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.
Weese JS, Caldwell F, Willey BM, Kreiswirth BN, McGeer A, Rousseau J, Low DE.There are increasing reports of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection and colonization in horses and evidence that MRSA can be transmitted between horses and humans. The objective of this study was to investigate reports of skin infection in personnel working with a foal with community-associated MRSA colonization and subsequent infection. Clinical diagnostic specimens were collected from individuals reporting skin lesions following contact with the affected foal. Nasal and groin screening swabs were collected from other veterinary personnel that attended a voluntary scr...
van Weyenberg S, Buyse J, Janssens GP.To determine the influence of feeding frequency on apparent digestibility and blood metabolites in horses, four geldings were fed a complete ration either once (at 08:00 h) or three times a day (at 08:00, 13:00 and 18:00 h). Horses were provided with a mixture of cereals and chopped alfalfa hay at maintenance level for energy supply, 344 kJ/kg BW(0.75) on a daily basis. After three weeks' adaptation, total amounts of faeces and urine were collected for five days, using collection harnesses. Serial blood samples were taken at -30, -15, 0, 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 480 and ...
Lefebvre R, Theoret C, Doré M, Girard C, Laverty S, Vaillancourt D.An 8-year-old Arabian mare was admitted for a large ovarian anovulatory follicle. A clinical diagnosis of ovarian tumor and endometritis was established. Histological examinations revealed an ovarian teratoma and a grade II endometritis. Three months after unilateral ovariectomy, the mare was confirmed pregnant and eventually gave birth uneventfully. Une jument Arabe de 8 ans fut présentée pour un gros ovaire. Un diagnostic de tumeur ovarienne et d’endométrite fut posé. L’examen histologique confirma un tératoma ovarien et une endométrite grade II. Trois mois après une ovariectomie...
Butler CM, van Gils JA, van der Kolk JH.Piroplasmosis, a disease endemic to most tropical and subtropical areas, appears to be spreading to more temperate zones. This article gives a review of equine piroplasmosis and describes an acute case of infection with Babesia caballi in a Dutch Standard bred foal after a short stay at a stud in Normandy (France). A 3-month-old stallion foal was presented with lethargy, fever of 41 degrees C, and pale mucosal membranes. Haematology revealed a low packed cell volume (14 l/l) leucytosis (25 G/l) and a high blood urea nitrogen concentration (20.1mmol/l). Infection with B. caballi was diagnosed o...
Ishigami N, Horiba K.A 41-year-old woman presented with symptoms of cardiac tamponade. Diagnosis of a primary malignant tumor in the right atrium without distant metastasis was made by echocardiography, computed tomography and coronary angiography. Aggressive surgery consisting of resection of the tumor including the right atrial wall together with the right coronary artery and sinus node was performed. This was followed by coronary artery bypass grafting with myocardial electrode implantation for reconstruction of the right atrial wall using an equine pericardium. Final diagnosis was of angiosarcoma by pathologic...
Duijkeren EV, Box AT, Schellen P, Houwers DJ, Fluit AC.Integrons in gentamicin- and cotrimoxazole-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from dogs and horses with clinical infections were analyzed by conserved segment PCR-RFLP. Five distinct integron types were found, most of which have previously been reported in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from humans and farm animals, indicating that resistance genes are exchanged between the reservoirs in humans, farm animals, and companion animals.
Nunnery C, Pickett JP, Zimmerman KL.This report documents congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in two non-Appaloosa horse breeds (Thoroughbred and Paso Fino). History of vision impairment since birth, normal ocular structures on ophthalmic examination, and electroretinographic findings were consistent with CSNB. In one horse (Thoroughbred), a 9-year follow-up was carried out. In the Paso Fino, severe vision impairment from birth to approximately 1 year of age in both dim and bright light situations led to humane euthanasia and histopathologic confirmation of the disorder.
