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Topic:Veterinary Care
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.
Unusual, fatal neck cancer in a foal: immunohistological investigations and differential diagnosis. Neck masses may represent a diagnostic challenge for equine veterinarians, since they may involve different structures with a similar clinical appearance. Whereas neck masses in foals mostly result from non-neoplastic conditions, including various congenital abnormalities, neoplastic cervical masses have been rarely documented. This report describes the unusual case of a rapidly growing neck cancer in a four-month-old colt, resulting in a fatal outcome. Gross and immunohistological findings were most consistent with a poorly differentiated thymic carcinoma with sarcomatoid features and multifo...
Prepubic Tendon Rupture and Uterine Herniation in a Late-Term Kurdish Mare: A Case Report. Prepubic tendon rupture (PPTR) is a rare but life-threatening complication in late-term pregnant mares. It results in abdominal wall failure, ventral oedema and a poor prognosis for both the mare and foetus. A 14-year-old multiparous Kurdish mare at approximately 310 days of gestation presented with acute ventral distension, reluctance to walk and cranial displacement of the udder. Clinical evaluation revealed tachycardia, pallor and Grade 3/4 ventral oedema. Haematology indicated leucocytosis and haemoconcentration. Transabdominal ultrasonography showed a viable foetus and severe thinning of ...
Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias with oral sotalol in four horses. Sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in horses can require medical intervention. Prompt pharmacological treatment is indicated when the arrhythmia leads to hemodynamic or electrical instability. Established antiarrhythmic treatment of VA in horses includes lidocaine and magnesium, administered parenterally. Other antiarrhythmic agents are used; however, concerns regarding adverse effects, financial restrictions, logistics of administration, and lack of access often limit their use. While anecdotal reports of oral administration of sotalol for treatment of VA in horses exist, sotalol has pri...
Horse racing towards antibiotic resistance. Accompanying animals as a source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a significant issue in modern infectious medicine and veterinary science, with animals, including horses, playing a crucial role in its dissemination. Antibiotics, used both for treatment and prevention of diseases in animals, influence the composition of the microbiota and promote the selection of resistant strains that can be transmitted to humans through direct or environmental contact. Horses, currently classified as companion animals, serve as a reservoir of commensal and pathogenic bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains capable of horizontal gene transfe...
Validation of a stall-side immunoglobulin assay for use in equine reproductive management. Equine foals receive IgG from mare colostrum through passive transfer. Failure of passive transfer (FPT) is a significant risk to the foal's life, leaving them vulnerable to infection and sepsis. Radial Immunodiffusion (RID) and immunoturbidimetric assays quantify IgG present in a foal sample but require a laboratory to complete. Accurate, reproducible, stall-side testing to rapidly quantify IgG would allow for expedited clinical decisions, with potential to improve equine foal care and survival. Objective: To evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of a stall-side IgG lateral-flow te...
Piezosurgical partial ostectomy of the incisive bone for an ossifying fibroma removal in a 4-year-old Warmblood gelding. Ossifying fibromas are uncommon in horses and complete surgical excision with premaxillectomy, maxillectomy or mandibulectomy is recommended. Piezosurgery has been previously used in equines only in one study. Objective: To report a case of ossifying fibroma treated with piezosurgery and to describe its follow-up. Methods: Clinical case report. Methods: A 4-year-old Zangersheide gelding was presented for a mass occupying the space of tooth 202. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma, which was removed by resection of soft tissues and a slice of the premaxilla with a piezotome. ...
Anatomical assessment of endodontic debridement challenges in severely diseased equine cheek teeth. There is a lack of knowledge on orthograde endodontic techniques in horses and endodontic case selection is mostly empirical currently. Objective: To explore the efficacy of endodontic debridement in severely diseased cheek teeth that are currently deemed unsuitable for endodontic treatment, find where debris is left behind, compare intercanal communications with those described in healthy cheek teeth, explore the effects of endodontic repair mechanisms on endodontic debridement and to investigate the presence of accessory canals and apical deltas in infected parts of the pulp system. Methods:...
