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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.
Equine laminitis: its development coincides with increased sublamellar blood flow. The effect of alimentary carbohydrate overload on hoof temperature was investigated to determine the state of the sublamellar vasculature preceding the onset of equine laminitis. Hoof, core and ambient temperatures and heart rate were logged continuously in 21 mature Standardbred horses kept in an environmental chamber set at 10 degrees C. Recording hoof temperature was a successful, noninvasive, method to measure indirectly, shifts in digital blood flow against a background of cold induced, physiological, vasoconstriction. High hoof temperatures were assumed to indicate digital vasodilation a...
Preliminary observations in in vitro development of equine embryo after ICSI. The objective of this study was to perform intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on in vitro matured equine oocytes and to improve in vitro embryonic development on Vero cells after activation of the microinjected oocytes with calcium ionophore. After maturation (23 or 40 h, 38.5 degrees C, 5% CO2), the cumulus-oocyte complexes were denuded, centrifuged and all oocytes exhibiting the first polar body were microinjected. ICSI was performed using fresh semen from three fertile stallions. Microinjected oocytes were activated with calcium ionophore A23187 (10 min, 10 microM) and cultured individ...
Effect of hoof trimming on the occurrence of distal phalangeal palmar process fractures in foals. This study sought to determine if extensive trimming of the front hooves of foals results in a higher incidence of palmar process fractures compared to untrimmed foals, and to characterise the clinical course of foals with palmar process fractures with physical findings, hoof measurements and radiography. Twenty foals age 4-8 weeks of multiple breeds were examined every 2 weeks over a 12 week period. Ten foals had both front hooves extensively trimmed every 4 weeks, while 10 foals remained untrimmed. Palmar process fractures occurred in 4 trimmed and 3 untrimmed foals. Four foals with fracture...
Effect of a supplementary dietary evening primrose oil mixture on hoof growth, hoof growth rate and hoof lipid fractions in horses: a controlled and blinded trial. The lipid chemistry of the normal equine hoof, together with the effect of oral supplementation with an evening primrose oil mixture (EPOM) on its growth, growth rate and lipid content was assessed in a controlled and blinded feeding trial at the Defence Animal Centre. Twelve horses were paired as closely as possible according to sex, age, weight, height and colour and then one from each pair was randomly allocated to treatment or control groups. The treatment group received 30 ml of oral EPOM/day, otherwise the nutrition and management regimes were the same for all horses. No significant diff...
Batimastat (BB-94) inhibits matrix metalloproteinases of equine laminitis. A method for culturing explants of lamellar hoof was developed to investigate the process of lamellar separation that occurs in laminitis. Explants, consisting of hoof wall, dermal and epidermal lamellae and the adjacent sub-lamellar connective tissue remained intact when cultured in tissue culture medium for 2 days. However, when cultured in the presence of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activator aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA), the lamellae separated when tension was applied by pulling the hoof wall in an opposite direction to the connective tissue. The separation occurred between th...
A permeability barrier in the dorsal wall of the equine hoof capsule. The permeability barrier in the dorsal wall of the equine hoof capsule was studied by means of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in 0.9 N saline solution as a water soluble tracer. Section were treated with 3'3'-diaminobenzidine tetrachloride (DAB) and before dissection the quality of the horn of feet from 10 horses was assessed and given a subjective grade as either good or poor. Blocks of tissue from each horse were left in either an oven at 60 degrees C or in water for 2 weeks before treatment in HRP, sectioning and DAB solution. Regions observed were i) outer surface, ii) outermost layers of th...
Cytokeratins of the equine hoof wall, chestnut and skin: bio- and immunohisto-chemistry. The equine skin and its appendages (chestnut, hoof capsule, ergot, sebaceous glands, sweat glands and hair) consist mainly of keratinocytes. The intermediate filament cytoskeleton of these cells in involved in specialised functions, such as mechanical co-ordination of the cytoskeleton of the cell or tissue. In this study, 7 monoclonal antibodies, one polyclonal antibody and immunoblot analysis were used to characterise cytokeratins (separated by 1- and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis) from the hoof wall and chestnut. The tissue distribution of these cytokeratins was studied by immunohistoche...