Valentine BA.A retrospective study examined data on cutaneous nodular and proliferative lesions in horses, donkeys and mules submitted to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University in a 3.5-year period. One hundred and sixteen non-neoplastic nodular and proliferative lesions were identified, comprising 18% of all lesions studied and 6.4% of total equine pathology accessions. Exuberant granulation tissue, eosinophilic granuloma, fungal granuloma, cysts and habronaemiasis were most common, and constituted 91% of non-neoplastic lesions, 16% of all lesions studied, and 5.85% of total equin...
Rahman SA, Walker L, Ricketts W.In Asia and the Far East, livestock undergo major suffering due to malnutrition, overloading, and ill-treatment. At slaughter animals are handled roughly and watch other animals being killed; stunning is not practised. Cruelty to other animals such as elephants, horses, donkeys, bears, dogs, and circus animals has largely been prevented through the efforts of animal welfare organisations. Governments have taken initiatives to establish Animal Welfare Boards and enact laws for the prevention of cruelty to animals, but their efforts are far too limited to be of any significance and financial con...
Navarro M, Monreal L, Segura D, Armengou L, Añor S.The purpose of this study was to compare traditional and quantitative approaches in analysis of the acid-base and electrolyte imbalances in horses with acute gastrointestinal disorders. Venous blood samples were collected from 115 colic horses, and from 45 control animals. Horses with colic were grouped according to the clinical diagnosis into 4 categories: obstructive, ischemic, inflammatory, and diarrheic problems. Plasma electrolytes, total protein, albumin, pH, pCO2, tCO2, HCO3-, base excess, anion gap, measured strong ion difference (SIDm), nonvolatile weak buffers (A(tot)), and strong io...
Archer DC, Boswell JC, Voute LC, Clegg PD.Gamma scintigraphy is a well established imaging modality, which in equine practice is predominantly used in the investigation of lameness and suspected musculoskeletal problems. Whilst there is a growing literature on the indications for scintigraphy in the horse, there has been little emphasis so far on identifying the validity of scintigraphy as a diagnostic test. In particular, to what extent can the results of a scintigraphic examination be trusted? In this opinionated review the current indications for skeletal scintigraphy in the horse are considered and its validity as a diagnostic tes...
Archer DC, Cotton JC, Boswell JC.Gamma scintigraphy is an established imaging modality in the horse and is principally utilised to investigate skeletal disease using bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals. However, depending on the radiopharmaceutical and imaging sequence, scintigraphy can be used to investigate disease in virtually any organ system. In this article the indications and validity of scintigraphy as a clinical diagnostic tool to investigate non-skeletal disease in the horse are reviewed. These indications include: investigation of dental disease, identification of inflammatory foci, vascular lesions, muscle and tendo...
Shoemaker RW, Wilson DG, Fretz PB.To describe and evaluate a technique involving a dorsal approach for the removal of the nasal septum in adult horses. Methods: Retrospective clinical study. Methods: Four client-owned horses. Methods: Access for partial nasal septum resection was through a dorsal nasal bone flap. Septum resection was performed because of reduced airflow from septal deviation and/or thickening caused by traumatic insult or neoplasia. Preoperative clinical signs and diagnostic results were recorded. Intra- and postoperative complications were noted and follow-up information was obtained from telephone interviews...
Getman LM, Ross MW, Elce YA.To report the diagnosis and outcome after surgical correction of bilateral distal ureteral anomalies in a Standardbred filly. Methods: Clinical case report. Methods: An 8-month-old, 310 kg Standardbred filly with left ureteral atresia and right ureteral ectopia. Methods: The filly was admitted for evaluation of incontinence since birth and severe urine scalding of the hindquarters. Diagnosis was made by both direct (cystoscopy and vaginoscopy) and indirect (intravenous pyelography, ultrasonography, and scintigraphy) evaluation of the ureters and bladder. The filly had left ureteral atresia, hy...
Farstvedt E, Hendrickson D.To evaluate outcome after laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space in horses that had previous nephrosplenic entrapment of ascending colon (left dorsal displacement of the left colon; LDDLC). Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses that had previous LDDLC. Methods: Medical records of horses that had LDDLC and subsequent laparoscopic nephrosplenic space closure between 2002 and 2004 were retrieved. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Preoperative versus postoperative comparisons were: incidence of LDDLC, incidence of colic signs, and incidence of ve...
