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.
Couroucé-Malblanc A, Leleu C, Bouchilloux M, Geffroy O.Developmental orthopaedic lesions are commonly found in French Standardbred horses. One of the main questions asked by trainers, owners and veterinarians is what impact these lesions have on the racing career and racing performances of horses. Objective: To study the prevalence and distribution of developmental orthopaedic lesions in young French Standardbred trotters and to relate them to racing performance. Methods: Feet, fetlock, tarsus and stifle regions were radiographed in 865 two-year-old French Standardbred trotters. Abnormal radiographic findings (ARF) were evaluated for 12 anatomical...
Peel JA, Peel MB, Davies HM.The economic impact of soundness problems in racehorses is very high and low hoof angle at the toe has been associated with a lack of soundness. However, it is not clear what environmental and management factors might contribute to a low hoof angle. Objective: To investigate the hypothesis that the hooves of racehorses become flatter when in gallop training, as well as to determine factors contributing to this trend. Methods: Weekly hoof measurements were taken with a hoof gauge from 45 Thoroughbred racehorses; 4 Thoroughbred show horses kept in consistent conditions and shod by the same farri...
Smith JE, Barnes AL, Maloney SK.Body temperature can be a useful measure of how well the horse responds to thermal challenges of exercise and environment. Currently there is little information available about how body temperature changes throughout an endurance ride, and no nonsurgical methods to evaluate internal temperature of exercising horses during prolonged periods and during long distances. Objective: To develop and test a nonsurgical method, using temperature loggers, of continuously recording internal temperature during exercise and over an extended period. Methods: Loggers were inserted transcervically into the ute...
Pratt SE, Geor RJ, McCutcheon LJ.There is evidence that adaptation to diets rich in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) contributes to the development of insulin resistance in horses. To date, however, no study in horses has examined the effects of physical conditioning on diet-associated alterations in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Objective: To examine the effects of adaptation to concentrate feeds rich in NSC or fat on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in horses, both in the sedentary state and after a subsequent period of physical conditioning. Methods: Fourteen mature Standardbred horses underwent both...
Walker HJ, Evans DL, Slocombe RF, Hodgson JL, Hodgson DR.Intrapulmonary blood causes an inflammatory response. Modifying this inflammatory response may be useful in the treatment of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 3 treatments, an oral bronchodilator, inhaled steroid and oral steroid in modifying the cellular response to intrapulmonary blood inoculation. Methods: Experimental design was a randomised block divided into 4 experimental segments of 2 weeks. Eight normal horses were randomly assigned to pairs and treatments. Autologous blood was inoculated into the lungs on 4 occasions over an 8 week ...
Schott HC, Marlin DJ, Geor RJ, Holbrook TC, Deaton CM, Vincent T, Dacre K, Schroter RC, Jose-Cunilleras E, Cornelisse CJ.Limited information exists about the physiological changes and clinical problems that occur in elite horses competing in high-speed 160 km endurance races. Objective: To provide initial data describing changes in physiological and laboratory measurements in horses competing in a high-speed, 160 km endurance race under temperate conditions and to compare data between horses that successfully completed the race and those that failed to finish. Methods: Body mass (BM) was measured, blood samples were collected, and veterinary examinations performed on horses before, during, and at the finish of a...
Bertelsmann H, Sieme H, Behne D, Kyriakopoulos A.In the sperm nuclei, of mammalian species selenium has been found only in the form of sperm nuclei glutathione peroxidase (snGPx) where it is most likely bound to the chromatin of spermatozoa. Over 80% of selenium in sperm is bound to the selenoprotein phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) in the midpiece of rat sperm. Zinc in sperm is mainly contained in the outer dense fiber (ODF) proteins of the flagella of mammalian spermatozoa. In the sperm nuclei, zinc is predominately located in the chromatin to the protamine proteins. In order to investigate if the insertion of zinc...
Piccione G, Grasso F, Fazio F, Giudice E.The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of physical activity on the daily rhythm of platelet aggregation and body temperature in horses. Blood samples from 12 Thoroughbred horses, six sedentary animals and six athletes (studied both before and after a period of inactivity) were collected at 4h intervals for 48h via an intravenous cannula inserted into the jugular vein. Body temperature was recorded every 4h for 48h with a rectal probe. Platelet aggregation was measured with an aggregometer. Collagen was used to test the aggregation of the plasma samples. Statistical analysis of...
