Endoscopic Examination and Treatment of Paranasal Sinus Disease in 16 Horses

Sixteen horses with suspected paranasal sinus disease had endoscopic examination of the paranasal sinuses with a 4.0 mm arthroscope either while standing and sedated (14 horses) or under general anesthesia (two horses). Endoscopic diagnosis included sinusitis (four horses), sinus cyst (three horses), hemorrhage (three horses), neoplasia (three horses), and tooth root abnormalities (two horses). No abnormalities were detected in one horse. Endoscopic findings concurred with the radiographic findings in 13 horses (81%). Samples of sinus contents for bacteriologic (eight horses) and histologic examinations (five horses) were obtained using sinus endoscopy. Diagnostic sinus endoscopy was combined with debridement, lavage, and suction as a therapeutic technique in 10 horses. In three horses, sinus exploration was performed after diagnostic endoscopy confirmed sinus disease, whereas in three horses, further therapy was not recommended after sinus endoscopy. Clinical signs of sinus disease resolved in 11 horses (69%) overall and in eight of 10 horses (80%) with sinusitis, cyst formation, or hemorrhage using endoscopic techniques alone. Mild, local subcutaneous emphysema occurred at the portal sites in all horses, but healing occurred without additional complications, latrogenic damage to sinus structures occurred in one horse. Sinus endoscopy was useful in the diagnosis and management of paranasal sinus disease and avoided the need for exploratory sinusotomy in some horses.     

Effects of environmental control on pulmonary function of horses affected with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The effects of environmental control on horses affected with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was assessed by clinical examination and pulmonary function tests, ie, maximum change in intrathoracic pressure, tidal volume, minute volume, non-elastic work of breathing, dynamic compliance, inspiratory and expiratory flow rates and arterial blood gas analysis. A controlled environment (ie, bedding horses on shredded paper and feeding a complete cubed diet) caused symptomatic COPD affected horses to become asymptomatic within four to 24 days (mean ± sd 8.4 ± 4.8 days). When asymptomatic, their pulmonary function values did not differ significantly from those of normal horses, which indicates that the pathophysiological changes occurring in equine COPD are reversible. The time taken for horses to become asymptomatic correlated significantly with age, duration of illness and severity of disease as adjudged by the non-elastic work of breathing.     

Segmental epidural and subarachnoid analgesia in conscious horses: a comparative study

Six adult horses were used to compare the effects of segmental epidural analgesia (SEA) and segmental subarachnoid analgesia (SSA). A 17-gauge Huber point directional needle was used to place a catheter with stylet into the epidural space or the subarachnoid space at the lumbosacral intervertebral junction and to catheterize the thoracolumbar epidural or subarachnoid space. The position of the catheter was confirmed radiographically. A 2% solution of mepivacaine hydrochloride was used at average doses of 80 mg (4 ml) to produce SEA and 30 mg (1.5 ml) to produce SSA. Onset of analgesia in response to superficial and deep muscular pinprick stimulations was significantly (P less than 0.05) faster in horses with SSA than with SEA (8.0 +/- 1.9 minutes vs 15.8 +/- 3.8 minutes). Maximal thoracolumbar analgesia extended from spinal cord segments T14 to L3 on both sides of the spinal column during SSA and from T12 to L2 on one or both sides during SEA. Duration of analgesia lasted significantly (P less than 0.05) longer in horses with SEA than in those with SSA (80.8 +/- 16.9 minutes vs 44.8 +/- 14.5 minutes). There was a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in subcutaneous temperature at the right and left 18th thoracic (T18) dermatomes and decreases of respiratory rate and rectal temperatures in horses with SEA. Respiratory rate and rectal temperature were not significantly (P greater than 0.05) decreased in horses with SSA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Time-dependent changes of cytokines mRNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from symptomatic recurrent airway obstruction-affected horses

