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.
Risberg AI, Webb CB, Cooley AJ, Peek SF, Darien BJ.A pregnant quarterhorse mare became acutely lame as a result of severe swelling of its right hind leg, thought to have been caused by a fracture or a muscle tear. Diagnostic procedures ruled out a traumatic musculoskeletal cause and a physical examination revealed chronic pastern dermatitis ('scratches'/'grease heel'). Histopathological evaluation of biopsy samples from the right hind leg was consistent with a leucocytoclastic vasculitis, and culture yielded Staphylococcus intermedius. The treatment and infectious causes of pastern dermatitis are discussed.
Ward MP, Couëtil LL.To estimate the association between climate and airborne pollen and fungal factors and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in horses. Methods: Data from 1,444 horses with a diagnosis of COPD. Methods: The Veterinary Medical Database was used to identify records of horses admitted to veterinary teaching hospitals in the United States and Canada between 1990 and 1999. Rainfall, mean minimum and maximum temperature, and maximum monthly pollen and fungal spore (mold) counts recorded at the city closest to where the hospital is located were identified for each month data were reported to t...
Archer DC, Proudman CJ.Colic remains a significant problem in the horse in terms of welfare and economics; in some equine populations it is the single most common cause of death. Many causes of colic are cited in the equestrian and veterinary literature but little scientific evidence exists to substantiate these theories. Recent epidemiological investigations have confirmed that colic is complex and multi-factorial in nature. Studies have identified a number of factors that are associated with increased risk of colic including parasite burden, certain feed types, recent change in feeding practices, stabling, lack of...
Shrivastava SK, Kailash .Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in orthopedics and traumatology is still a young therapy method. Since the last few years the development of shock wave therapy has progressed rapidly. Shock waves have changed the treatment of urolithiasis substantially. Today shock waves are the first choice to treat kidney and urethral stones. Urology has long been the only medical field for shock waves in medicine. Meanwhile shock waves have been used in orthopedics and traumatology to treat insertion tendinitis, avascular necrosis of the head of femur and other necrotic bone alterations. Another field of ...
Stähli P, Grest P, Favrot C, Feige K.A 10-year-old Haflinger gelding was presented with severe generalized chronic dermatitis characterized by scales, crusts and widespread alopecia with a partially diffuse and partially circumscribed pattern. Pemphigus foliaceus was diagnosed based on history, clinical signs and histological examination of skin biopsies. Typical histological findings were subcorneal pustules with accumulations of intact neutrophil granulocytes and acantholytic keratinocytes. The gelding was treated with glucocorticoids and gold salts. The skin lesions resolved completely after 8 weeks of treatment. No recurrence...
Lugo J, Harkema JR, deFeijter-Rupp H, Bartner L, Boruta D, Robinson NE.This study was performed to determine if a peripheral sample of lung from the site where biopsy is conducted is representative of the rest of the lung and to investigate the relationship between airway inflammation and intraepithelial mucous production in the peripheral airways. Lung parenchyma samples were collected from five different regions of the lung in five control and five heaves-affected horses. Horse groups were defined by clinical response to stabling. Tissue sections were used for semi-quantitative scoring of lesions, to count the number of airways, to quantify the amount of stored...
Soma LR, Uboh CE, Guan F, Luo Y, Moate PJ, Boston RC, Driessen B.Hemoglobin-glutamer-200 (HBOC-200) is a hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) comprising glutaraldehyde-polymerized bovine Hb. In this study, we sought to determine the pharmacokinetics of this first generation HBOC after IV infusion of 32.5 g of HBOC-200 solution in horses. Quantification of HBOC-200 in equine plasma and urine was performed using a method recently developed by our laboratory. The elimination from plasma was based on size distribution of the bovine Hb polymer. The decline of plasma concentration-time curve of HBOC-200 was described by a noninterchanging 2-compartmental m...
