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.
Valentine BA, Cooper BJ.Muscle samples were obtained at necropsy from 225 horses and ponies 1 year of age or older. Samples were processed in routine manner and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and with periodic acid-Schiff for glycogen. Sections were examined for abnormal glycogen content and amylase-resistant complex polysaccharide and for chronic myopathic change (excessive fiber size variation, increase in number of internal nuclei). A total of 101 horses and ponies with lesions of polysaccharide storage myopathy were identified. Age of affected horses ranged from one to 30 years, with a mean of 14.7 years...
Slocombe JO.Aims of this study with 43 equids naturally infected with Anoplocephala perfoliata in two dose titration trials were to document (i) the usefulness of a critical test with a 48 h treatment to necropsy period, (ii) efficacy of an oral paste of 0.5-2.0 mg praziquantel/kg body weight, and (iii) when after treatment would fecal egg counts provide best estimates of the tapeworm's prevalence in a herd. All feces passed by an equid after treatment and collected in successive 12 h batches were examined for tapeworms. At necropsy, tapeworms were identified as attached to the mucosa or unattached. Tapew...
Nielsen MK, Monrad J, Olsen SN.In 1999, legislation in Denmark made anthelmintic drugs available only by prescription, and prohibited their use for routine, prophylactic treatment. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2004 to determine current strategies for surveillance and control of equine strongyles used in Danish equine veterinary practices. Eighty-seven of 170 (51.2%) registered equine veterinary practices responded. Ninety seven percent of the respondents used faecal egg counts for diagnosis and surveillance, and 41% used larval cultures. Logistic regression revealed that the use of larval cultures was positively ...
Revenaugh MS.Veterinarians have begun using extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in horses, although relatively little information has been published about its efficacy or mechanism of action. As a clinician, it can be difficult to know if and when ESWT should be recommended. Case studies in which ESWT is used to treat advanced OA in horses are discussed. ESWTseems to be a valuable adjunct for management of equine OA. It is the purpose of this article to discuss indications and techniques as well as to share clinical experiences using ESWT in the treatment of OA in ...
Holbrook TC, Simmons RD, Payton ME, MacAllister CG.Electrolyte supplementation is common in horses during endurance competitions, but the effect on the gastric mucosa is unknown. Objective: Repeated oral administration of hypertonic electrolyte solution is associated with exacerbation of gastric ulcers in mature horses. Methods: The study design was a randomised, blinded, crossover trial. Fourteen horses were divided randomly into equal groups and administered either 60 ml water (placebo) or 56.7 g commercial electrolyte supplement mixed with 60 ml water by dose syringe orally once an hour for 8 h. The minimum concentration of individual const...
Marntell S, Nyman G, Hedenstierna G.To compare pulmonary function and gas exchange in anaesthetized horses during and after breathing either O2-rich gas mixtures or air. Methods: Six healthy standard bred trotters (age range 3-12 years; mass range 423-520 kg), four geldings and two mares. Study design Randomized, cross-over experimental study. Methods: Horses were anaesthetized on two occasions with tiletamine-zolazepam after pre-anaesthetic medication with acepromazine, romifidine and butorphanol. After endotracheal intubation and positioning in left lateral recumbency, animals were allowed to breathe spontaneously. One of two,...
Raisis AL.This review aims at evaluating studies investigating the effects of anaesthesia on skeletal muscle blood flow and associated cardiovascular function in anaesthetized horses and discusses how the results of these studies contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis and prevention of post-anaesthetic myopathy. Methods: Pubmed & personal files. Conclusions: There is little published information on the effects of anaesthesia on skeletal muscle blood flow in horses. Available reports predominantly refer to halothane and isoflurane. The effects of vasoactive drugs have mainly been studied...
Fortier LA, Nixon AJ.Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) occur commonly and at many different locations in equine limbs and can lead to secondary osteoarthritis when left untreated. Depending on the location and extent of the lesion, arthroscopic surgical debridement may be an effective treatment for returning a horse to athletic soundness. In many cases, however, additional techniques to improve the healing response in bone and cartilage are needed so as to preserve articular function. Methods for improving cartilage repair (ie, restoration of damaged cartilage)or regeneration (ie, r...
