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.
Schramme M, Kerekes Z, Hunter S, Labens R.Tendon injuries are common in athletic humans and horses. Ultrasonography is the diagnostic method of choice in horses with tendon injuries but there is increasing application of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to monitor and follow-up tendon healing. A core lesion was created in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of each forelimb of four horses. One of the four horses was euthanized at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after creation of the lesion. MR examinations of the SDFT were performed immediately post mortem in a 1.5 T Siemens Symphony magnet and compared with histologic findings. Measure...
Saulez MN, Voigt A, Steyl JC, van Wilpe E, Kotzen J, Daniels F.A 10-year-old Hanoverian mare was evaluated for a right buccal swelling that recurred 3 months following surgical resection. Ultrasonographic examination showed a broadly pedunculated subcutaneous mass at the level of 106-109 and 406-409 cheek teeth associated with an erosive mucosal lesion on the inside of the cheek. Histological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed a well-demarcated, malignant, dermal schwannoma. Following subcutaneous placement of platinum coated Ir192 wires under general anaesthesia, low-dose radiation of 5 gray per day was delivered for 14 days. Short-term complicati...
Georg R, Maria C, Gisela A, Bianca C.This case report describes the intralesional application of autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) in seven horses as treatment of severe tendinitis of the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, or desmitis of the inferior check ligament. Follow-up data of the horses revealed a positive outcome in 10 to 13 months post injury. All horses treated with ACP were either performing in their previous work-load or were back in full training. Further studies with long-term follow-up will have to be performed to support these clinical intermediate-term observations.
Haupt JL, Caron JP.To compare the proportion of the proximal recess of the navicular bursa that could be examined through a single endoscopic portal and the severity of iatrogenic lesions between conventional and modified approaches. Methods: Descriptive study. Methods: Equine cadaver forelimbs (n=16). Methods: Arthroscopic access to the navicular bursa in 1 limb of each pair was by a conventional approach and in the other limb, by a modified approach using sharp dissection through the distal digital flexor sheath, immediately palmar to the T ligament. The time required to access the bursa and the estimated prop...
Alkabes KC, Hawkins JF, Miller MA, Nauman E, Widmer W, Dunco D, Kras J, Couetil L, Lescun T, Gautam R.To determine the effects of diode laser palatoplasty on the soft palate in horses. Methods: 6 clinically normal horses and 6 euthanized horses from another study. Methods: 6 horses underwent diode laser palatoplasty (treated horses); 3 received low-dose laser treatment (1,209 to 1,224 J), and 3 received high-dose treatment (2,302 to 2,420 J). Six other horses received no treatment (control horses). The upper respiratory tracts of all treated horses were evaluated immediately following surgery (day 0) and on days 2, 7, 14, 21, 30, and 45. Horses were euthanized on day 45, and magnetic resonance...
Clode AB, Davis JL, Salmon J, LaFevers H, Gilger BC.To determine the degree of ocular penetration and systemic absorption of commercially available topical ophthalmic solutions of 0.3% ciprofloxacin and 0.5% moxifloxacin following repeated topical ocular administration in ophthalmologically normal horses. Methods: 7 healthy adult horses with clinically normal eyes as evaluated prior to each treatment. Methods: 6 horses were used for assessment of each antimicrobial, and 1 eye of each horse was treated with topically administered 0.3% ciprofloxacin or 0.5% moxifloxacin (n = 6 eyes/drug) every 4 hours for 7 doses. Anterior chamber paracentesis wa...
Ahern BJ, Parente EJ.Mechanical evaluation of the equine laryngoplasty. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Cadaveric cricoid (n=36) and arytenoid (46) cartilages. Methods: Arytenoid and cricoid cartilage specimens were embedded for testing. Suture material (2 Ethilon, 5 Ethibond, or 5 Fiberwire) was inserted simulating laryngoplasty procedures. Constructs were evaluated in single or cyclic loading. Single cycle tests recorded load at failure and stiffness. Cyclical tests recorded displacement after 10,000 cycles. ANOVA and t-tests were used (significance P<.05). Results: The arytenoid Ethibond (241.10+/-47.67 N) cons...
