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.
Down SS, Henson FM.Arthropathy of the caudal cervical articular process joints (APJs) in the horse is documented as a cause of ataxia and paresis secondary to spinal cord compression. Enlargement of the caudal APJs is reported to increase with age, but there are no known associations of any other factors. No association of the degree of APJ enlargement with neurological signs seen has been documented. This study investigated the associations of cervical APJ enlargement at the C5-C6 and C6-C7 articulations with case subject details (breed, age, sex, usage) and clinical signs. Objective: To ascertain if there are ...
Gilger BC, Brooks DE.This first IEOC symposium met its goals of gathering a group of leading equine ophthalmology clinicians and researchers to identify the challenges of the field. To facilitate collaboration, notes from round-table discussions, including the ideas and plans that were discussed are being complied and will be distributed to the attendees. Development of an IEOC membership organisation and website was discussed and supported by the group in an effort further to advance the science of equine ophthalmology. To present results from the collaborations made at this first IEOC meeting, an IEOC mini-sympo...
Ferrante M, Andreeta A, Landoni MF.Diclofenac is a hydrophilic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used in humans and animals. Previous reports have shown that this compound has low percutaneous absorption in horses. The effect of five penetration enhancers (10% urea, 15% and 20% oleic acid and 5% and 10% d-limonene) on the percutaneous absorption of diclofenac diethylamine through horse skin was evaluated in vitro using Franz-type diffusion cells. All tested penetration enhancers induced a significant increase in diclofenac diethylamine permeation, with limonene showing the highest enhancing effect at the lowest concen...
Brama PA, Firth EC, van Weeren PR, Tuukkanen J, Holopainen J, Helminen HJ, Hyttinen MM.Subchondral bone provides structural support to overlying articular cartilage and plays an important biomechanical role in osteochondral diseases. Mechanical features of bone correlate strongly with bone mineral density, which is directed by the loading conditions to which the tissue is subjected. Objective: To investigate the influence of physical activity levels on subchondral bone mineral density (sBMD) in foals during early development. Methods: Three groups of foals were subjected to different physical activity levels from birth until age 5 months. A proportion of these foals were subject...
Neuhauser S, Palm F, Ambuehl F, Möstl E, Schwendenwein I, Aurich C.Mares with compromised pregnancies are often treated with altrenogest to prevent abortion. However, there is only limited information about effects on the foal when altrenogest treatment is continued during final maturation of the fetus. Objective: To determine effects of altrenogest treatment during late gestation in mares on maturity, haematology changes, adrenocortical function and serum electrolytes in their newborn foals. Methods: Six mares were treated with altrenogest (0.088 mg/kg bwt) once daily from Day 280 of pregnancy until foaling and 7 mares served as controls. Results: Foals born...
Tamarit A, Gutierrez C, Arroyo R, Jimenez V, Zagalá G, Bosch I, Sirvent J, Alberola J, Alonso I, Caballero C.An outbreak of Trypanosoma evansi infection that occurred in mainland Spain is described. The outbreak occurred on an equine and camel farm to which dromedary camels from an infected area of the Canary Islands had recently been introduced. One of these camels developed clinical signs and T. evansi was discovered in a blood smear examination. The herd was evaluated in order to determine the extent of the disease. The results showed that 76% of the camels, 35% of the donkeys and 2% of the horses were affected. The animals were isolated and treated using Cymelarsan((R)) (0.5mg/kg). After treatmen...
Love EJ, Taylor PM, Clark C, Whay HR, Murrell J.In the UK butorphanol has a marketing authorisation for administration to horses for sedation in combination with detomidine, and at a higher dose (0.1 mg/kg bwt), for the alleviation of pain. There is only a limited number of clinical studies designed to examine the analgesic effects of butorphanol administration following surgery. Objective: To investigate the effect of premedication with butorphanol on post operative pain following castration under general anaesthesia in ponies. Objective: Ponies receiving butorphanol would experience less pain after castration than ponies that did not rece...
Ramzan PH.Fractures involving the fetlock region are encountered commonly in Thoroughbred racehorses. Condylar fractures of the distal metacarpus/metatarsus and mid-sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx account for the majority of fetlock injuries during both racing and training and clinical features, management and outcome of these injuries have been well described. Transverse fractures of the distal diaphysis of the third metacarpus, however, are seldom observed and have received little attention in the literature. This paper describes clinical and radiological findings associated with 6 cases en...
