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Topic:Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary medicine for horses encompasses the study and application of medical practices to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in equine species. This field involves a comprehensive understanding of equine anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Veterinary practitioners employ a range of diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions to address health issues in horses, including lameness, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory conditions, and infectious diseases. Preventative care, such as vaccination and deworming programs, is also a significant aspect of equine veterinary medicine. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore various aspects of veterinary medicine as it pertains to horses, including advancements in diagnostic techniques, treatment protocols, and preventive health strategies.
Investigating the TASK1 potassium channel in equine atrial myocardium as a potential treatment target for atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically relevant arrhythmia in horses, with limited pharmacological treatment options in both veterinary and human medicine. TASK1 potassium channels represent a promising atrial-selective antiarrhythmic target, but their relevance in horses has not been established. To characterize equine TASK1 (eqTASK1) channels regarding structural conservation, electrophysiological function, pharmacological sensitivity, cardiac expression pattern and in vivo electrophysiological effects of TASK1 inhibition. Methods: Sixteen horses killed for non-cardiovascular...
Large-scale energy infrastructure projects and thoroughbred stud farms: equine welfare, evidence gaps and planning considerations. Industrial-scale renewable energy developments i.e. solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and wind energy facilities, form a central component of Ireland's national decarbonisation strategy. As these infrastructures expand, they are increasingly being proposed or developed within rural regions that also contain high densities of Thoroughbred breeding establishments. This creates a potential interface between national energy policy, rural land use, equine welfare and the operational requirements of the Thoroughbred industry which is of national and international importance.Direct empirical evid...
Auscultation for pre-exercise screening in the horse. To describe the highlights of cardiac auscultation of the equine athlete in the context of pre-exercise screening for cardiac adverse event prevention. Unassigned: Horses. Unassigned: Tutorial description. Unassigned: Description of the highlights of cardiac auscultation of the equine athlete in the context of pre-exercise screening for cardiac adverse event and exercise-associated sudden death prevention. Unassigned: Cardiac adverse events and exercise-associated deaths are problems that affect horses' health, riders' safety, and the public perception of welfare during equestrian sports. Scre...
In vitro anthelmintic activity of the monoterpene linalool, alone and combined with the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans, in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in horses. This study evaluated, in vitro, the anthelmintic activity of the monoterpene linalool, alone and in association with the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans, against gastrointestinal nematodes of horses. Nematodes from the superfamily Strongyloidea, obtained from naturally infected horses, were used. The ovicidal activity of linalool was evaluated using the Egg Hatch Test (EHT). The larvicidal activity was evaluated using the Larval Motility Inhibition Test (LMIT), in which infective larvae (L3) were assigned to experimental groups treated with linalool alone (0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40...
Infracyanine green photodynamic therapy provides short-term disease control, but recurrence is common in equine immune-mediated keratitis. To evaluate long-term clinical outcomes, recurrence rates, and complications following photodynamic therapy (PDT) in horses with immune-mediated keratitis. Unassigned: Medical records of horses treated with PDT at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Equine Clinic from May 2018 through October 2025 were reviewed retrospectively. Eyes with a clinical diagnosis of recurrent immune-mediated keratitis that had responded to immunosuppressive therapy and been subjected to PDT therapy were included. Infracyanine green was injected intrastromally, followed by irradiation with an 810-nm diod...
Fluorescent tagging for assessment of environmental cleaning in an equine hospital. Healthcare-associated infections increase morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs in both human and veterinary medicine, and environmental contamination can contribute to their occurrence. Monitoring of environmental cleaning is an important component of multimodal infection control strategies. Fluorescent tagging is a low-cost, practical approach that correlates with reduced environmental contamination in human and small animal hospitals. Its applicability in equine hospitals, where surface characteristics and contamination risks differ, has not yet been evaluated. Objective: To evaluate fl...
Left Ventricular Volume Indexing in Athletic Brazilian Sport Horses Using Body Weight. Left ventricular (LV) volume assessment evaluates cardiac size and remodelling in horses. Single-plane Simpson method of discs (SMOD) provides volumetric measurements requiring body size normalization. Objective: We described LV volumes using SMOD in healthy Brazilian Sport Horses (BH) and evaluated thoracic-girth-estimated body weight (BWe) versus scale-measured weight (BWs) for indexing. Methods: Thirty BH horses (15 males, 15 females; 4-16 years) underwent echocardiography. LV end-diastolic (LVEDV), end-systolic volumes (LVESV), and ejection fraction (EF%) were obtained using SMOD. Body wei...
