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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.
Impact of Suspensory Ligament Desmitis on Athletic Performance of Trotting Horses: A Retrospective Study. Suspensory ligament (SL) desmitis is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries affecting trotting horses being frequently associated with reduced athletic performance and premature retirement. However, the prognostic value of clinical and ultrasonographic findings remains incompletely understood. Objective: To evaluate the impact of proximal and/or body SL desmitis on athletic performance of French Trotters and determine whether horse related characteristics, ultrasonographic lesion severity, lesion location, or treatment modality influence prognosis. Methods: Medical records of 36 Frenc...
Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Tendon-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Equine Tendon and Ligament Injuries. Equine tendinopathies and desmopathies are common musculoskeletal disorders characterized by a limited regenerative capacity and a high risk of recurrence. Tendon-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TDSCs) represent a promising regenerative therapy due to their immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative properties. Objective: This preliminary prospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of allogeneic post-mortem TDSCs, for the treatment of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SL) injuries in horses. Methods: Nine horses were monitored longi...
Inter-week Variation in Movement Asymmetry at Trot in Cavalry Horses in Training. The widespread use of objective motion analysis in lameness investigations has raised questions about whether movement asymmetries are caused by pain and when they are indicative of orthopaedic disease. The prevalence of motion asymmetries in horse populations in training is high, but longitudinal studies on variation in movement asymmetry are scarce. Objective: To investigate inter-week variation in movement symmetry during straight-line trot in horses in training over three weeks. Methods: Forty-nine cavalry horses in training were included in a longitudinal study. Horses were equipped with ...
Treatment of a concealed accessory pathway by radiofrequency catheter ablation in a horse. Accessory pathways (APs) are myocardial bundles directly connecting the atria and the ventricles, bypassing the atrioventricular node-His-Purkinje system. Retrograde AP conduction in horses can result in orthodromic atrioventricular re-entry tachycardia or bradycardia. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) can provide a permanent treatment by eliminating the retrograde conducting AP, but was previously unsuccessful in one case. Objective: To report the use of three-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping (3D EAM) to identify a concealed AP and treatment by RFCA in a horse. Methods: Retrospect...
Research into Vitamin E Supplementation to Combat Oxidative Stress in Equines: A Mini-Review. Oxidative stress is a concern in performance horses because intense and prolonged exercise increases production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in contracting skeletal muscle. Low ROS concentrations support normal muscle function and adaptation, but excess ROS can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA. Vitamin E, particularly alpha tocopherol, is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that interrupts lipid peroxidation by donating a hydrogen atom to lipid peroxyl radicals. This mini-review summarizes recent equine research on vitamin E supplementation and exercise-induced oxidative stress. Results are variab...
Association of facial expression, biochemistry, and microRNAs with lameness in endurance horses. Lameness is common in endurance horses. Conventional gait-based assessment may not fully capture its various aspects. Facial expression scales can provide complementary, non-locomotor indicators of lameness-related pain. Objective: To evaluate the performance of facial expression scales Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) and Equine Utrecht University Scale for Facial Assessment of Pain (EQUUS-FAP) for assessing pain-related lameness in endurance horses and their associations with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) lameness grading system, biochemical, and molecular markers. Methods...
Colonic adenocarcinoma with osseous metaplasia and systemic metastasis in a horse. A 12-year-old thoroughbred mare was presented with colic and diarrhea. Clinical examination revealed mild tachycardia with injected mucous membranes. Abdominal ultrasonography identified thickened colon walls, an irregular, mottled liver, and free fluid. The mare had elevated liver enzymes and electrolyte abnormalities that continued to worsen during hospitalization and included hypoalbuminemia. Despite intensive and varied medical treatments, the mare's condition deteriorated and she was humanely euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a large adenocarcinoma with osseous metaplasia in the...
Effect of canagliflozin on insulin sensitivity in insulin-dysregulated horses as assessed by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Insulin resistance, enhanced β-cell responsiveness, and lower insulin clearance contribute to hyperinsulinemia in horses with insulin dysregulation. Canagliflozin (CAN) reduces hyperinsulinemia in horses, but its effect on insulin sensitivity (IS) remains unclear. Objective: Evaluate the effects of CAN on IS and insulin clearance using a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) and on β-cell responsiveness using a graded glucose infusion test (GGI) in insulin-dysregulated (ID) horses. Methods: Twenty privately owned ID mares. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study...
Inter- and intra-rater reliability of two grading systems for equine gastric glandular disease. The recommended combined descriptive terminology scoring system for equine gastric glandular disease has poor reliability whereas a published numerical scoring system has substantial reliability. Descriptive terminology appears more affected by clinical experience than numerical scoring. Individual descriptive terminologies have previously correlated with descriptions of severity. Objective: To compare the reliability of two scoring systems across varied clinical experience and between numerical scores and descriptive terms. The hypothesis was that the numerical scoring system would have bette...
