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.
Wilkie DA, Colitz CM.The purpose of this review is not to specifically discuss the techniques of veterinary cataract surgery, but rather to emphasize some of the differences between the veterinary and human cataract patients, procedures and outcomes. Results: In general, veterinary cataract surgery has more similarities than differences when compared to its human counterpart. This is especially true when comparing pediatric cataract patients. Veterinary cataract surgery has changed dramatically in recent years with regards to surgical technique, ocular pharmacology, viscoelastic devices, phacoemulsification, and t...
Kelmer G, Schumacher J.Abdominal incisional hernias in over 40 horses were repaired by exposing the hernial sac and ring and closing the ring with absorbable, interrupted, inverted, cruciate sutures after inverting the hernial sac into the peritoneal cavity. A mesh was sutured, under tension, over the closed ring. Placing the mesh subcutaneously, rather than in the retroperitoneal space, simplified the dissection and minimised the likelihood of penetrating the peritoneal cavity, a problem common to techniques of hernia repair in which the mesh is implanted into the retroperitoneal space. Implanting the mesh subcutan...
Epstein K, Short D, Parente E, Reef V, Southwood L.The objective was to characterize ultrasonographic changes in bowel wall thickness, contractility, degree of distension, luminal contents, and peritoneal fluid associated with exploratory celiotomy in normal ponies. Gastrointestinal ultrasonographic examination was performed in 14 ponies on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after an exploratory celiotomy. Wall thickness, contractility, degree of distension, and luminal contents were recorded for the duodenum and jejunum. Stomach wall thickness and location, cecal wall thickness, and peritoneal fluid location and character were recorded. Peritoneal fluid was...
Smith S, Dyson SJ, Murray RC.Distal sesamoidean ligament injury is a recognized cause of lameness but diagnosis using ultrasonography is sometimes difficult. Herein, we describe the normal appearance of the distal sesamoidean ligaments on magnetic resonance (MR) images and the changes that occur when the ligaments are injured. The appearance of the distal sesamoidean ligaments on MR images from 66 control horses and 58 horses with distal sesamoidean desmitis were described and the cross-sectional area and signal intensity of the ligaments measured. In control horses, the ligaments had a characteristic appearance and stron...
Fernandez-Fuente M, Ames EG, Wagner ML, Zhou H, Strom M, Zammit PS, Mickelson JR, Muntoni F, Brown SC, Piercy RJ.To develop a reliable method for converting cultured equine skin-derived fibroblasts into muscle cells. Methods: Equine skin-derived fibroblasts. Methods: The equine myogenic differentiation 1 (eqMyoD) genomic sequence was obtained by use of equine bacterial artificial chromosome screening and PCR sequencing. Total mRNA was extracted from foal skeletal muscle, and eqMyoD cDNA was cloned into a plasmid vector with an internal ribosomal entry site to express bicistronic eqMyoD or enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Transient expression was confirmed by immunocytochemical analysis and west...
Huthmann S, Staszyk C, Jacob HG, Rohn K, Gasse H.The forces generated during equine mastication influence the teeth, as well as the periodontium, the jaw bones, the temporomandibular joints and materials used in dental therapy. Due to the limited accessibility of the cheek teeth located farther caudal in the equine oral cavity the measurement of the masticatory forces on these teeth is virtually impossible. The calculation of such forces is an appropriate, indirect alternative to direct measuring. Hence, a mathematical model, which respects several morphological features of the equine dentition, e.g. the Curve of Spee, is presented. The rele...
Kalf KL, Utter ME, Wotman KL.To measure duration of corneal anesthesia and time and degree of maximal anesthetic effect of 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride by use of a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer in horses. Methods: 10 clinically normal adult horses. Methods: Baseline corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured in millimeters for 1 randomly selected eye of each horse by use of the aesthesiometer by applying the filament to the cornea at maximum length (60 mm) and decreasing in 5-mm increments until a consistent blink response was elicited. Following baseline CTT measurement, 0.2 mL of 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride was in...
Simhofer H, Griss R, Zetner K.The main objective of this study was to evaluate an endoscopic examination protocol for routine dental examination in horses. The oral cavities of 300 standing, sedated horses were examined under field and hospital conditions with a rigid endoscope using a standardised technique that included examination of the occlusal, lingual (palatal) and buccal surfaces of all cheek teeth rows. The most common cheek teeth abnormalities detected were sharp enamel edges (present in 96.3% of horses), focal overgrowths (64.3%), fissure fractures (54.3%), diastemata (24.3%) and infundibular hypoplasia/caries (...