Gillen A, Dyson S, Murray R.The results of nuclear scintigraphic examination of the thoracolumbar synovial intervertebral articulations (facet joints) have to date been poorly documented. Objective: To establish an objective scintigraphic grading system for the facet joints; to investigate the relationship between the presence or absence of clinical signs of back pain and increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU); and to compare the results of scintigraphy and radiography. Methods: Nuclear scintigraphic images of the 13th thoracic (T13) to first lumbar (L1) vertebrae were graded subjectively (visual assessment of the im...
Guimarães-Ladeira CV, Palhares MS, Oliveira JS, Ramirez MA, Guedes RM.Proliferative enteropathy, caused by the intracellular bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis, has been described in horses in Australia, the USA, Canada and European countries but has not been reported in Latin America. The prevalence of the disease in horses worldwide is unknown. Objective: To evaluate the presence of subclinical L. intracellularis infection in horses in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: A longitudinal study using serology and PCR for detecting antibodies (IgG) and shedding of L. intracellularis in faecal samples, respectively, was conducted using a total of 223 horses...
Derksen FJ, Williams KJ, Pannirselvam RR, de Feijter-Rupp H, Steel CM, Robinson NE.Regional veno-occlusive remodelling of pulmonary veins in EIPH-affected horses, suggests that pulmonary veins may be central to pathogenesis. The current study quantified site-specific changes in vein walls, collagen and haemosiderin accumulation, and pleural vascular profiles in the lungs of horses suffering EIPH. Objective: In the caudodorsal lung regions of EIPH-affected horses, there is veno-occlusive remodelling with haemosiderosis, angiogenesis and fibrosis of the interstitium, interlobular septa and pleura. Methods: Morphometric methods were used to analyse the distribution and accumula...
Stanley RL, McCue ME, Valberg SJ, Mickelson JR, Mayhew IG, McGowan C, Hahn CN, Patterson-Kane JC, Piercy RJ.A glycogen synthase (GYS1) mutation has been described in horses with histopathological evidence of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) in the USA. It is unknown whether the same mutation is present in horses from the UK. Objective: To determine whether the GYS1 mutation occurs in UK horses with histopathological evidence of PSSM and exertional rhabdomyolysis. Objective: The R309H GYS1 mutation is present in a variety of UK horse breeds and that the mutation is commonly associated with exertional rhabdomyolysis. Methods: DNA was extracted from 47 muscle or blood samples from UK horses with ...
Tull TM, Woodie JB, Ruggles AJ, Reimer JR, Embertson RM, Hopper SA, Bramlage LR.Few studies have evaluated the athletic prognosis of foals affected by gastrocnemius disruption. Objective: To examine the diagnosis and management of gastrocnemius disruption in Thoroughbred (TB) foals, determine short-term survival rate and assess future racing performance. The hypothesis was that Thoroughbred foals with gastrocnemius disruption are able to perform as racehorses comparably to their age matched maternal siblings. Methods: The medical records of foals diagnosed with gastrocnemius muscle disruption were reviewed. Information on training and racing was acquired from published wo...
Vanderperren K, Martens A, Haers H, Duchateau L, Saunders JH.Arthroscopy of the fetlock joints is a routine surgical procedure in the horse. It is unclear how much of the articular surface of the condyles of the metacarpal (MCIII)/metatarsal (MTIII) bone can be visualised using either the dorsal or palmar/plantar arthroscopic approach. Objective: To investigate which part of the articular surface of the MCIII/MTIII condyles of the fetlock joints can be evaluated arthroscopically using: 1) dorsal approach in combination with flexion; 2) standard palmar/plantar approach; or 3) additional portal at the base of the sesamoid bone with joint extension. Method...
Grinberg A, Pomroy WE, Carslake HB, Shi Y, Gibson IR, Drayton BM.To assess the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in faecal specimens from foals, and investigate an outbreak of neonatal cryptosporidiosis in foals revealed in the course of the study. Methods: Faecal specimens from foals received by a diagnostic veterinary laboratory in New Zealand between 2006 and 2007 were submitted to Massey University and tested microscopically for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. The Cryptosporidium isolates in the oocyst-positive specimens were genetically identified to species level. In addition, specimen submission data from the participating laboratory for...
