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.
Agüero M, Gómez-Tejedor C, Angeles Cubillo M, Rubio C, Romero E, Jiménez-Clavero A.African horse sickness is an arthropod-borne disease of the equine included in the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) list with important economic consequences for horse trade. The disease is caused by African horse sickness virus (AHSV; family Reoviridae, genus Orbivirus), which is transmitted by Culicoides midges. It is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, spreading occasionally outside this area where the occurrence of Culicoides vectors allows virus transmission. Currently, only conventional (gel-based) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocols are available for ...
Johnson AL, Divers TJ, Chang YF.Confirmation of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in horses has required enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or Western blot tests performed by reference laboratories. An in-clinic C6 ELISA SNAP kit has been marketed for dogs. This canine kit was evaluated for horses using serum from experimentally infected ponies. Serum samples originated from 2 previous studies. In the first study, 7 ponies were exposed to B. burgdorferi-infected ticks; 4 ponies served as uninfected controls. Serum samples were obtained bimonthly for 9 months. In the second study, 16 ponies were exposed to B. burgdorferi-...
Berlin D, Aroch I.Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) are the main divalent cations in the body. The free ionized fraction is the physiologically active form of both Mg and Ca. As ion-selective-electrode (ISE) analyzers are becoming widely used in veterinary practice it will be useful to establish reference intervals for horses. In the present study, reference intervals were established for ionized, total and the ratio of the ionized to total Mg and Ca concentrations in four horse groups: adults, neonatal foals, and pregnant and lactating mares, as well as in three sample types, whole blood, plasma and serum, using...
Vanderperren K, Saunders JH.The metacarpophangeal/metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) joint in the horse is commonly associated with equine lameness and diagnostic imaging is routinely used to investigate disorders of the joint and its surrounding tissues. This review describes the osseous disorders of the fetlock as well as the technical aspects of taking radiographic and ultrasonographic images of the different lesions. In current clinical practice, a combination of radiography and ultrasonography is still the most frequently used approach to arrive at a diagnosis.
Raidal SL, Edwards S.To determine the pharmacokinetics of potassium bromide (KBr) in horses after a single and multiple oral doses. Methods: Twelve adult Standardbred and Thoroughbred mares. Methods: Horses were randomly assigned into two treatment groups. In Part 1 of the study, horses were given a single oral dose of 120 mg/kg KBr. Part 2 of the study evaluated a loading dose of 120 mg/kg KBr daily by stomach tube for 5 days, followed by 40 mg/kg daily in feed for 7 days. Serum concentrations of bromide were determined by colorimetric spectrophotometry following drug administration to permit determination of con...
Lloyd D, Johanson C, Phillips TJ.Minimally displaced condylar fractures propagating into the third metatarsal diaphysis were treated conservatively in one thoroughbred and two Arabian racehorses. In each case a neuroleptanalgesic protocol provided adequate pain relief for a rigid fibreglass cast to be applied in a weight-bearing position. The fractures healed completely and the three horses recovered uneventfully. Two of them returned successfully to racing and the third was used for breeding.
Nollet H, Vercauteren G, Martens A, Vanschandevijl K, Schauvliege S, Gasthuys F, Ducatelle R, Deprez P.In Belgium and even in northern Europe Rhinosporidium seeberi has not been reported in autochtonous people or animals. In this paper, the authors report the first observation of laryngeal masses, caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, in a Belgian Warmblood horse. Moreover, laryngeal rhinosporidiosis is extremely rare since this localisation is only described in four human cases.
Charman RE, Vasey JR.Carpal flexural deformities (CFD) are frequently encountered in the horse, with both congenital and acquired forms described. The success of surgical correction of CFD, both in terms of the ability to achieve a straight palmar carpal angle and the impact on future athletic performance, requires further investigation. Objective: To report the surgical management and outcome of treatment of flexural deformity of the carpus in 72 horses up to 12 months of age. Methods: Information was obtained from the medical records of horses surgically treated for CFD and through follow-up contact with owners....
