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.
Franzén P, Aspan A, Egenvall A, Gunnarsson A, Karlstam E, Pringle J.Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects several mammalian species, and can persist in sheep, dogs, and calves. However, whether this organism persists in horses or induces long-term clinical abnormalities is not known. Objective: To evaluate whether A. phagocytophilum can persist in horses and to document clinical findings for 3 months after complete recovery from acute disease. Methods: Five clinically normal adult horses that had recovered spontaneously from experimentally induced acute disease caused by a Swedish equine isolate of A. phagocytophilum. Methods: Horses were monitored for up to 129 d...
Garré B, Baert K, Nauwynck H, Deprez P, De Backer P, Croubels S.The aim of the current study was to investigate whether multiple oral dosing of valacyclovir could result in plasma concentrations exceeding the EC(50)-value of acyclovir against equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV1) during the majority of the treatment period. Additionally, we wanted to determine the concentration of acyclovir in nasal mucus and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Valacyclovir was administered to four horses and two ponies, three times daily, at a dosage of 40 mg/kg, for four consecutive days. Blood was collected prior to each administration and 1 h after dosing. Nasal mucus samples and CSF wer...
Cehak A, Burmester M, Geburek F, Feige K, Breves G.The aim of this study was to characterize the transport mechanisms of electrolytes and nutrients across the jejunum of nine healthy horses electrophysiologically. The stripped mucosa was mounted in Ussing chambers and tissue conductances (G(t)) and short circuit currents (I(sc)) were continuously monitored. After blocking the sodium and potassium channels with amiloride, tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) and barium, chloride secretion was stimulated by carbachol and forskolin. Subsequently, chloride channels were inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, 5-nitro-2-(3-ph...
White SD, Foley JE, Spiegel IB, Ihrke PJ.Equine sarcoidosis is a rare, multisystemic, noncaseating, granulomatous and lymphoplasmacytic disease of unknown etiology. A recent report described a horse with granulomatous skin disease displaying histologic, electron microscopic, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) findings consistent with equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2). Objective: To investigate the presence of EHV-2 and equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) in 8 horses with sarcoidosis. Methods: Eight horses with sarcoidosis, reported previously. Methods: Retrospective study. PCR assays of the tissues were performed to detect DNA associated with E...
Carslake HB.Three horses were presented with facial swelling and epiphora. Results: All horses had facial swellings and radiographic findings consistent with exostosis at the lacrimomaxillary suture, and ipsilateral epiphora. Positive contrast dacryocystorhinography demonstrated that the site of obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct was located where the duct traverses the lacrimomaxillary suture. Methods: Lacrimomaxillary suture exostosis. Conclusions: Lacrimomaxillary suture exostosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of epiphora in horses. Dacryocystorhinography, preferably retro...
Steffey EP, Mama KR, Brosnan RJ, Imai A, Maxwell LK, Cole CA, Stanley SD.To compare characteristics of horses recovering from 4 hours of desflurane anesthesia with and without immediate postanesthetic IV administration of propofol and xylazine. Animals-8 healthy horses (mean +/- SEM age, 6.6 +/- 1.0 years; mean body weight, 551 +/- 50 kg). Methods: Horses were anesthetized twice. Both times, anesthesia was induced with a combination of xylazine hydrochloride, diazepam, and ketamine hydrochloride and then maintained for 4 hours with desflurane in oxygen. Choice of postanesthetic treatment was randomly assigned via a crossover design such that each horse received an ...
Gerber V, Baleri D, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Swinburne JE, Dolf G.Mode of inheritance of equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is unknown. Objective: Major genes are responsible for RAO. Methods: Direct offspring of 2 RAO-affected Warmblood stallions (n = 197; n = 163) and a representative sample of Swiss Warmbloods (n = 401). Methods: One environmental and 4 genetic models (general, mixed inheritance, major gene, and polygene) were tested for Horse Owner Assessed Respiratory Signs Index (1-4, unaffected to severely affected) by segregation analyses of the 2 half-sib sire families, both combined and separately, using prevalences estimated in a representa...
