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Topic:Veterinary Medicine
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.
Japanese encephalitis in a racing thoroughbred gelding in Hong Kong. A horse in Hong Kong that had been vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis suffered a pyrexic episode that culminated in a hyperexcitable state and self-inflicted trauma. Japanese encephalitis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical, pathological and serological observations, and confirmed by the detection of genomic sequences of the virus in spinal cord tissue. Phylogenetic analyses of E gene and NS5-3'UTR sequences revealed divergent clustering of these segments with previously described genotypes, suggesting the possibility that the horse might have been infected with a recombinant between ...
A non-invasive method of tendon force measurement. The ability to measure the forces exerted in vivo on tendons and, consequently, the forces produced by muscles on tendons, offers a unique opportunity to investigate questions in disciplines as varied as physiology, biomechanics, orthopaedics and neuroscience. Until now, tendon loads could be assessed directly only by means of invasive sensors implanted within or attached to these collagenous structures. This study shows that the forces acting on tendons can be measured, in a non-invasive way, from the analysis of the propagation of an acoustic wave. Using the equine superficial digital flexor...
Virulence-associated protein-specific serum immunoglobulin G-isotype expression in young foals protected against Rhodococcus equi pneumonia by oral immunization with virulent R. equi. The purpose of this study was to determine whether foals immunized orally from 2 days of age with virulent Rhodococcus equi developed a protective pulmonary immune response and to characterise the antibody response of the immunized foals to the virulence-associated proteins (Vaps) of the bacterium. Two groups of foals were used. One (n=4) was given live R. equi ATCC 33701 orally at 2, 7, and 14 days of age. The second group comprised three non-immunized foals age-matched to the vaccinates. At 3 weeks of age, 1 week after the final immunization, both groups were challenged intrabronchially with...
Design and demonstration of a dynamometric horseshoe for measuring ground reaction loads of horses during racing conditions. Because musculoskeletal injuries to racehorses are common, instrumentation for the study of factors (e.g. track surface), which affect the ground reaction loads in horses during racing conditions, would be useful. The objectives of the work reported by this paper were to (1) design and construct a novel dynamometric horseshoe that is capable of measuring the complete ground reaction loading during racing conditions, (2) characterize static and dynamic measurement errors, and (3) demonstrate the usefulness of the instrument by collecting example data during the walk, trot, canter, and gallop fo...
Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone release in response to thyrotropin releasing hormone in healthy horses, horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and equine pars intermedia explants. Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates an increase in plasma cortisol in horses with pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, Cushing's disease). A similar phenomenon is observed in humans with Cushing's disease or Nelson's syndrome. The mechanism of the response in humans is not known, but an alteration in receptor expression, selectivity or responsiveness in abnormal corticotropes has been proposed. Horses with PPID, unlike humans, almost exclusively have adenomas of pars intermedia (PI) rather than pars distalis (PD) origin. Therefore, the mechanism responsible for the TRH response observ...
Regulated expression of the beta2-toxin gene (cpb2) in Clostridium perfringens type a isolates from horses with gastrointestinal diseases. Recent epidemiological studies suggested that cpb2-positive Clostridium perfringens isolates are associated with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in horses. These putative relationships, indicated by PCR genotyping, were tested in the present study by further genotyping and phenotyping of 23 cpb2-positive C. perfringens isolates from horses with GI disease (referred to hereafter as horse GI disease isolates). Our beta2-toxin (CPB2) Western blot analyses demonstrated that all of the tested isolates were unable to produce detectable levels of CPB2. However, Southern blot and nucleotide sequencing ...
Factors affecting the plasma membrane function of cooled-stored stallion spermatozoa. The spermatozoon is a highly specified cell that has the abilities of active motility and fertilization of the ovum. Damage to the sperm plasma membrane results in the irreversible loss of its functions. Because of the high content of unsaturated fatty acids in the plasma membrane, mammalian sperm are sensitive to oxidative stress. While mild peroxidation appears to promote capacitation of the sperm cell, excessive peroxidation will damage the plasma membrane and results in loss of motility and fertility. The functional integrity of the sperm plasma membrane can be determined by functional tes...
Ability of the vector tick Boophilus microplus to acquire and transmit Babesia equi following feeding on chronically infected horses with low-level parasitemia. The protozoan parasite Babesia equi replicates within erythrocytes. During the acute phase of infection, B. equi can reach high levels of parasitemia, resulting in a hemolytic crisis. Horses that recover from the acute phase of the disease remain chronically infected. Subsequent transmission is dependent upon the ability of vector ticks to acquire B. equi and, following development and replication, establishment of B. equi in the salivary glands. Although restriction of the movement of chronically infected horses with B. equi is based on the presumption that ticks can acquire and transmit the ...
Unilateral basement membrane zone alteration of the regenerated laminar region in equine chronic laminitis. Between the laminar epidermis and the laminar dermis of laminar region (LR) in equine foot, it can be observed the basement membrane zone (BMZ), which is composed of a basement membrane and its accompaniments like the hemidesmosome and anchoring fibril. Alteration in the BMZ in equine laminitis is possibly related with not only development but also recovery outcome and recurrence of this disease. However, there is little known about the structure of the BMZ during the recovery phase of this disease. To assess the condition of the BMZ of LR affected by chronic laminitis, the tissue was examined...