Zou X, Zou L, Foldager C, Bendtsen M, Feng W, Bünger CE.To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of spinal fusion with different graft materials during an anterior lumbar interbody fusion, we examined the gene-expression profiles after implantation of equine bone protein extract, rhBMP-2 and autograft using microarray technology and data analysis, including hierarchical clustering, self-organizing maps (SOM), KEGG pathway and Biological process GO analyses in a porcine model. The results suggest that equine bone protein extract exhibited a more similar expression pattern with autograft than that of rhBMP-2. rhBMP-2 recruits progenitor cells, prolifera...
Hawkes CS, Easley J, Barakzai SZ, Dixon PM.There is minimal published information on equine oromaxillary fistulae that are unrelated to cheek teeth (CT) repulsion or on the conservative treatment of these atypical fistulae. Objective: To report equine oromaxillary fistulae unrelated to CT extraction and describe their management in standing horses. Methods: Case details of oromaxillary fistulae of atypical aetiology occurring at 2 referral centres between 2002-2006, including their treatment and response to treatment were examined. Results: Nine cases of oromaxillary fistula were recorded, mainly in aged horses (median 22 years). Fistu...
Rodríguez MJ, Latorre R, López-Albors O, Soler M, Aguirre C, Vázquez JM, Querol M, Agut A.The equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its surrounding structures can be difficult to investigate in cases with a clinical problem related to the region. Little previous attention has been given either to a computed tomographic (CT) imaging protocol for the joint or an interpretation of the structures displayed in CT images of the normal joint. Objective: To provide a CT atlas of the normal cross-sectional anatomy of the equine TMJ using frozen and plastinated sections as anatomical reference. Methods: Eight TMJs from 4 immature pure-bred Spanish horses were examined by helical CT. Scans...
Carmalt JL, Allen AL.The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of cheek tooth occlusal surface morphology as an indicator of age in the horse using a blinded cross-sectional design. Twenty horses of varying age, breed and sex were used. Horses of known age (foaling date) were euthanized for reasons other than dental disease. Following disarticulation of the head and sectioning of the mandibles, cheek teeth were cleaned using running water and photographs were taken of each arcade. Using a computer-based program, the total surface area of each premolar and molar, the outer enamel ridge perimeter distance...
Shaw DJ, Dacre IT, Dixon PM.Measurements of primary, regular and irregular secondary dentine and pulp dimensions were made on transverse, sub-occlusal and mid-tooth sections, of 40 maxillary and 42 mandibular control equine cheek teeth (CT) of different ages. Maxillary and mandibular CT primary dentine in different age groups had a mean thickness of 922-1,065 microm and 1099-1,179 microm, respectively, on the lateral aspects, and 1,574-2,035 microm and 1155-1,330 microm, respectively, on the medial aspects of pulp horns. Surprisingly, some increase in thickness was found in some mandibular CT primary enamel in the first ...
Sleeper MM, McDonnell SM, Ely JJ, Reef VB.Enalapril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is frequently used in human, feline and canine patients with cardiac disease. Its use has been associated with impotence in human patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if enalapril (0.5mg/kg PO, q24h) is likely to alter behavior in stallions and to assess its effect on ACE activity at the standard dose used in dogs and cats. Twelve pony stallions were evaluated by physical examination and echocardiography followed by treatment with enalapril (n=6) or placebo (n=6) for 2 months. After one month, blood was drawn and...
Berger JM, Bell SA, Holmberg BJ, Madigan JE.A 15-year-old Saddlebred gelding used for competitive pleasure driving had a 1-year history of head shaking while pulling a cart. Results: The horse had cystic corpora nigra in both eyes and concomitant classic and operant conditioned responses to wearing a bridle with bilateral eye covers (blinkers). Results: Deflation and coagulation of the cysts with an infrared diode laser and behavior modification consisting of desensitization and counter-conditioning were used to successfully restore performance. Conclusions: Behavioral changes in horses can result from a combination of physical and psyc...
