoxic drugs are commonly used in the treatment of accessible skin tumors, either by topical application in the form of ointments or injected intralesionally. These drugs should be employed with caution due to the risk of serious adverse effects. In addition, extreme caution should be followed when preparing, handling, administering, and disposing them, due to their carcinogenic, muta...
Molento MB, Dall'Anese J, Pontarolo DV, Brandão YO, Yoshitani UY.Cyathostomins are the largest group of parasites in horses that can be controlled by ivermectin (IVM). This study aimed to run a four-dose titration trial of IVM in 28 naturally infected Thoroughbred yearlings. The local Strongyle population had been recorded to be resistant to IVM (200 µg/kg). The parasite fecal egg count (FEC) was performed to investigate the egg reappearance period (ERP) of two and five weeks (w2pt and w5pt) after IVM treatment. FEC was > 1000 on day zero for all groups. Although 100% FEC reduction was reported at w2pt for all concentrations, the FEC at w5pt revealed < 83%...
Onzere CK, Hassan A, Sears K, Kappmeyer LS, Villarino NF, Fry LM, Bastos RG.Theileria haneyi is one of the three known causative agents of equine piroplasmosis. While imidocarb is generally effective in the clearance of the highly pathogenic Theileria equi, it is ineffective in the treatment of T. haneyi. Moreover, co-infection with T. haneyi has been shown to impede the successful treatment of T. equi. Furthermore, tulathromycin and diclazuril have demonstrated inefficacy in eradicating T. haneyi. The absence of an effective therapeutic agent against this parasite represents a significant obstacle in managing equine piroplasmosis. Methods: To address this issue, we e...
Barton JC, Eisenberg AL.Horse bites are common non-fatal injuries in the United States. Infections of horse bite wounds in humans are usually due to bacteria that correspond to the oropharyngeal bacterial flora of horses. We report the novel case of a 25-year-old woman who sustained a horse bite wound that was infected with , a Gram-negative, non-pigmented anaerobe. We discuss the epidemiology, bacteriology, and clinical management of horse bites.
Hobbs KJ, Le Sueur ANV, Hallowell K, Martin E, Sheats MK, Ueda Y.An 8-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding was treated with extracorporeal hemoperfusion (HP) therapy for treatment of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) colitis-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The gelding developed C. difficile associated peracute colitis and severe SIRS as evidenced by a positive fecal C. difficile PCR and tachypnea, tachycardia, fever, neutropenia, altered mucous membrane color, and hyperlactatemia. Concurrent acute kidney injury in the horse limited the use of routine anti-inflammatory and anti-lipopolysaccharide treatments, including flunixi...
Michanek P, Bröjer J, Lilliehöök I, Fjordbakk CT, Löwgren M, Hedeland M, Bergquist J, Ekstrand C.Canagliflozin (CFZ) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor that has shown promising results as a drug for the treatment of insulin dysregulation in horses. Even though CFZ is used clinically, no pharmacokinetic data has previously been published. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of CFZ after administration of a single oral dose of 1.8 mg/kg in eight healthy Icelandic horses was examined. Additionally, the effect of treatment on glucose and insulin levels in response to a graded glucose infusion was investigated. Plasma samples for CFZ quantification were taken at 0, 0.33, 0.66, 1, ...
Bernardini C, Romagnoli N, Casalini I, Turba ME, Spadari A, Forni M, Gentilini F.Platelet lysate, derived from platelets, are valuable biological products rich in bioactive molecules. Their use promotes tissue healing and modulates inflammation. However, maintaining the stability and bioactivity of platelet lysate is challenging since they degrade rapidly at room temperature. This study focused on the possibility to confer enhanced stability to freeze-dried equine platelet lysate as an alternative to platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Platelet lysate (PL) was derived from PRP and freeze-dried either as such or using various adjuvants. Primary cell cultures of porcine Vascular Wal...