Hirvinen LJ, Litsky AS, Samii VF, Weisbrode SE, Bertone AL.To compare biomechanical strength, interface quality, and effects of bone healing in bone-implant interfaces that were untreated or treated with calcium phosphate cement (Ca-cement), magnesium phosphate cement (Mg-cement), or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in horses. Methods: 6 adult horses. Methods: 4 screw holes were created (day 0) in each third metacarpal and third metatarsal bone of 6 horses. In each bone, a unicortical screw was placed in each hole following application of Ca-cement, Mg-cement, PMMA, or no treatment (24 screw holes/treatment). Screws were inserted to 2.82 N m torque. Hors...
Lunn DP, Davis-Poynter N, Flaminio MJ, Horohov DW, Osterrieder K, Pusterla N, Townsend HG.Equine herpesvirus-1 is a highly prevalent and frequently pathogenic infection of equids. The most serious clinical consequences of infection are abortion and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). In recent years, there has been an apparent increase in the incidence of EHM in North America, with serious consequences for horses and the horse industry. This consensus statement draws together current knowledge in the areas of pathogenesis, strain variation, epidemiology, diagnostic testing, vaccination, outbreak prevention and control, and treatment.
Schwarzwald CC, Schober KE, Bonagura JD.Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular (LV) function is incompletely studied in horses. Objective: The goals of this study were to investigate the feasibility, techniques, and reliability of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) for characterization of LV radial wall motion in healthy horses. Methods: Three Standardbreds, 3 Thoroughbreds; age 8-14 years; body weight 517-606 kg. Methods: Repeated echocardiographic examinations were performed by 2 observers in unsedated horses using TDI. Test reliability was determined by estimating measurement variability, within-day interobserver variability, and b...
Dirikolu L, Woods WE, Boyles J, Lehner AF, Harkins JD, Fisher M, Schaeffer DJ, Tobin T.Injuries sustained by horses during racing have been considered as an unavoidable part of horse racing. Many factors may be associated with the musculoskeletal injuries of Thoroughbred race horses. This study surveyed the amounts of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) in injured horse's biological system (plasma) at Kentucky racetracks from January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1996. During that period, there were 84 catastrophic cases (euthanized horses) and 126 noncatastrophic cases. Plasma concentrations of NSAIDs were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography in injure...
Poulin Braim AE, MacDonald MH, Bruss ML, Grattendick KJ, Giri SN, Margolin SB.To characterize effects of IV administration of pirfenidone on clinical, biochemical, and hematologic variables and circulating tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha concentrations in horses after infusion of a low dose of endotoxin. Methods: 18 healthy adult horses. Methods: Horses were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n = 6 horses/group) and administered an IV infusion of 30 ng of endotoxin/kg or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution during a 30-minute period. Lipopolysaccharide-pirfenidone horses received endotoxin followed by pirfenidone (loading dose of 11.6 mg/kg and then constant rate infusion [CRI] at...
Bermúdez SE, Eremeeva ME, Karpathy SE, Samudio F, Zambrano ML, Zaldivar Y, Motta JA, Dasch GA.Several outbreaks of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have occurred in recent years in Colombian communities close to the border with Panama. However, little is known about rickettsiae and rickettsial diseases in eastern Panamanian provinces, the Darien Province and the Kuna Yala, located north of the endemic area in Colombia. In 2007, 289 ticks were collected in several towns from dogs, horses, mules, cows, and pigs. DNA was extracted from 124 Dermacentor nitens, 64 Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 43 Amblyomma ovale, 35 A. cajennense, 10 Boophilus microplus, 4 A. oblongoguttatum, and 9 A. cajennense ny...
van den Hoven R, Bauer A, Hackl S, Zickl M, Spona J, Zentek J.The time-dependent changes in intramuscular amino acid (AA) levels caused by exercise and by feeding a protein/AA supplement were analysed in nine horses. Horses were submitted to a total of four standardized exercise tests (SETs). Amino acid concentrations were determined prior to, immediately after, 4 and 18 h after exercise. The experiment was subdivided into two consecutive periods of 3 weeks. In each period two SETs were performed. In the second period, horses were given a protein/AA supplement within 1 h after exercise. Significant changes in mean plasma AA levels similar to previous stu...