Young LE, Rogers K, Wood JL.Cardiac morphology in human athletes is known to differ, depending on the sports-specific endurance component of their events, whereas anecdotes abound about superlative athletes with large hearts. As the heart determines stroke volume and maximum O(2) uptake in mammals, we undertook a study to test the hypothesis that the morphology of the equine heart would differ between trained horses, depending on race type, and that left ventricular size would be greatest in elite performers. Echocardiography was performed in 482 race-fit Thoroughbreds engaged in either flat (1,000-2,500 m) or jump racin...
Kaps S, Richter M, Philipp M, Bart M, Eule C, Spiess BM.A 12-year-old Haflinger gelding was presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospital of the University of Zurich with a light-pink raised mass on the temporal limbus and conjunctiva of the left eye. Squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed histologically after keratectomy and cryotherapy. Seven months later, a smooth pink, progressively enlarging mass was observed within the cornea of the left eye. Ultrasonographically, the mass was not only infiltrating the corneal stroma but seemed to protrude into the anterior chamber. The globe was surgically removed and submitted for pathology. A histol...
Rohrbach BW, Ward DA, Hendrix DV, Cawrse-Foss M, Moyers TD.To evaluate the effect of vaccination against leptospirosis on frequency and days to recurrence of uveitis and progression of disease in horses with equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). Methods: Forty-one horses with ERU. Methods: Horses were randomly assigned to experimental (vaccinated) or control groups. Vaccine containing six serovars of Leptospira or placebo was administered, an ophthalmic examination performed and blood samples drawn on days 0, 28, 180 and 365. Antibody titers were measured against each serovar. Recurrence of uveitis was verified by ophthalmic examination. Results of the init...
Ohlsson J, Jansson N.To determine the success rate and whether specific patient and treatment factors influenced the outcome after conservative treatment with a bar shoe with quarter clips of intra-articular fractures of the distal phalanx in horses not used for racing. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Thirty-two client-owned horses. Methods: Hospital records of horses that had been treated conservatively for intra-articular fractures of the distal phalanx at Skara Equine Hospital or Halland Animal Hospital in Sweden between 1995 and 2001 were reviewed. Racehorses in active training and horses affected with ...
Davies HM, Watson KM.The aims of this study were to test whether longer third metacarpal (MC3) bones had thicker dorsal cortices in a group of racehorses that were exercising at similar maximum speeds, and to establish if horses with larger differences in length between their right and left MC3 bones showed larger differences in the dorsal cortical thickness between the two limbs. Methods: An observational study. Methods: Forty Thoroughbred racehorses aged between 2 and 6 years and in training at racing speed at two racing stables were used. Two sets of radiographs of each left and right metacarpus of each horse w...
Rambags BP, Stout TA.An 18-year-old Friesian mare with a large intrauterine cyst was examined by transrectal ultrasonography. There were several small to moderately sized intraluminal endometrial cysts, one of which connected via the myometrium to a large subserosal cyst, thereby effectively forming a 'transmural' cyst complex. During a videohysteroscopy, the intraluminal part of this transmural cyst was removed by electrocoagulation via a polypectomy snare. It was then possible to drain the large subserosal part of the cyst into the uterine lumen by transrectal massage, thereby confirming the presence of the tran...
Dabareiner RM, Cohen ND, Carter GK, Nunn S, Moyer W.To determine the types of musculoskeletal problems that result in lameness or poor performance in horses used for team roping and determine whether these problems are different in horses used for heading versus heeling. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 118 horses. Methods: Medical records of team roping horses that were evaluated because of lameness or poor performance were reviewed to obtain information regarding signalment, primary use (ie, head horse or heel horse), history, results of physical and lameness examinations, diagnostic tests performed, final diagnosis, and treatment. Resu...