Effects of season and diet on tensile strength and mineral content of the equine hoof wall. Studies evaluating nutritional and seasonal influences on hoof strength and composition in horses, as well as the scientific justification for feeding supplements to improve hoof quality, are lacking. The horseman and veterinarian need controlled studies in this area to make informed decisions. This project quantified, in 2 trials, relative elasticity, tensile strength, % moisture, and mineral composition of hooves of 48 mature Thoroughbred mares maintained on different nutritional/management regimens, sampled quarterly over 12 month periods. Tensile strength was positively associated with sul...
The development of microcracking and failure in bone depends on the loading mode to which it is adapted. During locomotion, the anterior cortex of the equine radius is loaded predominantly in tension, the posterior predominantly in compression. The anterior cortex is relatively strong in tension, the posterior in compression. We investigated the pattern of failure of specimens from the two cortices using laser scanning confocal microscopy. All specimens were loaded in four-point bending to increasingly higher loads. We quantified the amount of diffuse microcracking on the tensile side of these specimens by observing the amount of light emitted under laser illumination. The amount of light emitted...
A particulate viral protein vaccine reduces viral load and delays progression to disease in immunized ponies challenged with equine infectious anemia virus. Immunization regimens that induce a broadly reactive cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) response specific for lentiviral antigens have emerged as the leading candidates in efficacy trials conducted in both animal modelshumans. To date, lentivirus vaccination strategies have overlooked one such immunization strategy, namely the use of particulate antigens. To evaluate the efficacy of targeting antigen into the phagocytic pathway to elicit a cell-mediated immune response to lentiviral antigens, we initiated the first study of a particulate-based vaccination protocol using a large animal model system. ...
Association of Clostridium difficile with enterocolitis and lactose intolerance in a foal. Diagnoses of Clostridium difficile enterocolitis and lactose intolerance were made in a neonatal foal with persistent diarrhea. It was determined that the foal had lactose intolerance on the basis of the results of a lactose tolerance test, and a diagnosis of C difficile enterocolitis was subsequently made. The foal responded to oral administration of metronidazole and lactase. Lactose intolerance is a secondary problem most commonly associated with rotavirus infection, but it can be caused by any condition affecting the small intestine. Because C difficile can affect the small intestine in fo...
Incarceration of the small colon through a rent in the gastrosplenic ligament in a pony. A 10-year-old castrated male pony was examined for intermittent signs of abdominal pain of 3 days' duration. An incarceration of the small colon through a rent in the gastrosplenic ligament was found. Resection and end-to-end anastomosis were performed on the affected portion of the small colon. The pony recovered and returned to its previous degree of activity. Incarceration of the small intestine and large colon through rents in the gastrosplenic ligament are documented, although involvement of the small intestine is more common. To the best of our knowledge, incarceration of the small colon...
Endoscopy of the intertubercular bursa in horses. Forelimbs from 3 anesthetized horses and 16 fresh cadaver horses were used to describe the endoscopic anatomy of the intertubercular bursa and outline the surgical portals that provide the greatest access to structures within the bursa. A lateral arthroscopic portal was made proximal to the deltoid tuberosity of the humerus into the distal bursal recess. A second portal was created proximal to the humeral tubercles that entered the proximal bursal space. These approaches provided consistent viewing and instrument access to the lateral intertuberal groove, the greater and intermediate humeral t...
Morphology of the oocyte-follicular connection in the mare. The present study characterised the oocyte-follicular connection (i.e., oocyte fixation site) in Graafian follicles of the mare morphologically. Antral follicles were dissected in toto from ovaries obtained from oestrous, dioestrous and transitional mares after slaughter. The location of the cumulus oophorus complex in relation to the ovulation fossa, the width and density of the blood vessels surrounding the cumulus oophorus complex, the relative dimensions and histological aspects of the cumulus oophorus were investigated. For ultrastructural analysis of the junctional regions, cumulus-oocyt...