Influence of chiropractic care on sleep-related behavior of athletic Mangalarga Marchador horses. Sleep is a fundamental biological process for homeostasis in mammals. Chiropractic is a manual therapeutic approach that aims to restore joint mobility, correct biomechanical dysfunctions, and optimize welfare. Objective: The present study examined the influence of chiropractic sessions on resting behavior patterns of Mangalarga Marchador horses raised in an intensive system. Methods: Nine Mangalarga Marchador horses, with an average age of 4.2 ± 1.2 years, were evaluated for their sleep-related behavior over 72 hours, followed by a chiropractic session, and reassessed over the next 72 hours ...
Incidence of omphalitis in foals with different umbilical disinfection protocols. Omphalitis, a common umbilical disorder in foals, can lead to complications and systemic diseases. An adequate disinfection protocol of the umbilical stump after birth is recommended to prevent infection. Objective: Comparison of different disinfection solutions and their efficacy in preventing omphalitis in foals. Methods: A total of 288 clinically healthy foals were included in this prospective, blinded cohort study during the foaling seasons of 2023 and 2024 on one stud farm. Foals were randomly allocated to one of six disinfection groups. The umbilical stump was examined clinically during ...
Experts recommend management strategies for horses during poor air quality. To adapt the existing air quality index (AQI) framework to communicate equine health risk and develop practical recommendations for horse care, training, and competitions at increasing levels of air pollution. Unassigned: A 3-round modified Delphi study. Unassigned: 15 expert equine veterinarians contributed, with 11 experts completing 3 rounds. First, experts agreed that both healthy horses and those with underlying health conditions may experience short- and long-term health effects. Second, experts adapted the AQI public health messaging to communicate equine-specific health risk. Third, ex...
Low-dose histrelin for ovulation induction in mares: a partially randomized crossover pilot study. This partially randomized crossover pilot study evaluated reduced doses of histrelin for ovulation induction in mares and compared intramuscular (IM) administration with pharmacopuncture at the Bai-hui and Yan-chi acupoints. Eleven mares were enrolled, of which nine completed all eight protocols and were included in the analyses. The protocols comprised 250 µg histrelin IM (standard dose), 75 µg IM, 25 µg IM, no intervention, saline at Bai-hui, saline at Yan-chi, 25 µg histrelin at Bai-hui, and 25 µg histrelin at Yan-chi. Ovulation was assessed by transrectal ultrasonography at sched...
Outcome following lag screw fixation of non-C3 carpal slab fractures in horses. To describe clinical features and short- and long-term outcomes of horses treated with lag screw fixation of slab fractures of the radial carpal (Cr), intermediate carpal (Ci), ulnar carpal (Cu), second (C2) or fourth (C4) carpal bones. Methods: Retrospective case study. Methods: Horses (n = 19) treated with lag screw fixation for slab fractures of Cr, Ci, Cu, C2 or C4. Methods: Medical records of patients with carpal slab fractures were reviewed, and those undergoing internal fixation of slab fractures involving Cr, Ci, Cu, C2, or C4 carpal bones from January 2008 to January 2026 were inc...
Barriers to Australian veterinary students choosing an equine career. The equine veterinary profession is experiencing a global recruitment and retention crisis with fewer graduates entering equine practice. We aimed to investigate perceived and actual barriers to Australian veterinary students' considering an equine veterinary career. Methods: A mixed methods design was used. The study population consisted of veterinary students from seven universities in Australia. An online survey was distributed that comprised demographic, Likert-scale and open-ended questions and covered themes of equine experience, perceptions of clients, salary, Higher Education Contribut...
Medical Therapies for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis in the Horse – 20 years later…. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease, characterized by a degenerative catabolic cascade resulting in detrimental changes to all aspects of the joint including the irreversible destruction of articular cartilage. In 2006, a narrative review by Goodrich and Nixon outlined the available treatments for the medical management of OA; however, since that time substantial progress has been made. In recent years the therapeutic options for veterinarians managing horses with OA has increased significantly with a multitude of products available on the market. While many of the conventional...