De Clercq D, van Loon G, Baert K, Tavernier R, Croubels S, De Backer P, Deprez P.Six horses without underlying cardiac disease were presented because of atrial fibrillation of between 5 and 12 months duration. These horses received an intravenous amiodarone treatment of 5mg/kg/h for 1 h followed by 0.83mg/kg/h for 23h and subsequently 1.9mg/kg/h for 30h. During treatment, clinical signs were monitored and a surface ECG and an intra-atrial electrogram were recorded. Infusion was discontinued when sinus rhythm or side effects occurred. Four horses successfully cardioverted, of which one showed symptoms of hind limb weakness and weight shifting. Two horses did not cardiovert ...
Grogan EH, McDonnell SM.To evaluate behavioral compliance of horses and ponies with simulated intranasal vaccination and assess development of generalized aversion to veterinary manipulations. Methods: Clinical trial. Methods: 28 light horse mares, 3 pony geldings, 2 light horse stallions, and 3 pony stallions that had a history of compliance with veterinary procedures. Methods: Behavioral compliance with 2 intranasal vaccine applicators was assessed. Compliance with standard physical examination procedures was assessed before and after a single experience with either of the applicators or a control manipulation to e...
Hinchcliff KW, Jackson MA, Brown JA, Dredge AF, O'Callaghan PA, McCaffrey JP, Morley PS, Slocombe RE, Clarke AF.To determine the interobserver variability of assessment of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) during tracheobronchoscopic examination in horses. Methods: 747 Thoroughbred racehorses. Procedures-850 tracheobronchoscopic examinations were performed within 2 hours of racing for the horses. Examinations were recorded on videotape, and EIPH and its severity were assessed independently by 3 veterinarians. Concordance was determined by calculation of the Cohen weighted kappa statistic and tabulation of scores assigned by each observer. Results: Weighted kappa statistics ranged from 0.75 to...
Wiemer P, Gruys E, van Hoeck B.The aim of this study was to investigate the biological behaviour of vascular grafts replacing a section of the jugular vein in order to improve the results of the surgical treatment of complete thrombosis of the jugular vein in the horse. Seven graft types: fresh allograft, home frozen allograft, glutaraldehyde-fixed allograft, cryo-preserved allograft, PTFE-graft (Gore), small intestinal submucosa preparation (Cook) and fresh autograft, were randomly implanted in ponies. The grafts were removed after one month and examined histologically for: preservation of the graft structures, acceptance ...
Wood JL, Newton JR, Chanter N, Mumford JA.Respiratory disease is important in young Thoroughbred racehorses, but the variation in the rates of occurrence between different ages and training groups has not been characterised. Objective: To determine the rates of respiratory disease, particularly inflammatory airway disease (IAD), as well as evidence of infection, and their variation between age and group. Methods: Horses were examined monthly in 7 British flat training yards over a 3 year period. IAD was defined as increased mucus in the trachea with increased proportions of neutrophils in tracheal wash samples. Frequencies of disease ...
Parkin TD, Clegg PD, French NP, Proudman CJ, Riggs CM, Singer ER, Webbon PM, Morgan KL.Lateral condylar fractures of the third metacarpus/metatarsus are the most common cause of equine fatality on UK racecourses. Identification of risk factors for such injuries and the subsequent implementation of intervention strategies could significantly reduce the total number of racecourse fatalities. Objective: To identify horse-, race- and course-level risk factors for fatal lateral condylar fracture in Thoroughbreds on UK racecourses. Methods: Case-control study designs were used. Case horses were defined as those that were subjected to euthanasia having sustained an irreparable lateral ...
Madewell BR, Carlson GP, MacLachlan NJ, Feldman BF.A 17-year-old Arabian gelding was presented because of CNS depression and weight loss. Physical examination revealed generalized lymphadenopathy, pitting edema, and ascites. The diagnosis of lymphosarcoma with leukemic manifestations was based on cytologic and histopathologic examination of lymph node biopsy samples and a peripheral leukocyte count of 98,300/microliters, 94% of which were mature lymphocytes. These circulating lymphocytes lacked B-lymphocyte markers and did not respond to mitogenic stimulation, indicating functional incompetence. Though ultrastructural findings were equivocal, ...
