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.
Laan TT, Westermann CM, Dijkstra AV, van Nieuwstadt RA, Fink-Gremmels J.Healthy horses received aerosolised, intranasal or oral doses of 3 mg of fluticasone propionate evenly divided over morning and evening treatments for seven days. The bioavailability of the drug was determined in terms of the suppression of the endogenous cortisol concentrations in the horses during the period of treatment. The horses which received the aerosolised drug had significantly lower concentrations of endogenous cortisol on days 5 and 8 than the horses which received aerosolised placebo. The horses which received nasal and oral doses of fluticasone propionate showed no significant ch...
Cope RB, Camp C, Lohr CV.Despite the well-founded reputation of plants of the genus Taxus as being amongst the most toxic plants for domestic livestock in the US, there are surprisingly few published case reports of yew poisoning in horses. This report documents 2 acute fatalities in horses in the central Willamette Valley, OR associated with the consumption of Taxus sp. The predominant features of the intoxication were peracute death, with no signs of struggling or convulsions, in otherwise fit and well managed adult horses. The most significant gross necropsy findings were limited to pulmonary congestion and hemorrh...
Janicek JC, Rodgerson DH, Boone BL.A 20-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated because of a 2-year history of infertility. The mare had normal estrous cycles and had been bred 7 times by different stallions. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a homogeneous hyperechoic intramural mass in the tip of the right uterine horn; the mass was also detected via hysteroscopy Unilateral ovariectomy and partial hysterectomy were performed by use of a hand-assisted laparoscopic technique. Leiomyoma was diagnosed via histologic examination of the mass. Unilateral ovariectomy and partial hysterectomy are recommended in mares with leiomyom...
Pearce SG, Boure LP, Bolger A, Thomason JJ, Dobson H.To determine the conformational changes in the distal forelimb of horses following heel elevation of 15 degrees and greater. An experimental study with repeated, within-horse measurements. Methods: Five clinically normal, mixed-breed horses were used to determine distal forelimb conformation following heel elevation from 0 to 45 degrees in 15 degree increments. Data were also compared to conformation of the limb in a Kimzey splint. Conformation was determined using lateral to medial radiographic projections. Conformation parameters assessed included measurement of apparent lengths of digital f...
Linde HJ, Kobuch R, Jayasinghe S, Reischl U, Lehn N, Kaulfuss S, Beutin L.We report the first case of a postoperative wound infection caused by Vibrio metschnikovii on the lower right leg of a patient after saphenectomy. Compared to the healing of an uninfected site, that of the right leg was delayed, and a cure was achieved by intensified wound care. Several swabs taken from the infected site grew a gram-negative rod in pure culture that was identified as V. metschnikovii by the VITEK 2 system. The source of the infection was not detected; however, the absence of putative risk factors (exposure to water or shellfish or an episode of diarrhea), the profession of the...
Lynn RC, Hepler DI, Kelch WJ, Bertone JJ, Smith BL, Vatistas NJ.A topical 1% diclofenac liposomal cream proved to be safe, easy to use, and effective in reducing equine lameness caused by degenerative joint disease. Diclofenac liposomal cream was shown to reduce lameness as graded by owners and veterinarians, regardless of the severity or chronicity of the clinical condition. Topical application allowed for more convenient administration than oral or injectable agents, and no clinically relevant hematologic or serum biochemical changes were noted. The liposomal cream provided a delivery system for diclofenac, an NSAID, to achieve therapeutic levels locally...
Marley SE, Hutchens DE, Reinemeyer CR, Holste JE, Paul AJ, Rehbein S.Modern anthelmintic use in horses has decreased the prevalence of the large strongyles, which has in turn shifted the focus of parasitologists to the pathogenic importance of the small strongyles, tapeworms, and other parasites. These studies show that a combination product containing ivermectin and praziquantel allowed efficacious treatment of horses for nematode, cestode, and bot infections. The use of this combination product may be of special benefit to horses that are mainly kept outdoors and on grazing pastures.
