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.
Guillaume D, Duchamp G, Nagy P, Palmer E.Classical photostimulation of winter anoestrous mares consists of a light treatment with 14.5-16.0 h white light (100 lux), starting near the time of the winter solstice and ending around the time of the summer solstice. Cyclicity is obtained typically after about 70 days of treatment. The aim of the present study was to establish the minimum number of days of treatment, the lowest light intensity and the duration of light required per day to advance the onset of ovarian activity in winter anoestrous mares. In Expt 1 it was demonstrated that a 35 day exposure to a photoperiod (14.5 h light: 9....
McKinnon AO, Lacham-Kaplan O, Trounson AO.The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for in vitro fertilization of equine oocytes and the developmental potential of these oocytes after transfer to the Fallopian tubes of synchronized mares were examined. Oocytes were aspirated from mature follicles 39 h after injection of a GnRH analogue and transported 190 km at 39 degrees C. Semen from a fertile and an infertile stallion was frozen and prepared for injection. Successfully injected oocytes were transferred surgically into the ampulla of the Fallopian tube either: (i) 4-8 h after semen injection; or (ii) after 24-48 h culture b...
Faber NF, Roser JF.Testicular biopsy was performed as a standing procedure on fertile, mature stallions (n=7) under sedation and local anaesthesia. The 'Biopty' instrument was used to collect three samples from the left testis of each stallion. The oestradiol, testosterone and inhibin content in each testis were assessed by validated radioimmunoassay (RIA); protein concentrations were determined and the testes were prepared histologically for haematoxylin and eosin staining. The fertility status of each stallion was assessed before and after testicular biopsy by semen evaluation, changes in total scrotal width, ...
Schmid RL, Kato H, Herickhoff LA, Schenk JL, McCue PM, Chung YG, Squires EL.In Expt 1, compact cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in: (i) control medium (Hepes-buffered TCM-199 with 10% oestrous cow serum (OCS) + oestradiol, LH and FSH); (ii) Hepes-buffered TCM-199 with 20% follicular fluid; or (iii) control medium containing 250 ng progesterone ml(-1). Mature oocytes were collected by transvaginal aspiration as a positive control for the in vitro maturation (IVM) treatments. Oocytes were fertilized by ICSI and cultured in Menezo's B2 + 5% fetal calf serum (FCS). There were no significant differences among IVM treatments. In Expt 2, oocytes with expanded COC...
Sandin A, Skidell J, Häggström J, Girma K, Nilsson G.Necropsy records from 702 horses, less than one year old, that were subjected to necropsy between 1924 and 1996 were used to estimate the prevalence of gastric ulceration in younger horses and to evaluate some potential risk factors that may contribute to the development of gastric ulceration. Information concerning breed, gender, age, season of death, clinical signs of colic, medical treatment, parasitism and documentation of diseases in different organs were recorded, as well as size, number and anatomical distribution of ulcers. Gastric ulcers were found in 96 of 702 young horses (14%) and ...
Dixon PM, Tremaine WH, Pickles K, Kuhns L, Hawe C, McCann J, McGorum BC, Railton DI, Brammer S.Of 400 referred horses with dental disorders, 349 cases suffered from primary disorders of their cheek teeth, ninety of these from disorders of development or eruption, or displacements. These included 20 cases with rostral maxillary and caudal mandibular cheek teeth overgrowths, 16 with diastemata, 15 with grossly enlarged mandibular 'eruption cysts', 4 with grossly enlarged maxillary cheek teeth 'eruption cysts', 10 cases with supernumerary cheek teeth and 23 cases with displaced cheek teeth. These displacements were believed to be developmental in 16 cases and acquired in the remaining 7 ca...
