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.
David F, Rougier M, Alexander K, Morisset S.Coxofemoral joint pain is probably underestimated due to difficulties in identifying hip pain. The deep location of the joint and proximity of the sciatic nerve make arthrocentesis based on external landmarks a difficult and potentially risky procedure in mature horses. Objective: To describe an ultrasound-guided injection technique of the coxofemoral joint in standing horses and to evaluate its accuracy and potential difficulties/complications. Methods: Nine mature horses had both pelvic areas prepared for sterile ultrasound examination (3.5 MHz curvilinear probe). Coxofemoral joints were loc...
Parsons KJ, Wilson AM.MP3 recorders are readily available, small, lightweight and low cost, providing the potential for logging analogue hoof mounted accelerometer signals for the characterisation of equine locomotion. These, however, require testing in practice. Objective: To test whether 1) multiple MP3 recorders can maintain synchronisation, giving the ability to synchronise independent recorders for the logging of multiple limbs simultaneously; and 2) features of a foot mounted accelerometer signal attributable to foot-on and foot-off can be accurately identified from horse foot mounted accelerometers logged di...
Gnagey L, Clayton HM, Lanovaz JL.The tarsal joint is a frequent site of lameness, but little objective information is available regarding the effects of tarsal conformation on joint movements or forces. Objective: To compare tarsal kinematics and kinetics in horses with large, intermediate and small tarsal angles. Methods: Sagittal plane standing angle of the right tarsal joint was measured in 16 horses as they stood squarely with the hind hooves vertically beneath the hip joint. Tarsal angles were classified as small (< 155.5 degrees), intermediate (155.5-165.5 degrees) or large (> 165.5 degrees). Reflective markers, attache...
Cassart D, Baise E, Cherel Y, Delguste C, Antoine N, Votion D, Amory H, Rollin F, Linden A, Coignoul F, Desmecht D.There is a lack of well documented studies about muscular lesions in equine atypical myopathy (EAM). Objective: To characterise morphopathological changes of striated muscles and myocardium, to progress understanding of this disease. Methods: Thirty-two horses age 0.5-7 years kept on pasture were referred for a sudden ataxia/myoglobinuria syndrome. Clinical examination (stiffness, muscle pain, muscle fasciculations, abnormal gait, recumbency, myoglobinuria, tachycardia, sweating) and plasma CPK, LDH and AST levels were consistent with extensive myonecrosis and, together with anamnestic data, w...
Krause JB, McKenzie HC.Adequate nutritional support of sick foals in critical care is an important aspect of treatment. When enteral feeding is contraindicated, parenteral nutrition (PN) provides a source of energy and protein. However, no study has critically assessed the use of PN in a large group of foals. Objective: The administration of PN to clinically ill foals was examined retrospectively to determine the effects of PN formulation and variables on the incidence of PN-associated complications and outcome. Objective: There was no effect of PN formula on 1) the occurrence or type of complications; 2) of PN form...
Weller R, Pfau T, Babbage D, Brittin E, May SA, Wilson AM.The importance of a reliable method for conformation studies is generally acknowledged, but there are only limited data on the accuracy and precision of current assessment methods. Objective: To assess (1) the accuracy and repeatability of marker placement, (2) influence of stance of the horse on conformational parameters, (3) practicality of a computerised motion analysis system and (4) to compare the computerised motion analysis system to photographic systems of assessment. Methods: Twenty-eight reflective markers placed over anatomical landmarks were located in 3D using a computerised motio...
Smith MR, Wright IM, Smith RK.Clinical lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon and navicular bone are being reported with increasing frequency. However, the role of direct visualisation by navicular bursoscopy in the diagnosis and management of such injuries has not been explored. Objective: Navicular bursoscopy: 1) corroborates information obtained from other, noninvasive imaging modalities; 2) allows direct visualisation of lesions unidentified by other diagnostic modalities; 3) provides further information on morphology of lesions; and 4) permits minimally invasive surgical access to lesions. Methods: The case records...