Nakamura Y, Daya M.The primary goal of wound management is to achieve a functional closure with minimal scarring. Preventing infection is important to facilitate the healing process. Most simple, uncomplicated wounds do not need systemic antibiotics but benefit from the use of topical antibiotics. Judicious use of antibiotics reduces unnecessary adverse events and helps reduce the development of resistance. Although antibiotics can help reduce infection risk and promote healing, they are not a substitute for good local wound care, in particular irrigation and surgical débridement. This article reviews the role ...
Fortier LA, Schnabel LV, Mohammed HO, Mayr KG.To determine the effects of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, compared with interleukin (IL)-1alpha, on cartilage matrix molecule gene expression in a coculture system of equine cartilage explants and synoviocytes. Methods: Articular cartilage and synovium specimens harvested from femoropatellar joints of 4 horses, aged 3 to 5 years. Methods: Synoviocytes were isolated and cocultured with cartilage explants. Cultures were treated with human recombinant MMP-13 (1, 25, or 100 ng/mL) or IL-1alpha (0.01, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 ng/mL) for 96 hours, with medium exchange at 48 hours. Cartilage extracts and...
Waselau M, Samii VF, Weisbrode SE, Litsky AS, Bertone AL.To compare biodegradable magnesium phosphate cement (Mg-cement), calcium phosphate cement (Ca-cement), and no cement on bone repair, biocompatibility, and bone adhesive characteristics in vivo in horses. Methods: 8 clinically normal adult horses. Methods: Triangular fragments (1-cm-long arms) were created by Y-shaped osteotomy of the second and fourth metatarsal bones (MTII and MTIV, respectively). Fragments were replaced in pairs to compare Mg-cement (MTII, n = 8; MTIV, 8) with Ca-cement (MTIV, 8) or with no cement (MTII, 8). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed for 7 weeks, a...
Belogortseva N, Rubio M, Terrell W, Miksovská J.Photoacoustic calorimetry and transient absorption spectroscopy were used to study conformational dynamics associated with CO photodissociation from horse heart myoglobin (Mb) reconstituted with either Fe protoporphyrin IX dimethylester (FePPDME), Fe octaethylporphyrin (FeOEP), or with native Fe protoporphyrin IX (FePPIX). The volume and enthalpy changes associated with the Fe-CO bond dissociation and formation of a transient deoxyMb intermediate for the reconstituted Mbs were found to be similar to those determined for native Mb (DeltaV1 = -2.5+/-0.6 ml mol(-1) and DeltaH1 = 8.1+/-3.0 kcal mo...
Buckley T, Creighton A, Fogarty U.Respiratory infections, recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) are major causes of poor performance in horses. Fungi and mycotoxins are now recognised as a major cause of these conditions. The most notable fungi are Aspergillus and Fusarium. Fungal spores can originate from forage, bedding and feed and, in turn, these fungal spores can produce a series of mycotoxins as secondary metabolites.This study set out to ascertain the degree of fungal and mycotoxin contamination in feed and fodder used in Irish racing yards over a one-year period. Weather c...
Bakała A, Karlik W, Wiechetek M.The aim of the study was to establish the optimal methods for hypothermic storage of equine isolated hepatocytes. Viability of equine isolated hepatocytes after hypothermic storage was dependent on the type of storage medium as well as on the cell density in the storage suspension and the preservation period. Hepatocytes stored at 4 degrees C in Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) and Williams' Medium E (WE) for 24 h showed very low viability, numerous cell membrane blebs, very low attachment rate (11.9 +/- 6.5% and 34.8 +/- 19.1%, respectively) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylte...