Leece EA, Corletto F, Brearley JC.To compare recovery times and quality following maintenance of anaesthesia with sevoflurane or isoflurane after a standard intravenous induction technique in horses undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Prospective, randomised, blinded clinical study. Animals One hundred ASA I/II horses undergoing MRI. Methods: Pre-anaesthetic medication with intravenous acepromazine and romifidine was followed by induction of anaesthesia with diazepam and ketamine. The animals were randomised into two groups to receive either sevoflurane or isoflurane in oxygen. Horses were subjectively scored...
Mansel JC, Clutton RE.To examine the relationship between body mass and thoracic dimensions on arterial oxygen tensions (PaO(2)) in anaesthetized horses and ponies positioned in dorsal recumbency. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Thirty six client-owned horses and ponies, mean [+/-SD (range)] age 8.1 +/- 4.8 (1.5-20) years and mean body mass 467 +/- 115 (203-656) kg. Methods: Before general anaesthesia, food and water were withheld for 12 and 1 hours respectively. Body mass (kg), height at the withers (H), thoracic circumference (C), thoracic depth (length between dorsal spinous process and sternum; D)...
Peterbauer C, Larenza PM, Knobloch M, Theurillat R, Thormann W, Mevissen M, Spadavecchia C.To investigate the effect of plasma concentrations obtained by a low dose constant rate infusion (CRI) of racemic ketamine or S-ketamine on the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) in standing ponies. Methods: Prospective, blinded, cross-over study. Methods: Six healthy 5-year-old Shetland ponies. Methods: Ponies received either 0.6 mg kg(-1) racemic ketamine (group RS) or 0.3 mg kg(-1) S-ketamine (group S) intravenously (IV), followed by a CRI of 20 microg kg(-1)minute(-1) racemic ketamine (group RS) or 10 microg kg(-1)minute(-1) S-ketamine (group S) for 59 minutes. The NWR was evoked by trans...
Sanchez LC, Elfenbein JR, Robertson SA.To evaluate effects of butorphanol, acepromazine, and N-butylscopolammonium bromide (NBB) on visceral and somatic nociception and duodenal motility in conscious, healthy horses. Methods: 6 adult horses. Methods: Visceral nociception was evaluated by use of colorectal distention (CRD) and duodenal distention (DD) threshold. Somatic nociception was evaluated via thermal threshold (TT). Nose-to-ground height, heart rate, and respiratory rate were also measured. Each horse received each treatment in randomized order; investigators were not aware of treatments. Butorphanol was administered IV as a ...
Vlaminck L, Cnudde V, Pieters K, Van Den Broeck W, Steenhaut M, Jacobs P, Gasthuys F.To evaluate the biological behavior of a nonresorbable bone substitute (NRBS) in the alveoli of ponies, compared with tissue quality in naturally healing alveoli, after cheek tooth extraction. Methods: 5 clinically normal ponies. Methods: In each pony, both maxillary fourth premolars (Triadan 108/208) were repulsed bilaterally during anesthesia. One randomly chosen alveolus was filled with NRBS and isolated from the oral cavity by use of dental impression material and a spring-wire retention device. The other alveolus was occluded in its occlusal third portion with dental impression material. ...
Goehring LS, Butler CM, Daha TJ, van Doorn DC, van Duijkeren E, Houwers DJ, Laan TT, van Maanen C, Picavet T, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM.No abstract available
Peters JW, de Boer B, Broeze-ten Voorde G, Broeze J, Wiemer P, Sterk T, Spoormakers T.Prevalence of dental disorders in 483 horses and ponies Five equine veterinarians working at three equine referral hospitals examined the oral cavity of 483 horses and ponies prior to surgery, to gain information about the prevalence of common dental disorders in the horse. A thorough examination, using hands/fingers, a full-mouth speculum, a dental mirror and a good light source, is essential to detect such disorders. Many horses examined needed dental attention even though there were no problems with mastication or riding. The most detected abnormalities were sharp enamel points on the bucca...
