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.
Trotter GW, Aanes WA.During an 8-month period, 3 horses were examined because of incomplete cryptorchid castration. Each horse had had surgery to remove 1 retained testis. In each case, the attending veterinarian believed castration had been adequately completed. History, rectal examination findings, and in 2 cases, high serum testosterone concentration were factors that led to the decision to do exploratory surgery on each horse. In each case, initial surgery had resulted in surgical removal of the tail of the epididymis, which was mistaken for testicular tissue.
Robinson NE, Scott JB.The effects of a 60-minute IV infusion of histamine (0.5 mg of histamine base/minute) on the systemic, pulmonary, and digital vasculature were investigated in mature ponies. Immediately after the start of histamine infusion, there were a transient decrease in systemic pressure lasting less than 1 minute and then a brief period of systemic hypertension. Systemic pressure then returned to preinfusion levels for the remainder of the infusion period. Pulmonary arterial pressure increased transiently coincident with systemic hypotension. Histamine increased cardiac output and decreased both total p...
Pascoe JR, Ellenburg TV, Culbertson MR, Meagher DM.A 360-degree torsion of the left spermatic cord was diagnosed in a 2 1/2-year-old Quarter Horse colt. Clinical signs included abdominal discomfort, with slight elevations in heart and respiratory rates. The scrotum on the left side was moist and edematous. The left testicle was enlarged, firm, and retracted slightly toward the abdominal cavity. The colt resented palpation of the testicle. On rectal palpation, the left vaginal ring and the structures passing through the ring were edematous and painful to pressure. Surgical correction was achieved by emasculation. The tail of the epididymis and ...
O'Brien TR, Hornof WJ, Meagher DM.Subchondral lesions were identified in the distal palmar region of the third metacarpus in 21 fetlock joints of 15 Thoroughbred horses. The lesions were more commonly identified on the lateromedial and flexed lateral projection, with the flexed lateral projection permitting optimal visualization of the lesion. Lesions appeared as poorly marginated, radiolucent defects and were located at the level of the base of the proximal sesamoid bones. The shape and distribution of the radiolucent defects were: crescent, 4; flattened, 4; shallow concavity, 5; deep concavity, 3; oval, 3; and circular, 2. S...
Roorda G, van der Kamp JS.A rare case of colic in an eleven-year-old New Forrest mare is reported. As treatment was ineffective, the animal had to be slaughtered. Post mortem examination showed that the colic was due to bilateral haemorrhagic corpus luteum, from which blood (appr. 20 liter) entered the abdominal cavity.
Allen WE, Newcombe JR.The records of 200 pairs of consecutive pregnancies in mares showed that in 82 per cent of cases the second pregnancy was initially established in the opposite uterine horn to that of the first, irrespective of the parturition to conception interval. This relationship also occurred when the first pregnancy ended in abortion after 140 days but not if it terminated before this time.
Alexander GR, Gibson KT.Two mares presented with life-threatening rectal tears were successfully treated with intensive medical management. Although surgery has been regarded as mandatory for grade 3 or 4 rectal tears in the past, recent reports have indicated the value of medical management alone. The case reports presented in this article detail the use of antibiotics, flunixin meglumine, laxative diets and faecal softeners in the medical management of two mares presented with grade 3 rectal tears.
McCarthy PH.A detailed description is given of the structures forming the borders of Viborg's triangle and those structures contained within and adjacent to the triangle. Changes in the size, shape and prominence of these structures with changes of head and neck posture of the horse are also described.
Riber C, Cuesta I, Muñoz A, Gata J, Trigo P, Castejón FM.Fatigue during endurance rides might induce changes in gait pattern that could be difficult to distinguish from subtle lameness. Objective: To assess changes in gait pattern en route, in fore(FL) and hindlimbs (HL) and establish differences between excellent (EP) and good performers (GP). Methods: Seventy-five sound and fit horses that completed endurance rides of 80 km were filmed at trot in the vet-gates (VGs) prior to competitions (VGO), and at 29 km (VG1), 59 km (VG2) and 80 km (VG3). Mean gait velocity (V), stride length (SL), duration (SD) and frequency (SF) were measured. Also, stance (...
Friedman R.The value of providing equine reproductive services in ambulatory setting is well established. Ambulatory practice has been, and will most likely continue to be, the primary provider of equine reproductive veterinary services. The limitations for performing various reproductive procedures in an ambulatory setting are those imposed by the amount of equipment and supplies that must be brought to the patient, as well as those imposed when procedures require additional assistance. This is analogous to human medical care: the ambulance cannot substitute for a hospital but it can certainly provide s...
Parker RA, Bladon BM, Parkin TD, Fraser BS.Increased radio-isotope uptake (IRU) in the subchondral bone of the plantaro-lateral condyle of the third metatarsus (MTIII) is a commonly reported scintigraphic finding and potential cause of lameness in UK Thoroughbred racehorses in training and has not been fully documented. Objective: To characterise lameness attributable to IRU of the subchondral bone of MTIII, compare the scintigraphic findings of these horses with a normal population and evaluate the use of scintigraphy as an indicator of prognosis. Objective: IRU will be in significantly higher in horses with subchondral bone injury an...
