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.
Soma LR, Uboh CE.Furosemide has been used empirically and has been legally approved for many years by the US racing industry for the control of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) or bleeding. Its use in horses for this purpose is highly controversial and has been criticized by organizations outside and inside of the racing industry. This review concentrates on its renal and extra-renal actions and the possible relationship of these actions to the modification of EIPH and changes in performance of horses. The existing literature references suggest that furosemide has the potential of increasing perfo...
Newton SA.Bacterial infections (such as meningitis or meningoencephalitis) of the central nervous system are rare in horses. They are most prevalent in neonates as a result of septicaemia. A few cases have been reported in the adult and most have been fatal. Streptococcal species appear to be the organism most commonly identified in these cases. Thus, this disease may be a secondary complication of upper respiratory tract infections. Clinical signs are extremely variable making diagnosis difficult. In most cases, postmortem has been the definite diagnostic procedure. This paper describes the clinical co...
Palmer JL, Bertone AL, Malemud CJ, Mansour J.To determine if arthroscopic synovectomy in normal and inflamed joints had temporal or site-related effects on articular cartilage. Methods: Alterations in equine third carpal bone articular cartilage were studied at two time periods: groups 1 and 2 (6 weeks) and groups 3 and 4 (2 weeks) after synovectomy in normal (groups 2 and 4) and inflamed carpi (groups 1 and 3). Methods: 16 carpi from eight horses. Methods: Biochemical and biomechanical properties of dorsal and palmar articular cartilage were determined by radioloabeling, proteoglycan (PG) extraction, chromatography, electrophoresis, and...
Gómez de Segura IA, De Rossi R, Santos M, López San-Roman J, Tendillo FJ, San-Roman F.To determine the analgesic, sedative, and cardiopulmonary effects of epidural ketamine in the horse. Methods: Six healthy horses (three males and three females) weighing between 350 and 450 kg. Methods: Three doses of ketamine were selected (0.5, 1, 2 mg/kg). Two months before the beginning of experiments, the carotid artery was exteriorized, and 1 week before experiments began, an epidural catheter was placed percutaneously in all animals with the tip located 12 cm cranially in the midsacrum. One week later, either saline (control) or one of three doses of ketamine was injected epidurally. Ea...
Sosa León LA, Hodgson DR, Carlson GP, Rose RJ.To test effectiveness of an electrolyte paste in correcting fluid, electrolyte and acid base alterations in response to furosemide administration. Methods: 6 Standardbreds. Methods: Horses received electrolyte paste or water only (control). The paste was given orally 3 hours after furosemide administration (1 mg/kg of body weight, IM). Water was given ad libitum soon after the paste and 3 hours after furosemide administration to treated and control groups, respectively. Paste Na+, K+, and Cl- composition was approximately 2,220, 620, and 2,840 mmol, respectively. The PCV and plasma concentrati...
Mehlhorn H, Schein E.The horse-parasitizing species Babesia equi Laveran, 1901 was redescribed as Theileria equi Mehlhorn, Schein 1998 and, thus, transferred from one valid genus to another. This transfer was needed since it turned out that this horse parasite showed the relevant characteristics of theilerians with regard to biological data, morphological features, biochemical properties, and molecular biological relationships.
Lynch TM, Caron JP, Arnoczky SP, Lloyd JW, Stick JA, Render JA.To evaluate the influence of exogenous hyaluronan (HA) on in vitro synthesis of HA and collagenase by equine synoviocytes from normal and inflamed joints. Methods: 9 adult horses. Methods: Synoviocytes for culture were taken from the middle carpal joint of 3 horses with normal joints (control) and 6 horses with osteochondral fractures (principal). Synoviocytes were propagated in monolayer cultures and were incubated with 3 commercial HA products at concentrations of 0, 200, 400, and 1,500 micrograms/ml. Newly synthesized HA was radiolabeled with [3H]glucosamine and quantified by cetylpyridiniu...
Ponce Gordo F, Cuesta Bandera C.The Spanish sheep and horse strains of Echinococcus granulosus possess several differential characteristics in their metacestode stage. Cysts from sheep vary widely in size and fertility, but they usually have a thin cyst wall and, when fertile, a whitish hydatid sand formed by brood capsules and protoscoleces. Two types of infections have been observed in horses: one resembling that of sheep, caused by small, non-fertile cysts with a thin wall, and a second type caused by medium to large, always fertile cysts with a thick wall. In this latter case, hydatid sand is always dark brown in color a...
