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.
Barber SM.The horse, a flight animal that is used extensively by man, frequently receives injuries to its neck or head that result mostly from its management and handling. Better facilities, training of the horse, and horsemanship skills of the handler could prevent many of these injuries. Because many body systems can be involved, with potentially major consequences regarding health, performance, and appearance, early recognition of trauma and competent treatment are crucial. Progress has been made in the treatment of some tracheal and esophageal injuries. Severe tracheal trauma and rupture of the esop...
de Moffarts B, Kirschvink N, Art T, Pincemail J, Lekeux P.The oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium of trained thoroughbred horses (n = 40) was assessed on three occasions during a period of three months under field conditions by blood antioxidant markers analysis, i.e. plasma ascorbic acid (AA), plasma antioxidant capacity of water-soluble components (ACW), whole blood (GSH) and oxidised (GSSG) glutathione, plasma alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene, plasma antioxidant capacity of lipid-soluble components (ACL), red blood cell superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-peroxidase activity (GPx) and plasma trace-elements, i.e. selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zi...
Price J, Eager RA, Welsh EM, Waran NK.This study aimed to characterise current practice relating to equine castration in the UK. A questionnaire was posted to all 655 veterinary practices specified to provide veterinary care for horses, or classified as specialist equine practices. Respondents were asked to cite the number of equine castrations performed annually by the practice, describe techniques used for castration, outline anaesthetic/sedative/analgesic drug protocols used and provide details of post-operative medication. There was a 43% response rate to the questionnaire. Considerable variation in techniques and analgesia pr...
Gibson VA, Stover SM, Gibeling JC, Hazelwood SJ, Martin RB.We hypothesized that recently formed, incompletely mineralized, and thus, relatively deformable osteons in the equine third metacarpus enhance in vitro load-controlled fatigue life in two ways. Macroscopically, there is a compliance effect, because reduced tissue elastic modulus diminishes the stress required to reach a given strain. Microscopically, there is a cement line effect, in which new osteons and their cement lines more effectively serve as barriers to crack propagation. We studied 18 4 x 10 x 100 mm beams from the medial, lateral, and dorsal cortices of metacarpal bones from 6 thorou...
Weems CW, Weems YS, Randel RD.Prostaglandins impact on ovarian, uterine, placental, and pituitary function to regulate reproduction in female livestock. They play important roles in ovulation, luteal function, maternal recognition of pregnancy, implantation, maintenance of gestation, microbial-induced abortion, parturition, postpartum uterine and ovarian infections, and resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity. Prostaglandins have both positive and negative effects on reproduction; they are used to synchronize oestrus, terminate pseudopregnancy in mares, induce parturition, and treat retained placenta, luteinized cysts, ...
Pollock RV.Advances in digital technology have vastly increased the speed and content of information transfer. Equine practitioners of the future should be in contact with their office and other information resources at all times through an array of digital networks. Patients and practitioners alike should benefit from better information access.
Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW.The field of equine veterinary practice is in an ever-evolving state, requiring current technologies to be constantly evaluated for new applications. The specific use of gene therapy in the horse is a novel application. The authors want to help familiarize the equine practitioner with the concept of gene therapy, and introduce its use and potential future benefits for the equine industry in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Miller RM.For decades after the discipline of psychiatry had been established as an accepted specialty, many medical schools continued to fail to train their students in the fundamentals of this discipline. Medical students all have at least cursory exposure to psychiatric principles and basic psychology. Unfortunately, the veterinary profession has lagged behind human medicine in this regard. Until recently, veterinary students received no training in animal behavior, and there were no available residencies within our schools for developing board-certified behavioral specialists.
Marr CM.The digital storage and transfer of images coupled with the development of the Internet have revolutionized diagnostic imaging. With the press of a button, practitioners can exploit the diagnostic skills of specialists anywhere in the world and enlist their help with challenging cases. This easy transfer of images and digital data should stimulate a greater number of multicenter studies so that the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonographic techniques can be established in larger and more meaningful cohorts of patients. There is now no doubt that we can identify a plethora of conditions o...