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...
Sánchez J, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Ginja MM, Oliveira PA, Reyes LE, Serantes AE, Orden MA.An Andalusian Stallion with left hind limb lameness had a radiolucent lesion in the medullary cavity of distal tibial metaphysis. After euthanasia for other disease, the tibia was examined with magnetic resonance (MR). The MR imaging sequences were characterized by a double line sign, although showing quite different lesion area intensities. Histologically, the lesion was compatible with medullary infarction being characterized by normal spongy bone, areas of abundant fibrous tissue and numerous necrotic adipocytes in various stages of destruction.
Jann HW, Breshears MA, Allison RW, Pechman RD, Day J, Hart JC, Moorman VJ.Intestinal adenocarcinomas are rare but have been described in the literature. The present case is unusual in both its clinical presentation and in the distribution of metastatic lesions. The sequestrum formation and pathological fracture present are most commonly associated with osteomyelitis in horses and the details of the case highlight the need for differential diagnosis in these particular circumstances and of which clinicians should be aware.
van Eps AW.Acute laminitis is a serious complication of many primary conditions in the horse. This article summarizes the most appropriate approach to management of the horse with acute laminitis, based on current information.
Rucker A.In the chronic-laminitic foot, severe soft-tissue compression and compromised circulation can result in osteitis and sepsis at the margin of the distal phalanx. Resultant inflammation and sepsis may cause the coronary corium to swell, drain, or separate from the hoof capsule, usually within 8 weeks of laminitis onset. Slow-onset cases of soft-tissue impingement can develop secondary to distal phalanx displacement due to lack of wall attachment. With either presentation, partial upper wall resection is required to reverse compression and vascular impingement by the hoof capsule. If the patholog...
Janicek JC, Cook JL, Wilson DA, Ketzner KM.To adapt the multiple osteochondral autograft technique for treatment of a subchondral cystic lesion (SCL) of the proximal medial trochlear ridge (MTR) of the equine talus and assess long term outcome. Methods: Case report. Methods: Quarter horse stallion with SCL of the proximal MTR of the talus. Methods: Osteochondral autograft techniques used in dogs and humans were adapted and optimized in equine cadavers. A horse with a SCL of the MTR of the talus was treated by osteochondral autografting. Three osteochondral autografts were harvested from the distal lateral trochlear ridge of the talus i...
Bosch G, Moleman M, Barneveld A, van Weeren PR, van Schie HT.The repair process of tendon injuries, which are common in both human and equine athletes, is slow and the quality of the repair tissue is often inferior to the original tendon tissue, which frequently leads to re-injury. The relatively poor vascularization of tendons is considered to be one of the reasons for their limited healing potential. Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous concentrate of platelets, rich in growth factors, has been shown to enhance the repair process of injured tendons. This effect has been ascribed to the high levels of growth factors in PRP, several of wh...
Reinemeyer CR, Prado JC, Nichols EC, Marchiondo AA.The expanding prevalence of Parascaris equorum populations that are resistant to macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintics makes it desirable to identify dewormers which remain effective. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of pyrantel pamoate in 14 suckling foals that had been infected orally with approximately 600 larvated eggs of a P. equorum isolate selected for ML resistance (ML-R). Seventy days after inoculation, foals were weaned, housed individually, and fecal samples were examined frequently to detect the onset of patency. Between 73 and 80 days post-inoculation, all 14 foals deve...
Castro JR, Adair HS, Radecki SV, Kiefer VR, Elliot SB, Longhofer SL.To determine effects of domperidone and acepromazine maleate on microvascular blood flow in digital laminae of clinically normal adult horses. Methods: 8 clinically normal adult horses (4 mares and 4 geldings). Methods: In a 4-period crossover study, domperidone was administered PO at 1.1 mg/ kg and 5.5 mg/kg and IV at 0.2 mg/kg; acepromazine was administered IV at 0.04 mg/kg. The washout period between treatments was 1 week. A 3-minute measurement of laminar microvascular blood flow (LMBF) was obtained with laser Doppler flowmetry. Baseline measurements were obtained at -2, -1, and 0 hours pr...
