Genomics in equine veterinary medicine

Veterinary medicine is marching forward with genomics grasped firmly in one fist. Genomics has been part of our veterinary tool bag for some time in various guises, but the breadth and depth of its ramifications can be daunting. This article is designed to provide toe‐holds for veterinarians to enjoy a better understanding of genomics – a truly fascinating area of science.     

Equine cytogenetics: role in equine veterinary practice

The prognostic use of karyotyping in equine breeding has been recommended since 1976. Specimens used and laboratory methods are described. The system of karyotype evaluation is explained together with a glossary of terms. The principal aberrations in horses are defined. The present state of knowledge in cytogenetics in horses is reviewed dealing with infertility in the mare, where sex chromosomes give clear indication of problems; the situation with respect to anomalies found in stallions and hermaphroditism is explained coupled with recent concepts of chromosomal roles in reproduction. The future potential for the application of cytogenetics in equine practice is explained in regard to the advanced techniques and knowledge in the human parallel field. It is concluded that karyotyping is an essential tool in the evaluation of reproductive problems in practice and should be used more frequently in future.     

Searching for veterinary evidence: A guide for equine professionals

There is more and more online information available at our fingertips, but how do we efficiently identify and extract relevant information for good clinical decision making? The aim of this review article is to provide equine professionals with the building blocks to be able to develop skills for expertly navigating the scientific literature in a timely fashion. This includes what key questions you need to ask before starting (why am I searching and how much time do I have), where the best places are to search and how to find freely available legal copies of papers (articles, conference proceedings, book chapters and dissertations). Additionally, how to best conduct an information search and what you get from searches of varying comprehensiveness. Finally, this article will cover where to find databases of research syntheses where others have already carried out the hard work for you and some advanced techniques which are likely to save you substantial amounts of time. This article draws together expertise from a panel of veterinary clinicians, nurses and technicians, information specialists and librarians and clinical researchers.     

A preliminary equine abuse policy with potential application to veterinary practice

An equine abuse policy was developed as an adjunct to an equine management survey. If at least 3 of 5 categories caused concern, a report to the authorities was indicated. The policy was not used but, in the absence of other guidelines, it might assist veterinarians considering potential abuse cases.