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.
WITZEL DA, MULLENAX CH.THE NEED FOR splenectomized horses in piroplasmosis research prompted this study. Quinlan et at.1 described in detail problems encountered using the paralumbar approach to splenectomy. Gaining easy access to the splenic ligaments and vessels was difficult; for this reason the type and age of horse which could be used were limited. The purpose of this report is to present technic by which horses of varying size, age, and conformation can be splenectomized with minimum of stress on the patient and on the surgeon.
Riddell LP, Yoshimura S, MacKay AV, Wilson DG.A 17-year-old Quarter horse mare was presented because of traumatic luxation of the fifth sacral and first coccygeal vertebrae resulting in loss of sensation, motor function, and perfusion of the tail. The case was complicated by an associated tail head hematoma. Due to the severity of the injury, tail amputation was performed at the level of the luxation. Tail amputations in horses at the sacrococcygeal junction following a suspected tail pull injury are infrequently reported in the literature. . Une jument Quarter horse âgée de 17 ans fut présentée pour cause de luxation traumatique de l...
Holl HM, Armstrong C, Galantino-Homer H, Brooks SA.Laminitis results in impaired tissue integrity and Inflammation of the epidermal and dermal lamellae connecting the hoof capsule to the underlying distal phalanx and causes loss-of-use, poor quality of life and euthanasia in horses. Historically, studies to better understand the etiology of laminitis by documenting changes in gene expression were hampered by the paucity of gene annotation specific to hoof tissues. Next-generation sequencing enables improvements to annotation by incorporating equine- and hoof-specific transcripts. Here we characterize the hoof lamellar tissue transcriptome of n...
Jalim SL, McKinnon AO.To evaluate the surgical results and fertility of mares bred at various intervals relative to surgical management of urovagina. Methods: Sixty-one mares underwent surgery to correct vesicovaginal reflux. Surgery was performed at varying times relative to breeding and postoperative fertility was evaluated. Results: Five mares were lost to follow-up and a further four were electively not bred. Of the remaining 52 mares, seasonal pregnancy and live foaling rates were 67% (35/52) and 54% (26/48), respectively. When mares were bred in the same cycle as the surgery, the first cycle following surgery...
Riley CB, Padalino B, Rogers CW, Thompson KR.There is an increased understanding of shared human-animal risk in terms of "one welfare", whereby when animals are at risk, so are people, so preventing injury to one species may also prevent injury to the other. Because transport-related injuries to horses are common, the authors considered this paradigm to study road equine transport-related injuries to humans in New Zealand. The aim was to determine their frequency and associated factors by distributing a survey to horse industry participants through industry organisations asking about their horse activities, road transport experiences, an...
Rubio-Martínez LM, Vázquez FJ, Romero A, Ormazábal JR.This paper reports on luxation of the elbow joint without concomitant fracture in a 1-month-old foal. Conservative treatment, with closed reduction and full-limb bandaging, including caudal and lateral splints, seemed successful initially, however, failed to provide enough stability and luxation recurred, and open reduction and surgical placement of prosthetic collateral ligaments was required. Luxation of the elbow joint should be considered when acute non-weight bearing forelimb lameness occurs associated with pain and swelling in the area of the elbow in young foals. Closed reduction failed...
Hertzsch R, Emmerich IU, Lachenmeier DW, Sproll C, Monakhova YB, Aboling S, Bachmann U, Vervuert I.Opioid alkaloids were identified in the urine of horses during an anti-doping control and in a case of intoxication. In both cases, it was suspected that the horses had ingested poppy-contaminated feed. To verify this suspicion, possible opioid alkaloid sources in Germany were identified through a literature research. Additionally, the contaminated feed was botanically and chemically analysed. The results indicated that both cases were most probably caused by the poppy in the feed. This highlights the previously underestimated risk of an intake of poppy-contaminated feed in horses. Recommendat...
Keller P, Hudders L, Decloedt A.Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) is increasingly popular in horses. As CAVM usage could have risks, client-veterinarian communication about CAVM is crucial. Objective: Evaluating equine veterinarians' attitude towards CAVM, their CAVM usage and veterinarian-client communication about CAVM. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A telephone survey was conducted among equine veterinarians providing ambulatory care on a daily or weekly basis. The first section of the survey included questions about the veterinarians' attitude towards CAVM and their CAVM usage. The second...