Sutton GA, Ertzman-Ginsburg R, Steinman A, Milgram J.Initial assessment of the mortality rates and prognostic indicators in horses with colic presented to a referral hospital in Israel. Objective: To determine mortality rates and to identify potential prognostic indicators in horses undergoing treatment for colic. Methods: The medical records of 208 colic cases were reviewed and mortality rates calculated including 95% confidence intervals. Mortality rates in surgical cases were calculated separately for strangulating and nonstrangulating lesions as well as for lesions of the large and small intestines. Potential prognostic indicators were ident...
Windley Z, Weller R, Tremaine WH, Perkins JD.Dental disease often presents a diagnostic challenge in the horse. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used in the evaluation of head related disease in the horse, but the CT appearance of the most common dental diseases of horses has not yet been fully described. Objective: To describe the CT appearance of the peripheral enamel, pulp, infundibular enamel and cement in equine cheek teeth with macroscopic occlusal or CT lesions. Methods: In this study, 126 cadaveric cheek teeth with eruption ages of between 05 and 19 years were evaluated for lesions of their infundibulae, pulp and enamel u...
Hubbell JA, Sams RA, Schmall LM, Robertson JT, Hinchcliff KW, Muir WW.Increased doses of detomidine are required to produce sedation in horses after maximal exercise compared to calm or resting horses. Objective: To determine if the pharmacokinetics of detomidine in Thoroughbred horses are different when the drug is given during recuperation from a brief period of maximal exercise compared to administration at rest. Methods: Six Thoroughbred horses were preconditioned by exercising them on a treadmill. Each horse ran a simulated race at a treadmill speed that caused it to exercise at 120% of its maximal oxygen consumption. One minute after the end of exercise, h...
Windley Z, Weller R, Tremaine WH, Perkins JD.Dental disorders are of major clinical importance in equine practice; however, the knowledge of normal dental anatomy, especially that of the pulp remains incomplete. Computed tomography (CT) is being used increasingly in the diagnosis of dental disease, although the normal 2- (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) CT anatomy has not yet been fully described. Objective: To describe the 2D and 3D CT appearance of the enamel, infundibulae and pulp of normal equine cheek teeth. Methods: One-hundred-and-twenty-six cadaveric cheek teeth with eruption ages of 0.5-19 years were evaluated; CT scans of each tooth...
Avella CS, Ely ER, Verheyen KL, Price JS, Wood JL, Smith RK.It is important to ascertain the prevalence of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries and to improve methods of predicting injury in National Hunt (NH) racehorses. Objective: To establish: 1) the prevalence of SDFT tendinopathy in NH horses; 2) whether routine ultrasonography can be used to predict SDFT injuries; 3) whether previous tendinopathy predisposes to reinjury; 4) a normal range for the SDFT cross-sectional area (CSA); and 5) the effects of gender, age, background (ex-flat or ex-store), limb, training and rest periods on SDFT CSA. Methods: Routine ultrasound assessment of t...
Ferrari M, Pfau T, Wilson AM, Weller R.The influence of training on stride parameters is controversial and to date there is no information on how training influences stride parameters during high-speed locomotion in the field. Objective: To determine the influence of training on stride variables during high-speed locomotion in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Speed, stride frequency, stance and protraction times were quantified in 8 Thoroughbreds with foot mounted accelerometers and GPS sensors during their first week of canter after the summer break and 6 months into training. Results: At a speed of 11 m/s, stride frequency was (...
Spriet M, Zwingenberger A.Hyperintense signal is sometimes observed in ligaments and tendons of the equine foot on standing magnetic resonance examination without associated changes in size and shape. In such cases, the presence of a true lesion or an artifact should be considered. A change in position of a ligament or tendon relative to the magnetic field can induce increased signal intensity due to the magic angle effect. Objective: To assess if positional rotation of the foot in the solar plane could be responsible for artifactual changes in signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal ...