Artursson K, Gunnarsson A, Wikström UB, Engvall EO.For diagnosis of equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (EGE) serological testing of antibodies to Ehrlichia equi is frequently used. An elevated antibody level is often misinterpreted as confirmative of active infection and results in treatment with antibiotics. If only seropositivity is considered as the diagnostic criterium, many horses showing convalescence titres will be treated. This study was undertaken to obtain information about the kinetics of antibodies during the course of infection and, for this purpose, 45 horses with clinical signs of EGE and confirmed ehrlichiaemia were monitored ser...
Harry P, de Haro L, Asfar P, David JM.To assess early clinical and biological prognosis factors in viper envenomings, and assess efficacy of Viperfav immunotherapy. Viperfav contains purified F(ab')2 fragments of equine antibodies. Methods: A retrospective case review study of viper envenomings collected by two poison centers in France, treated or not treated by Viperfav, was conducted. Two hundred seven cases of viper bites including 119 moderate or severe envenomings (Grade II and III, recorded in adults and children and collected from 1992 to 1997 were included. Before treatment, clinical gradation and early biological severity...
Renaudin CD, Gillis CL, Tarantal AF.Gender determination of the equine fetus using transabdominal ultrasonography was studied in 20 mares. One group of 10 research mares was scanned repeatedly every 2 weeks from 100 days gestation to parturition, while the second group of 10 client mares was subjected to echography once during mid-gestation. In males, the penis and/or prepuce was observed on 71 occasions from 102 days to 258 days gestation. On cross-sectional views, the male external genitalia had a round shape with parallel linear echogenic foci up to approximately 140 days gestation and then appeared triangular. Fetal testes w...
Bedford SJ, McDonnell SM.To evaluate the effects of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and pyrimethamine treatment on various measures of reproductive function in healthy pony stallions. Methods: Randomized complete block study. Methods: 12 healthy, mature pony stallions. Methods: Stallions were assigned to treatment and control groups balanced for age and various characteristics of reproductive function. The treated group received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and pyrimethamine for 90 days during summer and fall; the control group was not treated. Semen characteristics, sexual behavior, testicular volume, and sperm produc...
Leutenegger CM, von Rechenberg B, Huder JB, Zlinsky K, Mislin C, Akens MK, Auer J, Lutz H.Specific amplification and quantitation of nucleic acid sequences by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been extensively used for the detection of viral infection and gene expression. Although successful amplification of DNA and RNA sequences extracted from paraffin embedded tissue have been described, there are presently no reports available regarding RNA analysis from bone and calcified tissues embedded in hydrophobic acrylic resin. Here we describe a general method for quantitation of specific mRNA sequences extracted from undecalcified bone sections, fixed in paraformaldehyde, and emb...
Bezerra PS, Driemeier D, Loretti AP, Riet-Correa F, Kamphues J, de Barros CS.Three outbreaks of monensin poisoning caused 12 deaths in 16 horses. The illnesses were associated with the ingestion of the same batch of a commercial ration labeled for feeder calves which contained 180 +/- 20 ppm sodium monensin. The morbidity rate was 100% and lethality was 60%, 75%, and 100%. Clinical signs were tachycardia and cardiac arrythmia, groaning, incoordination, sudoresis, recumbency, and paddling movements with the limbs before death. Two horses had dark discolored urine (myoglobinuria). Serum levels of creatine phosphokinase activity were increased. Main necropsy findings were...
Slovis NM, Watson JL, Affolter VK, Stannard AA.Three horses were presented with a history of having developed raised cutaneous nodules, within 24-48 hours, in areas of previous injections using standard silicone-coated hypodermic needles. Skin biopsies were taken from a selected cutaneous nodule from all horses for histopathologic evaluation. Histologically, the nodules were consistent with a diagnosis of equine eosinophilic granuloma. A hypersensitivity reaction to the silicone, or another component of the coating formulation, was hypothesized to be responsible for these lesions. Two horses were experimentally injected using both coated a...
