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.
Seahorn TL, Cornick-Seahorn J.Fluid therapy is an integral part of treatment of the equine emergency patient. In this article, general principles of fluid therapy are discussed, including formulas for calculation of fluid volumes, fluid types and their indications, and specific therapy for several emergency conditions.
Hassel DM, Ragle CA.The research study details the diagnosis and treatment of a uterine tear in a 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare, which had complications during labor. The mare, displaying signs of prolonged labor, […]
Baxter GM.Laminitis is an inflammation of the sensitive laminae along the dorsal aspect of the digit and is considered to be a secondary complication of several predisposing or primary factors. Affected horses are usually very lame, have increased digital pulses, are painful to hoof testers along the toe of the foot, and have evidence of downward rotation or distal displacement of the distal phalanx present on radiographs. Treatments for acute laminitis include anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-endotoxin therapy, vasodilators, antithrombotic therapy, corrective trimming and shoeing, and surgical procedures....
Bertone JJ.Often in emergency situations minimal data are collected, decisions are made, manipulations are performed, and therapeutics are administered without the collection of complete data sets that would indicate a detailed history and laboratory analysis. The incomplete clinical analysis may lead to occasional mistakes, but most often expediency is necessary and admirable. This article presents a clinical approach to emergency patients that requires minimal data collection in the face of the need for timely decision development. Medicolegal considerations are addressed briefly.
Trumble TN, Stick JA, Arnoczky SP, Rosenstein D.Development of an arthroscopic approach to the caudal pouches of the equine stifle has been necessary because cranial approaches do not allow access to articular lesions in the caudal aspect of the joint. Therefore, the anatomy of the caudal region was examined in 52 cadaver limbs by use of gross dissection (29), x-ray-computed tomography (6), fluoroscopy (8), or arthroscopy (9). Additionally, using arthroscopic techniques developed in equine cadaver limbs, 3 stifles from 2 anesthetized horses were arthroscopically explored. Fluoroscopy was used to verify needle placement for joint injection a...
Andrews FM.Early aggressive medical therapy in horses with acute rhabdomyolysis is essential to prevent further muscle damage and secondary complications, such as laminitis and acute renal failure. A variety of pharmacologic agents may be helpful in the treatment of this condition but may have adverse affects if hydration status is not corrected first or concurrently with oral or intravenous fluids. Early aggressive therapy will help prevent irreversible muscle damage that could lead to poor performance in the future.
Moore BR, Moore RM.Clinical examination of the equine patient with acute abdominal pain should identify the affected body system and yield a provisional diagnosis. Determination of signalment, history, physical examination, and basic laboratory tests should assist in classification of the gastrointestinal disorder and direct the therapeutic plan. Determination of the definitive diagnosis of abdominal pain based on clinical examination is not crucial. For a successful outcome, efforts should be directed toward early recognition of the need for surgery and treatment of cardiovascular compromise in horses with seve...
Holcombe SJ, Beard WL, Hinchcliff KW, Robertson JT.The effect of transection of the sternothyroideus and sternohyoideus muscles on upper airway mechanics was investigated in exercising horses. Upper airway mechanics of six Standardbred horses were measured at rest and during exercise before and 24 h and 2 wk after sternothyrohyoid myectomy. Transnasal tracheal and pharyngeal catheters connected to differential pressure transducers were used to measure tracheal and pharyngeal pressures. A pneumotachograph mounted on the rostral end of an airtight face mask was used to measure airflow. Horses ran at 50, 75, and 100% of maximal O2 consumption on ...
Holbrook TC, Moore JN.Endotoxemia and septicemia are encountered frequently in equine veterinary practice. The deleterious effects of endotoxin are related to the severity of the response of the host's inflammatory system. Consequently, it is imperative that appropriate steps be taken to identify animals at risk of developing endotoxemia or septicemia, and to initiate treatments that will reduce the inflammatory response. This article discusses the anti-inflammatory and immune support of horses and foals with endotoxemia and septicemia.