Bell SA, Drew CP, Wilson WD, Pusterla N.Idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia of horses is incompletely described. Objective: To describe the physical examination, clinicopathologic, histopathologic, and radiographic features and response to corticosteroid treatment of idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia of horses. Methods: Seven horses with eosinophilic pneumonia. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive study. Results: Anamnesis, clinical signs, and clinicopathologic and radiologic findings in 7 adult horses with histologically confirmed eosinophilic pneumonia were reviewed. The horses were examined for signs of chronic respi...
Vanderperren K, Ghaye B, Snaps FR, Saunders JH.To determine the detailed computed tomography (CT) anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in healthy horses. Methods: 10 cadaveric forelimbs from 10 adult horses without orthopedic disease. Methods: CT of the MCP joint was performed on 4 forelimbs. In 1 of the limbs, CT was also performed after intra-articular injection of 30 mL of contrast medium (40 mg of iodine/mL). Transverse slices 1-mm thick were obtained, and sagittal and dorsal planes were reformatted with a slice thickness of 2 mm. The CT images were matched with corresponding anatomic slices from 6 additional forelimbs. Resul...
Pauwels FE, Schumacher J, Castro FA, Holder TE, Carroll RC, Sega GA, Rogers CW.To determine whether clinically effective concentrations of methylprednisolone or triamcinolone can be achieved in the navicular bursa after injection of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) or triamcinolone acetonide (TA) into the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and whether clinically effective concentrations of these drugs can be achieved in the DIPJ after injecting the navicular bursa with the same doses of MPA or TA. Methods: 32 healthy horses. Methods: Horses in groups 1 through 4 received 40 mg of MPA in the DIPJ, 10 mg of TA in the DIPJ, 40 mg of MPA in the navicular bursa, and 10 mg of...
Muirhead TL, McClure JT, Wichtel JJ, Stryhn H, Frederick Markham RJ, McFarlane D, Lunn DP.The proportion of geriatric horses within the equine population has increased in the past decade, but there is limited information on the immune function of these animals. Objective: Aged horses will have a lesser increase in serum antibody response to vaccination. Methods: Thirty-four aged healthy horses (> or = 20 years) and 29 younger adult horses (4-12 years) of various breeds. Methods: All horses were vaccinated with vaccines of killed rabies and influenza virus. Horses in each age group were allocated to receive either rabies or influenza booster vaccine 4 weeks after the initial vaccina...
Arnold CE, Payne M, Thompson JA, Slovis NM, Bain FT.To determine signalment, physical examination and clinicopathologic abnormalities, outcome, and subsequent fertility of mares with periparturient hemorrhage (PPH) and identify factors associated with outcome (ie, survival vs death). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 73 mares. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for information on age, breed, initial complaint, physical examination and clinicopathologic abnormalities, treatment, outcome, and subsequent fertility. Results: Median age was 14.0 years (range, 5 to 24 years), and median number of foals produced prior to the diagnosis o...
Hurcombe SD, Toribio RE, Slovis N, Kohn CW, Refsal K, Saville W, Mudge MC.Sepsis is an important cause for neonatal foal mortality. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) responses to sepsis are well documented in critically ill humans, but limited data exist in foals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the HPAA response to sepsis in foals, and to associate these endocrine changes with survival. Objective: Blood concentrations of arginine vasopressin (AVP), adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), and cortisol will be higher in septic foals as compared with sick nonseptic and healthy foals. The magnitude of increase in hormone concentration will be negativ...
Morello SL, Ducharme NG, Hackett RP, Warnick LD, Mitchell LM, Soderholm LV.To determine the phase and quantitate the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the genioglossus, geniohyoideus, hyoepiglotticus, omohyoideus, sternohyoideus, sternothyroideus, and thyrohyoideus muscles of clinically normal horses during strenuous exercise. Methods: 7 clinically normal adult horses (2 Thoroughbreds and 5 Standardbreds). Methods: Bipolar electrodes were surgically implanted in the aforementioned muscles, and horses were subjected to an incremental exercise test on a high-speed treadmill. The EMG, heart rate, respiratory rate, and static pharyngeal airway pressures were measured d...