Jacobsen S, Jensen JC, Frei S, Jensen AL, Thoefner MB.Early recognition of excessive inflammation and infectious complications after surgery, leading to early institution of therapy, reduces post operative discomfort and facilitates recovery. Because serum amyloid A (SAA) is a highly sensitive marker of inflammation, measurements of SAA and other acute phase reactants in the equine surgical patient may be valuable in assisting clinical assessment of post operative inflammation. Objective: To investigate changes in inflammatory markers after castration and to correlate levels of acute phase reactants with clinical severity of inflammation after ca...
Porter M.The principles of physical rehabilitation therapy can be applied to the horse to provide a reduction in discomfort and dysfunction associated with the various forms of joint disease. Physical agents,such as ice, heat, electricity, sound, light, magnetic fields, compression, and movement, can be used by the rehabilitation therapist to attempt to control pain, reduce swelling, and restore optimal movement and function in the affected joint. The equine therapist's attention is focused not only on the affected joint but on the body as a whole to manage secondary or compensatory problems.
Raisis AL.The objective of this review was to describe the methodology and limitations of techniques that have been used to measure skeletal muscle blood flow in anaesthetized horses. Methods: Pubmed, personal files. Conclusions: Numerous techniques have been used in horses to study skeletal muscle blood flow during anaesthesia and after the administration of vasoactive agents. Of the available techniques, blood flow measurements are limited to either microvascular flow (radioactive xenon, laser Doppler flowmetry) or total blood flow (radioactive microspheres, electromagnetic flowmetry, Doppler ultrason...
Peroni JF, Harrison WE, Moore JN, Graves JE, Lewis SJ, Krunkosky TM, Robertson TP.Equine laminitis purportedly involves haemodynamic dysfunction at the level of the laminar vasculature. However, to date, no studies have been performed characterising the function of laminar arteries and veins during the prodromal stages of equine laminitis. Objective: That the prodromal stages of laminitis are associated with contractile dysfunction of the equine laminar vasculature. Objective: To assess contractile function of laminar arteries and veins to phenylephrine (PE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Methods: Horses were administered black walnut heartwood extract (BWHE) or water (con...
Bettschart-Wolfensberger R, Kalchofner K, Neges K, Kästner S, Fürst A.To examine the clinical suitability of medetomidine-propofol infusions for total intravenous anaesthesia in horses. Methods: Fifty client-owned horses of mixed breed, age [mean +/- SD (range)] 6.6 +/- 4.4 (0.04-18) years, mass 478 +/- 168.3 (80-700) kg presented for a range of operations requiring general anaesthesia. Methods: Pre-anaesthetic medication was intravenous (IV) medetomidine 7 mug kg(-1). Anaesthesia was induced with IV ketamine (2 mg kg(-1)) and diazepam (0.02 mg kg(-1)). After endotracheal intubation, O2 was delivered (FiO2 > 0.85). Positive pressure ventilation was initiated if ...
Verna M, Turner TA, Anderson KL.Nonfocused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) treatment protocol is commonly used in veterinary practice. This study investigated the effects of four nonfocused ESWT treatments, given 2 weeks apart, on bone radiopharmaceutical uptake and radiographic and thermographic appearance in the metacarpal and metatarsal regions in six adult untrained horses. There were no measurable treatment effects determined by thermography (daily), scintigraphy (at 2-week intervals), and radiography (before study initiation and at study completion) between treated and control limbs. It was concluded that no g...
Beg MA, Gastal EL, Gastal MO, Ji S, Wiltbank MC, Ginther OJ.Transvaginal ultrasound-guided luteal biopsy was used to evaluate the effects of prostaglandin (PG)F2alpha on steady-state concentrations of mRNA for specific genes that may be involved in regression of the corpus luteum (CL). Eight days after ovulation (Hour 0), mares (n=8/group) were randomized into three groups: control (no treatment or biopsy), saline+biopsy (saline treatment at Hour 0 and luteal biopsy at Hour 12), or PGF2alpha+biopsy (5mg PGF2alpha at Hour 0 and luteal biopsy at Hour 12). The effects of biopsy on CL were compared between the controls (no biopsy) and saline+biopsy group. ...