Salvadori MC, Rieser EM, Ribeiro Neto LM, Nascimento ES.The seeds of Guaraná are rich in xanthines and are used for the preparation of guaraná powder which is very commonly given to horses as a 'tonic' in Brazil. In this paper, the xanthine content of guaraná powder was determined, in addition to its clearance time in horses. Thin-layer chromatography was used as a screening procedure and high-performance liquid chromatography was performed to quantify the drugs in both the powder and urine samples. The guaraná powder was found to contain 2.16, 1.10 and 36.78 mg g-1 of theobromine (TB), theophylline (TP) and caffeine (CF), respectively, and in ...
Davis TA, Nguyen HV, Garcia-Bravo R, Fiorotto ML, Jackson EM, Reeds PJ.To determine whether the amino acid composition of milk changes during lactation, we compared the amino acid pattern (concentration of each individual amino acid relative to the total amino acid concentration) of colostrum with that of mature milk in six mammalian species. In the human, horse, pig and cow, the pattern of amino acids changed between colostrum and mature milk: glutamate, proline, methionine, isoleucine and lysine increased; cystine, glycine, serine, threonine and alanine decreased. In these four species, the total amino acid concentration also decreased 75% between colostrum and...
Reed SM.Trauma to the nervous system in horses may involve the brain, brainstem, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. Trauma may occur to any part of the nervous system with or without a fracture.
Bey O, Loeffler K, Sasse HH.In the course of ten horse-shows 248 horses were submitted to a short veterinary examination in the course of the horse controls that were introduced in 1991. In 143 horses (57.6%) animal cruelty preventive deficiencies were found. The results of the horse controls are compared to previous results and discussed from the point of view of animal protection.
Rodriguez ML, McConnell I, Lamont J, Campbell J, FitzGerald SP.A generic, rapid and sensitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test has been developed which allows large-scale simultaneous testing of synthetic corticosteroids viz., flumethasone, dexamethasone and betamethasone. This assay can be directly applied to diluted urine samples (1 + 9) without hydrolysis of glucuronide or sulfate conjugates or any other treatment of samples. The polyclonal antibody was obtained by immunizing sheep with a flumethasone derivative linked to human serum albumin. This polyclonal antibody displayed high-reactivity with several synthetic corticosteroids whilst ...
Mason DE, Ainsworth DM, Robertson JT.Responding to an equine respiratory emergency requires rapid localization of the problem and appropriate choices for therapy. Localizing the cause of respiratory distress is aided by history and thorough physical examination. When examining the patient, one must focus on the presenting signs as indicators of URT or LRT dysfunction. Table 3 summarizes the characteristic presenting signs based on respiratory tract location and suggests the initial treatment course indicated. Respiratory distress in the absence of signs related to the pulmonary system suggests inadequate oxygen delivery secondary...
Perkins NR, Frazer GS.This article briefly reviews the clinical management of emergency conditions likely to be encountered by veterinarians responsible for the reproductive health of mares. The article discusses rectal tears, breeding injuries, uterine torsion, placental hydrops, and prepubic tendon rupture. A major component discusses a recommended approach to dystocias, and the management of such complications as uterine rupture and prolapse and postpartum hemorrhage. Management of retained fetal membranes and septic metritis is addressed.
Aida H, Mizuno Y, Hobo S, Yoshida K, Fujinaga T.The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane required to prevent gross purposeful movement in response to electrical stimulation of the oral mucous membranes was determined in horses, and their physical responses to inhalation of this anesthetic were observed. The MAC was 2.31 +/- 0.11%. The horses showed good ventilation, without any signs of airway irritation such as coughing. The horses became slightly excited before they laid down. The end tidal sevoflurane concentration (ESC) required to produce recumbency was 2.54 +/- 0.11%. These results suggest that sevoflurane is a clinical...
Brumbaugh GW.In emergency conditions, antimicrobial treatment is subordinate to truly life-supporting measures. Antimicrobial treatment should be formulated rationally for each patient and should not simply be a matter of following a recipe. This article presents principles for guiding rational therapeutic decision-making and examples of conditions in which those principles can be applied.
Rebhun WC.Most ocular and orbital injuries or acute ocular inflammation in horses result in similar signs of adnexal swelling, photophobia, blepharospasm, and lacrimation. It is hoped that detailed examination and the suggestions in this article will enable veterinarians attending horses having ocular emergencies to arrive at a correct diagnosis and appropriate therapy.