Equine herpesvirus 1 myeloencephalopathy incidence and case fatality rates in the USA. Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has substantial animal welfare and economic consequences. Despite extensive research, population-level estimates of EHM incidence and case fatality rates remain poorly characterized. Objective: Describe the burden of EHM and estimate EHM attack and case fatality rates in the United States. Methods: None. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using surveillance data collected by the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) in the United States during 2019-2023. Regression models were used to estimate the mean annual E...
Evaluation of the sterility and clinical use of a disposable spray cap for ophthalmic medication delivery in equine patients. To evaluate the sterility of a commercially available disposable spray cap in an equine barn environment and assess its clinical use. Unassigned: This pilot study included an ex vivo microbiological study and an in vivo usability study. Ex vivo study: diclofenac 0.1% ophthalmic solution and neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone 0.1% ophthalmic suspension were evaluated using either a traditional dropper or spray cap treatment method. Bottles were stored in an equine veterinary hospital barn and dispensed every 12 hours. Samples collected on day 0 and the final study day were analyzed for microbia...
Effects of acute dopamine infusion on metabolic and endocrine responses in horses with different endocrine phenotypes: an exploratory fixed-sequence study. Dopamine modulates insulin secretion and sensitivity in other species, but its peripheral metabolic effects in horses remain unclear. We evaluated whether continuous dopamine hydrochloride (DA HCl) infusion alters oral carbohydrate-stimulated insulin responses or peripheral insulin sensitivity in horses with different metabolic classifications. Seven horses completed oral sugar tests (OST) and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps (EHC) under control conditions and during DA HCl infusion (2.5 µg/kg/min), with each horse serving as its own control. Horses were classified separately as normoinsu...
Feasibility of Enucleation in Standing Sedated Horses With Retrobulbar Anesthesia and Auriculopalpebral Nerve Block: Impact of Ultrasound Guidance in a Case Series. Examining the feasibility of enucleation in standing sedated horses with dorsal retrobulbar anesthesia (RBA) and auriculopalpebral (AP) nerve block and the impact of ultrasound (US) guidance on RBA success. Methods: Thirty horses. Methods: In a prospective clinical case series, horses (n = 15/group) received standardized sedation, dorsal RBA (12 mL mepivacaine) and AP nerve block (4 mL lidocaine). Group 1 received US-assisted RBA (10 MHz linear probe), Group 2 underwent blind RBA subsequently. Needle positioning time was recorded. Eyelid sensitivity was measured before (t) and 20 m...
Transrectal ultrasonographic assessment of the equine fetal distal limb beyond the first phalanx for predicting fetal age and bone development in Quarter Horses. In Quarter Horses (QH), fetal age can be predicted within 2 weeks prior to 200- days of gestation ultrasonographically; however, as pregnancy advances, accuracy decreases. Recently, fetal ultrasonographic measurement of the first phalanx length (P1L) was introduced as a novel biometric parameter during late gestation, and the timing of appearance and closure of P1 epiphyses has been identified as potential markers of bone development. The overall aim of this study is to describe distal limb bone development beyond the first phalanx. Ten healthy pregnant mares (9 QH and 1 Thoroughbred carrying ...
Thirteen years of environmental surveillance of ESKAPE organisms and Escherichia coli in an equine hospital: Informing infection control. Bacteria from the ESKAPE group (i.e., Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species) and Escherichia coli are frequently multidrug-resistant and can be associated with healthcare-associated infections, an increasing concern for veterinary settings. Objective: To determine the environmental prevalence of ESKAPE and E. coli on surfaces which can act as reservoirs of infection in clinical areas in equine hospitals. Methods: Observational study. Methods: Routine environmental sampling was performed in on...
Trazodone administration does not affect platelet concentration or function in horses. To determine the effect of a clinically relevant dose of trazodone on platelet count and function in healthy horses. Methods: Prospective, controlled, cross-over study. Methods: Ten healthy horses. Methods: Horses were administered either 7 mg/kg trazodone orally in corn syrup or an equal amount of corn syrup (control), every 12 h for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, horses underwent at least a 2-week washout period before being administered the alternate treatment (trazodone or control). Blood was collected before the first treatment administration (day 0) and after 2 weeks of treatment for ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
Case Report: Histological study of gastric leiomyosarcoma in a young horse. During the necropsy of a 4-year-old male horse, a protruding mass was detected in the nonglandular region of the stomach. It was roughly oval in shape with a brown surface and a grayish-white cut surface. The tumor was attached to part of the stomach wall. Histologically, the tumor cells were derived from the smooth muscle layer. Tumor cells showed various morphologies and nuclear atypia. Mitotic figures were rare. Some of the tumor cells resembled smooth muscle cells. Tumor cells were seen in blood vessels within the tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for alpha smooth...
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...