Broster CE, Burn CC, Barr AR, Whay HR.Lameness is highly prevalent in working horses, but published reports on the associated pathological abnormalities are lacking. With over 42 million horses in developing countries and the majority used for work, lameness has major welfare implications. Objective: To describe the range and prevalence of pathological abnormalities associated with lameness in working horses. Methods: A standard lameness assessment was adapted for field use in working equids. Data on pathological abnormalities and pain responses in the feet, limbs and spine were collected through observation, palpation, manipulati...
Southwood LL, Dolente BA, Lindborg S, Russell G, Boston R.Obtaining data on emergency admission survival rates is important to provide clients with an estimate of prognosis and to identify areas in which improvements in case management can be achieved. Objective: To determine the short-term outcome of equine emergency admissions to a university referral hospital during a 12 month period. Methods: Short-term outcome was defined as survival to discharge or died/euthanasia during hospitalisation. The overall death (euthanasia) rate was calculated; and rate for horses with different categories of: age; admission month, day and time; presenting complaint ...
Goodrich LR, Choi VW, Carbone BA, McIlwraith CW, Samulski RJ.Cell transplantation for the treatment of joint disease is an important clinical tool. Genetic modification of cells before transplantation has shown enhanced healing. Ex vivo genetic modification of joint tissue cells with various adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes has not been investigated. The transduction efficiencies of self-complementary AAV serotypes (1-6 and 8) were determined in joint tissue containing chondrocytes and synoviocytes isolated from equine models. When comparing scAAV serotypes for efficient transduction ex vivo, in chondrocytes versus synoviocytes, serotypes 6 and 2,...
Rendle DI, Heller J, Hughes KJ, Innocent GT, Durham AE.Time delays between collection of blood samples and biochemical analysis of equine blood are unavoidably common in equine practice. The effect that delays may have on the accuracy of results of blood biochemical analyses is not well established. Objective: Delays in processing of blood of up to 72 h results in alterations in measured levels of common biochemical analytes that are of potential clinical relevance. Separation of serum prior to storage is protective against the effects of time delays. Methods: Samples of clotted blood, separated serum and oxalate fluoride plasma from 20 horses wer...
Bischofberger AS, Fürst A, Auer J, Lischer C.Osteosynthesis of third metacarpal (McIII) and third metatarsal (MtIII) bone fractures in horses is a surgical challenge and complications surrounding the repair are common. Retrospective studies evaluating surgical repair, complications and outcome are necessary to increase knowledge and improve success of long bone fracture repair in the horse. Objective: To evaluate clinical findings, surgical repair, post operative complications and outcome of 10 mature horses and 11 foals with McIII or MtIII fractures that were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Methods: Medical rec...
Pauwels FE, Schumacher J, Mayhew IG, Van Sickle DC.Neurectomy of the deep branch of the right lateral plantar nerve was performed on a single healthy mature horse. Six weeks after surgery, the horse was subjected to euthanasia and both hind suspensory ligaments harvested. The cross sectional area of the muscular part of the proximal part of the suspensory ligament was measured and assessed for morphological abnormalities in a blinded fashion. There was a clear difference in cross sectional area of the muscular part between treated and control ligament and there was profound neurogenic atrophy of the muscular fibres in the treated ligament.
Morita H, Shimazu M, Shiono H, Toh H, Nakajima F, Akita H, Takagi M, Takami H, Murakami M, Masaoka T, Tanabe S, Hattori M.We previously isolated five strains of putative lactobacilli from the faeces of a thoroughbred horse (a 4-year-old male). Of the five strains, four were identified as members of existing Lactobacillus species; however, sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the fifth isolate, DI70(T), showed approximately 97 % identity (1325/1366 bp) with the type strain of Lactobacillus delbrueckii. Therefore, we considered the possibility that DI70(T) represents a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus. Cells of strain DI70(T) were Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative, non-spore-forming, no...