Charnock LN, McMullen RJ.To describe a combined treatment approach for heterochromic iridocyclitis and secondary keratitis (HIK) in horses. Methods: A total of 15 horses (16 eyes). Methods: Sixteen eyes from 15 horses (mean age 14.1 years, range 6-26 years) received low-dose (4 mg) intravitreal preservative-free gentamicin injection (IVGI) and modified Gundersen grafts with standing sedation and local anesthesia following a clinical diagnosis of HIK. Additional therapies of suprachoroidal triamcinolone (8 mg) injection, episcleral bromfenac implants, and suprachoroidal cyclosporine implants were performed in i...
Bell J, Raidal S, Peters A, Hughes KJ.Management of diarrhoea in horses is usually non-specific and supportive. Faecal microbiota transplantations (FMT) are used to manage dysbiosis in horses with diarrhoea. There are few studies investigating the effects of storage on prepared FMT solutions. This study was an in vitro non-randomised controlled experiment that investigated the effects of FMT solution preparation and storage on the faecal microbiota. Fresh faeces were collected from five healthy adult horses and used for DNA extraction and preparation of FMT. From each FMT, seven aliquots were collected and DNA was extracted immedi...
Herbst AC, Coleman MC, Macon EL, Harris PA, Adams AA.Information on health care and health status of U.S. senior horses (≥15 years of age) is currently sparse. Objective: (A) Provide an overview of owner-reported (1) medical conditions, (2) management/treatment practices for equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), (3) frequencies of routine health care practices and (4) supplement and pharmaceutical use in U.S. senior horses (≥15 years of age). (B) Evaluate potential risk factors for certain medical conditions and for low routine health care. Methods: Online survey. Methods: Descriptive and inferential...
Page AE, Johnson M, Parker JL, Jacob O, Poston R, Adams AA, Adam EN.Intra-articular corticosteroids are a popular treatment choice for joint-associated pain and inflammation in horses despite recent work on the metabolic effects of these drugs. The goal of this project was to compare metabolic effects between intra-articular (IA) triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and an autologous protein solution (APS). Five mixed-breed geldings (4-9 years) were utilized for this project. Three identical and consecutive 28-day treatment blocks were used, with metacarpophalangeal IA treatments consisting of equal volumes of saline, a commercially available APS, or 9 mg of TA. Regul...
Delvescovo B, McOnie R, Pearson G, Pugliese B, Hackett ES.Persistent hemorrhage of testicular vessels is a potentially life-threatening complication of equine castration. Frequently, general anesthesia is required to retrieve and ligate the bleeding vasculature when standing wound packing and retrieval of the spermatic cord are unsuccessful. We propose standing laparoscopic ligation of the testicular arteries via the paralumbar fossa as a rapid, effective means of halting hemorrhage while avoiding castration site trauma as well as the cardiovascular and recovery risks of general anesthesia. Methods: Two geldings, 6 and 9 months old, presented for eme...
Provan M, Ahmed Z, Stevens AR, Sardeli AV.Equine-assisted services (EAS) involves the use of horses within therapy, learning or horsemanship sessions and has been used with military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study systematically reviewed existing research on the use of EAS in the treatment of PTSD in military veterans and evaluated its effectiveness. A systematic review was performed, in May 2023, with searches and data extraction carried out from three separate databases (PubMed, JSTOR and Science Direct) related to testing the effect of EAS on PTSD outcomes in veterans. A risk of bias assess...
Vernemmen I, Buschmann E, Van Steenkiste G, Demeyere M, Verhaeghe LM, De Somer F, Devreese KMJ, Schauvliege S, Decloedt A, van Loon G.Cardiac catheterizations in horses are mainly performed in the right heart, as access to the left heart traditionally requires an arterial approach. Transseptal puncture (TSP) has been adapted for horses but data on follow-up and closure of the iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) are lacking. Objective: To perform TSP and assess postoperative complications and iASD closure over a minimum of 4 weeks. Methods: Eleven healthy adult horses. Methods: Transseptal puncture was performed under general anesthesia. Serum cardiac troponin I concentrations were measured before and after puncture. Wee...
