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Topic:Veterinary Care
Veterinary care in horses encompasses the medical and preventive measures taken to maintain and improve the health and well-being of equine patients. It includes a wide range of practices such as routine health examinations, vaccinations, dental care, parasite control, and management of injuries and diseases. Veterinary care also involves diagnostic procedures, surgical interventions, and therapeutic treatments tailored to the specific needs of horses. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore various aspects of equine veterinary care, including advancements in diagnostic techniques, treatment protocols, and health management strategies to support the well-being and performance of horses.
Risk factors and long-term prognosis of catheter-associated thrombophlebitis in neonatal foals. Thrombophlebitis is a possible complication of the use of indwelling catheters in hospitalized neonatal foals. Limited data are available concerning associated risk factors, and long-term prognosis regarding vein patency is currently unknown. Objective: Identify risk factors for catheter-associated thrombophlebitis in neonatal foals and assess long-term prognosis in a small subset. Methods: Two hundred twenty-three foals < 31 days of age, hospitalized in Utrecht University Equine Hospital between 2019 and 2024. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records. Foals that received an indw...
Auscultation for pre-exercise screening in the horse. To describe the highlights of cardiac auscultation of the equine athlete in the context of pre-exercise screening for cardiac adverse event prevention. Unassigned: Horses. Unassigned: Tutorial description. Unassigned: Description of the highlights of cardiac auscultation of the equine athlete in the context of pre-exercise screening for cardiac adverse event and exercise-associated sudden death prevention. Unassigned: Cardiac adverse events and exercise-associated deaths are problems that affect horses' health, riders' safety, and the public perception of welfare during equestrian sports. Scre...
Infracyanine green photodynamic therapy provides short-term disease control, but recurrence is common in equine immune-mediated keratitis. To evaluate long-term clinical outcomes, recurrence rates, and complications following photodynamic therapy (PDT) in horses with immune-mediated keratitis. Unassigned: Medical records of horses treated with PDT at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Equine Clinic from May 2018 through October 2025 were reviewed retrospectively. Eyes with a clinical diagnosis of recurrent immune-mediated keratitis that had responded to immunosuppressive therapy and been subjected to PDT therapy were included. Infracyanine green was injected intrastromally, followed by irradiation with an 810-nm diod...
Large-scale energy infrastructure projects and thoroughbred stud farms: equine welfare, evidence gaps and planning considerations. Industrial-scale renewable energy developments i.e. solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and wind energy facilities, form a central component of Ireland's national decarbonisation strategy. As these infrastructures expand, they are increasingly being proposed or developed within rural regions that also contain high densities of Thoroughbred breeding establishments. This creates a potential interface between national energy policy, rural land use, equine welfare and the operational requirements of the Thoroughbred industry which is of national and international importance.Direct empirical evid...
Fluorescent tagging for assessment of environmental cleaning in an equine hospital. Healthcare-associated infections increase morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs in both human and veterinary medicine, and environmental contamination can contribute to their occurrence. Monitoring of environmental cleaning is an important component of multimodal infection control strategies. Fluorescent tagging is a low-cost, practical approach that correlates with reduced environmental contamination in human and small animal hospitals. Its applicability in equine hospitals, where surface characteristics and contamination risks differ, has not yet been evaluated. Objective: To evaluate fl...
Left Ventricular Volume Indexing in Athletic Brazilian Sport Horses Using Body Weight. Left ventricular (LV) volume assessment evaluates cardiac size and remodelling in horses. Single-plane Simpson method of discs (SMOD) provides volumetric measurements requiring body size normalization. Objective: We described LV volumes using SMOD in healthy Brazilian Sport Horses (BH) and evaluated thoracic-girth-estimated body weight (BWe) versus scale-measured weight (BWs) for indexing. Methods: Thirty BH horses (15 males, 15 females; 4-16 years) underwent echocardiography. LV end-diastolic (LVEDV), end-systolic volumes (LVESV), and ejection fraction (EF%) were obtained using SMOD. Body wei...
Incidence of omphalitis in foals with different umbilical disinfection protocols. Omphalitis, a common umbilical disorder in foals, can lead to complications and systemic diseases. An adequate disinfection protocol of the umbilical stump after birth is recommended to prevent infection. Objective: Comparison of different disinfection solutions and their efficacy in preventing omphalitis in foals. Methods: A total of 288 clinically healthy foals were included in this prospective, blinded cohort study during the foaling seasons of 2023 and 2024 on one stud farm. Foals were randomly allocated to one of six disinfection groups. The umbilical stump was examined clinically during ...
