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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.
Aldosterone plasma concentration in horses with heart valve insufficiencies. In humans and small animals, heart disease can lead to an increase in aldosterone, and the aldosterone level correlates with the severity of the heart disease. In horses similar interactions may be possible and may lead to an increase in aldosterone in horses with heart valve insufficiencies. In a prospective clinical trial eight healthy horses (control group) and 40 horses with heart valve disease were examined. In all horses, a clinical (auscultation), electro- and echocardiographic examination was performed and aldosterone plasma concentration was determined. The median aldosterone plasma c...
Polyneuropathy of Finnish horses characterised by inflammatory demyelination and intracisternal Schwann cell inclusions. A neurological disorder characterised by pelvic limb metatarsophalangeal joint extensor paresis has been observed in numerous horses in Scandinavia for the last decade. Very little has been formally reported and there have been no detailed assessments of the neurological signs or neuropathological lesions. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and pathological features of an outbreak of 'Scandinavian knuckling syndrome' in a riding stable in southern Finland. Methods: Clinical neurological examination of 4 cases and neuropathological assessment of tissues of one case were performed. Resul...
Effect of chiropractic manipulations on the kinematics of back and limbs in horses with clinically diagnosed back problems. Although there is anecdotal evidence of clinical effectiveness of chiropractic in treatment of equine back pain, little scientific work has been reported on the subject. Objective: To quantify the effect of chiropractic manipulations on back and limb kinematics in horse locomotion. Methods: Kinematics of 10 Warmblood horses were measured over ground at walk and trot at their own, preferred speed before, and one hour and 3 weeks after chiropractic treatment that consisted of manipulations of the back, neck and pelvic area. Speed was the same during all measurements for each horse. Results: Chir...
Post mortem survey of dental disorders in 349 donkeys from an aged population (2005-2006). Part 2: epidemiological studies. Dental disorders have recently been recognised as having major clinical and welfare implications in donkeys. However, no investigation appears to have examined the association of dental disorders with managemental factors and any intercurrent illness. Objective: To determine the association of dental disorders observed in a post mortem study with age group, body condition score, time since last dental treatment, feeding and the illness that necessitated euthanasia or caused death. Methods: A prospective study documented the type and prevalence of dental disorders in 349 mainly aged donkeys (me...
An epidemiological study of myopathies in Warmblood horses. There are few detailed reports describing muscular disorders in Warmblood horses. Objective: To determine the types of muscular disorders that occur in Warmblood horses, along with presenting clinical signs, associated risk factors and response to diet and exercise recommendations, and to compare these characteristics between horses diagnosed with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), those diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder other than PSSM (non-PSSM) and control horses. Methods: Subject details, muscle biopsy diagnosis and clinical history were compiled for Warmblood horses identified ...
Bite and kick injuries in horses: prevalence, risk factors and prevention. Studies on the prevalence and predisposing factors of bite and kick injuries in horses have not been reported in a population-based data sample. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of bite and kick injuries in horses and associated risk factors in a representative sample of horses in Switzerland. Methods: A questionnaire on the incidence of disease and injury, which included the frequency of bite and kick injuries and their association with breed, housing, use and feeding regime, was sent to 2559 horse owners randomly selected throughout Switzerland. Results: The data of 2912 horses with ...
Effect of repeated administration of oxytocin during diestrus on duration of function of corpora lutea in mares. To determine whether IM administration of exogenous oxytocin twice daily on days 7 to 14 after ovulation blocks luteolysis and causes prolonged function of corpora lutea (CL) in mares. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: 12 mares. Methods: Beginning on the day of ovulation (day 0), jugular blood samples were collected every other day until day 40 for determination of progesterone concentration. On day 7, mares (n = 6/group) were treated with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control group) or oxytocin. Beginning on day 7, control mares received 3 mL of sterile saline solution every 12 hours, IM, a...
The effects of chiropractic, massage and phenylbutazone on spinal mechanical nociceptive thresholds in horses without clinical signs. Common methods used to treat back problems in horses need to be assessed objectively. Objective: To measure spinal mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) and evaluate the effects of chiropractic, massage and phenylbutazone, compared with active and inactive control groups. Methods: Baseline MNTs at 7 sites within the thoracolumbar and sacral regions were measured in 38 healthy mature horses exhibiting no clinical signs of lumbar pain. Horses were assigned to one of 3 treatment groups: instrument-assisted chiropractic treatment, therapeutic massage and phenylbutazone; or 2 control groups: rid...
