Veterinary care in horses encompasses the medical and preventive measures taken to maintain and improve the health and well-being of equine patients. It includes a wide range of practices such as routine health examinations, vaccinations, dental care, parasite control, and management of injuries and diseases. Veterinary care also involves diagnostic procedures, surgical interventions, and therapeutic treatments tailored to the specific needs of horses. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore various aspects of equine veterinary care, including advancements in diagnostic techniques, treatment protocols, and health management strategies to support the well-being and performance of horses.
Shimizu A, Kawano J, Yamamoto C, Kakutani O, Anzai T, Kamada M.Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to determine genetic relationships among 15 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from mares with metritis and from a stallion with dermatitis in Hokkaido. All the 15 isolates showed phage pattern 6/47/54/75, coagulase type IV, and enterotoxin type A. The restriction endonuclease SmaI cut their genomic DNAs into 15 or 16 fragments ranging in size from 8 to 630 kb. Fourteen of the 15 isolates showed the same PFGE pattern, whereas the remaining one appeared to be closely related. The 9 human MRSA isolates showing the same phe...
Bailey CJ, Reid SW, Hodgson DR, Suann CJ, Rose RJ.Risk factors for musculoskeletal injury in racing Thoroughbreds were investigated in a case-control study conducted at racetracks administered by the Australian Jockey Club. Univariable analysis of 137 cases from the official Veterinary Surgeon's reports and an equal number of randomly selected controls from the Australian Race Results identified field size, barrier position and class of race as being significantly associated with breakdown (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression was then used to investigate the effect of each putative risk factor whilst controlling for all others. Horses at ...
Duckett WM, Matthews HK.Paraneoplastic eosinophilia is reported in dogs, cats, and humans. Hypereosinophilia (an eosinophil count greater than 1.5 x 10(9) L) is often associated with metastasis and a poor prognosis. This report describes a case of paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia in a pony. Neoplasia should be included in the differential diagnoses in a horse with eosinophilia.
Doherty TJ, Geiser DR, Rohrbach BW.This study determined the effects of epidurally administered morphine, ketamine and butorphanol on halothane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) in ponies. Seven ponies were anaesthetised with thiopentone and succinylcholine, intubated and anaesthesia maintained with halothane. Ventilation was controlled and blood pressure was maintained within normal limits. Following the determination of baseline halothane MAC for the pelvic and thoracic limbs the ponies were given morphine (0.1 mg/kg bwt), ketamine (0.8 or 1.2 mg/kg bwt), butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg bwt) or saline, epidurally, to a final volum...
Clegg PD, Coughlan AR, Riggs CM, Carter SD.Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may be important in the destruction of cartilage seen in equine osteoarthritis and may be detectable in synovial fluid. Synovial fluids were obtained from normal equine joints and from joints of horses with aseptic and septic joint diseases. The total MMP gelatinase enzyme activities were measured by gelatin zymography and image analysis of the gels. The bioactivity of gelatinase in synovial fluid was determined by a gelatin degradation ELISA. Potential MMP-2 & MMP-9 monomer enzyme activities were significantly elevated in both septic and aseptic joint dise...
Shingleton WD, Mackie EJ, Cawston TE, Jeffcott LB.Cartilage canals have been described in most mammals and contain the vascular elements necessary for the maintenance of epiphyseal growth cartilage. The presence and longevity of cartilage canals in developing articular/epiphyseal cartilage of horses is described for the first time. Growth cartilages from 30 normal horses (from 130 days gestation to age 2 years) and 6 cases of dyschondroplasia (age 6 months. Cartilage canals were associated with retained cartilage of dyschondroplastic lesions found in animals age < 15 months. The presence of cartilage canals in association with dyschondrop...
Haussler KK, Stover SM, Willits NH.To describe the incidence and types of gross osseous developmental variations and ages of physeal closure in the caudal portion of the thoracic and lumbosacral spine and the pelvis in a sample of Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Thoroughbred racehorses (n = 36) that died or were euthanatized at California racetracks between October 1993 and July 1994. Methods: Lumbosacropelvic specimens were collected, and all soft tissues were removed. The osseous specimens were visually examined. Results: Only 22 (61%) specimens had the expected number of 6 lumbar and 5 sacral vertebrae. Eight (22%) specime...