Townsend NB, Dixon PM, Barakzai SZ.The aims of this study were to objectively evaluate and quantify the process of post-extraction cheek teeth (CT) dental drift in horses, and to report on associated disorders of CT wear and long-term periodontal health. Fifty horses that had CT oral extraction because of apical infection were prospectively re-examined and a full oral examination, including measurements of some dental parameters, was performed. Narrowing of the extraction space was noted in all cases with complete closure occurring in 18% of horses. The rate of dental drift was calculated as 15.7% of extraction space/year (rang...
Dacre IT, Kempson S, Dixon PM.Examination of 41 extracted, apically infected mandibular cheek teeth (CT) without obvious causes of infection included radiography, computerised axial tomography and decalcified and undecalcified histology. In CT with recent infections, some pulps remained viable, with proliferative soft and calcified tissue changes confined to the apex. With more advanced CT infections, occlusal pulpar exposure was sometimes present (in 34% of the 41 CT), some infected pulp chambers were filled with necrotic pulp or food, and extensive destructive or proliferative changes were present in the calcified apical...
Verwilghen D, Ponthier J, Van Galen G, Salciccia A, Sandersen C, Serteyn D, Grulke S.Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is widely used in equine practice for the treatment of orthopedic problems. However, its original use as a lithotripsy device in human and canine urology led us to postulate that it could be used as an alternative to the surgical treatment of urethral calculi in horses. Objective: Radial ESWT can easily and safely fragment calculi in the distal urethra of the horse. Methods: Two postmortem cases and 1 live case of obstructive urinary disease admitted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Liege. Methods: A radial shockwave device was directly appl...
Foldager C, Bendtsen M, Zou X, Zou L, Olsen AK, Munk OL, Stødkilde-Jørgensen H, Bünger C.Prospective and randomized experimental study with anterior lumbar interbody fusion in a porcine model. Objective: To assess the early time-course of spinal fusion with equine bone protein extract (COLLOSS E), recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), and autograft using quantitative methods of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Background: Different growth and differentiation factors are currently being used for inducing bone formation in spinal fusion. However, the mechanisms and time-course of bone formation using the...
Brito LF, Engiles JB, Turner RM, Getman LM, Ebling A.An 18-year-old Friesian stallion was examined approximately one week after reportedly presenting scrotal swelling due to torsion of the spermatic cords. Upon presentation no scrotal swelling was noted, the testes were normally oriented, and no abnormalities of the spermatic cords were noted. However, both testes were smaller than expected for a mature stallion and deep palpation revealed that the consistency of the testes was nodular. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the testes revealed diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma with multiple hypoechoic nodular areas. Grossly, the testicular parenchyma wa...
Sinclair EA.A pharyngeal cyst was diagnosed in a 5-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, after presentation for coughing, dyspnea, and abnormal respiratory noise. Complete surgical excision was performed and the mare returned to normal function and performance. Histopathology found no evidence of thyroglossal duct remnants. Kyste pharyngien chez un Warmblood hollandais âgé de 5 ans. Un kyste pharyngien a été diagnostiqué chez une jument Warmblood hollandaise âgée de 5 ans qui avait été présentée pour un problème de toux, dyspnée et bruit respiratoire anormal. Une excision chirurgicale complète a é...
Luna SP, Angeli AL, Ferreira CL, Lettry V, Scognamillo-Szabó M.Pharmacopuncture, the injection of subclinical doses of drugs into acupoints reduces drug undesirable side effects, residues in animal consumption products and treatment costs in large animals. Acepromazine (Acp) produces several undesirable effects, such as hypotension. Previous studies with the injection of 1/10 of Acp dose in dog acupoints showed its advantage for sedation, minimizing undesirable effects. Eight horses were randomly submitted to four different treatment protocols according to a Latin Square double-blind design: (i) 0.1 ml kg(-1) of saline subcutaneously injected at the cervi...
Maes A, Garré B, Desmet N, van der Meulen K, Nauwynck H, De Backer P, Croubels S.Two methods are presented for the determination of 'respectively' the plasma protein unbound and total concentration of acyclovir in horse plasma and body fluids: first, a liquid-liquid extraction was performed on plasma, combined with HPLC-fluorescence detection for the total plasma concentration; second a more sensitive method using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with heated electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HESI-MS/MS) was described for plasma and for body fluids analysis. To obtain the unbound concentration of acyclovir in plasma, a simple deproteinizati...