Chesen AB, Rakestraw PC.To identify indications for and short- and long-term outcome of permanent tracheostomy performed in standing horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 82 horses undergoing permanent tracheostomy. Methods: Data obtained from medical records included signalment, diagnosis, surgical technique, complications, use of the horse before and after surgery, and owner satisfaction. Follow-up information was obtained through a telephone questionnaire administered to owners. Results: Indications for permanent tracheostomy included nasopharyngeal cicatrix (n = 59), arytenoid chondropathy (55), an...
Morley PS, Traub-Dargatz JL, Benedict KM, Saville WJ, Voelker LD, Wagner BA.Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious and often fatal neurologic disease of horses, but few studies have investigated risk factors. Objective: To evaluate operation- and individual-level factors associated with likelihood of the occurrence of EPM. Methods: Data were collected as part of a study of the US equine industry from 1,178 operations representing 83.9% of horses and 51.6% of operations with > or =3 horses in 28 states. Methods: Probability-based sampling was used to enroll representative operations in a cross-sectional study. Interviews were conducted to collect info...
McGurrin MK, Physick-Sheard PW, Kenney DG.Transvenous electrical cardioversion (TVEC) has been developed for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in horses. The relationship among patient variables, treatment response, and outcome in a typical referral population has not been evaluated. Objective: Patient variables such as age, sex, weight, and duration of arrhythmia affect prognosis for response to treatment and the energy level at which cardioversion occurs. Methods: TVEC was applied to 72 episodes of lone AF in 63 client-owned performance horses, with the majority (54) being Standardbred racehorses. Methods: Catheterization of the...
Soma LR, Rudy JA, Uboh CE, Xu F, Snapp HM.To investigate the pharmacokinetics and behavioral effects of aminorex administered IV and PO in horses. Methods: 7 Thoroughbreds. Methods: In a cross-over design, aminorex (0.03 mg/kg) was administered IV or PO. Plasma and urinary aminorex concentrations were determined via liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry. Results: Decrease of aminorex from plasma following IV administration was described by a 3-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Median (range) values of alpha, beta, and gamma half-lives were 0.04 (0.01 to 0.28), 2.30 (1.23 to 3.09), and 18.82 (8.13 to 46.64) hours, respectively. Tot...
Mukai K, Hiraga A, Eto D, Takahashi T, Hada T, Tsubone H, Jones JH.To determine whether warm-up exercise at different intensities alters kinetics and total contribution of aerobic power to total metabolic power in subsequent supramaximal exercise in horses. Methods: 11 horses. Methods: Horses ran at a sprint until fatigued at 115% of maximal oxygen consumption rate (VO(2max)), beginning at 10 minutes following each of 3 warm-up protocols: no warmup (NoWU), 1 minute at 70% VO(2max) (moderate-intensity warm-up [MoWU]), or 1 minute at 115% VO(2max) (high-intensity warm-up [HiWU]). Cardiopulmonary and blood gas variables were measured during exercise. Results: Th...
Kleine LG, Solano M, Rusckowski M, Hunt KE, Johnson KL, Kirker-Head CA.To evaluate the use of technetium Tc 99m-labeled EDTA-biotin monomer ((99m)Tc-EB1) as a scintigraphic imaging agent for soft tissue inflammatory lesions in horses. Methods: 6 healthy adult horses. Methods: First (phase 1), the agent's safety and blood-tissue clearance and an appropriate imaging protocol were determined in 6 horses. Each horse was injected with (99m)Tc-EB1 (1.1 GBq, IV, once); images were acquired at intervals during the following 24-hour period. Subsequently (phase 2), inflammation was induced via injection of 200 mg (10 mL) of mepivacaine (0.4 mg/kg) into the right neck muscu...