Loftus JP, Belknap JK, Stankiewicz KM, Black SJ.REASONS FOR STUDY: Xanthine oxidase (XO)-dependent production of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, a characteristic of ischaemia-reperfusion injury, may contribute to the development of equine laminitis. Objective: To determine the levels of XO and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase [SOD]) in the digital laminae of normal horses (CON) and horses in the developmental stage of laminitis using the black walnut extract (BWE) model. Methods: Healthy horses (n = 12) were administered BWE (BWE group, n = 6), or water (CON group, n = 6) through a nasogastric tube. At the onset o...
Belknap JK, Giguère S, Pettigrew A, Cochran AM, Van Eps AW, Pollitt CC.Recent research has indicated that inflammation plays a role in the early stages of laminitis and that, similar to organ failure in human sepsis, early inflammatory mechanisms may lead to downstream events resulting in lamellar failure. Characterisation of the type of immune response (i.e. innate vs. adaptive) is essential in order to develop therapeutic strategies to counteract these deleterious events. Objective: To quantitate gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines known to be important in the innate and adaptive immune response during the early stages of laminitis, using both the bla...
Schnabel LV, Bramlage LR, Mohammed HO, Embertson RM, Ruggles AJ, Hopper SA.Studies on arthroscopic removal of apical proximal sesamoid fracture fragments in Thoroughbred (TB) horses age > or = 2 years have reported a high success rate. However, there are no reports documenting the racing prognosis of TB horses that undergo such surgery as weanlings or yearlings. Objective: To describe the incidence of apical proximal sesamoid fractures in immature TB horses, age < 2 years and determine probability and quality of racing performance after arthroscopic removal of such fractures in 151 TB weanlings and yearlings. Methods: The medical records of TB horses age < 2 years th...
Chaney KP, Holcombe SJ, LeBlanc MM, Hauptman JG, Embertson RM, Mueller PO, Beard WL.Anecdotal speculation suggests that prognosis for survival of mares and foals following correction of uterine torsion has improved over the past 30 years. Objective: To determine statistically the outcome of uterine torsion according to duration of clinical signs, stage of gestation, parity, physical examination findings, method of correction, prognosis for survival and reproductive health of the mare, and prospects for the foal within the neonatal period. Methods: This retrospective study combined cases from 4 equine referral hospitals. Results: The stage of gestation at which uterine torsion...
Kroekenstoel AM, van Heel MC, van Weeren PR, Back W.Distal limb conformation is generally accepted to be an important item with respect to performance and soundness in mature horses, but little is known about the developmental aspects. Objective: To gain insight into the development of distal limb conformation and to assess the possible consequences of uneven feet in foals. Methods: Conformation of the distal front limbs of 23 Warmblood foals was scored visually and measured using radiographs, at ages 27 and 55 weeks. At the same ages, pressure measurements were made under both front feet. Results: At both ages the hoof-pastern axis was broken-...
Taha S, Johansson O, Rivera Jonsson S, Heimer D, Krovacek K.Clostridium difficile is a common nosocomial pathogen in humans and animals that causes diarrhea and colitis following antibiotic therapy. Isolates of C. difficile obtained from faecal material from 20 human patients and 6 equine subjects with antibiotic-associated diarrhea were investigated regarding production of toxins A and B, their capacity to adhere to the human intestinal Caco-2 cell line and equine intestinal cells, and for the presence of fimbriae. The results showed that most (17/20) of the human clinical isolates produced both toxins A and B. One of the human isolates proved toxin A...
Santschi EM, Leibsle SR, Morehead JP, Prichard MA, Clayton MK, Keuler NS.There is little information available about conformational changes in the forelimbs of growing foals. Objective: To describe the conformation of the carpus and fetlock of Thoroughbred foals from birth to yearling sale age. Methods: Subjective assessments of the fetlock and carpal conformation of 119 Thoroughbred foals were made within the first month of life and then at 30 day intervals until at least age 120 days. At least 70 subjects were examined further at 60 day intervals until September of their second year. Conformation grades are reported for 5 age groups: first 7 days and at a mean of...