Perkins NR, Frazer GS.Topics addressed in this article include complications of castration, scrotal and inguinal hernias, torsion of the spermatic cord, traumatic injuries to the external genitalia, and posthumous collection of spermatozoa. A concise overview of the clinical management of emergency cases is provided.
Harvey CE.Dental procedures have been performed on animals, particularly horses, since earliest recorded history. In the absence of anesthesia and an understanding of physiology and pathology, treatment often was unnecessary, inappropriate or barbaric. Progress was made very slowly.
Laakkonen UM, Leinonen A, Savonen L.A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) screening procedure for 23 acidic drugs in equine urine is described. With the GC-MS method fifteen anti-inflammatory drugs, five barbiturates and three methyl xanthines can be detected with good sensitivity and selectivity. The method consists of alkaline hydrolysis, extraction with organic solvent using salting-out, clean-up extraction, methylation and screening with GC-MS in selected-ion monitoring mode. The limit of detection is 10 micrograms 1(-1) or lower, for most drugs.
French DA.Equine practitioners are frequently called to attend to soft tissue injuries. The majority of these cases are routine and straightforward; however, a certain percentage may present as a life-threatening situation with potentially serious complications. Client communication, adequate preparation, patient stabilization, accurate injury assessment and appropriate wound preparation are key factors to expedite recovery and achieve a favorable outcome. Understanding the limitations of field therapy and deciding when to transport the case to a clinic or referral center plays an important role in the ...
Hubbell JA, Muir WW.Clinical examination of the equine patient with acute abdominal pain should identify the affected body system and yield a provisional diagnosis. Determination of signalment, history, physical examination, and basic laboratory tests should assist in classification of the gastrointestinal disorder and direct the therapeutic plan. Determination of the definitive diagnosis of abdominal pain based on clinical examination is not crucial. For a successful outcome, efforts should be directed toward early recognition of the need for surgery and treatment of cardiovascular compromise in horses with seve...
Schmidt B, Mayr J, Fasching G, Nöres H.The rate of pediatric equestrian injuries is relatively low, but the severity of injuries is greater than in many other pediatric sport activities. In a 4-year period the charts of 109 patients up through the age of 15 years, who were admitted for equestrian-related injuries were reviewed. Falls from horses are the most frequent cause of injuries and responsible for their anatomic localization and type of injury. In our study the upper extremity was the most common (38%) area injured and head injuries comprised the second largest group with 36%. Forty percent of all injuries were fractures, 72...
Pedroso RC, Salvadori MC, Andraus MH, Lopez NM.A chromatographic method was developed to detect and confirm the presence of succinonitrile (SDN) in horse urine samples, for antidoping control. The urine samples (5 ml) were extracted with diethyl ether and screened by gas chromatography-nitrogen-phosphorus detector and the confirmation of the drug's presence was accomplished by using gas chromatography-mass selective detection. The recovery of extraction was 78 and 81% for 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms ml-1 (relative standard deviation, < 10%), respectively. Urine samples collected after the administration of Energisan were positive for SDN (1-30 ...
Hawkins JF, Tulleners EP.Epiglottitis was diagnosed and treated in 20 horses (13 Thoroughbreds and 7 Standardbreds) over a 5-year period. Eighteen horses were used for racing, and 2 Standardbreds were broodmares. Primary clinical signs were exercise intolerance, respiratory noise, and coughing. The most common endoscopic diagnosis made by referring veterinarians was epiglottic entrapment (11 horses). In 19 horses, endoscopic evaluation at admission revealed mucosal ulceration and thickening of the lingual surface of the epiglottis. Other endoscopic findings included dorsal displacement of the soft palate (14 horses), ...
Krecek RC, Starkey PH, Joubert AB.During June 1994, members of numerous organisations with a vested interest in animal traction in South Africa met for a one-day workshop, the initial activity of a Forum on Working Animals. The workshop was sponsored by the Foundation for Research Development in South Africa. The individuals who attended were representatives of academic and government institutions, farmer and civic organisations, and included veterinarians and veterinary scientists, administrators, traction experts from the region and from abroad, agricultural engineers, sociologist, anthropologists and animal welfare experts....