Russell KE, Perkins PC, Grindem CB, Walker KM, Sellon DC.To evaluate a method for detecting thiazole orange-positive (TO+, reticulated) platelets in equine blood, using flow cytometry. Methods: 16 healthy, equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV)-negative horses and ponies; 9 thrombocytopenic, EIAV-positive horses and ponies; and 2 thrombocytopenic, EIAV-negative horses. Methods: Blood from healthy and thrombocytopenic horses was collected by jugular venipuncture. Appropriate sample requirement and incubation time for the assay were evaluated, using blood anticoagulated with EDTA or sodium citrate, or platelet-rich plasma in sodium citrate. The sample ...
Gibson KT, Burbidge HM, Pfeiffer DU.This study documents the results of non-surgical treatment and treatment by superior check desmotomy in Thoroughbred racehorses with superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis. Methods: A prospective study was made of 124 thoroughbred racehorses with unilateral or bilateral SDF tendonitis. Methods: The flexor tendons were assessed by physical and ultrasonographic examination before treatment, and the lesions detected in affected tendons were characterised according to lesion type, length and cross-sectional area. Ninety three horses were managed non-surgically and 31 by superior check desmoto...
Frisbie DD, Kawcak CE, Trotter GW, Powers BE, Walton RM, McIlwraith CW.The objective of this study was to determine the effects of intra-articularly administered triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in exercised equine athletes with carpal osteochondral fragmentation. Eighteen horses were randomly assigned to each of 3 groups. An osteochondral chip fragment was created in one randomly chosen intercarpal joint of each horse. Both intercarpal joints in the placebo control group (CNT) horses were injected with intra-articular administration (IA) of polyionic fluid. Both joints in the TA control group (TA CNT) horses were treated with 12 mg of TA in the intercarpal joint wit...
Helman RG, Edwards WC.To document clinical signs and gross pathologic changes associated with naturally acquired cantharidiasis (blister beetle poisoning) in equids. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 70 equids with laboratory-confirmed blister beetle poisoning. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to obtain history, physical examination findings, feeding practices, and diagnostic test and necropsy results. Results: 32 horses and 2 donkeys died from exposure to cantharidin, whereas 36 horses survived. Diet content varied, but alfalfa hay was the common component. Onset of signs of disease was rapid. Most equi...
Tulleners E, Stick JA, Leitch M, Trumble TN, Wilkerson JP.To determine whether epiglottic augmentation, in conjunction with more traditional surgical methods, would be useful in the treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in racehorses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 40 Thoroughbred and 19 Standardbred racehorses. Methods: Polytetrafluoroethylene paste was injected submucosally on the lingual epiglottic surface of each horse. In addition, sternothyrohyoideus myectomy or sternothyroideus tenectomy and staphylectomy were performed in most horses. Results: Racing performance was improved after surgery in 29 of 40 (73%) Thoroughbreds ...
McConnico RS, Copedge K, Bischoff KL.Increased popularity during the past decade of brodifacoum, an anticoagulant rodenticide, has led to an increase in cases of accidental poisoning in nontarget species, including pets and farm animals. Pharmacokinetics of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides such as brodifacoum are substantially different from those of first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides such as warfarin. This difference dramatically influences management of exposure in terms of duration and cost of treatment and may affect outcome. The National Poison Control Center reports that approximately 50 cases of brodif...
Orme CE, Harris RC, Marlin DJ, Hurley J.Following 10 weeks of fat supplementation a group of aerobically trained thoroughbred horses exhibited a significant decrease in postprandial plasma triacylglycerol concentration. This decrease was associated with a mean 50% increase in plasma total lipase activity following pentosan polysulfate administration and an increase in postprandial plasma cholesterol concentration. A significant increase in the activity of muscle citrate synthase (EC 4.1.3.7), expressed as a ratio to the total fractional area occupied by type I and type IIa muscle fibres, was also observed. No significant change in t...
Toews AR, Campbell JR.To assess the value of CBC as a preoperative test in healthy horses undergoing cryptorchidectomy. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 117 horses. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to identify horses that had had cryptorchidectomy. Of the 117 horses identified, 102 were found that did not have a known medical condition believed to adversely affect surgery. Preoperative CBC was assessed in terms of abnormalities detected and effects of these abnormalities on development of complications during and after surgery and patient management. Results: Of 102 CBC performed, 55 contained abnormali...
Greiwe-Crandell KM, Kronfeld DS, Gay LS, Sklan D, Tiegs W, Harris PA.Forty-five Thoroughbred mares used in an 8-mo depletion study were kept for an additional 20 mo on the same three forage diets (15 mares each): 2-yr-old orchardgrass hay and vitamin A-free concentrate on a drylot (HC); pasture, orchardgrass/alfalfa hay, and vitamin A-free concentrate (PHC); or pasture and orchardgrass/alfalfa hay only (PH). Each diet group was divided into three subgroups, and mares (n = 5) in each group were given either retinyl palmitate (A) at twice the NRC (1989) recommended daily intake, the equivalent amount of vitamin A in the form of water-dispersible beta-carotene (B)...
