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.
Lindsay DS, Dubey JP, Kennedy TJ.The present study examined the efficacy of ponazuril in inhibiting merozoite production of Sarcocystis neurona in cell cultures. Ponazuril inhibited merozoite production by more that 90% in cultures of S. neurona treated with 1.0 microg/ml ponazuril and greater than 95% inhibition of merozoite production was observed when infected cultures were treated with 5.0 microg/ml ponazuril. Ponazuril may have promise as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of S. neurona induced equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses.
Lyons ET, Swerczek TW, Tolliver SC, Bair HD, Drudge JH, Ennis LE.A survey to determine current prevalence of several species of endoparasites in equids (n=350) at necropsy was conducted at the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in central Kentucky (1995-1999). Thelazia lacrymalis were found in 42% of the 1- to 4-year olds (n=132), which was the only age group examined for these parasites. Five- to 30-year olds (n=157), examined for Onchocerca spp. worms/lesions, had a prevalence of 24%. In > or =1-year olds (n=324), the infection rate for Gasterophilus intestinalis was 12% for second instars and 14% for third instars and for Gasterophilus nasalis was 2%...
Schoenbaum MA, Hall SM, Glock RD, Grant K, Jenny AL, Schiefer TJ, Sciglibaglio P, Whitlock RH.A USDA Early Response Team investigated deaths of several horses and a mule in northern Arizona at the request of local animal health officials. Thirteen animals (12 horses and 1 mule) housed at 5 facilities in a 7.4 square mile area died between August 1998 and January 1999. Clinical signs consisted of muscular weakness that rapidly progressed to lateral recumbency. Ten animals had paresis of the tongue, throat, or lips. Affected animals appeared alert and were interested in eating and drinking, even while recumbent. All 13 animals were euthanatized. Clostridium botulinum type C was isolated ...
Eule JC, Wagner B, Leibold W, Deegen E.We investigated 30 healthy eyes and 41 eyes with ERU from 57 horses. The total immunoglobulin titers and titers of IgGa, IgGb, IgM were measured in aqueous humour, vitreous and serum using different ELISA techniques. Every sample investigated contained detectable amounts of immunoglobulins. Compared to control eyes significantly increased titers were found in the aqueous humour and vitreous of the ERU eyes for all immunoglobulin isotypes studied (p < or = 0.01). While IgM was detected in only 2 out of thirty aqueous humour and in none of the thirty vitreous samples of healthy eyes, 79.6% of sa...
Bergman HJ, de Kruif A.In this last article the veterinary supervision of problem mares at the stud is reviewed. Treatment possibilities are evaluated. The usefulness of treatment with progestagens in order to sustain pregnancy or to prevent embryonic death is discussed.
Trolldenier H, Klarmann D, Krabisch P, Rohde J, Steiner A, Verspohl J.368 streptococcal strains from udder secretions of cattle (Sc. agalactiae, Sc. dysgalactiae, Sc. uberis) and 191 streptococcal isolates from horse specimens (Sc. equi ssp. zooepidemicus, Sc. equi ssp. equi) originating from different agricultural regions in Germany (Lower Saxony, in particular the region of Weser-Ems, Bavaria, Altmark) were investigated for their sensitivity to 4 beta-lactam antibiotics (benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, cefotaxime). Two different test methods were applied: the agar diffusion test for determination of the diameter of the zone of inhibition and the E-tes...
Hubert JD, Hardy J, Holcombe SJ, Moore RM.To report a surgical technique for treatment of nonreducible cecocolic intussusception and outcome in 8 horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Eight horses with nonreducible cecocolic intussusception treated by cecal amputation through a right ventral colotomy. Methods: Data were obtained from medical records and telephone conversations by using a standardized questionnaire. The large colon was exteriorized and, if necessary, evacuated of its contents through a pelvic flexure enterotomy. A second colotomy was made on the ventral surface of the right ventral colon (RVC) centered over or...