Separation and detection of the isomeric equine conjugated estrogens, equilin sulfate and delta8,9-dehydroestrone sulfate, by liquid chromatography–electrospray-mass spectrometry using carbon-coated zirconia and porous graphitic carbon stationary phases. Equilin-3-sulfate and delta8,9-dehydroestrone-3-sulfate are two isomers found in equine conjugated estrogens that differ in structure only by the position of a double bond in the steroid B-ring. These geometric isomers were not resolved on a C18 column during the analysis of conjugated estrogen drug products by LC-MS using acetonitrile-ammonium acetate buffer as the mobile phase. While no separations of these two isomers were observed on C18 or other alkyl-bonded silica based phases using a variety of mobile phase conditions, partial separations were achieved on phenyl bonded silica phases wit...
Modulating reproductive activity in stallions: a review. Situations in which suppression or stimulation of reproductive activity in stallions has been attempted, or is desired, include resolution of the equine arteritis virus 'shedding' state, induction of testicular descent in inguinal cryptorchids, and the improvement of sperm production capacity and/or semen quality in sub-fertile stallions. However, the most common reason for wanting to modulate reproductive activity in a stallion is to alter the expression of sexual behaviour. In the case of intact stallions used for competitive or recreational purposes, the overt expression of sexual or aggres...
Effect of the inseminate and the site of insemination on the uterus and pregnancy rates of mares. In this review, effects of the composition of the inseminate on uterine response and pregnancy rates in mares are discussed. The inseminate can differ for volume, sperm concentration, total sperm numbers, presence, absence, or proportion of seminal plasma, and extender composition. Semen can be used as fresh, cooled, or frozen. The site of semen deposition also plays a role; semen is deposited either into the uterine body (standard artificial insemination (AI)) or into the tip of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the preovulatory follicle (deep AI) using the hysterocopical or transrectally guide...
Agonist-independent alteration in beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein-adenylate cyclase system in an equine model of recurrent airway obstruction. We examined the inhibitory sympathetic beta-adrenergic mechanisms in peripheral lung, bronchi and trachea of an equine model of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), to support the hypothesis that the beta-adrenergic receptor dysfunction is not only restricted to cell surface receptor density but rather encompasses a mechanistic defect apart from the receptor, to the intracellular signaling components. The non-asthmatic lung possessed 3.2-fold more beta-adrenergic receptors than bronchi (496 +/- 19.4 vs. 155.1+/- 19.6 fmol/mg protein; P < 0.01) and 6.2-fold higher than in the trachea (79.8 +/...
Estimation of genetic parameters for the prevalence of osseous fragments in limb joints of Hanoverian Warmblood horses. Genetic parameters were estimated for the prevalence of osseous fragments in distal (DIJ) and proximal interphalangeal (PIJ), fetlock (FJ) and hock joints (HJ) of Hanoverian Warmblood horses by using residual maximum likelihood (REML) with linear animal models. The analyses were based on the results of 10 standardized radiographs of all four limbs of 3725 young riding horses selected for sale at auction. Transformation factors onto the underlying liability scale were verified by a simulation study. The heritability estimates of osseous fragments on the liability scale were in the range of h2 =...
Capacitation, acrosome function and chromatin structure in stallion sperm. In general, fertility in breeding stallions is lower and more variable than in the other farm animal species, primarily because selection is based on pedigree, looks and/or athletic performance, with little consideration of fertility or fertility potential. Moreover, because the average stallion breeds only a limited number of mares per year and in-field fertility is influenced significantly by non-stallion factors such as management and mare fertility, meaningful fertility data are hard to come-by. Unfortunately, generating usable figures would involve impractically high costs, time and numbe...
[EIAV (equine infectious anemia virus): to better understand the lentiviral pathogenesis]. Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is a lentivirus related to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). EIAV causes a persistent infection characterized by recurring febrile episodes associating viremia, fever and thrombocytopenia. Despite a rapid virus replication and antigenic variation, most animals progress from a chronic stage characterized by recurring peaks of viremia and fever to an asymptomatic stage of infection. The understanding of the correlates of this immune control is of great interest in defining vaccine strategies. Research on EIAV over the last five decades has produced some in...
Neonatal foal diarrhea. Diarrhea is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal foal. Numerous noninfectious and infectious agents are responsible for enterocolitis and enteritis. This article provides an overview of the differential diagnoses for neonatal diarrhea and general and specific guidelines for therapy.
Resuscitation and emergency management for neonatal foals. Early intervention can dramatically alter outcome in foals. Cardio-pulmonary cerebral resuscitation can be successful and clinically worthwhile when applied to foals that arrest as part of the birthing process. Readily available equipment and an ordered plan starting with addressing the respiratory system (airway and breathing) followed by the circulatory system (circulation and drugs) are the keys to success. Hypoglycemia is common in foals that are not nursing and in septic foals. Support of serum glucose can be an important emergency treatment. Respiratory support with oxygen therapy should...