Paterson S, Coumbe K.Chorioptic mange caused by Chorioptes bovis is a common pruritic skin condition of the horse. This surface-browsing parasite usually affects the lower legs (leg mange) but can present as a generalized skin disease. Numerous anecdotal reports exist in the literature about the benefit of lime sulphur as a treatment for surface ectoparasites in the horse. This report studies the use of lime sulphur when applied as a 5% solution, some with and some without prior shampooing and clipping, to treat confirmed cases of chorioptic mange in 22 horses. Horses included in the trial had clinical signs indic...
Sharma A, Thompson MS, Schnabel LV, Mete A, Hackett R.We describe the use of computed tomography (CT) in a 6-year-old mare with upper airway obstruction due to an abnormally thick nasal septum. Upon CT imaging, multifocal, expansile cyst-like lesions were detected in the nasal septum. The histopathologic diagnosis was chronic dissecting chondritis. Resection of the abnormal nasal septum resulted in resolution of the clinical signs.
de Laat MA, McGowan CM, Sillence MN, Pollitt CC.Hyperinsulinaemia is known to induce laminitis experimentally in healthy ponies with no history of the condition. Horses are more insulin sensitive than ponies and whether prolonged hyperinsulinaemia and euglycaemia would have a similar laminitogenic effect requires study. Objective: To determine if laminitis results when the prolonged euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique (p-EHC) is applied to clinically normal Standardbred horses, and to monitor hoof wall temperature seeking an association between vascular activity and laminitis development. Methods: Eight young, clinically normal St...
Ortved KF, Cheetham J, Mitchell LM, Ducharme NG.Caudal descent of the larynx has been proposed to be associated with intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) as it leads to a loss of the seal between the epiglottis and soft palate but further investigation of this theory is required. Objective: To evaluate laryngohyoid position of horses with persistent DDSP in comparison to horses with intermittent DDSP and evaluate the outcome of treatment. Objective: Horses with persistent DDSP have a different laryngohyoid position compared to those with intermittent DDSP. Horses with persistent DDSP can be returned successfully to rac...
Wotman KL, Utter ME.To assess the effect of treatment with a topical ophthalmic preparation of 1.2% nalbuphine solution on corneal sensitivity in clinically normal horses. Methods: 8 horses. Methods: Baseline corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured (defined as the mean filament length [mm] at which a consistent blink response was elicited) for both eyes of each horse by use of a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. Subsequently, 0.2 mL of 1.2% nalbuphine solution was instilled in 1 randomly selected eye of each horse, and 0.2 mL of artificial tears solution was instilled in the contralateral eye (control treatment). ...
Dakin SG, Dyson SJ, Murray RC, Newton R.There are currently few long-term follow-up data relating to recovery from injury of a collateral ligament (CL) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and limited information about the effect of associated osseous injury on prognosis. Objective: To describe long-term follow-up results for horses with CL injury, with and without associated osseous injury; and to determine the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT) or radial pressure wave therapy (RPWT) on outcome. Objective: Prognosis for return to performance for horses with CL-related osseous injury would be worse than for hor...
Rojer H, Aurich C.Recently, successful treatment of mares with a history of persistent mating-induced endometritis (PMIE) with dexamethasone has been reported. As systemic treatment of horses with glucocorticoids should be handled with caution, we tested the hypothesis that treatment with the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) vedaprofen, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2, may have comparative, positive effects on fertility. Barren mares with a history of repeated PMIE were treated with vedaprofen (n = 8; initially 2 mg/kg bodyweight followed by 1 mg/kg orally twice daily) from 1 day before the first ins...
Kon E, Muttini A, Arcangeli E, Delcogliano M, Filardo G, Nicoli Aldini N, Pressato D, Quarto R, Zaffagnini S, Marcacci M.The present in vivo preliminary experiment is aimed at testing mechanical and biological behaviour of a new nano-structured composite multilayer biomimetic scaffold for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral defects. The three-dimensional biomimetic scaffold (Fin-Ceramica Faenza S.p.A., Faenza-Italy) was obtained by nucleating collagen fibrils with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, in two configurations, bi- and tri-layered, to reproduce, respectively, chondral and osteochondral anatomy. Chondral defects (lateral condyle) and deep osteochondral defects (medial condyle) were made in the distal...
