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.
Wright IM, Smith MR, Humphrey DJ, Eaton-Evans TC, Hillyer MH.Contamination and infection of synovial cavities are a common occurrence in clinical practice and, if inadequately treated, may have career or life threatening consequences for affected horses. Objective: The objectives in treating contamination and infection of joints, tendon sheaths and bursae are most effectively met by endoscopic surgery. Methods: Over a 6 year period, cases of synovial contamination and infection admitted to a referral clinic were evaluated and treated endoscopically. The horses received local and systemic antimicrobial drugs with minimal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory me...
Back W, Remmen JL, Knaap J, de Koning JJ.Lateral heel wedges are used to treat horses and ponies with patella fixation or bone spavin. However, these therapies are purely empirically based and lack scientific evidence. Objective: Lateral heel wedges would change joint motion in the sagittal, but mainly in the transversal planes, in healthy horses. This effect would be increased by restricted feeding and decreased by extra training. Methods: A group of 24 Shetland ponies age 3 years was used, as foals had been assigned to restricted and ad libitum (ad lib) feeding, and low and high level training groups of 6 animals each. An experienc...
Stanley SD, McKemie D, Skinner W.A rapid, sensitive, and rugged method for detecting drugs and drug metabolites in extracts of horse urine is described. The use of large-volume injection (LVI) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for analysis of horse urine extracts allowed automation of the derivatization procedure and reduction of the sample volume from 5 mL to 1 mL of urine. An autosampler and temperature-programmable inlet were used to automatically dissolve the sample extract and form trimethylsilyl derivatives of over 200 analytes. The suitability of this procedure for routine GC-MS detection of approximately 80...
Durham AE, Smith KC, Newton JR.The diagnostic value of several investigative procedures commonly used during the evaluation of suspected equine hepatopathy cases has not been specifically quantified in previous studies. Objective: No noninvasive procedures would clearly discriminate between horses with and without significant liver disease. Methods: Histopathology of biopsy samples was used as the 'gold standard' technique for definitive diagnosis of the presence or absence of significant liver disease. Clinical, ultrasonographic and clinicopathological data obtained during the investigation of 82 suspected cases of hepatop...
Brown JA, Derksen FJ, Stick JA, Hartmann WM, Robinson NE.Show and performance horse with laryngeal hemiplegia (LH) often present for excessive respiratory noise rather than significant exercise intolerance. Therefore, the goal of surgery in these horses is to reduce respiratory noise but there are no quantitative studies evaluating the effect of any upper-airway surgery in LH-affected horses. Objective: To determine whether bilateral ventriculocordectomy (VC) reduces respiratory noise in exercising horses with laryngeal hemiplegia. Methods: Six Standardbred horses with normal upper airways were used in this study. Respiratory sounds and inspiratory ...
Bøgh IB, Brink P, Jensen HE, Lehn-Jensen H, Greve T.In the mare, ultrasound-guided transvaginal oocyte recovery and transfer might offer a way to circumvent the demanding procedures of in vitro embryo production. Before clinical application, the possible consequences for subsequent fertility have to be considered. Objective: To examine ovarian function and morphology in mares after repeated follicular punctures. Methods: A total of 14-26 follicular puncture sessions were conducted on each of 4 Norwegian pony mares over a period of 8 years. The ovaries of these mares were recovered by bilateral ovariectomy or at post mortem and subjected to macr...
Skarda RT, Muir WW.To determine the analgesic, behavioral, hemodynamic and respiratory effects of midsacral subarachnoid administration of ropivacaine hydrochloride solution in mares. Methods: Randomized, blinded study. Methods: Ten healthy mares, weighing from 470 to 560 kg. Methods: Intravascular and subarachnoid catheters were placed after infiltration of the skin and subcutaneous tissues with 2% lidocaine. Ropivacaine (0.2%, 5 mL) or 0.9% NaCl was then administered subarachnoidally at the midsacral (S2-S3) vertebrae. Analgesia was determined by lack of sensory perception to electrical stimulation (>40 mA)...
Mircica E, Clutton RE, Kyles KW, Blissitt KJ.To identify the incidence of adverse effects caused by morphine 100-170 micro g kg-1 administration during surgery in horses. Methods: Retrospective case record analysis (1996-2000). Methods: Eighty-four healthy (ASA 1 or 2) horses, mean age 5.5 +/- 3.1 (SD) years (2 months to 16 years), mean weight 524 +/- 14 kg (100-950). Methods: Physiological data and evidence of complications were collected from the anaesthetic records of all animals anaesthetized with romifidine, ketamine, diazepam and halothane and undergoing laryngeal surgery or orchiectomy at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Stud...