Górski K, Stefanik E, Bereznowski A, Polkowska I, Turek B.Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a stress-free, relatively safe method supporting the treatment of many different diseases. Although it is widely used in human medicine (including dentistry), in veterinary medicine, especially in the treatment of horses, there are not many scientifically described and documented cases of its use. Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis syndrome is a disease that affects older horses and significantly reduces their quality of life. The only effective treatment for this condition is extraction of the incisors. The described case compares the...
Watson ED, Stokes CR, Bourne FJ.The influence of arachidonic acid metabolites on migration of equine neutrophils under agarose was investigated. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was chemotactic at concentrations between 0.1 and 1000 ng ml-1 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) at 1 and 10 ng ml-1 but not at higher or lower concentrations. Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) was not chemotactic for equine neutrophils at any concentration. Random migration was significantly inhibited (P less than 0.05) by suspension of neutrophils in LTB4 (0.1 to 1000 ng ml-1) and PGF2 alpha (0.1 ng ml-1) but not at high concentrations. There was a significant po...
Lejeune JP, Schneider N, Caudron I, Duvivier DH, Serteyn D.Ossification of collateral cartilages is a common radiographic finding in draught horses and indication of a high frequency of interphalangeal osteo-arthropathy have been found in Ardenner horses. This study first aimed at following the evolution of the digits of the forelimbs on radiographic images in a group of 32 Ardenner horses from weaning to 852 +/- 19 days and, secondly, at evaluating the clinical significance of the observed radiographic changes. At 250 +/- 21 days, only 23% of the horses presented a small separate ossification centre of collateral cartilages above the level of the dis...
McClure SR, Watkins JP, Glickman NW, Hawkins JF, Glickman LT.To compare treatments of complete fractures of the third metacarpal (MC) or metatarsal (MT) bone in horses and to identify factors that could impact prognosis. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 25 horses with fractures of the third MC or MT bone that were treated by use of internal fixation, external coaptation, or both. Methods: Medical records from the Veterinary Medical Data Base of horses treated for fractures of third MC or MT bone at Texas A&M University from 1980 to 1994 and Purdue University from 1980 to 1996 were reviewed. Information on signalment, results of physical ...
Özçelik R, Remy-Wohlfender F, Küker S, Visschers V, Hadorn D, Dürr S.Animal owners' potential to observe and report clinical signs, as the persons with the closest contact to their animals, is an often neglected source of information in surveillance. Allowing community members other than health care professionals, such as animal owners, to report health events can contribute to close current surveillance gaps and enhance early detection. In the present study, we tested a community-based surveillance (CBS) approach in the equine community in Switzerland. We aimed at revealing the attitudes and intentions of equine owners toward reporting clinical signs by making...
Gee EK, Dicken M, Archer RM, Herdan CL, Pauwels FE, Drayton BM.A 14-year-old Thoroughbred mare was presented for evaluation of a rapidly enlarging ovary at 73 days gestation. The mare's owner reported behavioural changes in the mare since she returned from stud, notably aggression towards other horses. Results: Transrectal palpation and ultrasonography of the reproductive tract revealed a viable pregnancy, an enlarged, multiloculated right ovary, and a normal-sized left ovary with a corpus luteum present. Concentrations of inhibin and testosterone in serum were 13.8 ng/mL and 1,150 pg/mL, respectively, being markedly higher than reference ranges. Concentr...
Caldwell FJ, Waguespack RW.To develop a tenoscopic approach for desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (AL-DDFT) in horses. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Cadaveric forelimbs (n=10) and 4 forelimbs from 2 horses anesthetized for terminal teaching procedures, and 12 forelimbs of 6 experimental horses. Methods: Saline distention of the carpal flexor sheath facilitated insertion of an arthroscope into the distal medial aspect of the sheath between the AL-DDFT and deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). Location of an instrument portal on the lateral aspect of the metacarpus was identified with a ...