Theoret C.Horses are predisposed to traumatic wounds that can be labor intensive and expensive to manage. Skin has a considerable potential for efficient and functional repair however, while cutaneous repair is a regenerative process in the fetus, this capability declines in late gestation as inflammation and scarring alter the outcome of healing. The historical gold standard for replacement of lost skin is the autologous skin graft. However, the horse's lack of redundant donor skin limits the practicality of full-thickness grafting to smaller wounds; moreover, graft failure is relatively common in equi...
Nourian AR, Asplin KE, McGowan CM, Sillence MN, Pollitt CC.Anatomical changes in the hoof lamellar tissue induced by prolonged hyperinsulinaemia have not been described previously. Analysis of the induced lesions may promote understanding of hyperinsulinaemic laminitis pathogenesis and produce clinical benefit. Objective: To use light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to document hoof lamellar lesions in ponies clinically lame after prolonged hyperinsulinaemia. Methods: Nine clinically normal, mature ponies were allocated randomly to either a treatment group (n = 5) or control group (n = 4). The treatment group received insulin via a modified...
Roest HI, de Bruijn CM, Picavet MT, Prins B, Parmentier D, de Zwart GM, Dijkstra YE, van Zijderveld FG.Symptoms, diagnosis and therapy of equine botulism are discussed by the presentation of two detailed reports of horses with neurological symptoms and the results of laboratory investigations over the period 2003-2008 in the Netherlands. In addition a brief summary of the available literature is presented. Prevailing symptoms of botulism in horses include paralysis of the tongue, salvation, dysphagia and paresis and paralysis of the skeletal muscles, as well as signs of colic. Symptoms and prognosis vary with the amount of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) involved. For early clinical diagnosis of bo...
Selk Ghaffari M, Sabzevari A, Radmehr B.To observe the effect of topical 1% tropicamide on equine tear production as measured by Schirmer I tear test. Methods: Fourteen adult horses received one drop of 1% tropicamide ophthalmic solution in one eye and the opposite eye served as the control. The tear production in both eyes was tested at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h after 1% tropicamide administration. Results: Measurements made 1 h after treatment revealed a significant reduction in Schirmer tear test values in tropicamide treated eyes (P = 0.002). The observed decrease in tear production was maintained up to 4 h after treatment (P = 0.002...
Jalim SL, McKinnon AO, Russell TM.A Monteggia fracture is a humero-radial luxation combined with a fracture of the ulna. It is a rare injury, infrequently reported in the horse. This case report describes the surgical repair of such a fracture in a 4-month-old filly.
Kleiter M, Velde K, Hainisch E, Auer U, Reifinger M.A 13-month-old Standardbred Colt had a recurrent hemangioma at the level of the coronary band. Multiple excisions had led to a nonhealing skin and hoof defect. Using 14 MV electrons, a total dose of 36 Gy was administered, given as six fractions of 6 Gy twice a week. Wound healing by second intention was achieved over the next 4 months and the colt began race training 6 months after the end of therapy. Twenty months later the colt is sound and there is no evidence of tumor recurrence.
Czerwinski SL, Lyon AW, Skorobohach B, Léguillette R.Ophthalmic antibiotic therapy in large animals is often used empirically because of the lack of pharmacokinetics studies. The purpose of the study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of topical tobramycin 0.3% ophthalmic solution in the tears of normal horses using an automated immunoassay analysis. Results: The mean tobramycin concentrations in the tears at 5, 10, 15, 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 6 hours after administration were 759 (±414), 489 (±237), 346 (±227), 147 (±264), 27.6 (±28.4), 14.8 (±66.6), 6.7 (±18.6), and 23.4 (±73.4) mg/L. Mean tobramycin concentration was maintained abo...