Castro FA, Schumacher JS, Pauwels F, Blackford JT.To evaluate the accuracy of a new technique for perineural injection of the lateral palmar nerve and to determine frequency of inadvertent injection into the carpal synovial sheath with this technique. Methods: Prospective experimental study. Methods: Thirty equine cadaver forelimbs. Methods: Each of 3 clinicians injected 0.5 mL of a 1% aqueous solution of new methylene blue as a marker at the medial aspect of the accessory carpal bone of 10 limbs. Immediately after each injection, the lateral palmar nerve was identified by dissection of and inspected for proximity of dye, and the carpal synov...
Taylor EL, Galuppo LD, Steffey EP, Scarlett CC, Madigan JE.To describe a sling recovery system (Anderson Sling) for horses and to evaluate outcome of high-risk horses recovered from general anesthesia by a sling. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=24) recovered from general anesthesia. Methods: Complete medical and anesthetic records (1996-2003) for horses recovered from general anesthesia using the Anderson Sling system were evaluated retrospectively. Information retrieved included anesthetic protocol, surgical procedure, recovery protocol, recovery time, and quality of the recovery. Horses were recovered from anesthesia supported by th...
Pille F, De Baere S, Ceelen L, Dewulf J, Croubels S, Gasthuys F, De Backer P, Martens A.To determine radiocarpal (RC) joint synovial fluid and plasma ceftiofur concentrations after regional intravenous perfusion (RIP) and systemic intravenous (IV) administration. Methods: Experimental cross-over study. Methods: Five normal adult horses. Methods: One RC joint was randomly selected for RIP and the contralateral RC joint was sampled to determine intrasynovial ceftiofur concentrations after IV administration. Wash-out between IV and RIP was > or = 14 days. After surgical introduction of an intraarticular catheter, ceftiofur (2 g) was administered under general anesthesia either IV or...
Sod GA, Hubert JD, Martin GS, Gill MS.To evaluate the effects of plate luting on the biomechanical properties of a broad limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by LC-DCP fixation, with 1 of the pair luted with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Methods: Ten pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones. Methods: Ten pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 2 test groups (5 pairs each) for (1) palmarodorsal 4-point bending single cycle to failure testi...
Cokelaere SM, Martens AM, Wiemer P.To describe use of a polyamide tie-rap to ligate the mesovarium during standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: Ten mares. Methods: Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in 10 mares. Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed using 3 portals in the paralumbar fossa. A commercial polyamide tie-rap was prepared as a loop and marked with 4 colored lines close to the buckle, to enable us to check whether the loop was tightened securely. The ovary was grasped with forceps and after the mesovarium was minimally transected cranially and caudally, the loop of...
Sponseller BT, Valberg SJ, Tennent-Brown BS, Foreman JH, Kumar P, Timoney JF.Four Quarter Horses (9 months to 7 years of age) with submandibular lymphadenopathy and firm muscles (palpation of which elicited signs of pain) were evaluated; in general, the horses had a stiff gait, and 3 horses became recumbent. Streptococcus equi was cultured from aspirates of lymph nodes or samples of purulent material collected from the auditory tube diverticula. Once the horses were recumbent, their condition deteriorated rapidly despite aggressive antimicrobial and antiinflammatory treatment, necessitating euthanasia within 24 to 48 hours. One horse did not become recumbent and recove...
Robertson TP, Peroni JF, Lewis SJ, Moore JN.To determine the effects of induction of capacitative Ca2+ entry on tone in equine laminar arteries and veins. Methods: Laminar arteries and veins from 6 adult mixed-breed horses. Methods: Arteries and veins were isolated and mounted on small vessel myographs for the measurement of isometric tension. Capacitative Ca2+ entry was induced by incubating the vessels with the specific Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin (100nM) in a Ca2+-free physiologic salt solution. Capacitative Ca2+ entry-associated contractile responses were determined by the subsequent addition of 2mM Ca2+ to the solution bathi...