Messer NT, Ganjam VK, Nachreiner RF, Krause GF.The effect that 5 consecutive days of treatment with dexamethasone (0.04 mg/kg of body weight, IM, q 24 h) would have on baseline concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), reverse T3 (rT3), free T3 (FT3), and free T4 (FT4), and on response to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) administration was determined in 12 clinically normal horses. Results of TSH response tests indicated that the horses could be placed into 2 groups: in 6 horses (group A), T4 concentration after administration of TSH was more than twice the baseline concentration; in the other 6 horses (group B), T4 concent...
Yoon MJ, Roser JF.Localization of IGF-I and IGF-IR were observed in Leydig cells of horses using immunohistochemistry (IHC), suggesting IGF-I may play a role in equine Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Previous studies in other species have indicated that IGF-I increases basal and/or LH/hCG-induced testosterone production. The objectives of this study were to (1) test the synergistic effect of IGF-I on eLH-induced testosterone production in cultured equine Leydig cells and (2) determine if this effect is reproductive stage-dependent. Testes were collected from five pubertal (1.1±0.1 year; 1-1.5 year) and eight post...
Leitch M.Angular limb deformities are not uncommon in foals. Mild angular deviation due to laxity of supporting soft tissues often resolves spontaneously. However, external splinting or casting may be needed in severe cases or in those that do not resolve. When incomplete ossification of carpal or tarsal bones is the cause of the limb deformity, external support is mandatory to prevent further deformation and abnormal development of the bones. When epiphyseal and metaphyseal abnormalities cause axial deviation, surgical intervention is usually necessary. Circumferential periosteal transection and/or tr...
Hallowell GD, Corley KT.To assess the suitability of a human algorithm for calculation of continuous cardiac output from the arterial pulse waveform, in anaesthetized horses. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Twenty-four clinical cases undergoing anaesthesia for various conditions. Methods: Cardiac output (Qt), measured by lithium dilution (QtLiDCO), was compared with a preceding, calibrated Qt measured from the pulse waveform (QtPulse). These comparisons were repeated every 20-30 minutes. Positive inotropes or vasopressors were administered when clinically indicated. Cardiac indices from 30.7 to 114.9 mL...
Meister TL, Arroyo LG, Shanahan R, Papapetrou MA, Reinecke B, Brüggemann Y, Todt D, Stang A, Hazlett M, Baird JD, Steinmann E.Theiler's disease (TD) is a (sub-)acute hepatitis in adult horses and one of the most common causes of acute hepatic failure. Recent findings indicate that equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV-H) likely causes TD and that its transmission occurs via iatrogenic and/or natural routes. Following the death of an EqPV-H positive mare with TD, close-contact mares and foals in the same paddock were monitored to evaluate if there was any evidence of EqPV-H. For this purpose, the serum of close contact horses was examined 6 and 42 days after the mare's death for the presence of EqPV-H DNA and changes in l...
Sosa León LA, Hodgson DR, Rose RJ.We examined the gastric emptying (GE) of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) at rest and after exercise in four Standardbred horses. In one study isotonic, cold isotonic (5 degrees C), isotonic containing glucose and hypertonic fluid were tested at rest. In another study, isotonic fluid was given following a bout of treadmill exercise at 70 per cent VO2 max until exhaustion or at rest. In both studies, a single dose of 8 litres was given via nasogastric tube. GE and electrolyte concentrations (Na+, K+ and Cl-) of the stomach content were measured at 15 minutes intervals for one hour. In both stud...
Scholtzek AD, Hanke D, Eichhorn I, Walther B, Lübke-Becker A, van Duijkeren E, Köck R, Schwarz S, Feßler AT.Based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), correct classifications as susceptible, intermediate or resistant are challenging for some antimicrobial agent-bacterial species combinations. In this study, we investigated 19 equine Staphylococcus aureus isolates for their susceptibility to the combination sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SXT) by using broth microdilution (BMD), agar disk diffusion (DD) and automated test systems. To elucidate the presence of the corresponding genetic resistance properties among the isolates, whole genome sequence analysis was performed and the genomes were ...