Martinelli M.Digitization of clinical data is becoming increasingly important in veterinary medicine. Current veterinary applications range from digital cameras to computed radiography. The opportunity for increased productivity and diagnostic capabilities makes the computerization of veterinary medicine especially exciting. Future trends seem to indicate that more veterinarians should have better technology available in their practices and more veterinarians should be connected to experts, clients, and each other.
Hoffman AM.Respiratory diagnostic instruments previously available only to referral centers should be converted into miniature, portable, wireless medical devices for use in practice. Internet and wireless connections of these instruments should expedite the process of seeking second opinions and in general information sharing. We are moving into a world of greater objectivity that should free us from speculation in some areas, yet open new avenues for research and innovation in others.
Bass A.Practice management software benefits the equine practitioner in many ways. Ready access to patient records, rapid entry and lookup of clinical findings, easy invoicing and monitoring of revenues, inventory management, rapid search and sorting of data, reminder and recall maintenance, and integrated word processing are just some of the software functions that assist the successful practitioner. Computer use in veterinary practice may have seemed to many to be a gimmick at one time. Now that computers have become a part of our everyday life, it is clear that they can be an essential component o...
Sansom J, Featherstone H, Barnett KC.Six horses with keratomycosis were examined and three different clinical expressions of the disease were recognised. The diagnostic work-up and response to treatment is described.
Fenger CK.Technology promises to improve the lifestyle and life quality of humankind. As a rule, wherever human medicine goes, veterinary medicine is sure to follow. Nevertheless, the promise of technologic advances does not shine as bright for veterinarians as for human physicians. This trend is echoed in the business of animal health as pharmaceutic company after pharmaceutic company spins off or otherwise eliminates their animal health division. Instead, a small group of strictly animal health-oriented companies compete for the animal health dollar, promising that fewer and fewer expensive technologi...
Cowles RR, Mitchell JS.As equine practices move forward in the 21st century, we feel increasing pressure to manage our businesses like business people. This requires outside expertise, in-house business-trained managers, and continuing education on various aspects of practice life. Aside from the AAEP, several other organizations are providing continuing education in management, including the Association of Veterinary Practice Managers, the Veterinary Management Institute offered at Purdue University Krannert Graduate School of Management, the American Animal Hospital Association through (The Virginia-Maryland Regio...
Ross C, Haussler KK, Kenney JD, Marks D, Bertone JJ, Henneman K, May KJ.Vigorous and prolonged effort is required to gain true mastery of the healing arts. Conventional and complementary medicine have complementary strengths and weaknesses. Like the yin and yang of traditional Chinese medicine, they naturally flow into one another by a process of induction, creating balance. Integrative medicine is the frontier; it is the future. If we are to progress beyond our current understanding and ability to heal, we must work with theoretic models that allow us and our perception to operate "outside the box." For some, this understanding is intuitive. It is through coopera...
Wyant LA.The Internet is a fast-growing technology that allows information (text as well as images) to be shared across the world in an instant. As computer systems, software, and Internet services become less expensive options, the world becomes more experienced and comfortable with these technologies. In the foreseeable future, equine veterinarians are likely to be better educated about diseases and treatments, better connected with specialists for consultations on difficult cases, able to respond to client communications more efficiently, able to accurately educate clients, and able to communicate w...
Johnson NL, Galuppo LD, Stover SM, Taylor KT.To compare screw insertion variables and pullout mechanical properties between AO 6.5-mm cancellous and 7.3-mm cannulated bone screws in foal femoral bone. Methods: A paired, in vitro mechanical study. Methods: Seven pairs of femora from immature (1-7 months) foals. Methods: The 6.5 cancellous and 7.3-mm cannulated screws were inserted at standardized proximal and distal metaphyseal, and mid-diaphyseal locations. Insertion torque, force, and time to drill, tap (6.5-mm cancellous), guide wire insertion (7.3-mm cannulated), and screw insertion were measured. Screw pullout properties (yield and f...
Bodo G, Hangody L, Modis L, Hurtig M.To describe treatment of equine subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) by reconstruction of the articular surface with osteochondral grafts. Methods: Case series of horses with SBCs unresponsive to conservative therapy. Methods: Eleven horses (1-12 years). Methods: SBCs were identified in 4 locations: medial femoral condyle (5 horses), lateral femoral condyle (1), distal epiphysis of the metacarpus (4), or metatarsus (1). Osteochondral autograft transplantation (mosaic arthroplasty) was performed, taking grafts from the abaxial border of the medial femoral trochlea of the unaffected limb. Graft implant...
