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.
Barstow LE, Young RS, Yakali E, Sharp JJ, O'Brien JC, Berman PW, Harbury HA.Horse heart cytochrome c can be split with cyanogen bromide into a heme peptide (residues 1-65) and a nonheme peptide (residues 66-104). In a process involving (i) complex formation between the two fragments and (ii) restoration of the severed peptide linkage, a fully active cytochrome c preparation can be re-formed. Use has been made of this process to couple the heme peptide to peptide 66-104 synthesized by the Merrifield solid-phase procedure. The semisynthetic product formed in this manner is indistinguishable from reconstituted cytochrome c prepared with nonsynthetic peptide 66-104.
Gay CC, Carter J, McCarthy M, Mason TA, Christie BA, Reynolds WT, Smyth B.Indirect arterial blood pressure was determined on 33 horses prior to surgical intervention for the diagnosis and/or correction of acute abdominal disorders and a relationship between low systolic blood pressure and non-survival was established. It is suggested that blood pressure determination should be used to augment other methods of clinical and laboratory examination in cases of equine colic.
Grelck H, Hörchner F, Wöhrl H.Ten pony foals were infected with Fasciola hepatica; five animals received up to 1000 metacercariae orally, the remaining animals received up to 80 specimens of 24 hours old adulescariae intraperitoneally. The rate of development of the parasites varied in a wide range between 0,2 and 41%. Most of the liverflukes were found in animals severely infected with strongyles in the same time. Only 22 weeks after oral infection, the flukes had reached a length of 20 mm and sexual maturity. Fasciola-eggs could not be detected in the feces.
Snow DH, Mackenzie G.The effects of prolonged cantering before and after a 10 week training programme were studied in 6 horses. Determinations were carried on on venous blood for packed cell volume, glucose, glycerol, free fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, 11-hydroxycorticosteroids, pH and pCO2. Exercise caused a slight increase in glucose, lactate and pH, a moderate rise in PCV, glycerol and free fatty acids, and a marked rise in 11-hydroxycorticosteroids. A decrease in venous pCO2 occurred and a slight but not significant decrease in beta-hydroxybutyrate. Training was found to cause no significant difference in...
Glendinning SA.The author considers some of the difficulties the clinician may be faced with when giving an opinion on a horse with a cardiac abnormality. The 3 types of cardiological cases presented to the practitioner are described. The first 2 categories both exhibit a reduction in performance either with loss of bodily conduction or without it. The third group, which is the most troublesome for the clinician, involves the horse which shows a cardiological abnormality but is otherwise apparently normal.
Cho DY, Leipold HW.The report describes a case of myelodysplasia involing spinal cord segments C7 to T8 of a 5 month old part-Thoroughbred foal. There was a single extensive syringomyelic and hydromyelic cavity which extended from the seventh cervical segment (C7), to the seventh thoracic segment (T7), abnormal size and shape of central canal, and disorderly differentiation of the grey and white matter. The cause of the defect is unknown.
Dusek J.Various sets of horses were examined in view of the necessity of widening the range of biochemical substances for diagnostic purposes in the field of veterinary medicine. The aim of the investigations was to obtain basic information on fibrinogen level and its variability. The average value stated was 280 mg% s = 89, sx = 12, V% = 32). The fibrinogen level in horses of the pronounced oxidation type was lower than in those with reduced metabolism, the difference being connected with the speed of sedimentation of erythrocytes. Repeated examination of a part of the set of horses (n = 10) on three...
Mason TA.Seven cases of chronic tenosynovitis affecting the extensor carpi radialis or lateral digital extensor tendon and their sheaths are described. All cases were chronic and in 4 of the cases previous treatment by drainage and local corticosteroid injection had been ineffective. Surgical exploration of 6 cases demonstrated a distinct lesion and specific surgical treatment was carried out.
Yoxall AT.The principles of radiological protection are summarised and consideration is then given to problems, which may confront the equine practitioner, in the fulfillment of these principles during diagnostic radiography of the limbs, head, and spine of the horse. The place of anaesthesia in such procedures is discussed and the special problems associated with therapeutic radiography of the horse are considered.
Dixon PM, McPherson EA, Muir A.A trotter mare with a history of poor performance was found to have methaemoglobinaemia and haemolytic anaemia associated with decreased erythrocyte glutathione reductase and glutathione levels. The mare's dam, which also had a history of poor performance, was subsequently found to be similarly affected.