Detection of antibodies to equine arteritis virus by enzyme linked immunosorbant assays utilizing G(L), M and N proteins expressed from recombinant baculoviruses. Indirect enzyme linked immunosorbant assays (ELISAs) utilizing the three major structural proteins (M, N, and G(L)) of equine arteritis virus (EAV) expressed from recombinant baculoviruses were developed. A large panel of sera collected from uninfected horses, and from animals experimentally and naturally infected with EAV or vaccinated with the modified live virus vaccine against equine viral arteritis, were used to characterize the humoral immune response of horses to the three major EAV structural proteins. The data suggest that the M protein was the major target of the equine antibody resp...
Successful treatment of an equine preputial fibrosarcoma using 5-fluorouracil/evaluation of the treatment using quantitative PCNA and Ki67 (MIB 1) immunostaining. (case report). An 18-month-old cross-bred Fjord pony colt presenting a fibrosarcoma of the prepuce with severe infiltrative growth, was treated by topical application of 5-fluorouracil. Biopsies were taken before and after a treatment period of 2 months. As a control, preputial tissue from a healthy horse was biopsied. Tissue sections were stained immunohistochemically for Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and Proliferation related factor--Ki67 (MIB1). Using computerized quantitative image analysis of these sections, Mitotic index (PCNA), Growth Fraction (Ki67) and total nuclear area percentage of th...
Effects of intravenously administered glycopyrrolate in anesthetized horses. The purpose of this study was to determine the heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) effect of glycopyrrolate in anesthetized horses with low HR ( 5 beats/min within 10 min), glycopyrrolate (same dose) was administered. Heart rate increased by > 5 beats/min in 3 out of 9 horses following the initial glycopyrrolate treatment. Overall changes in HR and mean BP were not significantly different, while systolic and diastolic BP increased significantly (P 5 beats/min, which was significant. A significant increase in BP was produced following treatment with 2.5 micrograms/kg BW, but not followi...
Paranasal sinus cyst as a cause of stridor in a standardbred colt. Sinus cysts are epithelium-lined, fluid-filled cavities that can occur in the paranasal sinuses of horses. Extensive damage to the permanent tooth buds was a significant feature in this case. The sequellae of these abnormalities, although not apparent at the time of presentation, remain an important consideration for prognosis.
Effect of timing and route of administration of furosemide on pulmonary hemorrhage and pulmonary arterial pressure in exercising thoroughbred racehorses. To examine effect of pre-exercise administration of furosemide (FUR) on mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) during work and RBC concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collected 40 minutes after exercise. Methods: 10 adult Thoroughbreds. Methods: A modified 10 X 10 crossover design comprising 10 horses during 10 weeks was used. Each horse received each of 5 treatments twice. Treatment structure included a control plus a 2 X 2 factorial and consisted of the following: A, control; B, FUR, 250 mg, IV, 30 minutes before exercise; C, FUR, 250 mg, IV, 240 minutes before exercise; D, ...
Culture and characterization of equine terminal arch endothelial cells and hoof keratinocytes. To develop methods to isolate, culture, and characterize equine hoof endothelial cells (EC) and keratinocytes. Methods: Cells harvested from the forelimbs of 8 horses. Methods: EC were obtained via catheters placed in the palmar digital arteries of the disarticulated lower portion of the forelimbs from 4 horses that had been heparinized prior to euthanasia. Phosphate-buffered saline solution was used to remove and discard RBC from blood vessels, and collagenase was used to loosen and flush EC from the vasculature. Hoof keratinocytes were obtained from 4 recently euthanatized horses by use of d...
Metoclopramide ameliorates the effects of endotoxin on gastric emptying of acetaminophen in horses. The effect of metoclopramide on gastric emptying of a liquid marker in horses was evaluated by measuring serum concentrations of acetaminophen. Gastric emptying was determined in normal, fasted horses (n = 7), horses given endotoxin intravenously (n = 7), and horses given intravenous metoclopramide plus endotoxin (n = 6). The mean time to reach maximum serum acetaminophen concentration (Tmax), the maximum serum concentration (Cmax), and the area under the serum acetaminophen concentration vs time curve (AUC) were compared among treatment groups. Endotoxin caused a profound delay in gastric emp...