Wong YS, Mançanares AC, Navarrete F, Poblete P, Mendez-Pérez L, Cabezas J, Riadi G, Rodríguez-Alvarez L, Castro FO.Mare endometrosis is a major reproductive problem associated with low fertility and is characterized by persistent inflammation, TGFβ-1 signaling, and consequently, extracellular matrix deposition, which compromises endometrial glands. Mesenchymal stem cell-based products (MSCs), such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), have gained attention due to the regulatory effects exerted by their miRNA cargo. Here, we evaluated the impact of preconditioning equine adipose mesenchymal stem cells with TGFβ-1 for short or long periods on the anti-fibrotic properties of secreted extracellular vesicles. MSCs...
Steiner MN, Boone LH, Hayden L, Schumacher J, Arnold CE.To describe the indications for and surgical technique of mastectomy of mares and to describe the outcome of 10 mares that underwent mastectomy in a retrospective case series. Methods: 10 mares having disease of one or both mammary glands. Methods: Medical records (1995 to 2022) from 2 university teaching hospitals were searched to identify mares that had undergone unilateral or bilateral mastectomy. Data regarding history, signalment, diagnostic tests, preoperative treatment, surgical procedure, and postoperative management were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by interviewing the...
Conduit S, Bowen M, Hallowell G, Pereira R, Rapezzano G, Redpath A.Equine primary iris cysts are usually incidental findings but, if associated with clinical signs, may require intervention. The use of laser (Nd:Yag or diode) has been reported but requires specialised equipment. Transcorneal aspiration has not been previously evaluated in the standing horse. To review outcomes of standing transcorneal aspiration of primary iris cysts (STAPIC) in horses. Horses were identified from electronic patient records from 2018 to 2024 across four collaborating centres. Clinical presentation and outcomes were identified and reported using descriptive statistics. Eightee...
Usimaki A, Ciamillo SA, Barot D, Linardi RL, Engiles JB, Ortved KF.Autologous protein solution (APS) has been shown to decrease lameness in horses with osteoarthritis (OA). Synovitis is an early driver of OA, providing an opportunity to intervene in the progression of disease via intra-articular (IA) therapeutics. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a single IA APS injection in horses with interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced synovitis. We hypothesised that APS would decrease joint swelling and lameness, improve synovial fluid parameters and improve joint pathology scores in horses compared with untreated controls. Methods: Ra...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil obtained from the fruit of L. (celery seed oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Panel concluded that the use of celery seed oil is of no concern up to the following concentrations in complete feed: 1.6 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 2.3 mg/kg for laying hens, 2.1 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 2.8 mg/kg for p...
Gould J, Wells M, de Linde Henriksen M, Gilger BC.To determine the causes, time to resolution, effect of therapeutics, and ocular sequelae of hyphema, fibrin, and/or vitreal hemorrhage in horses. Methods: 225 horses (219 eyes) who were diagnosed with hyphema, fibrin, and/or vitreal hemorrhage. Methods: Records were retrospectively reviewed for the horses. Signalment, ophthalmic examination findings, causes, treatments, and outcomes were evaluated. Results: Common causes of intraocular fibrin or hemorrhage were equine recurrent uveitis (42/219 horses), corneal stromal abscess (32/219 horses), corneal stromal ulcer (25/219 horses), and trauma (...
Lanci A, Iacono E, Merlo B.Recently, the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been extensively studied in both human and veterinary medicine. EVs are nano-sized particles containing biological components commonly found in other biological materials. For that reason, EV isolation and characterization are critical to draw precise conclusions during their investigation. Research on EVs within veterinary medicine is still considered in its early phases, yet numerous papers were published in recent years. The conventional adult tissues for deriving MSCs include ...
Martin F, Halvarsson P, Alm YH, Tydén E.Anthelmintic resistance is an increasing problem in many gastrointestinal parasites of grazing animals. Among these, the equine roundworm, Parascaris spp., has developed wide-spread resistance to macrocyclic lactones over the past decades. Additionally, there are recent observations of emerging treatment failure of both tetrahydropyrimidine and fenbendazole. Therefore, the aims of this study were to further investigate the occurrence of fenbendazole resistance on breeding farms and to explore potential management-related risk factors associated with resistance in Parascaris spp. in Sweden. Ele...