Wichtel ME, Buys E, DeLuca J, Stringel G.This article focuses on the pharmacologic properties of drugs commonly used in the treatment of neonatal septicemia and its complications. Rational therapy demands an awareness of not only the pharmacology of individual drugs but also the interactions and anticipated fate of such drugs in the rapidly changing physiologic environment of the neonate. Further research in the area of equine neonatal pharmacology should greatly assist our understanding of the impact of the disease state on the unique physiology of the newborn and should allow us to better predict the ultimate fate of drugs commonly...
Perkins NR.This article reviews therapies and strategies commonly used to treat diseases of the mare's genital tract and modulate the reproductive cycle of the mare. Many reproductive treatments are based on historical use and empirical evidence rather than well controlled clinical studies. This article attempts to present practical information in a summary form while highlighting the need for continued research documenting the efficacy and safety of reproductive therapies.
Hutchens DE, Paul AJ, DiPietro JA.Routine anthelmintic treatments are one of the most important components of an equine wellness program used by horse owners and veterinarians today. Thirteen different compounds are available in the United States in the treatment of gastrointestinal parasites, most of which are available over the counter. As a result, there is a decreased reliance on the veterinarian to perform routine tube dewormings. Therefore, the future of the veterinarian's role in the management of gastrointestinal parasites is likely to be in the consultation and design of parasite control programs. With this in mind, t...
Whittem T.This article presents in easily accessible form a collection of drug names and dose rates for the drugs recommended or referred to by the authors of the individual articles in this issue. Although the formulary provides recommendations for drug use, the reader is cautioned that the responsibility for the choice of agent, formulation, dose, and dose interval lies with the clinician. The author also addresses regulations that govern the use of drugs in competition horses.
Foreman JH.Differentiation of diseases of the equine respiratory tract is based on history, clinical signs, auscultation, endoscopy, imaging, and sampling of airway exudate. Upper respiratory therapies include surgical correction of airway obstructions; flushing of localized abscesses (strangles), guttural pouch disease, or sinusitis; and oral or parenteral antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy if deemed necessary. Pneumonia usually is treated with antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and bronchodilators. Pleural drainage is indicated if significant pleural effusion is present. The most commonly used ...
Mogg TD.Cardiac disease is often life-threatening and challenging to treat. Prolonged therapy is indicated in many cases, which can lead to problems with treatment costs, owner compliance, and potential drug toxicity. Many therapies are empirical or based on data from other species because of a lack of well-designed prospective clinical trials in horses. This article reviews the clinical pharmacology and therapeutics of heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial disease, endocarditis, and pericardial disease.
al-Ani FK.Epizootic lymphangitis is a relatively common infectious disease of horses and other liquids in certain parts of the world. The infection rate varies according to the geographic area and the age of the animal. The disease is most commonly characterised by a cord-like appearance of the subcutaneous lymphatic and cutaneous pyogranulomas, the discharge from which contains spherical or pear-shaped bodies of the causal agent, Histoplasma farciminosum. Diagnosis can be made by the demonstration of typical organisms in stained smears, culture and tissue sections. Serological tests and a skin hypersen...
Yovich JV.Fractures of the distal phalanx are an important cause of lameness referrable to the foot. Depending on the fracture configuration and articular involvement, conservative or surgical treatment may be required. Fractures of the distal phalanx have been divided into six categories based on fracture configuration. Discussion of clinical features, management, and prognosis for horses with distal phalangeal fractures is presented for each fracture type.
Reef VB, Klumpp S, Maxson AD, Sweeney RW.Two-dimensional real-time echocardiographic examination of a 3-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with pleuropneumonia revealed an intact aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva, which was confirmed at postmortem examination. The horse had no clinical signs associated with the aneurysm.
Göktaş EF, Kabil E, Yatanaslan L, Güneş E, Dirikolu L.Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid and it is metabolized to paraxanthine, theophylline and theobromine. Analysis of caffeine and its metabolites is challenging since the metabolites theophylline and paraxanthine generate similar product and precursor ions. In this study, a new method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of caffeine, paraxanthine, theobromine and theophylline in horse urine using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Urine samples were treated using solid-phase extraction followed by the elution with dichloromethane-isopropanol (90:10) after the pH was ad...