The effect of omeprazole paste on intragastric pH in clinically ill neonatal foals. Administration of omeprazole paste per os to healthy neonatal foals has been shown to effectively increase intragastric pH, but has not been evaluated in sick neonatal foals. Objective: To determine the effect of orally administered omeprazole paste on intragastric pH in clinically ill neonatal foals requiring nasogastric intubation. Methods: Intragastric pH was measured continuously for 24 h using an indwelling electrode and continuous data recording system in hospitalised neonatal foals age < or =2 days. Intragastric pH was measured for 12 h prior to (pretreatment period) and 12 h followi...
Treatment of equine cheek teeth by mechanical widening of diastemata in 60 horses (2000-2006). Cheek teeth (CT) diastemata are a significant cause of painful dental disease in horses and limited factual information is available on the treatment of this disorder. Objective: To assess the response to mechanical widening in the treatment of diastema. Methods: Details of the presenting signs and treatment of cases of CT diastema by widening were recorded and the response to treatment of these cases assessed by re-examinations and by obtaining follow-up information from owners. Results: Sixty horses of various breeds, median age 9 years, with clinically significant CT diastemata were classif...
Effects of a commercial dose of L-tryptophan on plasma tryptophan concentrations and behaviour in horses. L-tryptophan is a common ingredient in equine calmative products, but its effectiveness has not been demonstrated in horses. Objective: To determine whether a commercial dose of L-tryptophan increases plasma tryptophan and alters behaviour in horses fed a roughage or concentrate meal. Methods: L-tryptophan (6.3 g) or placebo (water) was administered per os in a cross-over design, to 12 Thoroughbred horses (503 +/- 12.1 kg bwt), just before a meal of lucerne hay or oats. Plasma tryptophan was measured by gas chromatography. Horse behaviour was observed in an empty enclosure, then in the presenc...
Role of Sertoli cell number and function on regulation of spermatogenesis. Testicular function is under the control of expression and repression of several genes and gene products, and many of these works through Sertoli cells. The capability of Sertoli cells to regulate spermatogenesis is dependent on Sertoli cell functions and Sertoli cell number. Sertoli cell number has long been thought to be stable in adults with no proliferation of Sertoli cells once adult numbers have been reached. However, adult horses do not have stable Sertoli cell numbers, and new studies indicate that adult Sertoli cells can be made to re-enter mitotic phase under certain experimental con...
Comparative efficacy of diminazene diaceturate and diminazene aceturate for the treatment of babesiosis in horses. The present work was conducted to study the comparative efficacy of two anti-protozoan (babesicidal) drugs on the recovery and health of horses. A total of 80 horses, showing typical clinical symptoms of the disease, were selected for this study; the presence of babesiosis was confirmed through blood smear examination. These animals were divided into two groups i.e. A and B. Horses of Group A, were treated with diminazene diaceturate, while horses of Group B were treated with diminazene aceturate. Efficacy of the drugs was determined by the reversal of clinical signs and a negative blood smear...
Graded arrangement of collagen fibrils in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon. By using ultramorphological and biochemical methods, we analyzed the regional differences between the three parts of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), namely, the myotendinous junction (MTJ), middle metacarpal (mM), and osteotendinous junction (OTJ). Cross-sectional images showed unique distributions of collagen fibrils of varying diameters in each region. Small collagen fibrils (diameter 200 nm). In the mM region, the collagen fibrils were intermediately distributed between the MTJ and OTJ. The results indicate a graded arrangement of collagen fibrils in the tendon. Type V ...
Can exercise modulate the maturation of functionally different immature tendons in the horse? Tendons can be considered in two functional groups, those contributing to energetics of locomotion and those acting solely to position the limb. The energy-storing tendons in both human and equine athletes have a high frequency of injury with similar pathophysiology. In previous studies, high-intensity exercise appears to induce a disruption of the matrix rather than functional adaptation in adults. Here we explore the hypothesis that the introduction of controlled exercise during growth would result in an adaptive response without deleterious effects. Young horses were given a controlled exer...
Sedation with detomidine and acepromazine influences the endoscopic evaluation of laryngeal function in horses. Endoscopy of the upper airways of horses is used as a diagnostic tool and at purchase examinations. On some occasions it is necessary to use sedation during the procedure and it is often speculated that the result of the examination might be influenced due to the muscle-relaxing properties of the most commonly used sedatives. Objective: To evaluate the effect of detomidine (0.01 mg/kg bwt) and acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg bwt) on the appearance of symmetry of rima glottidis, ability to abduct maximally the arytenoid cartilages and the effect on recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) grade. Methods: ...