Steel CM, Devery S, Hance SR, Adkins AR, Hitchens PL.Fragmentation of the dorsal aspect of the distal talus (FDDT), at the dorsolateral articular margin of the proximal intertarsal joint (PITJ) on pre-sale radiographs of yearling Thoroughbreds has not been previously described and data to support decisions made by veterinarians to predict future racing potential of horses with these lesions are lacking. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study we aimed to determine the prevalence of FDDT in juvenile Thoroughbreds and to report their race records. From a database of survey and repository radiographic examinations of 5709 horses, 36 with ...
Sojka JE, Levy M.This article outlines strategies on how to approach equine endocrine disorders based on clinical signs and clinical pathologic data. In the 1987 Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice article on evaluating equine endocrine function, Beech stated that the numbers of hormonal assays available to use in horses was limited. Unfortunately, not much has changed since then. With the advent of convenient assay kits for many hormones and cofactors available in human medicine, it is possible to submit samples to laboratories for measurement of a wide range of endogenous substances. Caution...
Martin-Giménez T, Cruz AM, Barragán A, Montero E, Sanchez PG, Caballero G, Corradini I.Occipital condylar fractures (OCFs) causing delayed onset lower cranial nerve paralysis (LCNPs) are rare. We present a 7-year-old Friesian horse with delayed onset dysphagia caused by vagus nerve (CNX) paralysis and suspicion of glossopharyngeal nerve (CNIX) paralysis developed several days after a minor head injury. Endoscopic examination revealed right laryngeal hemiplegia and intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. An area of submucosal hemorrhage and bulging was appreciated over the dorsal aspect of the medial compartment of the right guttural pouch. Radiological examination o...
Adland-Davenport P, Brown MP, Robinson JD, Derendorf HC.Fourteen foals less than four days of age were treated with the aminoglycoside, amikacin sulphate, and either penicillin or ampicillin for septicaemia, pneumonia, and/or failure of passive immunoglobulin transfer. Serum amikacin concentrations were determined at three times during an 8 or 12 h dosing interval. A 7.0 mg/kg bodyweight dose of amikacin every 8 h was appropriate. Prematurity did not influence mortality. All seven premature foals survived, whereas four of the seven full term foals died. Uraemia in three foals was caused by urinary bladder rupture; amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity wa...
Cerullo M, Driessen B, Douglas H, Hopster K. In anesthetized adult horses, changes in recumbency can influence the cardiovascular system but how arterial blood pressures and oxygen tension change in isoflurane anesthetized animals as a direct result of hoisting has not been investigated. To evaluate effects of hoisting on hemodynamic function and pulmonary gas exchange in isoflurane-anesthetized horses. Prospective, experimental study. Six adult horses were anesthetized three times using isoflurane in pure oxygen (inspired fraction 0.9-1.0), and allowed breathing spontaneously in lateral recumbency. After 45 min horses were hoisted u...
Beroza GA.In horses, ventral laryngotomies are typically allowed to heal by second intention. Partial closure of the laryngotomy incision, however, was associated wtih less exudate, less aftercare, shorter hospitalization, and better cosmetic results, compared with the traditional technique. The partial closure technique did not result in complications in the 3 horses in which it was attempted.
Maurer P.The first part of this paper gives a short historical survey of veterinary medicine in India starting from vedic times. The knowledge about hippiatry was highly valued since horses played an important role in warfare. The review of authors and publications on Indian hippiatry and hippology is followed by a synopsis on these traditions in Europe. The second part of this article includes further references and research on the Aśvaśăstra of Nakula and a translation of chapter 4 describing the anatomy of the horse.
van der Kolk JH, Klein WR, van der Putten SW, Mol JA.A thirteen-year-old Dutch warmblooded mare was referred to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine because of a sinusitis. She was thin with a potbellied appearance. Her coat was dull with long wavy hair. Unilateral (left) purulent nasal discharge was evident. A cbc revealed leucopenia (3.9 G.L.-1) and plasma biochemical analysis revealed a plasma glucose concentration of 10.1 mmol.L-1. Thermostable alkaline phosphatase (at 65 degrees C during 2 minutes) could not be demonstrated. Basal plasma cortisol concentration was lowered (114 nmol.L-1) and basal plasma ACTH concentration was highly elevated ...
