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.
Thomson JR, McPherson EA.The effects of environmental control on horses affected with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was assessed by clinical examination and pulmonary function tests, ie, maximum change in intrathoracic pressure, tidal volume, minute volume, non-elastic work of breathing, dynamic compliance, inspiratory and expiratory flow rates and arterial blood gas analysis. A controlled environment (ie, bedding horses on shredded paper and feeding a complete cubed diet) caused symptomatic COPD affected horses to become asymptomatic within four to 24 days (mean +/- sd 8.4 +/- 4.8 days). When asymptomatic, th...
Metenier L, Grosclaude J, Meriaux JC.The chief application of blood typing in domestic animals is in the verification of parentage. However, the acquisition of good standardized reagents in sufficient quantity remains an obstacle for the development of this work. The production of monoclonal antibodies directed against blood group determinants offers an attractive means of improving both the quality and quantity of serological reagents, and could facilitate the definition of new specificities. Fusions between a mouse myeloma line and splenocytes from mice immunized with horse red cells have resulted in four hybridomas producing a...
Calderwood Mays MB, Mayhew IG, Woodard JC.Pigmented nevi have not been widely recognized in domesticated animals. We describe, for the first time, a giant congenital pigmented nevus in a horse. Because of a prominent neuroid component within the lesion, neurofibromatosis was the major differential diagnosis.
Braun U, Förster M, Schams D.A case of intersexuality in an arabo-haflinger horse is described. The external genitalia consisted of mammary gland, vulva and hypertrophic clitoris; the inner genitalia of rudimental testes. The sexual behaviour was typically male-like. The chromosome analysis showed the female karyotype 64,XX. The presence of testes in a genetically female animal is explained by translocation of an Y-chromosome fragment bearing the gene for the H-Y-antigen.
Leach DH, Oliphant LW.Annular gap junctions interiorized within cells of the stratum spinosum of the coronary border of the equine hoof were degraded by two methods. Some were autophagocytized and some appeared to fuse with lysosomes to form heterophagosomes. Structural changes of partially degraded annular gap junctions included increased density of the enclosed cytoplasm, formation of filamentous or membrane-like material within the annular gap junction, and disruption of the circular or oval profile of the gap junction. The annular gap junctions are apparently incorporated into the fully keratinized cells of the...
Hilbert BJ, Rowley G, Antonas KN.A method previously described was used to determine the hyaluronic acid concentration in synovia from normal and arthritic horse joints. The concentration of hyaluronic acid in the synovia from arthritic joints was found to be significantly lower than the concentration in fluid from normal joints.
Pfeil L, Zetner K.A mare with rectal prolaps was operated at Vienna University. The prolaps was corrected by mucosal resection only. The remaining vital layers of the corresponding intestinal section were saved. The advantage of a special tissue saving operating technique in the rectal area is seen in avoiding postoperative complications.
Nishimura M, Nakajima H.Using purified equine infectious anemia (EIA) virus labeled with 3H-glucosamine or 14C-protein hydrolysate, structural proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. As a result, 2 glycoproteins and 10 proteins with molecular weights (mol wt) ranging from 12,000 to 115,000 daltons were demonstrated. Of 12 structural proteins, 3 proteins, namely a glycoprotein with mol wt of 76,000 (gp76) and 2 proteins with mol wt of 25,000 (p25) and 12,000 (p12), respectively, had distinct antigenic activity from one another in immunodiffusion. Development of antibodies a...
Magnuson NS, Perryman LE, Decker DM, Magnuson JA.2'-Deoxyadenosine and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine (ARA) are apparent suicide inhibitors for equine S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase. In initial velocity studies of the synthetic reaction converting adenosine and homocysteine to S-adenosylhomocysteine, adenine, adenosine 5'-triphosphate, and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine were found to be competitive inhibitors with Kis of 3.8 microM, 1.1 mM, and 30 microM, respectively. In contrast, linear mixed inhibition was observed for 2'-deoxyadenosine, indicating that 2'-deoxyadenosine must bind in more than one fashion to the enzyme.