Hoegaerts M, Nicaise M, Van Bree H, Saunders JH.Injuries of the equine stifle are frequent causes of hindlimb lameness. Ultrasonography is useful for the diagnosis of many soft tissue lesions but, until recently, its application to the equine stifle has been limited to a description of normal and abnormal structures. A comparative study using gross anatomical sections to identify all structures visible on ultrasonographic images of the equine stifle has not previously been reported. Objective: To provide a comprehensive comparative cross-sectional atlas of the normal equine medial femorotibial (MFT) joint and its related structures using ul...
Weese JS, Rousseau J.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an emerging equine and zoonotic pathogen. Infection control protocols can be used to control MRSA in human hospitals, but measures to eradicate MRSA on horse farms have not been evaluated. Objective: To describe an MRSA eradication programme that was used to attempt to eliminate MRSA colonisation among horses and horse personnel on 2 equine farms. Methods: Active surveillance cultures and infection control protocols were implemented on 2 farms with endemic MRSA. Results: Active screening and strict implementation of infection control protoc...
Zubrod CJ, Schneider RK.When medical therapy and surgical treatments of an injured joint fail to return the animal to athletic performance or comfortable use of the limb, arthrodes is is a final option for some joints. Arthrodesis refers to the surgical fusion of a joint, resulting in bony ankylosis. Successful arthrodesis requires debridement of the articular cartilage through the calcified cartilage layer, exposing the subchondral bone; alignment of the joint into a weight-bearing position; and stabilization. The methods by which these steps are accomplished are variable, depending on the individual joint. There ar...
Nollet H, Vanschandevijl K, Van Ham L, Vanderstraeten G, Deprez P.Transcranial magnetic stimulation and measurement of the magnetic motor-evoked potentials (MMEPs) in the thoracic and pelvic limbs of four recumbent horses and one recumbent donkey were used to assess the integrity of the descending motor pathways, in order to confirm or exclude a descending motor tract lesion as the cause of the recumbency. In two of the animals abnormal MMEPs were recorded; in one of the horses a lesion along the cervical spinal cord due to a fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra was diagnosed and confirmed by radiography and postmortem examination; in another horse, damag...
Elia G, Decaro N, Martella V, Campolo M, Desario C, Lorusso E, Cirone F, Buonavoglia C.A real-time PCR assay was developed for detection and quantitation of equid herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1). The sensitivity of the assay was compared with an established nested-PCR (n-PCR). The real-time PCR detected 1 copy of target DNA, with a sensitivity 1 log higher than gel-based n-PCR. The assay was able to detect specifically EHV-1 DNA in equine tissue samples and there was no cross-amplification of other horse herpesviruses. Real-time PCR was applied to determine EHV-1 load in tissue samples from equine aborted fetuses. The high sensitivity and reproducibility of the EHV-1-specific fluorog...
Walmsley JP.The accuracy of the diagnosis of ligamentous and meniscal injuries in the equine stifle has improved significantly in the last 20 years. There are, however, significant limitations in the diagnosis of stifle injuries because of the size and anatomy of the equine stifle. Treatment of soft tissue injuries to the equine stifle has been empirical,with only a few large case studies for specific conditions of stifle ligaments and menisci and only retrospective case studies of the outcome of treatment. This article describes the diagnosis and treatment of ligamentous and meniscal injuries in the equi...
Valverde A, Gunkelt C, Doherty TJ, Giguère S, Pollak AS.Lidocaine constant rate infusions (CRIs) are common as an intraoperative adjunct to general anaesthesia, but their influence on quality of recovery has not been thoroughly determined. Objective: To determine the effects of an intraoperative i.v. CRI of lidocaine on the quality of recovery from isoflurane or sevoflurane anaesthesia in horses undergoing various surgical procedures, using a modified recovery score system. Objective: The administration of intraoperative lidocaine CRI decreases the quality of recovery in horses. Methods: Lidocaine (2 mg/kg bwt bolus followed by 50 microg/kg bwt/min...
