Veterinary practice in relation to horses encompasses the medical care, management, and treatment of equine species. This field involves various aspects of equine health, including preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, surgical interventions, and emergency care. Equine veterinarians employ a range of diagnostic tools and techniques such as physical examinations, imaging, and laboratory tests to assess and monitor horse health. In addition to addressing physical ailments, veterinary practice also includes nutritional management, reproductive health, and performance-related issues. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, advancements, and outcomes in veterinary practices specific to equine health.
Ameniya H, Kashiwagi N, Putnam CW, Starzl TE.In the sera of ten normal humans and twenty-eight candidates for organ transplantation, the passive haemagglutination test detected a 50% incidence of preformed antibodies of low titre directed against horse serum. Such antibodies were also found to cross react with goat or rabbit sera in most instances. Seventeen of the organ recipients were later studied after the institution of treatment with horse antihuman-lymphocyte globulin (ALG). The incidence of anti-horse-serum antibodies rose to 100%. At the same time, an increased activity against goat serum developed; cross-reactions against rabbi...
Drumev D.Stated is the use of promising therapeutic formulae that produce prophylactic, metaphylactic, and curative effects at lower input of labour and handling, inciting lower unrest with animals, belonging chiefly to the type of the so-called 'therapeutic systems'. Particular attention is paid to drugs for programmed, continuous, and checkable release of the active ingredients in compliance with what is needed at the time (sustained release forms)-type OROS (oral osmotic system), type 'liquid reservoir', type 'glass cylinders', tablets and boluses of higher relative weight, or multilayer and mosaic ...
Squires EL.Twinning is a major cause of abortion in mares. Although early management of twins is quite successful, twins that remain after 40 days are difficult to manage. This article reviews the current knowledge of the use of transvaginal ultrasound probe for elimination of twins. Several techniques are presented, as well as discussion on the best time during gestation for this technique to be used.
Tellhelm B, Fritsch R, Reckels FJ.Requirements for optimal radiography of the horsetoe are described. Examples are given for getting X-rays of high quality under practice conditions, by using special intensifying screens and all the possibilities of radiological technique to guarantee a short exposure time.
Looijen MGP, Hanousek K, Maree JTM, Visser MC, Berner D.There is wide variability in radiographic grading systems in thoracolumbar spinous processes in horses. The aim of this study was to determine the agreement of grading different parameters, and combinations of those, in radiographs of the spinous processes of the equine thoracolumbar spine in the scope of a pre-purchase examination. We hypothesized that agreement is variable and interpretation of these radiographs is difficult. Methods: Radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine of healthy horses (N = 100) were assessed by three observers. Spinous processes were separately graded for interspinou...
Fuller MC, Abutarbush SM.A 10-year-old gelding was presented with a tongue that had swelled immediately after oral administration of oxfendazole, using an udder infusion cannula. The tongue appeared to have been punctured inadvertently. The horse recovered after treatment with intravenous fluid, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Administering oral medication by this method should be discouraged. Un cheval hongre âgé de 10 ans a été présenté avec une langue devenue tuméfiée immédiatement après l’administration orale d’oxfendazole à l’aide d’une canule à infusion du pis. La langue semblait a...
Fischer A, Lechner J, Kraft W, Hirschberger J.The QBC is a centrifugal haematology system. Modified haematocrit capillaries are measured optically. The parameters haematocrit, total leukocyte count, relative and absolute values of granulocyte and lympho-/monocyte fractions, and total thrombocyte count are stated. The microhaematocrit method, the counting chamber, and the differential blood count are reference methods. Blood samples of the dog, cat and horse were used for the study. As a screening method the QBC analysis meets all requirements for the veterinary practice.
van Foreest AW, Wiemer P.Periapical disorders in horses can be treated by resection of the apex. The indications, contraindications, diagnosis, treatment and complications of the intervention are discussed. Four case reports of horses in which apicoectomy with retrograde endodontic treatment was performed are reviewed.
Maxwell L, McCarrel TM, Hay S, Cole C.The antifibrinolytic agent aminocaproic acid (ACA) is occasionally used prior to episodes of intense training in racehorses suffering from exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. Although a previous study indicated that the drug is cleared rapidly in horses, some racetrack practitioners claim that recent adverse analytical findings for ACA in postrace samples were from ACA administrations 5-7 days before the race. The purpose of this study was to re-examine the pharmacokinetics of ACA in horses to address this apparent conundrum. Eight exercise-conditioned thoroughbred horses were administere...