Crevier-Denoix N, Ravary-Plumioën B, Evrard D, Pourcelot P.A non-invasive ultrasonic (US) technique of tendon force measurement has been recently developed. It is based on the relationship demonstrated between the speed of sound (SOS) in a tendon and the traction force applied to it. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the variability of this non-linear relationship among 7 equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendons, and the reproducibility of SOS measurements in these tendons over successive loading cycles and tests. Seven SDF tendons were equipped with an US probe (1MHz), secured in contact with the skin overlying the tendon me...
Vigani A, Shih A, Queiroz P, Pariaut R, Gabrielli A, Thuramalla N, Bandt C.New volumetric variables of preload, such as total end-diastolic volume index (TEDVI) and active circulation volume index (ACVI) and central blood volume index (CBVI), may represent good indicators of preload and predictors of fluid responsiveness. During acute changes of intravascular volume these variables would allow a more accurate intervention. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in TEDVI, ACVI, CBVI in a juvenile model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Methods: Twelve anaesthetized ponies (3-8 months of age) were studied at normovolaemia (BASE), a...
Beekley MD, Ideus JM, Brechue WF, Kearns CF, McKeever KH.The purpose of this study was to examine changes in myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition due to chronic clenbuterol administration with or without exercise in mares. Unfit Standardbred mares (aged 10+/-3 years) were divided into four groups: clenbuterol (2.4 micro/kg BW twice daily) plus exercise (3 days/week for 20 min at 50% VO(2max); CLENEX; n=6), clenbuterol only (CLEN; n=6), exercise only (EX; n=5), and control (CON; n=6). Muscle biopsies were obtained from gluteus medius muscle before and after the eight-week training/administration period. MHC composition was determined via SDS gel elec...
Davis MS, Royer CM, McKenzie EC, Williamson KK, Payton M, Marlin D.Inspired air is warmed to body temperature and fully humidified by the upper airway mucosa under normal resting conditions. This conditioning process may not be completed by the upper airways during conditions of increased minute ventilation or when the inspired air is unusually cold, resulting in cooling and desiccation of lower respiratory surfaces. Excess heat and water loss from intrapulmonary airways is believed to be the provocative stimulus for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (occurring immediately after exercise) and associated late phase airway obstruction (occurring a few hours ...
Davis JL, Stewart T, Brazik E, Gilger BC.The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of age, breed and gender on vertical pupil diameter (VPD) following a single dose of 1% atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution in the normal equine eye. Methods: Thirty-two horses of various ages, breeds and genders were included. The horses had no history or clinical signs of ophthalmic disease. All horses studied had darkly pigmented irides. Methods: Two milligrams of 1% atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution was topically administered as a single dose in the right eye of each horse on Day 0. The VPD (mm) was measured in both eyes using di...
Monzón CM, Jara A, Nantulya VM.The sensitivity of an antigen detection enzyme immunoassay (Ag-ELISA) based on a Trypanosoma brucei group-specific monoclonal antibody was evaluated to detect circulating Trypanosoma evansi antigen in horse sera. Three horses and 2 mules were experimentally infected with T. evansi. Circulating antigens were detected on 7 and 21 days postinfection. Antigen levels increased during the course of the illness and remained high even when parasitemia was low or when parasites could not be detected. Antigens were cleared from serum when drug treatment was effective but persisted when it was not. In 6 ...
Specht TE, Breuhaus BA, Manning TO, Miller RT, Cochrane RB.A 12-year-old Arabian stallion was evaluated for a refractory skin problem of 2 years' duration. Skin nodules and pustules, which would rupture, had developed over the right lumbar muscles. Anaerobic culturing from the pustules yielded Actinomyces viscosus, and histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed globular eosinophilic structures. Concomitant treatment with isoniazid (8 mg/kg of body weight, q 24 h for 8 weeks), trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (30 mg/kg, q 24 h for 8 weeks), and sodium iodide solution (66 mg/kg, every 1, 2, or 4 weeks, for 32 weeks) resolved the condition.