Eliashar E, Dysont SJ, Archer RM, Singer ER, Smith RK.Desmopathy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) in the hindlimb is an unusual cause of lameness in horses, and reports of the condition are sparse. Objective: To describe the clinical and ultrasonographic findings, therapy and outcome of 23 horses treated for desmopathy of the ALDDFT in the hindlimb. Methods: Records of 23 horses with ultrasonographic evidence of desmopathy of the ALDDFT in one or both hindlimbs from 3 referral centres were reviewed retrospectively. Age, breed, sex, duration and nature of clinical signs, results of clinical and lameness examinat...
Trumble TN.In horses, lameness is often attributable to some degree of osteoarthritis (OA), a complex disease process that is highlighted by eventual degradation of articular cartilage. Conventional therapies for OA in horses are designed to relieve pain and discomfort and often include pharmacologic intervention with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or intra-articular steroids. Oral administration of nutraceutical products to the horse is common and easy and is perceived to be a benign treatment for OA in horses. The main goal for use of nutraceuticals is to use them in OA cases to attempt to lower ...
Frisbie DD.Osteoarthritis is one of the most economically important diseases facing equine practitioners. The loss of use associated with joint disease is a leading problem in the equine industry. Although osteoarthritis in all species is believed to be a multifactorial disease that is not well understood, significant advances are being made. This article presents areas of research that are relatively well developed but have not made it to commercialization or routine clinical practice and looks at new applications being investigated for peo-ple that may have an equine application.
Jenner F, Kirker-Head C.To determine the effect of core decompression surgery and bone mineral density (BMD) on the mechanical properties of equine navicular bones. Methods: Experimental, in vitro study. Methods: Fore limb navicular bones (n=36 pairs) from sound 2-5-year-old horses with no radiographic abnormalities of the distal aspect of the forelimbs. Methods: Navicular BMD was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. One randomly assigned navicular bone from each pair served as control. The contralateral test specimen was allocated to 1 of 6 treatment groups defined by drill bit size (3.2 versus 2.5 mm di...
Bazzano M, Zhu C, Laus F, Giambattista AD, Laghi L.The application of the 'omics' studies in the field of animal reproduction has been aimed at identifying novel biomarkers of fertility since the last few years. When assessing reproductive efficiency in horses, breed should also be taken into account as it can influence semen quality and fertility. Considering the growing interest in metabolomic analysis to evaluate male fertility, we aimed to investigate the metabolomic profile of seminal plasma in two different horse breeds. Twelve healthy stallions, n.6 American Quarter Horse (AQH) and n.6 Italian Draft Horse (IDH) stallions, regularly used...
Albert R, Vásárhelyi G, Bodó G, Kenyeres A, Wolf E, Papp T, Terdik T, Módis L, Felszeghy S.One of the most promising applications for the restoration of small or moderately sized focal articular lesions is mosaicplasty (MP). Although recurrent hemarthrosis is a rare complication after MP, recently, various strategies have been designed to find an effective filling material to prevent postoperative bleeding from the donor site. The porous biodegradable polymer Polyactive (PA; a polyethylene glycol terephthalate - polybutylene terephthalate copolymer) represents a promising solution in this respect. A histological evaluation of the longterm PA-filled donor sites obtained from 10 exper...
Giancola F, Gentilini F, Romagnoli N, Spadari A, Turba ME, Giunta M, Sadeghinezhad J, Sorteni C, Chiocchetti R.Equine ileocolonic aganglionosis, which is also called lethal white foal syndrome (LWFS), is a severe congenital condition characterized by the unsuccessful colonization of neural crest progenitors in the caudal part of the small intestine and the entire large intestine. LWFS, which is attributable to a mutation in the endothelin receptor B gene, is the horse equivalent of Hirschsprung's disease in humans. Affected foals suffer from aganglionosis or hypoganglionosis of the enteric ganglia resulting in intestinal akinesia and colic. In other species with aganglionosis, fibers of extrinsic origi...