During an 18 day test, we measured the cytokine mRNA expression (Interleukin-1beta [IL-1beta], Interleukin-8 [IL-8], Interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma], Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha [TNF-alpha]) of cells from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF] in five horses previously diagnosed with RAO, before and during challenge exposure, and after the desensitization phase which involved dexamethasone treatment and environmental modification. Simultaneously, the same cytokine mRNA expression of cells from BALF in four asymptomatic RAO-affected horses maintained outdoors was analyzed. An evident respiratory distress was observed in the challenge group within 3 days, with a significant overexpression of IL-8 and TNF-alpha mRNA on the ninth day. The pharmacological and environmental desensitization provided a down regulation of all the cytokines. No statistical modification characterized the cytokine kinetics of the asymptomatic horses maintained outdoors. A comparison for each time point of the cytokines between the exposed and unexposed horses showed no significant differences. The study suggested that a standardized exposure protocol and sampling time in experimental studies of RAO is mandatory for a correct comparison of the results obtained by different Authors. However, the absence of significant changes between the exposed and unexposed horses could depend on the lack of the sample uniformity since the evolution of the disease represents a continuum from a healthy to a pathological condition.     

P-83 Intradermal testing in cattle: evaluation of sensitization to Dermatophagoides extracts in healthy cattle and cattle infected with Psoroptes or Chorioptes

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate six cases of equine sarcoidosis for initial presenting symptoms, response to therapy and actual outcome. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists from Europe, the United States, Australia and Canada were contacted to obtain these six cases, as this is a rare disease. Signalment, clinical signs, histological findings, clinical management and outcome were determined via a questionnaire and compared to former reports. There was no age or breed predilection, and four of six horses were geldings. Age of onset ranged from 3 months to 17 years. Onset of the disease was insidious or rapid. Interestingly, in five of six cases, scaling began on the trunk (girth and shoulder). Scaling, crusting and alopecia were seen in all six horses. In one horse, clinical signs of systemic disease were reported and included intermittent fever, prescapular lymphadenopathy, depression, poor body condition and nasal discharge. Treatment included phenylbutazone, deworming agents, antibiotics, short-term low-dose corticosteroids, and 1–1.5 mg/kg of prednisolone. One horse showed a partial response to trimethoprim and sulfonamide, and five of six went into clinical remission with corticosteroid treatment. Five of six horses were still alive 1 year after diagnosis; one horse was diagnosed <12 months ago. Two horses are in complete remission 4 and 8 years after diagnosis. In both horses, clinical signs recurred after cessation of therapy and went into remission again with reintroduction of treatment. Both of these horses have been in remission for several years without therapy.
Funding: Self-funded.     

P‐81 A retrospective study of equine sarcoidosis

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate six cases of equine sarcoidosis for initial presenting symptoms, response to therapy and actual outcome. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists from Europe, the United States, Australia and Canada were contacted to obtain these six cases, as this is a rare disease. Signalment, clinical signs, histological findings, clinical management and outcome were determined via a questionnaire and compared to former reports. There was no age or breed predilection, and four of six horses were geldings. Age of onset ranged from 3 months to 17 years. Onset of the disease was insidious or rapid. Interestingly, in five of six cases, scaling began on the trunk (girth and shoulder). Scaling, crusting and alopecia were seen in all six horses. In one horse, clinical signs of systemic disease were reported and included intermittent fever, prescapular lymphadenopathy, depression, poor body condition and nasal discharge. Treatment included phenylbutazone, deworming agents, antibiotics, short‐term low‐dose corticosteroids, and 1–1.5 mg/kg of prednisolone. One horse showed a partial response to trimethoprim and sulfonamide, and five of six went into clinical remission with corticosteroid treatment. Five of six horses were still alive 1 year after diagnosis; one horse was diagnosed <12 months ago. Two horses are in complete remission 4 and 8 years after diagnosis. In both horses, clinical signs recurred after cessation of therapy and went into remission again with reintroduction of treatment. Both of these horses have been in remission for several years without therapy. Funding: Self‐funded.     