Walsh DM.The author has completed 40 years as a veterinarian treating horses with laminitis. The article is a recollection of his experiences with laminitis and the various treatment methods he came across while trying to treat the disease.
Henry RW, Diesem CD, Hunter MA, Rankin JS.Eleven ponies were used to perfect a surgical approach to the brachial plexus that would offer maximal exposure to the plexus, with minimal trauma. One pony was euthanatized to determine whether surgical exposure to the plexus was feasible. By approaching the plexus from the prescapular region, the only muscle that was found necessary to incise was the cutaneus omobrachialis. The rest of the procedure required only blunt dissection. In the other 10 ponies, the wounds healed by first intention, and the gait was not affected by the surgery.
Bergh A, Asplund K, Lund I, Boström A, Hyytiäinen H.Soft tissue mobilization is frequently used in the treatment of sport and companion animals. There is, however, uncertainty regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of these methods. Therefore, the aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the evidence for clinical effects of massage and stretching in cats, dogs, and horses. A bibliographic search, restricted to studies in cats, dogs, and horses, was performed on Web of Science Core Collection, CABI, and PubMed. Relevant articles were assessed for scientific quality, and information was extracted on study characteristics, species,...
Hodgson DS, Dunlop CI.We have discussed anesthetic techniques, special considerations, and expected complications involved in anesthetizing horses for abdominal, orthopedic, and head and neck surgery, and myelography and have described expected physiologic dysfunction that may require changes in anesthetic technique or supportive measures. The objective is high-quality patient care and reduction in anesthesia-related morbidity and death.
van Miert AS.A lawyer inquired about the possible harmful effects of 'off-label use' of lincomycin in two trotting horses. From information in the relevant dossier it could be concluded that there was no direct indication to use antibiotics. In addition, mistakes were made in the medicinal treatment of horses, namely, the off-label use of lincomycin without prior consultation with the manufacturer, fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy not continued for long enough, and incorrect use of antipyretic analgesics. The intravenous administration of gentamicin to dehydrated patients is permissible only in co...
Skarda RT, Muir WW, Couri D.Arterial and/or central venous plasma concentrations of lidocaine were determined in 12 nonmedicated adult horses (422 +/- 59 kg of body weight, mean +/- SD) after injecting a 1% lidocaine HCl solution into the cervicothoracic ganglion (CTG). A mean dosage of 2.9 +/- 0.5 mg of lidocaine/kg of body weight was used to induce unilateral CTG blockade in 8 horses and 4.8 +/- 0.8 mg was used to induce bilateral CTG blockade in 4 horses. Blood samples were collected before and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 minutes after injection. The plasma lidocaine concentrations were determined by us...
Booth LC.Delayed closure is an underutilized technique that can produce a good cosmetic result in lower leg wounds and can significantly shorten the healing time. To be successful, the surgeon should be able to utilize tension-relieving techniques and manage dead space. Scar revision should be limited to simple elliptical excision or modifications thereof until experience is developed. Sliding skin flaps, Z-plasties, and W-plasties are used infrequently and require adequate preoperative planning.
Baus MR, Magnus RP.Purchasing new or used capital assets involves both emotional and financial components in the decision making process. In addition, there are intangible factors such as client perceptions and expectations that fit into the equation. Identify the facts from a business perspective and then define whether this investment (expense) is good for the practice and fits with the short- and long-term growth strategies. Ask the tough questions, analyze the numbers, understand the clients’ needs, and tie this together with the practice brand and strategic objectives. The informed and prepared buyer is u...
Reinhard F.The conformation of a foal's limbs is of interest beginning in the first days of life. The hoof also must not be neglected. Management and hoof care necessary for normal hoof development are discussed. In addition, pathological hoof shapes and their appropriate treatments are outlined.
