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.
Breathnach CC, Yeargan MR, Timoney JF, Allen GP.Immunological protection of horses from equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection and disease depends on the cooperation of virus-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. EHV-specific mucosal immunity may be an important component of such immune responses. This study demonstrates the induction of anti-EHV cytotoxic cellular immune responses in various mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues associated with the upper respiratory tract (URT) of the horse. Four young horses (1-2 years of age) were inoculated intranasally with the Army 183 strain of EHV-1 and euthanized 1 week later. One untreat...
Cabre O, Durand JP, Prangé A, Gomez J, Maurizi L, Tolou H, Davoust B.This study was carried out in 2003 to detected serological evidence of West Nile virus infection in 190 Army horses kept nearby French troops stationed in Southeast France and in Africa (Chad, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal). Both IgG and IgM antibodies were searched for using an ELISA assay. Specifiity of IgG antibodies was determined by western blot and plaque reduction seroneutraization. Finding showed that 79% of the Army horses (n=96) tested in Africa presented specific IgG antibodies. All horses that were seropositive for IgG were seronegative for IgM. None of the Army horses (n=94) tested i...
Alencar J, Lorosa ES, Dégallier lN, Serra-Freire NM, Pacheco JB, Guimarães AE.New data on the feeding patterns of Haemagogus (Haemagogus) janthinomys Dyar from different geographical regions of Brazil, by using the precipitin test as the bloodmeal-identifying tool, are presented. The following antisera were used: bird, dog, human, rodent, cattle, horse, and opossum. The origins of 287 bloodmeals were identified, whereas 33 specimens were negative to the antiserums tested. Among the reactive specimens, 174 (60.6%) fed on only one food source, of which 35.1% originated from birds, 19.5% from rodents, 12.6% from humans, 10.3% from cattle, 10.3% from opossums, 7.5% from dog...
van der Meulen KM, Favoreel HW, Pensaert MB, Nauwynck HJ.Equine herpesvirus (EHV)-1 is a pathogen of horses, well known for its ability to induce abortion and nervous system disorders. Clinical signs may occur despite the presence of a virus-specific immune response in the horse. The current review will summarize the research, on how, EHV-1-infected cells can hide from recognition by the immune system. Research findings on immune evasion of EHV-1 will be compared with those of other herpesviruses of veterinary importance.
Cunha CW, McGuire TC, Kappmeyer LS, Hines SA, Lopez AM, Dellagostin OA, Knowles DP.In this study, the kinetics of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotypes were characterized in Babesia equi (Theileria equi)-infected horses. IgGa and IgGb developed during acute infection, whereas IgG(T) was detected only after resolution of acute parasitemia. The same IgG isotype profile induced during acute infection was obtained by equi merozoite antigen 1/saponin immunization.
Azlaf R, Dakkak A.The objectives of this epidemiological study on cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Morocco (2001-2004) were to update the prevalence of CE in different animal species living in the most important areas of the country and to collect protoscoleces and germinal layers for genetic research purposes. The post mortem inspection concerned 2948 sheep, 2337 goats, 618 cattle, 482 camels and 455 equines (325 horses, 60 mules and 70 donkeys) in five different regions: the Rif (Mediterranean coast and high mountains of the Rif), the Loukkos (Atlantic northwest plain), the center (Rabat and Casablanca regions),...
Wagner B, Hillegas JM, Antczak DF.Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is secreted by T helper type 2 cells, mast cells, basophils and eosinophils. Detection of IL-4 can contribute the evaluation of cellular immune responses during infectious diseases, immunological disorders or vaccination. We used recombinant equine IL-4 to generate a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to equine IL-4. The mAb detected recombinant IL-4 in mammalian cells transfected with different plasmids containing IL-4 cDNA. After mitogen stimulation of equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells, an intracellular protein was recognized by the new mAb in 1-2% of lymphocytes using fl...