Mömke S, Distl O.Chronic pastern dermatitis predominantly affects draft horses, and this condition is characterized by hyperkeratotic-hyperplastic dermal alterations. Chronic pastern dermatitis resembles the acral-hemorrhagic phenotype of Darier-White disease in humans. The ATP2A2 gene has been shown to be responsible for human Darier-White. Thus, we chose ATP2A2 on equine chromosome 8 (ECA8) as candidate for chronic pastern dermatitis in coldblood horses. A linkage analysis was performed in 10 paternal half-sib families consisting of 85 German coldblood horses using a microsatellite closely linked to ATP2A2, ...
Rodríguez MJ, Soler M, Latorre R, Gil F, Agut A.The objective was to describe the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the soft tissue and bony structures of the temporomandibular joint in Pure-Bred Spanish horses using frozen and plastinated sections performed as anatomical references. The temporomandibular joint of five healthy Pure-Bred Spanish horses and the head specimens from 12 Pure-Bred Spanish cadavers that were subjected to euthanasia for reasons other than temporomandibular joint problems were studied sonographically and anatomically. An 11 MHz linear-array transducer was used to obtain longitudinal ultrasonographic images of th...
Spriet M, Mai W, McKnight A.Increased signal intensity in one of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of sound horses in images acquired using a low-field magnet with vertical orientation of the magnetic field was investigated as a possible manifestation of the magic angle effect. Three isolated equine digits were imaged using the following pulse sequences: (1) spin echo TI, (2) turbo spin echo proton density and T2, and (3) 3D gradient echo T1, in different positions by mildly changing the orientation of the long axis of the digit, in the dorsal plane, relative to the magnetic field. The si...
Lundström TS, Dahlén GG, Wattle OS.Swedish equine dental practices have empirically found that the prevalence of infundibular caries as a primary disorder in the first permanent premolar teeth (P2) of the horse upper jaw has increased during the last 10 years. A previously unknown bacterial species, Streptococcus devriesei (CCUG 47155T), which is related to Streptococcus mutans, has recently been isolated from these carious lesions. To understand the aetiology of caries in horses, it is essential to elucidate the relationship between S. devriesei and P2 infundibular caries. Methods: The anterior infundibulum of maxillary P2, or...
Kutasi O, Vörös K, Biksi I, Szenci O, Sötonyi P.This paper presents the embryological and pathological features as well as the terminology and classification of common atrioventricular canal, a type of endocardial cushion defect. The authors give a complete description of an extremely rare congenital cardiac malformation in an equine neonate. The diagnosis of a complete, balanced common atrioventricular canal of type C in Rastelli's classification scheme was based on two-dimensional, contrast and colour Doppler echocardiography and subsequent postmortem gross pathology. To support our diagnosis and study the pathophysiological effect of the...
Kraft CN, Urban N, Ilg A, Wallny T, Scharfstädt A, Jäger M, Pennekamp PH.The connection between morphologic changes of the spine and the intensity of training has been assessed for a number of sport activities. The influence of horseback riding on the spine has only rarely been evaluated. The aim of our study was to evaluate to what degree horseback riders suffer from back pain and whether there is an association between this parameter and the category i. e. the intensity of horseback riding. Furthermore we wanted to judge whether riding may have a positive effect on pre-existent back pain. Methods: 508 horseback riders (63.2 % females; 36.8 % males) competing in e...
Hill DE, Forbes L, Kramer M, Gajadhar A, Gamble HR.The horse is considered an aberrant host for the nematode parasite Trichinella spiralis, and many aspects of the biology and epidemiology of Trichinella infection in the horse are poorly understood. It has been reported that experimentally-infected horses produce a transient serological response to infection and that muscle larvae are cleared more rapidly than in parasite-adapted hosts such as the pig and humans. However, limited numbers of animals have been studied, and both the longevity of larvae in horse musculature and the immune response to Trichinella larvae remain unclear. In this stud...
Lam KH, Parkin TD, Riggs CM, Morgan KL.This study was part of a programme to optimise the longevity and maximise the health and welfare of the Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong. Injuries to the superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon are the most common veterinary reason for premature retirement in this population. Objective: To describe the frequency and pattern of retirements associated with SDF tendon injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses and to compare the characteristics of these horses with those that retired for other reasons. Methods: A retrospective analysis of retirement records documented in the Hong Kong Jockey Club cl...