Drudge JH, Lyons ET.The critical test is the primary method used for the efficacy evaluation of drugs against the major internal parasites (bots, ascarids, large strongyles, small strongyles, and pinworms) of the horse. The critical test determines: (1) spectrum of activity, (2) effectiveness of removal, (3) pattern of discharge, and (4) physical condition of each species of these parasites. General characteristics of the major parasitisms of the horse are discussed briefly. Criteria of the critical test also are considered including: (1) number of tests, (2) strain variation and drug resistance, (3) selection of...
Goto H, Shimizu K.The first outbreak of equine influenza (EI) infection in Japan was recognized during the period December 1971 to January 1972 [1, 6]. No evidence of the disease had been found before then [2,6]. The etiological agent of this epizootic was identified by hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and neutralization tests with chicken or ferret antiserum as the subtype 2 of EI virus (6, 7). However, the isolate, A/equine/Tokyo/71 (Tokyo) strain, was not completely identical to the prototypic A/equine/Miami /63 (Miami) strain of the subtype 2, since antibody responses of convalescent horses were 2 to 16 tim...
Mason TA, Maclean AA.Two cases of osteochondrosis dissecans of the head of the humerus in foals are described. The lesions were gross compared with those seen in dogs. Arthrotomy and curettage of the affected area resulted in marked clinical improvement.
Strömberg B, Tufvesson G.Four autologous tendon grafting techniques, bipedicle, pedicle and free grafts of the deep digital flexor tendon and free grafts from the lateral digital extensor tendon were described. The vascularization and remodelling of the transplant and the reactions in the donor, as well as the recipient tendon, were studied by means of microangiographic and histochemical methods. The results indicated that regardless of the technique used the grafts were revascularized and replaced by a highly orientated and organized tendon. The use of free grafts may therefore be worthwhile in treatment of severe te...
Smith JS, Mayhew IG.The sympathetic nervous innervation of the head was surgically transected in the horse, cow, sheep and goat. The site of transection was preganglionic in all 4 species and ganglionic-postganglionic in 2 additional horses. The Horner's syndrome, manifested as a result of the iatrogenic lesion, varied with the species. Ptosis was the most constant sign in all species. Unilateral sweating over the face and proximal neck, particularly at the base of the ear, was the most prominent feature in the horse. The cow revealed distension of vasculature and cutaneous heat of the pinna, and a reduced produc...
Duncan ID, Baker GJ, Heffron CJ, Griffiths IR.The larynges of 6 horses were examined endoscopically and the findings correlated with the gross and histological appearance of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles and their nerve supply. In all cases it appeared that the balance between abductor and adductor muscle groups had been lost due to preferential atrophy of individual muscles or groups of muscles. The laryngeal abnormalities recorded were asymmetry of the larynx with asynchronous left sided abduction and fluttering or trembling of the left vocal cord and arytenoid cartilage. It is suggested that these changes represent the early signs of...
Zakin MM, Peña C, Poskus E, Stewart JM, Paladini AC.The immunological properties of a synthetic human growth hormone fragment comprising the amino acids 73 through 128 and of the homologous natural horse growth fragment formed by amino acids 73 through 123, have been comparatively studied. Antisera obtained in rabbits inoculated with the native human hormone or with the fragments, were used. By hemagglutination experiments both fragments have the same reactivity toward the anti-human growth hormone serum, but complement fixation curves detect the existence of at least two populations of antibodies presumably originated against the sequence 73-1...
Böhm D, Waibl H.Of 28 fractures of the first phalanx 21 were treated with osteosynthesis; one was treated conservatively. 2 to 4 compression screws have been applied, while the distal part of the limb was immobilized by a light cast bandage for 8 days. The implants were removed 2 to 3 months post operationem. All patients are again used in sports.
Sumner-Smith G, Bell M, Manley P, Caddell E, Hoare J.The advances made by the use of a telemetric system in the study of bone strain in a free-moving horse are reported. A rosette strain gauge was bonded to the craniomedial aspect of the metacarpus of the horse. Attachment of a miniature FM transmitter to lead wires facilitated telemetric transmission of of resistance changes which corresponded to limb movement. During 3 different gaits, the trace pattern remained similar, although frequency and amplitude varied. The tracings were similar to those reported in other species in which nontelemetric transmission was used.
Mahoney DF, Wright IG, Frerichs WM, Groenendyk S, O'Sullivan BM, Roberts MC, Waddell AH.A Babesia parasite, isolated from the blood of a horse at Bowral, New South Wales, was identified on the basis of its morphological features, host specificity and serological reactions, as Babesia equi (Laveran 1901). The case was originally reported by Churchill and Best (1976, Aust. vet. J. 52: 487) and is the first record of equine babesiosis in Australia. In preliminary studies, the organism produced only a mild disease in an intact horse, but caused the typical clinical syndrome of acute babesiosis in a splenectomised horse, which died 19 days after the intravenous inoculation of the para...
