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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.
Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias with oral sotalol in four horses. Sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in horses can require medical intervention. Prompt pharmacological treatment is indicated when the arrhythmia leads to hemodynamic or electrical instability. Established antiarrhythmic treatment of VA in horses includes lidocaine and magnesium, administered parenterally. Other antiarrhythmic agents are used; however, concerns regarding adverse effects, financial restrictions, logistics of administration, and lack of access often limit their use. While anecdotal reports of oral administration of sotalol for treatment of VA in horses exist, sotalol has pri...
Horse racing towards antibiotic resistance. Accompanying animals as a source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a significant issue in modern infectious medicine and veterinary science, with animals, including horses, playing a crucial role in its dissemination. Antibiotics, used both for treatment and prevention of diseases in animals, influence the composition of the microbiota and promote the selection of resistant strains that can be transmitted to humans through direct or environmental contact. Horses, currently classified as companion animals, serve as a reservoir of commensal and pathogenic bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains capable of horizontal gene transfe...
Clodronate disodium reduced TRAP5b independent of affecting other systemic biomarkers of bone resorption or formation in yearling, exercising Quarter Horses. Clodronate disodium (CD), a bisphosphonate, modulates bone metabolism. Though extra-label use in juvenile horses is anecdotally reported, impacts on skeletal development are unknown. The objective was to determine the effects of CD on systemic markers of bone turnover in yearling horses undergoing exercise, hypothesizing that biomarkers of bone resorption would decrease while biomarkers of bone formation would not change, and that repeat CD treatments would have greater effect. To test this, 32 yearling Quarter Horses were used in a 168-d trial. Horses were stratified by age (500 ± 13 d),...
Validation of a stall-side immunoglobulin assay for use in equine reproductive management. Equine foals receive IgG from mare colostrum through passive transfer. Failure of passive transfer (FPT) is a significant risk to the foal's life, leaving them vulnerable to infection and sepsis. Radial Immunodiffusion (RID) and immunoturbidimetric assays quantify IgG present in a foal sample but require a laboratory to complete. Accurate, reproducible, stall-side testing to rapidly quantify IgG would allow for expedited clinical decisions, with potential to improve equine foal care and survival. Objective: To evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of a stall-side IgG lateral-flow te...
Membrane and mitochondrial antioxidants improve post-thaw functional quality of stallion spermatozoa. Cryopreservation of stallion semen induces oxidative stress that compromises sperm motility, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function. Given the high mitochondrial reliance of equine spermatozoa and their susceptibility to oxidative damage, compartment-specific antioxidant strategies may improve post-thaw functional resilience. This study evaluated the effects of astaxanthin, a membrane-active carotenoid, and MitoTEMPO, a mitochondria-targeted superoxide scavenger, on the functional and oxidative status of frozen-thawed stallion spermatozoa. Ejaculates from nine stallions were cryopreser...
The incidence of fatal and non-fatal injury in thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorses in Louisiana (2014-2022). The objectives of the study were to report the incidence of race-related injuries and equine fatalities in racehorses at the Louisiana racetracks from 2014 to 2022 for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorses. Additionally, this study evaluated several factors that may be related to the occurrence of race-related injuries in racehorses in Louisiana. The average rates of equine fatal injuries (euthanized on or off track within 72 h of the race) were 1.70 ± 0.76 and 1.94 ± 0.89 per 1000 starts in Thoroughbred and Quarter racehorses, respectively. The average rates of non-fatal injur...
A scoping review of neuroendocrinological biomarkers with potential for use in equine behavioral medicine practice. BACKGROUND: Equine emotion and welfare are of increasing concern to the general public, equestrians and researchers. There is growing demand for more objective indicators of specific emotional states, as well as the well-being of horses in a variety of contexts. Such markers may also assist in both the diagnosis and selection of biological therapies within equine behavioral medicine. RESULTS: This scoping review summarizes and appraises the published findings relating to relevant biological measurements from the last two decades. Particular attention is given to methodological, subject-related...
The prevalence of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi carriers in the Netherlands. Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) carriers are thought to be important drivers for strangles outbreaks. Limited data are available on the prevalence of carriers in European horse husbandry settings. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of S. equi carriers among apparently healthy adult horses and ponies in the Netherlands. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: The carrier prevalence in the Netherlands was estimated, detecting carriers by PCR analysis of three repeated nasopharyngeal lavages at weekly intervals. Bayesian methods were used for a true prevalence estimation. Result...
