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.
Jeffcott LB, Hickman J.This paper describes the surgical treatment of 14 horses exhibiting chronic back pain attributed to impaction and overriding of the dorsal spines in the thoracolumbar region. The technique involved the resection of the summits of one or more dorsal spines following midline division of the supraspinous ligament. All the horses returned to full work after a convalescent period of at least four months, and 12 of them showed considerable improvement in their form and performance. A post-surgical complication encountered in one case was the development of new bone on the edge of a resected spine. T...
Cabler P, Geddes LA, Rosborough J.Ultrasonic energy, provided by a commercially available water vaporizer, was used to vaporize methoxyflurane, halothane, and chloroform. The vaporizer was placed directly in the respiratory line, and the anaesthetic liquid was vaporized one drop at a time. Anaesthesia was maintained for periods up to 6 hr in horses, ponies, calves, sheep, dogs, and one pig. This method of vaporizing liquids is applicable to a wide variety of anaesthetics. It is easily controlled, and the same vaporizer can be used with a wide range of sizes of subjects. The vaporizer can be placed directly in the respiratory c...
Auvinen JRE, Kritchevsky JE, Reinhart JM, Gochenauer AE, Jannasch AS, Han-Hallett Y.Manipulation of forms of rectally administered metronidazole to improve bioavailability in horses has not been reported. Objective: Evaluate the pharmacokinetics of 3 rectal metronidazole preparations compared to nasogastric (NG) administration. Methods: Seven healthy horses. Methods: Phase 1A was a randomized, 3-way crossover, single-dose pharmacokinetic study, and Phases 1B and 2 were non-randomized, single-dose follow-up studies. Metronidazole (20 mg/kg) was administered NG and rectally in water (RW20), as a rectal gel (RG), and in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Metronidazole (80 mg/kg) was a...
Massie S, Léguillette R, Jones JH, Guigand C, Sides RH, Jones KB, Warlick LM, Thueson EL, Troudt TA, Bayly WM.Maximal intensity exercise in equine athletes induces pulmonary capillary stress failure and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) secondary to excessive transmural pressure (Ptm). Furosemide decreases EIPH severity and pulmonary arterial (PAP) and pulmonary wedge (PAW) pressures. Objective: Assess the effects of furosemide on Ptm and EIPH during supramaximal exercise. Methods: Six fit retired Thoroughbreds with consistent EIPH Grade ≥ 2. Methods: Horses performed a controlled crossover design protocol, completing standardized treadmill tests (120%V̇O2max) before and 4 h after int...
Mahalingam-Dhingra A, Bedenice D, South A, Minuto J, Robins TJ, Trautwein V, Larkin M, Wagner B, Mazan MR.Corticosteroids are the main pharmacologic treatment for equine asthma (EA) but may have adverse effects in metabolically unstable horses. Recent pilot studies support the use of nebulized lidocaine as an alternative treatment option. Objective: Nebulized lidocaine will improve EA-associated clinical variables and airway inflammation. Methods: Twenty client-owned horses diagnosed with EA. Methods: Randomized, blinded, in-hospital study comparing 1 mg/kg preservative-free 4% lidocaine (n = 10) nebulized via Flexineb (twice daily for 7 doses) to 0.9% saline control (n = 10). Clinical examin...
von der Höden FJ, Stefansdottir SB, Torsteinsdottir S, Svansson V, Björnsson JM, Wagner B, Mahmuti D, Marti E, Jonsdottir S.Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a seasonal, IgE-mediated allergic dermatitis of horses caused by salivary gland proteins of biting midges ( spp.). Current management relies on relief of clinical signs and on physical protection. In a previous pilot study, healthy horses were fed transgenic barley expressing a allergen via a special spiral bit, which successfully induced allergen-specific antibody responses. Building on this concept, the present study aimed to evaluate a more practical feeding approach, delivering transgenic barley expressing the major allergen Cul o 2p in a feed-compat...
Slavik K, Underwood C, Lowndes C, Skelton G, van Eps A.To examine the effects of botulinum toxin inoculation into the deep digital flexor (DDF) muscle on foot biomechanics. Unassigned: 6 healthy horses were injected with botulinum toxin in the DDF of 1 forelimb. The opposite forelimb was untreated. Ground reaction forces (GRF) were measured using a pressure sensor in regions of interest, including the dorsal hoof wall (toe). The location of the center of pressure (COP) was measured relative to the dorsal hoof wall during static standing and at peak stance during walking. Repeat measurements 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days after injection were compared t...