Jamieson CA, Baillie SL, Johnson JP.Transfusion medicine is a crucial part of equine intensive and critical care. Blood transfusions can save lives in both acute and chronic cases of anemia, hemorrhage, and hemolysis. It is vital to have a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of the techniques, implications, risks, and complications. This review covers the physiology and pathophysiology of conditions requiring transfusion, as well as step by step guidance for practitioners of all experience levels. This review is designed to serve as a practical reference for those who are treating horses in either the field or ...
Blythe LL, Craig AM, Christensen JM, Appell LH, Slizeski ML.Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was administered IV to 6 Thoroughbred horses at 2 dosages: 1.0 g/kg and 0.1 g/kg. The pharmacokinetics seemed linear, with biological half-lives of 8.6 +/- 0.3 hours and 9.8 +/- 2.2 hours for the 1.0 g/kg and 0.1 g/kg dosages, respectively. This was further substantiated by mean residence times of 9.8 +/- 0.44 hours and 13.8 +/- 4.25 hours, areas under the curve of 12.55 +/- 1.42 mg/ml/hr and 1.63 +/- 0.49 mg/ml/hr, and the clearances of 0.081 +/- 0.009 L/kg/hr and 0.066 +/- 0.022 L/kg/hr for the large and small dosages, respectively. At 12 hours after 1.0 g/kg was ad...
Ozaki H, Shimizu-Nei A, Sugita S, Sugiura T, Imagawa H, Kida H.To provide information on the antigenic variation of the hemagglutinins (HA) among equine H 3 influenza viruses, 26 strains isolated from horses in different areas in the world during the 1963-1996 period were analyzed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies recognizing at least 7 distinct epitopes on the H 3 HA molecule of the prototype strain A/equine/Miami/1/63 (H 3 N 8). The reactivity patterns of the virus strains with the panel indicate that antigenic drift of the HA has occurred with the year of isolation, but less extensively than that of human H 3 N 2 influenza virus isolates, and diff...
Barton MH, Moore JN.Whole blood from 10 healthy horses was aseptically collected into heparin or citrate anticoagulant and incubated in vitro for 6 hr in the absence (saline control) or presence of 1 ng endotoxin/ml blood. Pentoxifylline (0.1, 1, 10, or 100 micrograms/ml blood) was added 1 hr before, at the same time, or 1 hr after endotoxin. As compared to saline controls, pentoxifylline alone had no effect on mediator production, with the exception of significantly increasing 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha concentration. Pentoxifylline inhibited endotoxin-induced increases in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and inter...
Xuan X, Igarashi I, Tanaka T, Fukumoto S, Nagasawa H, Fujisaki K, Mikami T.A latex agglutination test (LAT) using recombinant equi merozoite antigen 1 (EMA-1) for the detection of antibodies to Babesia equi was developed. The LAT was able to differentiate very clearly between sera from B. equi-infected horses and sera from Babesia caballi-infected horses or from normal horses. The LAT results were identical to those of a previously developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These results indicate that LAT using recombinant EMA-1 might be very useful as a routine screening method for the diagnosis of B. equi infection.
Harding C, Viljanto M, Habershon-Butcher J, Taylor P, Scarth J.YK-11 is a steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator, a compound class prohibited in both equine racing and human sports because of their potentially performance enhancing properties. YK-11 is easily accessible via internet-based supplement vendors making this compound a possible candidate for doping; however, its phases I and II metabolism has not yet been reported in the horse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo metabolites of YK-11 in urine and plasma following oral administration with three daily doses of 50 mg to two Thoroughbred horses. In vitro incubations ...