Sardari K, Kazemi H.To evaluation of clinical examination for differential diagnosis of navicular region pain from other forms of palmar heel pain in the forelimb in horses the present study was undertaken. Thirty four horses with lameness referable to the palmar aspect of the hoof based on their response to the palmar digital nerves analgesia were divided into 2 groups based on their response to both distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa analgesia. Horses that were profoundly improved by both analgesic blocks (distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa) were considered to have navicular region p...
Pusterla N, David Wilson W, Madigan JE, Ferraro GL.Equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), although a relatively uncommon manifestation of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection, can cause devastating losses on individual farms or boarding stables. Although outbreaks of EHM have been recognized for centuries in domestic horse populations, many aspects of this disease remained poorly characterized. In recent years, an improved understanding of EHM has emerged from experimental studies and from data collected during field outbreaks at riding schools, racetracks and veterinary hospitals throughout North America and Europe. These outbreaks have h...
Ladefoged S, Grulke S, Busoni V, Serteyn D, Salciccia A, Verwilghen D.To describe the management and outcome of limb fractures in small domestic equids treated with a modified Thomas splint-cast combination (MTSCC). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Client owned horses and donkeys. Methods: Medical records, including radiographs, were reviewed for details of animals diagnosed with a limb fracture and treated by external coaptation using a MTSCC (2001-2012). Follow-up >6 months after discharge was obtained via telephone consultation with owners or veterinarians. Results: Nine horses and 4 donkeys were identified with fractures of the tibial diaphysi...
Jenson PW, Lillich JD, Roush JK, Gaughan EM.To test the failure strength and energy of 2 bioabsorbable implants applied to transected deep digital flexor tendons (DDFT) from adult horses. Methods: Ex vivo biomechanical experiment. Methods: Twelve pairs of deep digital flexor tendons harvested from the forelimbs of fresh equine cadavers. Methods: Poly-L-lactic acid tendon plates were custom manufactured for application to the cylindrical surface of an adult equine deep digital flexor tendon. Twelve pairs of DDFTs were transected 2 cm distal to the insertion of the distal check ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon. One tendon of eac...
Brauer TS, Booth TS, Riedesel E.Retrospective analysis of the radiographs of horses with carpal valgus, presented to the Iowa State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1987-1996, were used to compare 2 methods of geometric analysis for finding the total angle of deviation. The pivot point angle method and the individual joint angle method were found to be comparable for determining the total angle of deviation. The individual joint angle method was used to analyse individual carpal joint angles and physis angle in joints with carpal valgus, as well as the changes that occurred in response to surgical correction. Mul...
Lopez BS, Giguère S, Berghaus LJ, Mullins MA, Davis JL.The objectives of this study were to investigate the pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin and its metabolite N-desmethyldanofloxacin and to determine their concentrations in synovial fluid after administration by the intravenous, intramuscular or intragastric routes. Six adult mares received danofloxacin mesylate administered intravenously (i.v.) or intramuscularly (i.m.) at a dose of 5 mg/kg, or intragastrically (IG) at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg using a randomized Latin square design. Concentrations of danofloxacin and N-desmethyldanofloxacin were measured by UPLC-MS/MS. After i.v. administration, da...
Epstein KL, Parente EJ.To report a laparoscopic technique for insertion of polypropylene mesh in the nephrosplenic space in horses and evaluate outcome. Methods: Descriptive experimental study. Methods: Five healthy mature horses. Methods: One laparoscope and 2 instrument portals were made on the left side of the horse. The nephrosplenic space was measured and appropriately sized polypropylene mesh was inserted and attached to the dorsolateral splenic capsule and perirenal fascia using helical titanium coils. All horses had repeat laparoscopy 4 weeks later and were necropsied at intervals 4-14 weeks after mesh place...
Devick IF, Hendrickson DA.To describe a standing left paralumbar fossa approach combined with mesocolon fenestration for bilateral equine ovariectomy. Methods: Prospective experimental clinical study. Methods: Four healthy client-owned mares and 1 client-owned Molly mule. Methods: Mares were restrained in standing stocks and sedated with an α -agonist continuous infusion to effect. The abdominal cavity was approached via a left paralumbar fossa approach, and the contralateral right ovary was accessed through an incision in the mesocolon. The location of the window was adjusted to allow triangulation, adequate visualiz...