The Journal of physiologyFebruary 9, 2006
Volume 572, Issue Pt 1 155-164 doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2006.105635
O'Connor SJ, Ousey JC, Gardner DS, Fowden AL, Giussani DA.This study investigated, in vivo, the mechanisms underlying the development of cardiovascular function in the horse fetus, with particular relevance to baroreflex function and hind limb vascular arterial reactivity to constrictor agonists. Under general anaesthesia, vascular catheters were inserted and a Transonic flow probe was implanted around one of the metatarsal arteries of 13 horse fetuses, either at 0.6 of gestation (n= 6) or at 0.9 of gestation (n= 7, term approximately 335 days). At least 5 days after surgery, pressor, vasoconstrictor and cardiac chronotropic responses to exogenous bo...
Scholz HC, Joseph M, Tomaso H, Al Dahouk S, Witte A, Kinne J, Hagen RM, Wernery R, Wernery U, Neubauer H.A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the flagellin P (fliP)-I S407A genomic region of Burkholderia mallei was developed for the specific detection of this organism in pure cultures and clinical samples from a recent outbreak of equine glanders. Primers deduced from the known fliP-IS407A sequence of B. mallei American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 23344(T) allowed the specific amplification of a 989-bp fragment from each of the 20 B. mallei strains investigated, whereas other closely related organisms tested negative. The detection limit of the assay was 10 fg for purified DNA of ...
Durham AE.Five ponies and one donkey with hyperlipaemia that occurred secondarily to a variety of primary clinical conditions were treated with lipid-free partial parenteral nutrition comprising equal volumes of 50 per cent glucose and 15 per cent amino acids. The infusion supplied energy and protein at rates of 2.6 kJ/kg per hour and 34.3 mg/kg per hour, respectively. In all six cases there was a prompt and sustained decrease in serum concentrations of triglyceride. In four of the six cases a good response to treatment of the primary condition was also seen and the subjects were discharged successfully...
Thomas E, Thomas V, Wilhelm C.Cefquinome is known for its use as an antibacterial drug in cattle and pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of cefquinome against equine pathogenic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cefquinome was determined for a total of 205 strains, which had recently been isolated in Europe from diseased horses (respiratory infection, foal septicaemia). The bactericidal activity was tested against 19 strains using the time killing method. The post-antibiotic effect (PAE) and post-antibiotic sub-MIC effect (PA SME) were determined against 12 stra...
Webb JG, Chandavimol M, Thompson CR, Ricci DR, Carere RG, Munt BI, Buller CE, Pasupati S, Lichtenstein S.Percutaneous aortic valve implantation by an antegrade transvenous approach has been described but is problematic. Retrograde prosthetic aortic valve implantation via the femoral artery has potential advantages. Percutaneous prosthetic aortic valve implantation via the femoral arterial approach is described and the initial experience reported. Results: The valve prosthesis is constructed from a stainless steel stent with an attached trileaflet equine pericardial valve and a fabric cuff. After routine aortic balloon valvuloplasty, a 22F or 24F sheath is advanced from the femoral artery to the a...
Scheck JL.A stallion was presented for surgical treatment of limbal squamous cell carcinoma. Excision with a conjunctival pedicle flap was done to prevent ocular invasion and preserve vision. A complication was the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, which was not converted to sinus rhythm due to the potential complication of treatment with quinidine sulfate. Traitement d’un carcinome épidermoïde oculaire chez un étalon atteint de fibrillation auriculaire. Un étalon a été présenté pour une chirurgie d’un carcinome épidermoïde limbique. Après l’excision, un lambeau à pédicule conjonctiva...
Davis JL, Salmon JH, Papich MG.To determine pharmacokinetics, safety, and penetration into interstitial fluid (ISF), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), and aqueous humor of doxycycline after oral administration of single and multiple doses in horses. Methods: 6 adult horses. Methods: The effect of feeding on drug absorption was determined. Plasma samples were obtained after administration of single or multiple doses of doxycycline (20 mg/kg) via nasogastric tube. Additionally, ISF, PMNLs, and aqueous humor samples were obtained after the final administration. Horses were monitored for adverse reactions. Results: Feeding ...
