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.
Hinton M.The literature published over the last 150 years provides confusing and often conflicting advice on the ideal way to water horses. Many of the problems associated with watering appear to be caused by either mismanagement or ignorance. An obvious way to prevent trouble is to provide adequate water at all times when a horse is at rest and to allow sufficient opportunity to drink while working.
Etcheverrigaray ME, Oliva GA, Zabala Suárez JE.Twenty seven per cent of 238 serum samples obtained from horses with clinical diagnosis were positive for the immunodifusion test, while 17% of the 452 sera obtained from asintomatic horses were positive. Twenty one per cent of the 870 sera studied were positive.
Moorthy AR, Spradbrow PB.Two strains of Chlamydia psittaci were isolated from the nasal tract of horses with acute respiratory disease. These 2 isolates (NS 121 and NS 172) were characterized as chlamydia on the basis of their morphology, tinctorial property, growth in chicken embryos, inability to grow on bacterial media and their possession of chlamydial common complement fixing group antigen. They were identified as C. psittaci on the basis of resistance to sodium sulphadiazine. The present strains were not pathogenic to mice and guinea pigs and non-toxigenic. They induced antibodies and caused latent infection in ...
Weitkamp LR.Polymorphism of equine Gc protein was demonstrated by immunofixation electrophoresis with a goat anti-human Gc antibody. Three different phenotypes, F, FS and S, were found. Family data supported the genetic theory of two autosomal codominant alleles, GcF and GcS. Both alleles occurred in Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Arabian horses and in Shetland ponies. A frequency of 0.23 for GcS in the American Standardbred horse indicates the system should be useful for problems of identification and parentage.
Short CE, Brunson DB.Anesthetic management of the pleasure horse consists of the appropriate selection and administration of pre-anesthetic medications including anticholinergics, tranquilizers and narcotics followed by appropriate techniques of anesthetic induction. The anesthetic induction must vary somewhat for the pleasure horse practice since many of the procedures are completed on farms and ranches. As a result the inducing of anesthesia will frequently be with the same agent which will be used to maintain anesthesia. Noticeably will be the reduction and duration of anesthesia and surgical time. The inductio...
Brown CM, Holmes JR.In horses experimental right and left heart catheterization using a catheter with two microtransducers 9 cm apart, usually in a transvalval position produced pressure and sound artifacts that confounded the diagnosis. Most were probably due to malpositioning resulting in movement through a valve during recording or impingement on the valve cusps or the chordae tendineae or lodgement in the apex of the heart. The recognition of these artifacts is particularly important in studies of large animals in which catheter siting cannot be monitored by radiography.
Gutekunst DE, Malmquist WA, Becvar CS.Antiserums prepared in specific pathogen free (SPF) ponies were used in direct and indirect immunofluorescence, immunodiffusion, complement fixation and serum neutralization procedures to study the interrelationships of the three types of equine herpes viruses (EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-3). Equine cell cultures infected with each type virus fluoresced when stained with homologous conjugated antiserum. In reciprocal tests EHV-1 and EHV-3 cross-fluoresced, but EHV-2 did not cross-fluoresce. Non-infected cell cultures did not fluoresce when stained with the 3 conjugates. EHV-1 and EHV-3 cross-fluores...
Tekerlekov P, Dilovski M, Enchev S, Peneva I.Coggins' immune diffusion test was modified, and was applied as a screening one in the study of the epizootic status. The positive reactions were characterized by the production of a precipitation line between the antigen and the respective serum that was tested. The appearance of such a line was associated with that formed with the use of the positive control serum, pointing to a reaction of identity. With the weakly positive reactions the ends of the precipitin lines, formed with the use of the positive control serum, were found to deviate slightly toward the site where the antigen had been ...
Barsoum IS, Botros BA, Morcos MB.In a serologic survey on equine leptospirosis in Egypt, the following incidences of leptospiral serosensitivity were found: 1. Hospitalised horses 65/113 (57.5 %). 2. Hospitalised donkeys 90/125 (72.0 %). 3. Apparently healthy horses 21/72 (29.1 %). Sera of these animals were mostly reacting to serotypes butembo, pomona, icterohemorragiae, and grippotyphosa. Equine in Egypt are close animals to humans and may constitute a potential source of leptospiral infection. From the clinical point of view, it is very possible that ocular, hoof lesions and icterus in equines would be expected with leptos...
