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.
Thurmon JC, Benson GJ.The purpose of this article is to review the use of selected anesthetics and anesthetic adjuncts in horses. Emphasis is placed on the pharmacologic bases of their use.
Anderson WI, King JM, Rothwell JT.Segmental atresia of the transverse colon was observed at necropsy in a neonatal foal. The dorsal and ventral components of the large colon were fused, and ended blindly. The small colon was collapsed and completely closed at its cranial end. The right and left dorsal and ventral colons were fused into one blind-ended tube. Histologically, eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies demonstrative of Equine Rhinopneumonitis were present in the thymus.
Huxtable CR, Chapman HM, Main DC, Vass D, Pearse BH, Hilbert BJ.A severe paretic syndrome accompanied by intense neuronal lipofuscinosis is described in sheep and horses exposed to Trachyandra divaricata. This is a newly recognised toxic hazard for grazing livestock in the coastal region of the south west of Western Australia. Animals appear to become affected over a period of weeks when summer conditions induce a scarcity of alternative feed. The disease is discussed in relation to its recent documentation in South Africa where the plant is indigenous.
Manohar M.It has been reported in exercising ponies that O2 supply to all regions of the brain increased primarily due to a large increment in CaO2 and it was implied that this may reflect a generalized increase in brain metabolism during strenuous exercise. Splenectomy ameliorates the rise in CaO2 observed with exercise in ponies. Thus, the objective of the present study was to examine changes in regional brain blood flow and O2 supply of splenectomized ponies with sub-maximal and maximal exercise and to compare these data with previous observations in normal ponies. It was reasoned that in the absence...
Bürger HJ, Bauer C.In order to confirm benzimidazole resistance as recommended at a workshop of the Commission of the European Communities the isolate 'E' of cyathostome strongyles originating from a stud where benzimidazole resistance had been demonstrated by egg hatch tests and by egg count reduction tests was investigated in two series of critical tests. Each of 11 foals reared strongyle-free was infected with 130,000 third stage cyathostome larvae. One animal remained untreated, two pairs of foals were treated with paste formulations of the (pro)benzimidazoles cambendazole (20 mg/kg bodyweight) or febantel (...
Watkins SB, Watney GC, Hall LW, Houlton JE.After premedication with intravenous xylazine 30 ponies were anaesthetised for castration under field conditions with intravenous ketamine, thiopentone or methohexitone. The duration of anaesthesia was adequate for surgery and the times taken to stand were similar in each group. The recovery of the ponies after ketamine was quieter than after either of the barbiturates and this may be an advantage when skilled assistance is lacking. However, all the anaesthetics appeared to be suitable for performing minor surgery in the field.
Satterlee JD, Moench SJ, Erman JE.Cytochrome-c peroxidase (ferrocytochrome-c:hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.5) forms a noncovalent 1:1 complex with horse cytochrome c in low ionic strength solution that is detectable by proton NMR spectroscopy. When the entire proton hyperfine-shifted spectrum is considered only five hyperfine resonances exhibit unambiguously detectable shifts: the heme 8-CH3 and 3-CH3 resonances, single proton resonances near 19 ppm and -4 ppm and the methionine-80 methyl group. These shifts are very similar to those observed for the covalently crosslinked complex of cytochrome-c peroxidase and h...
van den Dikkenberg MI, Holtkamp BM.Seven cases of poisoning in horses are reported. This was caused by ingestion of branches of the alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus (mill.) syn. Rhamnus frangula L.), which had been thrown on the pasture. The biological characteristics and the toxic action of the plant are discussed more fully.
Barclay WP, McCracken RJ, Phillips TN, Foerner JJ.Chronic nongranulomatous intestinal inflammation was found during laparotomy in 7 horses. The clinical signs consisted of recurrent abdominal pain in all horses. Anti-inflammatory agents (corticosteroidal and nonsteroidal agents) appeared to be effective for controlling the signs. Surgical removal of the involved intestine also was effective. Nonocclusive or temporary mesenteric ischemia was proposed as a cause of the intestinal lesions.
Markel MD, Richardson GL, Peterson PR, Meagher DM.Three adult horses were admitted with chronic coronary band avulsions of 2-, 3-, and 46-month durations, respectively. The hoof had a typical appearance in all 3 horses, with a spur of coronary band and associated horn growing at right angles to the hoof wall. Each horse was anesthetized, and the coronary band was reconstructed. Follow-up evaluation of the 3 horses (12, 15, and 23 months after surgery, respectively), revealed healing of all 3 avulsed coronary bands. Mild roughening of the hoof wall distal to the previous avulsion site was observed.