Marsh PS.Although not common in horses, fire and smoke inhalation trauma may require veterinary assistance at several levels. Most commonly, the equine clinician is called on to provide care of potentially complex and emotionally charged cases. Thermal injury, along with smoke inhalation, can cause local and diffuse lesions. Massive tissue edema may occur, which can be a challenge to manage as well as creating organ dysfunction at distant sites. Further complications of severely affected patients are varied and include life-threatening sepsis. This article reviews some of the important features of this...
Seedorf J, Schröder M, Köhler L, Hartung J.Bedding material in stables has an important influence on air hygiene and information on the suitability of biocompost and wood shavings is incomplete. Objective: To compare the suitability and benefit of biocompost and wood shavings as bedding in horse stables and to determine key air factors for the evaluation of the potential impact of these materials on respiratory health. Methods: The study was conducted in a naturally ventilated stable with 4 horses. Air hygiene parameters were measured 24 h/day for 7 days with each bedding type: ammonia (NH3), inhalable and respirable dust, endotoxins, ...
Branch MV, Murray RC, Dyson SJ, Goodship AE.Understanding of the development of pathology and source of pain in distal tarsal osteoarthritis is poorly understood. Magnetic resonance imaging is often used in the analysis of human osteoarthritis (OA) because it is sensitive to early changes. Objective: In association with distal tarsal joint (DTJ) pain, there will be an alteration in the characteristic subchondral bone (SCB) thickness pattern of horses with no history of pain when subjected to low-level exercise. Methods: Sixteen cadaver tarsal joints were collected from 9 mature horses with a history of tarsal pain and radiographic evide...
Giles C, Ndi O, Barton MD, Vanniasinkam T.Rhodococcus equi is a respiratory pathogen which primarily infects foals and is endemic on farms around the world with 50% mortality and 80% morbidity in affected foals. Unless detected early and treated appropriately the disease can be fatal. Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent this disease. For decades researchers have endeavoured to develop an effective vaccine to no avail. In this study a novel human adenoviral vector vaccine for R. equi was developed and tested in the mouse model. This vaccine generated a strong antibody and cytokine response and clearance of R. equi was d...
Herd RP, Majewski GA.Studies on a Thoroughbred breeding farm in Ohio were done to: (1) compare the effects of daily administration of pyrantel tartrate feed pellets with monthly administration of a pyrantel pamoate paste to yearling horses (21 January-3 September); (2) assess the effects of daily pyrantel tartrate given strategically in spring/summer to foaling mares (1 April-16 August) and given for a prolonged period to barren mares (21 January-3 September); (3) determine if strategic medication of foaling mares with daily pyrantel tartrate protected their foals until weaning. There were no differences in cyatho...
Ekstrand C, Michanek P, Gehring R, Sundell A, Källse A, Hedeland M, Ström L.Atropine is an essential part of the treatment protocol for equine uveitis. Topical atropine administration has been associated with decreased intestinal motility and abdominal pain in horses. Experimental studies have indicated that frequent dosing is associated with a higher risk than dosing every 6 h. Unfortunately, no quantitative pharmacodynamic data for inhibition of the equine gut are published. Unassigned: Eight standardbred horses were assigned to receive either atropine or saline (control) to be infused over 30 min in a two-treatment cross-over design. Atropine concentrations in plas...
Francesca Martelli, Sue Kidd and Joanna Lawes of the APHA discuss surveillance findings relating to Salmonella isolates from horses, and also the antimicrobial resistance patterns being seen.
Camargo CE, Rechsteiner SF, Macan RC, Kozicki LE, Gastal MO, Gastal EL.The aim of this study was to compare the embryonic and early fetal development of horse embryos between recipient mules and mares from day 10-60 of pregnancy, in addition to hormonal (eCG and progesterone), ovarian, and uterine characteristics for approximately 4 months. Embryo donor mares (n = 5) and two groups of recipients (acyclic mules, n = 7; cyclic mares, n = 7) were used. Donor mares were monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography and inseminated using fresh semen. Cyclic recipient mares were synchronized with the donor's ovulation using PGF2α and deslorelin acetate. M...