The Impact of Systemic Treatment With Flunixin Meglumine on the Two Antiproteases Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) and Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (A1AT) in Equine Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF). To evaluate the effect of flunixin meglumine, a systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), on the antiproteases, A2M and A1AT, in equine plasma and PRF. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study. Plasma, solid PRF, and liquid PRF were collected from a control-group that included healthy horses not treated with NSAIDs within the last 3 months. The NSAID-group were ophthalmology patients with no systemic inflammatory disease, and all received a full dose of flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg BID PO or IV) for three or more days prior to collection. Samples were collected and prepar...
New Noninvasive Long-Term Stress indicator in Horses: Analysis of Cortisol Levels in the Hoof of Foals. Noninvasive sampling methods are recommended in animals as far as possible. However, there has been no way to safely measure long-term stress in all horses including foals and stallions. Currently, nail cortisol in humans has been reported to be a promising noninvasive long-term stress indicator. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a horse's hoof as a noninvasive long-term stress indicator by determining whether hoof cortisol levels varied similarly to hair cortisol levels noted in a previous study. All hooves were sampled by one farrier after a foal's birth. They were divided into ...
From bodyweight to biomarkers: Season-associated metabolic, endocrine and haematological shifts in breeding stallions. Breeding stallions are subjected to sustained seasonal metabolic, endocrine, and immune demands requiring systemic energy engagement. Prospective longitudinal data in the same individuals are limited. Objective: To screen adaptive responses of breeding stallions of clinical relevance through longitudinal characterisation of temporal changes across the mating season and negative photoperiod: (i) health and nutritional status; (ii) oxidative status and immune modulation; and (iii) metabolic and endocrine biomarkers as correlates of reproductive potential. Methods: Prospective longitudinal observ...
Superior Post-Thaw Sperm Quality and Fertility of Epididymal Compared with Ejaculated Sperm in Subfertile Stallions. Despite the benefits of seminal plasma during breeding, its value is questionable when utilizing biotechnological approaches such as artificial insemination. In addition, deleterious effects of secretions from accessory glands on sperm viability and conception rate have been reported, especially in stallions with poor semen quality. Objective: The present study aimed to compare the kinetics, structural and functional viability, and fertility parameters of spermatozoa obtained from the ejaculate and from the cauda epididymis of subfertile stallions, as well as to evaluate the differences in the...
Effect of Different Equilibration Times in the Freezing Process on Post-Thaw Motility Parameters in Equine Spermatozoa. Cryopreservation of stallion semen remains suboptimal, with approximately one-third of stallions producing semen that is poorly tolerant to freezing. As optimization of pre-freezing procedures may improve post-thaw sperm quality, this study evaluated the effect of different equilibration times before freezing on the post-thaw quality of stallion semen. For this purpose, 21 ejaculates were initially collected from 5 stallions and 15 were included in the final analysis after predefined exclusions. These ejaculates were separated from the seminal plasma via centrifugation in INRA 96 medium. After...
Heel movement and foot biomechanics in aluminium nail-on and indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes in horses. Heel movement is critical to shock absorption and vascular perfusion of the equine digit. Conventional horseshoeing techniques are suspected to restrict natural hoof deformation, affecting hoof biomechanics. Several studies have explored the effects of shoeing on hoof function, though many have been limited to artificial conditions, cadavers, or homogenous populations. Objective: We aimed to compare the effects of two aluminium shoeing techniques, nail-on versus indirect glue-on fabric cuff shoes, on heel movement in horses. Our objective was to determine which technique allowed greater heel m...
Echocardiographic characteristics and evidence of ventricular remodeling in subclinical insulin-dysregulated Warmblood horses. In humans, systemic hypertension and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy are common sequelae of metabolic syndrome and pre-diabetes warranting investigation in horses with insulin dysregulation (ID). Objective: To compare echocardiographic variables, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), and adipokines between Warmblood (WB) horses with and without ID. Methods: Nineteen client-owned WB horses, 5-15 years of age, presenting for elective procedures were included. Horses had no history of metabolic disease, ID, laminitis, renal or cardiac disease. Methods: Blinded cross-sectional study. Horses were ...
