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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.
Behavioral and cardiorespiratory effects of a medetomidine and tramadol combination in horses. The use of combinations of sedative and analgesic drugs during standing procedures in horses is necessary to provide reliable sedation with minimal ataxia and reduced responses to surgical or other stimuli in horses. Objective: This study assessed the behavioral and cardiorespiratory effects of medetomidine (M) administered with and without tramadol (T) in horses. Methods: Eight horses were sedated intravenously with M (5 µg/kg) alone or with T (2 mg/kg) in a arandomized, blind, two-way crossover trial. Behavioral responses, including head height above the ground (HHAG), postural instability ...
Molecular typing, biofilm characteristics and biofilm-targeted inhibition strategies of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolated from donkey endometritis. Endometritis is a major cause of infertility in intensively farmed donkeys. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a predominant pathogen that readily forms biofilms in equine endometritis, conferring resistance to conventional treatments. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the biofilm dynamics of SEZ isolates obtained from donkeys and to evaluate potential anti-biofilm strategies with different drug combinations. Methods: Uterine lavage samples were collected from 30 Dezhou Black donkeys with clinical endometritis. Bacterial cultures were performed on blood agar and MacConk...
A single pneumatic tourniquet is superior to wide rubber tourniquets for saphenous intravenous regional limb perfusion with amikacin in standing, sedated horses. To establish whether tourniquet type and number influence synovial fluid amikacin concentrations of the tarsocrural joint (TCJ) or metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) after standing saphenous IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with 2 g of amikacin. Unassigned: 8 healthy adult horses underwent 4 saphenous IVRLP protocols with amikacin, differing in tourniquet type (pneumatic vs wide rubber) and number (1 placed mid-gaskin vs 1 placed mid-gaskin and 1 mid-metatarsus) in a randomized, crossover design. Amikacin concentrations were measured in serum and synovial fluid of the TCJ and MTPJ at 15 and 30...
Radiation in Veterinary Practice: Paradigm Shift Toward Precision and Curative Approaches. Ionizing radiation therapy has undergone a clear paradigm shift in veterinary oncology and inflammatory disease management, moving from mainly palliative use toward structured, curative treatment programs. This review synthesizes current evidence on key modalities used in veterinary practice, including external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, systemic targeted radionuclide therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, radiosynoviorthesis, and low-dose radiotherapy. Each modality is discussed in relation to its physical and biological basis, major isotopes or beam types,...
Successful Use of Vincristine in a Quarter Horse Gelding with Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia. This case reports the successful use of vincristine in a Quarter Horse with presumed immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. A 15-year-old Quarter Horse gelding presented for a pinch skin graft procedure on the left forelimb over the cannon bone. On day 10 of hospitalization, the horse developed a fever (102.6°F, RI: 99-101°F), and severe petechiae of the mucous membranes. A complete blood count (CBC) (Advia 2120i) revealed a severe thrombocytopenia (16,000 platelets/μL, RI:100,000-400,000/μL). Diagnostic testing was negative for Anaplasma phagocytophilum by PCR, Theileria equi and Babesia cabal...
Objective gait analysis methods for assessing movement asymmetry in the equine patient. To demonstrate the uses, data interpretation, and limitations of objective gait analysis methods in equine practice. Unassigned: Teaching and client-owned horses. Unassigned: Informed owner consent was obtained for all animals used in the making of this technical tutorial video. Primary literature relevant to this video was reviewed from January 2016 to January 2026. Images and data were collected from teaching horses and client-owned horses. Unassigned: Objective gait analysis provides accurate and repeatable data on the locomotion of a horse; however, inaccuracies may occur, especially in ca...
Prevotella mikamonis sp. nov., isolated from equine clinical specimens. In this study, five strains of anaerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria were characterized phenotypically, biochemically and genotypically. These strains were clinically isolated from horse specimens in Japan. Phylogenetic trees constructed based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed distinct clustering of the five strains with the type strains of closely related species. The genomic DNA G+C content was 46.7 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids identified were C, 3-OH-C and 3-OH-iso-C. Whole-genome comparisons based on average nucleotide identity using blast (ANIb) and digital DNA...