Blake KR, Affolter VK, Lowenstine LJ, Vilches-Moure JG, le Jeune SS.A 10-year-old Lipizzaner stallion was evaluated over the course of 1.5 years because of intermittent, recurrent colic. Results: The horse was initially treated medically for gastric ulcers; dietary changes were made, and a deworming protocol was instituted, without resolution of colic episodes. Subsequently, the horse underwent exploratory celiotomy and a large colon volvulus was identified with diffuse colonic wall thickening. A pelvic flexure biopsy sample was submitted for histologic examination, which revealed lymphocytic (CD3-positive T cells) myenteric ganglionitis (MG). The horse develo...
Collins CW, Monfort SL, Vick MM, Wolfe BA, Weiss RB, Keefer CL, Songsasen N.To date, there has been limited research on manipulation of the estrous cycle in endangered equids. The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy of using combinations of: (a) oral altrenogest and PGF2α, and (b) injectable altrenogest and PGF2α for manipulation of ovarian activity in Przewalski's mares. Reproductive cycles were monitored by assessing follicular changes with rectal ultrasound and changes in urinary steroid hormones. In Study 1, five cycling mares were treated with oral altrenogest (n=11 cycles) for 14 days. In Study 2, cycling mares were treated with oral altrenoge...
Offord S, Tulloch LK, Franklin SH, Tremaine WH, Woodford NS, Allen KJ.The laryngeal tie-forward (LTF) procedure has been shown to move the larynx rostrally and dorsally whilst repositioning the basihyoid bone caudally and dorsally. Other studies have shown that the position of the hyoid bones influences the size of the nasopharynx. The effect of the LTF procedure on the size of the nasopharynx is unknown. It was hypothesised that the LTF procedure would result in a decrease in dorsoventral nasopharyngeal diameter. Twenty-five thoroughbred horses which underwent LTF with or without soft palate cautery (LTF±SPC) for treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft pa...
Anderson WI, De Lahunta A, Vesely KR, Tucker GW.Infarction of the pons and rostral medulla secondary to arteriolar thrombosis was documented histologically in a 17-year-old mixed-Arabian female horse. Clinically, the animal experienced a sudden onset of a head tilt and subsequent non-controllable seizures. There was no historical, clinical or histological evidence to suggest the presence of infection of Equine Herpesvirus-1 or the feeding of corn contaminated by Fusarium moniliforme.
McGlinchey L, Hanson RR, Boone LH, Rosanowski SM, Coleridge M, Souza C, Munsterman AS.To compare the bursting strength and failure mode of ventral midline celiotomy closed with a simple continuous suture pattern with 1 of 2 knot combinations, a novel self-locking knot combination of a forwarder start with an Aberdeen end knot (F-A) and a traditional combination of a surgeon's start with a surgeon's end knot (S-S). Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Equine cadavers (n = 14). Methods: A 20-cm ventral midline celiotomy was created in 14 equine cadavers. Horses were assigned to celiotomy closure with an F-A or S-S knot combination. Prior to closure, a 200-L inflatable blad...
Hébert L, Cauchard J, Doligez P, Quitard L, Laugier C, Petry S.There is great concern about the potential pathogen contamination of horse manure compost spread in the same fields horses graze in. To ensure that pathogen destruction occurs, temperatures need to be sufficiently high during composting. Here, we investigated the survival rate of two marker organisms, Rhodococcus equi and Parascaris equorum eggs, exposed to temperatures potentially encountered during horse manure composting. Our results show that the time required to achieve a 1 log10 reduction in R. equi population (D-value) are 17.1 h (+/-1.47) at 45 degrees C, 8.6 h (+/-0.28) at 50 degrees ...
Hennessy SE, Cudmore L, Jackson LP, Vasey JR, Russell T.To (1) develop an arthroscopic approach to the subextensorius recess of the lateral femorotibial (LFT) joint in foals and (2) report its use in foals with LFT joint sepsis. Methods: (1) Anatomic study and (2) retrospective case series. Methods: (1) Cadaveric hind limbs (n = 32 foals) to delineate the anatomy of the subextensorius recess; 13 foal limbs for cadaver surgery to assess the approach to the subextensorius recess; and (2) foals (n = 8) with LFT joint sepsis. Methods: (1) The LFT joint was distended and examined ultrasonographically. Dissection was used to document periarticular landma...