Green DA.One hundred and four animals aged 13-18 months were measured at monthly or two monthly intervals, as were comparable numbers of animals 19-36 months old. Height, girth and circumference of the cannon bone below the knee were recorded, measurements for colts and fillies are shown separately. The average height at 18 months was 148 cm (15.01/2 h.h.) and at 36 months 156 cm (15.31/2 h.h.).
Makrai L, Kira K, Kono A, Sasaki Y, Kakuda T, Tsubaki S, Fodor L, Varga J, Taka S.The plasmid profiles of virulent Rhodococcus equi strains isolated on three horse-breeding farms located in different parts of Hungary were investigated. From 49 soil samples collected on the three farms, 490 R. equi isolates (10 from each sample) were obtained and tested for the presence of 15- to 17-kDa antigens (VapA) by immunoblotting and PCR. Ninety-eight VapA-positive isolates were detected from 30 of the 49 culture-positive samples with a prevalence ranging from 13.1% to 23.2%. Of the 98 virulent isolates, 70 contained an 85-kb type I plasmid, 13 contained an 87-kb type I plasmid, and 1...
Buonanno AM, Carlson GP, Kantrowitz B.Portosystemic shunt was diagnosed in a 6-month-old Quarter Horse filly with acute onset of apparent blindness and a 3-month history of depression, lethargy, and ataxia. Clinicopathologic test results indicated slightly high gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity and serum total bilirubin concentration. Sulfobromophthalein half time was prolonged, and plasma ammonia and serum bile acid concentrations were high as well. Histopathologic findings of percutaneous liver biopsy included widespread hepatocyte atrophy and numerous prominent small arterioles in the area of the portal triad. On the basis...
Fretz PB, Donecker JM.The outcome of surgical treatment of angular limb deformities in 29 foals was evaluated through long-term monitoring of athletic performance. Foals were placed into 1 of 2 groups, depending on the site of the angular limb deformity. In group 1 foals, the deformity involved the carpus of distal end of the radius. In group 2 foals, the deformity involved the distal end of the 3rd metacarpal or metatarsal bone. Group 1 contained 20 foals and group 2 contained 11 foals. Two foals were in both groups. Sixteen foals in group 1 and 4 foals in group 2 progressed to some form of athletic use. The under...
Lykkeboe G, Schugaard H, Johansen K.Effects of training and exercise on blood respiratory properties were investigated in standard-bred race horses. Training caused an increase in the circulating O2 capacity at rest from 18.4 to 21.0 vol%, and in the O2 capacity during exercise from 24.9 to 30.3 vol%. An increase in the in vitro oxygen affinity [P50(PH 7.4, 37.9 degrees C)] of about 2 mm Hg correlated with a decrease in the red cell concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) from 6.35 mM-1-1(E), erythrocytes. Trained horses also showed an acute lowering of the red cell DPG concentration after maximal exercise. The physiologic...
Martin KH, Redding LE, Boyle AG.Although equine strangles is reportable in all states, synchronous reporting of this disease does not occur across the country. States have variable regulations on reporting (actionable, notifiable, and monitored) and no mandatory comprehensive databases exist for tracking prevalence. In this study, we solicited veterinarians' opinions on reporting of strangles and factors influencing their opinion. Two hundred and fifty veterinarians practicing within the United States A structured survey was administered online. A total of 250 veterinarians participated: 84 participants (34%) believed that s...
Goudet G.The mammalian oviduct plays a crucial role in the preparation of gametes for fertilisation (transport and final maturation) and fertilisation itself. An increasing number of studies offers a comprehensive overview of the functions of the oviduct and its secretions, but this topic has had limited investigation in the horse. Limited data are available on the final oocyte maturation in the equine oviduct. However, in vitro and in vivo systems have been established to analyse the influence of equine oviduct epithelial cells (OEC) during maturation on the potential of oocytes for fertilisation and ...
Antczak DF.The development of placentation that coincided with the evolution of mammals presented new challenges to the transmission of life from one generation to the next, particularly with regard to the possibility of maternal immunological recognition and destruction of the developing conceptus. The balance between immunity and tolerance dominates the immunological relationship between mother and fetus during mammalian pregnancy, and the focal point of this relationship lies at the interface between the trophoblast cells that comprise the outermost layer of the placenta and the maternal endometrial t...