Migliorisi A.The goal of this article is to provide the equine practitioners with a framework for a diagnostic algorithm for the patient presented with possible seizures/epilepsy. Using a comparative approach, a review of companion animal and human research is provided with the intention of expanding our current knowledge on seizure/epilepsy, as well as diagnostic and treatment strategies for equine patients.
Cabaret J, Guerrero Molina C, Martínez-Ortiz-de Montellano C, Alcala Canto Y.Faecal egg counts (FECs) are used to assess the intensity of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in herbivores. FEC distribution is aggregated, meaning that approximately 20% of animals harbour 80% of infections. In times of escalating anthelmintic resistance, it may be necessary to restrict treatment to the animals with the heaviest infections. This strategy is called targeted selective treatment (TST) and is relevant to GIN, for example. The difficulty lies in identifying which animals to treat. One solution is to select potentially at-risk animals based on age (for example, treating ...
Terlinden A, Jacquet S, Manivong S, Coudry V, Tallaj A, Cullier A, Legendre F, Garcia AA, Moldovan F, Sirois P, Banquy X, Galéra P, Audigié F....Intra-articular drug delivery systems (DDS) are emerging as promising therapies for osteoarthritis (OA), yet their efficacy in spontaneous clinical cases remains largely untested. This uncontrolled, descriptive pilot study was designed to provide a proof of concept for the feasibility, safety, and preliminary clinical effects of intra-articular administration in sport horses with naturally occurring OA. The study involved a peptide-functionalized nanogel composed of chitosan and hyaluronic acid, delivering endothelin type A (BQ-123) and bradykinin B1 (R-954) receptor antagonists, which have pr...
Tyson KN, Couetil LL, Ivester KM, Murray L, Mukhopadhyay A, Marmolejo JF, Jannasch A.Nebulization of injectable dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP; 0.01 mg/kg) to horses with severe equine asthma (SEA) was previously found to be ineffective. Horses with SEA have marked bronchoconstriction that decreases peripheral lung deposition of nebulized drugs. Administration of a bronchodilator immediately before nebulizing dexamethasone may improve efficacy. Objective: Evaluate the therapeutic effects and optimal dose of nebulized DSP after nebulized albuterol in horses with SEA. Methods: Seven horses with SEA from a research herd. Methods: In this masked randomized crossover trial, h...
McKenna KD, Struble SE, Max LNF, Linardi RL, Ortved KF.To quantify platelets, leukocytes, cytokines, and growth factors in ProVet autologous platelet concentrate (APC). We hypothesized that APC would contain significantly increased leukocytes and platelets compared to whole blood and significantly increased concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors compared to serum. Unassigned: Blood was obtained from 6 horses and processed to produce APC. Leukocyte and platelet concentrations were quantified in whole blood and APC. Cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1Ra, and growt...
de Luna Paiva TD, de Melo Lopes AR, Silva ÁJC, Figueiredo MAF, da Cunha Nogueira SS, Nogueira-Filho SLG.Medical ozone is used in various treatments due to its oxidising properties. Objective: We aimed in this study to evaluate the impact of intrarectal ozone therapy on haematological and biochemical parameters, as well as the pain induced by the procedure in sport horses. Methods: In vivo experiment with 12 Quarter Horses (3 males and 9 females) used as their own controls to assess the effects of ozone therapy. Methods: Blood samples were collected before treatment (Control), 24 h after ozone therapy (24 h post-treatment), and 7 days after the last day of ozone therapy (7 days post-treatment). ...
Rogers CM, Ledbetter EC, Reid AM, Scott EM, Knickelbein KE.Use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of immune-mediated keratitis (IMMK) in horses is becoming common. The safety and morphologic impact on the normal equine cornea have not been investigated, and the mechanism of its efficacy is unknown. Objective: To investigate the morphologic effects and safety of in vivo PDT on healthy equine corneas. Methods: In vivo experiment. Methods: Six university-owned horses underwent unilateral corneal PDT with intrastromal infracyanine green (EmunDo®) and photoactivation with an 810 nm diode laser (500 mW for 2.5 min = 75 Joules). Compl...
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...
