Equine ophthalmic examination: Routine diagnostic techniques

A complete, thorough ophthalmic examination is essential in the clinical approach to equine ocular diseases. In the majority of cases and more than in most systems, an ophthalmic diagnosis can be achieved at the time of examination because most ocular structures can be visualised either directly or indirectly. This article describes examination protocol and the techniques, instruments and diagnostic procedures currently available to equine general practitioners.     

Equine endometrial cytology: Collection techniques and interpretation

Endometritis is an important cause of reproductive pathology in the horse. Endometrial cytology preparations from unguarded swabs, guarded swabs or brushes, cap of a guarded swab, low volume lavage or even an endometrial biopsy sample can be utilised to rapidly evaluate uterine health. These cells can easily be stained with a modified Wright's stain and evaluated for the presence or absence of inflammatory cells and pathogens. Commonly visualised cell types are easily identified with a traditional light microscope at 400× or 1000× magnification. This technique provides an easy and rapid way to diagnose endometritis in the horse.     

Equine nuclear scintigraphy. Indications, uses, and techniques.

The demand for advanced and correlative imaging methods in equine medicine is growing. Scintigraphy can provide unique information about the physiologic status of an animal that cannot be discerned by other imaging modalities.     

Equine castration: A review of techniques,complications and their management

Complications associated with castration occur commonly and, although the majority are mild and resolve easily, potentially life‐threatening complications can occur. The preoperative identification of risk factors for these complications can help the veterinarian to take the appropriate measures to reduce these risks. However, even with proper surgical technique, complications can occur. Therefore prompt recognition and initiation of appropriate therapy are essential to prevent further morbidity, death or lawsuits.     

Equine rhabdomyolysis

A 1.5-year-old Quarter Horse gelding with a history of chronic nasal discharge and leukocytosis presented with signs of increased lethargy and muscular pain. The horse quickly became recumbent and unable to rise and was euthanized due to a poor prognosis. At necropsy, severe bilateral guttural pouch empyema was observed, as well as numerous well-demarcated areas of pallor within the skeletal muscles of all major muscle groups. Polymerase chain reaction testing of the guttural pouch exudate confirmed an infection with Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, and an S. equi-associated immune-mediated rhabdomyolysis was initially considered to be the most likely diagnosis. This report briefly discusses the various etiologies that should be considered in cases of equine myopathy, and it demonstrates the complexity of these poorly understood muscular disorders.     

Equine glaucomas

The glaucomas are diseases that lead to the destruction of retinal ganglion cells and their axons via a number of mechanisms such as direct pressure damage, hypoxic and toxic injuries. The aim of this article is to present a review of this condition in horses in order to have a proactive attitude and to enable an early diagnosis to be made in order to determine the most adequate prophylactic (on predisposed individuals) and therapeutic treatment.