Wong DM, Alcott CJ, Wang C, Bornkamp JL, Young JL, Sponseller BA.To determine agreement between indirect measurements of end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PetCO(2)) and saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen as measured by pulse oximetry (SpO(2)) with direct measurements of PaCO(2) and calculated saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen in arterial blood (SaO(2)) in conscious healthy and ill foals. Methods: Validation study. Methods: 10 healthy and 21 ill neonatal foals. Methods: Arterial blood gas analysis was performed on healthy and ill foals examined at a veterinary teaching hospital to determine direct measurements of PaCO(2) and PaO(2) along wit...
Nikles SA, Heath TJ.The intestine of horses differs from that of most other domestic animals in having a huge ascending colon and cecum, which together act as a large fermentation vat. The lymph drainage from this intestine occurs through a complex network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes, of which there are several thousand. The pathways taken by lymph through these vessels and nodes were studied by tracing injections of dye, by examining Microfil casts, and with light and transmission electron microscopy. Lymph vessels transporting lymph from the intestinal wall generally terminate on a single node within a gro...
Rowland AL, Glass KG, Grady ST, Cummings KJ, Hinrichs K, Watts AE.To determine the influence of epidural detomidine and morphine on serum corticosteroid concentrations and pain-related behavioral responses in mares during and after ovariectomy via colpotomy. Methods: Blinded prospective study. Methods: Nine university-owned mares. Methods: Five of 9 horses received caudal epidural detomidine hydrochloride (0.01 mg/kg) and morphine sulfate (0.1 mg/kg) prior to surgery. All horses received local anesthetic around the ovarian pedicle, 0.02 mg/kg butorphanol IV at the start of the procedure and after first ovary removal, were sedated as required throughout the p...
Andrade FSRM, Ambrósio AM, Rodrigues RR, Faccó LL, Gonçalves LA, Garcia Filho SG, Dos Santos RT, Rossetto TC, Pereira MAA, Fantoni DT.Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has been an essential tool for assessing pulmonary ventilation in several situations, such as the alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) in PEEP titration to maintain the lungs open after atelectasis reversion. In the same way as in humans and dogs, in horses, this tool has been widely used to assess pulmonary aeration undergoing anesthesia, mechanical ventilation, recruitment maneuver, standing horses, or specific procedures. Unassigned: The present study aimed to evaluate the distribution of regional ventilation during ARM based on lung monitoring assessmen...
Mueller PO, Morris DD, Carmichael KP, Henry MM, Baker JJ.A 10-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding was admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital for evaluation of intermittent fever, lethargy, and anorexia. Initial laboratory analyses revealed anemia and hyperfibrinogenemia. Abdominocentesis and thoracentesis yielded fluid samples with high nucleated cell counts and total protein concentrations. The tentative diagnosis was nonseptic peritonitis. The horse did not improve after 4 days of antimicrobial treatment, and pitting edema of the ventral midline developed. Thoracic radiography and ultrasonography revealed consolidation of the ventral as...
Jarvis KA, Steffey EP, Tyler WS, Willits N, Woliner M.Results of recent investigations in humans and dogs indicate that gravity-independent factors may be important in determining the distribution of pulmonary blood flow. To further evaluate the role of gravity-independent factors, pulmonary blood flow distribution was examined using 15-microns radionuclide-labeled microspheres in five prone ponies over 5 h of pentobarbital sodium anesthesia. The ponies were killed, and the lungs were excised and dried by air inflation (pressure 45 cmH2O). The dry lungs were cut into transverse slices 1-2 cm thick along the dorsal-ventral axis, parallel to gravit...
Madkour FA, Abdelsabour-Khalaf M.The current study aims to provide a new method for the identification of animal species by using the scanning electron microscopic study on the nasal skin around the nostril. The reference databases for animal identification using traditional ways (i.e., hair and bone analyses) were somewhat available. This study was conducted on the nasal skin of seven different animal species: large ruminants (Saidi buffalo and frozen Angus cattle); small ruminants (Egyptian goat and Rahmani sheep); camels (one-hump dromedary camel); equines (African domestic donkey and Arabian horse); carnivores (farm domes...
Ludwig EK, Byron CR.A 2-year-old, 8-weeks pregnant, non-weight bearing miniature horse mare was treated for a 6-day-old left coxofemoral joint luxation with a femoral head ostectomy. The procedure had no negative effects on pregnancy or parturition and 23 months following surgery the horse had minimal lameness. Une jument miniature non portante gravide de 8 semaines et âgée de 2 ans a été traitée pour une luxation de l’articulation coxofémorale gauche datant de 6 jours à l’aide d’une ostectomie de la tête fémorale. L’intervention n’a pas eu d’effets négatifs sur la gestation ou la parturiti...