Frank N, Andrews FM, Elliott SB, Lew J.To assess antiulcerogenic properties of 3 dietary oils. Methods: 8 healthy adult mares. Methods: A protocol to induce gastric ulcers was used and included 240 mL of water plus corn oil, refined rice bran oil, or crude rice bran oil administered each day for 6 weeks according to a 4 x 4 Latin square randomized crossover design with 5-week washout intervals. A 7-day alternating feed deprivation period was included between weeks 5 and 6. Omeprazole was administered daily for the last 14 days of each washout interval. Endoscopic examinations of the stomach were performed at 0, 5, and 6 weeks, and ...
Spadavecchia C, Arendt-Nielsen L, Andersen OK, Spadavecchia L, Schatzmann U.To investigate the action of a single IV administration of romifidine on the thresholds of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) and temporal summation in conscious horses. Methods: 10 adult horses. Methods: Single electrical stimulations were applied on the digital nerves to evoke NWR from the left forelimb and hind limb. Repeated electrical stimulations (10 stimuli, 5 Hz) were given to obtain temporal summation. Surface electromyographic reflex activity was recorded from the common digital extensor and cranial tibial muscles. After baseline assessment of NWR and temporal summation threshol...
Clarke KW, Song DY, Alibhai HI, Lee YH.Cardiopulmonary parameters were measured in 12 ponies (small horses) before anaesthesia and, following induction with xylazine and ketamine, during maintenance of anaesthesia with desflurane. In six of the ponies (group A) anaesthesia was maintained for three hours with desflurane at an end-tidal concentration of 7.4 per cent. In the other six ponies (group B), anaesthesia was maintained in the same way for one hour and then the effects of end-tidal desflurane concentrations of 7.4 per cent and 9.6 per cent with and without artificial ventilation were investigated. In group A ponies the arteri...
Shotton JCR, Justice WSM, Salguero FJ, Stevens A, Bacci B. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as equine Cushing's disease, is widely reported in middle-aged to older domestic equids but to date reported in only one nondomestic equid, the onager ( Equus hemionus onager). This case series reports clinical, hematological, and pathological findings consistent with PPID in two further equid species: one Chapman's zebra ( Equus quagga chapmani) and five Przewalski's horses ( Equus ferus przewalskii). The case series reports basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) testing as a method to diagnose and monitor PPID in zoological equid...
Mair T, Sherlock C.Most recurrent episodes of non-specific colic are self-limiting, and the results of clinical examinations are unremarkable. Differentiating these cases from serious diseases can be difficult, but repeated evaluations are warranted. Horses presenting with very frequent bouts of colic are more likely to have serious diseases and a higher mortality rate compared to horses presenting with less frequent bouts of transient colic. Horses with recurrent bouts of prolonged colic are more likely to have motility issues or partial intestinal obstruction. Non-gastrointestinal diseases can also cause recur...
Peauroi JR, Fisher DJ, Mohr FC, Vivrette SL.A 14-year-old Arabian gelding had weight loss and anorexia of 3 weeks' duration. Results of repeated laboratory tests revealed persistent hypercalcemia and serum phosphorus concentration that was within or less than the reference range. Parathyroid hormone concentration was high. Histologic examination of specimens obtained at necropsy revealed parathyroid adenoma. A diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism attributable to a functional parathyroid adenoma was made. Abnormalities in calcium and phosphorus concentrations were similar to those seen with primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs, in whi...
Madejón P, Domínguez MT, Murillo JM.Pasture selection by livestock is an essential topic for rangeland management, especially in trace element-contaminated soils. We have studied the composition (nutrients and trace elements) of a grass-based diet from soils affected by a mine spill at different growth stages (October 2008 to May 2009). A diet based on other plants (mainly Compositae species) was also studied (May 2009) for comparison. Faeces and mane hair of horses feeding on these pastures were also analysed. Micronutrient (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and potentially toxic trace element (As, Cd, Pb, Tl) concentrations were below the ma...