Longitudinal assessment of hemostatic adaptations in pregnant mares: Evidence of a physiological hypercoagulable state. Pregnancy triggers intricate hemostatic adjustments that support placental maturation and prepare the maternal organism for delivery. We hypothesized that pregnant mares would progressively shift toward a procoagulant state throughout gestation, reflected in changes to coagulation and fibrinolytic markers. To test this hypothesis, 15 clinically healthy Spanish Purebred pregnant mares were monitored monthly from conception to term, alongside 15 non-pregnant controls of similar age and breed. A comprehensive hemostatic profile-including platelet (PLT) count, prothrombin time (PT), activated part...
Analytical Challenges and Emerging Detection Strategies of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Horse Doping Control. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) were originally synthesized to advance the understanding of the endocannabinoid system, facilitate disease research, and support the development of novel therapeutic agents. Compared with tetrahydrocannabinol, these compounds exhibit substantially higher psychoactive potency and enhanced receptor-binding affinity. The rapid and continuous evolution of SC derivatives presents significant challenges for analytical laboratories and increases the risk of misuse. Furthermore, SCs may be exploited to alter performance in both human and animal sports. The scarcity of comp...
Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify hepcidin in horse serum. Hepcidin (Hepc) is a peptide hormone primarily produced by hepatocytes and considered the master regulator of iron homeostasis, with Hepc controlling the release of iron within the circulation. Despite the renewed interest in iron-related research due to Hepc discovery, there is limited data on serum hepcidin in horses. The objective of the study was to develop and partially validate a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify serum hepcidin in horses. Precision was evaluated using horse serum samples representing low, medium and high Hepc concentrations, yielding intra...
Mucosal T cell activation pathways are upregulated by equine herpesvirus type 1 infection. Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a high morbidity and mortality virus that impacts horse populations worldwide. As a respiratory virus, it enters through the upper respiratory tract (URT), where mucosal immunity plays a crucial role in preventing severe disease. In this study, flow cytometry was used to characterize the nasal leukocyte population during EHV-1 infection, and RNA sequencing of nasal secretions was employed to assess transcriptional markers of the mucosal immune response. Horses with distinct immune statuses were compared at four stages: pre-infection, early (day 1 and 3 post...
Preprocedural Radiographic Measurements Facilitate Centesis of the Equine Navicular Bursa. For centesis of the equine navicular bursa radiographs confirming needle placement are recommended, this can be a logistical challenge. Therefore, we aimed to identify the usefulness of radiographic measurements for centesis of the navicular bursa. On lateromedial radiographs localization of the centre of the flexor surface of the navicular bone was determined in 26 isolated limbs. Based on these measurements, 21 novice veterinary students performed 130 needle placements using the axial distal palmar technique injecting one of five dyes per cadaver limb. Success was identified on dissection as...
Fungal endometritis in broodmares: clinical presentation, prevalence in Ireland and diagnostic performance of cytology. Fungal endometritis is an uncommon uterine condition associated with poor fertility. Objective: This study aimed to 1) provide a descriptive summary of 11 cases of fungal endometritis, 2) assess prevalence trends of fungal endometritis over time, 3) assess fungal species distribution in diagnostic samples, and 4) evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cytology. Methods: Study 1 reviewed records of 11 mares diagnosed with fungal endometritis for history, presentation, treatment, and outcome. Study 2 analysed 6,727 uterine samples (swabs and lavages; 2019-2024) for factors influencing fungal cultur...
Periovulatory administration of therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses of firocoxib does not impair induced ovulation or follicular dynamics in mares treated with a GnRH analogue. To evaluate the effects of therapeutic and supratherapeutic periovulatory doses of firocoxib on ovulation and follicular dynamics in mares. Methods: Seventy cycling mares were randomly assigned to receive firocoxib at 0.1 mg/kg (n = 27), firocoxib at 0.3 mg/kg (n = 22), or no treatment (control; n = 21). Treatments were initiated on Day 0, defined as the day of ovulation induction with a GnRH analogue administered intramuscularly, with firocoxib administered intravenously on Day 0 and Day 1 (24 h apart). Follicular diameter and ovulation timing were assessed by transrectal ultrasonography. Res...