Nondiarrheal disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in neonatal foals. Neonates can have a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, primary and secondary in nature. Important primary disorders include con-genital abnormalities and meconium retention. One of the most important secondary lesions is generalized ileus. Gastric ulceration can occur as a primary or secondary event. This article addresses the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal problems commonly observed in neonatal foals.
Immunologic disorders in neonatal foals. Foals live in an environment heavily populated by bacteria, many of which are capable of causing disease. Development of infection,however, is the exception rather than the rule. The ability of the foal to prevent infection by most pathogens is the result of a sophisticated set of defense mechanisms. These defense mechanisms can be divided into adaptive and innate immunity. Innate immunity encompasses defense mechanisms that pre-exist or are rapidly induced within hours of exposure to a pathogen. Conversely, adaptive or acquired immunity represents host defenses mediated by T and B lymphocytes...
Equine neonatal sepsis. Neonatal infection remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the equine industry, despite advances in prevention and treatment. Many factors can influence a foal's risk for the development of sepsis in the peripartum period. This article discusses those factors, causative organisms, and therapeutic options. Factors that influence prognosis and potential preventative strategies also are addressed.
Pharmacokinetics of imipenem-cilastatin following intravenous administration in healthy adult horses. In two studies, six healthy adult horses were given imipenem-cilastatin by slow intravenous (i.v.) infusion at an imipenem dosage of 10 mg/kg (study 1) and 20 mg/kg (study 2). The same horses were used in each dosage schedule, with a 2-week washout period between studies. In each dosage group, serial blood and synovial fluid samples were collected for 6 h after completion of the infusion. HPLC was used to determine the imipenem concentration in all samples. Imipenem was well tolerated by all horses at both dosages; no adverse effects were noted during the study period or during the 24-hour pos...
Neurologic disorders of neonatal foals. Neurologic examination of the neonatal foal is quite different from the process used to examine older foals and adult horses. Abnormal neurologic signs are best appreciated in the context of a detailed knowledge of general neonatal medicine and awareness of nor-mal foal behavior and milestones of development. A systematic approach to neurologic examination is provided. The results of such examination are used to localize a lesion or lesions in the nervous system. Descriptions and treatment strategies are given for most common and important neonatal neurologic diseases.
Nutritional support for neonatal foals. In recent years, equine neonatal medicine has made significant advances. The importance of nutritional support for the sick neonatal foal has been recognized, and methods of providing that sup-port have been developed. Today, the clinician has many options when designing a nutritional plan for the neonatal foal. When the foal's gut permits, enteral diets are an inexpensive source of nutrients. Under conditions where the gut requires rest, methods for delivering nutrients by the parenteral route have also been developed. In this article, the nutrition of the normal and sick foal is described. G...
Comminuted fracture of the distal sesamoid bone and distal rupture of the deep digital flexor tendon. A 10-year-old show jumper was evaluated for an acute severe lameness (grade 4 of 5) of the right foreleg. During weight bearing, the toe of the affected limb rotated dorsally suggesting rupture of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). Upon radiographic examination of the hoof, a severe erosion at the flexor surface and a parasagittal fracture of the distal sesamoid bone were found. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed rupture of the DDFT. These findings were confirmed on post-mortem examination. Prior to the acute lameness, the horse was treated with corticosteroid injections into the podot...
Orthopedic disorders in neonatal foals. The first month of life is a vulnerable time for foals. They must adjust to their environment while they are still compromised immunologically, and their musculoskeletal system is rapidly growing and adjusting to stresses from an increasing amount of exercise. Therefore, if a foal is born with or acquires an abnormality or disease related to the musculoskeletal system, rapid adjustments must be made to allow the foal to grow and respond so that future athletic performance will not be compromised. Problems must be identified early, which requires thorough examinations. This article summarizes t...
Abdominal surgery in neonatal foals. Abdominal surgery in foals under 30 days old has become more common with improved neonatal care. Early recognition of a foal at risk and better nursing care have increased the survival rates of foals that require neonatal care. The success of improved neonatal care also has increased the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal, umbilical, and bladder disorders in these foals. This chapter focuses on the early and accurate diagnosis of specific disorders that require abdominal exploratory surgery and the specific treatment considerations and prognosis for these disorders.
Echocardiographic diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries in a neonatal foal. The clinical and echocardiographic findings in a 19-h-old female foal with a ventricular septal defect, patent foramen ovale, patent ductus arteriosus, and complete transpositon of the great vessels are described. Clinical signs were suggestive of complex congenital heart disease and echocardiography of the foal allowed definitive diagnosis prior to postmortem.
Equine neonatal thoracic and abdominal ultrasonography. Pathologic disorders of the equine neonate often develop shortly after foaling as a result of prematurity, dystocia, trauma, or septicemia. Recognition of these disorders requires routine patient assessment along with diagnostic aids, including abdominal and thoracic ultrasonography. Fortunately, modern technology affords today's equine practitioners the opportunity to use ultrasonography to advance their practice, and it is the authors' hope that this article might help in those efforts.