Matthews NS, Hartsfield SM, Sanders EA, Light GS, Walker MA.A 27-year-old horse was anesthetized 3 times a week for 4 weeks, to facilitate cobalt therapy of a squamous cell carcinoma in the left paranasal sinus. Limitations of facilities required transport of the anesthetized horse to and from the cobalt therapy room, therefore, injectable anesthesia was used. Initially, the horse was preanesthetized with xylazine (at 1.1 mg/kg IV) and butorphanol (0.04 mg/kg IV). After 3 anesthetic episodes, the xylazine dose was reduced to 0.4 mg/kg IV and the butorphanol was deleted from the regimen. Tiletamine-zolazepam (1.1 mg/kg IV) was used for induction and mai...
Tremaine H.The last decade has seen a number of studies that have illuminated our knowledge of hypsodont dental disease and re-examined some of the traditionally performed practices. In addition there has been a major interest in routine preventative dentistry and non-traumatic treatments. These have highlighted some potential risks of the use of modern tools when applied to traditional techniques. This has also led to a reflective review of equine dentistry with the emphasis on attempting to preserve and salvage dental and periodontal tissues, with minimal trauma. In addition, precise imaging and instru...
Ross MW, Martin BB.Seven Standardbred horses, all pacers, with a mean age of 2.9 years (range, 2 to 4 years), had dorsomedial articular fracture of the proximal aspect of the third metacarpal bone. Fracture caused acute, unilateral, severe lameness after training or racing. Lameness was abolished by midcarpal joint anesthesia in 4 horses. Six horses had a palpable bony swelling, which caused signs of pain. Radiography revealed a nondisplaced, articular, oblique fracture extending distad toward the dorsomedial cortex for a mean distance of 28 mm (range, 15 to 40 mm). In all horses, chronic periosteal proliferativ...
Fadok VA.Pruritus is a common complaint associated with equine dermatoses. Self-mutilation results in alopecia, excoriations, scaling, and crusting; the aesthetic appearance of the horse is often ruined and the horse may be unfit for riding or showing. This article specifically addresses those pruritic dermatoses caused by allergies, including food allergy/intolerance, atopy and contact allergy, as well as by two ectoparasites, stick-tight fleas and rhabditic mange. The clinical signs, diagnostic tests, and treatment recommendations are discussed for each disorder. Insect hypersensitivity and pruritus ...
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...
Votion D, Ghafir Y, Munsters K, Duvivier DH, Art T, Lekeux P.Therapeutic aerosols pay an increasing role in the treatment of equine respiratory disorders. This route of delivery permits concentration of significant amounts of drugs at the site of action without unwanted high systemic concentration and resultant side effects. The efficiency of such a topical therapy depends on the quantity of inhaled drugs deposited in the lungs and, for some drugs, on the proportion retained in specific parts of the lungs. The objective of this study was to define and to compare quantitative (dose deposited) and qualitative (regional distribution) deposition of an aeros...
Earley ET, Reiswig JD.Odontoplasty (floating and occlusal equilibration) is the most commonly performed procedure in equine dentistry. From an anatomic perspective, an irregular occlusal surface, prominent cingula, transverse ridges, and enamel points all contribute to the function, form, and longevity of the equine cheek tooth. With limited reserve crown available and an average functional life range between 18 and 25 years, removal of tooth structure should be conservative. The authors consider a quality oral examination to be the most important dental procedure performed in the horse. Individual tooth evaluatio...
Allen ML, Baker GJ, Freeman DE, Holmes KR, Marretta SM, Scoggins RD, Constable P.To measure the amount of heat generated during 3 methods of equine dental reduction with power instruments. Methods: In vitro study. Methods: 30 premolar and molar teeth removed from mandibles of 8 equine heads collected at an abbatoir. Methods: 38-gauge copper-constantan thermocouples were inserted into the lingual side of each tooth 15 mm (proximal) and 25 mm (distal) from the occlusal surface, at a depth of 5 mm, which placed the tip close to the pulp chamber. Group-NC1 (n = 10) teeth were ground for 1 minute without coolant, group-NC2 (10) teeth were ground for 2 minutes without coolant, a...