Ishikawa Y, Sakai DM, Im JS, Zhang S, Reed RA, Quandt JE, Baldo CF, Walters B, Barletta M.To evaluate a regional anesthetic technique for blocking the abdominal midline in horses. Methods: Anatomical description and prospective, crossover, placebo-controlled, blinded study. Methods: Adult horses; two cadavers, six healthy animals. Methods: In stage 1, 0.5% methylene blue with 0.25% bupivacaine (0.5 mL kg) was injected using ultrasonography into the internal rectus abdominis sheath (RAS) of two cadavers with a one-point or two-point technique. The dye spread was described after the dissection of the abdomens. In stage 2, each horse was injected with 1 mL kg of 0.9% NaCl (treatment P...
Laurberg M, Saegerman C, Jacobsen S, Berg LC, Laursen SH, Hoeberg E, Sånge EA, van Galen G.Equine neonatal sepsis can be challenging to diagnose and prognosticate. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a new marker of renal damage and inflammation, can potentially be helpful. To evaluate NGAL in neonatal foals with sepsis, and assess its relation to outcome. Foals ≤ 14 days, with admission blood analysis and stored serum. NGAL was measured on stored serum from 91 foals. Foals were scored for sepsis and survival and categorized according to sepsis status (septic, sick non-septic, healthy, and uncertain sepsis status) and outcome groups (survivors and non-survivors). Th...
Bürger HJ, Bauer C.In order to confirm benzimidazole resistance as recommended at a workshop of the Commission of the European Communities the isolate 'E' of cyathostome strongyles originating from a stud where benzimidazole resistance had been demonstrated by egg hatch tests and by egg count reduction tests was investigated in two series of critical tests. Each of 11 foals reared strongyle-free was infected with 130,000 third stage cyathostome larvae. One animal remained untreated, two pairs of foals were treated with paste formulations of the (pro)benzimidazoles cambendazole (20 mg/kg bodyweight) or febantel (...
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.
Noonan NE.Adult female dogs or pony mares were subjected to a nonlethal dose of CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg of body weight). Amounts of several plasma enzymes thought to be indicative of hepatic disease were monitored. Plasma enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), arginase, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and iditol dehydrogenase (ID), as well as total plasma bilirubin, were determined in these animals before and after the administration of the CCl4. In the dog, GGT was not significantly increased, whereas ALP values were increased during days 1 to 6. In the...
Portier K, de Moffarts B, Fellman N, Kirschvink N, Motta C, Letellierw C, Ruelland A, van Erck E, Lekeux P, Couder J.Fatty acid supplementation could modulate erythrocyte membrane fluidity in horses at rest and during exercise, but information is lacking on the effect of exercise. Objective: To assess the effect of exercise with, and without, an oral antioxidant supplementation enriched with n-3 fatty acids on erythrocyte membrane fluidity (EMF) and fatty acid composition in eventing horses. Methods: Twelve healthy and regularly trained horses were divided randomly into 2 groups: group S received an oral antioxidant cocktail enriched in n-3 fatty acid (alphatocopherol, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosah...
Cogswell AM, Johnson PJ, Adams HR.To test the hypothesis that endothelium-derived nitric oxide modulates vasomotor reactivity in equine digital arteries. Methods: Digital arteries were isolated from adult horses, and their vasodilator properties were examined in an in vitro controlled environment. Methods: Five adult horses (1 gelding, 4 mares) without evidence of hoof or vascular disease were studied. Methods: Arterial rings with or without endothelium were exposed to endothelium-dependent vasodilator drugs in the presence or absence of a pharmacologic inhibitor of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. Results: Vasodilator effect...
Bukoski A, Hodgson D, Downs J, LeBert C, Thombs L, Bailey J.To compare the cardiopulmonary effects of apneustic anesthesia ventilation (AAV) and conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) in dorsally recumbent anesthetized horses. Methods: Randomized, crossover design. Methods: A total of 10 healthy adult horses from a university-owned herd. Methods: Following xylazine, midazolam and ketamine administration, horses were orotracheally intubated and positioned in dorsal recumbency. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen [inspired oxygen fraction (FiO) = 0.3 initially, with subsequent titration to maintain PaO ≥ 85 mmHg (11.3 kPa)]. Horses ...