Dillmann JB, Dos Santos TS, Dos Santos RC, Monteiro SG.Equine cutaneous pythiosis, caused by Pythium insidiosum, is a severe disease in tropical and subtropical regions, often leading to progressive granulomatous lesions with poor response to conventional therapies. Standard treatment includes surgical excision and immunotherapy, but recurrence is common, particularly in distal limb lesions. Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) with disinfected Lucilia cuprina larvae provides selective debridement, microbial control, and stimulation of granulation, representing a potential adjunctive option. This report describes the successful use of MDT combined wit...
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...
Albrecht M, MacGillivray KC, Juez B, Freeland R.A 4.5-month-old Standardbred colt presented for neck swelling and fever. Endoscopy and contrast radiography identified a full thickness esophageal perforation. Surgical intervention with fasciotomies and placement of an esophageal feeding tube was elected. Intensive postoperative treatment was carried out with broad-spectrum antibiotics, gastroprotectants and probiotics, calculated feeding plan, esophagostomy and fasciotomy site lavages, care, and cleaning. Complications included recurrent bilateral pneumothorax and development of an incomplete fistula at the esophagostomy site following remov...
Kelley D, Walbornn S, Bartley C, Kaczor J, Premanandan C, Newton N, Holland R, Schnobrich M.Amnion-derived acellular bioscaffold (ADABP) products demonstrate interesting anti-inflammatory and healing properties which could be beneficial for intrauterine use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of intrauterine injection of ADABP on systemic and uterine health. The study design randomly assigned subjects to one of two groups, control mares (n = 3) which received 3 mL injection of sterile saline in the base of each uterine horn, and treatment mares (n = 9) which received 3 mL of ADABP in the base of one uterine horn and 3 mL injection of sterile saline in the base of ...
Gaber JTH, Cuervo-Arango J, Plaza-Dávila M, Martínez-Boví R.This experiment was performed to evaluate whether intrafollicular treatment of PGE2 or PGF2α administered in early estrus would induce normal ovulation, progesterone production (Experiment 1) and pregnancy (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, mares in estrus after 2 days of endometrial edema were injected in all largest dominant follicles (28-35 mm in diameter) with 0.5 mL of sterile water containing 500 μg PGE2 (n = 6), 125 μg PGF2α (n = 6) or placebo (n = 7) (Hour 0). Ultrasound examinations were performed daily, until ovulation or anovulation was detected, and daily blood samples ...
Smith HL, Love KR, Antezana A, Barr EM, Gilger BC, Oh A.The primary aims were to provide descriptive data on systemic and ocular complications associated with the treatment of equine keratomycosis. The secondary aims were to determine if complication rates differ between treatment types or are related to surgical and anesthetic factors. Methods: The study was a retrospective evaluation of 126 cases between 2004 and 2020 with confirmed fungal infection and recorded incidence of complications during hospitalization and surgical intervention if pursued. Additional information recorded included the size of the donor graft if utilized, time under genera...
Raidal SL, van Diggelen M, Catanchin CSM, Lehmann HS, Quinn CT.Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provides effective respiratory support in foals, but face masks are poorly tolerated and associated with hypercapnia. Bi-nasal prongs might be a more effective device interface in foals. Objective: To compare bi-nasal prongs and masks for NIV in foals with pharmacologically induced respiratory insufficiency. Methods: Six healthy foals. Methods: In a randomized cross-over study, sedated foals received NIV delivered by mask or bi-nasal prongs, with the treatment repeated using the alternative device interface after a 3-day rest period. After periods of spontaneous v...
Sancler-Silva YFR, Papa FO, Esteller-Vico A, Silva-Junior E, Oliveira TES, El-Sheikh Ali H, Boakari YL, Freitas MSE, Ball BA.This study evaluated the effects of oral pentoxifylline on testicular biometry, histology, and gene expression in stallions subjected to scrotal heat stress. Fourteen stallions were divided into three groups: Control (CRL, n = 4), Testicular Degeneration (DEG, n = 5), and Testicular Degeneration Treated with Pentoxifylline (DEG + PTX, n = 5). Testicular degeneration was induced by scrotal insulation, twice daily, over two consecutive days (D-1 and D0). Starting the next day (D1), oral pentoxifylline (17 mg/kg) was administered every 12 h for 30 days. Testicular biometry was measured ...
