Veterinary procedures in horses encompass a range of medical and surgical interventions performed to diagnose, treat, and manage equine health conditions. These procedures are designed to address various health issues, from routine care to emergency interventions. Common veterinary procedures include vaccinations, dental care, lameness evaluations, reproductive services, and surgical interventions such as colic surgery or fracture repair. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, outcomes, and advancements in veterinary procedures for horses, providing insights into their application and efficacy in equine medicine.
Sherlock C, Mair T, Blunden T.Erosion of the palmar (flexor) aspect of the navicular bone is difficult to diagnose with conventional imaging techniques. Objective: To review the clinical, magnetic resonance (MR) and pathological features of deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone. Methods: Cases of deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone, diagnosed by standing low field MR imaging, were selected. Clinical details, results of diagnostic procedures, MR features and pathological findings were reviewed. Results: Deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone were diagnosed in 16 matu...
White JM, Mellor DJ, Duz M, Lischer CJ, Voute LC.Rigorous evaluation of practicable methods for the objective assessment of foot conformation has not been performed. Objective: To assess the practicability, precision and accuracy of the process of obtaining measurements of horses' feet using photography and image processing software. Methods: Precision study: Lateral photographs of horses' feet were obtained twice by 2 veterinary surgeons (image acquisition - IAc). Photographs were analysed by 2 masked veterinary surgeons on 2 occasions (image analysis - IAn). Measurements were compared within and between operators for self and non-self acqu...
Dirikolu L, Lehner AF, Harkins JD, Woods WE, Karpiesiuk W, Gates RS, Fisher M, Tobin T.Pyrilamine is an antihistamine used in human and veterinary medicine. As antihistamines produce central nervous system effects in horses, pyrilamine has the potential to affect the performance of racehorses. In the present study, O-desmethylpyrilamine (O-DMP) was observed to be the predominant equine urinary metabolite of pyrilamine. After intravenous (i.v.) administration of pyrilamine (300 mg/horse), serum pyrilamine concentrations declined from about 280 ng/mL at 5 min postdose to about 2.5 ng/mL at 8 h postdose. After oral administration of pyrilamine (300 mg/horse), serum concentrations p...
Schwarz B, Burford J, Knottenbelt D.This case report describes a 4-year-old-horse with two cutaneous masses on the right crest of the neck. Biopsy revealed chronic nodular pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis. Giemsa and periodic acid-Schiff stains showed focal spherical, yeast-like organisms. A diagnosis of cutaneous fungal granuloma was made. The size of the masses decreased after oral treatment with fluconazole for 10 days combined with potassium iodide for 30 days, and the remaining masses were excised by laser. Lesions did not recur at the site. Fungal granuloma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in ho...
Kuemmerle JM, Kummer M, Auer JA, Nitzl D, Fürst AE.Complicated mandibular fractures were recognised in one foal, one pony and four horses. The foal was two months old while the adult animals ranged in age from 12 to 24 years. Three horses had a unilateral horizontal ramus fracture. Two fractures were open and one was closed. Comminution was present in one of these patients while the other two horses had marked displacement of the fragments. Two suffered from comminuted fractures of the horizontal and vertical ramus of the mandible. One of these patients had open and infected fractures. One foal had a bilateral horizontal ramus fracture with ma...
Declercq J, Martens A, Maes D, Boussauw B, Forsyth R, Boening KJ.The objective of the present study was to determine clinical and arthroscopic characteristics associated with dorsoproximal proximal phalanx (P1) fragments in Warmblood horses, as well as to examine their histopathological appearance. One hundred sixty-eight fragments were removed from 150 fetlocks of 117 Warmblood horses. Details of signalment and results of clinical examination were collected prior to surgery. After arthroscopic fragment removal and joint evaluation for synovial and/or cartilage abnormalities, the fragments were measured and evaluated histopathologically. The vast majority o...
Baccarin RY, Martins EA, Hagen SC, Silva LC.A controlled study was designed in order to evaluate the effects of medial patellar desmotomy (MPD), combined with exercise restriction, on clinically and radiographically normal femoropatellar joints, and to identify the patellar instability by radiographic examination. MPD was performed on the right hind limb and the horses were rested for 120 days. Both hind limbs were radiographed before surgery and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after MPD, obtaining lateromedial, flexed lateromedial, caudocranial and cranioproximal-craniodistal (skyline) views. The femorotibial and femoropatellar angles ...