Alvarez I, Gutierrez G, Barrandeguy M, Trono K.The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a simple immunochromatographic lateral flow (ICLF) test for specific detection of Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) antibodies in equine sera. Viral recombinant p26 capsid protein (rp26) was used as the capture protein in the test line and as the detector reagent conjugated to colloidal gold. The performance of rp26-ICLF was evaluated, and the results obtained were compared with a commercially available agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test used as a standard of comparison according to international guidelines. The values obtained for co...
MacKay RJ, Howe DK.Advances in the understanding of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) are reviewed. It is now apparent that EPM can be caused by either of 2 related protozoan parasites, Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi, although S neurona is the most common etiologic pathogen. Horses are commonly infected, but clinical disease occurs only infrequently; the factors influencing disease occurrence are not well understood. Epidemiologic studies have identified risk factors for the development of EPM, including the presence of opossums and prior stressful health-related events. Attempts to reproduce EP...
The American surgeonOctober 13, 2021
Volume 89, Issue 4 875-880 doi: 10.1177/00031348211048836
Bhade P, Parsons A, Smiley A, Shreffler J, Nash N, Baker J, Harbrecht B, Huecker M.The potential for significant traumatic injury to individuals who interact with horses remains high due to animal size, forces applied, and unpredictability. Despite an estimated 30 million riders in the United States annually, few recent publications have addressed this patient population. Objective: This study describes characteristics of patients injured in interactions with horses, focusing on mechanism of injury and use of protective equipment. Methods: We queried our institution's trauma registry for all patients admitted for equine-related injuries (ERI) between January 1, 2013 and Dece...
Torres A, Silva JF, Bernardes N, Sales Luís J, Lopes da Costa L.Here is reported a disorder of sex development found in the Portuguese Lusitano horse breed. The complex genital phenotype included mammary glands, abdominal testes without epididymis, connected through oviducts to pelvic hypoplastic uterine horns and fused vulvar labia majora from which protruded ventrally a penis-like structure. This structure was presented in a reversed position, the urethral opening placed dorsally in the glans. However, it was functional both for micturition and erection. The horse exhibited female micturition posture and aggressive male-like behaviour, including flehmen,...
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...
Rushton JO, Tichy A, Nell B.To date assessment of changes in ocular temperature, as a hallmark of uveitis in horses has not been determined. Therefore the aim of the current study was to determine whether ocular temperature is increased in acute uveitic eyes compared with non-uveitic eyes, and to compare an affordable thermometry device with a thermography device. Methods: Ocular temperatures of both eyes of five horses with acute unilateral uveitis and 10 normal horses were measured using thermometry and thermography. Presence and absence of acute uveitis were diagnosed through a complete ophthalmological examination. A...
Watkins JP, Auer JA, Morgan SJ, Gay S.The effect of pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on the healing of surgically created defects in equine superficial digital flexor tendons was evaluated. Defects were created in both front superficial digital flexor tendons of 20 horses. The defect in 1 limb was exposed to a PEMF for 2 hours daily. The other limb served as a control. Histologic and immunofluorescent evaluations were done in horse killed at postsurgical weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24. Therapy with the PEMF significantly (P less than 0.05) delayed the maturation of the tissue formed within the defect at postsurgical weeks 8...
Isola M, Piccinotti C, Magro M, Fasolato L, Vianello F, Menandro ML, Memarian P, Rossi M, Falomo ME.The presence of bacteria of various origins on horse hoofs enables the onset of infections following trauma or even post-surgical wounds. Thus, the analysis of new antibacterial substances is of fundamental importance. In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of Iron Animals (IA), a stable colloidal suspension of iron oxide, organic acids, and detergents, was tested in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assays were performed to test the unspecific inhibitory effect of IA on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria monitoring the microorganism growth by spectrophotometry (optical density OD600) ...