Gehlen H, Inerle K, Bartel A, Stöckle SD, Ulrich S, Briese B, Straubinger RK.There are limited data on Lyme borreliosis (LB), a tick-borne disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, in horses. Seropositivity is not necessarily associated with clinical disease. Data on seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in German horses are sparse. Therefore, serum samples from horses (n = 123) suspected of having Lyme borreliosis and clinically healthy horses (n = 113) from the same stables were tested for specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The samples were screened for an...
Easley J, Dixon PM, Reardon RJ.There are limited reports on the efficacy of functional orthodontic correction of overjet or overbite in foals. Objective: To report the outcome of using orthodontic tension bands in combination with an inclined plane biteplate in the treatment of overjet, with or without concurrent overbite, rates of correction of these 2 malocclusions and associated complications. And to examine factors associated with outcomes. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Clinical records for 73 foals treated at a single clinic, by the same surgeon were analysed. Overall change and rates of change in overje...
Moorman VJ, Reiser RF, McIlwraith CW, Kawcak CE.To validate an equine inertial measurement unit (IMU) system rigidly attached to a hoof against a 3-D optical kinematics system in horses during walking and trotting. Methods: 5 clinically normal horses. Methods: 5 swing phases of the hooves of the right forelimb and hind limb were collected via both 3-D optical and IMU systems from 5 horses during walking and trotting. Linear and angular positions, velocities, and accelerations were compared between the 2 systems. Results: Of the 55 variables compared between the 2 systems, 25 had high correlations (r > 0.8) and 18 had moderate correlation...
Fraczkowska K, Zak-Bochenek A, Siwinska N, Rypula K, Ploneczka-Janeczko K.From a clinical point of view, knowledge of the commensal microbial flora of the conjunctival sac in healthy individuals proves to be of great importance. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and the composition of normal ocular microflora of healthy donkeys. Fourteen clinically healthy donkeys () participated in the study. After prior ophthalmological examination, which showed no abnormalities, a conjunctival swab was taken from each donkey from the right and left eye. Species-specific identification was based on a morphological assessment of bacterial colonies stained with the Gr...
Tavanaeimanesh H, Dashli-Boroon OJ, Corley K.Understanding the physiological and biochemical changes in racehorses can be invaluable. Accurate information in this area could result in better understanding of needs of sport horses. The aim of this study was to prove the hypothesis that biochemical changes could influence the outcome of competitions. In this study, β-endorphin was evaluated as an indicator of analgesia, lactate as an indicator of fatigue and cortisol as an indicator of stress in the first two horses and the last ones that cross the finish line. This study was performed on 44 horses participating in the 1000-meter national...
Mesoangioblasts (MABs) are vessel-associated stem cells that express pericyte markers and are originally isolated from the embryonic dorsal aorta. From postnatal small vessels of skeletal muscle and heart, it is possible to isolate cells with similar characteristics to embryonic MABs. Adult MABs have the capacity to self-renew and to differentiate into cell types of mesodermal lineages upon proper culture conditions. To date, the origin of MABs and the relationship with other muscle stem cells are still debated. Recently, in a phase I-II clinical trial, intra-arterial HLA-matched MABs were pro...
Sting R, Seeh C, Mauder N, Maurer M, Loncaric I, Stessl B, Kopp P, Banzhaf K, Martin B, Melzer F, Raßbach A, Spergser J.A total of 124 Taylorella (T.) equigenitalis and five T. asinigenitalis field isolates collected between 2002 and 2014 were available for genotyping using REP- (repetitive extragenic palindromic) PCR and PFGE (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis). The study comprised 79 T. equigenitalis field isolates originating from ten defined breeds of German horses and revealed a spectrum of five REP (rep-E1-E4, rep-E3a) and 15 PFGE (TE-A1-A9, TE-B1-B3, TE-C, TE-E1, and TE-E2) genotypes. T. equigenitalis field isolates (n=40) obtained from Austrian Lipizzaner horses were differentiated into three REP (rep-E1...