Hamm D, Willeford KO, White G, Reed SM, Hamm J.Suppurative lower airway disease is a common debilitating disease in performance horses and, while rarely fatal, is often recalcitrant to conventional therapy. A variety of treatments have been used to combat this condition and we conducted two types of studies to determine if caprine serum fraction--immunomodulator (CSFI), a nonspecific immunomodulator, improved recovery from lower respiratory disease. Two dose response studies were performed to ascertain the efficacy of CSFI. Horses were maintained daily on conventional antibiotic therapy. Respiratory tract exudate, nasal discharge, dyspnoea...
Jean D, Picandet V, Céleste C, Macieira S, Cesarini C, Morisset S, Rossier Y, Marcoux M.This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and side effects of palatal sclerotherapy in standardbred racehorses suspected to have intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (IDDSP). Fifty-one horses were treated with multiple endoscopically guided injections of 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate in the soft palate. Two groups were identified: those that had respiratory noises during exercise (n = 27) and those that did not (n = 24). Treatment was well-tolerated. Furthermore, horses significantly reduced their racing times for the last 400 m compared with their times before treatment an...
Kitzman JV, Wilson RC, Booth NH, Hendricks HL, Bush PB.The pharmacokinetics of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a drug capable of antagonizing nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs, as well as several classes of injectable sedative and anesthetic agents, were studied in 6 intact, awake horses. Plasma samples were assayed for 4-AP over a frequent sampling schedule for 8 hours after IV administration. The plasma 4-AP vs time data best fit a 2-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Distribution half-life was 7.4 minutes, elimination half-life was 259 minutes, volume of the central compartment was 0.89 L/kg, volume of distribution (area) was 1.98 L/kg, volu...
Vatistas NJ, Wright IM, Dyson SJ.Forty-eight horses with osteochondritic lesions of the femoropatellar joint were treated, 23 of them by an arthrotomy and 25 by arthroscopy. Follow-up information was obtained from either the owner or the referring veterinarian by telephone inquiry. There were no statistical differences between the groups of horses undergoing the two procedures with regard to age, sex, breed, the involvement of one or both limbs, the size of the lesion, and the duration of either the surgery or anaesthesia. However, the horses treated by an arthrotomy spent 14.5 days in hospital after the operation whereas tho...
Donnelly CG, Burns E, Easton-Jones CA, Katzman S, Stuart R, Cook SE, Finno CJ.Vitamin E is essential for neuromuscular function. The primary treatment, oral supplementation with natural ('RRR') α-tocopherol, is not effective in all horses. The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a subcutaneously administered RRR-α-tocopherol preparation. Horses were randomly assigned in a cross-over design to initially receive RRR-α-tocopherol (5000 IU/450 kg of 600 IU/mL) subcutaneously (n = 3) or orally (n = 3) or were untreated sentinels (n = 2). Tissue reactions following injection in Phase I of the study necessitated adjustment of the prepa...
Doyle AJ, MacDonald VS, Bourque A.A 12-year-old gelding was diagnosed with recurrent lymphoma in multiple cutaneous sites. A highly invasive preputial mass caused urethral obstruction. The horse was treated with surgery and chemotherapy consisting of lomustine (CCNU) and prednisolone. The treatment was well-tolerated and effective. This is the first reported use of lomustine (CCNU) in a horse for the treatment of equine lymphoma. Utilisation de lomustine (CCNU) dans un cas de lymphone cutané équin. Un hongre âgé de 12 ans a été diagnostiqué avec un lymphome récurrent sur plusieurs sites cutanés. Une masse préputiale ...
Guglick MA, MacAllister CG, Chandra AM, Edwards WC, Qualls CW, Stephens DH.Mercury toxicosis by ingestion was diagnosed in a 3-year-old Quarter Horse mare with a history of anorexia and signs of abdominal discomfort. Ten and 9 days prior to admission, an inorganic mercuric blistering agent has been applied for topical treatment of dorsal metacarpal disease. At referral, signs of depression, dependent edema, pollakiuria, nonproductive cough, and oral ulceration were noticed. Laboratory data were consistent with renal dysfunction. Mercury content of blood and urine was high, confirming the diagnosis. The horse responded to intensive care, consisting primarily of IV flu...