Olbrich VH, Mosing M.To evaluate and compare the effects of caudal epidural administration of methadone (METH) and lidocaine (LIDO) on tolerance to thermal stimulation over the dermatomes of the perineal, sacral, lumbar and thoracic regions in the horse. Methods: A blinded, randomized, prospective, experimental cross-over study. Methods: Seven healthy horses, 15.7 +/- 4.9 years (mean +/- SD) of age, weighing 536 +/- 37 kg. Methods: The horses were randomly assigned to receive two treatments (group M: METH, 0.1 mg kg-1 or group L: LIDO, 0.35 mg kg-1) at intervals of at least 28 days. An 18-gauge 80-mm Tuohy epidura...
Murrell JC, Johnson CB, White KL, Taylor PM, Haberham ZL, Waterman-Pearson AE.To identify changes in the amplitude spectrum of the electroencephalogram (EEG) during a standardized surgical model of nociception in horses. Methods: Thirteen entire male horses and ponies referred to Division of Clinical Veterinary Science, Bristol (n = 9) and Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine (n = 4) for castration. Methods: Following pre-anaesthetic medication with acepromazine, anaesthesia was induced with guaiphenesin and thiopental and maintained with halothane in oxygen. The EEG was recorded continuously using subcutaneous needle electrodes. Additional monitoring comprised EC...
Taniguchi K, Obitsu T, Ohmura H, Hiraga A, Hata H, Aida H, Akiyama K, Tanaka K.A rigid-type of polyethylene T-cannula was fitted into the anterior ileum of six horses in order to improve the cannulation techniques. A piece of polyethylene net was fastened onto the intestinal wall around the cannula to prevent dislodgment of the cannula by promoting a secure adhesion between the ileum and the abdominal wall. The cannula barrel sheathed with silicone tubing was exteriorized through a stab incision at the lateral ventral wall on the transverse line of the second lumber vertebra, and a flange was screwed onto the barrel. The feeding regime gradually increased concentrate wit...
Feige K, Ehrat FB, Kästner SB, Schwarzwald CC.The purpose of this study was to evaluate plasmapheresis as a method for plasma extraction in comparison with centrifugation or gravity sedimentation. The study was designed as a cross over trial with six Freiberger horses undergoing plasma donation by plasmapheresis followed by whole-blood donation and subsequent plasma production 4 weeks later. Automated plasmapheresis and whole-blood donation were well tolerated in all horses. The plasmapheresis method achieved an almost complete removal of erythrocytes and leucocytes from plasma at all flow rates. After blood bag centrifugation, significan...
Alexander K, Dobson H.A study of the ultrasonographic appearance and size of the sciatic, tibial, peroneal, suprascapular, radial, median, and ulnar nerves and a comparison with the anatomic size and location of these nerves in the normal adult horse is reported. Cadavers and live horses were studied. Landmarks for localization and techniques for nerve identification are described. The depth and diameter of each nerve at various locations and the success rate in imaging each nerve are reported. Statistically significant correlations were found between anatomically and ultrasonographically measured nerve depths and ...
Oku K, Yamanaka T, Ashihara N, Kawasaki K, Mizuno Y, Fujinaga T.To evaluate clinical usefulness of xylazine (1.0 mg/kg)-midazolam (20 microg/kg)-propofol (3.0 mg/kg) anesthesia in horses, 6 adult Thoroughbred horses were examined. The quality of induction varied from poor to excellent and 5 out of 6 horses presented myotonus in the front half of the body. However, paddling immediately after induction observed in other reports of equine propofol anesthesia was not observed. Recovery time was 35.3 +/- 9.3 min and the quality of recovery was calm and smooth in all horses. Respiration rate decreased after induction and hypoxemia was observed during lateral rec...
Bartmann CP, Stief B, Schoon HA.Transendoscopic thermal preparation techniques like laser- or electrosurgery have proved to be most reliable for minimal invasive intrauterine surgery during operative hysteroscopy in mares. To determine the effect of Nd:YAG laser surgery on the endometrium and the complete uterine wall compared with electrosurgery, standard lesions were obtained by transendoscopic monopolar electrosurgery (loop electrode, cutting blade) and Nd:YAG laser surgery (contact, bare fibre, 25 Watt, exposure time four seconds, non contact, 80 Watt, exposure time four seconds) in five healthy mares on days d 0, 7, 14,...