Hartmann E, Hopkins RJ, von Brömssen C, Dahlborn K.Provision of shelter for horses kept on summer pasture is rarely considered in welfare guidelines, perhaps because the benefits of shelter in warm conditions are poorly documented scientifically. For cattle, shade is a valued resource during summer and can mitigate the adverse effects of warm weather on well-being and performance. We found in a previous study that horses utilized shelters frequently in summer. A shelter with a roof and closed on three sides (shelter A) was preferred and can reduce insect pressure whereas a shelter with roof and open on three sides was not utilized. However, sh...
Divers TJ, Timoney JF, Lewis RM, Smith CA.A 12-year-old thoroughbred gelding died from diffuse global glomerulonephritis, 3 months after a lower respiratory infection from which Streptococcus zooepidemicus was isolated. Immunopathological studies (immunofluorescence, immunodiffusion, immunoperoxidase testing and immunoblotting) indicated the presence of an immune reactant renal disease associated with IgG antibody and streptococcal antigens.
Corrente M, D'Abramo M, Latronico F, Greco MF, Bellacicco AL, Greco G, Martella V, Buonavoglia D.A methicillin-resistant (MR) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain was isolated from a saddle horse affected by osteolysis. MR coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS) were isolated from 11 of 14 (78.8%) horses housed in the same riding club. By typing of the SCCmec region, almost the strains displayed a non typeable (NT) pattern and possessed the ccr type 2. Altogether, the high prevalence of MRCNS and the detection of NT SCCmec types support the hypothesis that horses may represent a reservoir of MRCNS for humans and that equine MRCNS may act as potential source of resistance genes for other sta...
Aleman M.NMD is an important cause of morbidity in horses. Signs of dysfunction could be variable depending on the specific area affected. NM disease can go unrecognized if a thorough evaluation is not performed in diseased horses. Electrodiagnostic testing is an area that has the potential to document and improve our understanding of NM disease yet is uncommonly performed. Keeping an open and observant mind will enhance our ability to search and find answers.
Redpath A, Marr CM, Bullard C, Hallowell GD.Atrial septal defects have been well reported in humans and dogs and the principles of intervention have been well established. In contrast, there is very little information published about these congenital anomalies in horses. True ASDs are regarded as rare and little is known about the clinical significance of these defects in horses. An 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with a history of poor performance was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect, measuring approximately 2 cm in diameter, on 2D transthoracic echocardiography. Real-time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography was used to map...
Romero AE, Rodgerson DH.Diaphragmatic rent and visceral herniation in the horse is seldom diagnosed, but historically carries a poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to document the presentation and surgical management of all diaphragmatic rents as presented to 2 referral institutions over a 5-year period. A review of 31 cases demonstrated that even with advances in surgical management of abdominal and thoracic conditions, little has been done to change the prognosis for this condition. Success rate was 23% for all horses presented for colic and were ultimately diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia, and 46%...
Godovac-Zimmermann J, Conti A, Liberatori J, Braunitzer G.beta-Lactoglobulin isolated from horse colostrum is heterogeneous and contains two components: beta-lactoglobulin I and beta-lactoglobulin II. These two proteins are monomeric and show differences in their electrophoretic mobilities, chain lengths and primary structures. The complete amino-acid sequence of beta-lactoglobulin II was determined by automated Edman degradation of the intact protein and of the peptides derived from these by digestion with trypsin or chymotrypsin and by chemical cleavage with cyanogen bromide. Unlike other beta-lactoglobulins which contain 162 amino acids, horse bet...
Hainisch EK, Jindra C, Kirnbauer R, Brandt S.Papillomaviruses (PVs) are a family of small DNA tumor viruses that can induce benign lesions or cancer in vertebrates. The observation that animal PV capsid-proteins spontaneously self-assemble to empty, highly immunogenic virus-like particles (VLPs) has led to the establishment of vaccines that efficiently protect humans from specific PV infections and associated diseases. We provide an overview of PV-induced tumors in horses and other equids, discuss possible routes of PV transmission in equid species, and present recent developments aiming at introducing the PV VLP-based vaccine technology...
Moore LA, Johnson PJ, Messer NT, Kline KL, Crump LM, Knibb JR.Unlike the incidence of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), which appears to be increasing, headshaking is an uncommon problem for horses in Missouri and the adjacent states. Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis was incriminated in three horses examined for the treatment of headshaking on the basis of a neurological examination, an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and their response to treatment. The headshaking and stereotypical behaviour associated with EPM was successfully treated with potentiated sulphonamides and pyrimethamine.