Scarratt WK, Furr MO, Robertson JL.A pregnant, miniature horse mare had clinical signs of hepatoencephalopathy and concurrent hypocalcemia. The signs included dullness, inappetence, blindness, head pressing, weakness, muscle fasiculations, uveitis, and urinary incontinence. Hepatic dysfunction and hypocalcemia were confirmed by serum biochemical analysis. The mare was treated successfully with a continuous infusion of Ringer solution, calcium gluconate, dextrose, B-complex vitamins, sodium ampicillin, and flunixin meglumine; topical administration of ophthalmic ointments; and decompression of the urinary bladder. Histologic exa...
Shank BR, Ofner CM.Pergolide mesylate (proprietary name Permax) is used to treat equine Cushing's syndrome. Since pergolide mesylate has been removed from the market, the tablets are no longer available. Therefore, pergolide mesylate preparations have to be compounded for veterinary use. Compounded oral liquid formulations have been given arbitrary beyond-use dates of 14 days (aqueous) to 90 days (oil based). The goal of this study was to determine the stability of a 0.2 mg/mL pergolide oral liquid prepared according to a previousy published formulation and stored at room temperature. The sample preparation and ...
Lambertini C, Bombardi C, Zannoni A, Bernardini C, Dondi F, Morini M, Rinnovati R, Spadari A, Romagnoli N.Proteinase activated receptor 4 (PAR) in the gastrointestinal tract is involved in the regulation of inflammation and pain pathways. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution and expression of PAR in the jejunum of healthy horses and in the pathologic tracts from horses undergoing surgery for herniation of the small intestine through the epiploic foramen. Eight healthy horses (Group H) and eight horses with epiploic hernia (Group EH) were included; the jejunum samples were collected at the slaughter or intraoperatively after enterectomy, respectively. To evaluate PAR expres...
Kraft W, Gawlik A, Grabner A, Dämmer EM.In 183 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COB, COPD) grades I to IV horses were treated with bronchospasmolytic and secretolytic drugs, corticosteroids, mass infusions of physiological saline solution and with combinations of these treatments. The long-term effects of the above described methods of treatment based on questionnaire with the owners will be discussed. The results are to be considered successful if there is no evidence of irreversible alterations of the lungs, and if the horse is kept away from dust as much as possible.
McDonnell SM.Despite the suboptimal aspects of domestic breeding conditions compared with the natural conditions under which their reproductive behavior evolved, most domestic stallions can adapt to management and breeding programs. Most respond adequately or quickly learn to safely abide the restraint and direction of a human handler, and can adapt to changes in methods of breeding for semen collection. If not, the problems can range from inadequate or variable sexual interest and response to overenthusiastic or aggressive response beyond the ability of the handlers to safely direct and control. This arti...
Norton JL, Nolen-Walston RD, Underwood C, Boston R, Slack J, Dallap BL.Central venous pressure (CVP) is a used as an estimation of intravascular volume status in various species. Techniques for measuring CVP in horses have been described, but the repeatability of these readings at a single time point or over time has not been established. Objective: That CVP measurements in healthy adult horses would be repeatable at each time point, that these readings would be reproducible over time, and that alteration in head position relative to the heart would alter CVP. Methods: Ten healthy adult research horses. Methods: In an experimental study, horses were instrumented ...
Staufenbiel L, Müller AE, Gehlen H.Objective measurements of the mineral supply in horses are rarely performed. As a result, incorrect elements or an improper amount of elements are provided. The analysis of feces could represent a novel method to evaluate the nutritive supply. The prerequisite is a knowledge of methodological factors influencing the mineral concentration in the fecal samples. Within the scope of this investigation, the effects of different kinds of mineral supply and the influence of the sampling location on the concentration of minerals in equine feces samples were analyzed. Additionally, the methodical error...
Giacchi A, Marcatili M, Withers J, Knottenbelt D.A 12-year-old Warmblood mare was presented with an acute onset left hindlimb lameness associated with generalised soft tissue swelling of the entire limb and medial saphenous vein (MSV) thrombophlebitis. A presumptive diagnosis of extremity compartment syndrome (ECS) was made. Due to the clinical deterioration, emergency fasciotomy of the crural fascia and biopsy was performed. Histological and immunohistochemical examination of the samples confirmed a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma likely originating from the tunica media of the MSV. This report is the first to describe an unique combination of ...