Allen K, King M, Anderson L, Mullan S.The ethics of equine sports medicine is a complex subject that is currently understudied. It combines veterinary ethics, sports ethics and associated regulation. Equine sports medicine may raise unique ethical issues and combines common ethical issues in ways distinct from other forms of veterinary medicine. Objective: The purpose of this research was to identify and describe ethical issues concerning United Kingdom (UK) veterinary surgeons arising within the practice of equine sports medicine. Methods: Survey. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to UK veterinary surgeons via vete...
Egenvall A, Höglund OV, Hoffman R, Valle PS, Andersen PH, Lönnell C, Byström A, Bonnett BN.In recent years, prices for veterinary care have received considerable attention in mainstream media, yet scientific literature has not delved into actual figures. This study aims to elucidate veterinary care costs for dogs, cats, and horses across five countries [Sweden (SE), Norway (NO), Denmark (DK), United Kingdom (UK), and Ireland (IR, with limited data)] through web searches. Unassigned: Utilising online business directories, we located URLs featuring veterinary care prices in autumn 2022, and repeated tri-monthly five times. Vetpris.se (VP), a price comparison site for SE, NO, and DK, e...
Hallowell KL, Hepworth-Warren KL, Dembek K.Available descriptive studies on equine pneumonia are outdated or focus on specific horse or bacterial populations. Objective: To describe the clinical presentation and bacterial isolates of adult horses with bacterial pneumonia and identify factors associated with death. Methods: One hundred sixteen horses >2 years old with bacterial pneumonia. Methods: Retrospective case series. Data regarding history, physical examination, clinicopathologic features, treatment, bacterial culture and sensitivity, and outcome were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: Historical risk factors w...
Mańkowska A, Witkowska D.Equine asthma is a popular subject of research. Many factors influencing the methods used to improve the welfare of asthmatic horses remain unclear. This study reviews scientific articles published after 2000 to collect the most important information on the terminology, symptoms, and potential environmental factors influencing the development and course of equine asthma. Our work highlights the impact of environmental factors on the severity of equine asthma and why these factors should be controlled to improve treatment outcomes. The present article provides horse owners and veterinarians wit...
Bernick A, Demattio LS, Wehrend A.Uroperitoneum is a typical disease of the newborn foal, which occurs rarely but regularly. Ultrasonography is considered the most important imaging method for diagnosing this disease. Thus far, only one older case series comprising 31 foals suffering from uroperitoneum has systematically listed results of ultrasound examinations. Objective: This paper presents the findings of an ultrasonographic examination of 34 foals with uroperitoneum in order to inform future interpretation of ultrasonographic data in suspected uroperitoneum cases. Methods: Ultrasonographic data of 34 neonatal foals up to ...
Rose PL, Seeherman H, O'Callaghan M.Comminuted fractures of the middle phalanx have been well described in the horse. Choice of treatment, surgical planning and prognosis have traditionally been based upon evaluation of radiographs. However, the complex nature of comminuted fractures makes radiographic interpretation difficult. Computed tomography (CT) allows the production of cross-sectional images with spatial separation of structures which are superimposed on survey radiographs. This allows accurate assessment of the number and direction of fracture lines within the bone. In this paper we report the use of CT in the evaluatio...
McConaghy FF, Davis RE, Reppas GP, Rawlinson R J, McClintock SA, Hutchins DR, Hodgson DR.Treatment options for equine sarcoids are briefly reviewed and the results of a retrospective study of 63 cases of equine sarcoid (66 lesions) treated by clinicians from the Rural Veterinary Centre, Camden, Australia from 1975 to 1993 presented. Five different treatments were employed in the management of these 66 lesions, including surgical excision alone or in combination with cryotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and tumour transfer to a subcutaneous site on the neck. The majority of cases were treated with surgical excision alone (18/66), excision followed by cryotherapy (31/66) and imm...
Levine DG, Aitken MR.Physeal fractures are common musculoskeletal injuries in foals and should be included as a differential diagnosis for the lame or nonweightbearing foal. Careful evaluation of the patient, including precise radiographic assessment, is paramount in determining the options for treatment. Prognosis mostly depends on the patient's age, weight, and fracture location and configuration.