Yovich JV, Trotter GW, McIlwraith CW, Norrdin RW.The effect of intra-articular polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSG) on repair of chemical and physical articular cartilage injuries was evaluated in 8 horses. In each horse, a partial- and a full-thickness articular cartilage defect was made on the distal articular surface of the radial carpal bone. In the contralateral middle carpal joint, a chemical articular cartilage injury was induced by injecting 50 mg of Na monoiodoacetate (MIA). Four of the 8 horses were not treated (controls), and 4 horses were treated by intra-articular injection of 250 mg of PSG into both middle carpal joints once a ...
Stowe HD.Serum and milk samples from mares and serum samples from their foals were taken at parturition and on d 1, 2, 4, 7, 14 and 21 postpartum. The samples were assayed for retinyl (r.) palmitate, r. acetate and retinol by high performance liquid chromatography. Peak vitamin A activity in milk occurred 1 d postpartum and preceded by 3 d the maximum vitamin A activity in foal serum and the lowest vitamin A activity in the mare serum. Mare serum contained approximately a 65:35 ratio of retinol:r. palmitate and less than 1% r. acetate. Retinyl palmitate was the predominant form of vitamin A in milk unt...
Casella S, Giannetto C, Fazio F, Giudice E, Piccione G.The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of different storage conditions on prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen concentration in clinical samples from healthy horses. A total of 100 healthy horses of varying breeds and gender, ranging in age from 4 to 18 years, with a mean body weight of 480 +/- 70 kg, were used. Blood was collected by jugular venipuncture, and a hemochrome-cytometric examination was conducted on all samples. All blood samples were centrifuged and divided into 4 different aliquots to assess clotting parameters by mea...
van Doorn DA, Schaafstra FJ, Wouterse H, Everts H, Estepa JC, Aguilera-Tejero E, Beynen AC.This study addresses the question of whether feeding rations rich in P for a period of up to 42 d induces a positive P balance in adult ponies. Biochemical bone markers and parathyroid hormone (PTH; intact as well as whole PTH) were measured to obtain clues as to the effect of P loading on bone metabolism. The experiment had a Latin square design. Each feeding period lasted 42 d, and there were 2 balance trials (ECP1 and ECP2) within each feeding period. Each balance trial lasted 10 d (ECP1: d 11 to 21; ECP2: d 33 to 42). Six ponies aged 2.5 to 7 yr were fed a control diet that provided P and ...
D'Fonseca NMM, Gibson CME, Hummel I, van Doorn DA, Roelfsema E, Stout TAE, van den Broek J, de Ruijter-Villani M.Obesity has been associated with altered reproductive activity in mares, and may negatively affect fertility. To examine the influence of long-term high-energy (HE) feeding on fertility, Shetland pony mares were fed a diet containing 200% of net energy (NE) requirements during a three-year study. The incidence of hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles (HAF) and annual duration of cyclicity were compared to those in control mares receiving a maintenance diet. Day-7 embryos were flushed and transferred between donor and recipient mares from both groups; the resulting conceptuses were collected 21 day...
Rendle DI, Heller J, Hughes KJ, Innocent GT, Durham AE.Time delays between collection of blood samples and biochemical analysis of equine blood are unavoidably common in equine practice. The effect that delays may have on the accuracy of results of blood biochemical analyses is not well established. Objective: Delays in processing of blood of up to 72 h results in alterations in measured levels of common biochemical analytes that are of potential clinical relevance. Separation of serum prior to storage is protective against the effects of time delays. Methods: Samples of clotted blood, separated serum and oxalate fluoride plasma from 20 horses wer...
Rees CA.Urticaria secondary to atopy may be a familial problem in some horses. Immunotherapy using a vaccine containing antigens selected on the basis of history and results of intradermal testing can be an effective method of managing atopy in horses; a response to therapy may be seen within 2 months.