Woodie JB, Ruggles AJ, Litsky AS.To evaluate 2 methods of midbody proximal sesamoid bone repair--fixation by a screw placed in lag fashion and circumferential wire fixation--by comparing yield load and the adjacent soft-tissue strain during monotonic loading. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: 10 paired equine cadaver forelimbs from race-trained horses. Methods: A transverse midbody osteotomy of the medial proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) was created. The osteotomy was repaired with a 4.5-mm cortex bone screw placed in lag fashion or a 1.25-mm circumferential wire. The limbs were instrumented with differential variable relucta...
Désévaux C, Laverty S, Doizé B.To develop a technique for sternal bone biopsy in standing horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Five adult horses. Methods: Horses were restrained in a standing stocks and sedated. The sternal biopsy site, identified by ultrasonographic examination, was clipped and prepared for aseptic surgery and infiltrated with local anesthetic. An electric bone biopsy drill (Osteocore; Institut Straumann AG, CH-4437, Waldenburg, Switzerland)), which yielded 4-mm-diameter bone specimens, was used to obtain sternal biopsies through a small skin incision. Sections (7 microm) of the bone specimens wer...
Christley RM, Rose RJ, Hodgson DR, Reid SW, Evans S, Bailey C, Hodgson JL.This study evaluated a questionnaire investigating the attitudes and behaviours of veterinarians regarding the cause, diagnosis and treatment of lower respiratory-tract disease in racehorses. The questionnaire was sent to all non-student members (648) of the Australian Equine Veterinary Association: two mailings and a single telephone contact (each separated by four weeks). Subsequent phases were only administered to those who had not responded to earlier phases. In total, 467 (72.1%) of the 648 mailed questionnaires were returned. Of these, 354 were usable. The remaining 113 respondents gave ...
Christley RM, Rose RJ, Hodgson DR, Reid SW, Evans S, Bailey C, Hodgson JL.A questionnaire was administered to members of the Australian Equine Veterinary Association to investigate their attitudes and behaviours regarding the cause, diagnosis and treatment of lower-respiratory-tract disease in racehorses. The most-important perceived risk factors related to the level of exposure and resistance to infectious agents, whereas factors associated with racing and climatic factors were lower ranked. By far the most-commonly implicated primary cause of disease was respiratory viruses. However, specific diagnostic tests (such as viral serology or virus isolation) were rarely...
Cornelisse CJ, Schott HC, Olivier NB, Mullaney TP, Koller A, Wilson DV, Derksen FJ.An 18-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was evaluated because of sudden onset of ventricular tachycardia and signs of colic. Three years earlier, a diastolic decrescendo murmur, consistent with aortic regurgitation, had been detected, but the horse continued to perform well and compete successfully. Cardiac ultrasonographic examination revealed a defect in the interventricular septum below the aortic root, and serum concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were higher than those measured in clinically normal horses. Repeated development of tachyarrhythmia during hospitalization prompted a decis...
Hawkins JF, Fessler JF.To evaluate efficacy of debridement for treatment of supraspinous bursitis in horses and to evaluate the outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 10 horses with clinical signs of supraspinous bursitis. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, anamnesis, results of physical and radiographic examination, microbial culture results of supraspinous bursa tissue or exudate, Brucella abortus titers, type of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapies, surgical technique, complications of the surgical procedure, and findings on histologic examination of excised nuchal ligament a...
Dolente BA, Seco OM, Lewis ML.A 14-year-old horse was admitted to the veterinary hospital for treatment of tachycardia and lethargy. Initial diagnoses were ventricular tachycardia and renal dysfunction. During hospitalization other findings included fever, renal failure, hepatic failure, hypotension, and intermittent ventricular arrhythmias. Bacteriologic culture of 2 blood samples collected during febrile crises 7 days apart yielded Streptococcus mitis. These culture results along with other clinical and physical examination findings fulfill the criteria for a diagnosis of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, previously de...
Southwood LL, McIlwraith CW.To determine the outcome of horses with basal fractures of the proximal sesamoid bone from which a fracture fragment involving a portion of the base of the bone was removed arthroscopically and to determine whether fragment size was associated with outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 26 horses. Methods: Dorsopalmar and axial-abaxial lengths of the fracture fragment were measured on the dorsopalmar and mediolateral radiographic views, respectively, and percentage of the base of the sesamoid bone involved was estimated. Fractures were classified as grade 1 ( 25% but < 100% of the ...
