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.
Friedhoff KT, Soulé C.A review of the distribution of Babesia equi and Babesia caballi, the
transmission of these protozoa by ticks and the immune response of infected
horses, in addition to a brief survey of diagnostic. tests and chemotherapy.
Murray MJ, Schusser GF, Pipers FS, Gross SJ.Gastroscopic examinations were performed on 67 Thoroughbred horses in training at a race track and repeat examinations performed in 35 horses, 2 to 3 months later. Horses were age 2-9 years and included 16 two-year-olds, 32 three-year-olds and 19 horses > or = 4-years-old. Forty-two of the 67 horses had raced within the 2 months before the initial examination and the remaining 25 horses were in training. Sixty-two of the 67 horses (93%) had one or more lesions present in the gastric mucosa and lesions were present in all of the 42 horses that had raced. Thirty-two of the 35 horses, examined...
Yeruham I, Elad D, Egozi O.A retrospective study of an outbreak of dermatophilosis in a herd of 18 adult horses and 13 foals, in Israel, is presented. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time such an outbreak has been reported from a country in the Mediterranean climatic zone. This outbreak might be associated with exposure of the horses to water and humidity as a result of excessive rainfall in November 1994, as well as intensive washing of the horses and a long period spent by the animals in a marshy manege.
Brommer H, Back W, Schamhardt HC, Rijkenhuizen AB, Barneveld A.To improve fracture treatment, in vitro experiments were performed to study the influence of a full limb cast and a walking cast on the loading regimen of bones in the distal portion of the equine forelimb. Methods: 6 forelimbs of 6 Shetland ponies. Methods: Loading of the third metacarpal bone was considered a representative measure for distal limb loading. Electrical resistance rosette strain gauges were attached to the dorsal, palmar, medial, and lateral surfaces of the midshaft of this bone in 6 forelimbs of 6 Shetland ponies. The limbs were tested in a pneumatic loading device to a maxima...
Weiss DJ, Geor RJ, Burger K.To determine whether pentoxifylline treatment altered hematologic, rheologic, electrolyte, or blood gas test results of Thoroughbreds during submaximal treadmill exercise. Methods: 5 healthy Thoroughbreds that had raced within the past year and had no history of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. Methods: Mixed venous blood samples were obtained before exercise, at treadmill speeds of 9 and 13 m/s, and 20 minutes after exercise; hematologic, rheologic, electrolyte, and blood gas test results were determined. Results: Pentoxifylline treatment resulted in a 45% reduction in RBC filtration pr...
Kawcak CE, Trotter GW, Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW.To evaluate the effects of a commercially defined, serum-free medium additive on equine articular cartilage explants, compared with effects of serum-free and serum-supplemented media. Methods: Articular cartilage from a 3-year-old, mixed breed horse euthanatized for reasons other than musculoskeletal disease or sepsis. Methods: Media were changed every 48 hours, and the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content was determined in media collected at each time point. Glycosaminoglycan synthesis by explant chondrocytes, and residual GAG content of articular cartilage (as a measure of explant GAG loss) were ...
Bucknell D, Hoste H, Gasser RB, Beveridge I.The community structure exhibited by strongyloid nematodes from the large intestines of horses was examined using data from autopsies of 150 horses. Thirty-one species of nematodes were encountered, but they were not clearly divisible into core and satellite species. Multiple congeneric, consubfamilial and confamilial species were a prominent feature of the community and were more common than singleton infections. Multivariate analyses provided evidence of a stable community of helminths dominated by positive interactions but with few negative interactions, suggesting the absence of competitio...
Daels PF, Besognet B, Hansen B, Mohammed H, Odensvik K, Kindahl H.To determine the role of progesterone in the regulation of endogenous prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) secretion during cloprostenol-induced abortion and to investigate use of progestins to prevent prostaglandin-associated abortion. Methods: 16 pregnant mares. Methods: To induce abortion, cloprostenol (250 micrograms/d) was administered daily until fetal expulsion or for up to 5 days. In experiment 1, 8 mares, 98 to 153 days' pregnant, received progesterone (300 mg/d) at 24-hour intervals for 5 days, starting 18 hours after the first cloprostenol administration. In experiment 2, 8 mares, 93...