Svonni E, Andreasson M, Fernström LL, Rydén A, Pringle J, Riihimäki M.Endoscopic examinations are essential for diagnosis and treatment of strangles (S equi infection) in horses. However, even after disinfection, endoscopes may retain viable bacteria or bacterial DNA. Twitches are commonly used during endoscopic examinations and can thus also potentially transmit the organism to other horses. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of different disinfectant methods to eliminate S equi from experimentally contaminated endoscopes and twitches and the effectiveness of field disinfection of endoscopes used in sampling carriers of S equi. Methods: Experimental contami...
Cullimore AM, Lester GD, Swindells KL.A 7-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with muscle fasciculation, reluctance to move, profuse sweating, tachycardia, tachypnoea and a localised, unilateral swelling on the muzzle. History and physical examination were suggestive of snake envenomation. Methods: A sandwich ELISA for the detection of snake venom was performed on serum and urine samples. Results: The test performed on urine confirmed a diagnosis of tiger snake envenomation. Conclusions: The response to treatment with antivenom and supportive medical therapy was excellent.
Willett K, Blackmore DJ.A method is described for the measurement of haptoglobin in equine serum using the peroxidase activity of the haemoglobin-haptoglobin complex. The problems of interference with Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions are described. Normal values for haptoglobin in 629 blood samples from thoroughbreds in training are presented showing a log normal distribution with a 5 per cent to 95 per cent range of 0.42 to 1.7 g/litre. There was no consistent alteration in haptoglobin concentration throughout the season in spite of a change in red cell size and total bilirubin concentration. It is concluded that the measurement ...
Schieder K, Zsoldos RR, Dippel M, Siedler C, Tichy A, Licka TF.Lameness evaluation (LE) is an important veterinary skill, but it can be a challenging task to teach. Acoustic and visual input in conjunction with acting are the three major learning channels for acquiring new information. Acting (e.g., physical self-experience) has not been reported as a didactic tool for LE; therefore, we investigated two physical self-experience techniques, imitation of lameness during LE instruction and head nod during LE. Undergraduate veterinary students ( = 78) who had not yet received any instructions for LE underwent standard instruction for LE, followed by instructi...
Yang F, Shao Q, Jiang Z.Using the Yellow-River-Source National Park (YRSNP) as a study site, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing and line transect method was used to investigate the number of wild herbivorous animals and livestock, including the kiang () and Tibetan gazelle (). A downscaling algorithm was used to generate the forage yield data in YRSNP based on a 30-m spatial resolution. On this basis, we estimated the forage-livestock balance, which included both wild animals and livestock, and analyzed the effects of functional zone planning in national parks on the forage-livestock balance in YRSNP. Th...
van Duijkeren E, Vulto AG, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Kessels BG, van Miert AS, Breukink HJ.In the present study, the pharmacokinetic parameters of a trimethoprim/sulphachlorpyridazine preparation following intravenous administration, administration by nasogastric tube and administration with concentrate were determined in the horse. Eight adult horses were dosed at 1 week intervals in a sequentially designed study at a dose of 5 mg/kg trimethoprim (TMP) and 25 mg/kg sulphachlorpyridazine (SCP) on all occasions. Plasma concentrations of both drugs were measured serially for 48 h. Pharmacokinetic parameters of clinical importance (distribution and elimination half-lives, clearance, bi...
Warmerdam EP.Ultrasonography of the femoral artery in the horse, including color, power and spectral Doppler, provides morphologic and dynamic information. This paper describes the use of the techniques in six clinically normal horses and three with femoral artery thrombosis. Useful landmarks for orientation are the saphenous artery and the medial saphenous vein. The lateral circumflex femoral artery can not be visualized. Recognition of the genus descendens artery is complicated due to the presence of multiple distal caudal femoral arteries. The femoral artery feeds a high resistance bed. In normal horses...
Held JP, McCracken MD, Toal R, Latimer F.Aspermia was diagnosed in a 12-year-old Thoroughbred stallion with generalized lymphosarcoma. Invasion of the epididymus by neoplastic cells caused thickening and enlargement of both epididymes. The testes were not affected. The nodular ultrasonographic architecture was similar to that in previously reported cases of infectious epididymitis.