Betteridge KJ, Mitchell D.An efficient surgical technique of collecting eggs from the oviducts of mares is described. Within 6 days after ovulation recovery was successful in 22/29 mares. The technique has been used to investigate the retention and ageing of eggs in the oviducts and to determine the origin and the nature of the accessory CL during pregnancy.
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...
Ordakowski-Burk AL, Quinn RW, Shellem TA, Vough LR.Thousands of hectares of timothy (Phleum pretense L.) grown in the Mid-Atlantic region are infected by cereal rust mite (Abacarus hysterix) that causes discoloration and curling of leaves, decreased nutritional quality, and substantial decreases in yield. A decline in production of timothy hay can lower income for hay producers and cause horse owners to search for alternative hays. Low alkaloid reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) hay has potential as an alternative to timothy hay because it grows well in the Mid-Atlantic region, is believed to have a similar nutrient quality to timothy,...
Ross MW, Sponseller ML, Gill HE, Moyer W.Articular fracture of the dorsoproximolateral aspect of the third metatarsal bone (MT3) caused an acute onset of lameness in 5 horses; however, 3 of the horses had historical and radiographic or scintigraphic evidence of chronic tarsal and metatarsal disease before fracture. The pathogenesis of dorsoproximolateral fracture of MT3 remains unclear, but the fracture may occur as a result of the formation of abnormal bone in the proximal aspect of MT3. The prognosis for racing in horses with this fracture appears to be guarded.
MacAllister CG, Perdue BD.Unilateral ectopic ureter was diagnosed by endoscopic examination in an 18-month-old filly examined because of chronic urine dribbling. Intramuscular administration of azosulfamide discolored the urine and enhanced visualization of the ectopic ureter. Endoscopy proved valuable in determining that only one ureter entered the urinary bladder and in locating the ectopic ureter in the ventral portion of the vagina.
Hilbert BJ, Farrell RK, Grant BD.Squamous cell carcinoma around the eyes of 3 horses was treated with liquid nitrogen, using cryotherapy probes as the method of application. In 2 cases, there was complete regression of the tumor; in the 3rd case, remission and relief of discomfort were temporary.
Afonso T, Giguère S, Brown SA, Barton MH, Rapoport G, Barba M, Dembek KA, Toribio RE, Coleman AE.Despite the paucity of data available, orally administered angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are empirically used in horses with valvular regurgitation. Objective: Evaluate the echocardiographic and hormonal changes in response to oral benazepril in horses with left-sided valvular regurgitation. Methods: Prospective, randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: Horses with mitral valve (MR) and/or aortic valve regurgitation (AR) received oral benazepril (n = 6) at a dosage of 1 mg/kg q 12 h or a placebo (n = 5) for 28 days. Echocardiography was performed before drug...
Lenoir A, Perrin BRM, Lepage OM.Resection and anastomosis of small intestine during colic can lead to adhesions and recurrent colic. Several methods are available to reduce the rate of adhesions in the postoperative period, such as the use of serosal barriers. Surgical glues form a smooth surface, are fast to apply, and could reduce surgery time when performing anastomosis. A recently developed UV-polymerizable methacrylate adhesive (UV-PMA) is designed to anchor into the biological tissues' top surface offering sealant and a smooth cover over the anastomosis site. This adhesive was used ex vivo on fifteen samples of equine ...
Cho DY, Taylor HW.Blind-end atresia coli was observed in two genetically unrelated foals at about the same time and location. The two foals, one an Appaloosa and the other a Quarterhorse, were born 4 days apart on nearby but separate farms. The Appaloosa foal died after surgical anastomosis of the affected segments of the colon. The Quarterhorse foal was euthanized after the defect was found at laparotomy. Both foals were necropsied and representative tissues were examined histopathologically. Histopathologic results were unremarkable. No cause of the defects could be determined and the timing and geographical ...