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.
Abraham M, Reef VB, Sweeney RW, Navas de Solís C.Ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of equine neonates has not been completely described. Objective: To describe (1) sonographic characteristics of the GI segments in normal nonsedated equine neonates, (2) intra- and interobserver variation in wall thickness, and (3) the sonographic appearance of asymptomatic intussusceptions, and (4) to compare age and sonographic findings of foals with and without asymptomatic intussusceptions. Methods: Eighteen healthy Standardbred foals ≤5 days of age. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional blinded study. Gastrointestinal sonogr...
Bullone M, Chevigny M, Allano M, Martin JG, Lavoie JP.Morphometric analyses of endobronchial biopsies are commonly performed in asthma research but little is known about the technical and physiological parameters contributing to measurement variability. We investigated factors potentially affecting biopsy size, quality, and airway smooth muscle (ASM) content in heaves, an asthma-like disease of horses. Horses with heaves in clinical exacerbation (n = 6) or remission (n = 6) from the disease and six controls were studied using a crossover design. The effect of disease status, age, bronchodilation, biopsy forceps type, and carina size on total biop...
Steblaj B, Schauvliege S, Pavlidou K, Gasthuys F, Savvas I, Duchateau L, Kowalczyk L, Moens Y.To compare pulmonary function and gas exchange in ponies during maintenance of anaesthesia with isoflurane or by a total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) technique. Methods: Experimental, cross-over study. Methods: Six healthy ponies weighing mean 286 (range 233-388) ± SD 61 kg, age 13 (9-16) ± 3 years. Methods: The ponies were anaesthetized twice, a minimum of two weeks apart. Following sedation with romifidine [80 μg kg(-1) intravenously (IV)], anaesthesia was induced IV with midazolam (0.06 mg kg(-1)) and ketamine (2.5 mg kg(-1), then maintained either with inhaled isoflurane (Fe'Iso = 1.1...
Di Gennaro A, Lorusso A, Casaccia C, Conte A, Monaco F, Savini G.A serum neutralization assay (SN) was compared with the official plaque reduction neutralization test for the quantitation of West Nile virus antibodies. A total of 1,348 samples from equid sera and 38 from human sera were tested by these two methods. Statistically significant differences were not observed, thus supporting the use of SN for routine purposes.
Kienapfel K, Link Y, König V Borstel U.Much controversy exists among riders, and in particular among those practicing dressage, regarding what can be considered an "appropriate" Head-Neck-Position (HNP). The objective was to assess the prevalence of different HNPs in the field, the behavioural reactions of horses during warm-up and competition rides in relation to HNP and the relation between HNP and marks achieved in the competition. Horses (n = 171) were selected during dressage competitions according to their HNP (3 categories based on the degree of flexion), and their behaviour was recorded during 3 minutes each of riding i...
Pradier S, Sandoz A, Paul MC, Lefebvre G, Tran A, Maingault J, Lecollinet S, Leblond A.To assess environmental and horse-level risk factors associated with West Nile Virus (WNV) circulation in Camargue, Southern France, a serosurvey was conducted on non-vaccinated horses (n = 1159 from 134 stables) in 2007 and 2008. Fifteen Landsat images were examined to quantify areas with open water and flooded vegetation around sampled horses. Mean percentages of areas of open water and flooded vegetation, as well as variations in these percentages between 3 periods (November to February = NOT, March to July = END and August to October = EPI), were calculated for buffers of 2 km radius aroun...
Murata D, Miyakoshi D, Hatazoe T, Miura N, Tokunaga S, Fujiki M, Nakayama K, Misumi K.Cartilage regeneration with cell therapy following arthroscopic surgery could be used in racehorses with intra-articular fractures (IAF) and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). The aims of this study were to investigate the origin and multipotency of stromal cells in the synovial fluid (SF) of horses with intra-articular injury and synovitis, and to provide a new strategy for regeneration of lost articular cartilage. Mesenchymal stromal cells were isolated from SF of horses with IAF and OCD. Multipotency was analysed by RT-PCR for specific mRNAs and staining for production of specific extracellul...