Epstein K, Cohen N, Boothe D, Nieuwoudt C, Chandler J.In many cases of equine infectious disease, long-term administration of antimicrobial drugs is required. Oral agents are preferred because of the relative ease of administration compared with other routes. Enrofloxacin has been shown to be effective against a variety of equine pathogens, but oral administration of this drug has proved difficult in horses. An oral gel formulation made from the injectable cattle product produces blood levels sufficient to resolve infections caused by a variety of common equine pathogens.
Parkin TD, Clegg PD, French NP, Proudman CJ, Riggs CM, Singer ER, Webbon PM, Morgan KL.Fractures below the level of the radius or tibia (distal limb fractures) are the most common cause of equine fatality on UK racecourses; however, little is known about their epidemiology or aetiology. Identification of risk factors could enable intervention strategies to be designed to reduce the number of fatalities. Objective: To identify horse-level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in Thoroughbreds on UK racecourses. Methods: A case-control study design was used. Fractures in case horses were confirmed by post mortem examination and 3 matched uninjured controls were selected from...
Popot MA, Bonnaire Y, Guéchot J, Toutain PL.Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an endogenous glycosaminoglycan used in the treatment of joint diseases, but medication control is required by horseracing authorities. Therefore, a medication control policy needs to be established. Objective: To establish physiological plasma HA concentrations in post race horses, determine the HA endogenous production rate and document the disposition of HA after i.v. and intra-articular hyaluronic acid administration at recommended therapeutic doses. Methods: Hyaluronan concentrations in plasma were determined using an ELISA specific test; concentrations in synovial...
Brommer H, Brama PA, Barneveld A, van Weeren PR.The equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints, although having virtually the same geometrical appearance, differ in the prevalence of joint pathologies, such as osteochondral fragmentation, and in biomechanical behaviour. The recently developed cartilage degeneration index (CDI) technique offers a possibility to assess quantitatively differences in cartilage degeneration between these joints and to compare these with known differences in biomechanics and clinical observations. Objective: To compare the topographical distribution of articular cartilage degeneration a...
Fitzgerald SD, Braselton WE.Diagnostic evaluation of a mildly ataxic young gelding Quarterhorse included a contrast myelogram. Unfortunately, sodium diatrizoate was inappropriately administered by intrathecal injection resulting in severe unrelenting seizure activity and necessitated the destruction of the animal. The contrast agent was identified by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid by high-performance liquid chromatography and confirmed with probe mass spectrometric analysis. This contrast agent is highly ionic, has high osmolarity, and also blocks neurotransmission at specific receptors; for these reasons it is contraindi...
Erichsen C, Eksell P, Holm KR, Lord P, Johnston C.Radiography and scintigraphy are used to aid diagnosis of the cause of back pain, but a large variation in appearance and radiopharmaceutical uptake in fully functioning horses make diagnosis difficult. Objective: To describe the range of and compare scintigraphic and radiographic findings in the spinous processes of horses without clinical signs of back problems. Methods: Thirty-three apparently normal riding horses underwent scintigraphic and radiographic examinations of the spinous processes in the thoracolumbar spine. Scintigraphic images were evaluated in a continuous blue, green and red ...
Wynne PM, Vine JH, Amiet RG.Protopine was extracted from Fumaria officinalis and purified by column chromatography. Urine samples were collected from horses and a human volunteer that had been administered either F. officinalis or protopine free base. Plant and urine samples were acetylated and analysed by GCMS after solid-phase extraction (SPE). The urinary metabolites of protopine were identified as 4,6,7,13-tetrahydro-9,10-dihydroxy-5-methyl-benzo[e]-l,3-benzodioxolo [4,5-1][2] benzazecin-12(5H)-one, 4,6,7,13-tetrahydro-10-hydroxy-9-methoxy-5-methyl-benzo[e]-1,3-benzodioxolo[4,5-1][2] benzazecin-12(5H)-one and 4,6,7,1...
Pellegrini-Masini A, Dolente BA, Habecker PL, Jesty SA.A 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare was referred for evaluation of oral ulcers, limb edema, weight loss, and weakness. There was marked diffuse swelling extending from the stifle region to the tarsal region of the left hind limb, and the horse had a left hind limb lameness. Firm swellings ranging from 2 to 15 cm in diameter and consisting of nodules, plaques, and discrete masses were palpated on both sides of the neck, over the right shoulder region, over the left elbow region, and over the left caudoventral aspect of the abdomen. Laboratory abnormalities included hypoproteinemia, neutrophilia, an...