Modified mucosal digestion procedure improves precision of encysted larval cyathostomin counts in horses. With rising anthelmintic resistance in adult cyathostomins, the most pervasive equine parasites, the need to assess larvicidal efficacy has increased, yet available methods remain limited. Encysted larvae are quantified using mucosal digestion, wherein a 5% subsample of intestinal mucosa is processed, and a 2% aliquot is counted for early third stage (EL3) and late third stage/mucosal fourth stage (LL3/L4) larvae. This method is imprecise and post-treatment larval differences are often not observed. The following study aimed to assess standard and modified protocol precision and sensitivity. I...
Comparative phenotypic and transcriptomic analysis of equine ovarian follicular aspirates-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and dermal fibroblasts. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are widely used in human cell-based therapies and recent research is focused on the use of MSCs in equine regenerative medicine. Recently, MSCs have been isolated from equine follicular aspirates; however, a major concern during isolation is the potential contamination with fibroblasts, the predominant stromal cell type in many tissues. Furthermore, both cell types share the minimal criteria established by the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) for MSCs identification. Hence, our study aimed to compare the morphological characteristics, expansion...
Advanced Imaging of the Cranium and the Cervical Spine for Equine Neurologic Disease. Diagnostic imaging is essential for evaluating and managing neurologic disease in horses. Following clinical lesion, neurolocalization imaging modalities are often necessary to further characterize the disease process. However, which technology to use depends on various factors, including the patient's size, clinical signs, and the anatomic region. Current advances in imaging technology, in general, and the adaptation of different modalities for equine patients, in particular, have substantially improved our ability to evaluate the equine central nervous system. This article will summarize the...
Perspectives of UK horse carers towards the use of artificial intelligence in equine healthcare. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in the modern world, including in veterinary medicine. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate horse carers' attitudes towards using AI use in equine care. Methods: An online survey was distributed to UK horse owners/carers in 2025, covering participants' demographics and use of AI and their opinions of AI for equine care. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, categorisation of free-text responses and logistic regression to determine factors associated with opinions. Results: Ninety-seven resp...
Nitric oxide and its role in the management of hypoxaemia in the anaesthetised horse-a narrative review. To outline historical aspects of nitric oxide, including its discovery and biological effects, to describe the current use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in human healthcare, and to review the available evidence on the use of pulsed iNO (PiNO) for the management of hypoxaemia in anaesthetised horses. Methods: Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched using the search terms nitric oxide, PiNO, environment, discovery, acute respiratory distress syndrome, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, horse, pony, hypoxaemia, and anaesthesia. Conclusions: Inhaled NO is licensed in the management of hypoxic respira...
In Vitro Characterization of an Equinized Anti-PD-L1 Antibody for Cancer Immunotherapy in Horses. Horses develop spontaneous tumors, typically in old age. Although local tumor control can be achieved using conventional therapies, systemic therapies are required to treat recurrent and/or metastatic tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-L1 antibodies, have been approved for the treatment of various tumor types in humans; however, little is known about the immunosuppressive roles of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in horses, and the therapeutic potential of these inhibitors remains to be elucidated. Previously, we reported that the rat monoclonal anti-PD-L1 antibody 6C11-3A11 cross-rea...
Evaluation of Short-Term Stall Size Housing on the Behavior and Welfare of Domestic Horses (Equus caballus). Single-stall housing is a common system used for horses in various settings, including racing stables, riding schools, teaching and research facilities. Adequate stall space is necessary for horses to lie down and make postural adjustments, both of which are essential for equine rest and welfare. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals recommends a stall size of 144 ft2. However, not all stalls meet this size requirement, and there is limited literature supporting its use in terms of animal welfare. This study used a crossover design to compare behavioral and physiologic variables...
Priorities and Recommendations for Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Improve Equid Health and Welfare. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being increasingly used for equid health and welfare. This study aimed to establish consensus on where and how AI should be developed to achieve maximum benefit in this field. A workshop involving 41 stakeholders generated statements about current welfare concerns, areas for AI development, and barriers and solutions to AI use. Statements were circulated through Delphi surveys (acceptance set at 75% agreement). One-hundred-and-six statements reached agreement. Ethological needs not being met and poor equid management practices were key welfare concerns. Particip...