Wijnberg ID, Hardeman LC, van der Meij BR, Veraa S, Back W, van der Kolk JH.Therapeutic reduction of the activity of the deep digital flexor (DDF) muscle may play a role in treatment of laminitic horses. Clostridium botulinum toxin type A induces reduced muscle activity and has a spasmolytic effect in horses. In this study, the effectiveness of 200 IU C. botulinum toxin type A on reduction of DDF muscle activity was measured in seven healthy, sound, adult Royal Dutch sport horses. C. botulinum toxin type A was injected using ultrasound and electromyographic (EMG) guidance. The effectiveness was assessed by interference pattern analysis (IPA) and motor unit action pote...
Southwood LL, Stashak TS, Kainer RA, Wrigley RH.To describe a tenoscopic approach to the carpal sheath for desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon. Methods: The surgical procedure was developed with use of normal forelimbs from equine cadavers and experimental horses. Methods: Twelve equine cadaveric forelimbs, 4 forelimbs from 2 horses anesthetized for terminal surgical laboratories, and 10 forelimbs from five experimental horses were used. Methods: The limbs were positioned lateral side up with the carpus slightly flexed. After distention of the carpal sheath, a portal was made approximately 2 cm proxi...
Boy MG, Sweeney CR.To characterize pneumothorax in horses and to describe clinical signs, diagnostic testing, and clinical outcome of horses with pneumothorax. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 40 horses. Methods: Medical records of horses with pneumothorax were reviewed to obtain information on signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic testing, treatment, and clinical outcome. Results: Horses developed pneumothorax secondary to pleuropneumonia (17 horses), open wounds of the thorax (9), closed trauma to the thorax (7), surgery on the upper portion of the respiratory tract (3), and surgery involving t...
Banse HE, Whitehead AE, McFarlane D, Chelikani PK.Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a common endocrine disorder of aged horses, with muscle atrophy as one of the clinical signs. We sought to compare muscle mass and regulation of skeletal muscle proteolysis between horses with PPID and muscle atrophy to older horses without PPID, and to assess the impact of treatment with pergolide (dopaminergic agonist) on PPID horses. We hypothesized that PPID-associated muscle atrophy is a result of increased proteolysis, and that markers of muscle atrophy and proteolysis would improve over time with pergolide treatment. Markers of muscle atro...
Di Francesco P, Cajon P, Desterke C, Perron Lepage MF, Lataillade JJ, Kadri T, Lepage OM.To assess the clinical value and safety of the application of allogeneic equine oral mucosa mesenchymal stromal cells (OM-MSCs) to wounds. Animals. 8 healthy adult horses without front limb skin lesions or musculoskeletal disease. Procedures. Stem cells were isolated from the oral mucosa of a donor horse. Horses were subjected to the creation of eight full-thickness cutaneous wounds, two on each distal forelimb (FL) and two on both sides of the thorax (TH). Each wound was subjected to one out of four treatments: no medication (T1), hyaluronic acid- (HA-) gel containing OM-MSC (T2), HA-gel cont...
Higler MH, Brommer H, L'Ami JJ, de Grauw JC, Nielen M, van Weeren PR, Laverty S, Barneveld A, Back W.Multiple in vitro studies assessing articular tissues have indicated that glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate may possess anti-inflammatory effects, but little is known of their clinical effects in vivo. Many old horses have stiff joints, which is likely to be attributable to inflammation and therapy with these nutraceutical compounds could improve joint function. Objective: To assess the clinical effects of a mixed supplement on the improvement of stiff gait in aged horses. Methods: Randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled study. Methods: A group of 24 geriatric equids (age 29 ± 4 years; mea...
Gerber V, Kaiser-Thom S, Oesch S.Equine pastern dermatitis (EPD) is a nonspecific cutaneous reaction pattern on the distal extremities, typically in the palmar/plantar area of the pastern. Although EPD is commonly seen in equine practice and can be a debilitating condition, peer-reviewed original studies on many aspects of this multifactorial syndrome are still scarce. This narrative review aims to give an overview of the clinical presentation (forms of EPD and clinical scores and differential diagnoses), risk factors, and therapeutic approaches. The emphasis is on intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors as most of the original ...