Clinical Presentation,Progression, and Management of Five Cases of Ross River Virus Infection in Performance Horses Located in Southeast Queensland: A Longitudinal Case Series

Ross River virus (RRV), a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus prevalent in Australia, is believed to cause poor performance, lethargy, and muscle stiffness in Australian horses. However, disease progression and management is poorly documented. A better understanding of disease presentation, acute therapy, and long-term management is required. The aim of the study was to describe clinical presentation, diagnosis, acute treatment, and long-term management of RRV infection in horses. This study is a series of retrospective case reports. Clinical and diagnostic data were obtained from both veterinary records, and owner interviews for five performance horses that presented with acute poor performance coupled with serologic evidence of RRV exposure. Clinical and owner reports were evaluated from the time of presentation until the horses appeared asymptomatic and had returned to normal performance. Ross River virus was suspected to be the cause of generalized muscle stiffness and poor performance in five performance horses located in southeast Queensland between 2011 and 2015. Clinical symptoms included pyrexia, tachypnea, exercise intolerance, generalized muscle stiffness, synovial effusion, and edema of the lower limbs. Serologic investigations (ELISA and/or virus neutralization assay) detected antibody responses to RRV. Horses were treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 5) and disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (n = 2). Most horses returned to previous athletic capabilities between 7 and 12 months after the onset of symptoms. Not all horses in the study had preclinical serology or submitted paired blood samples for serology, meaning assumption of acute infection in those horses was made based on clinical signs coupled with positive serology. Ross River virus is a significant but poorly understood cause of poor performance in Australian horses. This report is the only one to document longitudinal management of performance horses affected by RRV infection. Much more research is needed to gain a better understanding of this infection in horses.     

Colorectal distention in the horse: visceral sensitivity, rectal compliance and effect of i.v. xylazine or intrarectal lidocaine

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Most current models of visceral sensitivity testing in the horse have required visceral cannulation. Colorectal distention (CRD) is a widely used, noninvasive method for testing in other species and could be adapted for use in horses. OBJECTIVES: To develop a protocol of controlled CRD in the conscious horse and to evaluate the effect of i.v. xylazine or intrarectal lidocaine on CRD threshold and rectal compliance. METHODS: Eight horses were used for baseline studies (3 trials each) and 6 horses to evaluate treatments (4 trials, 2 per treatment). A 45 cm diameter polyvinyl balloon attached to plastic tubing was used for rectal distention following a stepwise barostat-controlled inflation pattern. RESULTS: The procedure was well tolerated by all horses. Mean baseline threshold pressure was 14.17 mmHg. Xylazine i.v. resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean threshold pressures compared to baseline or rectal lidocaine. Rectal compliance increased following lidocaine treatment relative to baseline or xylazine. CONCLUSIONS: CRD offers a noninvasive method for visceral sensitivity testing in the horse. Xylazine raises CRD threshold, while lidocaine increases rectal compliance. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The increased rectal compliance following intrarectal lidocaine administration may explain the benefit of its use to facilitate rectal examination.     

Risk factors for nosocomial Salmonella infection among hospitalized horses.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for nosocomial Salmonella infections among hospitalized horses. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. ANIMALS: 1,583 horses hospitalized in an intensive care unit between January 1992 and June 1996. PROCEDURE: Survivor functions were used to estimate time to shedding salmonellae for various Salmonella serotypes. Survival analysis was then used to determine how variables associated with patient management, environmental conditions, hospital conditions, and other disease processes affected the risk of nosocomial Salmonella infection. RESULTS: 78 horses shed Salmonella organisms: 35 shed Salmonella krefeld, 26 shed S typhimurium, and 17 shed other Salmonella serotypes. Mean time from admission to shedding was significantly longer for horses shedding S krefeld or S typhimurium than for horses shedding other Salmonella serotypes. Therefore, infection with S krefeld or S typhimurium was considered nosocomial. Seven variables were found to be significantly associated with risk of nosocomial Salmonella infection: mean number of horses in the hospital shedding S krefeld during the 4 days prior to and the day of admission, mean number of horses shedding S typhimurium during this period, a diagnosis of large colon impaction, withholding feed, number of days fed bran mash, duration of treatment with potassium penicillin G, and mean daily ambient temperature. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results suggest that risk of nosocomial Salmonella infections is greater for horses with large colon impactions. In addition to implementing hospital protocols that minimize cross contamination between patients, strategies to reduce the risk of nosocomial Salmonella infection should include minimizing use of potassium penicillin G and regulation of environmental temperature in the hospital.     