Thomasy SM, Mama KR, Whitley K, Steffey EP, Stanley SD.In order to evaluate its potential as an adjunct to inhalant anaesthesia in horses, the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl must first be determined. Objective: To describe the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl and its metabolite, N-[1-(2-phenethyl-4-piperidinyl)maloanilinic acid (PMA), after i.v. administration of a single dose to horses that were awake in Treatment 1 and anaesthetised with isoflurane in Treatment 2. Methods: A balanced crossover design was used (n = 4/group). During Treatment 1, horses received a single dose of fentanyl (4 microg/kg bwt, i.v.) and during Treatment 2, they were anaesthet...
van Heel MC, Kroekenstoel AM, van Dierendonck MC, van Weeren PR, Back W.Conformational traits are important in breeding, since they may be indicative for performance ability and susceptibility to injuries. Objective: To study whether certain desired conformational traits of foals are related to lateralised behaviour while foraging and to the development of uneven feet. Methods: Twenty-four Warmblood foals, born and raised at the same location, were studied for a year. Foraging behaviour was observed by means of weekly 10 min scan-sampling for 8 h. A preference test (PT) was developed to serve as a standardised tool to determine laterality. The foals were evaluated...
Maes A, Weiland L, Sandersen C, Gasthuys F, De Backer P, Croubels S.A sensitive method for the quantification of lidocaine and its metabolites, monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) and glycinexylidide (GX), in animal plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is described. The sample preparation includes a liquid-liquid extraction with methyl tert-butylmethyl ether after addition of 2M sodium hydroxide. Ethylmethylglycinexylidide (EMGX) is used as an internal standard. For chromatographic separation, an ODS Hypersil column was used. Isocratic elution was achieved with 0.01 M ammonium acetate and aceto...
Mathie RT, Hansen L, Elliott MF, Hoare J.Targeted research development in veterinary homeopathy is properly informed by the systematic collection and analysis of relevant clinical data obtained by its practitioners. We organised a pilot data collection study, in which 8 Faculty of Homeopathy veterinarians collected practice-based clinical and outcomes data over a 6-month period. Methods: A specifically designed Excel spreadsheet enabled recording of consecutive clinical appointments under the following headings: date; identity of patient and owner (anonymised); age, sex and species of patient; medical condition/complaint treated; whe...
Alvarez I, Gutierrez G, Vissani A, Rodriguez S, Barrandeguy M, Trono K.We developed and validated an agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) test for the diagnosis of equine infectious anemia (EIA) using as antigen the p26 protein of equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) produced in the Escherichia coli expression system. The developed rp26-AGID test showed an excellent diagnostic relative sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) compared to a commercial AGID assay when 1855 field serum samples were analyzed. In addition, the rp26-AGID demonstrated to be a precise assay with excellent repeatability and reproducibility. In the analytical sensitivity trial, positive ...
Davis JL, Papich MG, Morton AJ, Gayle J, Blikslager AT, Campbell NB.The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of etodolac following oral and intravenous administration to six horses. Additionally, in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX) selectivity assays were performed using equine whole blood. Using a randomized two-way crossover design, horses were administered etodolac (20 mg/kg) orally or intravenously, with a minimum 3-week washout period. Plasma samples were collected after administration for analysis using high pressure liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Following intravenous administration, etodolac had a mean plasma half-li...
Jenkinson DM, Elder HY, Bovell DL.The condition of anhidrosis is described in this review, and the latest theories on the causal factors are explored. The evidence supports the hypothesis that anhidrosis is an inappropriate response to prolonged climatic stress (generally combined heat and high humidity), which can be evoked in a small (approximately 10 +/- 5%) proportion of the equine population. It is caused by gradual failure of the glandular secretory cell processes, initiated by desensitization and subsequent down-regulation of the cell receptors as a result of continued adrenaline-driven hyperactivity. It progresses thro...