Piezosurgical partial ostectomy of the incisive bone for an ossifying fibroma removal in a 4-year-old Warmblood gelding. Ossifying fibromas are uncommon in horses and complete surgical excision with premaxillectomy, maxillectomy or mandibulectomy is recommended. Piezosurgery has been previously used in equines only in one study. Objective: To report a case of ossifying fibroma treated with piezosurgery and to describe its follow-up. Methods: Clinical case report. Methods: A 4-year-old Zangersheide gelding was presented for a mass occupying the space of tooth 202. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma, which was removed by resection of soft tissues and a slice of the premaxilla with a piezotome. ...
An in vitro collagen gel contraction assay to assess the relaxing effect of potential pharmacological alternatives to oxytetracycline on foals’ tendons. Oxytetracycline has been successfully used to treat flexural limb deformities in foals. However, its antimicrobial properties and potential adverse side effects warrant the investigation of alternatives. Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or collagen cross-linking have been suggested as possible mechanisms of action. This study assessed the influence of potential alternative substances lacking antimicrobial properties on collagen gel contraction by juvenile equine myofibroblasts in vitro. Myofibroblasts were isolated from forelimb SDFTs and inferior check ligaments from foals eutha...
Anatomical assessment of endodontic debridement challenges in severely diseased equine cheek teeth. There is a lack of knowledge on orthograde endodontic techniques in horses and endodontic case selection is mostly empirical currently. Objective: To explore the efficacy of endodontic debridement in severely diseased cheek teeth that are currently deemed unsuitable for endodontic treatment, find where debris is left behind, compare intercanal communications with those described in healthy cheek teeth, explore the effects of endodontic repair mechanisms on endodontic debridement and to investigate the presence of accessory canals and apical deltas in infected parts of the pulp system. Methods:...
Germline Pathogenic Variant in the APC Gene Suggestive of Gardner Syndrome in a Pony. A 12-year-old pony mare was presented for evaluation of dental disease and nasal discharge. At presentation, clinical signs included bilateral nasal discharge, cutaneous masses, and numerous hard enlargements involving the bones of the skull, maxilla, mandible, and cervical vertebrae. Oral exam revealed advanced dental disease with hard enlargements adjacent to and between numerous cheek teeth. Radiographs and computed tomography confirmed the presence of severe dental disease and proliferative bone lesions disseminated along the skull, hyoid apparatus, and cranial cervical vertebrae. The bony...
Assessment of acute and chronic pain in working horses and donkeys in Egypt and the influence of observer training. Pain assessment can support monitoring welfare in working equids. Objective: To assess agreement of structured pain scores before and after training observers and to assess differences in pain scores between working equids with or without acute or chronic pain and to compare them to non-working equids. Methods: In part 1, eleven veterinarians and nine technicians performed pain scores before and after training. Agreement with reference scores was analyzed with Intra Class Correlation (ICC) analysis. In part 2, pain assessments were performed in 96 donkeys (n=40 fit-to-work, n=21 acute pain, n=...
Transference of diagnostic thresholds for equine plasma ACTH from the Immulite 1000 to Immulite 2000XPi and Tosoh AIA systems. Diagnosis of PPID in horses relies on measurement of plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. Because measured ACTH values vary between analytical platforms, and published diagnostic thresholds apply almost exclusively to the Immulite 1000 chemiluminescent assay (CLA), there is a need for validated, assay-specific thresholds for contemporary analysers. This study aimed to transfer and validate established Immulite 1000 diagnostic thresholds for plasma ACTH to three contemporary systems (Immulite 2000XPi, Tosoh AIA-900, and Tosoh AIA-360) using the Clinical Laboratory Standard...
Efficacy of an iron absorption test on assessing iron status in horses. Iron absorption tests (IATs) are used to evaluate iron absorption in humans. However, this testing has not been conducted in horses. Objective: The objective was to assess how a large dose of iron affects blood iron parameters during an IAT. Methods: Mixed-breed geldings (n=12) were offered 2% of their bodyweight (BW) in mixed-grass hay and an iron-free vitamin-mineral supplement. A baseline IAT (Baseline IAT) was performed, where horses received 25 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of BW of iron (ferrous sulfate) orally. Jugular venous samples were taken before the iron dose, and 3-, 6-, 12-, a...