Cheetham J, Witte TH, Soderholm LV, Hermanson JW, Ducharme NG.To develop an in vitro laryngeal model to mimic airflow and pressures experienced by horses at maximal exercise with which to test laryngoplasty techniques. Methods: Randomized complete block. Methods: Cadaveric equine larynges (n=10). Methods: Equine larynges were collected at necropsy and a bilateral prosthetic laryngoplasty suture was placed with #5 Fiberwire suture to achieve bilateral maximal arytenoid abduction. Each larynx was positioned in a flow chamber and subjected to static flow and dynamic flow cycling at 2 Hz. Tracheal pressure and flow, and pressure within the flow chamber were ...
Carpenter RS, Goodrich LR, Baxter GM, Joyce J, Wallis TW.To report treatment of a comminuted ulnar carpal (UC) bone fracture associated with carpal instability by pancarpal arthrodesis using 2 locking compression plates (LCP). Methods: Case report. Methods: A 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly. Methods: An UC fracture and luxation of the proximal row of carpal bones was diagnosed radiographically. Pancarpal arthrodesis was performed with 2 LCP positioned dorsolaterally and dorsomedially and centered over the carpus through a single skin incision. The filly was maintained in a full limb cast for 15 days, followed by a tube cast for 14 days, and subsequent...
Brokken MT, Schneider RK, Tucker RL.To describe a surgical approach for the removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments in performance horses and to report the outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=11), 7 months to 10 years of age, with lameness because of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments. Methods: Lameness was localized to the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal region by clinical examination or response to diagnostic local anesthesia. Radiographs confirmed the diagnosis of a nonarticular base sesamoid fragment. Surgical removal was performed with an incision over the base of the affected sesamoi...
Kelly JR, Carmalt J, Hendrick S, Wilson DG, Shoemaker R.To compare biomechanical properties of 6 suture configurations using a large diameter polyester prosthesis in the muscular process (MP) of the arytenoid cartilage and to determine failure mode. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine larynges (n=121). Methods: Suture configurations (4 single, 2 double) were inserted, and then constructs were tested in a single-cycle to failure at a 100 mm/min distraction. Load deformation curves were generated to assess the biomechanical properties of each construct. A 1-way ANOVA was used to compare the mean differences in construct failure for...
van Foreest A.Rooted in human dentistry, veterinary dentistry has developed steadily in the Netherlands since the 1980s and is now recognized as an essential discipline of veterinary medicine. The availability of specialized tools and techniques has led to improved treatment outcomes and results, with the choice of treatment being largely determined by the functionality of the dentition and the costs involved. Domestic animals and horses with dental problems should be referred to dental veterinarians. The Working Group Veterinary Dentistry in the Netherlands is an association for skilled veterinarians with ...
Declercq J, Martens A, Bogaert L, Boussauw B, Forsyth R, Boening KJ.To determine clinical and arthroscopic characteristics associated with fragments in the synovial pad of the fetlock and to characterize their morphology. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Warmblood horses (n=104) with fragment(s) in the synovial pad. Methods: Signalment and results of radiographic and clinical examination were collected before surgery. After arthroscopic fragment removal and joint evaluation for synovial and/or cartilage abnormalities, fragments were measured, and evaluated by histopathology. Results: Synovial pad fragments (n=142) were removed from 127 fetlocks. Two olde...
Fjordbakk CT, Strand E, Hanche-Olsen S.To test the hypothesis that in bilateral dynamic laryngeal collapse associated with poll flexion, vocal fold collapse (VFC) is the initial abnormal event that induces further laryngeal collapse, and that racing performance would therefore be substantially improved after bilateral ventriculocordectomy in affected individuals. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Twenty-six horses. Methods: Medical records (1998-2006) of harness racehorses admitted for high-speed treadmill videoendoscopy (HSTV) that had bilateral dynamic laryngeal collapse associated with poll flexion were reviewed. Race recor...