Fregin GF.The approach to pre-purchase evaluation of the equine cardiovascular system is discussed with emphasis on cardiac auscultation and on the terminology that should be used when reporting clinical findings. Innocent cardiac murmurs and arrhythmias are contrasted with those that should be considered as reliable signs of cardiovascular disease. Ultrasonography and electrocardiography are recommended to establish baseline values for future reference, to support opinions rendered by the examining veterinarians, or to provide for diagnosis and treatment.
Brito G, Damián JP, Suárez G, Ruprechter G, Trigo P.RHU is the oldest endurance sport in Uruguay. However, despite 80 years of racing, there are no studies to characterize this type of competition, explore rates and causes of death, and identify the associated risk factors. The aim was to characterize the Raid Hipico Uruguayo (RHU) competencies according to the distance (short (SR, 60 km) vs. long (LR, 80-115 km)), the causes of deaths, and the associated risk factors. The study population comprised horses ( = 16,856) that participated in RHU rides from 2007 to 2018. LR were more frequent than SR ( < 0.001). The average speed of winners was ...
Feng KR.A method of electro-acupuncture for treatment of intestinal impaction of the horse was reported. The unique technique of the treatment includes deep needle insertion and the "triple tetanic treatment." Possible mechanism of this form of treatment was discussed.
Wilson DG.A 3-year-old Standardbred gelding was referred for evaluation of a fluctuant swelling that developed over the dorsum of the carpus subsequent to arthroscopic surgery on that carpus. A synovial hernia was diagnosed and surgically repaired. Although complications secondary to arthroscopy are rare, synovial herniation can develop after arthroscopic surgery. The condition must be differentiated from the more common true bursitis or false bursitis that is commonly referred to as a hygroma.
Ross WA, Kaneene JB, Gardiner JC.To evaluate the associations of operation and individual animal-level risk factors with occurrence of lameness in the Michigan horse population. Methods: 3,925 horses monitored from 138 randomly selected Michigan operations for a total of 814,753 horse-days. Methods: All horses monitored < 60 days were eliminated from the source population. From the remaining horses, a prospective unmatched case-control study population was generated that included all cases and a random sample of noncases. Analysis of risk factors associated with occurrence of lameness was conducted, using Cox's propor...
Tuorinsky EV, Machtinger ET.House flies can have negative consequences on the welfare of horses and other equids. Fly repellents in the form of on-animal sprays, wipes, or spot-ons are the most commonly used fly control method for horses. Many products are available, but repellent efficacy and duration of effectiveness may influence repellent choice by horse owners. A better understanding of the efficacy of common fly repellent products will help guide repellent selection to reduce fly pressure on horses. To evaluate commercially available repellents, house fly behavioral inhibition after application of three products ma...
Manso-Díaz G, Bolt DM, López-Sanromán J.Ultrasonographic visualisation of the mesenteric vasculature of the large colon (LC) from the right side of the abdomen in cases of displacement and volvulus has been described. However, the LC can move freely within the abdomen and its mesentery can potentially contact both sides of the abdominal wall. Methods: Thirty-four horses presented with LC-related colic that had visible LC mesenteric vasculature visible on abdominal ultrasound were included. A control group was made including horses with confirmed small intestinal-related colic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the visibili...
Mizobe F, Mori M, Nagata SI, Yamashita S, Okada J, Kusano K.Ever since 'One Health' concept was introduced in early 2000s, judicious use of antimicrobials by veterinarians has become an issue of great concern. Recently, findings of anti-inflammatory effects in certain types of antimicrobials have raised a subject for discussion among racing authorities. Regulatory framework of antimicrobials in racing should be based on best interest of horse welfare and doping control perspective, but basic data on prevalence of antimicrobials are lacking. Analysis of 100 postrace urinary samples collected from 10 Japanese racecourses by targeting 21 antimicrobials us...
Sellon DC, Sanz M, Kopper JJ.Little is known about the acquisition and use of equine analgesic drugs by horse owners in the United States (US). Objective: To determine factors associated with possession of analgesic drugs by horse owners in the US or with analgesic drug acquisition from sources noncompliant with a valid veterinarian-client-patient (VCPR) relationship. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: An internet-based questionnaire included items related to experiences with horses and equine analgesic drugs. Factors associated with possession of ≥5 types of analgesic drugs and with the acquisition of drugs from...