Qin Z, Durand LG, Allard L, Cloutier G.In most studies that were aimed at evaluating the kinetics of red blood cell (RBC) aggregation, human blood was initially circulated at a high shear rate to disrupt the aggregates, and measurements were performed following a complete flow stoppage, during the process of rouleau formation. However, it is known that a very low shear rate can enhance the formation of aggregates, as demonstrated by the modal relationship of the shear-rate dependence of RBC aggregation. The objective of the present study was, thus, to evaluate the influence of sudden flow reductions compared to a complete flow stop...
McGorum BC, Dixon PM, Smith DG.Sixteen cases of acute idiopathic toxaemic colitis developed in a veterinary hospital over a period of three years. Before the onset of colitis, 15 horses had received antibiotics, 11 had undergone general anaesthesia and various surgical procedures, and 10 had been treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The horses had acute onset, profuse watery diarrhoea, profound depression, mild to moderate abdominal pain, reduced intestinal borborygmi, tachycardia, dehydration and endotoxic shock. Leucopenia, neutropenia and pyrexia were common early indicators of impending colitis. Metronida...
Pusterla N, Huder JB, Feige K, Lutz H.This case report describes a 12-year-old Arabian mare with granulocytic ehrlichiosis. Clinical signs included fever, apathy, anorexia, icterus, limb edema, and reluctance to move. Examination of buffy coat smears revealed Ehrlichia organisms in neutrophils and eosinophils. A band of 1,428 bp was amplified from DNA of leukocytes via nested PCR and was identified as part of the Ehrlichia 16S rRNA gene. It differed from the gene sequences of Ehrlichia phagocytophila and E. equi at two and three positions, respectively. Interestingly, the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA was 100% identical to t...
Reubel GH, Kimsey RB, Barlough JE, Madigan JE.We report the experimental transmission of Ehrlichia equi from naturally infected Ixodes pacificus ticks to horses. Three weeks after exposure to ticks, two of three horses developed clinical signs compatible with E. equi infection, while one horse remained asymptomatic. 16S rRNA gene PCR of blood leukocyte lysates was positive for all horses at various time points; two horses seroconverted. The 16S rRNA gene sequences amplified from tick-exposed horses showed more than 99% homology to corresponding fragments of the 16S rRNA genes of E. equi, Ehrlichia phagocytophila, and the human granulocyti...
Vidugiris GJ, Royer CA.The volume change for the transition from the native state of horse heart apomyoglobin to a pressure-induced intermediate with fluorescence properties similar to those of the well-established molten globule or I form was measured to be -70 ml/mol. Complete unfolding of the protein by pressure at pH 4.2 revealed an upper limit for the unfolding of the intermediate of -61 ml/mol. At 0.3 M guanidine hydrochloride, the entire transition from native to molten globule to unfolded state was observed in the available pressure range below 2.5 kbar. The volume change for the N-->I transition is relat...
Gottschalk RD, Reyers F, van den Berg SS.The effects of a commercially available equine hyperimmune anti-endotoxin serum on synovial fluid parameters were evaluated in an induced synovitis model in normal horses. Four groups of 3 horses each received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus hyperimmune antiendotoxin (anti-LPS), LPS, anti-LPS, and Ringers lactate (control) respectively injected into the left intercarpal joint. Synovial fluid parameters were measured at 4, 8, 24 and 72 h. It was found that anti-LPS had no attenuating effect on the LPS and that it induced a synovitis almost equivalent to that induced by LPS alone. The introduction...
Schulman ML, Bolton LA.A sunflower-based feed supplement grossly contaminated with the seed of a Datura sp. resulted in severe signs of poisoning in 2 horses. One horse died peracutely of acute gastric dilatation and rupture following ingestion of the contaminated feed. The 2nd horse developed unresponsive paralytic ileus that led to euthanasia. Examination of the feed and gastrointestinal contents of both horses showed a high proportion of the characteristic Datura sp. seeds. The clinical signs and pathology in both cases were consistent with intoxication by the parasympatholytic alkaloid components of Datura sp.
Teifke JP, Schmidt E, Traenckner CM, Bauer C.Therapy resistant swellings of the maxillary region and unilateral nasal discharge in older horses are mainly thought to be consequences of neoplasias of the oral cavity, especially of the gingiva and the teeth, or to develop from tumours of the nasal cavity. We report an unilateral swelling of the left nasal and buccal region in a 13-year-old gelding, which was accompanied by an aggressive destruction of involved osseous tissue due to a severe proliferative granulomatous inflammation. The granuloma was caused by the nematode Halicephalobus (syn. Micronema) deletrix. This nematode infection is...