Dixon RM, McGorum BC, Railton DI, Hawe C, Tremaine WH, Dacre K, McCann J.Laryngoplasty (LP) is currently the most common surgical treatment for equine laryngeal paralysis, however, there have been no reports quantifying the degree of retention of arytenoid abduction following LP. Additionally, the complications of LP have been poorly documented. Objective: To record the degree of arytenoid abduction retention following LP and to accurately document all complications of surgery. Methods: A study (1986-1998) of 200 horses of mixed breed and workload, median age 6 years (prospective 136 cases and retrospective 64 cases) undergoing LP (using 2 stainless steel wires) an...
Dixon PM, McGorum BC, Railton DI, Hawe C, Tremaine WH, Dacre K, McCann J.There is continuing debate on the clinical benefit of laryngoplasty (LP) in the treatment of equine laryngeal paralysis. In particular, there is little information available on the clinical value of this surgery in older horses, in non-Thoroughbreds or in sports or pleasure horses; nor on the relationship between the degree of LP abduction achieved and the clinical value of LP. Objective: To evaluate the owner's assessment of the value of LP (and combined ventriculocordectomy) in an older, mixed breed and mixed workload population of horses and to also assess the relationship between the degre...
Walmsley JR, Phillips TJ, Townsend HG.There is little published information available describing clinical signs, arthroscopic findings and prognosis of meniscal injuries in horses. Objective: To evaluate the effect on the outcome not only of the arthroscopic findings and treatment, but also of the clinical and radiographic signs in these horses. Methods: The following were recorded for each case: the meniscal injury, graded according to severity; clinical and radiographic findings prior to surgery; any concurrent injury in the joint seen at arthroscopy. The effect of these factors and the grade of injury on the outcome were analys...
Frankeny RL.Five horses with unilateral epidermal inclusion cysts located in the nasal diverticula were sedated and treated with intralesional injection of neutral-buffered 10% formalin (volume range, 2 to 4.5 mL). After aspiration of the cyst, formalin was injected intralesionally until leakage of fluid around the needle was observed. After several weeks, desiccation of the cyst was evident; it was excised 2 weeks after treatment in 3 horses, digitally removed by the owner of 1 horse, and never removed in 1 horse, because the owner declined further treatment after resolution of the original swelling of t...
Wilkins RJ, Fairfax TP, Davies ME, Muzyamba MC, Gibson JS.Ca2+ homeostasis in articular chondrocytes affects synthesis and degradation of the cartilage matrix, as well as other cellular functions, thereby contributing to joint integrity. Although it will be affected by mechanical loading, the sensitivity of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in equine articular chondrocytes to many stimuli remains unknown. Objective: An improved understanding of Ca2+ homeostasis in equine articular chondrocytes, and how it is altered during joint loading and pathology, will be important in understanding how joints respond to mechanical loads. Methods: [Ca2+]i...
Westerduin FE, Lankveld DP, van der Velden MA, Back W, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM.A 14-year-old Arabian cross-bred gelding was referred to the University Clinic because of mild, recurrent signs of colic for 5 days. The pony showed icteric mucous membranes, haemolytic blood, and dark coloured urine. Internal examination did not give a clear diagnosis. Unidentified intra-abdominal strands were found and haemorrhagic abdominocentesis led to the decision to perform an exploratory laparatomy. An extremely enlarged spleen was the sole finding. A splenal biopsy sample was taken and surgery was completed. The pony remained colicky, so the spleen was examined by ultrasonography. Aft...
Dawson K.Sourcing of horses naturally infected with parasites such as Anoplocephala perfoliata and Gasterophilus intestinalis for antiparasitic efficacy slaughter studies is often difficult, expensive, and usually excessive numbers of animals must be slaughtered before significant data can be obtained. To overcome this problem a "Modified Critical Treatment Method" was developed. This method does not require the horses to be sacrificed, but relies on the collection and processing of all faecal material containing expelled parasites from test animals. Efficacy is assessed by comparing, in the same horse...