Meregillano G.Hippotherapy refers to the use of the movement of the horse asa treatment tool by physical therapists, occupational therapists,and speech-language therapists to address impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in clients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, such as cerebral palsy. Hippotherapy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. Hippotherapy engages the client in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. In the controlled hippotherapyenvironment, the therapist modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sens...
Meyer C, Gerber R, Guthrie AJ.A 4-year-old Thoroughbred gelding racehorse was referred to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) with a history of post-race distress and collapse. In the absence of any obvious abnormalities in the preceding diagnostic work-up, a standard exercise test was performed to determine an underlying cause for the post-race distress reported. In this particular case oxygen desaturation became evident at speeds as slow as 6 m/s, where PO2 was measured at 82.3 mm Hg. Similarly at a blood pH of 7.28, PCO2 had dropped to 30.0 mm Hg indicating a combined metabolic acidosis and respiratory...
Mencke N, Larsen KS, Eydal M, Sigurdsson H.Infestation with the chewing louse (Werneckiella (Damalinia) equi) can be found on horses world-wide. Louse infestations, including clinical signs of louse-derived dermatitis, are known from Icelandic horses. A clinical field investigation was conducted in Iceland using horses with natural louse infestations to evaluate the efficacy of imidacloprid in a 10% solution in comparison with phoxim in a 0.05% solution. A total of 27 horses received a single imidacloprid treatment using 16 ml of the 10% solution along the mane and on the dorso-lateral trunk. A further 43 horses were treated twice, 14 ...
Nugent GE, Law AW, Wong EG, Temple MM, Bae WC, Chen AC, Kawcak CE, Sah RL.Determine (1) the site-associated response of articular cartilage of the equine distal metacarpal condyle to training at a young age as assessed by changes in indentation stiffness and alterations in cartilage structure and composition, and (2) relationships between indentation stiffness and indices of cartilage structure and composition. Methods: Experimental animals (n=6) were trained on a track (increasing exercise to 1km/day by 5 months); controls (n=6) were pasture-reared. Animals were euthanized at 18 months and four osteochondral samples were harvested per metacarpal condyle from dorsal...
Döpfer D, Kerssens CM, Meijer YG, Boersema JH, Eysker M.Faeces of 484 horses were sampled twice with an interval of 6 weeks while anthelmintic therapy was halted. Faecal eggs counts revealed that 267 (55.2%) horses had consistently low numbers of eggs per gram faeces (EPG) (EPG 100). Horses with consistently high EPGs were more often mares with access to pasture, aged less than 6 or more than 23 years, that were dewormed at intervals longer than 6 months, and were treated for the last time more than 3 months before the start of the study. Horses with consistently low EPGs were more often male horses with no or limited access to pasture, that were ...
Ocholi RA, Kwaga JK, Ajogi I, Bale JO.Isolation of brucellae from aborted fetuses, hygroma fluids, milk and vaginal swabs obtained from aborting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses in Nigeria was carried out. A total of 25 isolates, obtained mainly from cattle, sheep and horses, were biotyped. All strains belonged to one species, Brucella abortus biovar 1. The epidemiological significance of this finding is discussed. Some preliminary observations on the zoonotic and public health implications of Brucella infection in Nigerian livestock are presented. A control programme involving improved management, animal movement restrictio...
Audigié F, Tapprest J, Didierlaurent D, Denoix JM.Complications of cervical myelography arising from the puncture of the subarachnoid space to collect the cerebrospinal fluid and to inject the contrast medium have been described in humans and animals. In this study, 2 ultrasound-guided procedures were developed for puncture of the atlanto-occipital subarachnoid space, collection of cerebrospinal fluid, and injection of contrast medium. Myelography was performed on 6 ataxic horses using these procedures. The first attempt to puncture the subarachnoid space was successful in 5 horses and in one horse, a second attempt was necessary. Collection ...