Greene SK.The reintroduction and development of safe motorized instruments, the increased availability of continuing education, and the understanding and implementation of appropriate procedures allow practitioners to provide better dental care. Veterinarians realize that sedation, analgesia, a full-mouth speculum, and proper instrumentation are necessary to provide these services. Continued instrument design, future research, and new treatment and prophylactic protocols should have a positive impact on the future of equine dental health. New and rediscovered procedures for equilibrating equine occlusio...
Licka T, Kapaun M, Peham C.Equine lameness is commonly evaluated when the horse is being ridden, but the influence of the rider on the lameness has not been documented. Objective: To document the effect of 2 riders of different training levels on the vertical movement of the head and croup. Methods: Twenty mature horses were ridden at trot by an experienced dressage rider and a novice rider, as well as trotted in hand. Kinematic measurements of markers placed on the horse's head and sacral bone were carried out. The asymmetries of the vertical head and sacral bone motion were calculated as lameness parameters and compar...
Khumsap S, Lanovaz JL, Clayton HM.Kinematic studies are usually based on tracking markers attached to the skin. However, complex joints, such as the tarsal joint, function in 3-dimensions (3D), and have therefore necessitated application of the invasive bone pin technique, limiting kinematic studies to the research laboratory. This study investigates the feasibility of using skin-based markers for 3D analysis of tarsal joint motion. Objective: Three-dimensional motions of the tarsal joint can be measured with an acceptable degree of accuracy using skin markers. Methods: Retroreflective markers were attached over the tibial and...
Schlacher C, Peham C, Licka T, Schobesberger H.Mechanical properties of the equine back are the bases for realistic modelling of the back, which is recognised as an important step towards improved understanding of the pathogenesis of equine back conditions. Objective: The stiffness of the equine back depends on the direction of the applied force and on the position of the spine. Methods: Fourteen dissected spines were tested in a tensile testing machine. In 3 different positions, simulating dorsoventral, laterolateral and dorsoventral-30 degree rotated movement, force was applied on the dorsal spinous process of T12 to reach an excursion o...
Wickler SJ, Hoyt DF, Clayton HM, Mullineaux DR, Cogger EA, Sandoval E, McGuire R, Lopez C.It is well known that adding a load to a horse's back increases its energetic costs of locomotion, but the magnitude of increase obtained by loading the most distal portion of limb has not been measured. Objective: To measure oxygen consumption in horses with mass added to the back and hooves. Because such mass distribution alters inertial parameters of the limbs, kinematic measurements were made to quantify the magnitude of change in limb movement. Methods: Steady-state oxygen consumption was measured in 6 horses with a load of 2.4 kg. The load was either carried on the back or distributed eq...
Ensink JM, Voermans M, Bartels JH, Passon-Vastenburgen MH, Loeb E.A 14-year-old Haflinger mare was presented with a wound on the right metatarsus which it had sustained 3 years earlier. The wound had never completely healed but had only recently become a problem. Over a period of several months, the wound became larger, produced a lot of exudate, and the horse became lame on the affected limb. Clinical examination and radiographs failed to reveal the cause of the deterioration. Histological evaluation of tissue removed during debridement of the wound revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Because the tumour had already invaded the bone, the prognosis was unfavour...
Kicker CJ, Peham C, Girtler D, Licka T.Support boots are thought to reduce tension on the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDTF) of the horse and are frequently recommended for horses convalescing after tendonitis, but evidence of their effectiveness is conflicting. Objective: To document the effects of 4 different types of support boots on fetlock joint angle in comparison to the unprotected fetlock. Methods: In 26 horses, the kinematics of the forelimb fetlock joint angle was measured at walk and trot on a treadmill when wearing 3 different types of support boots and 1 protective boot, as well as without boots. As outcome param...
Chateau H, Degueurce C, Denoix JM.Understanding of the biomechanical effects of heel elevation remains incomplete because in vivo studies performed with skin markers do not measure the actual movements of the 3 digital joints. Objective: To quantify the effects of 6 degree heel wedge on the 3-dimensional movements of the 4 distal segments of the forelimb in the walking horse. Methods: Four healthy horses were used. Kinematics of the distal segments was measured invasively with a system based on ultrasonic triangulation. Three-dimensional rotations of the digital joints were calculated by use of a 'joint coordinate system' (JCS...