Peters M, Brandt K, Wohlsein P.An intracranial epidermoid cyst was diagnosed in a Haflinger gelding aged 12 years suffering from episodes of neurological disturbance, apathy and fever. The extracerebral cyst was located in the region of the tentorium cerebelli and measured 9 x 8 x 5 cm. It displaced the cerebral hemispheres anteriorly and compressed the cerebellum and brainstem underneath. Histologically, the cyst was lined by keratinizing, stratified squamous epithelium and contained keratin scales, debris, focal haemorrhages, and degenerating inflammatory cells. The epithelium was supported by a vascularized fibrous capsu...
Petrov R, MacDonald MH, Tesch AM, Van Hoogmoed LM.To determine rate and degree of cooling for the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) during a standard cryotherapy application in horses and evaluate in vitro effects of cooling on survival of tendon cells. Methods: 6 limbs of 5 adult horses and cultured cells obtained from SDFT of 3 adult horses during necropsy. Methods: In vivo data were acquired by use of a thermocouple temperature probe inserted into the SDFT of a forelimb of each standing sedated horse. After baseline temperatures were recorded, a commercial compression splint with circulating coolant was placed on each selected limb,...
Bolt DM, Burba DJ.A pregnant 9-year-old Peruvian Paso mare was evaluated because of a fracture involving the left radius. On examination, grade IV/V lameness of the left forelimb was observed; radiography of the limb revealed a longitudinal oblique displaced fracture that extended from the caudal cortex of the radial mid-diaphysis into the humeroradial joint. To minimize the development of degenerative joint disease in the humeroradial joint, repair with internal fixation was recommended. A dynamic compression plate was applied to the cranial aspect of the radius; three 2-mm stainless steel cable cerclages were...
Redding WR, O'Grady SE.Hoof abscesses are probably the most common cause of acute severe lameness in horses encountered by veterinarians and farriers. Most affected horses show sudden, severe (acute) lameness; the degree of lameness varies from being subtle in the early stages to non-weight bearing. There is still debate between the veterinary and farrier professions as to who should treat a hoof abscess and the best method to resolve the abscess. Puncture wounds to the sole of the foot can introduce bacteria and debris to the solar surface of the distal phalanx and produce a fracture or a septic pedal osteitis.
Hermans H, Lloyd-Edwards RA, Ferrão-van Sommeren AJH, Tersmette AA, Schouten JCM, Serra Bragança FM, van Loon JPAM.In standing ophthalmic surgery in horses, a retrobulbar nerve block (RNB) is often placed blindly for anesthesia and akinesia. The ultrasound (US)-guided RNB may have fewer complications, but the two techniques have only been compared once in equine cadavers. This study compares the techniques for success and complication rates and analyzes the effect of training on US guidance. Twenty-two equine cadavers were divided into three groups: blind RNBs were performed bilaterally in eight cadavers, US-guided RNBs were performed bilaterally in seven cadavers, and after US-guided training, blind RNBs ...
Pratt S, Barnes TS, Cowling N, de Klerk K, Rainger J, Sole-Guitart A, Woldeyohannes S, Goodwin W.To compare arterial blood pressure (ABP) measured invasively (IBP) to ABP measured non-invasively (NIBP) via oscillometry in healthy anaesthetised and standing horses using the Bionet BM7Vet. Fourteen horses were anaesthetised for elective procedures (anaesthetised group) and 10 horses were enrolled for standing blood pressure manipulation (standing group). In both groups, IBP and NIBP-corrected to heart level were measured every 3 min using the Bionet BM7Vet. The overall mean difference (bias), standard deviation and limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated for paired IBP and NIBP systolic (...
Bristol DG.Enterocutaneous fistulae are rare in horses and occur most commonly as a complication of umbilical hernias or their treatment. Horses with enterocutaneous fistulae may be successfully treated by en bloc resection of the body wall and intestine or by allowing second intention healing. Complications associated with surgical intervention include fever, colic, incisional problems, and recurrence of the fistula. Nonsurgical management of two horses with presumptive large colon fistulae resulted in resolution of the fistulae without complications.
Sanders-Shamis M, Gabel AA.An avulsed carpal medial collateral ligament was diagnosed by clinical and radiographic examination in a 1-day-old foal that was unable to bear weight on the affected limb. The foal had a valgus deviation originating at the carpus and medial to lateral instability of the affected carpus. The ligament was reconstructed with screws and suture tape. Surgical reconstruction is a viable alternative to long-term casting or splinting for treatment of a ruptured carpal medial collateral ligament in a foal.