White SD, Affolter VK, Schultheiss PC, Ball BA, Wessel MT, Kass P, Molinaro AM, Bannasch DL, Ihrke PJ.A Quarter horse filly bred from two horses affected with HERDA (hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia) was observed clinically and its skin histologically for the 1.5 years of its life. Severe signs of the disease did not manifest until 1.5 years of age, and were not temporally related to saddling. Histological comparison to an age-, breed- and sex-matched control did not show any consistent diagnostic features. Monitoring of the proband substantiated previous reports of (i) the autosomal recessive nature of the disease, (ii) mares affected with HERDA being able to foal without damage to ...
MacLachlan NJ, Balasuriya UB, Davis NL, Collier M, Johnston RE, Ferraro GL, Guthrie AJ.Viral diseases constitute an ever growing threat to the horse industry worldwide because of the rapid movement of large numbers of horses for competition and breeding. A number of different types of vaccines are available for protective immunization of horses against viral diseases. Traditional inactivated and live-attenuated (modified live virus, MLV) virus vaccines remain popular and efficacious but recombinant vaccines are increasingly being developed and used, in part because of the perceived deficiencies of some existing products. New generation vaccines include MLVs with deletions and/or...
Lefranc AC, Allen WR.The maintenance of luteal function is essential for the
establishment of pregnancy in all mammals. While the lifespan of
the corpus luteum (CL) is independent of the presence of a
conceptus in carnivores (Lawson and Findlay 1977), prolongation
of luteal function in polyoestrous animals requires the presence of
the conceptus to defuse and suppress the cyclical luteolytic
mechanism in the nonpregnant state (Short 1969). In the horse, the
conceptus remains spherical and unattached (Van Niekerk and
Allen 1975) after it enters the uterus between 144 and 168 h after
ovulation (Battut et al....
Zabek T, Golonka P, Fornal A, Semik E.Genetic polymorphism of IHH gene were investigated in Angloarabian, Polish Coldblood and Polish Halfbred horses with the inclusion of a group of Polish Halfbreds affected by osteochondrosis. IHH is a good candidate gene for association study of developmental disorders mainly affecting skeleton development. DNA sequence spanning IHH gene annotated in the horse genome and its putative promoter were investigated using SANGER sequencing. Analysis of genetic variability at polymorphic sites in the IHH gene body and the promoter region confirmed genetic differences between warmblood and coldblood ho...
Russell AP, Slone DE.Medical records of 70 horses diagnosed with left laryngeal hemiplegia that were treated by use of prosthetic laryngoplasty combined with bilateral ventriculectomy were examined. Degree of arytenoid cartilage abduction that had resulted from the prosthesis had been graded before the horse was discharged from the hospital. Follow-up information through owner/trainer questioning was acquired for 55 horses. Information concerning the type and frequency of complications, if any, was recorded, along with a determination of owner/trainer satisfaction regarding surgical results. Race records were acqu...
Moran G, Folch H, Henriquez C, Ortloff A, Barria M.Reaginic antibodies (IgE and some IgG subclasses) and mast cells play important roles in the induction of type I immediate hypersensitivity reactions. These antibodies bind through their Fc fragment to high affinity receptors (FcεRI) present in the membrane of mast cells and basophils. The cross-linking of the receptor initiates a coordinated sequence of biochemical and morphological events that results in exocytosis of secretory granules containing pre-formed inflammatory mediators, secretion of newly formed lipid mediators, and secretion of cytokines. Previously, several studies have invest...