Wulster KB.This article discusses the basis of image formation of radiography, scintigraphy, PET, computed tomography (fan beam and cone beam), and magnetic resonance as it relates to imaging of musculoskeletal injury in the sport horse. The benefits and drawbacks of each modality are discussed with particular emphasis on sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of identification of subchondral bone injury. Examples of straightforward as well as confounding lesions are provided, emphasizing the need for appropriate clinical workup and diagnostic analgesia, where appropriate.
Rosskopf U, Noeske K, Werner E.The bacterium Clostridium (C.) tetani is an ubiquitous pathogen. This anaerobic, gram-positive bacterium can form spores and can be found in the whole environment. It enters the body via injuries of the skin and wounds where it releases the neurotoxin "tetanospasmin" (= tetanus toxin). The animals most susceptible to tetanus infection are horses and sheep. Only active immunisation by tetanus vaccine provides effective protection against tetanus intoxication. The marketing authorisation requirements stipulate that efficacy of tetanus vaccines ad us. vet. must be demonstrated in all target anima...
Hodder AD, Coyne CP, Madigan JE.An 11-year-old American Buckskin mare gave birth to live triplets unattended at approximately 300 days gestation. All foals were small and dysmature, requiring intensive care. The smallest foal died 4 days after admission, the second was subjected to euthanasia 24 days after admission due to poor healing of a third metatarsal fracture. The remaining foal survived to discharge and was considered small but otherwise normal at age one year.
Sandh G.The author has modified a surgical technique, which was originally developed at the turn of the century, for the aseptic establishment of an intestinal anastomosis. The principle of this technique, known as the "cutting thread" principle, was that a loop of thread was introduced into the lumen of each of two approximated loops of intestine. After suturing the two loops of intestine together around the intraluminal parts of the thread, the latter was used as a "wire-saw" to create a stoma between the two intestinal loops. The author modified the method in such a way that the cutting could be pe...
Riddell LP, Yoshimura S, MacKay AV, Wilson DG.A 17-year-old Quarter horse mare was presented because of traumatic luxation of the fifth sacral and first coccygeal vertebrae resulting in loss of sensation, motor function, and perfusion of the tail. The case was complicated by an associated tail head hematoma. Due to the severity of the injury, tail amputation was performed at the level of the luxation. Tail amputations in horses at the sacrococcygeal junction following a suspected tail pull injury are infrequently reported in the literature. . Une jument Quarter horse âgée de 17 ans fut présentée pour cause de luxation traumatique de l...
Sangiah S, McAllister CC, Amouzadeh HR.The basal gastric pH, free and total acid contents from five adult horses were determined at two-hour intervals for six- to eight-hour periods. The basal gastric pH, free and total acid contents varied from 2.14 +/- 0.08 to 2.41 +/- 0.14, 28.63 +/- 8.27 to 17.89 +/- 2.86 mmol litre-1 and 41.38 +/- 9.72 to 37.38 +/- 3.70 mmol litre-1, respectively. Cimetidine (8.8 mg kg-1 orally) and ranitidine (2.2 mg kg-1 orally) increased the basal gastric pH to above 3.6 (P less than 0.05) with a concomitant reduction of 75 per cent and 75 to 100 per cent in the basal gastric free acid content, respectively...
Dabareiner RM, Chaffin MK, Quirham H, Carter GK.4 horses with enthesopathy and desmitis of the medial collateral ligament of the cubital joint were examined. Results: All 4 horses had a history of acute, severe, unilateral forelimb lameness and had signs of pain during manipulation of the affected upper forelimb; 2 also had swelling in the axillary region. There was no improvement in lameness after diagnostic local analgesia below the carpal region, and 1 of 4 horses had mild improvement after cubital joint analgesia. Radiography revealed enthesophyte formation on the radial tuberosity and linear mineralization of the medial collateral liga...
Labens R, Jermyn K.To assess suspensory ligament extensor branch location and fracture gap reduction with simulation of standing and recumbent cortical bone screw repair of experimental incomplete parasagittal proximal phalanx (P1) fractures. Methods: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Twenty equine cadaver forelimbs. Methods: Simulated fractures were repaired twice in random order. A proximal cortical bone screw was placed in lag fashion with the limb unloaded (simulated recumbent repair) and loaded to 38% of body weight (range, 375-568 kg; simulated standing repair). Changes in fracture gap width were ass...