Christensen RA, Malinowski K, Scanes CG, Hafs HD.Our goal was to establish a time of day and(or) interval from feeding that would avoid the refractory period after a somatotropin (ST) surge and optimize the responsiveness of horses to ST secretagogues. Two experiments were conducted with eight geldings conditioned to consume grain at 0800 and 1600 daily. In Exp. 1, during a 24-h period, these geldings averaged 3.2 +/- .3 pulses of ST with peak amplitude of 4.2 +/- .4 ng/mL, pulse duration of 55 +/- 6 min, and interpeak interval of 400 +/- 57 min. No ST peaks occurred within 2 h after either grain feeding. In Exp. 2, eight geldings were given...
Ruohoniemi M, Kärkkäinen M, Tervahartiala P.Six Finnhorse cadaver forefeet were selected to represent radiographically different types and grades of ossification of the collateral cartilages of the distal phalanx. These cartilages and adjacent tissues were evaluated with computed tomography (CT) and high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In CT the internal structure of the cartilages was consistent, but in MRI some differences were noted. The shape of the collateral cartilages and their ligamentous attachments varied. The border between ossified and non-ossified cartilage appeared distinct, with considerable variation in the exten...
Asanovich KM, Bakken JS, Madigan JE, Aguero-Rosenfeld M, Wormser GP, Dumler JS.The agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), Ehrlichia phagocytophila, and Ehrlichia equi are very similar. HGE is of variable severity. Genetic and antigenic differences among 3 human isolates (Webster, Spooner, and NY-8) and 1 horse isolate (MRK) were evaluated. The 16S rRNA gene sequences were identical in all human isolates. By use of 5 homologous antisera from these 3 humans and 1 horse and an additional 5 antisera in heterologous reactions, the immunodominant antigens of each isolate were noted to differ in molecular size: 43 kDa in the Webster (Wisconsin) isolate, 46 kDa in the S...
Moore LA, Johnson PJ, Messer NT, Kline KL, Crump LM, Knibb JR.Unlike the incidence of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), which appears to be increasing, headshaking is an uncommon problem for horses in Missouri and the adjacent states. Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis was incriminated in three horses examined for the treatment of headshaking on the basis of a neurological examination, an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and their response to treatment. The headshaking and stereotypical behaviour associated with EPM was successfully treated with potentiated sulphonamides and pyrimethamine.
O'Farrell DA, Irshad F, Thorns BS, McElwain JP.A series of pelvic and acetabular injuries caused by horse riding accidents is reported. The importance of wearing appropriate protective clothing when riding is emphasised.
Bird JL, Wells T, Platt D, Bayliss MT.Proteoglycan degradation was induced in young equine articular cartilage explants cultured for eight days in the presence of 50 ng/ml recombinant human interleukin-1 beta. Degradation was initiated after 6 hours of exposure to the cytokine. This was accompanied by an induction of nitric oxide synthesis and a decrease in the incorporation of [36S]sulphate into the glycosaminoglycan chains of proteoglycans. The addition of 1mM N-iminoethyl-L-ornithine (an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) to the explant cultures in the presence of rhIL-1 beta suppressed the synthesis of NO and restored proteog...
Moore KH, Dunbar BS, Bousfield GR, Ward DN.Inhibin has been characterized from a number of mammals; however, it has not been extensively studied in horses. Western blot analysis was used to examine the size heterogeneity of equine inhibin alpha- and beta-subunits. The distribution of equine inhibin activity from the initial sizing column (S-200, 25 x 94 cm) indicated that the majority of equine inhibin activity was present as larger-molecular-size forms. When the large forms were analyzed by Western blot in nonreducing conditions, alpha-subunit bands were detected at 40,000 M(r), 56,000 M(r), 80,000 M(r), and 90,000 M(r); beta a reacti...
Silva ES, Frade SC, Ignácio FS, Pantoja JC, Puoli Filho JN, Meira C.The present study evaluated the effect of altrenogest treatment during 70 or 120 days of gestation on pregnancy maintenance in non-cyclic recipient mares and correlated the hormonal interruption findings with number, supplementary corpora lutea (SCL) formation period, and plasma progesterone (P4). Twenty five mares were used as recipients during anestrus, transitional or ovulatory phase and were assigned into groups according to altrenogest treatment period (70ALT, 120ALT or Control groups) or reproductive status at beginning of treatment (Anestrus, Transition or Cyclic/Control groups). Mares ...