Scheeren VFC, Sancler-Silva YFR, El-Sheikh Ali H, Kastelic JP, Alvarenga MA, Papa FO.Seminal vesiculitis in stallions reduces fertility and is often underdiagnosed. The most common cause is infection of seminal vesicles by bacteria capable of forming biofilms and a propensity for tissue persistence, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Achieving a clinical cure is challenging because of a high rate of recurrence. Systemic antibiotic therapy does not reach adequate therapeutic concentrations within the seminal vesicles; one alternative is endoscopy-guided, local antibiotic infusion into the gland lumen, with or without concurrent systemic antibiotics. Current diagnostic and the...
Gottlieb-Vedi M, Persson S, Erickson H, Korbutiak E.The purpose of this study was to determine if training with short intervals at the velocity producing a lactate level of 4 mmol/l (VLA4) is sufficient to induce adaptations and better exercise tolerance. Five Standardbred mares (4-8 years) were interval trained on a treadmill 3 days a week for 12 weeks and subsequently detrained for 4 weeks. Standardized exercise tests were performed before, during and after the training period and muscle biopsies were taken. Measurements were made of heart rate, oxygen consumption, stride frequency, blood volume and blood lactate. Plasma volume was reduced af...
Hughes JP.Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) is a highly contagious venereal disease of horses caused by a fastidious, Gram-negative coccobacillus which grows best on chocolate agar under microaerophilic conditions (5-10% CO2). Clinically, the disease is characterized by a copious watery-to-mucopurulent, vaginal discharge two to ten days after breeding by an infected stallion (11, 13). Shortened estrous cycle lengths are common and may be the only indication of endometritis in some instances (7). Inapparent carriers of the disease in both the mare and stallion make control of the disease more difficult. O...
Harris P, Marlin D, Gray J.A similar and significant (P less than 0.001) increase in plasma thyroxine (T4) concentration was seen in seven clinically normal thoroughbred horses 2 h after the intravenous administration of either 2.5 iu or 5 iu of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with a peak response around 4 h after administration. The intravenous administration of 0.2, 0.5 or 1 mg thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) resulted in a significant (P less than 0.01) increase in T4 concentration in three groups of animals; six thoroughbreds in full work, five thoroughbreds at rest and four ponies at rest. The peak response w...
Gibson KT, Burbidge HM, Anderson BH.To describe clinical findings, ultrasonographic features and outcome of injury to the branches of insertion of the superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon in horses. Methods: Retrospective study of 14 cases. Methods: Fourteen Thoroughbred horses with tendonitis affecting the branches of insertion of the SDF tendon were examined for lameness, location and amount of swelling, and the presence of other musculoskeletal abnormalities. The flexor tendons were assessed by ultrasonographic examination, and recommendations were made for management of the cases. Outcome was assessed by re-examination of...
Perryman LE, McGuire TC.Combined immunodeficiency in horses is a genetic disorder in which there is a defect in the production of committed B and T lymphocytes. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes from foals with combined immunodeficiency were examined for their capacity to stimulate and respond in one-way mixed lymphocyte cultures. Irradiated cells from combined immunodeficient foals were uniformly capable of stimulating cells from unrelated horses. However, none were able to respond to allogeneic stimulation. Examination of cells from known carrier horses revealed no difference in capacity to sti...
Crowell-Davis SL.Examination of the developmental changes that occur in the behavior of foals reveals three major periods that can be characterized by certain types of behavior. Although the beginnings and endings of these periods are not definitive, these periods may be conceptually useful in evaluating a foal's behavior. Period of Dependence. During the first 4 weeks of life, a foal is maximally dependent on its mother for sustenance, remains near her, and has little contact with other horses or ponies of any age. Period of Socialization. During the second and third months of life, foals have rapidly increas...
Foland JW, Trotter GW, Stashak TS, McIlwraith CW, Turner AS, Aanes WA.Fifty-five horses were presented to Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1st of January 1980 and 31st of December 1989 for treatment of distal limb lacerations involving flexor tendons (n = 35) or extensor tendons (n = 20). Of the 35 flexor tendon lacerations, 11 horses were killed without treatment and 24 horses were treated. Twenty-two horses were included in determining outcome. Four (18 per cent) returned to their original level of use, nine (41 per cent) returned to limited riding, seven (32 per cent) returned to breeding or pasture soundness and two (9 per cent)...