Purification of two equine pepsinogens by use of high-performance liquid chromatography. To purify and characterize pepsinogens in equine gastric mucosa. Methods: Stomachs collected from 2 healthy horses at necropsy. Methods: After collection, stomachs were placed immediately in ice before storage at -48 C. After slow thawing, the mucosa was scraped off while the tissue was immersed in 0.1M potassium phosphate (pH 7.4) at 4 C, then was homogenized. The filtered extract was subjected to anion-exchange chromatography. Fractions that were found to contain pepsin or pepsinogen were further chromatographed. Individual fractions were tested for pepsinogen or pepsin content by monitoring...
Instability-induced osteoarthritis in the metacarpophalangeal joint of horses. To establish an instability model of osteoarthritis (OA) that mimics the early changes of naturally acquired OA. Methods: 6 mature radiographically normal horses. Procedure-The collateral and lateral collateral sesamoidean ligaments were transected in a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in each horse. Lameness examinations were performed every 7 days after surgery for 8 weeks. Radiographs were taken immediately before and after desmotomy and 8 weeks after surgery. Eight weeks after surgery, bilateral MCP joints were grossly evaluated, specimens of articular cartilage were harvested for histologi...
Effect of a conjugate of polymyxin B-dextran 70 in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia. To determine the efficacy of polymyxin B-dextran 70 (PBD) for treatment of endotoxemic horses. Methods: 15 horses during study 1 and 6 horses during study 2. Methods: 3 groups were used in study 1. Horses in groups 1 and 2 were given 30 ng of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/kg of body weight, IV, over 60 minutes. Horses in group 3 were given saline (0.9% NaCl) solution. Beginning 15 minutes before LPS infusion and continuing for 75 minutes, horses in groups 1 and 3 were given PBD, IV. Horses in group 2 were given dextran 70. Blood samples were obtained for hemograms and determination of cytokine, lac...
Hemodynamic effects of thyroidectomy in sedentary horses. To investigate hemodynamic effects of thyroidectomy in horses at rest. Methods: 6 healthy aged Quarter Horse mares. Methods: Horses were monitored for 5 months before and 4 weeks after thyroidectomy and for an additional 4 weeks after administration of thyroid hormone supplement (2.5 microg of thyroxine/kg of body weight, PO, q 12 h, and 0.6 microg of triiodothyronine/kg, PO, q 12 h). Responses to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured before and 4 weeks after thyroidectomy. Other variables monitored daily were resting rectal temperature (T), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), an...
Effects of R and S enantiomers and a racemic mixture of carprofen on the production and release of proteoglycan and prostaglandin E2 from equine chondrocytes and cartilage explants. To examine effects of carprofen (enantiomers and a racemic mixture) on the metabolism of equine chondrocytes. Methods: Cartilage from clinically normal horses. Methods: Effects of carprofen on proteoglycan neosynthesis, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release and prostaglandin (PG) E2 production by unstimulated chondrocyte monolayers and cartilage explants were examined, as were similar variables in monolayers and explants exposed to carprofen and recombinant human interleukin 1beta (IL-1). Carprofen (enantiomers and racemic mixture) was used alone or along with IL-1 on monolayers and explant cultures...
Micromechanics of the equine hoof wall: optimizing crack control and material stiffness through modulation of the properties of keratin. Small-scale components of the equine hoof wall were tested to determine their mechanical roles in the morphological hierarchy. Macroscale tensile tests conducted on samples of the inner wall tubules and intertubular material showed a sixfold difference in mean initial stiffnesses (0.47 and 0.08 GPa, respectively), indicating that the inner wall tubules stiffen the wall along its longitudinal axis. The similarity in material properties of tubule and intertubular samples from the mid-wall suggests that tubules in this region offer only minor reinforcement along the longitudinal axis. Microscale ...