Firth EC.The findings in 6 experimental and 1 natural case of Horner's Syndrome (HS) are presented. The experimental cases were induced by unilateral surgical section of the cervical sympathetic trunk in the middle third of the neck. The naturally occurring case was seen in a 17 year old gelding with a mediastinal tumour. The signs of HS in these horses included ptosis, miosis, enophthalmos, hemilateral sweating and temperature increase of the face and cranial cervical region on the affected side. The intensity of these signs was variable between and within animals. Miosis, enophthalmos and temperature...
Roberts SJ, Hillman RB.Various common problems encountered daily pleasure horse practice will be discussed covering diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Ugorski M, Mikulska J, Skibiński G, Wieczorek Z, Lisowski J.Properties of horse natural anti-PSM antibodies are described. The antibodies were of IgG class. Electrostatic forces were mainly involved in reaction of PSM with horse antibodies. The reaction was inhibited by low molecular compounds resembling structural unit of PSM. Studies of difference spectra and ORD and CD spectra showed no major conformational changes in horse antibodies after reaction with PSM.
Trommershausen-Smith A, Suzuki Y.A family study of an index case in the Arabian breed of horses demonstrated the presence of a new allele in the prealbumin (Pr) system of electrophoretically determined markers in horse serum which, when homozygous, results in the absence of any recognizable zones in the Pr region. The symbol PrO is proposed for this allele which has an estimated frequency in Arabian horses of 0.09.
Powell DG.An outbreak of contagious equine metritis that occurred on stud farms in the Newmarket area during 1977 is described. A Gram-negative coccobacillus was isolated from field cases and the disease was reproduced experimentally by inoculating a pure culture of the organism through the cervix of clean pony mares. Natural spread of the disease occurred by venereal transmission and following the handling, examination or teasing of infected mares. Bacteriological screening of the genital tract of mares and stallions before covering plus stricter standards of hygiene on the stud farms have been recomme...
De Lahunta A.This is a review of the more common diseases of the spinal cord and various areas of the brain of horses. The results of a two and one-half year study of spinal cord disease are emphasized. After a description of the lesion the salient clinical signs are described and the features that differentiate them from other similar diseases. In the seminar, films of case and slides of lesions will be shown to document these diseases.
Kaminski M, Metenier L, Sykiotis M, Ryder OA, Demontoy MC.1. Among several species of Equidae only E. przewalskii possesses a serum esterase identical with that of E. caballus. 2. The esterases of Hemionidae differ slightly from that of domestic horse by electrophoretic migration and by antigenic structure. 3. Zebras (grevyi, burchelli) appear devoid of this component but Z. hartmannae possesses an esterase of high enzymatic activity, differing notably from that of horse by electrophoretic and antigenic properties.
Dixon JB, Allan D, West CR.Data are presented on lymphocyte transformation by phytohaemagglutinin in 20 normal horses. The logarithms of transformation ratios were found to have an approximately normal distribution, giving (for the transformation ratios themselves) a geometric mean of 23.6, a range of 1.92 to 97.3, and an estimated 95 per cent tolerance interval of 1.1 to 488. Analysis of variance on the logarithms of the transformation ratios gave a coefficient of variation of 140 per cent of the transformation ratios themselves for the variation between horses; whereas the coefficient of variation between duplicate sa...
Foote RH.Several inherited conditions associated with testicular defects, abnormal spermatogenesis and morphologically abnormal sperm have been found. These usually are controlled by single gene pairs. A notable exception is testicular size, with heritability in young bulls ranging from .42 to .88. Testicular size directly affects sperm output potential. The major contributor to variation in semen quality is the environment. Environmental effects may be temporary or permanent. Permanent effects occurring during prenatal and prepubertal periods and temporary or permanent factors acting after spermatogen...
Smith DF.The pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation and medical management of the horse with intestinal obstruction is outlined. Emphasis is on early and accurate determination of the need for surgery and on providing optimal preoperative medical support.
Sandberg K, Juneja RK.Evidence for close linkage between the structural loci for albumin and Gc protein in the horse was presented. A recombination frequency (c) of 0.009 +/- 0.006 (95% confidence limits: 0.001 less than c less than 0.032) was estimated. These results were based on a study of a large sire family comprising 223 offspring from informative matings. No evidence of linkage disequilibrium was observed in one horse population studied.
McPherson EA, Lawson GH, Murphy JR, Nicholson JM, Fraser JA, Breeze RG, Pirie HM.Mean normal values for PaO, and max A Ppl for horses were determined. Using 2 standard deviations below (Pa0,) and above (max A Ppl) the mean normal values as a guide, horses affected with COPD were satisfactorily distinguished from other horses in a series of 100 animals. The frequency of occurrence of 20 different clinical parameters in affected, not affected and possibly affected horses was examined statistically. Poor work performance and a history of previous febrile illness occurred more often in COPD horses than in others. The presence of a chronic cough, dyspnoea, double expiratory eff...