Impact of evidence-based information on horse owners’ misconceptions of colic. Misconceptions can be defined as 'false, persistent beliefs' or 'inaccurate, prior knowledge' and can influence decision-making. Objective: To investigate the impact of evidence-based information on UK horse owners' decision-making for colic. Methods: Mixed-methods cross-sectional study. Methods: An online survey was distributed to UK horse owners, with four sections: owner demographics; views on decision-making and referral to an equine hospital facility for colic; current knowledge and approach to colic; impact of evidence-based information (including evidence on recognising and responding t...
Case Report: Physiological Stress Responses to Repeated, Standardized Short-Distance Transport in a Transport-Experienced Horse. Transport is a fundamental component of equestrian training and competition. However, even horses with extensive transport experience may exhibit physiological stress responses during routine travel. This case report describes physiological stress responses in a transport-experienced 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding subjected to repeated, standardized short-distance transport. The horse was transported on 17 occasions along a fixed route to a riding school for dressage training using the same vehicle, handler, and protocol to minimize environmental variability. Physiological stress marker...
Integrating clinical and rna-seq findings in a mare with recurrent endocrinopathic laminitis linked to equine metabolic syndrome. Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is characterized by insulin dysregulation and obesity, which increase the risk of the development of hyperinsulinemia-induced laminitis (HAL). The present report describes a case of severe endocrinopathic laminitis associated with EMS, refractory to treatment. A 5-year-old mare with recurrent HAL presented transient relief upon a low nonstructural carbohydrate diet and conventional therapy. An SGLT2 inhibitor was introduced to reduce resting insulin levels, and improvement was observed until October 2024, when the most severe episode started. Despite adding perg...
Complete atrioventricular septal defect in Thoroughbred foals: echocardiographic and postmortem findings. Complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is rarely reported in horses. We retrospectively reviewed three Thoroughbred foals (2017-2023) with necropsy-confirmed complete AVSD and summarized their clinical presentation, transthoracic echocardiographic findings, and postmortem anatomy. All foals showed early signs of congenital cardiac disease including weakness, failure to thrive and cardiac murmurs. Echocardiography demonstrated a common atrioventricular junction with a single atrioventricular valve and combined atrial and ventricular septal defects; all were classified as Rastelli type C...
Exercising electrocardiograms from Thoroughbred racehorses with exercise associated sudden death. Exercise associated sudden death (EASD), defined as a fatal collapse in a closely monitored and previously presumed clinically healthy horse that occurs during exercise or within approximately 1 h after exercise, is disproportionately more common in equine than in human athletes. Objective: To describe ECGs from EASD cases in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: An international call for potential cases was made through direct contact with relevant racing authorities requesting that trainers of horses which had experienced EASD consent to researchers gaining ac...
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in a Roman-period horse from Gerulata (Bratislava-Rusovce, Slovakia): Diagnostic Considerations. To evaluate pathological changes identified in a skeleton of a horse from Roman-period Gerulata, Slovakia. Methods: The remains consist of a partially preserved, articulated skeleton of an adult horse from today's southern urban district of Bratislava-Rusovce in southwestern Slovakia. Methods: The specimen underwent macroscopic analysis to assess taxonomic identification, biological profile, and pathological changes. Thoracolumbar lesions were further evaluated using computed tomography (CT). Radiocarbon dating determined the absolute age of the remains. Results: Species determination indicate...
Glanders: Past, Present and Future of a Neglected Zoonosis as a Threat in Veterinary and Human Health. Burkholderia mallei is the causative agent of glanders, a serious zoonotic disease of major concern for both animal and human health. This highly contagious and potentially fatal bacterium is always classified as a biothreat agent. In this review, we covered a comprehensive overview of glanders, including the biology of the pathogen, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, control strategies and ongoing eradication programs in Eurasia. We also summarized human case reports, differential diagnosis, treatment and organism's antimicrobial properties. The section on vaccine development is among the...