Clode AB, Davis JL, Salmon J, Michau TM, Gilger BC.To determine penetration of topically and orally administered voriconazole into ocular tissues and evaluate concentrations of the drug in blood and signs of toxicosis after topical application in horses. Methods: 11 healthy adult horses. Methods: Each eye in 6 horses was treated with a single concentration (0.5%, 1.0%, or 3.0%) of a topically administered voriconazole solution every 4 hours for 7 doses. Anterior chamber paracentesis was performed and plasma samples were collected after application of the final dose. Voriconazole concentrations in aqueous humor (AH) and plasma were measured via...
Lin YL, Moolenaar H, van Weeren PR, van de Lest CH.To determine effects of microcurrent electrical tissue stimulation (METS) on equine tenocytes cultured from the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Methods: SDFTs were collected from 20 horses at slaughter. Methods: Tenocytes were isolated following outgrowth from explants and grown in 48-well plates. Four methods of delivering current to the tenocytes with a METS device were tested. Once the optimal method was selected, current consisting of 0 (negative control), 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mA was applied to cells (8 wells/current intensity) once daily for 8 minutes. Cells were treated ...
Polikepahad S, Paulsen DB, Moore RM, Costa LR, Venugopal CS.To immunohistochemically determine the expression of endothelin (ET) receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and epithelium of healthy horses and horses affected by summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD). Methods: Tissue specimens obtained from 8 healthy and 8 SPAOPD-affected horses. Methods: Horses were examined and assigned to healthy and SPAOPD groups. Horses were then euthanatized, and tissue specimens containing bronchi of approximately 4 to 8 mm in diameter were immediately collected from all lung lobes, fixed in zinc-formalin solution for 12 hours, and embedded in...
Kelly C, Bugg M, Robinson C, Mitchell Z, Davis-Poynter N, Newton JR, Jolley KA, Maiden MC, Waller AS.Improved understanding of the epidemiology of Streptococcus equi transmission requires sensitive and portable subtyping methods that can rationally discriminate between strains. S. equi is highly homogeneous and cannot be distinguished by multilocus enzyme electrophoretic or multilocus sequence-typing methods that utilize housekeeping genes. However, on sequence analysis of the N-terminal region of the SeM genes of 60 S. equi isolates from 27 strangles outbreaks, we identified 21 DNA codon changes. These resulted in the nonsynonymous substitution of 18 amino acids and allowed the assignment of...
Feary DJ, Mama KR, Thomasy SM, Wagner AE, Enns RM.To determine the disposition of lidocaine after IV infusion in anesthetized horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy because of gastrointestinal tract disease. Methods: 11 horses (mean +/- SD, 10.3 +/- 7.4 years; 526 +/- 40 kg). Methods: Lidocaine hydrochloride (loading infusion, 1.3 mg/kg during a 15-minute period [87.5 microg/kg/min]; maintenance infusion, 50 microg/kg/min for 60 to 90 minutes) was administered IV to dorsally recumbent anesthetized horses. Blood samples were collected before and at fixed time points during and after lidocaine infusion for analysis of serum drug concentration...
Rosas CT, Goodman LB, von Einem J, Osterrieder N.Infections of horses with equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) have garnered new attention over the last few years. Devastating outbreaks occurring worldwide, primarily of the neurologic form of the disease, have resulted in a reassessment of the control strategies, and particularly the prophylactic measures, that are necessary to keep the infection and spread of disease in check. Most of the available EHV-1 vaccines are based on preparations of inactivated virus, which are applied monovalently for prevention of EHV-1-caused abortion in pregnant mares or as part of multivalent vaccines to prevent...
Abutarbush SM.To describe the use of ultrasonography to diagnose large colon volvulus (LCV) in horses. Methods: Descriptive report. Methods: 4 horses with clinical signs of abdominal pain. Methods: Each horse was administered analgesic agents for pain control and placed in stocks. Ultrasonographic evaluations were performed with a 3.5-MHz sector scanning transducer that was placed parallel to the long axis of the horse (longitudinal imaging) over an area of the left ventral aspect of the abdomen. The boundaries of the evaluated region included the ventral midline, 2 vertical lines at the level of the left 1...