Dunkle NJ, Bottoms GD, Fessler JF, Knox K, Roesel OF.A study was conducted to determine whether body fluids undergo a net shift from one compartment to another during endotoxin-induced shock in the pony, and whether flunixin meglumine alters these endotoxin-induced changes in the volumes of body fluid compartments. Total blood, RBC, and plasma volumes were determined, using 51Cr-labeled RBC and PCV that were corrected for trapped plasma. Total body water was measured by distribution of 3HOH. Arterial blood pressure was measured directly, using a blood pressure transducer. Treatment (flunixin meglumine, 1.1 mg/kg of body weight) was given to 6 of...
Zubrod CJ, Schneider RK, Tucker RL.Four horses were examined because of chronic forelimb lameness. In all horses, the cause of the lameness was localized to the metacarpus by means of physical examination and diagnostic anesthesia, and radiography of the affected limb revealed a small exostosis of the second metacarpal bone. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed suspensory desmitis in the region of this exostosis in all 4 horses. In addition, an abnormal area of low signal intensity, suggestive of an adhesion, was seen between the exostosis and the suspensory ligament. In all horses, an adhesion between the suspensory ligament an...
Bertone AL, Goin S, Kamei SJ, Mattoon JS, Litsky AS, Weisbrode SE, Clarke RB, Plouhar PL, Kaeding CC.Xenogeneic porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is a natural, biodegradable matrix that has been successfully used as a scaffold for repair of tissue defects. The goal of this study was to compare a collateral ligament transection surgically reconstructed with an anchored SIS ligament to a sham-operated control procedure for the correction of joint laxity using an equine model. Ten metacarpophalangeal joints from 10 horses had complete transection of the lateral collateral ligament. In 6 horses, the collateral ligament was reconstructed with a multilaminate strip of SIS anchored with screw...
Fielding CL, Dechant JE.Colic is a common reason for elimination from equine endurance competitions and has recently been identified as the leading cause of mortality in this group of horses. Hydration and electrolyte derangements are often severe, but are probably related to endurance exercise and not necessarily the episode of colic. Better understanding of the causes of colic and the expected outcome is needed to guide treatment decisions in endurance horses. Objective: To describe the history, case details, clinical examination, laboratory, treatment and outcomes for horses presenting to equine referral centres f...
Kilcoyne I, Dechant JE, Kass PH, Nieto JE.OBJECTIVE To assess incidence of incisional infection in horses following management with 1 of 3 protective dressings after exploratory celiotomy for treatment of acute signs of abdominal pain (ie, colic) and determine the risk of complications associated with each wound management approach. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, controlled study. ANIMALS 85 horses. PROCEDURES Horses were assigned to 3 groups. After standardized abdominal closure, a sterile cotton towel (group 1) or polyhexamethylene biguanide-impregnated dressing (group 2) was secured over the incision site with 4 or 5 cruciate sutu...
Weller R, Cauvin ER, Bowen IM, May SA.Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disease in the horse presents a challenge to the equine veterinarian. This case report illustrates a combined imaging approach using radiography, scintigraphy and ultrasonography in a horse with severe arthropathy of the left temporomandibular joint. Radiographs were inconclusive. Scintigraphy with Tc99m methylenediphosphonate localised, but failed to characterise the disease process; ultrasonography was the only imaging method which both localised and characterised the lesion. Ultrasonography proved to be a relatively cheap, technically easy to perform and...
Aristizabal FA, Nieto JE, Guedes AG, Dechant JE, Yamout S, Morales B, Snyder J.Regional limb perfusion (RLP) in horses has proven to be a simple and effective technique for the treatment of synovial and musculoskeletal infections in the distal portion of the limbs. The ideal tourniquet time needed to achieve therapeutic synovial concentrations remains unknown. The pharmacokinetic effects of general anesthesia (GA) versus standing sedation (SS) RLP on synovial amikacin concentrations are not completely understood. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic effects of RLP under general anesthesia (GA) versus standing sedation (SS) on synovial amikacin concentration follow...