Hornof WJ, Stover SM, Koblik PD, Arthur RM.The research article discusses a study on the use of oblique dorsal views in detecting stress fractures in horses who participate in races. The aim of the researchers was to […]
Raidal SL, Wright JD.Records of 220 thoroughbred horses presented to the Randwick Equine Centre or the University of Queensland Veterinary Teaching Hospital for surgical management of carpal injury were reviewed. Details of racing performance were obtained, enabling evaluation of racing success following surgery. Age and sex matched control horses not known to have suffered carpal injury were selected from the Australian Stud Book and the Australian Racehorse Register. Control and treated populations were compared in terms of overall career racing success. Radiographs or xeroradiographs from 198 horses were availa...
Weiss DJ, Monreal L, Angles AM, Monasterio J.Carbohydrate-induced laminitis has been associated with decreased platelet survival, decreased blood flow to the hoof wall and with the deposition of platelets and microthrombi within venules in the dermal laminae. To evaluate further the systemic prothrombotic events occurring in the prodromal stages of laminitis, plasma samples from control and laminitis-affected ponies and horses were tested for the presence of thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes and fibrin fragment D (D-dimer). No statistically significant differences between the control and laminitis-affected animals were observed for e...
Skarda RT, Muir WW.To examine and compare effects of 2 alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonists, xylazine and detomidine, administered into the sacrococcygeal epidural space to induce safe and effective perineal analgesia on cardiovascular and respiratory functions, head ptosis, and position of pelvic limbs in healthy mares. Methods: 8 healthy mares. Methods: Blood samples were drawn and systemic hemodynamics were determined, including cardiac output and pulmonary arterial, systemic arterial, and right atrial pressures. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to detect significant (P < 0.05) differences bet...
Netherwood T, Chanter N, Mumford JA.There have been several case reports of foal diarrhoea associated with Clostridium perfringens. However, there has been no epidemiological assessment of the strength of the association of these bacteria with foal diarrhoea or of their relative importance. To prepare methods for such a study, the success of different cultural techniques for the isolation of C perfringens was examined with respect to the various physiological states of the bacteria. The germination and growth of C perfringens NCTC 8239 endospores of differing maturity were favoured by different pre-treatments which failed to rec...
Skedros JG, Mason MW, Nelson MC, Bloebaum RD.Functionally induced strains provide epigenetic signaling for bone modeling and remodeling activities. Strain gauge documentation of the equine third metacarpal reveals a neutral axis passing through the craniolateral cortex, resulting in a narrow band of cortex loaded predominantly in tension, with the remainder of the cortex experiencing a wide range of compression strain magnitudes that are maximal in the caudomedial cortex. This predictable strain pattern provides a model for examining the hypothesis that strain mode, magnitude, and strain energy density are potential correlates of compact...
Gustafson MB, Martin RB, Gibson V, Storms DH, Stover SM, Gibeling J, Griffin L.This work determined whether mineral dissolution due to prolonged testing or storage of bone specimens in normal saline would alter their elastic modulus. In one experiment, small pieces of equine third metacarpal bone were soaked in normal saline supplemented with varying amounts of CaCl2. Changing Ca ion concentrations in the bath were monitored and the equilibrium concentration was determined. In a second experiment, the elastic moduli of twenty 4 x 10 x 100 mm equine third metacarpal beams were determined non-destructively in four-point bending. Half the beams were then soaked for 10 days ...