Firth EC, Doube M, Boyde A.To show that changes are present at the site of origin of metacarpal condylar fracture in young Thoroughbred horses before they enter race training. Methods: Bone slices, 2 mm thick, in three mediolateral planes through the centre of rotation of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint (MCPJ) of both distal third metacarpal bones (Mc3) of 12 Thoroughbred horses aged 17 months, were imaged using point-projection digital X-ray imaging (muXR). Results: In some horses, linear or ovoid radiolucency was found in articular calcified cartilage (ACC) and subchondral bone of the palmaro-distal aspect of the sagit...
Santín M, Vecino JA, Fayer R.This is the first report of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in an equid species. Feces from 195 horses from 4 locations in Colombia were examined for E. bieneusi by polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 21 horses (10.8%) were found positive for E. bieneusi . The prevalence of E. bieneusi in horses 1 yr of age (2.5%). No significant differences in prevalence were observed between male (13.7%) and female horses (9%). Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of the SSUrRNA locus identified 3 genotypes. Two genotypes appear to be unique to horses and were named Horse 1 and Horse 2. A third geno...
Knych HK, Steffey EP, Mama KR, Stanley SD.To verify the isoflurane anesthetic minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)-sparing effect of a previously administered target plasma fentanyl concentration of 16 ng/mL and characterize an anticipated further sparing in isoflurane MAC associated with higher target plasma fentanyl concentrations. Methods: 8 horses. Methods: Horses were assigned 2 of 3 target plasma fentanyl concentrations (16, 24, and 32 ng/mL), administered in ascending order. Following determination of baseline MAC, horses received a loading dose of fentanyl followed by a constant rate infusion; MAC determination was performed i...
Cook VL, Jones Shults J, McDowell MR, Campbell NB, Davis JL, Marshall JF, Blikslager AT.To investigate effects of lidocaine hydrochloride administered IV on mucosal inflammation in ischemia-injured jejunum of horses treated with flunixin meglumine. Methods: 24 horses. Methods: Horses received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (SS; 1 mL/50 kg, IV [1 dose]), flunixin meglumine (1 mg/kg, IV, q 12 h), lidocaine (bolus [1.3 mg/kg] and constant rate infusion [0.05 mg/kg/min], IV, during and after recovery from surgery), or both flunixin and lidocaine (n = 6/group). During surgery, blood flow was occluded for 2 hours in 2 sections of jejunum in each horse. Uninjured and ischemia-injured jejun...
Koenig JB, Hart J, Harris DM, Cruz AM, Bienzle D.To evaluate the performance of a chemiluminescent endotoxin activity assay in horses with colic and healthy horses. Methods: 20 horses with colic and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS group), 8 horses with colic with no SIRS (NSIRS group), and 20 healthy horses. Methods: Venous blood was collected into EDTA blood collection tubes after completion of a physical examination, and a chemiluminescent endotoxin activity assay was performed within 60 minutes of collection. Medical or surgical interventions and outcome were recorded for each horse. Results: Mean + or - SE endotoxin activit...
Setterbo JJ, Garcia TC, Campbell IP, Reese JL, Morgan JM, Kim SY, Hubbard M, Stover SM.To compare hoof acceleration and ground reaction force (GRF) data among dirt, synthetic, and turf surfaces in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: 3 healthy Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Forelimb hoof accelerations and GRFs were measured with an accelerometer and a dynamometric horseshoe during trot and canter on dirt, synthetic, and turf track surfaces at a racecourse. Maxima, minima, temporal components, and a measure of vibration were extracted from the data. Acceleration and GRF variables were compared statistically among surfaces. Results: The synthetic surface often had the lowest peak ...
Brown MP, Trumble TN, Merritt KA.To investigate effects of osteochondral injury on high-mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB-1) concentrations in synovial fluid (SF) from Thoroughbreds and to compare these results with radiographic and arthroscopic scores of severity of joint injury. Methods: 40 clinically normal rested Thoroughbreds (group 1) and 45 Thoroughbreds with osteochondral injury as a result of racing. Methods: SF was obtained from the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints, middle carpal joints, and radiocarpal joints. For group 2, radiographic and arthroscopic scores were dete...
Reyner CL, Wagner B, Young JC, Ainsworth DM.To examine gene expression of selected cytokines in pulmonary mononuclear cells isolated from healthy horses and horses susceptible to recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), and to determine whether interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 were associated with pulmonary inflammation. Methods: 6 RAO-susceptible and 5 healthy horses. Methods: Bronchoalveolar lavage cells were retrieved from horses that were stabled and fed dusty hay for 24 hours. Lavage cells devoid of neutrophils were incubated for 24 hours with solutions of PBS, hay dust, lipopolysaccharide, or B-glucan. Gene expression of IL-17, IL-23 (p19...