Barker WH, Wright IM.Accurate description of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is lacking and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to undertake morphologic and morphometic evaluations of these structures to assist in elucidating their functional and pathogenic roles in displacement of the SDFT from the calcaneal tuber. Methods: Dissections were performed on 10 normal cadaveric hindlimbs. The anatomy was photographed to allow measurements at repeatable locations and differences in SDFT dimensions at the various locations were compared using a paired student t-test. Results:...
López C, Carmona JU, Giraldo CE, Alvarez ME.1) To evaluate the bacteriostatic in vitro effect of pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP), pure platelet-rich gel (P-PRG), leukocyte-poor gel (LPG), platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and heat inactivated plasma (IP) against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) over a period of 24 hours. 2) To determine the degradation of platelet factor-4 (PF-4), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and platelet-derived growth factor isoform BB (PDGF-BB) in these equine blood components. 3) To establish correlations between platelet and leukocyte counts, PF-4 concentrations, and MSSA growth. Metho...
Walker WT, Callan RJ, Hill AE, Tisher KB.This study evaluated the effects of administering oral powder electrolytes on packed cell volume (PCV), plasma chemistry parameters, and incidence of colic in horses participating on a 6-day 162-km trail ride in which water was not offered ad libitum. Twenty-three horses received grain with powder electrolytes daily while 19 control horses received grain only. Horses were ridden approximately 32 km a day at a walk or trot. Packed cell volume and plasma chemistry parameters were analyzed daily. Episodes of colic were diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian unaware of treatment group allocation....
Brown JA, Holcombe SJ, Southwood LL, Byron CR, Embertson RM, Hauptmann JG.To determine factors associated with postoperative reflux, postoperative colic, repeat celiotomy, and survival in horses after end-to-side (E2S) or side-to-side (S2S) jejunocecostomy. Methods: Retrospective, multicenter study. Methods: Horses (n = 150). Methods: Admissions, intra- and postoperative data were collected from medical records of horses that had E2S or S2S jejunocecostomy. Descriptive statistics were calculated and data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests, linear and multivariate logistic regression with significance set at P < .05. Kaplan-Meier estimate ...
Rodriguez-Palacios A, Barman T, LeJeune JT.The cross-sectional (period) prevalence of Clostridium difficile in 875 farm animals from 29 commercial operations during the summer of 2008 in Ohio, USA was quantified. Compared to an external referent population of intensively managed race horses (12.7%), intensively managed commercially mature food animals (poultry, cattle, swine; < 0.6%) were infrequent shedders of C. difficile (P < 0.00001) during the warmest weeks of 2008. La prévalence par période de chez 875 animaux de ferme provenant de 29 exploitations commerciales durant l’été de 2008 en Ohio, aux États-Unis, est quan...
Bastos HB, Kretzmann NA, Santos GO, Esmeraldino AT, Rechsteiner SF, Mattos RC, Neves AP.The period from the emergence of a dominant follicle until its formation requires tissue remodeling. Enzymes promoting collagen lysis, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are fundamental for the process of extracellular matrix remodeling, which allows changes in ovarian tissue architecture during follicular growth. It has been suggested that the production of these enzymes may be affected by the rise in circulating concentrations of LH, which acts on the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). The aim of this study was to determine the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and LH receptor (LHR) in the o...
Bianco C, Pirrone A, Boldini S, Sarli G, Castagnetti C.Computer-based digital image analysis of tissue samples shows promise both to reduce the subjectivity of traditional manual tissue assessments and potentially to shorten the time required to analyze each sample. The present study used digital image analysis to investigate the histomorphometric parameters and fractal complexity of the equine placenta from healthy and sick foals. We hypothesized that the placentas of sick foals could have a different growth pattern and complexity that could be objectively estimated by their fractal dimension (FD). Fourteen placentas from 30 mares were selected i...