Jinks MR, Fontenot RL, Wills RW, Betbeze CM.To compare the efficacy and duration of effect of three local anesthetics on corneal sensitivity when administered subconjunctivally in horses. Methods: Eight healthy adult horses. Methods: A randomized, masked, crossover study design was used, with a two-week washout period between trials. The subconjunctival space of the randomly selected eye was injected with 0.2 mLs of bupivacaine (0.5%), lidocaine (2%), mepivacaine (2%), or saline. All horses received each medication once. The contralateral eye served as a control. The corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured in both eyes with a Cochet-...
Söbbeler FJ, Kästner SB.To evaluate the transdermal local anaesthetic effect of lidocaine or lidocaine combined with prilocaine or tetracaine in horses. Methods: Experimental, randomized study. Methods: A total of five healthy adult warmblood horses. Methods: Horses were clipped bilaterally at the withers, cranial saddle area and caudal saddle area. Baseline measurements for mechanical superficial sensation via von Frey filaments and nociceptive thermal thresholds were performed. A 5% lidocaine patch (12 hour exposure, treatment L), a lidocaine/prilocaine cream (each 2.5%, treatment LP) and a lidocaine/tetracaine cre...
Russell TM, Kearney C, Pollock PJ.To report a technique for surgical treatment of septic jugular thrombophlebitis unresponsive to medical treatment. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n=9) with septic jugular thrombophlebitis unresponsive to medical treatment. Methods: Jugular vein thrombectomy was performed under standing sedation and local anesthesia. The contents of the affected portion of vein were removed by multiple incisions in the vein, with the incisions left open to drain and heal by second intention. Results: The technique was curative in all instances, although 2 horses required a 2nd procedure. One horse requi...
Bras JJ, Lillich JD, Beard WL, Anderson DE, Armbrust LJ, Frink E, Lease K.To (1) compare the effect of a collateral ligament sparing surgical approach with an open surgical approach on mechanical properties of proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis, and (2) to determine the percentage of articular cartilage surface removed by transarticular (TA) drilling with different diameter drill bits. Methods: Randomized paired limb design. Methods: Cadaveric equine limbs (n=76). Methods: Cadaveric PIPJ were drilled using a 3.5, 4.5, or 5.5 mm drill bit at 80-84° to the dorsal plane to remove articular cartilage and subchondral bone from the distal articular surface...
Skarda RT, Muir WW.To examine effects of 0.25 mg of xylazine/kg of body weight diluted to a total volume of 6 ml/450 kg with sterile 0.9% NaCl, administered into the epidural space of the sacrococcygeal joint on perineal analgesia, sedation, ataxia, and respiratory and cardiovascular function in standing mares. Methods: Randomized, blinded study, using xylazine (treatment) and 0.9% NaCl (controls). At least 2 weeks elapsed between the treatments. Methods: Eight healthy mares. Methods: Blood samples were drawn. Systemic hemodynamics were determined, including cardiac output and pulmonary arterial, systemic arteri...
Schauvliege S, Savvas I, Gasthuys F.To investigate the influence of two inspired oxygen fractions (FiO(2)) on the arterial oxygenation in horses anaesthetized with isoflurane. Methods: Retrospective, case-control clinical study. Methods: Two hundred equine patients undergoing non-abdominal surgery (ASA class 1-2), using a standardized anaesthetic protocol and selected from anaesthetic records of a period of three years, based on pre-defined inclusion criteria. Methods: In group O (n = 100), medical oxygen acted as carrier gas, while in group M (n = 100), a medical mixture of oxygen and air (FiO(2) 0.60) was used. Demographic dat...