Tanner JM, Traub-Dargatz JL, Hill AE, Van Campen H, Knight AP, Cunningham WE, Salman MD.To describe the prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) infection and evaluate factors associated with positive IgM capture ELISA results in equids with clinical signs compatible with WNV infection. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Laboratory submission forms from 1,104 equids tested for WNV in Colorado in 2003. Methods: Submission forms accompanying samples submitted for detection of WNV via IgM capture ELISA were obtained from the Colorado state veterinarian and diagnostic laboratories performing the tests. Data on signalment, clinical signs, history of vaccination against WNV, and a...
Chuit P.The author illustrates by the study of ancient texts the interest shown for equine dentistry since the age of times. The first detailed studies on the technique go back to the 17th century. The 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries were fertile in instrumental as well as technical discoveries; it was the time of creativity, and he quotes authors like Günther father and son, Frick, Goubaux and Barrier, Mérllat, Cadiot, and Colyer with his enormous work on animal dentistry published in 1936. During and right after the 2nd World War, it is the time of desertion, with only one exception, ...
Doyle A, Horgan NF.The aim of this study was to investigate veterinary surgeons' perceptions, knowledge and use of animal physiotherapy in the Republic of Ireland. A questionnaire was developed and sent to 200 veterinary surgeons, of which 97 were returned. Results indicated that 77 (79%) of respondents were aware of animal physiotherapists. Common sources of information included veterinary colleagues, owners and professional journals, with physiotherapists themselves and undergraduate training being less commonly cited. Awareness of animal physiotherapy was greatest amongst those working in equine practice (χ2...
Dahlgren LA, Mohammed HO, Nixon AJ.he treatment of overuse tendon injuries with exogenous growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) may facilitate an improved return to sustained athletic function. The biological effects of IGF-I are exerted under the control of a complex of IGF receptors, binding proteins, and proteases. This IGF system includes a family of six structurally related high-affinity IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) that protect IGF-I from local proteases and restrict access of IGF-I to its receptor. This study describes the expression of the IGFBPs in flexor tendon after acute injury and during heal...
Graham RJTY, Rosanowski SM, McILWRAITH CW.Osteochondral fragmentation of the carpus is a common cause of lameness in racehorses. Prognosis following arthroscopic removal of the fragments was reported in 1987, but little is known of recent success rates. Objective: To identify associations between the severity and location of osteochondral fragments in the carpus, and to describe the racing performance of horses pre- and post-surgery in Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. To identify factors associated with a horse racing post-surgery. Methods: Retrospective study of clinical records (2006-2016). Methods: Surgical and racing records for ...
Janeczek M, Chrószcz A, Onar V, Henklewski R, Skalec A.Animal remains that are unearthed during archaeological excavations often provide useful information about socio-cultural context, including human habits, beliefs, and ancestral relationships. In this report, we present pathologically altered equine first and second phalanges from an 11th century specimen that was excavated at Wrocław Cathedral Island, Poland. The results of gross examination, radiography, and computed tomography, indicate osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint, with partial ankylosis. Based on comparison with living modern horses undergoing lameness examination...
Hall MS, Vasey JR, Russell JW, Russell T.To evaluate the racing performance of horses that underwent ultrasound-guided intralesional injection of autologous bone marrow aspirate for treatment of selected forelimb suspensory ligament (body or branch) core lesions. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 13 Standardbred and 17 Thoroughbred race horses. Methods: Autologous bone marrow aspirated from the sternebrae was injected, under ultrasound guidance, into suspensory ligament core lesions (body or branch). Racing records were reviewed for a comparison of performance before and after surgery. Results: Of the 13 Standardbreds, 9 (69%) h...
Escribano BM, Molina A, Valera M, Tovar P, Agüera EI, Santisteban R, Vivo R, Agüera S, Rubio MD.The novel aim of this study was to describe the reference values of different haematological and biochemical parameters in the Spanish purebred horse (Andalusian, SPB) in each of the stages of a programmed exercise on a treadmill system, and to establish heritability and genetic correlations for these haematological and biochemical parameters. For this, 94 young SPB male horses (4.22 ± 2.27 years old) were used. An increasing intensity exercise test at 4, 5, 6 and 7 m/s was carried out on a treadmill (6% inclination). Total red blood cells, total white blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes...