Geraghty TE, Love S, Taylor DJ, Heller J, Mellor DJ, Hughes KJ.The sites of insertion of catheters into the jugular veins of six horses were investigated to determine common isolates and to assess the effectiveness of two disinfection protocols with the hair coat left long, clipped or shaved. Skin commensals (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Micrococcus species) and environmental contaminants (Bacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, Aspergillus and Mucor species) were the microorganisms most frequently isolated. Chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine-based skin disinfection protocols resulted in significant reductions in the number of bacterial isolates from ...
Perrier M, Lu Y, Nemke B, Kobayashi H, Peterson A, Markel M.To compare the efficacy of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)/calcium phosphate (CP) to autogenous cancellous bone graft (CBG) and to no treatment on bone healing, in surgically induced osteotomies and ostectomies of the accessory metatarsal bones in an equine model. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Adult horses (n=9). Methods: Segmental ostectomies of the second metatarsal bone (MT2) and osteotomies of the fourth metatarsal bone (MT4) were performed bilaterally in 9 horses. There were a total of 35 defects (1 MT4 was previously fractured) created and supplemented randomly...
McCluskie LK, Franklin SH, Lane JG, Tremaine WH, Allen KJ.To assess the effect of head position on relative position of the larynx and hyoid apparatus in horses with palatal dysfunction, and to define a standard position for radiographic assessment of laryngeal tie-forward. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Adult horses (n=9) with palatal dysfunction. Methods: Left lateral radiographs of the larynx were obtained pre and postoperatively for 3 different head positions (flexed=90 degrees ; neutral=100 degrees ; extended=115 degrees ). Distance between thyrohyoid bone and thyroid cartilage was measured. Data were analyzed to investigate diffe...
Radcliffe RM, Cheetham J, Bezuidenhout AJ, Ducharme NG, Nixon AJ.To describe anatomic considerations and arthroscopic technique in horses for arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Adult horses (n=4) with osteochondral fragments of the palmar/plantar PIP joint. Methods: Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments within the PIP joint was performed with horses in dorsal recumbency under general anesthesia. Medical records of affected horses were reviewed to determine history; physical, lameness, and radiological findings; surgical ...
Ellis CM, Lynch TM, Slone DE, Hughes FE, Clark CK.To report complications and survival after large colon resection and end-to-end anastomosis in horses with strangulating large colon volvulus. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n=73) with strangulating large colon volvulus. Methods: Records (January 1995 to December 2005) of horses that had large colon resection and anastomosis for strangulating large colon volvulus were reviewed for complications. Follow-up data were obtained by telephone questionnaire at least 1 year postoperatively. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate association with survival time. V...
Busschers E, Richardson DW, Hogan PM, Leitch M.To describe the characteristics of unilateral mid-body proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fractures, to determine factors associated with the outcome of horses after surgical repair, and to describe a technique for arthroscopically assisted screw fixation in lag fashion. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n=25) with unilateral mid-body PSB fracture. Methods: Medical records (1996-2006), radiographs, and arthroscopic videos of horses with surgically repaired unilateral mid-body PSB fractures were reviewed. Retrieved data included signalment, affected limb and PSB, fracture character...
Nunamaker DM, Nash RA.To report development, configuration, application, and results of a tapered-sleeve transcortical pin external skeletal fixation device (TSP ESFD) for use on fractures of the distal aspect of the equine limb. Methods: Optimization analysis of a TSP ESFD was carried out with mechanical testing and review of clinical case outcomes. Methods: Cadaveric adult third metacarpal bones (MC3) for mechanical testing; horses (n=7) with severely comminuted proximal (6; P1) or second (1) phalanx fractures. Methods: Mechanical testing of methods for attachment of TSP to the sidebars were tested as well as opt...
Levionnois OL, Spadavecchia C, Kronen PW, Schatzmann U.To determine the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in Shetland ponies using a sequence of three different supramaximal noxious stimulations at each tested concentration of isoflurane rather than a single stimulation. Methods: Prospective, experimental trial. Methods: Seven 4-year-old, gelding Shetland ponies. Methods: The MAC of isoflurane was determined for each pony. Three different modes of electrical stimulation were applied consecutively (2 minute intervals): two using constant voltage (90 V) on the gingiva via needle- (CVneedle) or surface-electrodes (CVsurface) and one ...