Dubois MS, Morello S, Rayment K, Markel MD, Vanderby R, Kalscheur VL, Hao Z, McCabe RP, Marquis P, Muir P.Articular stress fracture arising from the distal end of the third metacarpal bone (MC3) is a common serious injury in Thoroughbred racehorses. Currently, there is no method for predicting fracture risk clinically. We describe an ex-vivo biomechanical model in which we measured subchondral crack micromotion under compressive loading that modeled high speed running. Using this model, we determined the relationship between subchondral crack dimensions measured using computed tomography (CT) and crack micromotion. Thoracic limbs from 40 Thoroughbred racehorses that had sustained a catastrophic in...
Gleerup KB, Forkman B, Lindegaard C, Andersen PH.The objective of this study was to investigate the existence of an equine pain face and to describe this in detail. Methods: Semi-randomized, controlled, crossover trial. Methods: Six adult horses. Methods: Pain was induced with two noxious stimuli, a tourniquet on the antebrachium and topical application of capsaicin. All horses participated in two control trials and received both noxious stimuli twice, once with and once without an observer present. During all sessions their pain state was scored. The horses were filmed and the close-up video recordings of the faces were analysed for alterat...
Hatz LA, Hartnack S, Kümmerle J, Hässig M, Bettschart-Wolfensberger R.To assess accuracy of noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) measured by oscillometric device Sentinel compared to invasive blood pressure (IBP) in anaesthetized horses undergoing surgery. To assess if differences between the NIBP measured by the Sentinel and IBP are associated with recumbency, cuff placement, weight of the horse or acepromazine premedication and to describe usefulness of the Sentinel. Methods: Prospective study examining replicates of simultaneous NIBP and IBP measurements. Methods: Twenty-nine horses. Methods: Invasive blood pressure was measured via a catheter in the facial arte...
Salazar-Ortiz J, Monget P, Guillaume D.Feed intake affects the GH-IGF system and may be a key factor in determining the ovarian follicular growth rate. In fat mares, the plasma IGF-1 concentration is high with low GH and a quick follicular growth rate, in contrast to values observed in thin mares. Nothing is known regarding the long-term effects of differential feed intake on the IGF system. The objective of this experiment was to quantify IGFs, IGFBPs, GH, glucose, insulin, gonadotropin and progesterone (P4) in blood and in preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) in relation to feeding levels in mares. Methods: Three years prior to the...
Biedrzycki A, Markel MD, Brounts SH.To compare the in vitro biomechanical properties of a novel subcuticular stapling device to current methods of abdominal skin closure for equine abdominal surgery. Methods: In vitro randomized, matched design. Methods: Equine ventral median abdominal skin specimens (n = 24 horses). Methods: Subcuticular absorbable staples (SAS), metallic staples (MS), polyglyconate suture (PG), and nylon monofilament (NYL) were applied to longitudinally transected portions of equine ventral midline skin. Loads that resulted in an initial failure point and the ultimate failure load and mechanism were record...
Estrada RJ, van Weeren PR, van de Lest CH, Boere J, Reyes M, Ionita JC, Estrada M, Lischer CJ.Even though equine multi-limb tendinopathy models have been reported, it is unknown if fore- and hindlimb tendon healing behave similarly. The aim of this study was to compare the healing process of surgically induced superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) core lesions of fore- and hindlimbs in horses. Methods: Tendon core lesions were surgically induced in the SDFT of both fore- and hindlimbs in eight horses. One randomly assigned forelimb and one randomly assigned hindlimb were injected with saline one and two weeks post-surgery. The healing process was monitored clinically and ultrasonogr...
Carmichael RC, Duell JR, Holbrook TC, Herrin BH, Leutenegger CM, O'Connor TP, Little SE.Abstract Tick infestations and infection with tick-borne agents are commonly recognized in horses in North America, but equine infection with true Ehrlichia spp. has not been described. To determine the degree to which horses in the south-central United States are naturally exposed to and infected with tick-borne disease agents, serum samples were collected at random (n=240) or from horses with active tick infestations (n=73) and tested by immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for evidence of antibodies reactive to Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma sp...