Robinson NE, Sorenson PR.We studied collateral flow resistance in exsanguinated, excised lower lobes and accessory lobes of dog and horse lungs, respectively. A double lumen catheter obstructed a peripheral airway isolating a segment of the lobe. Oxygen flowed into the segment via a rotameter which measured flow (Vcoll) while the inner catheter recorded segment pressure (Ps). Gas delivered into the segment flowed out via collateral channels. Collateral flow resistance was calculated as (Ps - PL)/Vcoll, where PL = static transpulmonary pressure. Rcoll at PL = 20, 10, and 5 cm H2O averaged 0.24, 1.25, and 2.65 cmH2O.ml-...
Easley JT, Brokken MT, Zubrod CJ, Morton AJ, Garrett KS, Holmes SP.Fourteen horses with septic arthritis underwent high-field (1.5 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Septic arthritis was diagnosed based on results from historical and clinical findings, synovial fluid analyses and culture, and radiographic, ultrasonographic, arthroscopic, and histopathologic findings. MR findings included diffuse hyperintensity within bone and extracapsular tissue on fat-suppressed images in 14/14 horses (100%), joint effusion, synovial proliferation, and capsular thickening in 13/14 horses (93%), bone sclerosis in 11/14 horses (79%), and evidence of cartilage and subchondra...
Faubladier C, Julliand V, Beuneiche L, Philippeau C.Total tract apparent digestibility of dietary fibrous components and parameters of the faecal digestive ecosystem were compared at immediate and late post-weaning periods using five foals. The foals were abruptly weaned (day 0) from their mares at 6 months of age. Immediately (day 0 to day 14) and later (day 131 to day 194) after weaning, foals received the same basal diet consisting of hay and pellets. Pellets were fed at 0.36% BW. Hay was offered ad libitum and corresponded to 120% of the average voluntary hay intake measured individually during the immediate (days 1 to 4) and late (days 180...
Kroneman J.The clinical importance of the AV blocks in horses discussed. The second degree AV block is a symptom of the adaptation of the heart to increased workload and it is not an indication of a good performance.
Arndt S, Kilcoyne I, Heney CM, Wong TS, Magdesian KG.Dental extractions in horses may result in bacteremia, which can lead to systemic complications. Bacterial meningitis following oral cheek tooth extractions in a 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding is described in this report. The bacterial meningitis was confirmed by histopathology. The gelding was presented for evaluation of intermittent fever, loose feces, and mild colic signs which started 5 days after cheek tooth extraction. This case illustrates a rare complication associated with oral tooth extraction in a horse and highlights the unusual presenting features of meningitis. Key clinical mes...
Schwieder A, Pfarrer C, Ohnesorge B, Staszyk C, Bienert-Zeit A.Horses may acquire a range of paranasal sinus diseases. Clinical studies show slight differences regarding anatomical regions and age. Histopathological examination of tissue samples could play an important role in the diagnostic process. Therefore, detailed knowledge of the histological appearance of the paranasal sinus mucosa (PSM) and the nasomaxillary aperture mucosa (NAM) is essential. The objective of this study was to determine topographic and age-related differences within the healthy equine PSM. In addition, we aimed to gain detailed knowledge of the histological appearance of the NAM...
Khatibzadeh SM, Menarim BC, Nichols AE, Werre SR, Dahlgren LA.Extracellular matrix (ECM) is responsible for tendon strength and elasticity. Healed tendon ECM lacks structural integrity, leading to reinjury. Porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM) provides a scaffold and source of bioactive proteins to improve tissue healing, but has received limited attention for treating tendon injuries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of UBM to induce matrix organization and tenogenesis using a novel in vitro model. We hypothesized that addition of UBM to tendon ECM hydrogels would improve matrix organization and cell differentiation. Hydrogels see...
de Blaauw JA, Rijkenhuizen AB, van Nieuwstadt RA, Grinwis GC, Back W.Two grey mares, a 12-year-old Arabian and a 13-year-old Lippizaner cross, were referred for chronic pelvic limb lameness and abduction of the limb during the non supporting phase of the stride. The clinical examination revealed melanomas under the tail and on the perineum, and oedema of the proximal lame limb. A mass in the pelvic area was detected on rectal palpation. Laparoscopy was performed and the provisional diagnosis of malignant melanoma was made. Histological examination of the biopsy taken under laparoscopic control from the mass in the pelvis confirmed the diagnosis of malignant mel...