Lung function and airway cytologic profiles in horses with recurrent airway obstruction maintained in low-dust environments

BACKGROUND: The effects of long-term environmental management on airway obstruction and inflammation in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) are unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Horses with RAO maintained in low-dust environments have persistent airway obstruction and neutrophilic inflammation. ANIMALS: Study horses were treated for RAO and then maintained in low-dust environments with no medical management. Horses were classified into 3 groups by years after diagnosis: 1 year (time 1, n = 9), 2-3 years (time 2, n = 7), and 5-6 years (time 3, n = 8). The comparison groups were age-matched healthy horses. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a clinical examination was performed, and the clinical score was calculated. Standard lung function, forced expiratory maneuvers, and the cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were evaluated. RESULTS: The clinical scores of the RAO horses were higher than those of the non-RAO horses at time 2 (P = .018). Standard lung function data were not different between the groups at any time point. The forced expiratory flow between 75-95% of exhaled vital capacity was lower in RAO horses than in non-RAO horses at all time points (P < .02), indicating persistent peripheral airway obstruction. Cytologic evaluation of BALF revealed no difference in total nucleated cell numbers or differential cell counts between RAO and non-RAO horses at any time point. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The peripheral airway obstruction detected in horses with RAO maintained in low-dust environments likely is due to irreversible airway remodeling but is not associated with cytologic evidence of airway inflammation.     

Pathophysiology and diagnosis of third carpal bone disease in horses: a review

Third carpal bone (C3) disease is a significant cause of lameness in Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses. The bone density of C3 increases as a result of exercise, reducing the compliance of the bone and predisposing it to injury. Currently, the most widely used method of diagnosis is subjective radiography using the tangential view. Radiographically, increases in bone mineral density (BMD) appear as sclerosis but it is not known at what point increases in sclerosis indicate the onset of disease or increased risk of C3 fracture. A quantitative assessment of the BMD of C3 in horses would improve understanding of the changes that occur within this bone and guide athletic management, as it is thought that BMD changes precede articular cartilage damage. Methods of non-invasive bone-mineral analysis used for the detection of osteoporosis in humans include single photon absorptiometry (SPA), dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT), radioabsorptiometry (RA), quantitative ultrasonography (QU) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To date, DXA and RA are the most commonly used methods of quantitative non-invasive bone-mineral analysis in horses. The cost of equipment and difficulties in performing DXA in live animals preclude the routine use of this technique for diagnostic purposes. RA may become clinically applicable to C3 analysis in horses, but small variations in x-ray beam angle when taking the tangential view significantly affect results, making this technique clinically inapplicable at this time. Currently, methods of quantitative non-invasive bone-mineral analysis of C3 in horses are not suited to clinical application.     

Demographic and Environmental Risk Factors for Exposure to Lawsonia intracellularis in Horses in Israel

Equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) is an enteric disease of foals that is caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. Clinical cases have been reported worldwide; however, data regarding the epidemiology of L. intracellularis in horses are scarce. Thus far, L. intracellularis has not been reported in the Middle East. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the causative agent of EPE exists in horses in Israel and in the Palestinian Authority and to define environmental and demographic risk factors for exposure. Fecal and serum samples were collected from horses from various regions of the country. The presence of L. intracellularis in horses in Israel was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and seroprevalence was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One fecal sample of 136 tested (0.7%), was PCR positive. Sixty-seven sera samples (30.5%) of 220 horses in sentinel farms had anti-L. intracellularis antibodies. Low seroprevalence was found in foals both from Israel and from the Palestinian Authority (4.2% and 13.3%, respectively). In logistic regression models, geographical locations, management type, and age were found to be significant risk factors associated with seroprevlaence to L. intracellularis. No significant correlation was found between environmental variables and L. intracellularis seroprevalence after controlling for management type. These results support the existence of L. intracellularis in horses in both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The reasons for the relatively low prevalence are currently not known and may be the result of different management, low exposure to free-living animals, and differences in environmental variables affecting the bacterial burden.     

Management and environmental factors involved in equine influenza outbreaks in Ireland 2007-2010

Reasons for performing study: Outbreaks of equine influenza (EI) in endemic populations continue to cause economic loss despite widespread vaccination. Hypothesis: To identify the key management and environmental factors that determine the risk of horses contracting EI in an endemic country and to identify control strategies. Methods: Real time‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), virus isolation and haemagglutination inhibition were carried out on nasopharyngeal swabs and clotted blood samples collected from horses and ponies showing signs of respiratory disease. On premises where a diagnosis of EI was confirmed, the attending veterinary surgeon was asked to participate in an epidemiological investigation. Results: Between June 2007 and January 2010, EI outbreaks were diagnosed on 28 premises located in 13 of the 32 counties of Ireland. Veterinary advice was sought on average more than 5 days after the first clinical signs were observed. The majority of diagnoses were made by RT‐PCR. Data from 404 horses on 16 premises were used in the epidemiological analysis. In 15 premises, EI was identified following movement of horses. Housing type, teaser stallions or fomites/personnel contributed to virus spread. Vaccination status, number of years vaccination, time since last vaccination and age influenced disease expression. Isolation and vaccination were effective control measures on the premises where they were implemented. Conclusions: Preventative measures include: isolation, clinical monitoring, serological testing and vaccination of new arrivals, booster vaccination of horses at 6 monthly intervals, maintenance of effective boundaries between equine premises and avoidance of stabling in single air spaces. Control measures include: prompt isolation of suspected cases, rapid diagnosis by RT‐PCR, booster vaccination of cohorts and implementation of biosecurity measures to avoid transmission by fomites and personnel. Potential relevance: Implementation of these preventative and control measures should reduce the economic losses associated with outbreaks of EI.     

Coagulation abnormalities and complications after percutaneous liver biopsy in horses

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is useful in the diagnosis of liver disease in horses. However, bleeding is the major complication. Liver dysfunction can result in abnormalities in coagulation, although there is no definitive association between risk of hemorrhage after biopsy and coagulopathy in humans. Frequency of coagulopathies in horses with liver disease and the nature and frequency of complications after liver biopsy are not reported. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is an association between coagulopathy and hemorrhage after liver biopsy in horses. ANIMALS: Horses with suspected liver disease from which a liver biopsy had been obtained. METHODS: Retrospective study. Variables indicative of coagulation were recorded. The frequency and nature of complications after biopsy were assessed using clinical and hematologic data. The association between abnormal coagulation variables and complications was assessed. RESULTS: Seventy biopsies were obtained from 66 horses. At least 1 coagulation profile abnormality was identified in 58% of the 43 horses with histopathologically confirmed liver disease. Complications were observed in 4/32 monitored horses (33 biopsies). Three horses had a decrease in the packed cell volume suggestive of subclinical bleeding, and 1 horse developed a diaphragmatic hematoma. There was no association between coagulation profile abnormality and complications. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Abnormalities of coagulation are common in horses with liver disease. Liver biopsy appears to be a safe procedure in the horse. An abnormal coagulation profile is not clearly associated with an increased risk of complications after biopsy.     