Paterson YZ, Rash N, Garvican ER, Paillot R, Guest DJ.Autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive concept in regenerative medicine, but their mechanism of action remains poorly defined. No immune response is reported after in vivo injection of allogeneic equine MSCs or embryo-derived stem cells (ESCs) into the equine tendon, which may be due to the cells' immune-privileged properties. This study further investigates these properties to determine their potential for clinical application in other tissues. Methods: Mitomycin C-treated MSCs, ESCs, or differentiated ESCs (dESCs) were cultured with allogeneic equine peripheral blood mono...
Gard GP, Marshall ID, Walker KH, Acland HM, Saren WG.An outbreak of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) occurred in New South Wales during the first five months of 1974. Specimens from 52 horses with nervous disease collected January to May 1974 were examined histopathological or virologically. Although MVE virus was not isolated, 13 horses had serological evidence of recent infection with MVE virus. Another 4 horses had evidence of recent infection with Ross River virus. Two animals had histological evidence of viral infection of the central nervous system. Attempts to experimentally infect 2 horses with a low dose of MVE virus were not successful...
Prause AS, Stoffel MH, Portier CJ, Mevissen M.In horses, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders occur frequently and cause a considerable demand for efficient medication. 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HT) have been reported to be involved in GI tract motility and thus, are potential targets for treating functional bowel disorders. Our studies extend current knowledge on the 5-HT(7) receptor in equine duodenum, ileum and pelvic flexure by studying its expression throughout the intestine and its role in modulating contractility in vitro by immunofluorescence and organ bath experiments, respectively. 5-HT(7) immunoreactivity was demonstrated in ...
Adams K, Schulz-Kornas E, Arzi B, Failing K, Vogelsberg J, Staszyk C.It has been assumed that dental conditions cause disorders of the equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ), due to biomechanical overload or aberrant loading. However, the incidence of published TMJ disorders in horses is low and this leads to the question whether the equine TMJ is adapted well to its biomechanical requirements or is able to remodel its articular surfaces in response to modified loading conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the histological characteristics of healthy equine TMJs. The tissue components of the articular surfaces of 10 TMJs obtained from horses without a...
Posnett ES, Fehrsen J, De Waal DT, Ambrosio RE.The ability of the Babesia equi repetitive probes, pSE2 and pSB20, to detect parasites in blood from experimentally infected, naturally infected and carrier animals was tested using a spot hybridization assay. The clinical course of the experimentally infected horses was monitored using microscopy, indirect fluorescent antibody tests, packed cell volume, temperature and the probe assay. The probes sensitively monitored the parasite level during the development of the disease and correlated well with the other parameters tested. The sensitivity of the probe assay was superior to that of light m...
Beckwith-Cohen B, Elad D, Bdolah-Abram T, Ofri R.To determine baseline tear pH in dogs, horses, and cattle by use of a microelectrode. Methods: 28 dogs, 24 horses, and 29 cattle. Methods: Under manual restraint, tears were collected from each subject's left eye with cotton spears. A Schirmer tear test was performed in the right eye. Tears were extracted from the spears by centrifugation. Tear volume was measured, pH was determined with a microelectrode, and total solids (TS) concentration was measured by refractometry. Results: Mean ± SD pH of tears in cattle, dogs, and horses was 8.32 ± 0.14, 8.05 ± 0.26, and 7.84 ± 0.30, respectively. ...
Nouws JF, Firth EC, Vree TB, Baakman M.Plasma disposition, protein binding, urinary recovery, and renal clearance of sulfamethazine (SMZ), sulfamerazine (SMR), and sulfadiazine (SDZ) and their N4-acetyl and hydroxy derivatives were studied in 4 horses in a crossover trial. The plasma concentration-time curves of the metabolites paralleled those of the parent drug in the elimination phase. Sulfamethazine and SMR were extensively metabolized. In plasma and urine, the main metabolite of the 3 sulfonamides tested was the 5-hydroxypyrimidine derivative, which was highly glucuronidated. Difference in elimination half-life of SMZ, SMR, an...