Bouré L, Marcoux M, Lavoie JP, Laverty S.Exploratory laparoscopy of the right dorsal portion of the abdominal cavity was performed on a Standardbred filly because of signs of mild abdominal pain of 7 days' duration. On the basis of clinical examination, diagnosis was suppurative peritonitis, abdominal adhesions in the area of the right ovary, and right displacement and impaction of the pelvic flexure of the ascending colon. During laparoscopy, an abdominal adhesion between the right uterine horn, the cecum, and the pelvic flexure was identified. The abdominal adhesions were either stretched with laparoscopic forceps used as a probe o...
Knych HK, Stanley SD, Harrison LM, Mckemie DS.The use of corticosteroids, such as betamethasone, in performance horses is tightly regulated. The objective of the current study was to describe the plasma pharmacokinetics of betamethasone as well as time-related urine and synovial fluid concentrations following intra-articular administration to horses. Twelve racing-fit adult Thoroughbred horses received a single intra-articular administration (9 mg) of a betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate injectable suspension into the right antebrachiocarpal joint. Blood, urine, and synovial fluid samples were collected prior to and...
McLaughlin SA, Whitley RD, Gilger BC.The lens represents a unique tissue in light of its embryologic development, retention of old cells and nuclear make-up, transparent nature, immune privileged status, and metabolic restrictions. Disorders of malformation and malposition occur, but cataract development is the most common and significant problem for owners and animals. Technologic and pharmacologic advances have allowed surgical removal of equine cataracts to become an acceptable alternative, capable of returning a visually impaired horse to a functional status. Uveal inflammation represents the greatest threat to successful sur...
Riera FL, Roldán JE, Gomez J, Hinrichs K.Transfer of donor oocytes to the oviducts of inseminated recipient mares (oocyte transfer, OT) presents a valuable method for production of foals from otherwise infertile mares. Little information is available, however, on factors affecting success of OT in a clinical setting. We report the findings over three breeding seasons in a commercial OT program developed at an equine embryo transfer center in Argentina. Overall, 25 mares were enrolled, and 197 follicle aspiration procedures were performed. The average mare age was 23 years. Follicle aspiration was performed with a needle placed throug...
Martin GS, Beadle RE, Haynes PF, Watters JW.The ventral-to-dorsal height of the rima glottidis was measured from lateral pharyngeal radiographs after correction for magnification. The rima glottidis height was used to enlarge accurately endoscopic photographs of 5 horses taken before and after transection of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Areas of the rima glottidis and aditus laryngis were measured, using a computerized digitizer. Mean area of the aditus laryngis was 1,908 mm2 before neurectomy and 1,346 mm2 after neurectomy (P = 0.025). Mean area of the rima glottidis was 1,198 mm2 before neurectomy and 805 mm2 after neurectomy (...
Bramlage LR, Hanes GE.A 3-year-old Thoroughbred mare was examined because of hindlimb lameness from incomplete fracture of the tibia, which became a complete diaphyseal fracture during the examination. The fracture was repaired by open reduction and internal fixation with lag screws and 2 neutralization plates. A cranial approach was used and the plates were placed craniolateral and medial on the tibia. At 18 months after surgery, there was no evidence of complications resulting from the fracture or its repair. It was concluded that a cranial approach with craniolateral and medial plate placement allows easier inse...
O'Rielly JL, Bertone AL, Genovese RL.A four-year-old Standardbred gelding was examined because of vague right hind limb lameness of 3 to 4 months' duration. Results of physical examination, radiography, and scintigraphy were indicative of a chronic comminuted fracture of the proximal portion of the right fibula. A cancellous bone graft was placed in the fracture site, and 3 months later, the fracture appeared to be healed radiographically. Fractures of the fibula are rare in horses and should not be confused with normal anatomic discontinuities that result in a bi- or tripartite appearance of the fibula on radiographs. Because th...
Bergmann W, Vernooij JCM, Grinwis GCM, Gröne A.Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) of articular process joints (APJs) is involved in cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVM). Biomechanical forces, important in development of OCD, depend on joint conformation. Oval and flat APJ surfaces are considered normal. Objective: To identify and grade gross shape variation of cervical and cranial thoracic APJ surfaces and determine association with histological evidence of osteochondrosis. Methods: Case series. Methods: Eight hundred and four cervical and cranial thoracic APJ surfaces of 30 foals were evaluated for shape(s) and grades, and were co...