Sanz MG, Viljoen A, Saulez MN, Olorunju S, Andrews FM.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercial feed supplement containing pectin-lecithin on squamous mucosa ulceration in horses exposed to an experimental ulceration model. Five mares were treated while five mares were controls for this crossover, blinded study. The mares were fed concentrates and hay and were stabled with a two-hour turn out per day for a period of four weeks. The pectin-lecithin complex was fed for the duration of the study on the treated group. At the end of a four-week period, all mares underwent a seven-day alternating feed deprivation (week 5). ...
Ross J, Palmer JE, Wilkins PA.To review management of pregnant mares with body wall defects and assess the effect of various management strategies on the outcome of mares and their foals. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 13 mares. Methods: Medical records of eligible mares were reviewed. Signalment, history, admitting complaint, clinical findings, parity, type of body wall defect, concurrent diagnoses, postpartum complications, outcome of fetus, outcome of mare, and type of clinical case management were recorded. Results: 8 mares received conservative management and 5 mares received interventional management. S...
Laverty S, Lavoie JP, Pascoe JR, Ducharme N.Clinical features, treatment and outcome of 15 horses with penetrating thoracic wounds are described. The most common cause of trauma was collision with an object (10 horses). Concurrent clinical findings included subcutaneous emphysema (12 horses), pneumothorax (12 horses), haemothorax (5 horses) and pneumomediastinum (6 horses). Axillary wounds were present in 5 horses. Foreign bodies were identified and removed from 2 horses. Wounds were sutured (6 horses) or packed (7 horses). Air was evacuated from the pleural cavities of 11 horses. Eleven horses (73%) were discharged from the hospital. A...
Naylor RJ, Piercy RJ.To produce a clonal equine myoblast cell line that retains the ability to divide for multiple passages and differentiate into multinucleated myotubes during specific conditions. Methods: Cultured primary equine skeletal muscle-derived cells from a healthy Thoroughbred. Methods: Cell cultures were transfected by electroporation with a plasmid (pNIT) that expresses the temperature-sensitive simian vacuolating virus 40 large T antigen (TAg), which can be controlled by a doxycycline-responsive promoter. Cells that stably integrated the TAg were selected and expanded to passage 25. For each passage...
Volland-Francqueville M, Sabbah A.Recurrent or chronic urticaria seems to be a food allergy in thoroughbred race-horses during the training season. In resistant cases, allergologic techniques will be required to determine aetiology. Intradermal skin tests with fresh allergenic food may cause syndromic reaction as urticaria and akin to enteritis in some horses. In most cases, an elimination of the allergen responsible brings a rapid and long-lasting result. Study about 22 cases.
Cox S, Villarino N, Doherty T.The determination of the pharmacokinetic parameters of tramadol in plasma and a better characterization of its metabolites after oral administration to horses is necessary to design dosage regimens to achieve target plasma concentrations that are associated with analgesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and elimination pattern in urine of tramadol and its metabolites after oral administration to horses. Tramadol was administered orally to six horses and its half-life, T(max) and C(max) in plasma were 10.1, 0.59 h, and 132.7 ng/mL, respectively. The half-life, T...
Watts AE.Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used as a regenerative therapy in horses for musculoskeletal injury since the late 1990s and in some regions are standard of care for certain injuries. Yet, there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved MSC therapeutic in the United States for horses. In humans, lack of regulatory approval in the United States has been caused by failure of late-phase clinical trials to demonstrate consistent efficacy, perhaps because of nonuniformity of MSC preparation and application techniques. This article discusses clinical evidence for musculoskeletal applications of ...