Hinterhofer C, Stanek C, Haider H.A finite element (FE) hoof capsule was built as a small, symmetrical forelimb hoof on IDEAS* as a model for calculation and visualisation of stress and displacement of the equine hoof capsule. The model's loading was performed according to the suspension of the coffin bone within the hoof wall (pulling force) and over the sole and frog (compressing force) with a total of 3000 N. Restraints of the model's ground nodes and surface wall nodes were defined for simulation of 4 shoeing situations: a regular horseshoe, a horseshoe with a toe clip, a horseshoe with regular side clips and a horseshoe w...
Home WA, Ford JE, Gibson DM.Analysis of 10 cDNA encoding lambda L chains of horse Ig indicated that this species may employ a relatively small number of variable region (V lambda) genes in the splenic B cell population. The V lambda sequences of all of the cDNA analyzed were closely related (> 88% identity at the nucleotide level) and were characterized by a deletion of the amino acid residue at position 3 compared with V lambda sequences so far described in other species. The 10 V lambda sequences could be grouped into three groups, V lambda 1 to V lambda 3, on the basis of a number of linked substitutions. Sequences...
Floyd E, Danks S, Comyn I, Mackenzie C, Marr CM.Respiratory disease is common in critically ill neonatal foals. Traditional oxygen therapy (TOT) with nasal insufflation of oxygen is often used to provide first-line respiratory support. Mechanical ventilation is used in foals which require a greater level of support but requires specialist expertise and can be associated with significant complications. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) enables a greater level of respiratory support without the need for intubation. High flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) is a mode of NIV commonly used in human intensive care. Objective: To describe the use of HFOT in ho...
Sgorbini M, Bonelli F, Percacini G, Pasquini A, Rota A.Our aim was to measure the concentrations of derived reactive oxygen metabolite (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) of donkey mares and foals at delivery and to verify the protective role of the placenta against fetal oxidative stress. A total of 15 Amiata jennies with a physiological gestation length and delivery were included together with 17 foals (two twin foalings). After delivery, maternal and foal venous blood samples were collected along with blood from the artery. Circulating lactate and plasma d-ROMs and BAP were evaluated. The Wilcoxon test for paired data was applie...
Stokes SM, Bertin FR, Stefanovski D, Belknap JK, Medina-Torres CE, Pollitt CC, van Eps AW.Hyperinsulinaemia is associated with the development of endocrinopathic laminitis; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: Evaluate the effects of hyperinsulinaemia on lamellar energy metabolism and perfusion during laminitis development. Methods: In vivo experiment. Methods: Eight Standardbred horses were instrumented with a microdialysis probe in the lamellae of a forelimb. A 24 hours baseline period (BASELINE) was followed by 48 hours of a continuous euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC) from 24 to 72 hours (CLAMP). Microdialysate was collected every 6 hours and analysed ...
Smith MR, Wright IM.Fractures of the proximal phalanx are generally considered to result from monotonic supraphysiological loads, but radiological observations from clinical cases suggest there may be a stress-related aetiology. Objective: To determine whether there are radiologically identifiable prodromal changes in Thoroughbred racehorses with confirmed parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: Case records and radiographs of Thoroughbred racehorses with parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx were analysed. Thickness of the subchondral bone p...
Wijnberg ID, Back W, de Jong M, Zuidhof MC, van den Belt AJ, van der Kolk JH.Systematically performed EMG needle examination of muscles provides essential information about the functional aspects of the motor unit. However, clinical studies in which information is given on the diagnostic and discriminative values of electromyography (EMG) in the horse are scarce. Objective: To determine to what extent inclusion of EMG analysis in clinical examination contributes to determination of type and localisation of abnormality. Methods: EMG analysis, complete clinical examination and diagnosis of 108 horses (mean +/- s.d. age 75 +/- 3.8 years; bodyweight 548 +/- 86 kg; height 1...