Montgomery JB, Duckett WM, Bourque AC.A 6-year-old mare was presented for evaluation of dysuria and pollakiuria. A pelvic mass, which caused obstruction of urinary outflow, was identified. Evidence of renal failure was also present. Due to poor prognosis the mare was euthanized. A postmortem examination revealed a pelvic lymphoma that surrounded and compressed the urethra. Lymphome pelvien comme cause de compression urétrale chez une jument. Une jument âgée de 6 ans est présentée pour évaluation de dysurie et de pollakiurie. Une masse pelvienne qui causait l’obstruction de l’écoulement d’urine a été identifiée. Des...
Larsdotter S, Ley C, Pringle J.An 8-month-old Arabian-warmblood cross colt was evaluated for overt hematuria. The horse was severely anemic on presentation. A unilateral intrarenal vascular anomaly with unilateral pyelonephritis was diagnosed. Nephrectomy was attempted but was unsuccessful, and postmortem examination demonstrated the presence of an intrarenal pseudoaneurysm. Un poulain arabe de race croisée âgé de 8 mois a été évalué pour une hématurie patente. Le cheval était gravement anémique à la présentation. Une anomalie vasculaire unilatérale intrarénale avec une pyélonéphrite unilatérale a été di...
Ellison S, Witonsky S.Sarcocystis neurona is the principal etiologic agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). An immunodominant protein of S. neurona, SnSAG-1, is expressed by the majority of S. neurona merozoites isolated from spinal tissues of horses diagnosed with EPM and may be a candidate for diagnostic tests and prophylaxis for EPM. Five horses were vaccinated with adjuvanted recombinant SnSAG1 (rSnSAG1) and 5 control (sham vaccinated) horses were vaccinated with adjuvant only. Serum was evaluated pre- and post-vaccination, prior to challenge, for antibodies against rSnSAG1 and inhibitory effects on...
Reuss SM, Chaffin MK, Cohen ND.To describe frequency, types, and clinical outcomes of extrapulmonary disorders (EPDs) in foals in which Rhodococcus equi infection was diagnosed, and to identify factors determined at the time of admission that differentiated foals that developed EPDs from foals with R equi infection identified only in the lungs. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 150 foals aged 3 weeks to 6 months with a diagnosis of R equi infection. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for information on date of admission, signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic testing, treatment, duration of hospitali...
Mansfield J, Yu J, Attenburrow D, Moger J, Tirlapur U, Urban J, Cui Z, Winlove P.A combination of two-photon fluorescence (TPF), second harmonic generation (SHG) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging has been used to investigate the elastin fibre network in healthy equine articular cartilage from the metacarpophalangeal joint. The elastin fibres were identified using their intrinsic two-photon fluorescence and immuno-staining was used to confirm the identity of these fibres. SHG was used to reveal the collagen matrix and the collagen fibre orientations were determined from their SHG polarization sensitivity, while CARS was used to clearly delineate the c...
Kleiter M, Velde K, Hainisch E, Auer U, Reifinger M.A 13-month-old Standardbred Colt had a recurrent hemangioma at the level of the coronary band. Multiple excisions had led to a nonhealing skin and hoof defect. Using 14 MV electrons, a total dose of 36 Gy was administered, given as six fractions of 6 Gy twice a week. Wound healing by second intention was achieved over the next 4 months and the colt began race training 6 months after the end of therapy. Twenty months later the colt is sound and there is no evidence of tumor recurrence.
Penell JC, Egenvall A, Bonnett BN, Pringle J.The aim was to evaluate the agreement between computerized insurance data in a large Swedish horse insurance database and the information in the corresponding clinical records (CR). A random sample of 400 veterinary care and 140 life claims was included. Information on name of the horse, breed and gender, year of birth, specific diagnosis and system diagnosis (e.g. joints, digestive and skeletal) was compared between sources. The concordance for demographic variables was categorized as agreement, disagreement or data missing. For diagnostic information, the categories were agreement, minor dis...
Whitwell KE.A rodent pathogen, Bacillus piliformis, has been recognised as causing a rapidly fatal hepatitis in 4 foals in England. The disease in foals has been recognised in America since 1973. A clinico-pathological account of the 4 cases is given and the differential diagnosis discussed. The 4 foals' ages fell within a very narrow range (24-34 days). Some of the properties of this unusual intracellular pathogen are reviewed. For the first time in the equine the bacillus was seen in association with myocardial lesions. There are marked differences in the epidemiology of the disease in the mouse and in ...