Aguilar JJ, Woods GL, Miragaya MH, Olsen LM, Vanderwall DK.The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that incubating equine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in medium containing 50% or 100% homologous preovulatory follicular fluid would improve cumulus expansion and nuclear maturation. Oocytes were incubated in one of three media: 1) supplemented TCM-199 (control), 2) 50% (v/v) follicular fluid in control medium or 3) 100% follicular fluid. Cumulus expansion was evaluated subjectively, and nuclear maturation was evaluated by staining oocytes with Hoechst 33258. The hypothesis that incubating COCs in medium containing follicular fluid would...
Sisken BF, Zwick M, Hyde JF, Cottrill CM.This review covers the development and maturation of the cerebellum of the horse and compares this developmental sequence with that of man, mouse and chicken. These comparisons attempt to correlate morphological and neurochemical features, developmental time and functional performance necessary for survival at birth. Although there is great disparity between these 3 species, the basic anatomical structures of the cerebellum are present as are specific cellular groups, synapses and neurochemical markers. In addition to this structural homogeneity, other attributes of the cerebellum are its easi...
Dowling BA, Dart AJ, Matthews SM.To evaluate chemical arthrodesis using sodium monoiodoacetate for treatment of degenerative joint disease of the tarsometatarsal and distal intertarsal joints. Methods: Retrospective clinical study. Methods: Horses were diagnosed with degenerative joint disease of one or more of the tarsometatarsal or distal intertarsal joints based on history, lameness examination, radiographic findings and, in some cases, response to intra-articular anaesthesia or medication. Intra-articular injections of sodium monoiodoacetate were performed using 23 gauge needles in the sedated, standing horse. Positive co...
Chaffin MK, Fajt V, Martens RJ, Arnold CE, Cohen ND, O'Conor M, Taylor RJ, Bernstein LR.Gallium is a trivalent semi-metal with anti-microbial effects because of its incorporation into crucial iron-dependent reproductive enzyme systems. Gallium maltolate (GaM) provides significant gallium bioavailability to people and mice following oral administration and to neonatal foals following intragastric administration. To study the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of GaM against Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals, we developed a methylcellulose formulation of GaM (GaM-MCF) for oral administration to neonatal foals. Normal neonatal foals were studied. Six foals received 20 mg/kg and ...
Doll CU, Bohner M, Berner D, Buettner K, Horstmeier C, Winter K, Burk J.Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained increasing importance to monitor equine tendon lesions. Comparing results between studies and cases is hampered, because image analysis approaches vary strongly. This study aimed to improve reliability, comparability and time efficiency of quantitative MRI image analysis. Unassigned: Induced tendon lesions were studied over a 24-week period with 10 follow-up MRI examinations. Signal intensities (SIs) of tendons, tendon lesions, cortical bone and background, as well as lesion cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were measured. Lesion SI standardisat...
Egenvall A, Byström A, Lindsten A, Clayton HM.As techniques for equine biomechanical research have become more accessible and affordable, the literature published in this area has exploded. Literature reviews have become more popular of late and, more specifically, several literature reviews in areas related to equine biomechanics have been published. A scoping review is a relatively new approach, where a general aim is to map the body of literature on a topic area, accounting for criteria for inclusion and exclusion. However, problems can arise both in performing the review and in critiquing the findings. In this manuscript, the authors ...
Higuchi T, Hashikura S, Hagiwara S, Gojo C, Inui T, Satoh S, Yoshida M, Fujii M, Hidaka D, Tsubaki S, Takai S.Although isolation of Rhodococcus equi from tracheobronchial aspirates is thought to be a definitive diagnosis of R. equi pneumonia in foals, virulence of isolates from the aspirates of infected foals remains obscure. In the present study, transtracheal aspirates were collected from thirty-one 1- to 6-month-old foals, which showed clinical signs of respiratory tract infection, and R. equi isolates were analyzed for the presence of virulence plasmids and virulence-associated antigens. Moreover, this method was compared with a serodiagnosis by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to eval...
Winther L, Baptiste KE, Friis C.Ampicillin concentrations in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) and plasma was studied after single intravenous ampicillin administration (15mg/kg) or single intragastric administration of its prodrug, pivampicillin (19.9mg/kg) to horses and discussed in relation to minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of common equine respiratory pathogens. After intravenous administration, elimination of ampicillin was fast and not detectable in plasma after 12h in three out of six horses. Pivampicillin was absorbed well in non-fasted horses with an oral bioavailability of 36%. The degree of penetra...