Vanderwall DK, Squires EL, Brinsko SP, McCue PM.To determine the incidence, ultrasonographic characteristics, and risk factors associated with embryonic development characterized by formation of an embryonic vesicle without an embryo in mares. Methods: Prevalence survey. Methods: 159 pregnant mares. Methods: From 1994 to 1998, mares between 11 and 40 days after ovulation with normal and abnormal embryonic development were examined ultrasonographically, and characteristics of each conceptus were recorded. Results: The incidence of abnormal embryonic development in mares characterized by formation of an embryonic vesicle without an embryo was...
Stratton-Phelps M, Wilson WD, Gardner IA.To determine whether foals with pneumonia that were treated with erythromycin, alone or in combination with rifampin or gentamicin, had a higher risk of developing adverse effects, compared with foals treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS), penicillin G procaine (PGP), or a combination of TMS and PGP (control foals). Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 143 foals < 240 days old. Methods: Information on age, sex, breed, primary drug treatment, total days of treatment with the primary drug, and whether the foal developed diarrhea, hyperthermia, or respiratory distress was obtained...
Knight PK, Evans DL.To describe the clinical abnormalities found on post-race examination of poorly performing Standardbreds. Methods: The results of 541 post-race veterinary examinations on Standardbreds were analysed. The horses were selected for examination by the stipendiary stewards on the basis of poor performance from a population of approximately 20,000 runners which competed at Harold Park Paceway, Sydney. Results: Clinical abnormalities were detected on post-race examination in 264 of the 541 poorly performing horses. Some horses displayed more than one abnormality. Twenty three individual abnormalities...
Bröjer JT, Parsons DA, Linder KE, Peregrine AS, Dobson H.An 8-year-old, Arabian mare presented with acute progressive ataxia and a firm swelling over the right mandible. Radiographs revealed multiple radiolucent areas on the mandibles. The mare's neurological signs progressed, she was consequently euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed mandibular granulomatous reactions and meningoencephalitis due to the nematode Halicephalobus gingivalis.
Fukunaga Y, Wada R, Sugita S, Fujita Y, Nambo Y, Imagawa H, Kanemaru T, Kamada M, Komatsu N, Akashi H.Equine arteritis virus (EAV) was readily isolated in RK-13 cell monolayers by plaque assay from seminal plasma of experimental carrier stallions when they contained high titers of virus regardless of the presence of non-viral cytotoxicity in the seminal plasma. The cytotoxicity interfered with virus isolation from seminal plasma which contained virus at titers less than 10 PFU/ml. However, it was possible to detect the virus in seminal plasma pretreated with PEG (#6000). EAV was consistently identified by RT-PCR from crude seminal plasma which contained virus at titers of more than 10(2.7) PFU...
Fenton JI, Chlebek-Brown KA, Peters TL, Caron JP, Orth MW.Objective To determine whether glucosamine inhibits experimentally induced degradation of equine articular cartilage explants. Methods Articular cartilage was obtained from the antebrachio-carpal and middle joints of horses (2-8 years old) killed for reasons unrelated to lameness. Cartilage discs were harvested from the weight-bearing region of the articular surface and cultured. Media were exchanged daily and the recovered media stored at 4 degrees C. Explants were maintained in basal media 2 days prior to the start of four treatment days. On days 1-4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 microg/ml) or...
Racklyeft DJ, Raidal S, Love DN.To review relevant literature on factors associated with the development of equine pleuropneumonia. Methods: A review of the literature using a range of databases including Current Contents, Medline, ChemAbstracts, Biological Abstracts and CAB and a comprehensive search strategy which involved use of keywords, author and subject category searches. Additional sources included review of articles cited by key accumulated references. Results: Since the early years of this century, many of the "gaps" in our knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease have been filled. We now know that equine pleu...
Bergman HJ, de Kruif A, van Dessel S.In this article different possible treatments for problem mares are discussed. The therapeutic possibilities vary and can be classified into anatomical correction, anti-infectious therapy, and treatment to enhance the uterine defence mechanisms. Anatomical correction and treatment with antibiotics are valuable therapies and have been used for many years. In recent years, stimulation of the mechanical defence mechanism of the uterus, by flushing it with physiological solution combined with parenteral oxytocin, has been shown to increase the chance of getting problem mares in foal.