Ricketts SW, Peace CK.The report describes a case of abdominal neoplasia in a mare diagnosed ante-mortem by the technique of paracentesis abdominis. Histopathological findings suggest that the lesion was a mesothelioma, primarily involving the greater omentum.
Mills JH, Fretz PB, Clark EG, Ganjam VK.An ovarian neoplasm measuring 10 by 8 by 6 cm was surgically removed from a 14-year-old Appaloosa mare. For 2 years prior to surgery, the mare had manifested marked behavioral changes, becoming aggressive toward other broodmares. Histologically, the tumor was found to be an arrhenoblastoma. Preoperative endocrinologic findings (high serum testosterone and low serum estradiol concentrations) supported the diagnosis.
Vanderwall DK, Rasmussen DM, Woods GL.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...
Pereira MM, Artemiou E, De Pedro P, Adams C, Ritter C.Effective clinical communication can aid veterinarians in building good client relationships, increase adherence to recommendations and, ultimately, improve patient health and welfare. However, available information on veterinary communication in the equine context is limited. The objective of this study was to describe the communication of veterinary students in the equine environment who had previous communication training. Additionally, we assessed the suitability of the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) for the analysis of audio-video recordings of equine wellness consultations. Met...
Vosugh D, Nazem MN, Hooshmand AR.Among the different breeds of horses, Asil horses with a five thousand year history have played an important role in human life. This study was designed as a result of the lack of information about the normal radiographic anatomy of this breed. Methods: Radiography of the distal phalanx and associated soft tissue structures of the front feet of 10 healthy pure Iranian Arabian horses was performed on lateromedial radiographic projection to determine normal radiographic morphometry of this part. There were no problems in their limbs and in their history. Results: Obtained radiograph of each fron...
Martin L, Kaswan R, Chapman W.Traumatic optic nerve atrophy is characterised clinically by a unilateral or bilateral sudden onset of blindness. Dilated, fixed pupils and a lack of a menace reflex are the only abnormalities noted soon after the trauma. Within three to four weeks the optic disc becomes paler and the retinal vasculature is markedly decreased. The pathological lesion is a rupture of the nerve axons from stretching forces produced by the posterior movement of the brain against the fixed canalicular portion of the optic nerves. Medical therapy has not been successful.
Anderson JD, Galuppo LD, Barr BC, Puchalski SM, Macdonald MM, Whitcomb MB, Magdesian KG, Stover SM.To describe clinical and scintigraphic abnormalities in horses with a bone fragility disorder. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 16 horses with scintigraphic evidence of multiple sites of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU). Procedures-Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment; history; clinical, clinicopathologic, and diagnostic imaging findings; and treatment. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with owners. Results: Horses ranged from 4 to 22 years old; there were 8 castrated males and 8 females. Foci of IRU most commonly invol...
Hurcombe SDA.The assessment of blood analytes in racehorses can provide useful data on performance and health. The horses' adaptive responses to training that occur to optimize performance should be considered when interpreting alterations seen on laboratory results. Similarly, the alterations observed in laboratory test results can identify subclinical and clinical disease and be helpful for identifying organ dysfunction and, in many cases, monitoring progress and response to treatment. This article discusses hematologic and biochemical tests that are important in the evaluation of performance and health ...
Hardee MM, Moore JN, Hardee GE.The efficacy of three agents which alter the metabolism of arachidonic acid was investigated in normal, conscious horses. A dose response evaluation was made of flunixin meglumine and phenylbutazone, two cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, and of a selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, UK-38,485. Radioimmunoassay of thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha (PGF1 alpha) was used to assess the concentrations of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) respectively, in serum. Flunixin was the most potent inhibitor of serum TxB2 and 6-keto PGF1 alpha production. UK-38,485 also de...