Dembek KA, Hurcombe SD, Schober KE, Toribio RE.To describe a case of supraventricular tachycardia and sudden death in a horse following administration of flecainide acetate. Methods: An 8-year-old Hanoverian warmblood gelding was treated for chronic, naturally occurring, supraventricular tachycardia with digoxin, procainamide hydrochloride, quinidine sulfate, and flecainide acetate. After oral administration of flecainide, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (torsades de pointes) and ventricular fibrillation developed, leading to cardiovascular collapse and death. Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly diagnosed dysrhythmia ...
Robinson NE, Derksen FJ, Olszewski M, Berney C, Boehler D, Matson C, Hakala J.In six COPD-affected horses, we analysed the factors responsible for the changes in pleural pressure (delta Pplmax) that occur during tidal breathing. Four-hundred-and-sixty-eight measurements of each parameter: pulmonary resistance (RL), dynamic elastance (Edyn), air flow rates, and the timing of breathing, were gathered during a trial of the bronchodilator pirbuterol. Data were placed into seven ranks, based on the magnitude of delta Pplmax; rank 1: 5-15; rank 2: 15-25; rank 3: 25-35; rank 4: 35-45; rank 5: 45-55; rank 6: 55-65; and rank 7 > 65 cm H2O. Up to rank 4 (45 cm H2O), the increa...
Rossol M, Gygax D, Andritzky-Waas J, Zheng G, Lischer CJ, Zhang X, Auer JA.To (1) evaluate and compare computer-assisted surgery (CAS) with conventional screw insertion (conventional osteosynthesis [COS]) for treatment of equine abaxial distal phalanx fractures; (2) compare planned screw position with actual postoperative position; and (3) determine preferred screw insertion direction. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine limbs (n=32). Methods: In 8 specimens each, a 4.5 mm cortex bone screw was inserted in lag fashion in dorsopalmar (plantar) direction using CAS or COS. In 2 other groups of 8, the screws were inserted in opposite direction. Precisi...
Lyons ET, Dorton AR, Tolliver SC.Activity of fenbendazole (FBZ), oxibendazole (OBZ), piperazine (PIP) and pyrantel pamoate (PRT) alone and combinations of OBZ and PIP and of OBZ and PRT was evaluated against parascarids, strongyles and strongyloides in horse foals (n=281).This was on two farms - Farm A - mixed light-horses (n=26) and Farm B-Thoroughbreds (n=255) - in Central Kentucky in field tests in 2014 and 2015. Foals on both farms were treated one to three times each; an exception was that seven foals on Farm A were nontreated controls. Before treatment, the foals on Farm A were all weighed on scales but weights for Farm...
Pereira BC, Ortiz I, Dorado J, Consuegra C, Diaz-Jimenez M, Demyda-Peyras S, Gosalvez J, Hidalgo M.DNA fragmentation of granulosa cells might be related to developmental competence of the equine oocyte. Granulosa cells are commonly stored before DNA fragmentation assessment, but the effect of preservation methods on this parameter remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether or not cryopreservation of granulosa cells affects the DNA damage. Equine oocytes were recovered from postmortem ovaries of five mares. Granulosa cells were washed by centrifugation and then analyzed (control) or stored in cryovials following four different protocols: P1 = directly plunged in liqui...
Slocombe JO, McCraw BM.Four pony foals were inoculated with Strongylus edentatus infective larvae and on days 3 and 4 postinfection two of the ponies were treated with thiabendazole, each at the rate of 440 mg/kg of body weight. Total circulating eosinophil counts in untreated ponies increased to over 1700 per cu mm after the second week postinfection. In the treated ponies as well as in an uninfected untreated pony eosinophil counts did not increase beyond 100 per cu mm. At necropsy on day 35 postinfection the cecum, colon and omentum of treated ponies were normal and few tracks were present on the surface of the l...
McClanahan S, Hunter J, Murphy M, Valberg S.Propylene glycol and mineral oil are commonly used in the veterinary profession for treatment of bovine ketosis and equine impactions, respectively. Accidental administration of 6.0 ml propylene glycol/kg of body weight in horses causes severe depression, ataxia and malodorous breath and feces. However, appropriate medical therapy can result in successful treatment of this toxicosis.