Hinchcliff KW, McKeever KH.The effect of blood volume repletion after frusemide administration on the right atrial and pulmonary artery pressure responses of horses to exercise has not been reported. We examined right atrial and pulmonary artery pressure and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentration (ANP) responses to an incremental exercise test in 6 Standardbred mares. Horses were treated, in a 3 way cross over design, with isotonic saline, frusemide (1 mg/kg bwt, i.v.), and frusemide followed 3 h later by lactated Ringer's solution (12 ml/kg bwt, i.v.). Three and a half hours after saline or frusemide administr...
Braun S, Lafrenz R.In recent years extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used in veterinary medicine especially in equine orthopedics. Different ESWT generators are commonly used in equine medicine with varying energy density and depth of penetration. The presented case report described the treatment of a ligamentum nuchae calcification with focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy with SONOCUR Plus generator combined with SONOLINE Prima ultrasound. Negligible adverse effects, the non-invasive character of the treatment, the time-saving therapy, and the positive results make the focused extracorporeal sho...
Allen WE.Ten pregnant Welsh pony mares were each treated with a series of three intravenous injections of 2000 iu human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on alternate days. In four mares the first dose was given before the 39th day of gestation and conceptual loss followed treatments in all mares. The other six mares were first treated between the 40th and 97th days. No conceptual loss occurred despite five of the mares being given a fourth dose of HCG. Two mares first treated on days 36 and 38 of pregnancy subsequently produced PMSG although foetal death had occurred.
Prescott JF.A proposal for the development of Canadian veterinary education and of the organization of the profession is described. There should be one veterinary school with four branches (the current colleges). A student would train at any college in comparative medicine for two and one-half years and then train for 12 months or more in a specialty taught at one or more colleges. These specialties are general veterinary practice, poultry practice, public health and regulatory medicine, ruminant practice, swine practice, equine practice, small animal practice, fish medicine, fur-bearing and exotic animal...
Braun J.Although foals born after embryo transfer are eligible for registration in the majority of horse breeds, application of embryo transfer is still rare. This is mainly due to the lack of a possibility for superovulation. Uterine stage embryos can be recovered by a non-surgical flushing technique. Transfer can be accomplished by non-surgical as well as surgical methods. In contrast to the situation in cattle, most related technologies are scarcely available. Methods of cryopreservation as well as bisection of embryos are hampered by the fact that suitable embryos (morula) can be collected from th...
Sarasola P, McKellar QA.The effect of an oral dose of probenecid on the disposition kinetics of ampicillin was determined in four horses. An intravenous bolus dose (10 mg/kg) of ampicillin sodium was administered to the horses on two occasions. On the first occasion the antibiotic was administered on its own, and on the second occasion it was administered one hour after an oral dose of 75 mg/kg probenecid. The plasma concentration of probenecid reached a mean (+/- se) maximum concentration (Cmax) of 188-6 +/- 19.3 micrograms/ml after 120.0 +/- 21.2 minutes and concentrations greater than 15 micrograms/ml were present...
Erickson BK, Forster HV, Lowry TF, Pan LG, Korducki MJ, Forster AL, Forster MA.The objective of the present study was to determine whether lung and diaphragm afferents contribute to the changes in respiratory muscle activity when end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) is changed in ponies. We studied the responses of the diaphragm and the transversus abdominis (TA) muscles to passive increases in EELV in awake intact (I), diaphragm-deafferented (DD), pulmonary vagal- (hilar nerve) denervated (HND), and DD + HND ponies. Negative pressure of -10 or -20 cmH2O applied around the ponies' torsos [positive transrespiratory (TR) pressure] increased (P < 0.05) EELV in all ponies; t...
Tajima M, Fujinaga T, Okamoto Y, Otomo K, Koike T.The relationship between the optimum concentration of mitogen which induces lymphocyte blastogenic response and the receptor occupancy by mitogen was investigated. The receptor occupancies which induced maximal blastogenic activity in equine, bovine and canine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were 31.1 per cent, 26.5 per cent and 38.4 per cent with phytohaemagglutinin-P, and 48.2 per cent, 17.9 per cent and 24.5 per cent with concanavalin A, respectively. The data clearly show that each animal species had its own optimum concentration of mitogen for stimulation of PBL. Optimum concentration ...