Pharmacokinetics of 2 mg/kg Bupivacaine in a Rectus Abdominis Sheath Block in Horses. Administering large volumes of bupivacaine in the rectus abdominis sheath (RAS) block in horses could cause local anesthetic toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of 2 mg/kg bupivacaine in RAS blocks and the associated toxicity risk. Six healthy adult horses were sedated with xylazine and received an ultrasound-guided bilateral 2-point RAS block. Plasma samples were collected at baseline and from 5 min to 24 h after the block and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A noncompartmental analysis was performed to determine the maximum concentr...
Saliva and plasma metabolome analysis during the five days before foaling in the mare. Saliva is a relevant biofluid for real-time welfare-friendly monitoring of systemic events in animals, because some bioanalytes have a systemic origin and its collection is painless, stress-free and non-invasive. Our aim was to analyze the metabolome of equine saliva during the five days before foaling, with a focus on identifying metabolites whose level significantly changed before parturition, that could be potential salivary biomarkers of the onset of parturition. We compared the saliva and plasma metabolomes to investigate their relationship. Saliva and blood samples were collected from tw...
[Puncture wounds of the equine hoof – a retrospective study of 96 cases – Part 1: Prevalence, clinical findings and diagnostic investigations]. Penetrating wounds of the hoof are common and potentially life-threatening injuries in equine veterinary practice. The aim of this study was the systematic data analysis of horses presenting to the clinic with a solar puncture wound.In this retrospective study, patient data from horses presented with a puncture wound to the hoof in the period from September 2008 to August 2024 were collected. The analyzed data covered signalment, intended use, and insurance status. The following were also considered: previous history including the period between injury and presentation to the clinic, affected ...
Coexistence of seminoma and leiomyoma in the testis of an Arabian-Barbe stallion: A case report. Testicular tumors are rare in horses, with seminoma being the most frequently described in the literature. In Morocco, many stallions used for Tbourida are intentionally kept intact, as uncastrated horses are traditionally viewed as symbols of prestige and cultural pride. This cultural practice increases the likelihood of detecting testicular pathology in mature stallions. Unassigned: A 15-year-old Arabian-Barbe stallion used in Tbourida was presented for evaluation after the owner noticed a slow, progressive enlargement of the right testis over a period of more than 1 year. Clinical examinati...
Case Report: Mesh repair of a urinary bladder dorsal wall defect following repeated cystorrhaphy in a warmblood foal. A three-day-old male Warmblood foal presented with inability to urinate. Primary diagnostic findings included abdominal distension, hyperkalemia, azotemia, and ultrasonographic evidence for free anechoic fluid in the abdominal cavity. Abdominocentesis confirmed the diagnosis of an uroperitoneum [peritoneal fluid to serum creatinine ratio (>2:1)]. Suture repair of a dorsal urinary bladder wall defect was performed, but leakage along the suture tracts resulted in recurrent uroperitoneum confirmed by computed tomographic urography after two days. Repeated cystorrhaphy was performed but uroperi...
Pharmacokinetics of Intramuscularly Administered Ketamine at Subanaesthetic Dosage in Horses. Subanaesthetic doses of ketamine (0.5 mg kg) provide analgesia in several species, but there is limited information on the pharmacokinetics and clinical effects of intramuscularly administered ketamine in horses. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of ketamine and norketamine, and evaluated clinical effects, ataxia, and vital parameters, following intramuscular and intravenous administration of 0.5 mg kg ketamine in nine healthy horses, using a randomized two-period crossover design with a 1-week washout period. Plasma concentrations were analyzed using Ultra-High Performance ...
Diagnosis and Surveillance of West Nile Virus Infection in Horses: Current Methods, Challenges, and Future Directions. West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus of growing importance for both human and equine health in Europe. Horses are highly susceptible to neurological disease and, because they share ecological exposure with humans, they represent valuable sentinels for detecting local viral circulation within a One Health framework. However, diagnosis of WNV infection in equines is complicated by the short and low-level viraemia, which limits the sensitivity of molecular assays, and by serological cross-reactivity with related flaviviruses and the confounding effects of vaccination. In this narr...