Irwin DH, Howell DW.Several indications for swimming horses are recalled. A satisfactory pool and the technique for its use are described. Some observations on the effect on swimming are offered.
Hinchcliff KW, Kociba GJ, Mitten LA.Thrombocytopenia in horses may be idiopathic or secondary to chronic infectious or inflammatory diseases (eg, equine infectious anemia, lymphosarcoma), drug administration, bone marrow depression, myelophthisic disease, or disseminated intravascular coagulation. This report describes EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia in a horse. Platelet counts for blood containing EDTA were consistently less than reference range, but platelet counts of blood containing heparin were within reference range. When thrombocytopenia is diagnosed in horses without clinical evidence of a bleeding tendency, EDTA-d...
Kelmer G, Doherty TJ, Elliott S, Saxton A, Fry MM, Andrews FM.Endotoxaemia is one of the most severe and ubiquitous disease processes in horses. Although dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) is used clinically in horses, there is no study indicating its efficacy in endotoxaemic horses. Objective: DMSO ameliorates the clinical response to i.v. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Methods: Eighteen horses were assigned randomly to one of 4 groups: Normosol-LPS (0.2 mug/kg bwt, i.v.); DMSO (1 g/kg bwt, i.v.)-saline; high-dose DMSO (1 g/kg bwt, i.v.)LPS; low-dose DMSO (20 mg/kg bwt, i.v.)-LPS. Horses participating in the DMSO-saline group were later assigned rando...
King JN, Gerring EL.Dopamine was infused intravenously (1, 5 and 10 micrograms/kg/min) for 60 min in three fasted ponies. A dose-dependent increase in heart rate occurred that was rapid in onset and termination at the start and end of the infusions, respectively. Dose-dependent changes in gastric and small intestinal motility were observed. An initial marked inhibition of gastric contraction amplitude was followed by a secondary prolonged period of activity. At the same time the small intestine showed a prolonged period of irregular activity (phase II) and a marked increase in the interval between successive phas...
Meister U, Görig C, Murphy CJ, Haan H, Ohnesorge B, Boevé MH.Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during cataract surgery in horses occur with increasing frequency. To reduce the postoperative refractive error it is necessary to determine the proper IOL power. In the present study retinoscopy, keratometry and ultrasonographic biometry were performed on 98 healthy equine eyes from 49 horses. The refractive state, corneal curvature (keratometry) and the axial location of all optical interfaces (biometry) were measured. The influences of breed, height at the withers, gender and age on values obtained and the comparison between the le...
Kasper CA, Clayton HM, Wright AK, Skuba EV, Petrie L.Thirteen clinically normal Belgian-type foals were used to study the effects of high doses of oxytetracycline on metacarpophalangeal joint kinematics. Seven foals (treatment group) received 2 doses of oxytetracycline (3 g, IV). The first dose was given when foals were 4 days old; the second dose was given 24 hours later. Six foals (control group) received 2 doses of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (15 ml, IV) at equivalent time periods. All foals were videotaped at a walk twice: immediately prior to the first treatment and 24 hours after the second treatment. The tapes were digitized, and metacarp...
Berryhill EH, Magdesian KG, Kass PH, Edman JE.Few studies have evaluated the effects of age and illness on serum triglyceride concentrations in neonatal foals. The objectives of this study were to evaluate triglyceride concentrations in neonatal foals and their dams through serial measurement immediately postpartum and at 1-2 days and 10-12 days of age, as well as to measure them in sick foals. Serially measured serum triglycerides in seven healthy foals varied with age. Median (range) triglyceride concentrations were 28mg/dL (12-50mg/dL), 89mg/dL (51-264mg/dL), and 60mg/dL (28-135mg/dL) immediately postpartum, at 1-2 days of age, and 10-...