Influence of chiropractic care on sleep-related behavior of athletic Mangalarga Marchador horses. Sleep is a fundamental biological process for homeostasis in mammals. Chiropractic is a manual therapeutic approach that aims to restore joint mobility, correct biomechanical dysfunctions, and optimize welfare. Objective: The present study examined the influence of chiropractic sessions on resting behavior patterns of Mangalarga Marchador horses raised in an intensive system. Methods: Nine Mangalarga Marchador horses, with an average age of 4.2 ± 1.2 years, were evaluated for their sleep-related behavior over 72 hours, followed by a chiropractic session, and reassessed over the next 72 hours ...
Experts recommend management strategies for horses during poor air quality. To adapt the existing air quality index (AQI) framework to communicate equine health risk and develop practical recommendations for horse care, training, and competitions at increasing levels of air pollution. Unassigned: A 3-round modified Delphi study. Unassigned: 15 expert equine veterinarians contributed, with 11 experts completing 3 rounds. First, experts agreed that both healthy horses and those with underlying health conditions may experience short- and long-term health effects. Second, experts adapted the AQI public health messaging to communicate equine-specific health risk. Third, ex...
Low-dose histrelin for ovulation induction in mares: a partially randomized crossover pilot study. This partially randomized crossover pilot study evaluated reduced doses of histrelin for ovulation induction in mares and compared intramuscular (IM) administration with pharmacopuncture at the Bai-hui and Yan-chi acupoints. Eleven mares were enrolled, of which nine completed all eight protocols and were included in the analyses. The protocols comprised 250 µg histrelin IM (standard dose), 75 µg IM, 25 µg IM, no intervention, saline at Bai-hui, saline at Yan-chi, 25 µg histrelin at Bai-hui, and 25 µg histrelin at Yan-chi. Ovulation was assessed by transrectal ultrasonography at sched...
Barriers to Australian veterinary students choosing an equine career. The equine veterinary profession is experiencing a global recruitment and retention crisis with fewer graduates entering equine practice. We aimed to investigate perceived and actual barriers to Australian veterinary students' considering an equine veterinary career. Methods: A mixed methods design was used. The study population consisted of veterinary students from seven universities in Australia. An online survey was distributed that comprised demographic, Likert-scale and open-ended questions and covered themes of equine experience, perceptions of clients, salary, Higher Education Contribut...
Medical Therapies for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis in the Horse – 20 years later…. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease, characterized by a degenerative catabolic cascade resulting in detrimental changes to all aspects of the joint including the irreversible destruction of articular cartilage. In 2006, a narrative review by Goodrich and Nixon outlined the available treatments for the medical management of OA; however, since that time substantial progress has been made. In recent years the therapeutic options for veterinarians managing horses with OA has increased significantly with a multitude of products available on the market. While many of the conventional...
The Impact of Systemic Treatment With Flunixin Meglumine on the Two Antiproteases Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) and Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (A1AT) in Equine Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF). To evaluate the effect of flunixin meglumine, a systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), on the antiproteases, A2M and A1AT, in equine plasma and PRF. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study. Plasma, solid PRF, and liquid PRF were collected from a control-group that included healthy horses not treated with NSAIDs within the last 3 months. The NSAID-group were ophthalmology patients with no systemic inflammatory disease, and all received a full dose of flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg BID PO or IV) for three or more days prior to collection. Samples were collected and prepar...
Multimodal characterization of equine synovitis: Correlation between arthroscopic, histopathological, and biomarker assessments in septic vs. aseptic cases. Endoscopy and synovial membrane histology are complementary modalities for evaluating synovial inflammation. Cytokine involvement in non-septic arthritis is well documented but remains poorly characterized in septic synovitis. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the inflammatory cytokine profile associated with septic and non-septic synovitis and assess correlations among endoscopic, histological, and synovial fluid biomarker findings. Methods: Three groups were defined: horses undergoing elective or therapeutic endoscopy (Group 1, n=26), horses with confirmed septic synovitis (Group 2...