Gastal EL, Gastal MO, Ginther OJ.Ultrasonically detected changes in the equine preovulatory follicle were characterized for the 3 d preceding ovulation early (n = 47) and late (n = 14) in the ovulatory season. Values for the following follicle end points increased progressively over the 3 d: diameter, incidence of nonspherical shape, echogenicity of the apparent granulosa layer, and prominence of an anechoic layer beneath the granulosa. The latter 2 echotexture end points were scored from 1 to 3 (minimal to maximal). Follicle diameter and the 2 echotexture characteristics were more prominent early than late in the ovulatory s...
McDonnell SM.This article includes a brief description of the reproductive patterns and specific behaviors comprising courtship and copulation in equids. The author then focuses on breeding behavior of the domestic stallion. Descriptions of normal breeding behavior under a variety of domestic management systems, comments on sexual behavior of donkeys and exotic equids, and the most common types and treatments of sexual behavior dysfunction are included.
Ferris RA, Dern K, Veir JK, Hawley JR, Lappin MR, McCue PM.To develop a broad-range 28S ribosomal DNA quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for detection of fungal DNA in equine endometrial samples. Methods: 12 fungal samples from a clinical diagnostic laboratory and 29 samples obtained from 17 mares. Methods: The qPCR assay was optimized with commercially acquired fungal organisms and validated with samples obtained from the clinical diagnostic laboratory. Subsequently, 29 samples from 17 mares suspected of having fungal endometritis were evaluated via the qPCR assay and via traditional fungal culture and endometrial cytology. Amplicons from the qPCR assay w...
Asano K, Suzuki K, Chiba M, Sera K, Matsumoto T, Asano R, Sakai T.The influence of atrioventricular block (AV-block) on the trace elemental status in a horse hair was studied. The particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method has provided a reliable, rapid, easy, and relatively inexpensive diagnostic method. Twenty-five elements (Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Se, Si, Sr, Ti, Y, and Zn) in mane hair and serum were measured by the PIXE method. A horse hair with first- and second-degree AV-block contained significantly greater amounts of Br, Ca, Sr, and Zn than those of horses without electrocardiographic abnormalities...
Keegan KG, Wilson DA, Kreeger JM, Ellersieck MR, Kuo KC, Li Z.To evaluate the distribution of mepivacaine hydrochloride after distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint injection in horses. Methods: Prospective, uncontrolled study. Methods: 10 adult horses. Methods: 30 minutes before euthanasia, 8 ml of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride was injected into the dorsal pouch of a forelimb DIP joint. Synovial tissue from the DIP joint and podotrochlear (navicular) bursa and bone tissue from the medullary cavity of the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone were taken from both forelimbs immediately after death. All synovial and bone specimens were analyzed for tissue concentrat...
Gong ZL, Liu GY, Xie JR, Chai HP, Zhang LY, Li ZX, Tian ZC, Wang L, Liu JG.To clone and express BC48 gene of Babesia caballi, and to establish an indirect ELISA for the diagnosis of B. caballi in equine animals. Methods: The genomic DNA of B. caballi was extracted from the infected donkey blood. BC48 gene was amplified by PCR. The PCR product was cloned into expression plasmid pET28a, and expressed in E. coli BL21 with IPTG induction. The recombinant protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chro-matography and was used as a diagnostic antigen to establish an indirect ELISA. The reaction conditions of the indirect ELISA were optimized. Specificity and sensitivity of th...
Marshall C.Erythema multiforme is reported for the first time in 2 South African horses. Both horses displayed a sudden, fulminant outbreak of raised, non-alopecic and non-pruritic plaques over the dorsolateral aspects of the neck and trunk. In both cases the distribution of the lesions was bilaterally symmetrical. Histopathological findings included hydropic degeneration of basal epidermal cells, eosinophilic necrosis of individual or groups of keratinocytes, intra-epidermal and sub-epidermal cleft formation and mixed, dermal, perivascular infiltrates. An initiating cause could not be identified in eith...