Salinas C, Espinosa G, Morales N, Henríquez C, Morán G, Gajardo G, Uberti B.Obesity is a highly prevalent condition in horses. Dysfunctional neutrophil activity has been reported in metabolically healthy obese humans, but minimal data exist regarding horses. The present study evaluated the effect of obesity on apoptosis, phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity of peripheral blood neutrophils from lean and obese non-insulin dysregulated horses. Seven lean (BCS, body condition score 4-6/9) and five obese (BCS 8-9) horses were enrolled in the study. All animals underwent two metabolic tests (OGT, oral glucose test; IRT, insulin response test) before their selection to ...
Morley PS, Townsend HG, Bogdan JR, Haines DM.To evaluate efficacy of a commercial vaccine for prevention of infectious upper respiratory tract disease (IURD) caused by equine influenza virus. Methods: Double-masked, randomized, controlled field trial. Methods: 462 horses stabled at a Thoroughbred racetrack. Methods: Vaccine or saline solution placebo was administered 4 times in the population at 6-week intervals. The vaccine contained 3 strains of inactivated influenza virus, and inactivated equine herpesvirus type 4. Horses received 1 or 2 doses of vaccine or placebo prior to onset of a natural influenza epidemic, and were examined 5 d/...
Tremaine WH, McCluskie LK.To describe surgical technique and outcome in 10 horses with impacted cheek teeth that were removed by a transcortical osteotomy and buccotomy technique. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n=10) with impacted cheek teeth. Methods: Medical records (2002-2008) of horses with impacted cheek teeth requiring removal were reviewed; surgical technique and outcome were determined. Results: Exodontia of 11 cheek teeth was performed surgically in 10 horses; 3 horses had complications (residual swelling of the mandible) that resolved and all horses returned to their previous use. Conclusions: Transco...
Evans DL, Rose RJ.Six Standardbred horses were used to evaluate the time course of pulmonary gas exchange, ventilation, heart rate (HR) and acid base balance during different intensities of constant-load treadmill exercise. Horses were exercised at approximately 50%, 75% and 100% maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) for 5 min and measurements taken every 30 s throughout exercise. At all work rates, the minute ventilation, respiratory frequency and tidal volume reached steady state values by 60 s of exercise. At 100% VO2 max, the oxygen consumption (VO2) increased to mean values of approximately 130 ml/kg.min, which ...
Freeman DE, Ferrante PL, Kronfeld DS, Chalupa W.A D-xylose absorption test was conducted on 4 healthy mares deprived of food for 12, 36, 72, and 96 hours before the test, with a 13- to 15-day adjustment period between each test. Maximal plasma concentrations after 72 and 96 hours of food deprivation were approximately 36% lower than those obtained after the 12- and 36-hour periods (P = 0.0001). Absorption curves were flatter and the decrease in plasma concentration was slower after the 72- and 96-hour periods of food deprivation. The rate of D-xylose absorption (P = 0.0108) and the initial rate of urinary excretion (P = 0.0117) were slower ...
De Waal DT, Van Heerden J, Van den Berg SS, Stegmann GF, Potgieter FT.Both Babesia equi and Babesia caballi are endemic in large parts of South Africa. Attempts were made to obtain pure local isolates of both B. equi and B. caballi for the purpose of developing serological tests to study the epidemiology of equine babesiosis in this country. The indirect fluorescent antibody test was used to screen horses for B. equi and B. caballi in an endemic area. Seven horses and 3 donkeys between 3 and 36 months of age that tested negative were subsequently splenectomized. The splenectomy operation was performed through the abdominal approach. A 100% survival rate was achi...
Mirle E, Wogatzki A, Kunzmann R, Schoenfelder AM, Litzke LF.The surgical evaluation of haemorrhagic infarcted intestine and the decision for or against bowel resection require a lot of experience and are subjective. The aim of this prospective, clinical study was to examine the correlation between oxygen saturation and small intestinal wall (IW) thickness, using two objective methods. In 22 colicky horses, the blood flow, oxygen saturation and relative amount of haemoglobin were measured intraoperatively via laser Doppler and white light spectroscopy (O2C, oxygen to see, LEA Medizintechnik) at six measuring points (MPs) in small and large intestines. F...