Abd El Kader NA, Farghali HA, Abu-Seida AM, Salem NY, Khattab MS.Early detection of cystitis in equine is essential to improve the prognosis and outcome of therapy. However, the conventional white light endoscopy is not sufficiently accurate for this purpose. Hence, this study evaluated chromoendoscopy as a recent diagnostic tool for cystitis in female donkeys. For this purpose, 5 apparently normal donkeys (control group) and 5 female donkeys with cystitis (diseased group) were used. Physical and rectal examinations, urine analysis, white light cystoscopy, methylene blue-based chromoendoscopy and histopathology were performed in all animals. Turbid urine ex...
Martin BB, Reef VB.The successful conservative treatment of an open, displaced fracture of the radius of a horse suggests that conservative treatment should not be ignored when surgery is not an option. The importance of proper soft-tissue management and the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment in the management of orthopedic injuries is emphasized.
Bergman HJ, de Kruif A, van Dessel S.In this article different possible treatments for problem mares are discussed. The therapeutic possibilities vary and can be classified into anatomical correction, anti-infectious therapy, and treatment to enhance the uterine defence mechanisms. Anatomical correction and treatment with antibiotics are valuable therapies and have been used for many years. In recent years, stimulation of the mechanical defence mechanism of the uterus, by flushing it with physiological solution combined with parenteral oxytocin, has been shown to increase the chance of getting problem mares in foal.
Klier J, Geis S, Steuer J, Reese S, Fuchs S, Mueller RS, Winter G, Gehlen H.New therapeutic strategies to modulate immune responses in human and equine allergic airway diseases are under extensive investigation. Stimulation of Treg cells with immune modulating agents is a novel therapeutic option. Objective: The aim of this field study was to compare the effects of a nebulised nanoparticulate CpG immunotherapy (CpG-GNP) with and without specific allergens. Methods: Longitudinal clinical study comparing 2 therapeutic options. Methods: Twenty RAO-affected horses were divided into 2 treatment groups (CpG alone and CpG with allergens). Two specific allergens were selected...
Hauser ML.The diagnostician should be familiar with the normal ultrasound appearance (size, shape, position, and textural quality) of each structure examined. With these factors as reference points, one can describe lesions in the structure involved, the precise location and extent of the lesions, and the degree of structural compromise that is manifested. Documentation of lesions of tendons and ligaments enables one to make an accurate diagnosis and a more precise prognosis. Serial examination during the healing phases allows for a more accurate prediction as to when the structure in question can withs...
Tschudi P.The technique of needle biopsy, the examination of aspirated bone marrow and the interpretation of bone marrow smears are described. The indications for a bone marrow biopsy are listed and the literature is reviewed. The significance of this examination is illustrated with some clinical cases.
Theiner E, Weber C, Müller E, Venner M, Vervuert I.This study aimed to establish reference intervals for Mn in whole blood, plasma and serum of healthy, adult warmblood horses with known dietary Mn intake and to compare 2 methods of analysis. Methods: Between May 2018 and November 2019 a single blood sample was taken from a total of 270 clinically healthy horses (age: 3-25 years) in 3 stud farms. In lithium-heparin (LH) whole blood, LH plasma and serum Mn concentrations were analyzed by means of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The reference intervals were calculated according to t...
Fey K.Die broncho-alveoläre Lavage (BAL) beim Pferd wird bislang hauptsächlich als Diagnostikum bei chronischen Lungenerkrankungen von Hochleistungspferden (d. h. in Rennställen) oder bei der Erforschung der equinen COPD eingesetzt. Ziel der hier vorgestellten Untersuchung war es, die BAL auf ihre routinemäßige Durchführbarkeit an klinisch relevanten Pferdepatienten zu überprüfen.
Stadler P.The physical and chemical properties, administration, biotransformation, pharmacological effects, clinical applications, side-effects, toxicity and contraindications of glyceryl guaiacolate ether in the horse are reviewed.
Blikslager AT, Tate LP.There are clearly a number of applications for which flexible endoscopic laser surgery has become the state of the art in equine surgery, and the Nd:YAG laser seems to be the most versatile instrument for this type of surgery. Nevertheless, it is critical to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each laser technique. For example, the Nd:YAG laser used in a noncontact fashion seems to be superior when ablation of tissue is required such as treatment of upper airway masses. Conversely, contact Nd:YAG laser techniques have proven themselves to be superior when more precise cutting is adv...