Chesnel MA, Clutton RE.Previous studies indicated that perioperative morphine improves recovery quality after general anaesthesia in horses. This clinical trial investigated whether this effect was dose-dependant. Twenty-six horses anaesthetised for surgery were block-randomised to receive one of two intraoperative morphine treatments: Treatment M1 consisted of a constant rate infusion (CRI) of morphine at 0.1mg/kg/h, begun after a loading dose (LD) of 0.15 mg/kg. Treatment M2 was a CRI of 0.2mg/kg/h preceded by an LD of 0.3mg/kg. During recovery, times at the first attempt and at achieving sternal recumbency and st...
Raz T, Hunter B, Carley S, Card C.The objective was to compare the reproductive performances associated with the first (Cycle-1), second (Cycle-2), and mid-season (MS-Cycle) ovulations of the breeding season in donor mares that were treated with equine-FSH (eFSH) in the early vernal transition. Mares (n=15) kept under ambient light were examined ultrasonographically per-rectum starting January 30. When an ovarian follicle > or =25mm in diameter was detected, twice daily eFSH treatments were initiated. The eFSH treatments ceased when a follicle > or =35mm was detected, and 36h later hCG was administered. Thereafter, mares were ...
Mullen KR, Furness MC, Johnson AL, Norman TE, Hart KA, Burton AJ, Bicahlo RC, Ainsworth DM, Thompson MS, Scrivani PV.The study was prompted by a perceived high prevalence of myelographic complications varying in severity and type, and attributed to the contrast material or the procedure. Objective: 1. Any adverse reaction (AAR) is associated with a change in CSF volume induced either by removal of CSF or addition of contrast material. 2. AAR occurs more frequently in horses with higher premyelography neurologic grade. 3. Nonspecific hyperthermia is attenuated by anti-inflammatory and osmotic agents. Methods: Horses (n = 278) that underwent myelography between 2000 and 2012 at 5 institutions: A (87), B (68), ...
Pauwels FE, Wigley SJ, Munday JS, Roe WD.A 13-year-old Thoroughbred mare was presented with a history of mild colic over 3 days. This colic had acutely exacerbated and was unresponsive to analgesic treatment, and was referred to Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Results: On examination the heart rate was 100 beats per minute, and mucous membranes were pale and tacky. A large mass was detected on transrectal palpation in the caudal abdomen to the left of midline. Explorative laparotomy revealed severe haemoperitoneum and several masses that were associated with the reproductive tract. The mare was then subject to euthana...
Vergari C, Pourcelot P, Ravary-Plumioën B, Dupays AG, Jacquet S, Audigié F, Denoix JM, Laugier P, Mitton D, Crevier-Denoix N.Equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT) are often injured, and they represent an excellent model for human sport tendinopathies. While lesions can be precisely diagnosed by clinical evaluation and ultrasonography, a prognosis is often difficult to establish; the knowledge of the injured tendon's mechanical properties would help in anticipating the outcome. The objectives of the present study were to compare the axial speed of sound (SOS) measured in vivo in normal and injured tendons and to investigate their relationship with the tendons' mechanical parameters, in order to assess the ...
The study evaluated the effectiveness of a commercially available polyherbal dewormer to control intestinal strongyles in naturally infected donkeys. The animals were allotted to two groups: treated with the herbal dewormer (n=8) according to manufacturer recommendations and untreated control group (n=6). Fecal samples were taken from each animal on days 0 (day of treatment), 14, 21 (day of second additional treatment), 35, and 42. Faecal egg count reduction tests showed very negligible or no reduction in number of strongyle eggs for donkeys in the phytotherapeutic treatment group compared to ...
Kelley D, LeBlanc MM, Warren LK, Mortensen CJ.Supplementation with L-arginine can increase uterine arterial blood flow and vascular perfusion of the preovulatory follicle in mares. Increased vascular perfusion of the preovulatory follicle has been correlated with successful pregnancy in mares. The objective of this study was to determine if supplemental L-arginine would increase ovarian arterial blood flow, vascular perfusion of the preovulatory follicle, and embryo recovery rates in mares. Mares were blocked by age and breed and assigned at random within block to L-arginine supplementation or control groups. Mares were fed L-arginine beg...