Ricco CH, Quandt JE, Novo RE, Killos M, Graham L.To evaluate the feasibility and functionality of intra-carotid wireless device implantation in ponies, and to investigate its short-term complications. Methods: Prospective preliminary study. Methods: Five mixed breed, adult, intact male ponies weighing 104 +/- 28.8 kg (mean +/- SD) underwent surgery. Arterial blood pressure data were continuously collected from four animals. Methods: General anesthesia was induced on two consecutive days. On the first day, an intra-arterial wireless device was implanted in the right carotid artery. On the next day, a transcutaneous intra-arterial catheter was...
Hendriks WK, Colenbrander B, van der Weijden GC, Stout TA.Ultrasonographic examination of the equine fetus in mid-late gestation is usually performed only if there are concerns about fetal or maternal health. Even then it is difficult to determine whether development is 'normal' for gestational age because the reference values include considerable error margins. This study examined maternal factors that influence fetal growth with the aim of producing more precise late gestation fetal growth curves for Dutch Warmblood horses. Fetal development was monitored at 2-week intervals from day 100 of gestation until term in 32 mares ranging from 4 to 18 year...
Cnudde V, Masschaele B, De Cock HE, Olstad K, Vlaminck L, Vlassenbroeck J, Dierick M, Witte YD, Van Hoorebeke L, Jacobs P.Micro-CT is a non-destructive technique for 3D tomographic investigation of an object. A 3D representation of the internal structure is calculated based on a series of X-ray radiographs taken from different angles. The spatial resolution of current laboratory-used micro-CT systems has come down over the last years from a few tens of microns to a few microns. This opens the possibility to perform histological investigations in 3D on a virtual representation of a sample, referred to as virtual 3D histology. The advantage of micro-CT based virtual histology is the immediate and automated 3D visua...
Plummer CE, Kallberg ME, Ollivier FJ, Barrie KP, Brooks DE.To describe and evaluate a surgical technique utilized for the therapy of deep corneal stromal abscesses (DSA) in horses. The DSA is excised and replaced with a partial thickness corneal lamellar allograft. Methods: A retrospective clinical study describing the indications for the surgical technique utilized and the outcomes of this procedure in 10 eyes of 10 horses. Results: Each affected eye had a discrete DSA within the posterior stroma. An initial partial thickness semicircular corneal incision was made at the limbus, followed by anterior stromal lamellar dissection over the lesion. After ...
Molleda JM, Cervantes I, Galán A, Tardón R, Gallardo JM, Martín-Suárez EM.To describe the protocol and appearance of fluorescein angiography (FA) in normal horses. Methods: A total of 25 healthy horses aged between 5 and 15 years. Methods: The horses were sedated with 15 microg/kg detomidine and 50 microg/kg butorphanol and dilated with topical tropicamide 1%. All angiograms were recorded after intravenous bolus injection of 10 mg/kg of fluorescein sodium solution. Results: Two successive angiographic phases could be discerned: the choriopapillary phase, starting at 46.95 +/- 9.48 s, and the retinal vascular phase, starting at 47.79 +/- 10.38 s. The retinal vascular...
Schaaf KL, Kannegieter NJ, Lovell DK.Ten horses presented with severe distortion of the facial contour, crepitus on palpation and mild to moderate epistaxis. Individual horses also showed ocular damage, ptosis, severe dyspnoea and movement of the facial bones concurrent with respiration. The fracture fragments were exposed using a large curvilinear incision and elevated using a retractor, periosteal elevator, chisel or Steinmann pin. The fracture fragments were unstable following reduction and fixation was necessary. Stabilisation was achieved with polydioxanone sutures placed through holes drilled in opposing sides of the fractu...
Mendez-Angulo JL, Ernst NS, Mudge MC.In order to assess postoperative outcome in horses undergoing end-to-end anastomosis of the small intestine, performed using a one-layer technique, 15 horses that underwent exploratory coeliotomy, resection of the small intestine and end-to-end anastomosis using a continuous Lembert pattern were studied. Information on the age, breed, sex, diagnosis, treatment, complications and outcome of each case were obtained from medical records. Follow-up information was obtained via telephone conversations with clients and trainers. Five of the horses had short-term postoperative complications: one had ...