Cuervo-Arango J.The objective of this study was to compare the fertility of diestrous mares with a follicle ≥ 30 mm in diameter treated with prostaglandin F2α (PGF) (PGF group) or left untreated for 7 days (SP group). Standardbred mares (n = 46) were assigned randomly to the SP (n = 23) and PGF groups (n = 23) when they were identified with a corpus luteum (CL) of unknown age and a follicle ≥ 30 mm in diameter (Day 0). The most frequent outcome in the PGF group was estrus and ovulation of the dominant follicle (74 %), while the outcomes of the SP mares 7 days after Day 0 were more variable: estrus and fo...
Bertin FR, van Eps AW, de Tonnerre DJ, Kulp JC, Stefanovski D.Dexamethasone is used to experimentally induce insulin resistance; however, its impact on insulin secretion is unclear. This study aimed to assess the responses to oral carbohydrate challenges in dexamethasone-treated horses. Unassigned: 8 healthy Standardbreds received 0.08 mg/kg of dexamethasone IM every 48 hours for 14 days in June 2022 (winter in the Southern hemisphere). Oral glucose tests (OGT) were conducted before treatment (day 1) and on days 8 and 15. Glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total and active glucagon-like peptide-1 (tGLP-1 and aGLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic pol...
Volding DM, Flores-Ahlschwede P, Cramer MJ, Landrock KK, Sayre KC, Welsh TH, Bordin AI, Piccione J, Cohen ND.To determine the effects of transfusion of Rhodococcus equi hyperimmune plasma (REHIP) on serum electrolyte and protein concentrations in neonatal foals. Unassigned: A prospective observational study of 355 privately owned Thoroughbred foals from 13 farms in New York and cross-sectional study of REHIP samples. Blood was collected immediately before and after transfusion of either 1 or 2 L of REHIP to foals, and serum samples were separated and frozen until tested for concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), total protein (TP), albumin, and globulins. Samples (n = 90) of REH...
Bailey CS, Beachler TM, Mochel JP, Wulf LW, Yaeger M, Kundu D, Withowski K, Papich MG.Despite their widespread clinical use, there is limited pharmacokinetic data for many equine intrauterine antimicrobials. This study aimed to measure the concentration of gentamicin and penicillin in the uterine fluid of mares following infusion of either a standard (PPGent) or long-acting (LA-PPGent) compounded formulation. We hypothesized that both formulations would result in therapeutic concentrations, with total concentrations sustained for longer using the long-acting formulation. Mares were administered 2400 mg of procaine penicillin and 200 mg of gentamicin via a single intrauterin...
Huggins L, Dini P, Santos E, Dujovne G.A Gypsy Vanner stallion presented with a history of subfertility and abnormal dense, grey ejaculate. Reproductive examination including ultrasound, cytology, and bacteriology confirmed the diagnosis of seminal vesiculitis. After evaluation of several ejaculates, bilateral blocked ampullae were confirmed by azoospermia and a low level of alkaline phosphatase (30 IU/L) in the filtered fraction. Continuous semen collections, along with oral antibiotics treatment, were performed at the owner's facility for five weeks. After readmission, a successful collection was obtained with a high concentratio...
Moreno C, Rice H.Diagnostic and treatment strategies for infectious equine tendon and ligament disorders are continually evolving where recent progress is focused on advanced imaging and evidence supporting endoscopic lavage and regional antimicrobial therapy.
Beasley B.The overall objective of therapeutic farriery for equine tendon and ligament injuries is to provide a biomechanical environment conducive to healing by limiting excessive strain on the injured structure. With an understanding of equine limb anatomy and the pathophysiology of tendon/ligament injuries, the rationale used in therapeutic farriery for soft tissue injuries of the distal limb is quite logical. Through therapeutic farriery, foot manipulation is used to reduce the tension on the injured tendon(s) or ligament(s).
Neto ME, Curcio BR, Rafael LA, Pivato GM, Silva GC, Souza RP, Mousquer MA, Nogueira CEW.The cesarian section (C-section) is a potential risk factor for retained fetal membranes (RFM) in mares, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to enhance outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the use of umbilical vessel infusion for the treatment of RFM after elective C-section in mares. Ten pregnant criollo type-mares at 315 days of gestation were monitored daily and underwent elective C-section upon readiness for birth. All mares exhibited RFM, with placentas retained beyond three hours careful extraction of the foal by C-section. Those were randomly assigned into two groups: Umbilical v...