Anor S, Espadaler JM, Monreal L, Pumarola M.To reassess reference values for the components of the electrically induced blink reflex, document reference values for facial motor nerve conduction velocity, and demonstrate usefulness of the blink reflex as a diagnostic tool in peripheral facial and trigeminal nerve dysfunction in horses. Methods: 10 healthy adult horses (8 males, 2 females) without neurologic abnormalities. Methods: Blink reflex tests were performed by electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve and facial (auriculopalpebral) nerve. Reflex and direct muscle-evoked potentials of the orbicularis oculi muscles were recor...
Patel J, Lofstedt RM.This report involves uterine rupture in a mare, which was unique because it was not associated with assisted or difficult foaling. We describe an alternative to surgical correction of the condition and illustrate the need for luminal uterine palpation, so that uterine rupture does not go undiagnosed.
Blikslager AT, Bristol DG.A 3-month-old foal was examined because of lameness and fracture of the left lateral trochlear ridge of the femur. Arthroscopy of the left femoropatellar joint was elected. After induction of general anesthesia and placement of the foal in dorsal recumbency, it was noticed that the left hind limb was extended at the tibiotarsal joint and flexed at the femorotibial joint. Avulsion fracture at the origin of the peroneus tertius tendon was diagnosed. Fracture fragments were excised. The horse had mild left hind limb lameness at the time of follow-up evaluation 1 year after discharge.
Pipers FS, Adams-Brendemuehl CS.To establish the feasibility of utilizing high-frequency ultrasound to image equine fetal development transabdominally, in vitro and in vivo observations were made. Three fetuses retrieved from mares that died from various causes were scanned in vitro to establish fetal images from various orientations. A total of 50 mares ranging in age from 4 to 16 years and representing various breeds were scanned intermittently from 100 days of gestation to parturition. Fetal parts, amniotic fluid, placental membranes, and motion patterns could be reliably identified. Fetal heart rates decreased from 180 b...
Yang VY, Eaton JS, Harmelink K, Hetzel SJ, Sanchez A, Lund JR, Smith LJ.Injection techniques for retrobulbar anaesthesia are published in horses, but neither safety nor anaesthetic efficacy and duration have been evaluated objectively in vivo. Objective: To characterise the safety and efficacy of one published technique for retrobulbar anaesthesia. Methods: Randomised, controlled descriptive experiment. Methods: Unilateral retrobulbar injection with 10 mL lidocaine (2%) was performed in eight sedated adult mares. Contralateral eyes served as untreated controls. Neurophthalmic parameters, intraocular pressure (IOP), and corneal and periocular sensation were measur...
Mogg TD, Groenendyk S, Sutton RH.A 7-years-old Clydesdale mare was presented with severe abdominal distension and acute colic. Dilated large intestine was palpated per rectum and a ventral midline exploratory laparotomy was performed. A 180 degrees volvulus of the pelvic flexure was present, associated with an inelastic band of tissue connecting the mesocolon to the umbilicus. The band was ligated and transected, and the volvulus reduced. Postoperative complications included hyponatraemia, metabolic acidosis and laminitis. The possible aetiology of the mesocolic-umbilical band is discussed.
Martín-Suárez EM, Mesa P, Portillo M, Morgaz J, Moreno O, Guisado A, Galán-Rodríguez A.This study sought to compare the Schirmer Tear Test (STT)-1 results at 30 (STT30) versus 60 (STT60) seconds in healthy horses. This study included a total of 56 healthy horses. STT-1 was performed in both eyes, right eye first, and the wetting lengths were measured in STT30 and STT60. To evaluate the reduction of the initial reflex phase, the wetting length velocity was measured during the first 30 seconds. The effects of eye, age, weight, sex, and ambient temperature and humidity on STT values were evaluated. Mean (standard deviation) STT30 and STT60 were 19.06 (3.88) and 24.26 (4.50) mm. The...
Gittel C, Schulz-Kornas E, Sandbaumhüter FA, Theurillat R, Vervuert I, Larenza Menzies MP, Thormann W, Braun C.To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and selected pharmacodynamic effects of a commercially available l-methadone/fenpipramide combination administered to isoflurane anaesthetized ponies. Methods: Prospective single-group interventional study. Methods: A group of six healthy adult research ponies (four mares, two geldings). Methods: Ponies were sedated with intravenous (IV) detomidine (0.02 mg kg) and butorphanol (0.01 mg kg) for an unrelated study. Additional IV detomidine (0.004 mg kg) was administered 85 minutes later, followed by induction of anaesthesia using IV diazepam (0.05 mg kg) and keta...