Griffin PG, Ginther OJ.Transrectal ultrasonography was used to quantitate uterine contractile activity during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in pony mares (nonbred, n = 9; pregnant, n = 16). Continuous 1-min scans of longitudinal sections of the uterine body were videotaped, and uterine activity scores (1=minimal activity, 5=maximal activity) were assigned to each tape segment. There was a tendency (P<0.06) for a main effect of reproductive status (nonbred versus pregnant), a main effect of day (P<0.0001), and a reproductive status by day interaction (P<0.006). Uterine activity scores were higher (P&...
Wright IM, Phillips TJ, Walmsley JP.A technique for evaluation of the navicular bursa using a 4 mm 25 degrees inclined view arthroscope is described. This allows examination of the palmar/plantar surface of the navicular bone, the insertions of the navicular suspensory, T and impar ligaments, the bursal synovium and the dorsal surface of the deep digital flexor tendon. The technique was used in 16 horses with punctures of the navicular bursa. Procedures facilitated by the technique were bursal lavage, removal of pannus, synovial resection and debridement of lesions on the palmar/plantar surface of the bone and in the deep digita...
Fanelli D, Beltramo M, Conte G, Cerretini B, Lomet D, Rota A, Aucagne V, Camillo F, Panzani D.Kisspeptins (KPs) are the most potent stimulating neurotransmitters of GnRH release, and consequently KP administration triggers LH and/or FSH release. In small ruminants, KP or its analogs induced an LH surge followed by ovulation in both cyclic and acyclic animals, while in the mare KP only increased LH plasma levels but failed to induce ovulation. This study in jennies compares the endocrinological effects, ovulatory and pregnancy rates of the KP analog C6 and the GnRH analog buserelin acetate. The ovarian activity of nine Amiata jennies was monitored daily by transrectal ultrasound for thr...
Robinson JA, Marr CM, Reef VB, Sweeney RW.A Standardbred filly was admitted for evaluation of pleuritis and pneumonia. Heart rate was 80 to 120 beats/min, and the pulse was barely palpable. Thoracic and abdominal ultrasonography and echocardiography revealed substantial pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade, fibrinous pericarditis, pleural effusion, and ascites. Initial electrocardiography revealed normal sinus rhythm with decreased amplitude of the QRS complexes consistent with pericardial effusion. Following thoracentesis, echocardiogram-guided pericardiocentesis was performed. Bacterial culture yielded no growth from any of t...
Willette JA, Kopper JJ, Kogan CJ, Seguin MA, Schott HC.We investigated the effects of season and geographic location on detection of nucleic acids of potential enteric pathogens (PEPs) or their toxins (PEP-Ts) in feces of horses ≥6-mo-old in the United States. Results of 3,343 equine diarrhea PCR panels submitted to Idexx Laboratories for horses >6-mo-old were reviewed. Submission months were grouped into 4 seasons, and states were grouped into 4 geographic regions. Logistic regression was performed to assess effects of season and region on detection rates of PEPs and PEP-Ts. Agresti-Coull CIs were determined. Detection rate of was higher in...
Müller Z.From 341 stallions examined for sperm quality, 61% of warm-blooded stallions and 47% of cold-blooded stallions fulfilled the pre-existing criteria for their occasional use in insemination. From these stallions 51-71% of acceptable ejaculates were obtained. Altogether 959 mares were inseminated in an average of 1.36 oestrous cycles. For the insemination of one mare in one oestrous cycle on the average 2.2 insemination doses were used. These inseminations were carried out by 41 cattle insemination technicians trained in mare insemination. A pregnancy rate of 56% and a foaling rate of 48% were ac...
Tóth P, Horváth C, Ferencz V, Nagy K, Gligor N, Szenci O, Bodó G.In the first part of this methodological study eleven metacarpi of 9 skeletally normal horses were examined from 4 directions by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The differences between the dorsopalmar-palmarodorsal and lateromedial-mediolateral (opposite sites) bone mineral density (BMD) values were found to be nonsignificant. In the second part of the study the precision of the Norland XR-26 densitometer was tested by measuring 34 metacarpal bones and 34 proximal phalanges, each of them three times, from a single direction. The difference between the individual measurements of the fir...