Sod GA, Mitchell CF, Hubert JD, Martin GS, Gill MS.To compare monotonic biomechanical properties and fatigue life of a broad locking compression plate (LCP) fixation with a broad limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine third metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by 1 of 2 methods for fracture fixation. Methods: Cadaveric adult equine MC3 bones (n=12 pairs). Methods: MC3 were divided into 3 groups (4 pairs each) for: (1) 4-point bending single cycle to failure testing; (2) 4-point bending cyclic ...
Canola PA, Cardenas JJ, Sá GC, de Paula VB.To evaluate the feasibility of performing needle arthroscopy of the scapulohumeral joint and bicipital bursa in standing horses by using the thoracic limbs of euthanized horses. To that purpose, this experimental study was designed. Ten thoracic limbs, five left and five right from euthanized horses were retained in an upright position to simulate a standing horse. The craniolateral and lateral scapulohumeral arthroscopic portals were used to access the articular structures. A third (caudal) portal was also identified and described. The degree of difficulty in accessing the articular space and...
Green JH, Bolin RC, Carver RK, Gross H, Pigott N, Harrell WK.The serological response in burros and horses to the viable LVS strain of Pasteurella tularensis was studied. High-titered agglutinating antisera and fluorescent-antibody conjugates were obtained in both groups of animals. Maximum titers were obtained in horses 14 to 21 days after the start of vaccination and in burros 21 to 28 days after the start of vaccination. The use of Woodhour's adjuvants or booster inoculations did not result in increased titers.
Snowden RT, Schumacher J, Blackford JT, Cypher EE, Cox SK, Sun X, Whitlock BK.To determine whether therapeutic concentrations (> 0.5 to 1.0 μg/mL) of polymyxin B (PB) were achieved in the tarsocrural joint of horses when the drug was administered by IV regional limb perfusion (IV-RLP) via a saphenous vein at doses of 25, 50, and 300 mg and to describe any adverse systemic or local effects associated with such administration. Methods: 9 healthy adult horses. Methods: In the first of 2 experiments, 6 horses each received 25 and 50 mg of PB by IV-RLP via a saphenous vein with at least 2 weeks between treatments. For each treatment, a tourniquet was placed at the midmetata...
Dill SG, Gleed R, Matthews NS, Erb HN, Miller TK.The acupuncture point Governing Vessel (GV-26) is used commonly in the Orient to treat shock in human beings and other species. The cardiovascular effects of stimulation of GV-26 were studied in healthy ponies during 2 episodes of halothane anesthesia. During one anesthetic episode, electrical stimulation (electrostimulation) of GV-26 was performed, and during the other anesthetic episode, heat stimulation (moxibustion) of GV-26 was performed. The order of the stimulations was random. A nonacupuncture point was selected for comparable control stimulation during each experiment. Control and acu...
de Amorim MD, Chenier T, Nairn D, Green J, Manning S, Card C.CASE DESCRIPTION 5 mares were evaluated because of reproductive complications following long-term (> 1 year) use of intrauterine glass marbles for estrus suppression. CLINICAL FINDINGS 3 mares had 1 intrauterine glass marble, and 2 mares had 2 intrauterine glass marbles. On examination, 2 mares had signs of chronic endometritis, and 3 had signs of pyometra. Marbles or glass shards adhered to the endometrium were identified by means of hysteroscopy in 3 of 5 mares. Five of 7 marbles had surface imperfections or were broken. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME All patients were treated with uterine lavage and...
Saikku A, Koskinen E, Sandholm M.IgG levels and tryptic inhibition were investigated in sequentially collected mare's colostrum and milk, foal serum and urine. The colostral trypsin-inhibitor was "transfused" to the newborn foal by the colostral intestinal route in parallel with IgG. However, the trypsin-inhibitor as a small molecular weight inhibitor became excreted into urine peaking at about 20 hours. The physiological proteinuria in foals during the first 2 days is mostly due to immunoglobulin fragments and colostral-derived trypsin-inhibitor. Analysis of urine for IgG light chains or trypsin inhibitor will therefore reve...