Cruz Benedetti IC, Nottrott K, Fourel I, Le Bris M, Mongellas E, Portier K.To compare the effects of a lidocaine constant rate infusion (CRI) combined with 1% isoflurane versus those of 2% isoflurane alone on cardiovascular variables in anaesthetized horses, and to estimate the sample size required to detect a difference in recovery quality. Methods: Prospective, randomized, blinded, crossover study. Methods: Twelve healthy experimental horses. Methods: Horses were anaesthetized twice using an intravenous (IV) administration of acepromazine, romifidine, diazepam and ketamine. Horses were placed in dorsal recumbency and ventilated mechanically. During the first 10 min...
Studdert MJ.Set in a context of immunodeficiency diseases in general this paper provides a brief, illustrated review of a primary, severe, combined immunodeficiency (PSCID) disease of Arabian foals. Affected foals are clinically normal at birth but beginning at about 10 days of age they develop a range of clinical signs particularly bronchopneumonia and diarrhoea with which adenoviruses are peculiarly associated. Despite intensive therapy foals invariably die by about 3 months of age. Affected foals are profoundly lymphopagenic (greater than 1000 lymphcoytes per mm3). There is thymic and lymph node hypopl...
Slough TL, Rispoli LA, Carnevale EM, Niswender GD, Bruemmer JE.A biopsy procedure was developed to enable repeated sampling of a single equine corpus luteum (CL) over the course of an estrous cycle. The tissue collected was utilized in characterizing mRNA abundance for genes involved in luteal formation, function, and regression in the cyclic mare. Serial biopsies of CL in cyclic mares (2.7 to 27.5 mg per biopsy) were collected using an ultrasound-guided transvaginal technique. Biopsies were collected from each mare on d 2 and 5 (d 0 = ovulation) of the estrous cycle, and every other day from d 12 through luteolysis. Samples were obtained from 4 mares wit...
Marr KA, Lees P, Page CP, Cunningham FM.Leukotrienes have been shown to mimic many of the pathophysiological processes in allergic airway disease. In this study the bronchoconstrictor effect of inhaled LTD4, and radiolabelled neutrophil accumulation in response to inhalation of LTB4, have been examined in the horse. In separate studies, solutions of LTD4 and LTB4 were administered to the airways of normal animals by nebulisation. LTD4, but not LTB4, caused a dose-dependent increase in pleural pressure which was maximal at three to four minutes and had returned to baseline by 15 to 20 minutes. On a molar basis LTD4 was 305 to 970 tim...
van Ginneken MM, Keizer HA, Wijnberg ID, van Dam KG, Schaart G, de Graaf-Roelfsema E, van der Kolk JH, van Breda E.To investigate whether protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms are expressed in equine skeletal muscle and determine their distribution in various types of fibers by use of immunofluorescence microscopy. Methods: 5 healthy adult Dutch Warmblood horses. Methods: In each horse, 2 biopsy specimens were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle. Cryosections of equine muscle were stained with PKC isoform (alpha, beta1, beta2, delta, epsilon, or zeta)-specific polyclonal antibodies and examined by use of a fluorescence microscope. Homogenized muscle samples were evaluated via western blot analysis. Results...
Dhand NK, Sergeant ES.During the 2007 equine influenza (EI) outbreak in Australia, there was no objective information about the possible under-reporting of cases by horse owners either so that they would avoid movement restrictions or because of their inability to detect infection. This investigation aimed to estimate the proportion of under-reporting during the outbreak based on the results of surveillance undertaken in conjunction with vaccination. The results provided improved estimates of morbidity during the outbreak and indicated the level of under-reporting likely to occur in future outbreaks of other infect...
Tabel H, Charlton KM.A horse showing clinical signs of a neurological disorder was killed and various diagnostic tests for rabies were carried out. Histopathlogy revealed a nonsuppurative encephalitis. Fluorescent antibody test and mouse inoculation test were negative. A positive diagnosis of rabies was based on a high antibody titer (1:10,000) to rabies virus in brain tissue.