Assessment of acute and chronic pain in working horses and donkeys in Egypt and the influence of observer training. Pain assessment can support monitoring welfare in working equids. Objective: To assess agreement of structured pain scores before and after training observers and to assess differences in pain scores between working equids with or without acute or chronic pain and to compare them to non-working equids. Methods: In part 1, eleven veterinarians and nine technicians performed pain scores before and after training. Agreement with reference scores was analyzed with Intra Class Correlation (ICC) analysis. In part 2, pain assessments were performed in 96 donkeys (n=40 fit-to-work, n=21 acute pain, n=...
Transference of diagnostic thresholds for equine plasma ACTH from the Immulite 1000 to Immulite 2000XPi and Tosoh AIA systems. Diagnosis of PPID in horses relies on measurement of plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. Because measured ACTH values vary between analytical platforms, and published diagnostic thresholds apply almost exclusively to the Immulite 1000 chemiluminescent assay (CLA), there is a need for validated, assay-specific thresholds for contemporary analysers. This study aimed to transfer and validate established Immulite 1000 diagnostic thresholds for plasma ACTH to three contemporary systems (Immulite 2000XPi, Tosoh AIA-900, and Tosoh AIA-360) using the Clinical Laboratory Standard...
Impact of evidence-based information on horse owners’ misconceptions of colic. Misconceptions can be defined as 'false, persistent beliefs' or 'inaccurate, prior knowledge' and can influence decision-making. Objective: To investigate the impact of evidence-based information on UK horse owners' decision-making for colic. Methods: Mixed-methods cross-sectional study. Methods: An online survey was distributed to UK horse owners, with four sections: owner demographics; views on decision-making and referral to an equine hospital facility for colic; current knowledge and approach to colic; impact of evidence-based information (including evidence on recognising and responding t...
Evaluation of the tolerance and effects of 1-deoxynojirimycin on insulin and glucose dynamics in healthy horses and horses at risk for insulin dysregulation. Insulin dysregulation (ID) is common and diminishes welfare of horses. Current management relies on diet and exercise, with variable responses and limited medical options. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) might provide adjunctive therapy. Objective: To evaluate the tolerance and effects of Reducose®, a Morus alba leaf extract standardized to 5% 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), in healthy horses and horses at risk of ID. We hypothesized DNJ would be well-tolerated and reduce insulin responses to oral sugar tests (OSTs). Methods: Twenty-seven horses: 6 healthy (Phase I), 5 at risk for ID (Phase II)...
Successful nutritional management of a warmblood horse with multiple pathologies that respond to nutrition. This report describes the nutritional management of an 18-year-old, 553 kg gelding warmblood used for dressage lessons that presented with severe weight loss, marked muscle atrophy, poor dentition, sabulous urolithiasis, gastric ulcers, and later small colon impaction. On admission, the diet consisted of ad libitum wheat straw and mixed cereals (73:27 forage:concentrate), providing 2% of body weight as dry matter without vitamin-mineral supplementation. Marked deficiencies were identified in digestible energy (38%), crude protein (20%), lysine, threonine, vitamins, and minerals, while sugar an...
Glanders: Past, Present and Future of a Neglected Zoonosis as a Threat in Veterinary and Human Health. Burkholderia mallei is the causative agent of glanders, a serious zoonotic disease of major concern for both animal and human health. This highly contagious and potentially fatal bacterium is always classified as a biothreat agent. In this review, we covered a comprehensive overview of glanders, including the biology of the pathogen, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, control strategies and ongoing eradication programs in Eurasia. We also summarized human case reports, differential diagnosis, treatment and organism's antimicrobial properties. The section on vaccine development is among the...
Trendelenburg positioning with or without norepinephrine infusion for haemodynamic support in anaesthetised hypovolemic horses. Intraoperative haemorrhage during equine anaesthesia is a rare but potentially fatal complication requiring prompt haemodynamic support. Postural manoeuvres such as Trendelenburg (TL) positioning and vasopressor support augment venous return and improve cardiac output (CO), yet their efficacy in anaesthetised hypovolemic horses remains unstudied. Objective: To evaluate haemodynamic effects of TL positioning during normovolemia and acute haemorrhagic hypovolemia, and to determine whether concurrent norepinephrine (NE) infusion enhances cardiovascular stabilisation. Methods: In vivo experiments....