Chong YC, Duffus WP, Field HJ, Gray DA, Awan AR, O'Brien MA, Lunn DP.Over a period of two years, a total of 22 full term foals from Welsh Mountain pony mares were raised in conditions that were free from infection by Equid herpesvirus (EHV-1/4). Parturition dates were predicted by monitoring colostrum electrolytes, and the mares allowed to foal naturally under supervision or following induction with intravenous oxytocin. Immediately following birth, foals were separated from their dams and transferred to a specially built, positive pressure isolation unit. They were given antibiotic prophylaxis and fed bovine colostrum during the first 24 h, and then mare's mil...
Huseman C, Walker N, McCorkle DA, Hanselka D, Cater M, Zoller J.The COVID-19 pandemic affected the economic status of all sectors of the global economy including the horse show industry. Reporting the impact of COVID-19 on in-person horse shows and an early assessment of its impact on the economy was the objective of this study. A Qualtrics survey instrument was disseminated to horse show participants through social media pages and email (n = 251). A majority of respondents were females (95.6%) representing a cross-section of the United States (84.0%). Participants reported planning to attend an average of 9.7 (SD = 7.15) in-person horse shows in 2020...
Seabaugh KA, Hubert JD, Kawcak CE, McGilvray KC, Santoni BG, Rao S, Baxter GM.To quantify changes in biomechanical stability and stiffness within the equine carpus after removal of 50%, 80%, and 100% of the second metacarpal bone (MC2). Methods: In vitro biomechanical study. Methods: Cadaveric equine forelimbs (n = 16) were evaluated. Intact constructs were loaded in axial compression from 0 to 5000 N and compression + torsion (5000 N ± 20°) for 5 cycles. This was repeated after removal of 50%, 80%, and 100% of MC2. The primary biomechanical outcome variables were the compressive stiffness and compressive + torsional stiffness of the carpus. Relative kinematic motion ...
Littlewood JD, Rose JF, Paterson S.A single blind controlled clinical trial of oral ivermectin paste at a dose rate of 0.1 mg/kg daily for seven days for the treatment of chorioptic mange in horses was carried out. There was a statistically significant reduction in the numbers of mites in the samples taken from the treated horses compared with the untreated horses, but the mites were not eliminated from all the treated animals. Two further groups of horses were treated, one at a dose rate of 0.1 mg/kg daily for 10 days and the other with two doses of 0.2 mg/kg given two weeks apart. There were no statistically significant diffe...
Duarte PC, Morley PS, Traub-Dargatz JL, Creekmore LH.To identify factors associated with development of vesicular stomatitis (VS). Methods: Case-control study. Methods: 138 livestock premises and 118 horses suspected of having VS in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. Methods: Premises with >or= 1 animal with clinical signs and laboratory confirmation of infection were classified as case premises. Premises where laboratory confirmation results were negative were control premises. Among equine premises, case and control horses were selected on the basis of premises status. A survey was conducted to identify factors associated with VS for premises an...
Vandeplassche M, Bouters R, Spincemaille J, Bonte P.Eight cases of severe dropsy of the fetal sacs have been observed in mares. All were in multiparous mares whose ages ranged from five to 20 years and who were 7 1/2 to 10 3/4 months pregnant. Abortion started spontaneously in four cases and had to be induced in the remaining four by manual dilation of the cervix, rupture of the tough allantochorion and the siphoning off of 120 to 220 litres of allantoic fluid. The amnion was normal. Dystocia, due to uterine inertia, occurred in all eight cases, one hydrocephalic fetus needing fetotomy. All fetuses were alive at delivery although four were tera...
Watts AE, Johnson AL, Felippe MJ, Divers TJ.A Thoroughbred gelding in North America was evaluated for Actinobacillus peritonitis on three different occasions over a 4-year period. At each presentation, peritoneal fluid had an elevated nucleated cell count (220,000-550,000 cells/µL) characterised by non-degenerate neutrophils, no visible bacteria, an elevated total protein (4.6-5.5 g/dL) and bacterial culture yielding Actinobacillus spp. Actinobacillus peritonitis appears to be a regional disease occurring in Australia and less commonly in New Zealand and North America. Recurrence, other than incomplete resolution, has not been previous...