Lippold BS, Hildebrand J, Straub R.It has been shown that the selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist tegaserod induces an increase in frequency and amplitude of contractions in isolated muscle preparations of equine ileum and pelvic flexure. Objective: To investigate the effects of tegaserod on gut motility and transit of spheres in normal horses. Methods: Six mature Freiberger horses were kept under standardised conditions. Effects of tegaserod (0.02 mg/kg bwt i.v. b.i.d. for 2 days) or vehicle on intestinal transit of barium-filled spheres, defaecation and gut sounds were studied in a cross-over design. Spheres were given via stoma...
Matsuura A, Ohta E, Ueda K, Nakatsuji H, Kondo S.To obtain basic knowledge about selecting horses for therapeutic riding, the influence of equine conformation on rider oscillation and relationships between these factors and the evaluation on horses as the therapeutic riding were studied. Thirty-five riding horses were used. Equine conformation was estimated by 24 indices. Rider oscillation was measured by an accelerometer fixed at the rider's waist. The spatial position of the oscillation was estimated by a double integration of the acceleration. Horses were evaluated for therapeutic riding by a Riding for the Disabled Association instructor...
Cartmill JA, Thompson DL, Storer WA, Crowley JC, Huff NK, Waller CA.Three experiments tested the hypotheses that daily cortisol rhythm, feeding time, and/or insulin infusion affect(s) leptin secretion in stallions. Ten mature stallions received ad libitum hay and water and were fed a grain concentrate once daily at 0700. In Exp. 1, stallions received either a single injection of dexamethasone (125 microg/kg BW i.m.; n = 5) or vehicle (controls; n = 5) at 0700 on d -1. Starting 24 h later, blood samples were collected every 2 h for 36 h via jugular venipuncture. Cortisol in control stallions varied (P < 0.01) with time, with a morning peak and evening nadir;...
Sevane N, Dunner S, Boado A, Cañon J.Equine osteochondrosis (OC) is a frequent developmental orthopaedic disease with high economic impact on the equine industry and may lead to premature retirement of the animal as a result of chronic pain and lameness. The genetic background of OC includes different genes affecting several locations; however, these genetic associations have been tested in only one or few populations, lacking the validation in others. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic determinants of OC in the Spanish Purebred horse breed. For that purpose, we used a candidate gene approach to study the associati...
van Heule M, Verstraete M, Blockx Z, De Blende P, Dini P, Daels P.Cooled storage of semen after thawing can expand the use of frozen semen, providing the possibility of thawing and evaluating the semen at the storage site and subsequently shipping the semen. Our objectives were (1) to examine the motility and viability of frozen-thawed semen after cooled storage and (2) to compare two cooled-storage protocols for frozen-thawed semen. The samples (n = 31) were either placed immediately in a passive cooling box for 8 or 24 hours (CB) or placed in a refrigerator at 4°C for 30 minutes and then transferred to a passive cooling box (REF). Total and progressive ...
Ginther OJ, Domingues RR, Kennedy VC, Dangudubiyyam SV.An inhibitor of PGF2α biosynthesis (flunixin meglumine, FM) was used to study the role of endogenous PGF2α on the luteolytic effect of exogenous PGF2α in mares. A 2-h infusion of PGF2α at a constant rate (total dose, 0.1 mg) on Day 10 (ovulation = Day 0) was used to mimic the maximal concentrations of a spontaneous pulse of a PGF2α metabolite (PGFM). Treatment with FM (1.7 mg/kg) was done 1 h before and 5 h after the start of PGF2α infusion. In hourly blood samples beginning 1 h before the start of PGF2α infusion, progesterone decreased (P < 0.05) similarly by 5 h in each of t...