Sommardahl CS, Frank N, Elliott SB, Webb LL, Refsal KR, Denhart JW, Thompson DL.To determine the effects of levothyroxine sodium (L-T4) on serum concentrations of thyroid gland hormones and responses to injections of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in euthyroid horses. Methods: 12 healthy adult mares. Methods: 8 horses received an incrementally increasing dosage of L-T4 (24, 48, 72, or 96 mg of L-T4/d) for weeks 1 to 8. Each dose was provided for 2 weeks. Four additional horses remained untreated. Serum concentrations of total triiodothyronine (tT3), total thyroxine (tT4), free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured in samples obt...
Fielding CL, Magdesian KG, Carlson GP, Ruby RE, Rhodes DM.Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) has been used to evaluate extracellular fluid volume (ECFV), but not fluid fluxes associated with fluid or furosemide administration in horses. If able to detect acute changes in ECFV, MF-BIA would be useful in monitoring fluid therapy in horses. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of MF-BIA to detect acute fluid compartment changes in horses. We hypothesized that MF-BIA would detect clinically relevant (10-20%) changes in ECFV. Methods: Six healthy mares were used in the study. Methods: This is an original ...
Tudor RA, Papich MG, Redding WR.To evaluate pharmacokinetics of once daily i.v. administration of gentamicin sulfate to adult horses that had abdominal surgery. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: 28 adult horses that underwent abdominal surgery for colic. Methods: 14 horses were treated with each dosage of gentamicin (i.e., 6.6 or 4 mg/kg, i.v., q 24 h) and blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analysis. Plasma gentamicin concentrations were measured by use of a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Pharmacokinetic analysis measured the elimination half-life, volume of distribution, and gentamicin total systemi...
Gores-Lindholm AR, LeBlanc MM, Causey R, Hitchborn A, Fayrer-Hosken RA, Kruger M, Vandenplas ML, Flores P, Ahlschwede S.Persistent endometritis in the mare is associated with hypersecretion of mucus by endometrial epithelium and migration of neutrophils into the uterine lumen. This study examines the relationships between N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a mucolytic agent with anti-inflammatory properties, and endometrial architecture, serum neutrophil function, post-breeding therapy, and reproductive performance of NAC-treated mares in a clinical setting. In study 1, endometrial biopsies from mares receiving intrauterine saline (fertile-control, n = 6) or 3.3% NAC (fertile-treatment, n = 6; barren-treatment, n = 10) we...
McMullen RJ, Davidson MG, Campbell NB, Salmon JH, Gilger BC.To determine appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) implant strength to approximate emmetropia in horses. Methods: 16 enucleated globes and 4 adult horses. Methods: Lens diameter of 10 enucleated globes was measured. Results were used to determine the appropriate-sized IOL implant for insertion in 6 enucleated globes and 4 eyes of adult horses. Streak retinoscopy and ocular ultrasonography were performed before and after insertion of 30-diopter (D) IOL implants (enucleated globes) and insertion of 25-D IOL implants (adult horses). Results: In enucleated globes, mean +/- SD lens diameter was 20.14 ...
Adler DMT, Serteyn D, Franck T, Jørgensen E, Christophersen MT, Denwood M, Verwilghen DR.To compare the extent of inflammation and catabolic collagen response in the middle carpal joints (MCJs) of healthy horses following intra-articular injection of 2% lidocaine, 2% mepivacaine, lactated Ringer solution (LRS), or 0.1% methyl parahydroxybenzoate. 17 adult horses. In the first of 2 experiments, the left middle carpal joint (MCJ) of each of 12 horses was injected with 10 mL of 2% lidocaine (n = 3), 2% mepivacaine (3), or LRS (control; 6). After a 4-week washout period, the right MCJ of the horses that received lidocaine or mepivacaine was injected with 10 mL of LRS, and the right MC...
Acutt EV, Contino EK, Frisbie DD, Barrett MF.Correct diagnosis and characterisation of deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) lesions in equine athletes allows targeted treatment and improved prognostication. Objective: To assess the prevalence and character of pathological change within the DDFT in the pastern with concurrent tendon injury distally. It is hypothesised that tendon lesions in the pastern will be associated with tendinopathy within the hoof capsule. Methods: Retrospective descriptive case series. Methods: Cases with DDFT lesions in the pastern and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasonography of the foot were evaluated re...