Pieńkowska-Schelling A, Becker D, Bracher V, Pineroli B, Schelling C.Numerical and structural aberrations of chromosomes may cause malformations, embryonal losses and reduced or missing fertility. In male horses the fertility is rather well controlled through their semen evaluation. For mares there are no mandatory regulations which specify their use in a breeding programme. Therefore, mares with chromosomal aberrations, which exclude reproduction success may be chosen for breeding. The present case describes a horse, offically registered as a female, which was presented for a breeding exam. On this occasion, small and inactive ovaries were diagnosed. Although ...
Schuler G.The pituitary gonadotrophins follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) play a prominent role in the control of gonadal functions. Therefore, their use in the treatment of fertility disorders (e. g. anovulatory anestrus) as well as in biotechnology (e. g. superovulation, hormone programs for cycle synchronization) is of substantial interest. Preparations of FSH or LH are relatively expensive due to the laborious extraction from pituitary tissue and are therefore reserved for special indications. In primates and equids, the chorionic epithelium expresses an LH-like molecule...
Zakia LS, Olivo G, Basso RM, Mira J, Herman M, Araujo JP, Borges AS, Oliveira-Filho JP.Aural plaques are a dermatopathy associated with Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV). This disease affects horses of all ages, genders and breeds, and causes sensitivity of the ears. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of aural plaques and to compare the PCR detection of EcPV 3, 4, 5 and 6 before and after treatment. Methods: Eight horses diagnosed with aural plaques (14 ears) were used. Three mares with unilateral aural plaques were used as untreated controls. Methods: Imiquimod cream was applied every 48 h until comp...
Duren SE, Pagan JD, Harris PA, Crandell KG.Six Thoroughbreds were used to evaluate time of feeding on changes in exercise response in horses receiving either a textured feed or a fat-supplemented textured feed. Using a crossover design, 3 horses were fed a fat-supplemented diet while 3 horses received a control ration of textured feed. Horses performed a standardised exercise test (SET) on a high speed treadmill. The SET was performed at 3 different times: 1) following an overnight 12 h fast, 2) 3 h after feeding and 3) 8 h after feeding. The SET consisted of a 2 min walk at 1.4 m/s, 800 m trot at 4.2 m/s, 800 m gallop at 7.7 m/s, 1600...
Vissani MA, Zabal O, Tordoya MS, Parreño V, Thiry E, Barrandeguy M.Equid alphaherpesvirus 3 (EHV3) is the etiological agent of equine coital exanthema (ECE), which is a venereal, highly contagious disease, characterized by the formation of papules, vesicles, pustules and ulcers on the external genitalia of mares and stallions. EHV3 remains in a latent state after a successful infection and there are latently infected animals in which the virus is reactivated and generally re-excreted subclinically. There are no available vaccines for this condition and prevention is based on the clinical examination of mares prior to mating, which allows to segregate those sh...
McClay CB, Weiss DJ, Smith CM, Gordon B.Hematologic and rheologic changes were examined in 49 Thoroughbreds before and after competitive racing. Mean postrace values for RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and PCV increased by 58 to 61%, whereas blood viscosity increased 2 to 3 times. Postrace echinocyte numbers were 162% greater than prerace values. Smaller, but statistically significant, changes were found for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, plasma total protein concentration, total WBC count, neutrophil count, and lymphocyte count. Variables measured did not predict whether a horse was a b...
Lindner A, Offeney F.A review of the operational life, attrition and lethality rates, major causes of attrition and death for thoroughbred and standardbred race horses and competition horses is given. Because of the lack of data, it was not possible to supply answers for all the sport disciplines. The operational life in sports for thoroughbred race horses was 3.3 years, for standardbred horses 4.1 and for competition horses 5.5 years. Attrition and lethality rates could be determined only for the thoroughbred race horses. The yearly rates of attrition and lethality were 30% and 2% respectively. The major causes o...