Freestone JF, Hietala S, Moulton J, Vivrette S.A 7-year-old horse with no previous history of illness was determined to have a systemic infection of Rhodococcus equi. Rhodococcus equi was isolated from blood, tracheal fluid, and feces. Lymphopenia, failure to respond to concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin lymphocyte stimulation testing, decreased concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgA, and IgG, low R equi antibody titer, histologic depletion of lymphoid tissue, and a failure to respond to antigenic stimulation led to the conclusion that both humoral and cell-mediated immunity were compromised. No cause for the acquired immunodeficie...
Markel MD, Pascoe JR, Sams AE.The medical records of 13 horses with strangulated umbilical hernias were reviewed. Typical history included increased swelling, warmth, and firmness of the hernial sac. Enterocutaneous fistulas had developed in 2 horses. Four horses had signs of abdominal pain. Surgery was performed on all horses, and the hernia was reduced by an open reduction technique. Incarcerated tissue included omentum (1 horse), jejunum (5), ileum (4), cecum (1), and ventral colon (2). All horses survived and were discharged from the hospital. Follow-up information on 9 horses (5 to 52 months after discharge) revealed ...
Simpson JW, Else RW.Methods are described for the endoscopic examination and biopsy of the gastrointestinal tract and liver of the dog, cat, ox and horse. The results of the examination of 41 biopsy samples are shown, followed by a discussion of the value of biopsy in the diagnosis of diseases of the digestive tract.
Starick E.Serum samples from 72 stallions were examined for the occurrence of antibodies against equine arteritis virus, of which 41 animals (57%) were found to be positive. 32 of the seropositive stallions were then screened for persistent EAV infection, before and after the breeding season. Semen samples were investigated by RT-PCR followed by dot blot hybridization and nested PCR, and by virus isolation on cell cultures as well. The carrier state was virologically confirmed in 11 of 32 stallions (34%) during the first and in 9 of 20 (45%) during the second investigation. RT-PCR followed by confirmato...
Jacobsen B, Venner M, Gerdwilker A, Wohlsein P.A ventral meningomyelocele was found in a five week old, male German warmblood foal which exhibited central nervous symptoms. This rare malformation in horses may be caused by absent or defective fusion of vertebral bodies leading to herniation of the spinal cord and meninges with subsequent degenerative alterations of the spinal cord.
Scott DW.In a retrospective histopathologic study of nonneoplastic dermatoses, lymphoid nodules were found in 0.3% of 3,408 canine, 5.1% of 469 feline, and 4.5% of 325 equine skin biopsies. In all 3 species, the majority of cases wherein lymphoid nodules were found were diseases of presumed immune-mediated nature. In cats and horses, the majority of cases were also diseases characterized by tissue eosinophilia.
Sloan PB, Self KA, Kang Q, Lutter JD.To characterize clinical findings and outcomes for horses with heel bulb lacerations. Medical records of a teaching hospital were reviewed to identify horses treated for heel bulb lacerations between February 2004 and October 2018. Long-term outcome was assessed by telephone communication with owners. Results were analyzed to determine association with clinical outcome. 31 mares and 31 geldings of various ages, breeds, and uses were evaluated. Thirty-six horses had a wound of 0 to 2 days' duration, and 17 horses had a wound of > 2 days' duration. Horses with a wound duration of < 2 days had a ...
Tulleners E.Transendoscopic laser surgery provides equine surgeons with a safe, reliable, and minimally invasive method of performing many surgical procedures in the upper respiratory tract. Although the Nd:YAG laser has proven efficacy, other newer lasers such as the diode and holmium: YAG lasers may prove to be useful tools for equine upper respiratory tract surgery. Long grasping forceps and a high quality fiberoptic or video endoscope are critical components necessary for performing transendoscopic laser surgery. For many of the most common upper respiratory tract abnormalities, a laryngotomy can be e...
Feige K, Steiger R, Graf U, Schöberl M.Clinical signs of horses with peritonitis were colic (67.4%), elevated heart rate (53.2%), altered mucous membranes (75.8%), reduced intestinal motility (63.2%), increased tension of the abdominal wall (69.9%) and pyrexia (45.1%). The amount of obtained peritoneal fluid was increased in 62.3% of the horses. Colour and translucency of the peritoneal fluid were abnormal in 98.8% of the patients. The nucleated cell count was 83.5 (10-595) x 10(3)/microliter, protein content 35.6 g/l (+/-14.2), specific gravity 1027.3 (+/-7.4) and the relative amount of neutrophils was 87.8% (+/-11). The physical ...
Vaala WE, Clark ES, Orsini JA.Gram-negative neonatal septicemia was diagnosed in a premature Standardbred colt. Clinical signs included lethargy, weakness, loss of suckle reflex, tachypnea, and injected mucous membranes. Sequelae included pneumonia, omphalophlebitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Prepartum maternal uterine infection, premature delivery, abnormal parturition with premature fetal membrane separation, and failure of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins increased the foal's risk for developing sepsis. Treatment included administration of moxalactam disodium and cefadroxil. The clinical efficacy...