Management of equine ataxia caused by cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy: A European perspective 2010–2015

The diagnosis and therapy of cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM) are challenging and have been most frequently described in racehorses. We aimed to analyse CVSM cases presented for diagnostic work‐up and treatment in a nonracing horse population. We hypothesised that our diagnostic work‐up protocol including clinical/orthopaedic/neurological/radiographic and myelographic examinations may provide practical reference points for in vivo diagnosis/prognosis and adequate CVSM management. Medical records from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Cases were included if our standardised work‐up protocol was followed, there was no evidence of any infectious diseases causing the neurological signs, and native cervical radiographs and myelograms confirmed CVSM. Age/breed/sex/type of performance/degree of neurological deficits and number/sites/quality/therapy of stenosis were recorded. Sixty‐two horses met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the horses were aged 5–10 years (44%) or >10 years (35%); nine horses (15%) were 1–4 years and four <1 year (6%) old. Forty‐six horses were Warmbloods (73%), 10 ponies (16%) and six of other breeds (11%). Males were more affected (69%) than females (31%). Sixty‐one percent were pleasure‐horses, 26% were sport‐horses and no information was available for 13%. Most cases presented with mild–moderate neurological signs (grade 2/5 = 18%, grade 2–3/5 = 31%). On myelograms, 23 horses (37%) had single‐level, 22 (35%) had double‐level, and eight (13%) triple‐level stenosis, while nine cases (15%) did not have stenosis. Fifty horses (55%) showed dynamic and 41 (45%) static stenosis. Dynamic stenosis was more common (46%) than static (29%) stenosis and/or combined stenosis (25%). Stenoses were more frequently observed in the mid‐to‐caudal vertebrae. Static stenoses tended to be located more caudally. Based on our protocol, 15% of horses were subjected to euthanasia without therapy, 62% treated conservatively and 23% underwent cervical ventral interbody fusion. In conclusion, our diagnostic work‐up protocol provided practical reference points for in vivo diagnosis/prognosis and adequate management of CVSM in a nonracing horse population.     

Acupuncture Diagnosis in Equine Stifle Disease

The stifle is a large and complex joint in quadrupeds, including horses, making the diagnosis of stifle diseases a challenge for the clinician. The detection of “stifle syndrome” during acupuncture examination of the equine stifle may be useful for diagnosis of stifle diseases in horses. The aim of the present study was to describe stifle syndrome diagnosis in horses. From 2001 through 2012, 810 athletic horses involved in different disciplines were examined using the technique of acupuncture diagnosis. Stifle syndrome was suspected when the following points were reactive: the sacral point suggestive of stifle disease located at the sacral origin of the biceps femoris muscle, bladder (BL)-20, BL-21, and stomach (ST)-30, together with the three local points in the muscle groove of the posterolateral aspect of the thigh. The diagnostic protocol included radiography and/or ultrasonography in certain cases. The horses were evaluated because of reduced athletic performance, routine or prepurchase examination, hind limb lameness, refusal to jump, inappetence, upward fixation of the patella, thoracolumbar spine or sacroiliac pain, suspensory lesion, and front hoof problems, and 86 (9.4%) were diagnosed with stifle syndrome. The sacral acupuncture point suggestive of stifle syndrome correlated with BL-21, local stifle points, gall bladder (GB)-27, spleen-13, BL-23, BL-52, BL-26, and/or GB-25, ST-30, BL-54 (P < .0001), and BL-20 (P = .003). Twenty-two (25.6%) of the 86 horses with stifle syndrome underwent ultrasonography and/or radiography, and lesions were detected in 21. In conclusion, acupuncture for diagnosis of stifle disease may be considered a diagnostic method to be included in routine clinical examination of horses, and its reproducibility shall be investigated in further studies.     