Caron JP, Toppin DS, Block JA.Middle carpal cartilage explants from 4 horses with mild osteoarthritis involving that joint were maintained in tissue culture to test the effects of a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) on proteoglycan synthesis and degradation. Cultures were exposed to 0.025 or 25 mg of PSGAG/ml for 48 hours, after which the medium was replaced with medium containing similar doses of PSGAG and 35S. Subsequently, the sulfated proteoglycan content of the medium and extracts of the explants was measured. Gel filtration chromatography was used to estimate the size and to purify the principal, large proteogly...
Brouwer GJ.A total of 103 anaesthetic inductions were performed in horses for a variety of elective procedures. All cases were premedicated with acepromazine maleate (0.02 to 0.05 mg/kg body weight [bwt] intramuscularly [im]). In 50 cases (Group A) anaesthesia was induced by a single intravenous (iv) bolus of thiopentone sodium (11.1 mg/kg bwt or 1 g/90 kg bwt) followed immediately by a bolus of suxamethonium chloride (0.1 mg/kg bwt). In 53 cases (Group B) anaesthesia was induced using iv guaiacol glycerine ether (GGE) (approximately 50 mg/kg bwt) followed by a bolus of thiopentone at half the usual dose...
Hesta M, Shepherd M.Inappropriate nutrition is a priority welfare challenge. Nutritional mistakes are common and can lead to adverse events, such as poor growth and performance, colic, laminitis, and obesity. A detailed nutritional assessment involving evaluating the equine patient, current diet/ration, and management is essential in creating an effective nutritional plan. Goal(s) should be established and used to inform the plan. Management or resource barriers should be considered. Effective communication and a team-based approach versus an authoritarian one are likely to enhance the success of the nutritional ...
Pearson JE, Knowles RC.In 1972 the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) established requirements that horses which had immunodiffusion antibody against equine infectious anemia could not be transported interstate. Forty-two states had regulations requiring that horses have a negative equine infectious anemia immunodiffusion test before movement. In order to standardize immunodiffusion testing, it was stipulated in the 1972 regulations that tests must be performed in approved laboratories. The approved laboratories were required to have personnel trained in the immunodiffusion test procedure, to follow the standard pr...
Premont A, Balthes S, Marr CM, Jeevaratnam K.Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common pathological arrhythmia in horses. Although it is not usually a life-threatening condition on its own, it can cause poor performance and make the horse unsafe to ride. It is a complex multifactorial disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors including exercise training, comorbidities or ageing. The interactions between all these factors in horses are still not completely understood and the pathophysiology of AF remains poorly defined. Exciting progress has been recently made in equine cardiac electrophysiology in terms of diagnosis ...
Rosanowski SM, Scott I, Sells PD, Rogers CW, Bolwell CF.There is growing concern worldwide regarding anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites. In order to improve parasite control practices and reduce the selection for resistant parasites, baseline data are required. Objective: To describe the current parasite management and control practices used for racehorses. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Thoroughbred and Standardbred trainers were surveyed online regarding demographics, parasite control methods, grazing management and quarantine, and the use of faecal egg counts (FEC), with questions stratified by horse type, i.e. racehorses (ho...
Mouncey R, Arango-Sabogal JC, de Mestre A, Verheyen K.The study aimed to (1) describe the use of reproductive therapeutics; (2) estimate the incidence of disease and injury; and (3) describe non-reproductive medications administered during pregnancy in Thoroughbred broodmares. A prospective birth cohort was established on seven farms across the UK and Ireland. Details of dams' signalment, breeding history, reproductive management during the breeding season(s) and veterinary-attended episodes of illness or injury and medication usage during gestation were retrieved retrospectively for 275 pregnancies in 235 mares over two breeding seasons. Results...