Heel movement and foot biomechanics in aluminium nail-on and indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes in horses. Heel movement is critical to shock absorption and vascular perfusion of the equine digit. Conventional horseshoeing techniques are suspected to restrict natural hoof deformation, affecting hoof biomechanics. Several studies have explored the effects of shoeing on hoof function, though many have been limited to artificial conditions, cadavers, or homogenous populations. Objective: We aimed to compare the effects of two aluminium shoeing techniques, nail-on versus indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes, on heel movement in horses. Our objective was to determine which technique allowed greater heel m...
[Atlantoaxial luxation in a neonatal Warmblood foal]. Atlantoaxial luxation represents a rare but clinically relevant differential diagnosis in neonatal foals presenting with neurological abnormalities or dysphagia. This case report describes a newborn filly without apparent ataxia, but presenting with a stiff head-neck posture and milky nasal discharge. Clinical examination revealed a compromised general condition and abnormal swelling in the region of the fossa retromandibularis. Radiographic examination confirmed the diagnosis of an atlantoaxial luxation. Due to the poor prognosis the foal was euthanized. This case highlights the diagnostic ap...
Renal dysplasia in horses: 25 cases (1991-2021). Renal dysplasia (RD) is a congenital malformation with variable clinical expression and limited characterization in horses. Objective: We hypothesized that RD occurs in horses across a broad age range and may be overrepresented in specific breeds. Our objective was to describe clinical, clinicopathologic, and histopathologic findings in horses with RD. Methods: Twenty-five horses with RD identified from a veterinary teaching hospital between 1991 and 2021. Horses included neonates, young horses, and adults, with ages ranging from 0 days to 24 years and representing multiple breeds and both s...
Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of tinctures derived from the roots or leaves and stems of Althaea officinalis L.: Marsh mallow root tincture for use in all animal species and marsh mallow leaf tincture for use in horses and dogs (FEFANA asbl). Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of two tinctures obtained from the roots (marsh mallow root tincture) or leaves and stems (marsh mallow leaf tincture) of L. when used as sensory additives. The additives are water/ethanol tinctures, with a specified dry matter content of 2%-3% (w/w) (marsh mallow root tincture) and not more than 25% (w/w) (marsh mallow leaf tincture). Marsh mallow root tincture is intended for use in feed or water for drinking for all animal species, while marsh mallow leaf tincture is ...
Pass rates using the FEI noseband measurement device at British Dressage 2025 Championships. Appropriate fitting of equipment provides horse comfort and avoids compromising equine welfare. In May 2025, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) introduced an evidence-based measuring device that is passed beneath the noseband to ensure sufficient laxity. Objective: To study the use of the FEI noseband device during mandatory tack and equipment checks at British Dressage Championships. Methods: Observational. Methods: Noseband testing was observed for a total of 523 horses competing at the 2025 British Dressage National Championship, Middle Tour Championship and Area Festival Champi...
Antimicrobial stewardship priorities and prescribing in Australian equine practice. Antimicrobial resistance is a global health crisis that needs to be addressed by all areas of human and animal health sectors to safeguard effective antibiotics into the future. Understanding current antimicrobial prescribing patterns and veterinary antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) priorities is crucial for effective stewardship program design and sustainable uptake. Objective: To identify focus areas for stewardship interventions, implementation, resource allocation, and future campaign targets for equine practice. Methods: Cross-sectional study of equine veterinarians in Australia. Methods: A...
Pulled-up race outcomes as welfare-relevant surveillance indicators in United States Steeplechase horses, 2023-2025. Pulled-up race outcomes are routinely recorded but are nonspecific, potentially reflecting fatigue, poor performance, footing, rider judgment, suspected injury, or physiological compromise. We evaluated their association with subsequent participation disruption in United States steeplechase horses. Unassigned: National Steeplechase Association Race Results Reports from 2023 to 2025 were analyzed retrospectively at the horse-start level. Outcomes were time to the next later-date start, ≥60-day interruption, ≥183-day absence, and no recorded later-date start. Cox models were stratified by ra...
Clinical Efficacy of Varying Dosages of Intravenous Phenylbutazone in a Reversible Model of Equine Foot Lameness. The objective of this experiment was to compare the clinical efficacy of various dosages of phenylbutazone (PBZ) with a negative control. The hypothesis was that higher PBZ doses would result in improved efficacy in a dose-dependent manner. Eight horses were shod with adjustable heart bar shoes on one front foot. Grade 4.0/5.0 lameness was induced every 2 to 4 weeks by tightening a set screw against the heart bar. Heart rate (HR) and lameness score (LS) were monitored at rest; every 20 min after lameness induction for 5 h; and hourly for another 8 h. One hour after lameness induction, treatmen...