Janicek JC, Kramer J, Coates JR, Lattimer JC, Lacarrubba AM, Messer NT.A 4-month-old Missouri Fox Trotter colt was examined for a 5-week history of head tilt after treatment for suspected pulmonary Rhodococcus equi infection. Results: Computed tomography revealed osteolysis of the occipital, temporal, and caudal portion of the parietal bones of the left side of the cranium. A soft tissue mass compressing the occipital region of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum was associated with the osteolytic bone. Results: A rostrotentorial-suboccipital craniectomy approach was performed to remove fragmented occipital bone, debulk the intracranial mass, and obtain tissue sam...
Pollaris E, Staszyk C, Proost K, Boone MN, Josipovic I, Pardon B, Vlaminck L.Fissures on the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth are commonly encountered during oral examination. Generally, their presence is considered abnormal but their aetiopathogenesis and clinical impact on pulp disease is still undetermined. The aims of this research were to study the extent of occlusal cheek teeth fissures using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (μCT) imaging and their histological characteristics. Twenty-seven teeth (of 15 horses) were scanned using μCT imaging to analyse fissure extent. Histological examination of a subset of teeth (n=7) was performed. Forty-three ...
Hartl B, Egerbacher M, Kneissl SM. Detailed radiological evaluation of the normal hyoid apparatus by computed tomography (CT) has not yet been conducted. Thus, it is unclear what type of junction connects the different parts of the equine hyoid apparatus. To describe the normal CT anatomy of the equine hyoid apparatus, and to determine the junction type that connects the different parts of the hyoid apparatus. Combination of retrospective study and prospective cadaver study. The medical records of horses that underwent head CT scans from 2009 to 2018 were retrieved. Inclusion criteria for the CT scans were visibility of at ...
Schauvliege S, Binetti A, Duchateau L, van Dijk JJ, Gasthuys F.To evaluate the cardiorespiratory effects of a 7° reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP) in anaesthetized horses. Methods: Randomized, non-blinded clinical trial. Methods: A total of 125 horses undergoing elective surgery in dorsal recumbency. Methods: Horses were allocated to one of three weight classes and assigned to be positioned either on a horizontal table or on a table in 7° RTP, according to a randomized block design. In all horses, anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and a constant rate infusion of romifidine. All horses were mechanically ventilated throughout anaesth...
Polasek TCM, Kozicki LE, Pedrosa VB, Weiss RR, Bertol MAF, Camargo CE, Talini R.This study aimed to correlate the inflammatory reaction (IR) caused by a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (P4) with ovarian activity and pregnancy rate (PR) in embryo-recipient anestrus mares (to decrease the spring transitional period). 50 animals were assigned to three groups: GP4 (P4 group; n = 16), GP4OH (P4 + oxytetracycline hydrochloride and hydrocortisone sprayed onto the device; n = 14), and GNP4 (no intravaginal P4; n = 20). The administration protocol for GP4 was: Day 0, 750 mg P4 + ovarian examination by ultrasonography (US) + vaginal sample collection; Day 8, US;...
Berreta A, Burbick CR, Alexander T, Kogan C, Kopper JJ.Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts, therefore the presence of viable microorganisms is essential. Previous studies reported inconsistencies when comparing contents of probiotics marketed for use in animals with label claims. However, to the author's knowledge the variability of the same product between different lots has yet to be evaluated. The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the content and inter-lot variability of commercial equine probiotic products using culture dependent and in...
Claes A, Ball BA, Scoggin KE, Roser JF, Woodward EM, Davolli GM, Squires EL, Troedsson MHT.Reproductive aging must be well understood to optimize the reproductive management of older mares and to predict their reproductive life-span. The objectives of this study were to: 1) examine age-related differences in follicular dynamics, endocrine profiles, and primordial follicle counts, 2) evaluate the influence of antral follicle count (AFC) on age-related changes in follicular parameters, and 3) determine the influence of diestrous ovulations on the estrous cycle. Young (3-8yr; n = 10), middle-aged (9-18 yr; n = 16), and old (>18 yr; n = 19) light horse mares were examined wit...
Fischer AT.Laparoscopic procedures can replace many more invasive procedures. Guided visceral biopsy, cryptorchid castration, ovariectomy, and limited abdominal exploration may be done laparoscopically in the standing horse.