Malan FS, Reinecke RK, Scialdo RC.The entire gastro-intestinal tract and viscera of the abdomen and thorax, including the heart, aorta and its branches to the viscera, are removed from the carcass. All the branches of the aorta, with the exception of the A. gastrica sinistra, are dissected from the intestinal tract, and subsequently each branch is isolated from the mesentery, fat, pancreas, kidneys, etc. Usually, the A. ileocolica is grossly enlarged due to chronic arteritis with thrombus formation caused by 4th stage larvae, 4th moult and 5th stage Strongylus vulgaris. Descriptions of methods to examine the subperitoneal tiss...
Smith LJ, Mair TS.Twelve horses underwent standing laparoscopic ovariectomy using electrocoagulation and fine dissection as the only means of achieving haemostasis of the severed ovarian pedicle. Four mares had bilateral ovariectomy performed as a treatment for aggressive behaviour thought to be associated with the oestrous cycle. Eight mares had unilateral ovariectomy performed for removal of a granulosa thecal cell tumour (GCT). Electrocoagulation provided an effective means of haemostasis in both normal and pathological ovaries. Only one case (removal of a GCT) had mild haemorrhage following electrocoagulati...
Tearle JP, Smith KC, Boyle MS, Binns MM, Livesay GJ, Mumford JA.Six Welsh Mountain pony colts were infected intranasally with the Ab4 isolate of EHV-1. Clinical and virological monitoring demonstrated mild upper respiratory tract disease, with nasal shedding of virus and establishment of a cell-associated viraemia. Detailed pathological examination of the urogenital tract was performed post mortem on days 4-9 post-infection (PI). EHV-1 was isolated from the epididymis on day 8 and the testis on day 9 PI, with viral replication in endothelial cells of these organs and an associated necrotizing vasculitis and thrombosis. Productive viral infection of germina...
Bellone RR.Horses perform in a variety of disciplines that are visually demanding, and any disease impacting the eye has the potential to threaten vision and thus the utility of the horse. Advances in equine genetics have enabled the understanding of some inherited ocular disorders and ocular manifestations and are enabling cross-species comparisons. Genetic testing for multiple congenital ocular anomalies, congenital stationary night blindness, equine recurrent uveitis, and squamous cell carcinoma can identify horses with or at risk for disease and thus can assist in clinical management and breeding dec...
Bergfelt DR, Pierson RA, Ginther OJ.The present study was designed to characterize and compare the physiology and ultrasonographic morphology of the corpus luteum (CL) during regression and resurgence following a single dose of native prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) given 3 days after ovulation, with a more conventional treatment given 10 days after ovulation. On the day of pre-treatment ovulation (Day 0), horse mares were randomly assigned to receive PGF (Lutalyse; 10 mg/mare, i.m.) on Day 3 (17 mares) or Day 10 (17 mares). Beginning on either Days 3 or 10, follicle and CL data and blood samples were collected daily until post-trea...
Cohen ND, Wallis DE, Neibergs HL, Hargis BM.Salmonella was identified in feces from horses, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genus-specific oligonucleotide primers. Feces from healthy horses were determined to be culture negative and PCR negative for Salmonella. Fecal samples were inoculated with known numbers of colony-forming units (CFU) of S. enteritidis. The fecal samples were enriched overnight in tetrathionate broth, and then DNA was extracted and amplified by PCR using genus-specific primers. Sensitivity of the assay extended to 10 degrees CFU Salmonella enteritidis/g feces; sensitivity of microbiologic culture with ...
Monahan CM, Chapman MR, French DD, Klei TR.During a series of dose-titration experiments designed to evaluate the efficacy of moxidectin oral gel against equine gastrointestinal parasites, infection with Onchocerca cervicalis was diagnosed in 25 of 82 ponies prior to treatment. Microfilariae were identified in full-thickness skin biopsies taken from the ventral midline. Treatment with moxidectin in single doses of 300, 400, or 500 micrograms/kg of body weight was 100% effective in eliminating microfilariae from 20 skin biopsies taken 14 days posttreatment, whereas 5 microfilaria-positive ponies in 2 control groups remained positive fol...