Ross MW, Gentile DG, Evans LE.Transoral axial division was performed, using endoscopic guidance, in 20 horses with epiglottic entrapment. Mean age of affected horses was 3 years (range, 2 to 5 years), and there were 18 Standardbreds and 2 Thoroughbreds. Standardbreds and female horses were significantly overrepresented when compared with a reference population. Upper respiratory noise prompted endoscopic examination before surgery in 16 horses, but noise was not heard in 4 horses. Ten horses had entrapment by thin tissue without ulceration, 6 horses had entrapment by thin tissue with small, partial-thickness ulceration, 3 ...
Corradini I, Fernández-Ruiz A, Barba M, Engel-Manchado J.Comparisons between smartphone ECG (SpECG) recordings obtained from the right and left sides of the thorax have not been reported in animals. Objective: To evaluate the screening potential of a SpECG obtained from both sides of the thorax and to compare the degree of agreement between the SpECG and a reference ECG (rECG) for measurement of the duration of baseline electrical deflections recorded over both sides of the thorax. Methods: Fifty horses admitted to the equine hospital, university-owned horses, and horses from an endurance riding facility. Methods: Prospective observational study. Si...
Dybdal N, Horgan M, Costa L, Davis E, Lucero S, Nieves S, Quiroz V, Weberg K, Madigan JE.Challenges and issues related to the use of pentobarbital euthanasia and disposal of animal remains within the US have recently been reviewed. Environmental and public health challenges increasingly necessitate consideration of alternative methods such as gunshots, an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) "acceptable with conditions" method, for the humane euthanasia of horses. A recent study reported a correctly aimed gunshot provides a humane option for euthanizing horses. However, although aiming guidelines exist, studies examining bullet trajectories in animals euthanized by gunsh...
Skrzypczak H, Reed R, Brainard B, Sakai D, Barletta M, Quandt J, Smyth C, Ruch M, Knych H.Matrix fentanyl patches have not been investigated in horses and may represent an effective means of providing analgesia over an extended time period without venous catheterisation. Objective: To describe the pharmacokinetics of a matrix transdermal fentanyl patch in horses. Methods: Randomised experiment, Latin-square design. Methods: Six adult horses were given each of three treatments with a 96-hour washout. For each treatment, two 100 µg/h matrix fentanyl patches were applied to the inguinal region (TXA), metacarpus (TXM) or ventral tail base (TXT) for 72 hours. Blood samples for fentan...
Floriano D, Watkins AR, Hopster K.To evaluate the efficacy of 2 different oxygen delivery strategies-intranasal and tracheal insufflation-on the inspired fraction of oxygen (FIO2) in standing horses and to determine the time needed for arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) equilibration. Methods: 6 healthy adult horses. Methods: In this blinded, randomized crossover design study, horses were randomly assigned to receive oxygen via nasal cannula (group N) or transcutaneous tracheal catheter (group T). After placement of venous and arterial catheters, FIO2 was measured through a catheter placed into the distal portion of the t...
Smit IH, Hernlund E, Persson-Sjodin E, Björnsdóttir S, Gunnarsdottir H, Gunnarsson V, Rhodin M, Serra Braganca FM.Lameness assessment in the gaited Icelandic horse is complex. We aimed to describe their kinematic and temporal adaptation strategies in response to forelimb lameness at walk, trot and tölt. Methods: In vivo experiment. Methods: Ten clinically non-lame Icelandic horses were measured before and after reversible forelimb lameness induction. Upper body and limb kinematics were measured using 11 inertial measurement units mounted on the poll, withers, pelvis (tubera sacrale) and all four limbs and hoofs (Equimoves®, 500 Hz). Horses were measured on a straight line at walk and trot in-hand and ...
Gaynor JS, Hubbell JA.Local and regional anesthetic techniques are useful tools for the equine practitioner. These techniques allow surgery to be performed without the risk and cost of general anesthesia. There are, however, risks associated with the local and regional techniques. Neurotoxicity, although rare, may occur when 200 mL or more of a local anesthetic are infiltrated in a short period of time to a 450-kg horse. More likely, horses may become ataxic after nerve blockade in the limbs. This ataxia may lead to self trauma because the horse may not know where the limbs are actually being placed. Although local...