Moss M S..A review of positive Jockey Club "dope tests" during the 12 years from 1970 to 1981 inclusive is presented and a comparison made with certain overseas racing authorities for varying periods between 1975 and 1981. Urinary pH of post race urine samples is predominantly acidic (although varying in a significant manner throughout the year) and thus favours excretion of the generally more potent basic drugs. The proportion of positive results was about the same in winners and non-winners, ie, one in 400 horses sampled. Drugs found fell mainly into four categories: methylxanthines; non-steroidal ant...
Pomorski Z, Pinkiewicz E, Grzebuła S.In the studies attempts were to demonstrate the occurrence of immunological reactivity against antigens of the lens and tunica vascularis of the eye in periodical inflammation of eyes in horses. For this purpose antigens from the lens and tunica vascularis of the eye, prepared in our laboratory, were used in the experiments. The reactivity of horses with monthly symptoms of blindness against the above antigens was determined in vivo (skin tests and PCA) and in vitro (ID reaction). The results obtained mainly in skin tests account for its occurrence in some percentage of diseased animals, becau...
Johansson IM, Schubert B.Flunixin is determined in equine plasma by liquid chromatography on LiChrosorb RP-18 with 70% methanol in phosphate buffer pH 3.1 as the eluent, with detection at 284 nm. Plasma is deproteinized with methanol and the supernatant is then injected directly into the system. With a short pre-column (5 x 3 mm i.d.), which is replaced after 25-40 injections of sample, 420 plasma samples could be analysed on one analytical column. The detection limit in plasma is 0.30 micromol/l (89 ng/ml) and the method can be used in pharmacokinetic studies.
Clemmons RM, Bliss EL, Dorsey-Lee MR, Seachord CL, Meyers KM.The effects of centrifugation force and time upon platelets function, mean platelet volume and platelet yield were compared with whole blood platelet counts and size in citrated blood samples from the bovine, canine, caprine, equine, feline, ovine and porcine species. The results were similar, for a given species, irregardless of sample volume. Bovine, caprine, feline and ovine platelet yields and mean platelet volumes were maximal when platelet-rich plasma was prepared using longer centrifugation times and lower gravitational forces. Canine, equine and porcine platelet yields and mean platele...
Rose RJ, Allen JR, Hodgson DR, Stewart JH, Chan W.Four standardbred horses with subcutaneously relocated carotid arteries were given a seven week training programme of treadmill exercise at a gradient of 19 per cent in order to assess if there were any effects of exercise and training on haematology, arterial blood gas and acid base measurements, plasma biochemistry and heart rate. The exercise consisted of one minute walking at 110 metres/minute followed by five minutes trotting at 200 metres/minute, twice daily in the first week. The period of trotting exercise was increased by one minute per week so that by the seventh week the horses were...
Divers TJ, Warner A, Vaala WE, Whitlock RH, Acland HA, Mansmann RA, Palmer JE.Eight foals, 2 to 5 days of age, with similar clinical signs and laboratory and pathologic findings, died from hepatic failure. The predominant clinical signs were depression and icterus. Abnormally high values were found for plasma ammonia content, aromatic-to-branch-chain amino acid ratio, total serum bilirubin content, gamma glutamyl transferase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity, and PCV; partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time were prolonged. Some foals had high sorbitol dehydrogenase activity. These laboratory findings were suggestive of subacute hepatic disease and failure...
Hildebrand SV, Howitt GA.Succinylcholine was administered by infusion to halothane-anesthetized ponies to determine dosage requirements for surgical relaxation up to 3 hours' duration. This was not possible to do, since 4 of 6 ponies studied developed severe reactions characterized by prolonged muscle fasciculations after the initial succinylcholine dose, muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, hypercapnia, tachycardia, increasing pulse pressure, and metabolic acidosis. The reactions resembled those associated with malignant hyperthermia, a disease recognized in persons and swine. Two ponies showed signs of the phase II or des...