Webster JH, Baird JD, Gunawan M, Martin IC, Kelly JD.The susceptibility of a known thiabendazole-resistant population of small strongyles to anthelmintics of both benzimidazole and non-benzimidazole groups, was determined. In the first study, 42 horses infected with thiabendazole-resistant small strongyles were allocated to 6 groups. Treatment groups received one of the following anthelmintics: mebendazole, febantel, febantel plus trichlorphon, morantel tartrate, or a combination of thiabendazole, piperazine and trichlorphon. Morantel tartrate and the thiabendazole/piperazine/trichlorphon combination produced highly significant (p less than 0.00...
Gilger BC, Pizzirani S, Johnston LC, Urdiales NR.A hydroxyapatite orbital implant was used after enucleation of an eye from a 5-year-old performance horse. A custom-made corneoscleral prosthesis was made and fitted over the hydroxyapatite implant. The implant and surgery were well tolerated. Placement of a cosmetic prosthesis is desired after enucleation of equine eyes to allow horses to return to competition. Synthetic spheres consisting of methylmethacrylate or silicone have been used, although reported complications have included extrusion, infection, and poor cosmetic results. Hydroxyapatite orbital implants made from marine coral allow ...
Fitzharris LE, Meehan LJ, Hezzell MJ, Allen KJ.The diaphragm is an important respiratory muscle, playing a key role during exercise. In humans, diaphragm thickness increases in response to training and is correlated with inspiratory strength. In order to assess respiratory strength in the horse, new evaluation techniques are required and measurement of diaphragm thickness, in a non-invasive and repeatable manner, is a possible approach. The purposes of this four-part, prospective, pilot study were to develop and describe a repeatable method to measure the diaphragm thickness, using ultrasonography, in Thoroughbred racehorses. A standardize...
Canisso IF, Ball BA, Troedsson MH, Silva ES, Davolli GM.The objectives of this study were to determine pH of the mammary gland secretions and the corresponding electrolyte concentrations in prefoaling mares. Pregnant mares (seven primiparous and seven multiparous) were monitored daily from 310-320 days of gestation until parturition. Prefoaling mammary gland secretions were collected, and pH was immediately determined with a pH meter and pH strip test. An aliquot of prefoaling mammary secretions was frozen and stored until further analyses. After parturition, samples from day -4 to 0 (day of foaling) were thawed and electrolyte concentrations (ie, ...
Anderson BG, Anderson WD.The use of methyl methacrylate corrosion-casts has made it possible to examine the intracranial microvasculature on a three-dimensional scale with the scanning electron microscope. By this means we have compared regions of four cerebral and cerebellar arteries among three domestic animal species. The results of this study suggest that there are from one to three different levels of interarteriolar anastomosis between branches of the same or adjacent vessels. In the horse and ox anastomoses were demonstrated (1) at the level of the precapillary arterioles, (2) along the arterioles, and (3) betw...
Dobrinski I, Jacob JR, Tennant BC, Ball BA.Equine oviductal epithelial cells (OEC) were transformed with simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV 40 T-ag) to create a cell line for the study of the interaction of equine spermatozoa with oviductal epithelium. One cell line was established based on the expression of the SV 40 T-ag and extended lifespan in culture. Immortalized equine OEC retained the characteristics of differentiated OEC such as the formation of monolayers with characteristic epithelial morphology and cell polarization as well as expression of cytokeratin and equine major histocompatibility complex I. Monolayers of immortaliz...
Cox A, Stewart AJ.Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (IBH, Queensland itch, sweet itch, equine summer eczema) is the most common pruritic disease of horses. It is most often caused by sensitivity to the saliva of spp. of biting midges; however, it can also be caused by hypersensitivity to other insect species. The prevalence of IBH in horses is reported to be as high as 60% in some parts of the world. Due to the severe pruritus and effects of secondary self-trauma, IBH has animal welfare concerns, and there is currently no cure. Management of this condition is life-long, time consuming and costly. New grading system...
LeRoy BE, Knight MC, Eggleston R, Torres-Velez F, Harmon BG.A 14-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding was presented for evaluation of a mass at the base of the tail. The mass had been present for 1 year, and recently had begun to increase in size. Additional masses were found around the eye and shoulder. A fine-needle aspirate of the tail-base mass revealed highly anaplastic round to polyhedral cells containing dark green to black cytoplasmic granules interpreted to be melanin. Histologically, the mass was composed of pleomorphic, poorly pigmented, round to polyhedral cells interpreted to be neoplastic melanocytes. With immunohistochemistry, the cells wer...