In vitro evaluation of a single injection technique for diagnostic analgesia of the proximal suspensory ligament of the equine pelvic limb. To examine the anatomic relationship of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (DBLPN) with structures of the proximal metatarsal region, and to define the anatomic location of a solution injected using a single injection technique for diagnostic analgesia of the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL). Methods: Descriptive study. Methods: Cadaveric equine pelvic limbs (n=29). Methods: The proximal metatarsal region of both pelvic limbs (n=5 horses, 10 limbs) was dissected and measurements were made of anatomic structures relative to the head of the 4th metatarsal bone (HMT4). A single inject...
Myonecrosis in three horses with colic: evidence for endotoxic injury. Three horses with colic, clinical evidence of endotoxaemia and high serum activities of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were examined postmortem. The horses were diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis, pyloric ulceration and stenosis with colonic sand impaction, and colonic obstruction due to faecaliths. There was no gross or histological evidence of muscle trauma. Their semimembranosus muscles had scattered acute to subacute segmental necrosis of the myofibres, suggestive of endotoxin-induced muscle injury.
Endometrial gland surface density and hyperaemia of the endometrium during early pregnancy in the mare. The morphology and surface density of endometrial glands responsible for the nutrition of the placenta requires further study employing computer assisted morphometric analysis. Objective: To analyse changes in the morphology and surface density of endometrial glands situated adjacent to, and remote from, the conceptus during the first 30 days of gestation. Methods: Endometrial biopsies were recovered, under videoendoscopic control, from both nonpregnant and pregnant mares 12 days after ovulation, as well as from pregnant mares on Days 16, 20, 25 and 30 of gestation. One biopsy was taken at the...
Fertility and complications after fetotomy in 20 brood mares (2001-2006). To report fertility (foals conceived, live foal births) of mares after partial fetotomy to resolve dystocia and complications associated with fetotomy. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=20). Methods: Medical records (2001-2006) of mares that had partial fetotomy (1-3 cuts) for dystocia were reviewed. Complications and subsequent fertility were obtained by interview and live foal data were recorded by the Jockey Club. Postfetotomy conception and live foals produced over 21 breeding seasons (defined as years each mare was bred regardless of conception) were recorded. Results: Twen...
In vitro biomechanical comparison of equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis techniques: prototype equine spoon plate versus axially positioned dynamic compression plate and two abaxial transarticular cortical screws inserted in lag fashion. To compare in vitro monotonic biomechanical properties of an equine spoon plate (ESP) with an axial 3-hole, 4.5 mm narrow dynamic compression plate (DCP) using 5.5 mm cortical screws in conjunction with 2 abaxial transarticular 5.5 mm cortical screws (DCP-TLS) inserted in lag fashion for equine proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis. Methods: Paired in vitro biomechanical testing of 2 methods of stabilizing cadaveric adult equine forelimb PIP joints. Methods: Cadaveric adult equine forelimbs (n=18 pairs). Methods: For each forelimb pair, 1 PIP joint was stabilized with an ESP (8 hole...
Congenital anomalies of the equine urinary tract. Congenital anomalies of the urinary tract in horses may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Presenting complaints are variable and include weight loss, depression, dysuria, hematuria, and mild colic. Although the most severe abnormalities are diagnosed in the neonate, some diseases, such as ectopic ureter(s), may be identified in older horses. In human medicine, the fetus is examined in the prenatal period for evidence of urinary tract dysfunction, but this is not yet common practice in equine medicine. As a result, urinary tract anomalies are diagnosed after birth using a wide variety of diag...
Examination of the urinary tract in the horse. Pathologic conditions of the urinary tract may produce specific clinical signs, but they are more than likely to be nonspecific clinical signs, which often occur with chronic renal disease in addition to countless other diseases. Further, clinical signs that may seem to be directly related to the urinary tract may be the result of other systemic diseases. Thus, before embarking on diagnostics, it is important to obtain a thorough history and physical examination.
Equine renal tubular disorders. Renal tubular disorders have been sporadically reported in horses. Only three types of tubular defects have been recognized: (1) nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, attributable to unresponsiveness of the renal tubules to antidiuretic hormone; (2) distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA; type I); and (3) proximal RTA (type II). The following review focuses on RTA and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