McCann ME, Hunt RJ.Femoral fractures in young horses can occur as a result of severe trauma and generally have a poor prognosis despite treatment. Four young horses with femoral diaphyseal fractures were managed with conservative treatment consisting of prolonged rest, analgesics, hind limb support, and corrective farriery. A favorable outcome in the form of pasture soundness with potential for limited athletic usefulness was obtained in 3 out of the 4 cases. This report supports the use of conservative treatment of selected diaphyseal femoral fractures in young horses.
Yamout SZ, Magdesian KG, Tokarz DA, le Jeune SS.This is a report of a 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding with a ruptured esophageal pulsion diverticulum associated with atypical clinical signs of colic and septic peritonitis on presentation. The location of this diverticulum at the hiatus was unique and was most likely responsible for the unusual presentation of this horse. Diverticule de Zenker intrathoracique chez un cheval. Ceci est un rapport d’un hongre de race Swedish Warmblood âgé de 12 ans présentant un diverticule de Zenker perforé associé à des signes cliniques atypiques de coliques et de péritonite septique à la pré...
Ross J, Dallap BL, Dolente BA, Sweeney RW.To determine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), including the effects of EACA on coagulation and fibrinolysis in healthy horses. Methods: 6 adult horses. Methods: Each horse received 3.5 mg of EACA/kg/min for 20 minutes, i.v. Plasma EACA concentration was measured before (time 0), during, and after infusion. Coagulation variables and plasma alpha(2)-antiplasmin activity were evaluated at time 0 and 4 hours after infusion; viscoelastic properties of clot formation were assessed at time 0 and 0.5, 1, and 4 hours after infusion. Plasma concentration ver...
de Laat MA, Spence RJ, Sillence MN, Pollitt CC.Equine laminitis is a disease of the digital epidermal lamellae typified by epidermal cell proliferation and structural collapse. Most commonly the disease is caused by hyperinsulinemia, although the pathogenesis is incompletely understood. Insulin can activate the epidermal growth factor (EGF) system in other species and the present study tested the hypothesis that upregulation of EGF receptor (EGFR) signalling is a key factor in laminitis pathophysiology. First, we examined lamellar tissue from healthy Standardbred horses and those with induced hyperinsulinemia and laminitis for EGFR distrib...
Katayama Y, Kuwano A, Yoshihara T.A 4-year-old female thoroughbred race horse died of acute peritonitis caused by necrotizing granulomatous duodenitis. Yersinia enterocolitica was immunohistochemically demonstrated in macrophages in granulomas developed in the duodenum, lung, liver and abdominal lymph nodes. The yeast-like fungi were found in the cytoplasmic vacuoles of macrophages in the lung that infiltrated into the granulomas and surrounding alveoli with congestive edema. The yeast-like fungi were positively stained by Gomori-Grocott chromic acid methenamine silver stain and immuno-histochemically stained with anti-histopl...
Sasaki N, Takakuwa J, Yamada H, Mori R.To evaluate effectiveness of allogeneic bone screws and pins for internal fixation of midbody transverse fractures of equine proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) in vitro. Methods: 14 forelimbs from cadavers of 3-year-old Thoroughbreds. Methods: Allogeneic cortical bone fragments were collected from the limbs of a male Thoroughbred, and cortical bone screws were prepared from the tissue by use of a precision desktop microlathe programmed with the dimensions of a metal cortical bone screw. A midbody transverse osteotomy of each PSB was performed by use of a bone-shaping oscillating saw and repaired v...
Robinson E, Carmalt JL.To report inguinal herniation of the ascending colon in a Standardbred colt. Methods: Case report. Methods: A 6-month-old Standardbred colt. Methods: The colt underwent surgical exploration of the hernia with large colon resection and anastomosis. Results: A successful large colon resection and anastomosis was completed, however, the colt was euthanatized at the end of surgery upon owner request. Conclusions: Although uncommon, indirect inguinal herniation of the ascending colon can occur in young horses.
Jurjanz S, Collas C, Quish C, Younge B, Feidt C.Data on soil ingestion in horses are lacking in contrast to other free-range animals. The importance of soil as a vector for environmental pollutants to food is less relevant in horses but several disorders secondary to soil ingestion, such as sand colic or enteritis have been reported. Therefore, soil ingestion has been studied on Irish sport horses grazing at three offered levels of daily herbage: 2, 3 and 4% of their body weight. Soil ingestion was estimated by the faecal recovery of a soil natural marker. Horses had 4.5, 4.1 and 3.7% of soil in their total intake respectively for the 2, 3 ...