Kimura Y, Aoki T, Chiba A, Nambo Y.Dystocia is often lethal for neonatal foals; however, its clinicopathological features remain largely unknown. We investigated the effect of dystocia on the foal blood profile. Venous blood samples were collected from 35 foals (5 Percheron and 30 crossbreds between Percheron, Belgian, and Breton heavy draft horses) at 0 hr, 1 hr, 12 hr and 1 day after birth. Dystocia was defined as prolonged labor >30 min with strong fetal traction with or without fetal displacement. The dystocia group (n=13) showed lower mean values for pH (P<0.01), bicarbonate (P<0.01), total carbon dioxide (P<0....
Hance SR, Robertson JT.A 5-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was examined because of a small axillary wound sustained 5 days earlier and had resulted in extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Three days after admission, the horse's respiratory rate had increased to 72 breaths/min, and the horse appeared anxious and distressed. Thoracic radiography revealed pneumomediastinum and severe bilateral pneumothorax. Tube thoracostomy was performed on both hemithoraxes. The drains were connected to one-way suction valves and suction devices to decompress the thorax. A nasopharyngeal catheter was inserted, and oxygen insufflation was ...
Dixon PM, Railton DI, McGorum BC, Tothill S.One-hundred and forty-seven of 270 (54.4%) horses suffering from pulmonary disorders were given at least one re-examination including, clinical, bronchoscopic, pulmonary function and cytological examinations after treatment and a further 83 of these horses (30.7%) had their clinical progress assessed by verbal or written reports. These examinations and progress reports showed high levels of partial or total recovery for most pulmonary disease categories, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, infectious, S. zooepidemicus and undifferentiated pulmonary disease and lungworm infection g...
Jago RC, Scholes S, Mair TS, Pearson GR, Pirie RS, Handel I, Milne EM, Coyle F, Mcgorum BC.An accurate, minimally invasive, ante-mortem diagnostic test for equine grass sickness (EGS) is currently lacking. Although histological examination of haematoxylin and eosin-stained rectal biopsies for chromatolytic neurons is insensitive as a diagnostic test for EGS, we hypothesised that its diagnostic accuracy could be improved by immunolabelling for β-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP), which has increased expression in cranial cervical ganglia (CCG) neuronal perikarya in EGS. Objective: To develop a grading scheme for assessing the distribution and intensity of β-APP immunoreactivity wi...
Maldonado MD, Parkinson SD, Story MR, Haussler KK.Chiropractic care is a common treatment modality used in equine practice to manage back pain and stiffness but has limited evidence for treating lameness. The objective of this blinded, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of chiropractic treatment on chronic lameness and concurrent axial skeleton pain and dysfunction. Two groups of horses with multiple limb lameness (polo) or isolated hind limb lameness (Quarter Horses) were enrolled. Outcome measures included subjective and objective measures of lameness, spinal pain and stiffness, epaxial muscle hypertonicity, and mechanical...
Infernuso T, Watts AE, Ducharme NG.Septic epiglottic chondritis with abscessation diagnosed in 2 Thoroughbred racehorses. Infected cartilage removed videoendoscopically followed by systemic antibiotics. The infectious process was successfully controlled, but permanent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) with a shortened, deformed epiglottic cartilage developed. Surgery for the DDSP using bilateral partial sternothyroidectomy or laryngeal tie-forward failed. Chondrite septique abcédée de l’épiglotte chez 2 jeunes chevaux de course Thoroughbred. Une chondrite septique abcédée de l’épiglotte a été diagnostiqu...
Ullrey DE.Selenium was discovered 174 yr ago but, until 1957, was given little notice by biologists or was vilified as an agent that caused toxicity in grazing ruminants and horses in the northern Great Plains. After its status as an essential nutrient was established, Se received intense scrutiny, and hundreds of papers have been published dealing with its metabolic functions and the consequences of a Se deficiency. Because regions of Se deficiency are so extensive in the United States, great efforts have been made to gain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Se supplementation of animal die...