Jones ARE, Ragle CA.CASE DESCRIPTION 2 fillies, aged 3 months and 1 month, were examined because of urinary incontinence and urine scalding. CLINICAL FINDINGS In horse 1, ultrasonography did not reveal any structural abnormalities of the kidneys; however, unilateral ureteral ectopia was diagnosed cystoscopically. In horse 2, CT revealed bilateral nephropathy, bilateral distended ureters (up to 3.6 cm in diameter), and bilateral ureteral ectopia. Cystoscopy revealed intramural ureteral ectopia with abnormally caudally positioned ureteral ostia in both horses. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Ureteral ostioplasty was performe...
Rijkenhuizen ABM, van der Harst MR.Standing laparoscopic castration without orchidectomy has been shown to be a reliable method of castration in animals with abdominal cryptorchidism, but it cannot be recommended as a method of castration in those with inguinal cryptorchidism or normal males. An alternative laparoscopic method for the castration of horses with descended testes was developed. Objective: To report the results of laparoscopy-assisted abdominal transection of the spermatic cord and a modified open method in the standing horse for castration of descended testes in unilateral abdominal cryptorchids. Methods: Descript...
Wagner FC, Gerlach K, Geiger SM, Gittel C, Böttcher P, Mülling CKW.The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is the most frequently injured structure of the musculoskeletal system in sport horses and a common cause for early retirement. This project's aim was to visualize and measure the strain of the sound, injured, and healing SDFTs in a pony during walk and trot. For this purpose, biplanar high-speed fluoroscopic kinematography (FluoKin), as a high precision X-ray movement analysis tool, was used for the first time in vivo with equine tendons. The strain in the metacarpal region of the sound SDFT was 2.86% during walk and 6.78% during trot. When injured...
Sprayberry KA, Lu KG.Selected emergency conditions of male and female reproductive tracts in horses are described, including injuries affecting the external genitalia of male horses and emergent conditions arising during gestation in mares. Conditions affecting male horses are discussed in the context of breeding stallions, but kicks or other mechanisms of trauma in the groin can also affect geldings. Priapism, paraphimosis, trauma to the scrotum and testicles, and penile injury are discussed. In mares, traumatic vestibular injury, placentitis, hydropsic conditions, prepubic tendon and abdominal wall compromise, a...
Ingle-Fehr JE, Baxter GM.To describe endoscopic approaches to the calcaneal bursa and clinical findings in 2 horses with calcaneal bursitis. Methods: Cadaver evaluations and retrospective case reports. Methods: 12 cadavers and 2 adult horses. Methods: Cadaver specimens of the calcaneal bursa were evaluated with a rigid arthroscope and gross dissection to determine the endoscopic appearance of anatomic structures located within the bursa. The site(s) for placement of the arthroscope and instrument(s) was determined based on cadaver dissection and endoscopic examination. Results: Placement of the arthroscope 1 cm dorsal...
Gaustad G, Dolvik NI, Larsen S.To compare effects of intra-articular injection of 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution with rest alone for treatment of horses with traumatic arthritis. Methods: 38 Standardbred horses with moderate to severe lameness that resulted from traumatic arthritis. Methods: Horses were stratified on the basis of number of affected joints. In each stratum, horses were allocated randomly to treatment groups (intraarticular injection of 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution vs rest only). Treatment was for a period of 3 weeks. Horses were inspected weekly with a final examination 2 to 4 weeks after completion of treatment. ...
Dzierzęcka M, Charuta A.Proximal phalanges in horses are among bones that are most prone to injuries. So far, the detailed analysis of densitometric and geometric parameters of both front legs proximal phalanges in horses has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the densitometric and geometric parameters between proximal phalanges in equine both front legs with the use of peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Methods: The study material comprised isolated both front legs proximal phalanges derived from 22 horses. The structure analysis of the proximal phalanges was conducted with ...