Combie J, Blake JW, Ramey BE, Tobin T.Morphine was detected in equine biological fluids by a combination of liquid-liquid extraction and column chromatography, followed by derivatization and gas-liquid chromatographic assay, using electron capture detector. Recovery of morphine from the equine biological samples was poor. However, despite an overall recovery of less than 20%, this method had a detection limit of 0.2 ng/ml. Addition of 5,000 U of bovine liver beta-glucuronidase/ml of urine enabled detection of the drug in urine for up to 144 hours after horses were given 0.1 mg of morphine/kg of body weight. Morphine was found for ...
Hill G, Atkins R, Littlejohn A, Kruger JM, Bowles F.A robust low cost portable radiotelemetry system is described for the horse and its method of operation and advantages briefly discussed. The equipment consisted of 2 electrodes forming a bipolar lead, a transmitter, a receiver and a writing device. The sitting, application and immobilising of the electrodes was a most important factor in obtaining good quality recordings. ECGs were recorded at all paces and also while jumping and the results proved satisfactory.
Johnson CA, Thompson DL, Cartmill JA.Three experiments were performed to test the following hypotheses: 1) stallions and/or progesterone-estradiol-treated geldings could serve as models for the effects of a single implant of the GnRH analog, deslorelin acetate, on LH and FSH secretion by mares; and 2) multiple implants of deslorelin acetate could be used as a means of inducing ovarian atrophy in mares for future study of the mechanisms involved in the atrophy observed in some mares after a single implant. In Exp. 1, nine light horse stallions received either a single deslorelin implant (n = 5) or a sham injection (n = 4) on d 0. ...
Leidl W.1. At present there is a wide field of applications for ultrasonography in gynaecological examinations. 2. Pregnancy (under clinical conditions) may be diagnosed in mares from day 14, in cows from day 25/26, in small ruminants from day 35, in sows from day 28/30, in bitches from day 25/28 and in queens from day 20/25 on, either by demonstrating the embryonic vesicle or the embryo or fetus. 3. Control of ovulation is gaining importance in the mare, especially in artificial insemination. 4. The diagnosis of pathological processes in the uterus of mares, bitches and queens is improved considerabl...
Hyland JH, MacLean AA, Robertson-Smith GR, Jeffcott LB, Stewart GA.The removal of one of twin embryos was attempted by infusion of 24% (w/v) saline into the gestation sac in 2 mares by laparotomy. The treatment was successful in one mare (Case 1) and the untreated embryo remained viable. However, neither foetus survived in the second mare (Case 2). Plasma oestrone sulphate (E1S) concentrations fell immediately after treatment in both mares but recovered to approximately 50% of pretreatment levels in Case 1. In Case 2 plasma E1S concentrations declined steadily and were less than 1 ng/ml within 6 days of treatment. These preliminary results suggest that the me...
Willis P, Caudle AB, Fayrer-Hosken RA.Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the fine structure of equine oocytes cultured in vitro. Oocytes obtained by follicular aspiration were cultured for either zero or 15 hr. After treatment oocytes were processed either by light microscopy (nuclear evaluation) or TEM (cytoplasmic evaluation). Those oocytes cultured for 15 hr were incubated in modified TCM 199 with 15% (v/v) mare serum (day of ovulation) at 39 +/- 0.2 degree C. Evaluation using TEM revealed that cortical granules were present in all oocytes. However, zero-time oocytes contained few cortical granules, and...
Wagerle LC, Orr JA, Shirer HW, Kiorpes AL, Fraser DB, DeSoignie RC.The purpose of these studies was to examine the time course of the cerebrovascular response to acute hypoxia in unanesthetized ponies. An electromagnetic flow transducer chronically placed on the internal carotid artery of the pony allowed continuous recording of internal carotid artery blood flow (ICBF) which has been shown to be representative of cerebral blood flow (CBF). The ponies were subjected to three levels of acute isocapnic hypoxia (PaO2 = 62, 44, and 39 mm Hg for hypoxia level I, II, and III, respectively), and the temporal and steady-state cerebrovascular response was examined. IC...
Wittich CA, Ward MP, Fosgate GT, Srinivasan R.To determine whether West Nile virus (WNV) disease hyperendemic foci (hot spots) exist within the horse population in Texas and, if detected, to identify the locations. Methods: Reports of 1,907 horses with WNV disease in Texas from 2002 to 2004. Methods: Case data with spatial information from WNV epidemics occurring in 2002 (1,377 horses), 2003 (396 horses), and 2004 (134 horses) were analyzed by use of the spatial scan statistic (Poisson model) and kriging of empirical Bayes smoothed county attack rates to determine locations of horses with WNV disease in which affected horses were consiste...