Klohnen A, Wilson DG.Nonstrangulating indirect scrotal hernias were corrected in two 4-week-old Percheron foals by a laparoscopic technique. After laparoscopic reduction of herniated nonstrangulated small intestine each testes was retracted through the vaginal ring. The ligament of the tail of the epididymis was transected by electrocautery. The testicular vessels and nerves were isolated by cautery of the mesenteric portion of the mesorchium and then ligated. Staples were used to close the opening of the inguinal canal by apposing the peritoneal edges of the vaginal ring. Resection of umbilical stalk remnants via...
Sweeney CR, Irby NL.To determine which antimicrobial agents were most effective against Pseudomonas sp-infected ulcerative keratitis, and identify any trends in the various clinical conditions associated with these bacteria that might assist in effective treatment of the disease. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 66 horses with 70 Pseudomonas sp-infected corneal ulcers. Methods: We reviewed medical records of horses admitted to the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, University of Pennsylvania between July 1977 and December 1994. Records of horses that had Pseudomonas sp isolated from a corne...
Soma LR, Uboh CE, Nann L, Gerber AL.The administration of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or 'milk shakes' to Standardbred horses before racing is widespread. This study analysed nonrace day (CTL) and prerace venous acid-base values from Standardbred horses racing in Pennsylvania (PA) and New Jersey (NJ). Mean +/- s.d. CTL bicarbonate (HCO3) and base excess (BE) values, for a group of horses stabled during the 1993 racing season at Pocono Downs, Pennsylvania, were 28.6 +/- 1.9 and 2.6 +/- 1.7 mmol/l, respectively. In the same population of horses, mean +/- s.d. values for prerace HCO3- and BE values were 33.1 +/- 2.8 and 7.0 +/- 2.3...
Borgsteede FH, van Beek G.The prevalence of tapeworm infestations was investigated in 70 horses slaughtered in the period February 1994-July 1994. Most horses were half-breed, young (1.5-3 years), and in good condition. They were bought for slaughter by dealers on local markets, and their treatment history was therefore unknown. Tapeworm infestations were seen in 16 horses (23%). Fifteen (21%) had an infection with Anoplocephala perfoliata. One horse had a single specimen of Paranoplocephala mamillana. The average number of A. perfoliata was 45 and the highest number was 508.
Glaser AL, de Vries AA, Rottier PJ, Horzinek MC, Colenbrander B.Sero-epidemiological surveys have revealed that equine arteritis virus (EAV) is prevalent in most European countries. The virus causes sporadic cases of respiratory disease and abortion in horses, the incidence of which has increased in recent years. Mares and geldings eliminate virus after acute infection, but 30% to 60% of stallions become persistently infected. In these animals, EAV is maintained within the reproductive tract and is shed continuously in the semen. Persistent infection with EAV in stallions has no negative consequences for fertility but mares inseminated with virus-contamina...
Curran JM, Sutherland RJ, Peet RL.To evaluate various biochemical tests as indicators of subclinical liver disease in horses exposed to pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicosis. Methods: A clinical pathology field study. Methods: Twenty-two clinically normal horses from four properties in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Methods: Serum samples from each horse were assayed for gamma glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, and for serum bile acid concentration, albumin and total protein. Serum protein electrophoresis was performed and their amino acid profiles determined. Bromosulph...
Miller SM, Stover SM, Taylor KT, Zarucco LA.A technique was developed for arthrocentesis of the palmaroproximal pouch of the pastern joint. The landmark for percutaneous puncture is a 'V' shaped depression formed by the palmar aspect of the proximal phalanx (P1) dorsally, an eminence associated with the attachment of the collateral ligaments to P1 and the middle phalanx distally and the insertion of the lateral branch of the superficial digital flexor tendon palmarodistally. Comparison of arthrocentesis between the palmaroproximal approach and the traditional dorsal approach in 8 cadavers and 8 horses demonstrated that the palmaroproxim...