Crișan MI, Damian A, Morar I, Páll E, Peștean C, Groza IȘ.The ability to choose the sex of the offspring is of upmost economic importance for horse breeders. Unlike other species, horses present several reproductive peculiarities that interfere with assisted reproductive technologies used in other large animals (such as bovine) and make them difficult to apply. Thus, there is a great interest to determine the sex of the offspring as soon as possible. This has led to the development of several technologies to serve this purpose, which can be classified into two categories. One is equine embryo sexing by either non-invasive biotechnological methods, su...
Smyth GB, Young DW, Duran SH.Postprandial insulin and glucose concentrations were measured in 3 Arabian and 3 Thoroughbred foals at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months of age. Prefeeding serum insulin concentrations were similar in foals at 1 day (25.9 +/- 5.1 pmol/L), 1 week (32.4 +/- 5.8 pmol/L), and 1 month (38.2 +/- 7.9 pmol/L), but had increased significantly to 131.0 +/- 20.2 pmol/L at 3 months of age (P < 0.05). There was significantly increased serum insulin secretion after a feed in foals at 3 months of age (P < 0.05) when compared with that at younger ages. Prefeeding serum glucose concentrations ranged fr...
Løwenstein H, Markussen B, Weeke B.Sera from 26 patients and 4 normals were examined for specific IgE binding to antigens of extract of horse hair and dandruff by means of CRIE. 22 of the patients were RAST- and intracutaneous-positive to horse extract. 4 more of the patients were RAST-negative to horse allergens, but showed allergies to extract of allergens from sources other than horse. The remaining four sera from controls were RAST-negative to horse and had no history of allergy. Antigens of horse hair and dandruff showed a significantly higher degree of binding to specific IgE in the sera from the first group of patients t...
Lillich JD, Ruggles AJ, Gabel AA, Bramlage LR, Schneider RK.Medical records of 17 horses in which a distal sesamoid bone fracture was diagnosed between 1982 and 1992 were reviewed. There were 8 Standardbreds, 6 Quarter Horses, 2 Thoroughbreds, and 1 Arabian. Mean age was 4.7 years. A forelimb was affected in 15 horses, and a hind limb was affected in 2. All horses were lame, and most were grade III/V lame at the trot. In all horses, the diagnosis was confirmed by means of radiography. Five horses were treated with stall rest alone; 5 underwent neurectomy; 4 were treated with stall rest and corrective shoeing; and 1 was treated with stall rest and exter...
Scocco P, Menghi G, Ceccarelli P, Pedini V.This study was aimed at characterizing the glycoconjugates produced by the horse sublingual gland and, in particular, at discriminating between the sialoderivatives by means of differential oxidation and saponification combined with lectin histochemistry and enzymatic degradation. The results showed a predominance of sialoglycoconjugates with beta-galactose as acceptor sugar in the salivary mucins produced by the sublingual gland. Besides being the most represented terminal residue, sialic acid was also expressed in a great variety of derivatives distinguishable on the basis of acceptor sugars...
Sheahan BJ, Wilkins PA, Lascola KM, Martin V, Po E.Prior studies have shown the prognostic utility of measuring L-lactate in critically ill neonatal foals, both as single (at admission) and serial measurements. Greater prognostic sensitivity and specificity may be achieved by use of the area under the L-lactate versus time curve (LACArea ) over the first 24 hours of hospitalization, which captures both severity and duration of hyperlactatemia. Prior to application of this concept in sick equine neonates, a reference interval for LACArea should be determined. Methods: The concentration of lactate [LAC] was measured in blood obtained via direct ...