Perdrizet JA, Callihan DR, Rebhun WC, Shin SJ.The clinical course and successful therapeutic management of a horse with malignant edema caused by Clostridium septicum is described. This is believed to be the first report of a horse surviving malignant edema caused by C. septicum. A discussion of this disease syndrome, including etiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, therapy, and diagnostic methods is presented.
Owens WR, Miller RI, Haynes PF, Snider TG.Basidiobolus haptosporus was isolated from a horse with a rapidly progressive ulcerative lesion of the ventral midline. The pathologic findings of an irregular line of yellow material composed of hyphae, eosinophils, and granulomatous inflammation between the superficial edematous tissue and the underlying muscle, and hyphae in tissue sections intimately surrounded by granular eosinophilic cuffs were considered diagnostic for this and one other case diagnosed retrospectively. Both horses were successfully treated by surgery and potassium iodide.
Douglas RH, Ginther OJ.Prostaglandins F were quantitated by radioimmunoassay in uterine venous plasma of anesthetized mares on day 7 of estrus, days 2, 6, 10, 14 or 18 of diestrus and days 10, 14 or 18 of pregnancy. The PGF concentration was greater (P less than .01) at day 14 of diestrus than at all other days studied. The concentrations at days 10 and 18 of diestrus and at days 10, 14 and 18 of pregnancy were greater (P less than .05) than at day 7 of estrus and days 2 and 6 of diestrus. PGF concentrations at days 10 and 14 were greater (P less than .01) for diestrous than for pregnant mares.
Wilford S, Woodward E, Dunkel B.A retrospective questionnaire-based survey was used to determine the perceived efficacy of Newmarket bloodroot ointment in treating equine sarcoids. In 49 horses with 74 sarcoids, 64 sarcoids responded either completely (n = 49) or partially (n = 15) while 10 did not respond or worsened. Sarcoids < 2 cm responded better to treatment (P < 0.001) than did larger sarcoids. Un sondage rétrospectif réalisé par questionnaire a été utilisé pour déterminer l’efficacité perçue de l’onguent à la sanguinaire de Newmarket pour traiter les sarcoïdes équines. Chez 49 chevaux atteints ...
Henrikson SL, Rush BR.To determine the onset, magnitude, and duration of bronchodilation after administration of aerosolized salmeterol xinafoate in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Methods: Randomized controlled study Methods: 6 horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Procedure Horses received aerosolized salmeterol (210 microg) or no treatment, using a crossover design. Salmeterol was administered, using a mask designed for aerosol delivery in horses. Subjective rating of airway obstruction (RAO), maximal change in pleural pressure (deltaPplmax), and pulmonary resistance (RL) were determined at baselin...
Pan LG, Forster HV, Bisgard GE, Dorsey SM, Busch MA.We assessed the relationship of ventilation (VE) to cardiodynamic variables and CO2 transport in seven normal ponies during treadmill exercise. At 1.8, 3, and 6 mph, respectively, VE increased from 15 l/min at rest to 43, 51, and 86 l/min by 1 min and 48, 68, and 125 l/min by 8 min. In three ponies at the same work loads, cardiac output (Qc) increased from approximately 12 l/min at rest to 19.7, 28.1, and 40.3 l/min between 30-60 s (P less than 0.05) and then decreased by about 20% to a steady state by 3-4 min. Heart rate (HR) shows a similar biphasic response during exercise. Mean right ventr...
Kisiday JD, Colbath AC, Tangtrongsup S.Ex vivo induction of chondrogenesis is a promising approach to improve upon the use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cartilage tissue engineering. This study evaluated the potential to induce chondrogenesis with days of culture in chondrogenic medium for MSCs encapsulated in self-assembling peptide hydrogel. To simulate the transition from preconditioning culture to implantation, MSCs were isolated from self-assembling peptide hydrogel into an individual cell suspension. Commitment to chondrogenesis was evaluated by seeding preconditioned MSCs into agarose and culturing in the ...
Bukowiecki CF, Bramlage LR, Gabel AA.Forty-eight limbs of 12 freshly euthanized horses were used to generate data on the strength of the equine suspensory apparatus. The point of failure of the suspensory apparatus of each limb was determined. Immediately before euthanasia, 6 of the 12 horses (thoroughbreds and standardbreds) had been engaged in active training or racing, and six horses in stall and/or pasture activity. In the actively training or racing horses, the point of acute failure of the suspensory apparatus was within the proximal sesamoid bones in 20 (83%) limbs (resulting in 17 apical fractures, 2 basilar fractures, an...