Jenner F, Kirker-Head C.To determine the effect of core decompression surgery and bone mineral density (BMD) on the mechanical properties of equine navicular bones. Methods: Experimental, in vitro study. Methods: Fore limb navicular bones (n=36 pairs) from sound 2-5-year-old horses with no radiographic abnormalities of the distal aspect of the forelimbs. Methods: Navicular BMD was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. One randomly assigned navicular bone from each pair served as control. The contralateral test specimen was allocated to 1 of 6 treatment groups defined by drill bit size (3.2 versus 2.5 mm di...
Giancola F, Gentilini F, Romagnoli N, Spadari A, Turba ME, Giunta M, Sadeghinezhad J, Sorteni C, Chiocchetti R.Equine ileocolonic aganglionosis, which is also called lethal white foal syndrome (LWFS), is a severe congenital condition characterized by the unsuccessful colonization of neural crest progenitors in the caudal part of the small intestine and the entire large intestine. LWFS, which is attributable to a mutation in the endothelin receptor B gene, is the horse equivalent of Hirschsprung's disease in humans. Affected foals suffer from aganglionosis or hypoganglionosis of the enteric ganglia resulting in intestinal akinesia and colic. In other species with aganglionosis, fibers of extrinsic origi...
Veeramachaneni DN, Sawyer HR.The presence of atypical germ cells resembling carcinoma in situ of human testis is reported for the first time in an unilaterally cryptorchid stallion. These cells were found in association with developing intratubular seminoma indicating they represented carcinoma in situ.
Dowling BA, Dart AJ, Matthews SM.To evaluate chemical arthrodesis using sodium monoiodoacetate for treatment of degenerative joint disease of the tarsometatarsal and distal intertarsal joints. Methods: Retrospective clinical study. Methods: Horses were diagnosed with degenerative joint disease of one or more of the tarsometatarsal or distal intertarsal joints based on history, lameness examination, radiographic findings and, in some cases, response to intra-articular anaesthesia or medication. Intra-articular injections of sodium monoiodoacetate were performed using 23 gauge needles in the sedated, standing horse. Positive co...
Doll CU, Bohner M, Berner D, Buettner K, Horstmeier C, Winter K, Burk J.Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained increasing importance to monitor equine tendon lesions. Comparing results between studies and cases is hampered, because image analysis approaches vary strongly. This study aimed to improve reliability, comparability and time efficiency of quantitative MRI image analysis. Unassigned: Induced tendon lesions were studied over a 24-week period with 10 follow-up MRI examinations. Signal intensities (SIs) of tendons, tendon lesions, cortical bone and background, as well as lesion cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were measured. Lesion SI standardisat...
Egenvall A, Byström A, Lindsten A, Clayton HM.As techniques for equine biomechanical research have become more accessible and affordable, the literature published in this area has exploded. Literature reviews have become more popular of late and, more specifically, several literature reviews in areas related to equine biomechanics have been published. A scoping review is a relatively new approach, where a general aim is to map the body of literature on a topic area, accounting for criteria for inclusion and exclusion. However, problems can arise both in performing the review and in critiquing the findings. In this manuscript, the authors ...
Sullins KE, McIlwraith CW, Yovich JV, MacHarg MA, Fessler J.Unilateral ureteral ectopia was diagnosed in three-year-old and 10-month-old fillies exhibiting urinary incontinence since birth. In one case reimplantation of the ureter onto the bladder was planned but considered to be impractical intra-operatively. Unilateral nephrectomy was performed successfully in both cases which alleviated the urinary incontinence. Both horses had normal urinary function postoperatively and became healthy, serviceable animals.
Winther L, Baptiste KE, Friis C.Ampicillin concentrations in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) and plasma was studied after single intravenous ampicillin administration (15mg/kg) or single intragastric administration of its prodrug, pivampicillin (19.9mg/kg) to horses and discussed in relation to minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of common equine respiratory pathogens. After intravenous administration, elimination of ampicillin was fast and not detectable in plasma after 12h in three out of six horses. Pivampicillin was absorbed well in non-fasted horses with an oral bioavailability of 36%. The degree of penetra...