Johnson CB, Adam EN, Taylor PM.Hypoxaemia commonly develops during general anaesthesia and in the recovery period in horses. The Hudson demand valve has been used to increase arterial PO2, but it has been found to increase airway resistance considerably when used during spontaneous ventilation. This paper evaluates a modification of the valve designed to reduce this resistance. The effects of the valve and its modification on arterial oxygen (PaO2), and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) tensions were evaluated in four ponies anaesthetised by a total intravenous technique. The valve increased PaO2 from 8.3 +/- 1.1 to 32.7 +/- 7.6 kPa d...
Hunt DA, Snyder JR, Morgan JP, Stover SM, Pool RR, Pascoe JR.Femoral neck and proximal epiphyseal lengths were measured in 37 femurs from 19 cadaver foals that were 1 day to 12 months old to determine the applicability of a human interfragmentary compression system to equine femoral capital physeal fractures. Because components of the implant system are available only in fixed sizes, its use was possible in foals older than 5 weeks of age, but not in younger foals. The 135 degree angle plate conformed best to the equine femur. Femoral capital physeal fractures were created surgically and repaired with the implant system in three foals. Fracture stabilit...
Toth B, Bertin FR, Miller MA, Charney VA, Kritchevsky JE.To develop and assess the short-term feasibility, maintenance, and complications associated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement in standing horses. Methods: 6 adult horses. Methods: Feasibility of the technique was evaluated in 2 horses. In each of 4 other horses, a PEG tube was maintained for 14 days and used to provide fluid requirements during the latter 7 days, before removal. Following air inflation of the stomach, each PEG tube was placed via a left intercostal approach; proper tube location was ascertained by percutaneous ultrasonography and gastroscopy. The ho...
Pérez-Nogués M, López-Sanromán J, Spirito M, Manso-Díaz G.Subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) in equines and their treatments have been mainly studied in the medial femoral condyle of the femur. SCLs in the distal extremities affecting the fetlock or interphalangeal joints are frequent, but treatment or prognosis studies in horses are currently sparse. Our objective was to compare four treatments for SCLs in the distal extremities (intralesional injection of corticosteroids, transcortical drilling, cortical screw placement, and absorbable hydroxyapatite implant placement) and report the racing prognoses for affected thoroughbred yearlings. Data from 11...
Stewart AJ, Ireland JL, Durham AE, McGowan CM.Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is common in aged horses. The majority of horses respond well to treatment, but treatment is lifelong, meaning accurate diagnosis of PPID is important. Similar to any condition, there is no perfect laboratory test to diagnose PPID and accuracy is affected by the characteristics of the population in which the test is being evaluated. This review details the importance of consideration of clinical factors and diagnostic test accuracy. Basal adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentration is used most frequently in practice and has very good d...
Sibthorpe PEM, Fitzgerald DM, Sillence MN, de Laat MA.Gastrointestinal peptides, such as glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), could play a direct role in the development of equine hyperinsulinaemia. Objective: To describe the secretory pattern of endogenous GLP-2 over 24 h in healthy ponies and determine whether oral administration of a synthetic GLP-2 peptide increases blood glucose or insulin responses to feeding. Methods: A cohort study followed by a randomised, controlled, cross-over study. Methods: In the cohort study, blood samples were collected every 2 h for 24 h in seven healthy ponies and plasma [GLP-2] was measured. In the cross-over...
Trápaga MR, Poester VR, Mousquer MA, de Souza RP, Rafael LA, Bonel J, Melo AM, Reis AG, de Faria RO, Stevens DA, Nogueira CEW, Xavier MO.Aspergillosis is an uncommon disease in horses, but it can be fatal. We report two cases of systemic aspergillosis in foals that occurred in a short period in the same region of southern Brazil. In addition, a literature review of similar cases was also performed. Risk factors were attributed to an immunodepression by primary enterocolitis and corticosteroid treatment, the damage in the epithelium, and multiple antibacterial treatments, which allowed local fungal proliferation, tissue invasion and spread of infection, leading to death. Since the antemortem diagnosis of aspergillosis in foals i...