Moiroud CH, Coudry V, Denoix JM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of fracture location and horse sporting discipline as prognostic indicators after a pelvic fracture in a referral centre caseload. Methods: Data were collected for the short- and long-term follow-up of all cases with a diagnosis of pelvic fracture in a 7-year period. Information was obtained for 75 horses through a postal and internet survey. The proportion of horses returning to competition following fractures was compared between groups according to the competition discipline and the characteristics of the fracture. Results: Fort...
Schaer BD.The emergency clinician is frequently in the position of receiving, evaluating, and initiating treatment on horses with ophthalmic emergencies or orbital trauma. In the best of circumstances, an ophthalmologist is available to guide initial therapy and ultimately assume responsibility for the management of the patient during the remainder of its hospitalization, but this is not always the case. The information presented here is meant to provide the emergency clinician with basic guidelines for the initial assessment and management of horses sustaining ocular injuries or presented with an ophth...
Barakzai SZ, Finnegan C, Dixon PM, Hillyer MH, Boden LA.The prevalence of the use of tongue ties, calculated from 60 randomly selected race meetings held in the UK during 2001 to 2003, was 5.0 per cent. After its first use on an individual horse a tongue tie was used in an average of 77 per cent of its races during the first 12 months, but after this time period, in only 55 per cent of its races. Thirty-nine per cent of horses that underwent surgery for dorsal displacement of the soft palate raced with a tongue tie preoperatively, and 41 per cent of these surgical cases raced with a tongue tie postoperatively.
Decloedt A.Pericardial, myocardial, and great vessel diseases are relatively rare in horses. The clinical signs are often nonspecific and vague, or related to the underlying cause. Physical examination usually reveals tachycardia, fever, venous distension or jugular pulsation, a weak or bounding arterial pulse, ventral edema, and abnormal cardiac auscultation such as arrhythmia, murmur, or muffled heart sounds. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and the disease progression, and ranges from full recovery to poor prognosis for survival. This article focuses on the etiology, diagnosis, prognosis,...
de Barros AMC, Silva AFR, Zibordi M, Spagnolo JD, Corrêa RR, Belli CB, de Camargo MM.Scoring models are useful tools that guide the attending clinician in gauging the severity of disease evolution and in evaluating the efficacy of treatment. There are few tools available with this purpose for the non-human patient, including horses. We aimed (i) to adapt the simplified acute physiology score 3 (SAPS-3) model for the equine species, reaching a margin of accuracy greater than 75% in the calculation of the probability of survival/death and (ii) to build a decision tree that helps the attending veterinarian in assessment of the clinical evolution of the equine patient. Methods: Fr...
Van de Velde M, Roels K, Ververs C, Gerits I, Govaere J.In recent years, the interest in equine foetal gender determination (FGD) during gestation increased remarkably. Ultrasonographic FGD can be performed in two different periods during gestation. The earliest examination can take place at a gestational age of 60-70 days, whereby the genital tubercle is used to differentiate between male and female foeti. The time window of the second approach is wider (120-210 days), and there are more characteristics to take into consideration. In this article, the feasibility and accuracy of ultrasonographic FGD in mid- to late gestation are evaluated. One h...
Berreta A, Kopper JJ, Alexander TL, Kogan CJ, Burbick CR.Probiotics, by definition, are live micro-organisms and should remain viable when they reach the intended site of action which is typically the cecum and/or colon. In humans, probiotics often need enteric protection to survive transit through the proximal gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Typically, equine probiotics do not advertise enteric protection and to the author's knowledge the viability of equine probiotics after exposure to the proximal GI tract has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an in vitro simulation of the equine proximal GI tract on probi...
Schuster RK, Sivakumar S.Although the life cycle of the equid stomach parasite Habronema muscae was disclosed more than 100 years ago, little is known about the effect of the developing nematode larvae in its intermediate host, Musca domestica. In a series of experiments, freshly hatched M. domestica larvae were exposed to H. muscae eggs contained in a faecal sample of a naturally infected horse. In daily intervals, 50 fly larvae were removed and transferred on a parasite-free larval rearing medium where they completed their development. Hatched flies were examined for the presence of Habronema third-stage larvae. In...