Fransson BA.This article reviews the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rectal perforation and rectocutaneous fistula in small animals. In addition, the literature regarding use of enterostomy in small animals is reviewed and comparative aspects of this procedure in humans and horses are presented. A case report of rectal perforation leading to rectocutaneous fistula formation and the use of colostomy in the management of the case is presented.
Spurlock SL, Spurlock GH, Donaldson LL.A 3-year-old Thoroughbred mare with signs of acute abdominal pain and chronic pneumonia was found to have pneumothorax. A single application of suction was successful in resolving the pneumothorax. The underlying pneumonia was treated with long-term antibiotic administration selected on the basis of results of bacteriologic culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of a transtracheal aspirate. The pneumonia resolved, and the mare returned to competition as a show hunter.
Little TV, Woods GL.The accessory sex glands of 10 stallions were examined by transrectal ultrasonography. Seminal vesicles were 26.4 +/- 5.2 (s.d.) mm in width and 9.2 +/- 3.1 mm in height. Ampullae were 16.3 +/- 3.6 mm in width and 12.9 +/- 3.9 mm in height. Bulbourethral glands were 19.7 +/- 4.6 mm in width and 32.4 +/- 6.7 mm in length. Prostate lobes exceeded 34 mm in width and were 23.5 +/- 5.7 mm in height. The prostatic isthmus was 6.0 +/- 1.4 mm in height. The seminal colliculus, masculine uterus, and deferent ducts were also identified and characterized. Five of these stallions were killed to compare tr...
Wyn-Jones G, Baker JR.The presenting signs exhibited by a pony with a large diaphragmatic defect of probable developmental origin are described. The results of clinical examination, laparotomy and post mortem examination are presented.
Lloyd KA, Ayodele BA, Hitchens PL, Beck C, Mackie EJ, Whitton RC.Abnormalities in vascular channel appearance within the proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) are the most common findings in Thoroughbred yearling presale radiographs and are often evaluated on radiographs of adult racehorses. Despite this, their pathogenesis and clinical significance are poorly understood, and associations with racing performance are inconsistent. Objective: To determine microstructural characteristics of the PSBs associated with the radiographic appearance of vascular channels using microcomputed tomography (µCT) and to determine associations with past racing performance in mature ...
Gareis M, Seidel KE, Diehl T.268 diagnostic samples from dogs, cats, horses and cattle were examined in a commercially available blood culture system. Samples of blood, liquor, ascites, thorax punctate, synovia and urine were examined with a blood culture system (Oxoid) over a period of two years in cooperation with the veterinary clinical institutes of internal medicine and surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich and different veterinarians. It was shown that this blood culture system, which has been initially developed for the requirements of human bacteriology, can be used for isolation of clinical important mic...
Jansson N.To evaluate the use of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) gas for joint distention during arthroscopy for removal of osteochondral (OC) fragments of the palmar/plantar aspect of the metacarpo (MCP)/metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in horses. Methods: Clinical study. Methods: Horses (26) with OC fragment(s) of palmar/plantar aspect of 1 or 2 MCP/MTP joint(s). Methods: OC fragments were removed using arthroscopic technique. Joint distention was maintained by isotonic Ringer's acetate at the beginning and at the end of the procedure but during fragment removal, CO(2) was used for joint distention. After surg...
Montgomery JE, Carmalt JL.A 15-year-old Belgian gelding presented in respiratory distress, with bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, and right-sided epistaxis. The horse had a 5-year history of dental disease and had been recently losing weight. Radiographs indicated tooth root abscessation of the right maxillary third molar tooth and probable maxillary sinus feed impaction. These findings were confirmed at surgery and necropsy. The stippled, granular radiographic appearance described here is highly characteristic of sinus feed impaction.
Cribb NC, Kenney DG, Reid-Burke R.An 82-cm fragment of nasogastric tube was removed from the stomach of an adult horse under standing sedation by use of an endoscope and electrocautery snare. This is the first report of successful non-surgical removal of a nasogastric tube fragment from the stomach of a horse. Un fragment de 82 cm d’un tube naso-gastrique a été enlevé de l’estomac d’un cheval adulte sous sédation se tenant debout en utilisant un endoscope et une anse de galvanocautérisation. Il s’agit du premier rapport de l’enlèvement non chirurgical d’un fragment de tube naso-gastrique de l’estomac d’u...