Latorre R, Rodríguez MJ.The importance of correlating anatomical studies with diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in practice has long been recognised. Such studies in the horse have, until recently, lagged behind this discipline in human medicine and surgery. Clinical techniques by which this correlation is achieved include radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This review presents published literature on the subject and, in addition, describes the part played by plastination, a recently developed technique for the preservation of biological specimens. In this, tissue fluids ...
Brudvig JM, Swenson CL.Rapid and precise measurement of total and differential nucleated cell counts is a crucial diagnostic component of cavitary and synovial fluid analyses. Objective: The objectives of this study included (1) evaluation of reliability and precision of canine and equine fluid total nucleated cell count (TNCC) determined by the benchtop Abaxis VetScan HM5, in comparison with the automated reference instruments ADVIA 120 and the scil Vet abc, respectively, and (2) comparison of automated with manual canine differential nucleated cell counts. Methods: The TNCC and differential counts in canine pleura...
Porzuczek A, Kiełbowicz Z, Haines G.In equine field practice, the diagnosis of small intestinal disorders is usually based on the presence of distended loops on rectal palpation and large volumes of reflux obtained after the passage of a nasogastric tube. Percutaneous abdominal ultrasound examination has been widely utilized in both human and small animal internal medicine in most cases of gastrointestinal discomfort. The purpose of this study was to identify which measurable parameters were important in reaching a diagnosis of small intestinal abnormality and determining treatment options. Horses of various age, sex and breed w...
Yarbrough TB, Langer DL, Snyder JR, Gardner IA, O'Brien TR.Medical records of 245 horses that had been evaluated by use of abdominal radiography between January 1990 and December 1992 were reviewed. One hundred forty-one horses subsequently had a postmortem examination or surgical exploration performed for definitive lesion diagnosis. The signalment, diagnosis, site, and number of enteroliths were obtained from the medical records. Radiographs were evaluated individually by 3 reviewers for the presence of enteroliths, preferred diagnostic view, evidence of large colon tympany, and film quality. Of the 141 cases reviewed, 66.7% (94/141) had confirmed e...
Mykkänen AK, Hyytiäinen HK, McGowan CM.A 2-week-old Estonian Draft foal presented with signs of severe generalised tetanus, recumbency and inability to drink. The suspected source of infection was the umbilicus. Medical treatment was administered, including tetanus antitoxin, antimicrobial therapy and phenobarbital to control tetanic spasms. In addition, an intensive physiotherapy program was carried out during the recovery period. Techniques designed for syndromes involving upper motor neuron spasticity in humans were applied. Exercises aimed at weight-bearing and mobility were executed with the help of a walking-frame. The foal m...
Spoormakers TJP, Graat EAM, Serra Bragança FM, Weeren PRV, Brommer H.Lameness assessment in horses is still predominantly performed using subjective methods. Visual assessment is known to have moderate to good intra-rater agreement but relatively poor inter-rater agreement. Little is known about inter- and intra-rater agreement on the evaluation of back motion, for which no objective measurement technique in a clinical setting is available thus far. To describe inter- and intra-rater agreement of visual evaluation of equine back mobility. Rater reliability study using a fully crossed design in which all horses are rated by all observers. This data is compared w...
Cooley PL.When compared with small domestic animals, the horse has unique ocular characteristics (complete bony orbit, well-developed eyelid muscles, a nasal and temporal gray limbal line, granulae iridica, paurangiotic fundus). Knowledge of normal equine ocular anatomy is essential for ocular lesion interpretation. It is important to obtain a full history and general examination before sedation, nerve blocks, or other diagnostic ophthalmic tests are performed. All ocular examinations should include a systematic evaluation of both the anterior and posterior segments. Selection of other diagnostic tests ...
Hoffmann KL, Wood AK, Kirby AC.To obtain Doppler ultrasonographic images of renal arteries in horses and to establish reference range values for systolic and diastolic renal arterial blood flow and resistive indices. Also to determine whether Doppler ultrasonography could be used in horses to detect changes in renal blood flow after IV administration of furosemide. Methods: 11 clinically normal adult horses. Methods: Pulsed-wave Doppler examinations were performed on arcuate arteries of 5 sedated horses. Continuous-wave Doppler examinations were performed on pyelorenal arteries in 7 nonsedated horses and were repeated in 6 ...