Toll-like receptor 3-activated allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as an adjunct for the treatment of synovial sepsis in 3 horses. To describe the case presentation, treatment, and outcome of horses treated with Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3)-activated allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (CB-MSCs). Unassigned: 3 horses presenting with chronic or antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) septic synovitis. Unassigned: All horses presented with clinical signs associated with septic synovitis including marked grade 4/5 lameness, joint effusion, heat/swelling of the limb, and synovial fluid parameters consistent with sepsis. Case 1 presented 3 weeks following the onset of clinical signs. Cases 2 and 3 developed...
Abdominal palpation per rectum is highly sensitive for identifying small versus large intestinal lesions in horses presenting for colic. To describe the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of abdominal palpation per rectum in horses treated surgically for colic. Unassigned: Medical records were gathered over 5 years (2019 to 2024). Findings of abdominal palpation per rectum were collected and compared to surgical diagnosis, and cases were categorized as true or false positive and negative. Signalment, physical examination parameters, hematologic values, and years of examiner experience were recorded. Unassigned: Records of 453 horses were included. Overall sensitivity and positive predictive value were 86%...
Antibacterial use in Norwegian horses: a nationwide registry-based cross-sectional study. BACKGROUND: Antibacterials are essential for treating infections in horses, but the use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which threatens animal and human health. Despite these concerns, antibacterial use in horses has not been systematically studied and described in Norway, and nationwide registry-based analyses in other countries are scarce. The aim of this study is to describe antibacterial use in Norwegian horses, 2022–2024, by analysing nationwide registry data, with a particular emphasis on gynecological and obstetrical conditions. In addition, we will evaluate the data qu...
Exploratory evaluation of equine placental extract supplementation on ageing indicators in geriatric dogs: a single-arm pre-post study. BACKGROUND: Recent advances in preventive veterinary healthcare, nutritional management, and owner engagement have extended the longevity of domestic dogs. However, this increased lifespan has led to a higher prevalence of age-associated physiological and functional decline. Equine placental extract contains a variety of bioactive constituents, with reported antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Although the use of equine placental extract in veterinary practice is expanding, empirical evidence supporting its effects on ageing-related clinical outcomes in dogs remains limited. In thi...
Delphi consensus on Thoroughbred yearling sales endoscopy in Australasia. Concerns regarding the reliability and consistency of yearling sales endoscopy in Australia and New Zealand have led to reduced industry confidence. Recent studies have clarified the relationship between yearling laryngeal function (YLF) grades and future outcomes. Objective: To build expert consensus on the most appropriate method for grading YLF, assess the clinical relevance of each grade on future race performance and prosthetic laryngoplasty risk, and develop guidelines for pre-sale endoscopic technique. Methods: Modified Delphi study. Methods: Anonymous, iterative surveys were distribute...
Overview of the Current Osteoarthritis Treatment in Veterinary Medicine and Future Directions. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and progressive joint disease that can cause permanent loss of joint function. OA is highly prevalent in horses, dogs, and cats, affecting different joints and leading to reduced mobility and chronic pain. Different risk factors for animal OA have been identified, including trauma and breed. Inflammation is a hallmark of the disease, with various underlying mechanisms such as cyclooxygenase and metalloproteinase activation, nerve growth factor, cytokine, and prostaglandin upregulation, among others. Although disease complexity makes OA difficult to treat, eno...
Standing NanoNeedle Arthroscopy of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint for Removal of Osteochondral Fragments of Distal P2 and the Extensor Process in a Horse. In horses, standing arthroscopy offers a valuable alternative to general anesthesia for the reduction of anesthetic-associated risks, and provides improved visualization in joints where access is facilitated by weightbearing. These techniques are particularly advantageous for patients with increased anesthetic risk or financial limitations. To the authors' knowledge, the removal of osteochondral fragments from the distal interphalangeal joint in a standing, sedated horse using small-diameter arthroscopic equipment has not been previously reported. Methods: A 7-year-old American Quarter Horse-T...