Bartolome JA, Wallace SP, de la Sota RL, Thatcher WW.The objective was to evaluate the effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and hCG post artificial insemination (AI) on fertility of lactating dairy cows. In Experiment 1, cows were either treated with eCG on Day 22 post AI (400 IU; n = 80) or left untreated (n = 84). On Day 29, pregnant cows were either treated with hCG (2500 IU; n = 32) or left untreated (n = 36). Pregnancy and progesterone were evaluated on Days 29 and 45. In Experiment 2, cows (n = 28) were either treated with eCG on Day 22 (n = 13) or left untreated (n = 15) and either treated with hCG on Day 29 (n = 14) or left untr...
Kilcoyne I, Dechant JE, Nieto JE.OBJECTIVE To compare clinical findings and short-term outcome for horses with intestinal entrapment in the gastrosplenic ligament (GLE) with those of horses with intestinal entrapment in the epiploic foramen (EFE). DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. ANIMALS 43 horses with GLE (cases) and 73 horses with EFE (controls). PROCEDURES Medical records of horses examined because of colic at a veterinary teaching hospital between 1992 and 2012 were reviewed. Signalment was extracted from medical records for all horses with colic (colic population), and additional information regarding colic histo...
Rijkenhuizen AB, Sinclair D, Jahn W.Aortoiliac thrombosis (AIT) is a progressive vascular disease characterised by an exercise-induced hindlimb lameness. After developing a surgical technique, a follow-up study was required. Objective: To assess the surgical results of a surgical thrombectomy in horses with AIT, a chronic arterial occlusive disease of the aorta and its caudal arteries. Methods: Seventeen cases showed the typical signs of AIT and diagnosis was confirmed by Doppler-ultrasonography. Average age of the horses was 12 years. Seven stallions, 6 mares and 4 geldings were included. Results: The thrombus was located in th...
Bolt DM, Carrier ME, Sheridan KS, Manso-Diaz G, Berner D.Foot imbalance and malalignment of the digits are common in horses. Angle and distance measurements performed on bones, joints and hoof wall on radiographs provide essential guidance for precise corrective trimming and shoeing. This study aimed to investigate, if selected standing low-field magnetic resonance (MR) images can be used to accurately measure dorsopalmar and lateromedial foot conformation parameters in comparison to the radiographic gold standard. Images of 100 horses referred for standing low-field MR examination were selected. Foot conformation angles and distances were measured ...
Miller SK.1. Results of laboratory experiments which compared horse and human serum butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) with respect to their acid inactivation and ammonium sulfate protection show: 2. Horse serum butyrylcholinesterase is more resistant to inactivation at pH 3.0 than human serum butyrylcholinesterase. 3. The loss of activity at pH 3.0 for both horse and human butyrylcholinesterase does not follow first order kinetics. 4. Both human and horse serum butyrylcholinesterase are protected from pH 3.0 inactivation by ammonium sulfate concentrations up to 33% saturation (1.37 M).
Shaffer SK, Garcia TC, Stover SM, Fyhrie DP.Medial proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) from Thoroughbred racehorses that did (Case) or did not (Control) experience unilateral biaxial PSB fracture were evaluated for bone volume fraction (BVF), apparent mineral density (AMD), tissue mineral density (TMD), and microdamage in Case fractured, Case contralateral limb intact, and Control bones. A majority of Case bones had a subchondral lesion with high microdamage density, and low BVF, AMD, and TMD. Lesion microdamage and densitometric measures were associated with training history by robust linear regression. Exercise intensity was negatively rel...
McGhee JD, White NA, Goodrich LR.To determine clinical and ultrasonographic abnormalities in horses with primary desmitis of the palmar or plantar annular ligament (PAL) and the response to treatment. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 25 horses. Methods: Data collected from medical records included signalment, horse use, affected limb, severity and duration of lameness, results of diagnostic tests performed, ultrasonographic findings, treatment, and outcome. Results: All horses had a prominent swelling in the region of the affected PAL, and signs of pain were evident during palpation of the swelling. In all horses, the a...