Gatewood DM, Douglass JP, Cox JH, DeBowes RM, Kennedy GA.A 9-year-old American Saddlebred mare was referred because of abdominal distention and signs of abdominal pain. Copious peritoneal fluid obtained by abdominocentesis appeared to be frank blood. Rectal and ultrasonographic evaluation of the abdomen revealed a large mass at the distal tip of the right uterine horn. The mare was euthanatized and necropsied and the mass was determined to be a granulosa-thecal cell neoplasm. The most common clinical sign of granulosa-thecal cell neoplasm is infertility or abnormal sexual behavior. Hemoperitoneum is infrequently associated with neoplasms in horses.
Penell JC, Bonnett BN, Pringle J, Egenvall A.Computerized diagnostic information offers potential for epidemiological research; however data accuracy must be addressed. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness and correctness of diagnostic information in a computerized equine clinical database compared to corresponding hand written veterinary clinical records, used as gold standard, and to assess factors related to correctness. Further, the aim was to investigate completeness (epidemiologic sensitivity), correctness (positive predictive value), specificity and prevalence for diagnoses for four body systems and cor...
Passantino A, Giannetto C, Passantino L, Piccione G.The Council of Europe's activities in the field of animal welfare are particularly noteworthy and comprise the elaboration of several norms for the protection of animals. Concerning the specific European Directive, Regulations or Convention for the protection of animals, the Authors underline the missing of specifics recommendations concerning the welfare of sport horses and especially of trotters. Guidelines are reported by regulation of equestrian sports. The paper's purpose is to give practical elements to individuate the welfare state and to promote a clear regulation on welfare, care and ...
Seahorn JL, Slovis NM, Reimer JM, Carey VJ, Donahue JG, Cohen ND.To identify factors significantly associated with an epidemic of fibrinous pericarditis during spring 2001 among horses in central Kentucky. Methods: Case-control study. Methods: 38 horses with fibrinous pericarditis and 30 control horses examined for other reasons. Methods: A questionnaire was developed to solicit information regarding a wide range of management practices and environmental exposures from farm owners or managers. Results: The following factors were found in bivariate analyses to be significantly associated with an increased risk of pericarditis: being from a farm with mares an...
Viel L.Equine allergic small airway disease is a highly prevalent respiratory condition among the stabled horse population. With the assistance of new diagnostic tools such as bronchoalveolar lavage, the condition can be recognized in young performing horses. The pathophysiological and clinical features resemble an earlier stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as determined by the appearance of specific inflammatory cells. Although environmental management is paramount in controlling the disease, proper selective therapeutic regimens are as important to reduce the concurrent inflammation and...
Wilson DG, Reinertson EL.A modified parainguinal approach was used to castrate 119 abdominal cryptorchid horses. The operative time ranged from 10 to 30 minutes. Follow-up information was obtained for 107 horses. Swelling, more severe than that expected in routine castrations, was reported in six horses. An incisional abscess had to be drained in one horse and one horse died of unexplained causes 3 days after the surgery.
Calero Rodriguez A, de Grauw JC, van Loon JPAM.To determine the effect of fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO) on intrapulmonary shunt fraction as measured by F-shunt in ponies during isoflurane anaesthesia. Methods: Prospective, randomized clinical study. Methods: A group of 23 adult Shetland ponies undergoing a total of 32 anaesthetic procedures. Methods: Ponies were premedicated intravenously (IV) with detomidine (0.01 mg kg) and either morphine (0.1 mg kg) or butorphanol (0.02 mg kg). Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine (2.2 mg kg) and midazolam (0.07 mg kg) administered IV. Ponies were randomly allocated to maintenance of anaesthesia w...
Abushhiwa MH, Elmeshreghi TN, Alrtib AM, Bennour EM, Oheida AH.Orthopedic diseases involving the forelimb fetlock joint of horses other than those used in professional racing have not been widely reported in the literature. One of these problems is the exostosis on the proximal forelimb phalanx (P1), which has not been reported previously in Western Libya. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of P1 exostosis in traditional equestrian horses (known locally as Sarj horses) of different breeds in Libya that participated in a special social event and described its clinical findings radiographic appearance. The current study involved 60 horses admitte...
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...