Del Piero F.Equine viral arteritis (EVA) can cause prominent economic losses for the equine industry. The purpose of this review is to provide the pathologist some familiarity with the clinical history, lesions, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of EVA. EVA is caused by an arterivirus (equine arteritis virus, EAV), and the vascular system is the principal but not unique viral target. EVA has variable presentations, including interstitial pneumonia, panvasculitis with edema, thrombosis and hemorrhage, lymphoid necrosis, renal tubular necrosis, abortion, and inflammation of male accessory genital glands. EAV anti...
This article provides an overview of initial assessment and management of common emergency presentations in donkeys and mules. The principles are similar to those in horses (and ponies), but clinicians must be aware of differences in recognition of signs of pain/disease, approach to handling, pharmacology of some drugs, and subtle differences in the physiology and local anatomy in donkeys and mules. The epidemiology of common disease presentations will vary between pet/companion or working/farmed donkeys and mules. Regular dental checks, deworming, vaccination, and monitoring of behavior and q...
Yvorchuk-St Jean KE, Debowes RM, Gift LJ, Kraft SL, Sinha AK, Kennedy GA.A 5-week-old belgian colt was examined for colic of 12 hours duration after several episodes of diarrhea. Physical examination revealed signs of abdominal pain, mild dehydration and normal auscultable borborygmi in all abdominal quadrants. Distention of the cecum, large colon and small intestinal was evident on abdominal radiographs. The foal was treated medically as the owners declined surgery. The colt was euthanized because of continued deterioration and failure to respond to medical therapy. Post-mortem exam revealed the presence of a trichophytobezoar obstructing the distal part of the tr...
Rhinosporidiosis is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, a parasitic organism of the family Rhinosporideacea family, class Micomycetozoa. The disease is endemic in India; however, some cases were reported in Europe, Africa, North America, and South America. The aim of the present study is to report three cases of rhinosporidiosis in wild horses in different cities of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. We confirm the presence of R. seeberi in the analyzed samples using histopathological and PCR sequencing techniques.
Lohmann KL, Lewis SR, Wobeser B, Allen AL.Three cases of penetrating metallic foreign bodies causing peritonitis in horses are reported. These cases were presented with varying clinical complaints and duration of clinical signs. Entry of foreign bodies into the abdominal cavity through the skin and body wall is reported for the first time. Corps étrangers métalliques pénétrants comme cause de péritonite chez 3 chevaux. Trois cas de corps étrangers métalliques pénétrants ayant causé une péritonite chez des chevaux sont signalés. Ces cas ont été présentés avec des plaintes cliniques différentes et une durée variable de...
Cable CS, Ducharme NG, Hackett RP, Erb HN, Mitchell LM, Soderholm LV.To investigate whether upper airway sounds of horses exercising with laryngeal hemiplegia and alar fold paralysis have distinct sound characteristics, compared with unaffected horses. Methods: 6 mature horses. Methods: Upper airway sounds were recorded in horses exercising on a high-speed treadmill at maximum heart rate (HR(MAX)) under 3 treatment conditions (ie, normal upper airway function [control condition], and after induction of left laryngeal hemiplegia or bilateral alar fold paralysis) in a randomized crossover design. Fundamental frequency, spectrograms using Gabor transform, and inte...
Binhazim AA, Harmon BG, Roberson EL, Boerner M.During routine necropsy of a 28-year-old horse with intestinal volvulus, numerous hydatid cysts were discovered in the liver. Viable protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus were obtained from the cyst. As a 4-year-old, this horse had been imported from an area that is enzootic for equine hydatidosis.
West HJ.Plasma bile acid concentrations were measured in normal horses. There was no diurnal variation in values, and age and sex had no effect. There was no significant difference between serum and plasma bile acid concentrations in clinically normal horses. Plasma bile acids were stable on storage for one month at -20 degrees C. The total plasma bile acid concentrations together with total and direct bilirubin concentrations and plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate and iditol dehydrogenase were evaluated in horses with various types of hepatobiliary disease (hepatic necrosis, l...