Ladds PW, Thomas AD, Pott B.A case of acute meningoencephalomyelitis caused by infection with Pseudomonas pseudomallei is described. Clinically there was inability to stand, opisthotonus, facial paralysis and nystagmus, rapidly progressing to violent struggling. Gross examination revealed malacia and haemorrhage in the medulla oblongata and adjacent spinal cord. Microscopically there were disseminated focal neutrophilic accumulations in affected areas, perivascular cuffing with mononuclear cells and lymphocytes and marked oedema. Intracellular bacteria were identified in sections stained by the Giemsa method.
Brown KA, Davidson EJ, Ortved K, Ross MW, Stefanovski D, Wulster KB, Levine DG.To report the long-term outcome of horses treated with interspinous ligament desmotomy (ISLD) for pain associated with overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP) and determine the influence of preoperative diagnostic analgesia on long-term outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Eighteen horses. Methods: Data were collected from horses presenting for ISLD to the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center between January 2013 and May 2018. Follow-up of ≥3 months postsurgically was obtained from the owner, trainer, or referring veterinarian. Long-term improvement was compared betw...
Anwer MS, Engelking LR, Gronwall R, Klentz RD.Plasma bile acid concentration was determined in normal dogs,sheep, calves and ponies for three days before and six days after liver damage, induced by carbon tetrachloride. In all species, a significant increase in plasma bile acid concentration was associated with a concomitant significant increase in plasma sorbitol dehydrogenase and transferase activity. Plasma bilirubin also significantly increased in all animals except the dogs. Results suggested that plasma bile acid levels could be used to test liver function in domestic animals.
Hedberg-Alm Y, Tydén E, Tamminen LM, Lindström L, Anlén K, Svensson M, Riihimäki M.Peritonitis in horses secondary to non-strangulating infarction (NSII) has a guarded prognosis, even after intestinal resection. In contrast, horses with idiopathic peritonitis respond well to medical treatment. Affected horses in both cases often show signs of both colic and systemic inflammation, but early diagnosis is crucial for optimal treatment and an accurate prognosis. One cause of NSII is thrombus formation secondary to Strongylus vulgaris larval migration. There has been a documented increase in S. vulgaris prevalence in Sweden since the implementation of selective anthelmintic treat...
Kydd JH, Hannant D, Robinson RS, Bryant N, Osterrieder N.Equid herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory and neurological disease and late gestation abortion in pregnant mares. Current vaccines contain either inactivated or live EHV-1, but fail to provide complete clinical or virological protection, namely prevention of nasopharyngeal shedding and cell-associated viraemia. Thus, the development of novel products, such as modified live virus (MLV) vaccines which stimulate virus-specific, humoral and cell mediated immune responses more effectively remains a priority. Two groups of weaned foals (n = 6 each group) were used in a longitudinal, prospec...
Hayes KE, Pierson RA, Scraba ST, Ginther OJ.The morphological changes in ultrasound images of the uterus at various times of the year were characterized in nonbred mares, using a linear-array scanner. The uterus was recorded as having an ultrasonic morphology characteristic of diestrus (uterine score 1, endometrial folds not visible), estrus (score 3, distinct endometrial folds), or an intermediate stage (score 2). In Experiment I, uterine scores for the first ovulatory period of the year were compared to scores for the second period in 23 pony mares. More mares (P<0.05) showed endometrial folding prior to the second ovulation of the...
Knox PM, Watkins JP.A method for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint) arthrodesis that provides a stable fixation and minimal duration of cast support is evaluated retrospectively. Objective: Evaluate the clinical use of a combined plate-screw method for PIP joint arthrodesis in a large number of horses. Methods: The records of 53 horses undergoing PIP joint arthrodesis were reviewed. Arthrodesis was performed with a dorsally placed 3-, 4- or 5-hole narrow dynamic compression plate (DCP) with 2 transarticular cortex screws placed in lag fashion either side of the plate. Subject details, clinical presentatio...