Jenner F, Kirker-Head C.To determine the physiologic response of the equine navicular bone to core decompression surgery in healthy horses. Methods: Experimental in vivo study. Methods: Healthy adult horses (n=6). Methods: Core decompression was completed by creating three 2.5-mm-diameter drill channels into the navicular bone under arthroscopic control. The venous (P(V)), arterial (P(A)), articular (P(DIPJ)), and intraosseous pressures (IOP) were recorded before and after decompression drilling. Each IOP measurement consisted of a baseline (IOP(B)) and a stress test (intramedullary injection of saline solution, IOP(...
Kitchell RL, Stromberg MW, Davis LH.Quantitative studies were made of cells in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve in the horse, dog, cat, pig, sheep, goat, and calf. This nucleus was larger in ruminants than in nonruminants. Some cells in all parts of the nucleus supplied visceral structures in the head, cervical, thoracic, and abdominal regions; however, a definite topographic localization did exist within the nucleus. Eighty percent of the cells which supplied the abdominal viscera were in the rostral and rostral-middle regions. The cells which supplied the thoracic viscera were distributed almost equally within the r...
Fugaro MN, Coté NM.To determine whether location and type of small intestinal anastomosis and other variables were associated with short- and long-term survival rates in horses undergoing stapled small intestinal anastomosis. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 84 horses that underwent small intestinal anastomosis. Methods: Medical records from 1988 to 1997 were examined for horses that underwent stapled small intestinal anastomosis. Horses were allotted into 4 groups: jejunojejunostomy (n = 27), jejunoileostomy (11), jejunoileocecostomy with small intestinal resection (20), and jejunoileocecostomy without sm...
Werpy N, Chapman K, Griffith L.When evaluating suspensory ligament branch splits, there is a discrepancy between high field MRI findings and weight bearing ultrasonographic imaging characteristics. In this descriptive and retrospective case series, ultrasonographic examination was performed on suspensory ligament branches with the limbs in weight bearing and non-weight bearing positions. Suspensory ligament branch splits were defined as linear regions of decreased echogenicity when imaged with the limb in a weight bearing position that increased in size and became anechoic with the limb in a non-weight bearing position. Thi...
Giusto G, Caramello V, Comino F, Gandini M.In this study the caecum and large colon were harvested from 24 slaughtered horses. On each sample, an 8‑cm long enterotomy was performed. Enterotomies were closed using either barbed or unbarbed glycomer‑631. We compared the time to close, appearance, length of suture material, bursting pressure, and costs associated with each type of material. Our findings demonstrated that time to close was significantly shorter (caecum, P = 0.034; pelvic flexure, P = 0.039) using barbed sutures (caecum 610.4 seconds; pelvic flexure 699.3 seconds) than unbarbed sutures (caecum 661.0 seconds, pelvic flex...
Harding PG, Smith RL, Barakzai SZ.To compare two approaches to performing the inferior alveolar nerve block in the horse and to evaluate the consistency of described topographical landmarks. Methods: Experimental cadaver model. Methods: Eleven cadaver heads were positioned to mimic a standing sedated horse and the position of the mandibular foramen approximated. The vertical approach to the approximate location of the mandibular foramen was undertaken and red dye was deposited. The angled approach was then undertaken and blue ink was used to identify it. The heads were then dissected to determine the location of the dye. Place...
Hallowell GD, Corley KT.Hypertonic saline and hydroxyethyl starches have been proposed as alternatives to isotonic crystalloids for reversal of hypovolemia in horses with colic. However, no direct comparison of these fluids has been performed in a clinical setting. Objective: Preoperative administration of hypertonic saline or pentastarch would produce similar effects on intra operative hemodynamics in horses with colic. Methods: Thirty horses requiring colic surgery were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, open-label clinical trial. Inclusion criteria were owner consent, and at least 2 of 3 clinicopathologic a...