Brasch J, Fölster-Holst R, Christophers E.We report on the first human infection with Trichophyton equinum in Germany, which was transmitted from an infected pony to a 12-year old girl. Trichophyton equinum was identified by its morphology, dependency on nicotinic acid, hair perforation, and enzyme production. A noteworthy new observation was the development of white pleomorphic tufts on the surface of thalli grown on potatoe-dextrose agar. The girl's tinea was non-inflammatory and responded promptly to topical treatment, whereas the pony's strongly inflammatory lesions persisted for months. In supernatants of cultures supplemented wi...
Moretti A, Boncio L, Pasquali P, Fioretti DP.Ringworm infections in the principal domestic animals are a major public and veterinary health problem. The aetiology, epidemiology and symptomatology of these mycoses are quite heterogeneous and complex. In this context, the AA carried out an epidemiological study to investigate the prevalence of dermatophytes in two different animal species, horses (n = 200) belonging to 10 private stables and cattle (n = 1900) belonging to farms with different breeding purposes and management. With regard to horses the results showed a positive level of 9% and Trichophyton equinum was the major organism iso...
Peauroi JR, Fisher DJ, Mohr FC, Vivrette SL.A 14-year-old Arabian gelding had weight loss and anorexia of 3 weeks' duration. Results of repeated laboratory tests revealed persistent hypercalcemia and serum phosphorus concentration that was within or less than the reference range. Parathyroid hormone concentration was high. Histologic examination of specimens obtained at necropsy revealed parathyroid adenoma. A diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism attributable to a functional parathyroid adenoma was made. Abnormalities in calcium and phosphorus concentrations were similar to those seen with primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs, in whi...
Schofield WL, Mulville JP.The modified Forssell's procedure was performed on 10 horses in an attempt to cure oral stereotypies. Three horses were cured completely, two horses were considerably improved, and five horses continued to perform the stereotypy after periods of remission ranging from two weeks to six months. This rate of success for the modified Forssell's procedure, as in other published reports, was lower than for the original Forssell's procedure. Surgery to eliminate a stereotypical behaviour pattern may exacerbate the stress for an animal and the modified Forssell's procedure can no longer be recommended...
Hoskinson JJ.The demand for advanced and correlative imaging methods in equine medicine is growing. Scintigraphy can provide unique information about the physiologic status of an animal that cannot be discerned by other imaging modalities.
Uhlhorn H, Eksell P.To estimate the extent of the third carpal bone (C3) visible for evaluation in the dorsoproximal-dorsodistal oblique projection of the distal row of carpal bones, 13 forelimbs collected at post mortem from 7 horses were examined radiographically. The limbs were frozen with the carpal joints flexed then radiographed using fixed beam-cassette angles of 15 degrees to 45 degrees, at 5 degree intervals. The influence of beam-cassette angle on; the depth of the proximal articular surface examined, the radiographic appearance of C3 and the assessment of subchondral sclerosis was evaluated. Beam-casse...
Silva LC, Zoppa AL, Fernandes WR, Baccarin RY, Machado TS.Bilateral cysts in the frontal and caudal maxillary sinuses in a filly treated by endoscopic sinus surgery (sinoscopy) and triangulation technique are described. Sinoscopy has the advantage of being a minimally invasive technique and permits a complete inspection of the frontal and maxillary sinuses, which is not possible through flap sinusotomy. Des kystes bilatéraux dans les sinus maxillaires frontal et caudal chez une pouliche traitée par une chirurgie endoscopique des sinus (sinoscopie) et une technique de triangulation sont décrits. La sinoscopie possède l’avantage d’être une te...
Roelfstra L, Betschart B, Pfister K.In a study on the seasonal dynamics of the gastro-intestinal nematode egg production in horses, one breeding farm also revealed a particularly high prevalence of Anoplocephala spp. infection. Consequently, this farm was chosen for analysing the seasonal pattern of the tapeworm egg excretion over a one year period in order to establish the most favourable periods for an appropriate and successful cestocidal treatment. The seasonal analysis showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) Anoplocephala spp. egg excretion between July and October, i.e. during the second part of the grazing period. This r...
Zapf AM, Fey K, Büttner K, Gröf M, Staszyk C.Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and dental disorders are of major concern in horses older than 15 years. Although PPID in geriatric horses and dental disorders in all age groups are well described, a connection between this endocrine disease and pathological changes in equine dental structures has not yet been investigated. In humans, periodontitis is considered to be a complication of systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity and various conditions leading to an impaired immune response. In PPID, cross links to insulin and immune dysregulations are proven. The aim ...
Oku K, Ohta M, Yamanaka T, Mizuno Y, Fujinaga T.To investigate an adequate infusion rate of propofol for total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in horses, the minimum infusion rate (MIR) comparable to the minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) of inhalation anesthetic was determined under constant ventilation condition by intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV). In addition, arterial propofol concentration was measured to determine the concentration corresponding to the MIR (concentration preventing reaction to stimulus in 50% of population, Cp(50)). Further, 95% effective dose (ED(95)) was estimated as infusion rate for acq...