Diagnostic Threshold Identification for Equine Laminitis Using Smoothed Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis. Radiographic measurement parameters play a key role in diagnosing acute and subacute laminitis in horses, with diagnostic thresholds typically derived from empirical receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. However, these methods often produce unstable results, particularly in small or noisy datasets. This study applies nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS)-based ROC smoothing to radiographic data from laminitic and healthy horses to evaluate its effectiveness in refining diagnostic thresholds. Thresholds are determined using Youden's index based on NURBS-smoothed ROC curves and compar...
Behavioral and cardiorespiratory effects of a medetomidine and tramadol combination in horses. The use of combinations of sedative and analgesic drugs during standing procedures in horses is necessary to provide reliable sedation with minimal ataxia and reduced responses to surgical or other stimuli in horses. Objective: This study assessed the behavioral and cardiorespiratory effects of medetomidine (M) administered with and without tramadol (T) in horses. Methods: Eight horses were sedated intravenously with M (5 µg/kg) alone or with T (2 mg/kg) in a arandomized, blind, two-way crossover trial. Behavioral responses, including head height above the ground (HHAG), postural instability ...
Objective gait analysis methods for assessing movement asymmetry in the equine patient. To demonstrate the uses, data interpretation, and limitations of objective gait analysis methods in equine practice. Unassigned: Teaching and client-owned horses. Unassigned: Informed owner consent was obtained for all animals used in the making of this technical tutorial video. Primary literature relevant to this video was reviewed from January 2016 to January 2026. Images and data were collected from teaching horses and client-owned horses. Unassigned: Objective gait analysis provides accurate and repeatable data on the locomotion of a horse; however, inaccuracies may occur, especially in ca...
A single pneumatic tourniquet is superior to wide rubber tourniquets for saphenous intravenous regional limb perfusion with amikacin in standing, sedated horses. To establish whether tourniquet type and number influence synovial fluid amikacin concentrations of the tarsocrural joint (TCJ) or metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) after standing saphenous IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with 2 g of amikacin. Unassigned: 8 healthy adult horses underwent 4 saphenous IVRLP protocols with amikacin, differing in tourniquet type (pneumatic vs wide rubber) and number (1 placed mid-gaskin vs 1 placed mid-gaskin and 1 mid-metatarsus) in a randomized, crossover design. Amikacin concentrations were measured in serum and synovial fluid of the TCJ and MTPJ at 15 and 30...
Radiation in Veterinary Practice: Paradigm Shift Toward Precision and Curative Approaches. Ionizing radiation therapy has undergone a clear paradigm shift in veterinary oncology and inflammatory disease management, moving from mainly palliative use toward structured, curative treatment programs. This review synthesizes current evidence on key modalities used in veterinary practice, including external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, systemic targeted radionuclide therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, radiosynoviorthesis, and low-dose radiotherapy. Each modality is discussed in relation to its physical and biological basis, major isotopes or beam types,...
Preprocedural Radiographic Measurements Facilitate Centesis of the Equine Navicular Bursa. For centesis of the equine navicular bursa radiographs confirming needle placement are recommended, this can be a logistical challenge. Therefore, we aimed to identify the usefulness of radiographic measurements for centesis of the navicular bursa. On lateromedial radiographs localization of the centre of the flexor surface of the navicular bone was determined in 26 isolated limbs. Based on these measurements, 21 novice veterinary students performed 130 needle placements using the axial distal palmar technique injecting one of five dyes per cadaver limb. Success was identified on dissection as...
Advanced Imaging of the Cranium and the Cervical Spine for Equine Neurologic Disease. Diagnostic imaging is essential for evaluating and managing neurologic disease in horses. Following clinical lesion, neurolocalization imaging modalities are often necessary to further characterize the disease process. However, which technology to use depends on various factors, including the patient's size, clinical signs, and the anatomic region. Current advances in imaging technology, in general, and the adaptation of different modalities for equine patients, in particular, have substantially improved our ability to evaluate the equine central nervous system. This article will summarize the...