Smith MA, Dyson SJ, Murray RC.Collagen fibers oriented at 55 degrees to the static magnetic field (B0) are characterized by an artifactual increase in signal intensity due to the magic angle effect. We hypothesized that there would be increased signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint and oblique sesamoidean ligaments when these ligaments were at angles approaching 55 degrees to a horizontal B0 during standing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MR imaging was performed on four cadaver forelimbs in a 0.27 T standing system. Transverse and dorsal images were obtained using various sequen...
Ford TS.Although most surgical procedures of the head are technically easier to perform with the horse under general anesthesia, other factors will influence whether a surgical procedure is performed with the horse standing or recumbent under the influence of general anesthesia. The accessibility of the head lends itself to many standing surgical procedures if the proper combination of analgesia and physical and chemical restraint is used. Traumatic injuries of the head (lacerations, facial bone fractures, and oral fractures) may involve vital structures, and a thorough examination is indicated. Failu...
Charnock LN, Keys DA, McMullen RJ.Identify ocular findings associated with blunt ocular trauma to aid in differentiation from other equine ocular diseases. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Methods: Medical records of horses at the Equine Clinic Munich-Riem, Munich, Germany and Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine were reviewed. Age, sex, breed, laterality, and clinical findings on ophthalmic examination, as well as an observed (confirmed) or unobserved (suspected) history of trauma, were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to identify any correlation between clinical signs and blunt ocular traum...
Parlevliet JM, Kemp B, Colenbrander B.The semen characteristics and testicular size of 398 3-year-old maiden Dutch Warmblood stallions were studied during February and March. Mean values (+/- SD) of age (1030 +/- 88 days) and testicular size (9.8 +/- 0.9 cm) of the maiden stallions were determined as well as the following semen characteristics (mean of two ejaculates, taken 1 h apart): volume (65 +/- 26 ml), sperm concentration (2.061 +/- 1.685 x 10(8) ml-1), total number of spermatozoa (1.129 +/- 0.71 x 10(10)), percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (68 +/- 9%), percentage of live spermatozoa with normal morphology (66 +...
Garrett KS, Woodie JB, Embertson RM, Pease AP.Laryngeal dysplasia due to suspected maldevelopment of the fourth branchial arch has been reported previously in the horse and has been associated with rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch and/or right laryngeal dysfunction. These studies all described the endoscopic and/or anatomical post mortem identification of the disease, but ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of this disease have not been described. Objective: MRI and ultrasound findings accurately reflect the anatomical features of presumptive fourth branchial arch abnormality and allow accurate ante mortem...
Johnson CB, Bloomfield M, Taylor PM.The electroencephalographic (EEG) effects of a rapid infusion of midazolam and sarmazenil following a bolus of midazolam were investigated in eight Welsh mountain ponies anaesthetized with 0.8% halothane in oxygen. The peak plasma concentration of midazolam was 2.13 +/- 0.34 ng/mL (mean +/- SD) occurring 5 min after the start of the infusion. Sarmazenil concentrations were not measured. The 95% spectral edge frequency of the EEG decreased by a maximum of 39.8 +/- 15.8%, 10 min after the start of the midazolam infusion. No changes were seen in median frequency of the EEG or the second different...
Eisersiö M, Byström A, Yngvesson J, Baragli P, Lanata A, Egenvall A.When a rider maintains contact on the reins, rein tension will vary continuously in synchronicity with the horse's gait and stride. This continuous variation makes it difficult to isolate the rein tension variations that represent a rein tension signal, complicating interpretation of rein tension data from the perspective of horse-rider interaction. This study investigated (1) the characteristics of a rein tension signal and (2) horse response to a rein tension signal for backing, comparing pressure applied by a bit (bridle), or by a noseband (halter). Twenty Warmblood horses (10 young, 10 adu...
Siwinska N, Zak A, Baron M, Cylna M, Borowicz H.The aim of this study was to determine the normal location, wall thickness and motility of the right dorsal colon in adult ponies and miniature horses. The abdominal ultrasonography examination was performed in a study group consisting of 23 ponies and miniature horses and in a control group comprising ten Thoroughbred horses. The procedure was performed in unsedated standing animals. The location and the thickness of the right dorsal colonic wall was examined on the right side of the abdomen between the 10th and the 14th intercostal space. The contractility was recorded in the 12th intercosta...