Validation of a point-of-care assay for simultaneous quantification of equine adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticotropin-like intermediate peptide. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations are used to diagnose equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). The reference chemiluminescent immunoassay for immunoreactive ACTH (iACTH) cross-reacts with corticotropin-like intermediate peptide (CLIP), which is also abnormally high in PPID. Objective: To compare the performance of a novel point-of-care (POC) immunoassay that concurrently measures ACTH and CLIP against the reference iACTH assay. Methods: Twenty-eight university-owned horses (13 PPID, 15 non-PPID). Methods: Prospective observational study. Resting plasma hormo...
Ivermectin enhances the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines in equine leukocytes stimulated with LPS and nigericin. Ivermectin has been reported to exert immunomodulatory effects on the innate immune system; however, the available evidence is contradictory, with both anti-inflammatory and, paradoxically, pro-inflammatory effects described depending on species, dose, and experimental context, while data specific to horses remain scarce. We hypothesised that ivermectin would exert a context-dependent immunomodulatory effect on equine leucocytes. To test this, total leucocytes isolated from six healthy horses were incubated with ivermectin (2 and 4 µg/mL) before stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and n...
Renal dysplasia in horses: 25 cases (1991-2021). Renal dysplasia (RD) is a congenital malformation with variable clinical expression and limited characterization in horses. Objective: We hypothesized that RD occurs in horses across a broad age range and may be overrepresented in specific breeds. Our objective was to describe clinical, clinicopathologic, and histopathologic findings in horses with RD. Methods: Twenty-five horses with RD identified from a veterinary teaching hospital between 1991 and 2021. Horses included neonates, young horses, and adults, with ages ranging from 0 days to 24 years and representing multiple breeds and both s...
Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of tinctures derived from the roots or leaves and stems of Althaea officinalis L.: Marsh mallow root tincture for use in all animal species and marsh mallow leaf tincture for use in horses and dogs (FEFANA asbl). Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of two tinctures obtained from the roots (marsh mallow root tincture) or leaves and stems (marsh mallow leaf tincture) of L. when used as sensory additives. The additives are water/ethanol tinctures, with a specified dry matter content of 2%-3% (w/w) (marsh mallow root tincture) and not more than 25% (w/w) (marsh mallow leaf tincture). Marsh mallow root tincture is intended for use in feed or water for drinking for all animal species, while marsh mallow leaf tincture is ...
Antinociceptive effects of subcutaneous butorphanol administration in healthy horses. Subcutaneous (SQ) butorphanol administration maintains target plasma concentrations in horses longer than intravenous administration with fewer adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate whether SQ butorphanol also produces clinically relevant antinociception in healthy horses. Unassigned: In a blinded, randomized, cross-over study, eight horses received 0.1 mg/kg butorphanol or equal volume (0.01 mL/kg) saline SQ in the cervical region. Thermal (TT) and pain pressure (PPT) thresholds at different body locations, along with physiological and behavioral variables, were assessed at baseli...
[Atlantoaxial luxation in a neonatal Warmblood foal]. Atlantoaxial luxation represents a rare but clinically relevant differential diagnosis in neonatal foals presenting with neurological abnormalities or dysphagia. This case report describes a newborn filly without apparent ataxia, but presenting with a stiff head-neck posture and milky nasal discharge. Clinical examination revealed a compromised general condition and abnormal swelling in the region of the fossa retromandibularis. Radiographic examination confirmed the diagnosis of an atlantoaxial luxation. Due to the poor prognosis the foal was euthanized. This case highlights the diagnostic ap...
A generalized additive model using kinematic and demographic data provides an accurate and objective anesthesia recovery score in horses. To analyze kinematic data extracted from an inertial measuring unit to assess quality of recovery in horses emerging from general anesthesia. Unassigned: Horses undergoing anesthesia from February 2024 through March 2026 were enrolled in this study. Collected data from the inertial measuring unit included 3-axis acceleration, angular velocity, and orientation. Recoveries were evaluated by 3 scorers using a modified composite grading scale. The mean of the scores was used as the dependent variable. A Python pipeline was written to detect attempts to stand using the first derivative of the accel...