Verheyen T, Decloedt A, De Clercq D, Sys S, Van Loon G.In human medicine, oesophageal electrocardiography (ECG) is a well-established technique that magnifies P waves with respect to the QRS complex. Objective: To investigate the feasibility of oesophageal ECG recording in horses and its ability to produce larger P waves compared with base-apex and unipolar recordings. Methods: Bipolar and unipolar ECG were performed using oesophageal and surface electrodes. Oesophageal ECG was obtained from 6 different recording configurations at different oesophageal depths. Amplitudes of P, Q, R, S and T waves were measured from 3 different cardiac cycles for e...
Mathes RL, Reber AJ, Hurley DJ, Dietrich UM.To evaluate the effects of topical antifungal drugs and delivery vehicles on the morphology and proliferation rate of cultured equine keratocytes. Methods: 16 corneas obtained from 8 apparently ophthalmologically normal horses < 0.5 hours after euthanasia for reasons unrelated to the study. Methods: Primary cultures of equine keratocytes were obtained from corneal stroma and were exposed to several concentrations of 3 commonly used, topically applied antifungals: natamycin, itraconazole, and miconazole. In addition, effects of drug delivery vehicles DMSO, benzalkonium chloride, and carboxym...
van Weeren PR, Knaap J, Firth EC.To elucidate the highly contentious role of copper in the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis. Objective: There would be no relationship between liver copper concentration of mares and foals and incidence of radiographically detectable osteochondrotic lesions in foals and yearlings was tested. Methods: Liver copper concentration was assessed in biopsies taken within 4 days after birth from both mares and foals and from the same foals at age 5 months. Biopsies were taken in the standing, sedated animal under ultrasonographic guidance. Radiographs were taken of both hocks (lateromedial, dorsoplantar...
Burke MJ, Parente EJ.To report surgical complications, occurrence of post-obliteration colic, long term outcome, and return to previous function for horses treated with prosthetic mesh obliteration of the nephrosplenic space. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n = 26) having nephrosplenic space obliteration using prosthetic mesh. Methods: Horses undergoing mesh obliteration between January 2006 and May 2013 were included. A Proxplast™ mesh was secured to the nephrosplenic space with titanium helical coils in standing horses using laparoscopic technique. Perioperative data were obtained from the m...
Vitale V, Vezzosi T, Di Franco C, Briganti A, Tognetti R, Conte G, Bucchioni E, Sgorbini M.For the echocardiographic examination horses should not be sedated unless absolutely necessary because this alters cardiac dimensions and indices of function. However, some horses do not tolerate the echocardiographic procedure and require sedation to conduct the examination safely and obtain good quality images. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the concurrent infusion of dobutamine in horses sedated with romifidine counteracts the cardiovascular changes observed with sedation alone. Twelve healthy untrained Standardbred mares were used. Three echocardiographic examinations ...
Sertich PL.The events surrounding parturition are well orchestrated, and normal delivery of a foal is an explosive, rapidly occurring event. Any aberration may jeopardize the pregnancy and cause clinical complications. This article discusses problems associated with the periparturient period that require immediate attention.
Pluim M, Heier A, Plomp S, Boshuizen B, Gröne A, van Weeren R, Vanderperren K, Martens A, Dewulf J, Chantziaras I, Koene M, Luciani A, Oosterlinck M....High-power laser therapy gained popularity recently as a regenerative treatment for tendinitis and desmitis in the horse. However, studies evaluating the effects of laser therapy on tissue repair at the histological level in large mammals are lacking. Objective: To evaluate the effects of high-power laser therapy on suspensory desmitis healing, using a model of suspensory ligament branch injury. Methods: In vivo experiments. Methods: Standardised lesions were surgically induced in all four lateral suspensory branches of 12 healthy Warmblood horses. Laser therapy (class 4, 15W) was applied dail...
Mouloodi S, Rahmanpanah H, Burvill C, Davies HMS.Shape is a key factor in influencing mechanical responses of bones. Considered to be smart viscoelastic and inhomogeneous materials, bones are stimulated to change shape (model and remodel) when they experience changes in the compressive strain distribution. Using reverse engineering techniques via computer-aided design (CAD) is crucial to create a virtual environment to investigate the significance of shape in biomechanical engineering. Nonetheless, data are lacking to quantify the accuracy of generated models and to address errors in finite element analysis (FEA). In the present study, rever...