Brownlie SE.The Chiltern Box is a small electrocardiograph designed for home monitoring of human patients. Its veterinary application has been investigated in the dog, the cat and the horse. It has been useful in the diagnosis of previously undiagnosed dysrhythmias in dogs showing signs of exercise intolerance and syncope.
Papa FO, Alvarenga MA, Lopes MD, Campos Filho EP.THE immunogenicity of mammalian sperm has been recognised since the beginning of this century. In 1909, Adler induced autoantibodies in the serum of guinea pigs by injecting them with their own spermatozoa. Nowadays, the concept of
immunologically privileged sites is well understood and any disruption which allows antigenic contact with the immune system may give rise to an immune response. For example, failure
of the blood/testes barrier following infection, trauma or surgery can lead to the production of antisperm antibodies as a result of spermatozoa coming in contact with the immune syst...
Abrahamsen EJ, Bohanon TC, Bednarski RM, Hubbell JA, Muir WW.An 8-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was anesthetized for surgical exploration and debridement of a chronic draining wound in the intermandibular space. Anesthesia was without complication other than persistently low PaO2. Severe airway obstruction was evident immediately after extubation, requiring tracheostomy. Endoscopic diagnosis was bilateral arytenoid paralysis, which gradually resolved over the next 7 days. Compression, trauma, or tension of the recurrent laryngeal nerves are the postulated causes of idiopathic laryngeal hemiplegia in horses. The extremely extended position of the head a...
Baker WT, Frederick J, Giguere S, Lynch TM, Lehmkuhl HD, Slone DE.To evaluate the outcome in horses treated with a rolling technique or surgically for nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon (NSE) and to examine the benefit of phenylephrine (PE) HCl on the efficacy of nonsurgical (rolling) management of NSE. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n = 211) diagnosed with NSE by rectal palpation with or without ultrasonography, or at the time of exploratory celiotomy or necropsy. Methods: Medical records (January 1, 2001-September 1, 2008) were collected from horses diagnosed with NSE at 2 referral centers. Records were used to obtain signalment, physical ...
Gardner DG.Previously published cases of ameloblastoma in the horse are reviewed in detail for their acceptability as examples of that tumor; an additional one is described. So far, this rare equine lesion has been shown to have two histologic patterns. The first consists of islands and sheets of epithelium that exhibit the basal cell characteristics of ameloblastoma; the central cells comprise stellate reticulum. The second exhibits these basal cell features less markedly and the central cells are spindle-shaped and closely packed. The biologic behavior of the equine ameloblastoma is thought to be the s...
Eroksuz H, Eroksuz Y, Ozer H, Ceribasi AO, Yaman I, Ilhan N.Naturally occurring goiter cases are described in 2 newborn Arabian foals whose mares were supplemented with excess iodine during the final 24 w of the pregnancy. Six nursing foals and 2 mares were also affected clinically with thyroid hypertrophy. At least 12 times the maximum tolerable level of iodine supplementation was given, as the daily iodine intake for each mare was 299 mg. The prevalence of goiter cases was 2 and 9% in the mares and foals, respectively.
Ganjam VK.Changes in the daily secretory patterns of testosterone and other 17 beta-hydroxyandrogen, total oestrogens and total corticoids were investigated in 7 stallions. Pulsatile fluctuations in plasma hormone levels were found in the serial blood samples collected hourly for 24 h in all animals. The plasma profiles indicated that corticoids, oestrogens and androgens were secreted episodically at all times in stallions. A significant correlation was observed between the precursor and products of delta 4-ene and delta 5-ene pathways and in inverse correlation (r = -0.68; P less than 0.01) was observe...
Johnson PJ, Goetz TE, Baker GJ, Foreman JH.Two mares were examined because of urinary incontinence. Abnormalities of the genitourinary tract were identified and were corrected surgically. Urinary incontinence in mares generally is associated with a poor prognosis. The importance of a thorough physical examination of the genitourinary tract in the mare is emphasized, and the simple and successful surgical correction of structural abnormalities of the tract in 2 mares is described.