Carter SD, May C, Barnes A, Bennett D.Antibody levels (IgG and IgM) to Borrelia burgdorferi were measured in the sera and synovial fluids of UK horses. Western blotting against B. burgdorferi was also used on samples from seropositive horses. A low incidence of seropositivity was shown in horses from most parts of the UK. This increased in areas that have a high incidence of human and canine borreliosis (Norfolk and south coast). Leptospira infections of horses did not cause cross reactions in the B. burgdorferi ELISA. Most horses did not display clinical signs of Lyme disease. As with dogs and man, it is apparent that B. burgdorf...
Moss AL, Hritz RL, Hector RC, Wotman KL.To investigate the effects of orally administered trazodone on intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil diameter measured in the vertical plane (ie, vertical pupil diameter [VPD]), selected physical examination variables, and sedation level in healthy equids. Methods: 7 horses and 1 pony. Methods: Food was withheld for 12 hours prior to drug administration. After baseline (time 0) sedation scoring, physical examination, and measurement of IOP and VPD, equids received 1 dose (approx 6 mg/kg) of trazodone orally. Examination and measurement procedures were repeated 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours aft...
Gilchrist P, Sergeant ES.Australia has the world's largest population of wild equids and equine influenza (EI) was confirmed on several properties in New South Wales (NSW) close to uncontrolled areas of land during the 2007 outbreak. Likelihood and risk management assessments were carried out to determine the risk of EI infection of the wild horse populations. The likelihood of spread to the wild horse population was determined to be extremely low, but the likelihood of spread from an established wild horse reservoir back to domestic horses was considered high. The most effective mechanism of control was determined to...
Murakami S, Otaki M, Hayashi Y, Higuchi K, Kobayashi T, Torii Y, Yokoyama E, Azuma R.Recently, submandibular abscesses associated with Actinomyces denticolens have been reported in horses. The actinomycotic clumps have been observed in the tonsillar crypts. The aim of this study was to demonstrate colonisation of A denticolens in equine tonsils. Twelve equine tonsils obtained from a slaughterhouse were divided into two parts for histopathological examination and for isolation of A denticolens. When actinomycotic clumps were found in these tonsillar crypts, immunohistochemistry using hyperimmune serum against A denticolens (DMS 20671) was performed on the serial sections. To de...
Ryhner T, Wittenbrink M, Nitzl D, Zeller S, Gygax D, Wehrli Eser M.In this case report a 10 year old Freiberger mare with a Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium infection is presented. This infection leads to a tuberculosis like disease with granulomatous alterations particularly of the intestines and lungs and is only sporadically reported in horses of Central Europe. Diarrhoea, mastitis and neck stiffness as well as dyspnoea and chronic cough are more specific symptoms of the infection, while weight loss, weakness and lethargy are nonspecific signs. As these clinical signs can occur in many other diseases, the diagnosis of mycobacterial infection is difficult a...
Knych HK, Harrison L, Chouicha N, Kass PH.Intra-articular use of corticosteroids is commonplace in performance horses. Isoflupredone acetate (IPA) is one of four Food and Drug Administration approved corticosteroids for intra-articular use in horses. The lack of published reports describing the efficacy and duration of effects of this drug warrant further study. Objective: To assess the effects of intra-articular administration of IPA on the expression of selected anti- and pro-inflammatory and structural matrix genes following intra-articular administration to exercised Thoroughbred horses and to correlate these effects with drug con...
Macías-Rioseco M, Sheley M, Ochoa J, Carvallo-Chaigneau FR, Uzal FA.Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease caused by or . We searched the records of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory from 1990 through 2020 for cases of coccidioidomycosis in horses. The selection criteria for these cases were: 1) live-born horses submitted for autopsy, and 2) a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis was established, regardless of cause of death. During that time, 19,054 horses were received, and 26 cases (0.14%) of coccidioidomycosis were diagnosed in horses, of which 19 (73%) cases had pneumonia and/or pleuritis with or without lesions in other organs, and 7 (2...