Southwood LL, McIlwraith CW.To determine the outcome of horses with basal fractures of the proximal sesamoid bone from which a fracture fragment involving a portion of the base of the bone was removed arthroscopically and to determine whether fragment size was associated with outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 26 horses. Methods: Dorsopalmar and axial-abaxial lengths of the fracture fragment were measured on the dorsopalmar and mediolateral radiographic views, respectively, and percentage of the base of the sesamoid bone involved was estimated. Fractures were classified as grade 1 ( 25% but < 100% of the ...
Zerpa H, Bailey SR, Berhane Y, Elliott J.Alpha-adrenoceptors mediate contractile responses in equine digital veins (EDVs) and arteries. Vascular smooth muscle alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes have been implicated in a number of conditions, such as acute equine laminitis, and are therapeutic targets for the treatment of this condition. Digital veins, rather than arteries, were investigated in the present study because they have been specifically implicated in the pathophysiology of acute laminitis. The order of potency of a series of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-selective agonists and antagonists was determined in isolated rings of EDVs under ...
Harris PA.An outbreak of muscle stiffness and poor performance among 59 thoroughbreds at a Newmarket flat racing yard was investigated between the beginning of May and the end of June 1986. Over a third of the horses showed signs of muscular stiffness, and 38 had, at one or more of the sampling times, creatine kinase (CK) activities above 200 iu/litre and, or, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities above 300 iu/litre when they were sampled six to eight hours after exercise. The following season, at a similar time and stage of training, only four of 39 horses sampled had CK activities between 200 an...
Papin J, Stuhtmann G, Martinsson G, Sieme H, Lundeheim N, Ntallaris T, Morrell JM.Removal of seminal plasma facilitates stallion sperm survival during storage, but washing may damage sperm chromatin. Therefore, sperm quality was compared in samples following single-layer centrifugation (SLC) or sperm washing and controls (extension only) in two extenders, INRA82 and INRA96. Ejaculates from six stallions were split among six treatments: SLC, sperm washing, and controls, in INRA82 and INRA96. Sperm motility and acrosome status were evaluated at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours; morphology at 0, 24, 48, 72 hours and chromatin integrity at 0 and 96 hours, with storage at 6°C. Sperm ...
Sexton WL, Erickson HH.Six ponies performed a standardised exercise test on a motorised treadmill at each of three randomly assigned treadmill elevations (1, 4, or 7 degrees). The exercise test consisted of four, 4 min increments of increasing treadmill speed from 1.0 to 3.4 m/sec. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined, during the last min of each exercise level, and at 4 and 12 mins post exercise. Regardless of treadmill elevation, no differences were observed in pre-exercise heart rate (49 +/- 2) beats/min), lactate (1.2 +/- 0.1 mM), and PCV (0.32 +/- 0.01 litres. Du...
Dumasia MC.The in vivo phase I biotransformation of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone in the horse leads to the formation of a complex mixture of regio- and stereoisomeric C(20)O(2), C(20)O(3) and C(20)O(4) metabolites, excreted in urine as glucuronide and sulphate phase II conjugates. The major pathways of in vivo metabolism are the reduction of the A-ring (di- and tetrahydro), epimerisation at C-17 and oxidations mainly at C-6 and C-16. Some phase I metabolites have been identified previously by positive ion electron ionisation capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/EI + MS) mainly from the chara...
Chen J, Wang H, Li J, Liu S, Li B, Sun Y, Wang H, Manglai D.To date, the origins, domestication, and genetic structure of Chinese Mongolian horses (CMH) are poorly understood. Furthermore, there have been sparse reports on the genetic differences between CMH and Thoroughbred. In order to determine their genetic structure, understand their genetic relationships, and explore their domestication processes, we performed an extensive survey of creatine kinase (muscle isoenzyme; variations among six populations of indigenous CMH, cultivated Sanhe horses, and imported Thoroughbred. Twenty-three single-nucleotide polymorphisms were found among the 343 horse s...