Rieder N, Beelitz P, Gothe R.In this epidemiological survey 30 foals and their mares from seven breeding farms were investigated. Six farms used wide spectrum anthelmintics strategically at least for three years, on one farm no anthelmintic prophylaxis was practiced. Excretion of P.-equorum-eggs occurred in all breeding farms and in 80% of the foals, but in only one mare. In foals infection with roundworms was detected at the earliest 85 days post partum. Before first shedding of P.-equorum-eggs wide spectrum anthelmintics had been administered to two and to one foal(s) one and two times, respectively, to four animals thr...
Seco Diaz O, Desrochers A, Hoffmann V, Reef VB.An 8-day-old Arabian-Morgan cross colt underwent cardiac evaluation. The foal was tachycardic, tachypneic, exercise intolerant and had a loud right-sided heart murmur and cyanotic mucous membranes. Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection was diagnosed with echocardiography and confirmed at postmortem examination. Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a very rare congenital cardiac abnormality that has not been reported before in the horse.
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.
Moyer CT, Bramlage LR, Werre SR, Ruggles A, Embertson R, Hopper S.To describe the presence of fragments in the dorsal proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and to report flat racing performance after surgical treatment. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Thirty-nine affected thoroughbred flat racehorses and 169 age- and sex-matched maternal siblings. Methods: Medical records from 2000 to 2015 were reviewed for thoroughbred horses that underwent arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments in the dorsal aspect of the PIP joint. The horses' 2-year-old year, 3-year-old year, and career athletic performances were compared with their matched siblings. Resul...
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.
Townsend HG, Tabel H, Bristol FM.Parturition was induced in 11 mares, using a synthetic prostaglandin. Eight mares, not treated, were used as controls. There was no significant difference between the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations of the treated and control mares. The concentration of IgG in the colostrum of treated mares compared favorably with that reported for naturally foaling mares. Four foals from treated mares died or were euthanatized because of weakness during the 1st 24 hours after birth. The mean IgG concentration in the surviving foals from treated mares at 24 to 36 hours of age was 1,561 mg/100 ml, w...
Watson J, Selleck P, Axell A, Bruce K, Taylor T, Heine H, Daniels P, Jeggo M.In August 2007, several horses showed pyrexia and respiratory signs while in post-arrival quarantine in Australia. Subsequent investigations diagnosed equine influenza by serology and PCR in two quarantine stations. A common origin in a shipment of horses from Japan was indicated.
Cohen ND, Stanley SD, Arthur RM, Wang N.Many racing jurisdictions monitor pre-race serum concentration of total carbon dioxide (TCO2) among racing horses. To our knowledge, factors influencing concentration of TCO2 among horses participating in racing have not been systematically evaluated and reported. Objective: To determine if characteristics of horses and racing conditions routinely recorded were significantly associated with pre-race concentration of TCO2, while accounting for and estimating effects of trainer and horse. Methods: Pre-race serum TCO2 concentrations from 5028 starts made by 2,349 horses trained by 287 trainers at...
Sazmand A, Yavari M, Babaei M, Nourian A, Otranto D.Migration of Ascaris lumbricoides through the papilla of Vater in humans, and entry into the biliary tree, is well-recognised. Ascaris suum and Toxocara vitulorum have been recovered from the liver of swine and buffalo. We necropsied a Persian Kurdish filly at age 6 months, weighing ∼100 kg. Death evidently was caused by oleander (Nerium oleander) intoxication. An 8-cm adult male Parascaris was found at the lobar-left hepatic bile duct junction. We suggest that the nematode entered anteriorly into the hepatic tree, via the duodenum, major duodenal papilla, bile duct, left hepatic duct and f...
Perdue BD, Collier MA, Dzata GK, Mosier DA.A one-year-old Thoroughbred filly was examined because of poor body condition and reluctance to move its neck. Complete blood count revealed leukocytosis (15,700 WBC/microliters) and hyperproteinemia (8 g/dl). Radiography of the cervical vertebrae revealed multifocal lesions of bone lysis surrounded by zones of sclerosis. The horse was euthanatized and necropsied. Granulomatous lesions were identified in the heart, spleen, lungs, bones, and lymph nodes. The multifocal granulomatous inflammatory lesions in this horse were suggestive of mycobacteriosis.
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.