Soraci A, Jaussaud P, Benoit E, Delatour P.Fenoprofen (FPF) is a chiral non-steroid antiinflammatory drug, marketed as a racemic mixture of its R(-) and S(+) enantiomers. Its stereoselective disposition in humans and animals is due to a chiral inversion converting R(-)FPF into S(+)FPF. The first step of this reaction, which produces an acyl-CoA thioester, is catalysed by an acyl-CoA ligase. A stereospecific high performance liquid chromatography assay was used to study the disposition of FPF enantiomers in four geldings and three male beagle dogs, following intravenous doses of racemic FPF (1 mg/kg in horses), R(-)FPF (0.5 mg/kg in hor...
Sweeney RW, Sweeney CR, Soma LR, Woodward CB, Charlton CA.Serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of metronidazole were determined in 6 healthy adult horses given the drug (25 mg/kg) by IV or oral routes. The disposition of metronidazole in horses given the drug by the IV route conformed to a 2-compartment model with a distribution half-life of 0.16 hours, an elimination half-life of 2.9 hours, and a body clearance of 0.40 +/- 0.05 L/kg/hr. The oral absorption half-life was 0.40 hours, and the bioavailability, 85.0 +/- 18.6%. Peritoneal fluid concentrations were approximately equal to serum concentrations at all times, regardless of the route of ad...
BRUCE LW, SHORLAND FB.IN the liver lipids of animals which have so far been examined it has been found1 that the phospholipids, as compared with the glycerides, contain less hexadecenoic acid but more stearic and highly unsaturated C20 and C22 acids, the latter being derived from dietary linoleic and linolenic acids2. Phospholipids, moreover, are generally regarded as selecting the more highly unsaturated acids from the diet3.
Pritchard A, Nielsen BD, Robison C, Manfredi JM.As osteoarthritis is a major cause of lameness in horses in the United States, improving collagen health prior to onset and increasing collagen turnover within affected joints could improve health- and welfare-related outcomes. Through its positive effects on bone mineral content and density and its role in increasing collagen synthesis, silicon (Si) may slow the development and progression of osteoarthritis, thereby reducing lameness. This study evaluated the hypothesis that Si supplementation would increase cartilage turnover through increased collagen degradation and formation markers, as w...
Edwards L, Finno CJ.Neurologic disease in horses can be particularly challenging to diagnose and treat. These diseases can result in economic losses, emotional distress to owners, and injury to the horse or handlers. To date, there are 5 neurologic diseases caused by known genetic mutations and several more are suspected to be heritable: lethal white foal syndrome, lavender foal syndrome, cerebellar abiotrophy, occipitoatlantoaxial malformation, and Friesian hydrocephalus. Genetic testing allows owners, breeders, and veterinarians to make informed decisions when selecting dams and sires for breeding or deciding t...
Darien BJ, Sims PA, Stone WC, Schilly DR, Dubielzig RR, Albrecht RM.Volvulus of the ascending colon (ACV) in the horse results in microvascular injury and necrosis of the intestinal mucosa. This study investigated the site and type of microvascular injury which occurs within the mucosa and submucosa following ACV. Histopathology of volvulus treated ponies demonstrated mucosal necrosis with microvascular hemorrhage and thrombosis. Thrombi occurred within the subepithelial capillaries and edema and hemorrhage developed throughout the mucosa and submucosa. Vascular casts allowed 3-D viewing of samples obtained from the entire pelvic flexure and demonstrated two d...
Pujol R, De Fourmestraux C, Symoens A, Branchereau J, Tessier C.Surgical approaches to the kidneys and perirenal structures are uncommonly performed in horses and several complications have been described with the current procedures. Objective: To describe the anatomy of the retroperitoneal perirenal space and investigate a retroperitoneal minimally invasive approach to access the kidney and perirenal structures in horses. Methods: Descriptive, cadaveric study. Methods: Anatomical description of the retroperitoneal space was performed on three equine cadavers and the surgical approach was developed based on these dissections. Ten cadaveric horses underwent...