Poh KC, Cole ZT, Smarsh DN, Springer HR, Kelly K, Kenny LB, Machtinger ET.To evaluate the safety of repeated applications of permethrin concentrations (0% control, 1.5%, 5%, and 10%) to the necks and faces of horses and assess the efficacy and longevity of permethrin as an equine tick repellent. Methods: 5 healthy adult Quarter Horses. Methods: Each treatment was applied to the neck of each horse (0.01 m2) 4 times a day, for up to 10 days. An 8-mm biopsy was taken to evaluate postexposure dermal responses. Any treatments that were not withdrawn were applied to a quadrant of the horse's face 4 times a day, for up to 5 days. For tick bioassays, a treatment was applied...
Hendrikse J, van der Holst W, Best AP.Examination of 539 ejaculates of stallions of various breeds showed that approximately 60 per cent of the spermatozoa were completely normal morphologically. Of these morphologically normal spermatozoa, 13 per cent were dead. The total proportion of live spermatozoa was 75 per cent, 32 per cent being obviously abnormal (22 per cent of live and 10 per cent of dead spermatozoa). Separated heads (normal as well as abnormal) were significantly more common among dead spermatozoa. Protoplasmic droplets (both at the neck and at the end of the middle piece) were mainly present in live spermatozoa. As ...
Quéré E, Chahory S.Painful eye conditions are a therapeutic challenge in horses. Subpalpebral lavage (SPL) treatment systems allow topical aqueous medications to be conveniently, safely, and frequently administered to the ocular surface. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the outcomes and the complications associated with the location of the SPL treatment systems, in the superior or inferior eyelid in horses in a university practice. Clinical records of all horses admitted to the National Veterinary School of Alfort between January 2004 and October 2021, in which a SPL treatment system was used ...
Papkoff H, Murthy HM, Roser JF.The tyrosine residues of equine chorionic gonadotropin have been nitrated with tetranitromethane and the resulting effects on the biological and immunological activities of the hormone studied. All of the tyrosine residues in equine chorionic gonadotropin were found to react with tetranitromethane when a 100-fold molar excess of reagent was used or with an 8.6 molar excess in the presence of 5 M guanidine hydrochloride. Complete nitration abolished the biological activities and decreased the immunological activity of the hormone. The nitration of one tyrosine residue resulted in the loss of 70...
Schumacher J, Wilson RC, Spano JS, Hammond LS, McGuire J, Duran SH, Kemppainen RJ, Hughes FE.Gentamicin sulfate-induced nephrotoxicosis was compared in 2 groups of horses fed different rations. Four horses were fed only alfalfa hay, and 4 other horses were fed only whole oats. Seven days after initiation of the diet, all horses were given gentamicin IV (5 mg/kg of body weight) every 12 hours for 22 days. Urinary gamma-glutamyl-transferase to urinary creatinine (UGGT:UCr) ratio was calculated daily, and serum concentration of gentamicin was measured at 1 and 12 hours after drug administration. Results indicated that horses fed oats had greater renal tubular damage than did horses fed a...
Germanà A, Cassata R, Cristarella S, Scirpo A, Muglia U.The three-dimensional architecture of the myosalpinx in the mare was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after removal of interstitial connective tissue with NaOH digestion. In the extramural portion of the tubo-uterine junction (TUJ), isthmus, and ampulla, the myosalpinx architecture is represented by a unique muscular structure which runs from the mesosalpinx to the base of the inner mucous folds. This unique muscular structure consists mainly of bundles of muscular fibers independent of one another, which show a multiple spatial arrangement and form a complex network...
Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Boerma S, van der Velden MA.Rectal tears are a relatively rare complication of rectal palpation, mating, or dystocia, and idiopathic rectal perforation is an incidental finding. Rectal tears can be classified according to a 3 or a 4-grade system. This article describes medical and surgical treatment for rectal tears.