King JN, Gerring EL.Characteristic motility patterns were seen throughout the gastrointestinal tract in a pony prepared chronically with electromechanical recording devices after developing a simple obstruction of the small intestine. Gross distension of the stomach with fluid produced loss of gastric contractile activity and a chaotic electrogram. These changes were reversed instantaneously when the stomach was decompressed. In the jejunum, proximal to the obstruction, the unique 'colic motor complex' was observed with contractions of longer duration arranged in characteristic pulses of activity. The left dorsal...
Swain O'Fallon EA.Foal emergencies can be intimidating to manage in the field, yet many conditions will respond well to the supportive care possible on the farm. Triage of the foal targets focused supportive care to stabilize the foal before referral to a hospital or to facilitate the management in the field. There are many diagnostic and therapeutic options available in the field setting to support a successful outcome on the farm.
Schulman ML, Bolton LA.A sunflower-based feed supplement grossly contaminated with the seed of a Datura sp. resulted in severe signs of poisoning in 2 horses. One horse died peracutely of acute gastric dilatation and rupture following ingestion of the contaminated feed. The 2nd horse developed unresponsive paralytic ileus that led to euthanasia. Examination of the feed and gastrointestinal contents of both horses showed a high proportion of the characteristic Datura sp. seeds. The clinical signs and pathology in both cases were consistent with intoxication by the parasympatholytic alkaloid components of Datura sp.
Weber JA, Woods GL.This article reviews the capabilities of transrectal ultrasonography for determining the distribution of fluid and tissue within stallion accessory sex glands. Emphasis is placed on describing the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the accessory sex glands, excurrent ducts, and pelvic urethra of stallions during rest, after teasing, and after ejaculation and using this information to detect glandular abnormalities.
Wagner PC, DeBowes RM, Grant BD, Kaneps AJ, Watrous BJ.Proximal growth plate fractures of the tibia in 4 foals were treated surgically. A medial approach was utilized in 3 cases and a lateral approach in the fourth. Bone screw fixation was achieved with cancellous screws and washers. In 3 cases, the screw shaft crossed the proximal tibial growth plate with no adverse effects. In all animals, there was rapid and cosmetic healing. At 8 to 18 months after surgery, all horses were sound at a walk, trot, and canter.
Granstrom DE.This article reviews recent advances in laboratory diagnosis of equine parasitic diseases. Laboratory diagnosis of most equine parasitic diseases continues to rely on standard methods. Only laboratory diagnostic tests for EPM, cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis were included. The criteria for testing and interpretation of results for each new diagnostic method were explained. Western blot and PCR testing for EPM and immunofluorescent staining with monoclonal antibodies for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis were reviewed.
Maher O, Puchalski SM, Drake C, le Jeune SS.To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal computed radiography (CR) for the diagnosis of enterolithiasis in horses and to examine how these parameters are affected by the number and anatomic location of enteroliths and by gas distension of the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses ? 1 year old that underwent abdominal CR and subsequent exploratory laparotomy or postmortem examination. Methods: 3 reviewers blinded to signalment, history, clinical signs, and diagnoses separately evaluated abdominal computed radiographs of horses included in th...
Watson ED.Outbreaks of contagious equine metritis in Britain during 1996 emphasised the importance of preventing the disease through full and widespread implementation of the Horserace Betting Levy Board's code of practice. The provision of satisfactory samples for testing represents an integral part of applying the code. Here, in an article commissioned by the British Equine Veterinary Association, Dr Elaine Watson describes the techniques involved.
Nieto JE, Aldridge BM, Beldomenico PM, Aleman M, Snyder JR.To determine the nucleotide sequence of the equine intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) gene, its expression in various regions of the gastrointestinal tract, and the use of measuring I-FABP in horses with colic. Animals-86 horses with colic. Methods: The mRNA sequence for the I-FABP gene was obtained by use of a rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends technique. Comparative I-FABP gene expression was quantitated by use of a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. Amounts of I-FABP in abdominal fluid and plasma were measured by use of an ELISA kit. Asso...
Kornaś S, Cabaret J, Nowosad B.Faecal egg counts were performed in 187 foals of a large Polish stud farm between February and September 2007. Eggs of Parascaris equorum were present in faeces of 7% and those of cyathostomins in 13% of the foals aged less than 194 days. Information dealing with age of foals and/or efficiency of ivermectin treatment as well as the nematode parasite prepatent periods, it can be conducted that most of the infections recorded on the basis of faecal egg counts were false-infections in animals up to the age of six months, probably due to the ingestion of infected faeces of their dam or some other ...