Löfgren M, Ekman S, Ekholm J, Engström M, Fjordbakk CT, Svala E, Holm Forsström K, Lindahl A, Skiöldebrand E.Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) is used to treat osteoarthritis in horses, although its effects are not fully investigated. Objective: To investigate the effects of equine serum and conditioned serum on chondrocytes stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β and cartilage explants with mild osteoarthritis. Methods: In vitro experimental study. Methods: The effect of three different serum preparations (unincubated control [PS], serum incubated 24 h [PS24h], and serum incubated 24 h in ACS containers [PCS]) pooled from lame horses were tested in two in vitro models. IL-1β and IL-1 receptor antagon...
Sweeney CR, Scanlon T, Russell GE, Smith G, Boston RC.To determine application rate and effectiveness of sodium bisulfate to decrease the fly population in a horse barn environment. Methods: 12 privately owned farms in southeastern Pennsylvania. Methods: Application rates of sodium bisulfate were approximately 2.3 kg/stall, 1.1 kg/stall, and 0.5 kg/stall. Two or 3 stalls were treated, and 1 or 2 stalls were not treated (control stalls) at each farm. Farm personnel applied sodium bisulfate in treated stalls daily for 7 days. Fly tapes were hung from the same site in treated and control stalls. After 24 hours, the fly tape was removed, flies adheri...
McManus CJ, Fitzgerald BP.A small percentage of mature mares continue to exhibit estrous cyclicity during the non-breeding season which is of interest because of the importance of timing of the breeding season to the equine breeding industry. Previously, it was demonstrated that the continuation of estrous cycles was more likely to occur in mature than young mares. Additionally, an apparent association exists between elevated body fat and increased circulating concentrations of leptin, and the occurrence of estrous cycles during the non-breeding season. Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that pharmac...
Seino KK, Secord T, Vig M, Kyllonen S, DeClue AJ.Our aim was to assess three-dimensional kinematic motion analysis as an objective diagnostic tool for the characterization of the movement disorder of Shivers in horses. Kinematic parameters were measured in three horses with Shivers and were compared with a control group of four normal horses. Multiple parameter differences were found in the horses with Shivers at the walk, during backing, and when asked to pick up their hindlimbs. Most significant changes were a wider hindlimb stance of 0.39 ± 0.15 m and increased abduction angle of 48.7 ± 7.52° and hoof elevation (0.77 ± 0.08 m left a...
Baggot JD, Prescott JF.The success of antimicrobial therapy depends on administration of an agent to which the pathogenic microorganisms are susceptible at the concentrations attained at the site of infection. The route of administration, size of the dose and dosing interval must be appropriate for the drug preparation selected. With penicillins in particular, dosage can be tailored to the severity of the infection and quantitative susceptibility of the microorganism. This approach cannot be applied to aminoglycosides because their relatively narrow margin of safety limits the amount which can be administered. In se...
Houston T, Chay S, Woods WE, Combs G, Kamerling S, Blake JW, Edmundson AG, Vessiney R, Tobin T.A survey of plasma and urinary concentrations of phenylbutazone and its metabolites in thoroughbred horses racing in Kentucky was carried out. Post-race blood samples from more than 200 horses running at Latonia Racetrack and Keeneland in the Spring of 1983 were analysed. The modal plasma concentration of phenylbutazone was between 1 and 2 micrograms/ml, the mean concentration was 3.5 micrograms/ml and the range was up to 15 micrograms/ml. Oxyphenbutazone had a modal plasma concentration between 1 and 2 micrograms/ml, a mean concentration of 2.07 micrograms/ml and a range of up to 13 microgram...
Spagnolo JD, Castro LM, Corrêa RR, Garcia Filho SG, Ambrósio AM, Baccarin RYA, Hagen SCF, de Sá LM, Silva LCLC.This study aimed to describe and evaluate a laparoscopic technique to promote nephrosplenic space ablation in horses using a homologous pericardium implant, preserved in 98% glycerin and fixed using laparoscopic polydioxanone staples. In this experimental study, six Arabian horses without previous related abdominal diseases were used. The surgical procedures were performed in the standing position under sedation with alpha-2 agonists and opioids, associated with local infiltration of the local anesthetic in the portal sites. The horses were restrained in a stock, and the left flanks were clipp...