Nolen-Walston RD.Large animal species in states of shock can require particularly high flow rates for volume resuscitation and the ability to deliver adequate volumes rapidly may be a rate-limiting step. The objective of this study was to determine the maximum flow rates of common combinations of IV catheter, extension set, and fluid administration sets. Methods: University veterinary teaching hospital. Methods: In vitro experimental study. Methods: Maximum flow rates were measured using combinations of 4 IV catheters (3 14-Ga and a single 10-Ga), 2 IV catheter extension sets (small bore and large bore), and 2...
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...
Anderson SL, Bracamonte JL, Hendrick S.The objective of this study was to compare the bursting strength (BS) and mode of failure (MF) of ventral midline (VM) celiotomies closed with USP 7 polydioxanone (7PD) in 1 or 2 simple continuous sections. A bursting strength model, consisting of inserting and inflating a 200-L polyurethane bladder through a 25-cm VM celiotomy, was used on 15 fresh equine cadavers. Celiotomies were closed using 7PD in 2 separate sections (4 knots), 2 continuous sections (3 knots), or a single section (2 knots) using a simple continuous pattern. The horses' signalment, body weight, number of total knots, MF, a...
Schmidt AR, Williams MA, Carleton CL, Darien BJ, Derksen FJ.Serial transabdominal amniocentesis was performed on eight mares in late gestation. Ultrasonography was used to identify the two placental fluid sacs and the foetus. A biopsy guide attached to the transducer allowed visualisation of the needle path during insertion. Amniotic fluid was obtained in 85 per cent of the attempts, although as mares approached parturition substantial pools of amniotic fluid were more difficult to locate. Two mares aborted during the study probably because of complications of the procedures, whereas six mares produced normal foals at term. The abortions preclude clini...
Miyakoshi D, Senba H, Shikichi M, Maeda M, Shibata R, Misumi K.This study aimed to evaluate whether radiographic abnormalities at yearling sales were associated with the failure to start racing at 2-3 years of age. Radiographic abnormalities in the carpal (n=852), tarsal (n=976), metacarpophalangeal (n=1,055), and metatarsophalangeal joints (n=1,031) from 1,082 horses, recorded at yearling sale, were reviewed. Eighty-two horses (7.6%) failed to start racing. Radiographic abnormalities such as wedged or collapsed tarsal bones, irregular lucency of a sagittal ridge at the distal aspect of the distal third metatarsal bone, and proximal dorsal fragmentation o...
Nerenberg C, Runkel RA, Matin SB.A simple radioimmunoassay was developed for the determination of oxfendazole in plasma. Oxfendazole N-1(3)-valerate was coupled to polylysine via a carbodiimide reaction, and antiserum was developed in rabbits after inoculation with oxfendazole--polylysine conjugate. The assay was developed so that oxfendazole could be measured directly in a 0.1-ml aliquot of diluted or undiluted plasma. With the developed procedure, 200 pg of oxfendazole/ml of plasma can be determined quantitatively. Cross-reactivity was determined for closely related compounds and metabolites. The method was used to determin...
Chesen AB, Whitfield-Cargile C.This article reviews dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) and nasopharyngeal cicatrix. Palatial instability results in exercise intolerance and upper respiratory noise in performance horses. Palatial instability can progress to DDSP either permanently or only during exercise. There have been advancements related to the etiopathogensis, diagnosis, and treatment of DDSP. The laryngeal tie-forward has gained popularity and is the most widely accepted treatment option for this condition, either alone or in combination with other procedures. Nasopharyngeal cicatrix affects a small geograph...
Nevins M, Al Hezaimi K, Schupbach P, Karimbux N, Kim DM.This study tests the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite and collagen bone blocks of equine origin (eHAC), infused with recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB), to augment localized posterior mandibular defects in non-human primates (Papio hamadryas). Methods: Bilateral critical-sized defects simulating severe atrophy were created at the time of the posterior teeth extraction. Test and control blocks (without growth factor) were randomly grafted into the respective sites in each non-human primate. Results: All sites exhibited vertical ridge augmentation, with physiologic ha...
Scharner D, Winter K, Brehm W, Kämpfert M, Gittel C.Despite advances in surgical technique in abdominal surgery, incisional complications are frequently reported following ventral midline laparotomy in horses. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of incisional complications at our clinic and to identify possible risk factors. Furthermore, we investigated whether suturing the peritoneum leads to a reduction of incisional complications. Methods: In this retrospective study, records of patients of the Large Animal Clinic for Surgery of the University of Leipzig from January 2010 to December 2015 were analysed. Horses with ventral m...