Weiss DJ, Trent AM, Johnston G.Prothrombotic changes occurring in the prodromal stages of carbohydrate-induced laminitis were investigated. Hemostatic alterations were evaluated by determining platelet counts, platelet survival, activated partial thromboplastin time, one-stage prothrombin time, and monocyte procoagulant activity. Thrombosis of vessels in the hoof wall was evaluated by contrast arteriography and histologic examination. Of 5 horses, 4 became lame between 28 and 52 hours after carbohydrate administration. Mean platelet count in laminitis-affected horses was lower throughout the prodromal stages of laminitis, c...
Moss GE, Estergreen VL, Becker SR, Grant BD.[1,2,6,7-3H]Progesterone was injected into the uterine artery of umbilical vein of 4 pregnant Ponies to determine whether 5 alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione (DHP), 20 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-3-one (20 alpha-ol), and 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (3 beta-ol) are produced by the placenta, fetus, or mare during late gestation. Plasma samples were collected from indwelling catheters in the uterine artery and vein and the umbilical artery and vein at frequent intervals until 6 h after isotope injection. The plasma samples were extracted with organic solvents and the respective pregnanes were...
Crawford A, O'Donnell M, Crowe O, Eliashar E, Smith RK.To report the clinical features of horses with fluid-filled masses associated with the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) and outcome after surgery. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n=10) Methods: Medical records of horses with fluid-filled masses associated with the DFTS were reviewed and the clinical features, diagnostic methods, treatment, histopathology, and outcome reported. Results: Masses were unilateral (7 hind limb, 3 front limb) and in 8 horses were associated with lameness. In 6 horses, lameness improved by >50% with intrathecal DTFS anesthesia, whereas 2 were less positiv...
Sayasith K, Bouchard N, Doré M, Sirois J.The objectives of the study were to clone the primary structure of the prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype 2 (PTGER2) cDNA and to characterize its regulation in equine follicles during gonadotropin-induced ovulation. Results from DNA isolation indicated that the equine PTGER2 cDNA encodes a predicted 353-amino acid protein, which is highly similar (76-85%) to known mammalian homologues. The regulation of PTGER2 was studied by semi-quantitative RT-PCR/Southern blot using preparations of theca interna and mural granulosa cells isolated from equine follicles 0-39 hr post-treatment with human chorio...
St George L, Thetford C, Clayton HM, Hobbs SJ.In dressage, horse-rider combinations must demonstrate harmony whilst performing a test of gaits and movements, scored by judge(s) using predetermined criteria. The para dressage governing body is working towards compliance with the International Paralympic Committee's mandate for evidence-based classification, which requires a comprehensive understanding of key performance determinants. This study aimed to explore stakeholder perceptions surrounding the key determinants of, and impact of impairment on, para dressage performance. Semi-structured interviews with 30 para dressage stakeholders (a...
Auer JA, Martens RJ.Valgus deformities were created in 6 pony foals by hemicircumferential transection of the periosteum and periosteal stripping (HCTP and PS) just proximally to the distal physis on the medial side of 1 radius (principal thoracic limb). The opposite thoracic limb served as a control. One month after this surgical procedure was done, the limbs were radiographed and the angle of deviation was determined. All horses developed a valgus deformity of the principal limb. In an effort to correct the acquired valgus deformity, the 2nd surgical procedure was performed--HCTP and PS on the lateral aspect of...
Trim CM, Eaton SA, Parks AH.An 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with colic was anesthetized for surgical correction of right dorsal displacement of the ascending colon. Removal of the nasogastric tube at the end of surgery resulted in hemorrhage from the nares and loss of 24 L of blood. Treatment included administration of acetated Ringer's solution, hypertonic saline solution, and dobutamine. A blood transfusion was started after hemorrhage was controlled, and arterial pressure was restored to the prehemorrhage value, but was stopped after infusion of 2.7 L of blood because of a suspected adverse reaction. This case indi...
Dyson SJ.Desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) was diagnosed in 27 horses between September 1986 and December 1990. The first observed clinical sign in four horses was localised swelling in the proximal metacarpus. Twenty horses became lame suddenly during a work period and most developed swelling within 24 h of exercise. The injury was confirmed by ultrasonographic examination. Ten of 13 horses with uncomplicated desmitis of the ALDDFT resumed full work, within three to nine months of the onset of clinical signs, without recurrence of clinical signs in the perio...