Effects of vatinoxan in horses sedated with detomidine and butorphanol for gastroscopy: a randomized clinical study. The peripheral alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist vatinoxan attenuated the side effects of alpha2-adrenergic sedatives in experimental studies in horses. This clinical study investigated the effects of vatinoxan in horses sedated for gastroscopy with detomidine and butorphanol. Client-owned horses were randomly allocated to receive one of the following two intravenous treatments: detomidine hydrochloride (HCl) (12μg/kg) + butorphanol tartrate (12μg/kg) (DB; n=11) or DB + vatinoxan HCl (200μg/kg) (DBV; n=11). Borborygmi score and heart rate were recorded by auscultation. Sedation level was evalu...
Trendelenburg positioning with or without norepinephrine infusion for haemodynamic support in anaesthetised hypovolemic horses. Intraoperative haemorrhage during equine anaesthesia is a rare but potentially fatal complication requiring prompt haemodynamic support. Postural manoeuvres such as Trendelenburg (TL) positioning and vasopressor support augment venous return and improve cardiac output (CO), yet their efficacy in anaesthetised hypovolemic horses remains unstudied. Objective: To evaluate haemodynamic effects of TL positioning during normovolemia and acute haemorrhagic hypovolemia, and to determine whether concurrent norepinephrine (NE) infusion enhances cardiovascular stabilisation. Methods: In vivo experiments....
Abdominal palpation per rectum is highly sensitive for identifying small versus large intestinal lesions in horses presenting for colic. To describe the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of abdominal palpation per rectum in horses treated surgically for colic. Unassigned: Medical records were gathered over 5 years (2019 to 2024). Findings of abdominal palpation per rectum were collected and compared to surgical diagnosis, and cases were categorized as true or false positive and negative. Signalment, physical examination parameters, hematologic values, and years of examiner experience were recorded. Unassigned: Records of 453 horses were included. Overall sensitivity and positive predictive value were 86%...
Toll-like receptor 3-activated allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as an adjunct for the treatment of synovial sepsis in 3 horses. To describe the case presentation, treatment, and outcome of horses treated with Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3)-activated allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (CB-MSCs). Unassigned: 3 horses presenting with chronic or antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) septic synovitis. Unassigned: All horses presented with clinical signs associated with septic synovitis including marked grade 4/5 lameness, joint effusion, heat/swelling of the limb, and synovial fluid parameters consistent with sepsis. Case 1 presented 3 weeks following the onset of clinical signs. Cases 2 and 3 developed...
Klossiella equi, an underreported parasite of equids in the Americas. Klossiella equi Baumann, 1946 (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) is a globally distributed adeleorinid parasite that infects the kidneys of equid hosts. Considered an uncommon parasite, when K. equi is detected, it is typically an incidental finding during histologic examination of the kidneys as part of routine necropsy. In the present study, kidney was collected opportunistically from 3 different equine populations: 1) routine necropsies at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC; n = 48); 2) natural mortalities from the Sable Island wild horse herd (n = 25); and 3) routine necropsies of animals fr...
Standing computed tomographic tenography is reliable in identifying soft tissue lesions within the digital flexor tendon sheath in horses. To determine the diagnostic performance of standing computed tomographic tenography (CTT) in detecting naturally occurring intrathecal lesions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), manica flexoria (MF), and in identifying palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL) desmitis and constriction in horses undergoing tenoscopy. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Client-owned horses of various breeds and use, median age of 12.5 years (range: 6-20 years). Methods: A total of 24 horses with inconclusive ultrasonographic and contrast tenograp...
Antibacterial use in Norwegian horses: a nationwide registry-based cross-sectional study. BACKGROUND: Antibacterials are essential for treating infections in horses, but the use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which threatens animal and human health. Despite these concerns, antibacterial use in horses has not been systematically studied and described in Norway, and nationwide registry-based analyses in other countries are scarce. The aim of this study is to describe antibacterial use in Norwegian horses, 2022–2024, by analysing nationwide registry data, with a particular emphasis on gynecological and obstetrical conditions. In addition, we will evaluate the data qu...
Erythrocyte sequestration of metformin in horses: impact on matrix-specific pharmacokinetics and detection windows. BACKGROUND: Metformin is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is one of the most prescribed medications in human medicine. It is less commonly prescribed in equine medicine, and its use is tightly regulated in several performance horse disciplines. In horseracing, it is considered a banned substance. A previous pharmacokinetic study of metformin in horses demonstrated a prolonged, unpredictable elimination phase. In the current study it was hypothesized that this was due to sequestration of metformin in a “deep” compartment, specifically red blood cells. This could result in pharm...