Olivier-Carstens A.Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on the solar aspect of the distal phalanx of 10 feet of five normal live horses (Group 1), 22 feet of seven normal cadavers (Group 2), and nine feet of five horses with pathology of the dorsal solar aspect of the distal phalanx (Group 3). Lateromedial radiographs of the distal phalanx were made in all groups, and in Group 2, digits were sagitally sectioned after imaging. The ultrasonographic and radiographic appearance of the sagittal solar aspect of the distal phalanx was described. Measurements of the distance between the sole and the distal tip o...
Oku K, Kakizaki M, Ono K, Ohta M.Seven Thoroughbred horses were castrated under total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) using propofol and medetomidine. After premedication with medetomidine (5.0 µg/kg, intravenously), anesthesia was induced with guaifenesin (100 mg/kg, intravenously) and propofol (3.0 mg/kg, intravenously) and maintained with constant rate infusions of medetomidine (0.05 µg/kg/min) and propofol (0.1 mg/kg/min). Quality of induction was judged excellent to good. Three horses showed insufficient anesthesia and received additional anesthetic. Arterial blood pressure changed within an acceptable range in all horse...
Köllmann M, Rötting A, Heberling A, Sieme H.The diagnostic and therapeutic options for oviduct disorders in the mare are limited. The current best techniques require exploratory surgery under general anaesthesia or flank laparotomy. Objective: The orthograde flushing of the oviduct for diagnostic or therapeutic options is possible using laparoscopic techniques in the standing sedated mare. Methods: Development of a laparoscopic technique for catheterisation of the infundibulum and flushing of the oviduct (sterile methylene blue solution) in the standing sedated mare was examined in 2 experiments. The first involved a transvaginal laparo...
Grant DC, Westropp JL, Shiraki R, Ruby AL.Laser lithotripsy has been used as an alternative to surgical removal of uroliths. Objective: To describe the procedure and efficacy of laser lithotripsy for removal of lower urinary tract uroliths in horses. Additionally, the ultrastructure and the differences in mineralogy and microstructure from 1 successful and 1 unsuccessful laser lithotripsy case are described. Methods: Six client-owned horses with 7 episodes of naturally occurring urocystoliths, urethroliths, or both. Methods: Retrospective study of all horses treated between 2006 and 2008 by laser lithotripsy. All horses were sedated f...
Tomlinson JE, Sage AM, Turner TA, Feeney DA.To map the equine pelvis using ultrasonography, validated by use of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and measurements of frozen cadaver slices. Methods: 6 ponies and 6 horses. Methods: Ultrasonographic examination of the pelvis was performed on 6 clinically normal ponies. Measurements were obtained for imaged structures. Computed tomography, MRI, and measurements of frozen sections were performed after death and used to verify measurements. Linear regression determined the degree of correlation between measurements obtained ultrasonographically and the other modaliti...
Ruggles AJ, Ross MW.Medical records of 28 horses with impaction of the small colon were reviewed; 20 horses were admitted during the winter months. Diagnosis of small-colon impaction was made in 21 horses by rectal examination, and in 7 horses at exploratory celiotomy. Ten horses were treated medically, and 18 were treated surgically. Horses that were treated surgically were more likely to have abdominal distention than were those that responded to medical treatment (P less than 0.025). Signs of greater degree of abdominal pain and higher heart rate were seen in horses treated surgically, but these values were no...
Panzani D, Quaresma M, Fanelli D, Camillo F, Moroni R, Rota A, Martins-Bessa A, Nóvoa M, Catalán J, Canisso IF, Conte G, Mirò J.Due to the long courtship needed to attain excitation and erection, donkey semen collection can take up to 90 min. ProstaglandinF2α (PGF2α) has been reported to hasten the onset of erection and ejaculation in domesticated mammals, presumably by inducing smooth muscle contractions in the internal genitalia. However, while it has been anecdotally used in donkeys, it has yet to be critically evaluated. This study aimed to compare behavioral and semen parameters in Catalan, Balearic, Amiata, and Miranda jacks treated with the PGF2α analogue cloprostenol sodium immediately prior to exposure to a...