Page AE, Johnson M, Parker JL, Jacob O, Swan M, Adam E.The use of dexamethasone to control equine asthma is a common and effective treatment. Although short-term systemic dexamethasone treatment has not been shown to induce systemic immunosuppression in the horse, the goal of this study was to determine whether inhaled ciclesonide, an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of equine asthma, exerts any systemic immunosuppressive effects when compared to dexamethasone-treated and untreated horses. Eighteen light, mixed breed horses, ranging in age from 3 to 8 years of age, were used for this study and randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups:...
Springer RW, Mason AC, Cross TD, Guay KA, Raub RH, Wellmann KB, Jones TN.With greater availability of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) due to recent legislation, hempseed meal (HSM) should be evaluated as a potential feedstuff for livestock. The study objective was to evaluate the palatability of HSM in horses. Trial 1 used a modified 3 × 3 Latin Square design utilizing three geldings and three mares. Feeding periods (6d) consisted of two feedings/d with a washout phase (3d) before each treatment phase (3d). During treatment, horses were offered soybean meal pellets (SBM), rice bran pellets (RBP), or beet pulp pellets (BPP) in one bucket (500 g) and HSM in a second buc...
du Toit N, Pearce CJ.This retrospective clinical study was performed to determine the suitability and success rate of endodontic treatment of equine incisors presenting with apical and periapical disease. Methods: All horses presented to a referral equine dental clinic between March 2013 and December 2019 specifically selected as candidates suitable for endodontic treatment were included in this study. Methods: Initial clinical and radiographic presentation of incisor disorder cases suitable for endodontic treatment were recorded (88 incisors) and follow-up examination for long-term viability (8 months to 5 years)...
Nunes GT, Corrêa DC, Chitolina MB, da Rosa G, Pereira RCDF, Cargnelutti JF, Vogel FSF.The indiscriminate use of antiparasitics for the treatment of helminths in horses has caused the ineffectiveness of commonly used chemical active principles, therefore, new alternatives such as the use of helminthophagous fungi have been studied. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the commercial formulation Bioverm, composed of the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans strain AC001, in the reduction of gastrointestinal nematode larvae in equine feces. In coproculture, the genus Cyathostomum sp. was the most prevalent in the analyzed samples. The commercial formulatio...
Araújo RA, Sales NAA, Basile RC, Feringer-Junior WH, Apparício M, Ferraz GC, Queiroz-Neto A.Firocoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug specifically formulated for veterinary medicine and selectively acts on inhibiting the cyclooxygenase 2 enzyme (COX-2). This study evaluated the possible adverse effects of administering oral therapeutic firocoxib on gastric mucosa, hematological parameters, coagulation cascade, and hepatic and renal biochemistry in healthy horses. Nine clinically healthy Arabian horses, approximately 9 years old, received 0.1 mg/kg of oral firocoxib for 14 days. The gastroscopic examination was conducted 1 day before starting treatment (D0) and two days afte...
Alshut F, Venner M, Martinsson G, Vervuert I.Electrolyte supplementation may be a risk factor for gastric mucosal lesions, but relevant evidence is limited in horses. Objective: Investigate the effects of PO sodium chloride (NaCl) supplementation on the gastric mucosa of exercising horses. We hypothesized that NaCl supplementation would neither cause nor exacerbate existing gastric mucosal damage. Methods: Fifteen 3-year-old healthy Warmblood stallions from a stud farm. Methods: Placebo-controlled study with a crossover design. Horses were fed either a NaCl pellet at a dosage adequate to replace the electrolyte losses in 10 L sweat or ...
Kasap S, Babaeski S, Yildirim KN, Orman A, Temizel EM, Kennerman E.Prompt diagnosis of passive transfer failure in the neonatal period is important for early treatment. Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of serum glutaraldehyde coagulation test (GCT) and colostrum BRIX% for failure to transfer passive immunity (FTPI) diagnosis with the results of SNAP foal test and to evaluate the results of serum GCT and colostrum BRIX% measurements in foals with diarrhoea in the 0-1 month period. Methods: In vitro experiments. Methods: Excess serum and colostrum (n: 298) from samples collected from newborn foals and their dams for clinical purposes were used...