Serum amyloid A alone or in combination with white blood cell count and fibrinogen is associated with inflammatory disease status in horses undergoing elective anesthesia. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical utility of common systemic inflammatory markers (WBC count [WBCC], plasma fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A [SAA]) for the detection of disease in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Unassigned: A retrospective review of 1,002 surgical case records (February 2021 to June 2023) was performed. Systemically stable equine patients undergoing elective orthopedic and soft tissue procedures and that had WBCC, fibrinogen, and SAA evaluated preoperatively were eligible for inclusion. Disease status (healthy vs disease) was recorded for each case ...
Jejunal Perforation Associated With a Horseshoe-Shaped Abdominal Contusion After a Horse Kick: A Case Report. A horseshoe-shaped abdominal contusion after a horse kick may indicate the site of underlying bowel injury. When accompanied by persistent abdominal pain or peritoneal signs, hollow viscus injury should be considered. Contrast-enhanced CT can identify free air and focal bowel abnormalities at the impact site, facilitating timely surgical management.
Mandibular fracture with subsequent sequestrum formation and tooth-root abscess in a 3-year-old mare. A 3-year-old quarter horse cross mare was presented to the Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island) for evaluation of a persistent draining tract on the ventral aspect of the left mandible, associated with a previous fracture. Radiography and ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a chronic sequestrum separated from the parent bone. Sequestrectomy and surgical debridement of the mandible were carried out, and the horse was discharged. Three months later, the mare was presented again to the Atlantic Veterinary College, as the draining tract had not resolved. A CT sca...
Comparison of arterial blood pressure and quality of induction and recovery in horses anesthetized with diazepam or guaifenesin co-induction combined with xylazine and ketamine and maintained on isoflurane. The objective of this prospective alternating crossover study was to compare quality of induction and recovery and cardiopulmonary function in horses administered guaifenesin or diazepam as co-induction drugs. Six healthy horses were anesthetized twice to undergo an MRI and surgical biopsies, with 5 wk between treatments. Horses were sedated intravenously (IV) with xylazine, 0.6 mg/kg BW, and IV induction started 4 min later. Group G received guaifenesin, 100 mg/kg BW, over 2 min and ketamine, 2 mg/kg BW, within 1 to 2 min of starting the guaifenesin. Group D received diazepam, 0.1 mg/kg BW, w...
Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Axial Proximal Sesamoid Osteomyelitis and Intersesamoidean Ligament Rupture in a Horse. A 7-year-old Warmblood mare used for show jumping was evaluated for progressive left hindlimb lameness of 5 weeks' duration, localized clinically to the metatarsophalangeal region. Radiography revealed ill-defined osteolysis of the axial apical regions of both proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs). Due to rapid clinical deterioration, low-field magnetic resonance imaging was performed and demonstrated aggressive axial osteomyelitis of both PSBs, partial rupture of the intersesamoidean ligament and proximal scutum with herniation of synovium of the plantar joint recess, and an occult penetrating tract...
Liposomal bupivacaine local analgesia reduces systemic inflammatory responses following equine laparoscopic surgery. Liposomal local anesthetics have been shown to extend analgesia duration and improve pain scores dose-dependently in horses. Our objective was to assess concurrent impact on systemic inflammatory markers. Unassigned: 18 mares (age, 2 to 20 years) with normal ovarian anatomy were enrolled. Laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomies were performed standing with sedation. Local analgesia was: 80 mL bupivacaine hydrochloride (BHCl; n = 6), 30 mL 0.75% BHCl + 20 mL (low-dose) liposomal bupivacaine (LB) expanded to 80 mL with saline (LB20, n = 6), or 30 mL 0.75% BHCl + 40 mL (high-dose) LB expanded to equ...
Effect of erythromycin and colistin ophthalmic ointment on post-race keratitis in Thoroughbred racehorses. This study investigated the prophylactic efficacy of administering an ophthalmic ointment containing erythromycin and colistin (EC ointment) after racing to prevent post-race keratitis in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: The incidence of post-race keratitis following turf and dirt races was compared between treatment groups (non-ointment group: eye flushing only; ointment group: eye flushing and application of EC ointment) and between two randomly assigned groups (non-antimicrobial group: application of ophthalmic white petrolatum; antimicrobial group: application of EC ointment). Results: Af...