Cruciate and collateral ligament failure in the equine stifle: seven cases (1975-1985)

Medical records of 7 adult horses with single or multiple ligament failure of the femorotibial ligaments were reviewed to evaluate signalment, history, diagnostic and treatment methods, outcome, and long-term follow-up information. Acute onset of lameness was recorded for most of the horses. Horses with multiple ligament injury had more severe clinical signs than did horses with single ligament injury. Horses with single ligament injury generally required manipulative tests to localize the lameness to the stifle. In all horses, radiography of the stifle assisted in the diagnosis. Horses either were euthanatized (n = 3) or were treated by stall rest (n = 4) after diagnosis. Of the 4 surviving horses, 2 became successful breeding animals, 1 was awaiting breeding, and 1 was used unsuccessfully as a breeding animal. Necropsy findings in 2 of the 3 horses euthanatized after diagnosis revealed early articular damage in 1 horse 1 day after injury, and degenerative joint disease in the other horse 1 year after injury.     

Behavioral responses to two intranasal vaccine applicators in horses and ponies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate behavioral compliance of horses and ponies with simulated intranasal vaccination and assess development of generalized aversion to veterinary manipulations. DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 28 light horse mares, 3 pony geldings, 2 light horse stallions, and 3 pony stallions that had a history of compliance with veterinary procedures. PROCEDURE: Behavioral compliance with 2 intranasal vaccine applicators was assessed. Compliance with standard physical examination procedures was assessed before and after a single experience with either of the applicators or a control manipulation to evaluate development of generalized aversion to veterinary manipulation. RESULTS: In all 30 horses, simulated intranasal vaccination or the control manipulation could be performed without problematic avoidance behavior, and simulated intranasal vaccination did not have any significant effect on duration of or compliance with a standardized physical examination that included manipulation of the ears, nose, and mouth. Results were similar for the 2 intranasal vaccine applicators, and no difference in compliance was seen between horses in which warm versus cold applicators were used. For 3 of the 6 ponies, substantial avoidance behavior was observed in association with simulated intranasal vaccination, and compliance with physical examination procedures decreased after simulated intranasal vaccination. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although some compliance problems were seen with ponies, neither problems with compliance with simulated intranasal vaccination nor adverse effects on subsequent physical examination were identified in any of the horses. Further study is needed to understand factors involved in practitioner reports of aversion developing in association with intranasal vaccination.     

Impingement of the dorsal spinous processes in two hundred and fifteen horses: case selection, surgical technique and results

The surgical treatment of impingement of dorsal spinous processes (DSPs) at 2 equine veterinary hospitals following a similar diagnostic and surgical protocol is described with special reference to the diagnosis and case selection. The diagnosis was made from clinical examination and results of radiography and diagnostic analgesia of the affected sites. Scintigraphy was also used as an aid to diagnosis at one hospital. Surgical treatment was generally recommended when conservative treatment, which included 3-9 months rest, intralesional corticosteroids and physiotherapy, had failed. The DSPs were approached through a midline incision in the skin and supraspinous ligament. They were resected using an oscillating saw. Postoperatively, horses were returned to lungeing work after 2 weeks and riding commenced at 3 months, in most cases, and by 6 months in all successful cases. From one to 6 DSPs between thoracic vertebra (T) 11 and lumbar vertebra (L) 3 were resected in individual horses. T15, 16 and 17 were the spines most commonly treated. Long-term follow-up information was obtained in 209 horses. Seventy-two percent of these horses returned to full work and a further 9% improved sufficiently to be used for some athletic work.     

Clinical efficacy of clenbuterol with COPD in horses

A clinical trial to determine the efficacy of clenbuterol for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) horses was conducted. Following a research protocol established by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Inc., the compound was tested in a blind control trial on twelve horses. The horses were subjectively evaluated and given an objective score during an initial 5-day acclimation period and at 7-day intervals during a 21-day treatment regimen.

In the statistical summation, 5 out of 6 horses receiving clenbuterol did improve whereas 6 out of 6 horses receiving the placebo did not improve. Statistically it appears that more horses improved after administration of clenbuterol but clinically, the degree of improvement was not considered sufficient to return the horses back to normal athletic performance. Further investigation of clenbuterol's efficacy and usefulness as an adjunct therapy in equine respiratory diseases would be warranted.