Ulcerative duodenitis in foals

Seven foals aged 18 days to 3 1/2 months had either single or multiple full-circumference segments or long antimesenteric bands of necrotizing duodenitis, sharply delineated from adjacent viable duodenum. Perforation of the necrotic wall had occurred in all foals, leading to acute fibrinous peritonitis. On the mucosal surface severe diffuse, acute inflammation and ulceration involved the anterior half of the duodenum. Two further foals, aged 28 and 30 days, had lesions that are believed to be a chronic form of this disease. Both foals had a thickened duodenal wall, with large areas of mucosa replaced by granulation tissue. In addition one had several strictures associated with firm adhesions between the duodenal serosa and adjacent structures, together with ascending cholangiohepatitis and pancreatitis. Eight foals had gastric ulcers that were considered to be of less significance than the duodenal lesions. No etiologic agent could be found by aerobic or anaerobic bacterial culturing, negative contrast electron microscopy for viruses, or immunofluorescence staining for equine herpesvirus 1, equine adenovirus, or equine coronavirus. The possible involvement of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is discussed.     

Ulcerative glossitis and gingivitis associated with foxtail grass awn irritation in two horses

Two horses were presented for diagnosis of lethargy, salivation, halitosis, dysphagia, bleeding ulcerative glossitis, gingivitis, and focal bleeding ulceration along the mucocutaneous junction of the labial commissures. In both instances, ulceration was attributed to foxtail awns (Setaria geniculata) based on microscopic examination of representative tissue biopsies and identification of numerous foxtail seed heads in representative samples of the available hay. The horses recovered and the lesions resolved completely following removal of the affected source of hay.     

Intoxication with propylene glycol in two horses

Two horses were accidentally administered propylene glycol instead of mineral oil. After discovery of the mistake intensive medical therapy with intravenous fluids, etc. was started, and both animals recovered fully from their clinical symptoms. Veterinarians use propylene glycol as well as paraffin routinely for the treatment of their patients. Mistakes are likely to be made because both medicines and sometimes their packing have a similar appearance. Several incidents have been reported in other countries. A large amount of propylene glycol given to a horse, but also to other animals, can be dangerous and immediate adequate intervention is necessary. The major cause of the problems in case of a propylene glycol intoxication is the high concentration of D-lactate that arises. Clinically, this primarily results in a depression of the central nervous system and in metabolic acidosis. Furthermore colic, diarrhoea and respiratory problems may occur.     

Epistaxis in two horses with dacryohemorrhea.

Unilateral epistaxis in 2 horses was caused by inflammation of the distal portion of the lacrimal system. The origin of epistaxis was identified during physical examination by observing hemorrhage emanating from the nasal opening of the nasolacrimal duct. Dacryohemorrhea caused by bacterial infection was successfully treated with antibacterial drugs administered systemically and instilled into the lacrimal system.     

Cardiac arrhythmias identified in horses with duodenitis/proximal jejunitis: six cases (1985-1988)

During a 3 1/2-year period, cardiac arrhythmias were identified in 6 of 67 horses diagnosed with duodenitis/proximal jejunitis (DPJ). Arrhythmias were detected by auscultation of irregular cardiac rhythm and subsequently were characterized by electrocardiographic evaluation. Arrhythmias included frequent second-degree atrioventricular block, ventricular ectopic depolarizations, and atrioventricular conduction disturbance. In 4 horses, arrhythmias resolved with recovery from the primary problem. One horse died suddenly 66 hours after admission, and another was euthanatized at 72 hours after admission. Clinical and laboratory data from horses with DPJ and cardiac arrhythmias (group 1) were compared with findings for horses with DPJ and without arrhythmias (group 2). Group-1 horses had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher serum bicarbonate concentration and serum creatine kinase activity. Normal sinus rhythm returned in all 4 group-1 horses that recovered from DPJ, suggesting a causal relationship between DPJ and the arrhythmias. Two group-1 horses were necropsied, and both had myocarditis. The cause of these lesions was not determined.     

Ulcerative keratitis caused by beta-hemolytic Streptococcus equi in 11 horses

Purpose To describe 11 clinical cases of ulcerative keratitis in horses associated with beta-hemolytic Streptococcus equi in Florida, USA. METHODS: Retrospective clinical study (1996-99). RESULTS: Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus equi was cultured from 11 horses with deep ulcers, descemetoceles or iris prolapse (n = 8), a suture abscess found with a penetrating keratoplasty for a stromal abscess (n = 1), and ulceration that developed following keratectomy/irradiation for corneal squamous cell carcinoma (n = 2). Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus was found in 10 eyes and subspecies equi in one. Marked signs of uveitis including miosis and hypopyon were present in 8/11 (72.7%) eyes. Keratomalacia was severe in all eyes. The mean diameter of the ulcers associated with beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was 10.2 +/- 6.1 mm. Eight of the eyes required conjunctival flap surgery (four grafts dehisced) and one eye corneal transplantation. Two eyes were treated with medication only. Isolate sensitivity to antibiotics included ampicillin (6/11), bacitracin (11/11), cephalothin (11/11), chloramphenicol (11/11), gentamicin (5/11), polymyxin B (2/11), and tobramycin (1/11). All isolates were resistant to neomycin. The average healing time was 44.7 +/- 26.7 days. The visual outcome was positive in 8/11 eyes, and the globe retained in 9/11 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Although Gram-positive bacteria predominate in the normal conjunctival microflora of horses throughout the world, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi are more often isolated from equine ulcers. Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. are associated with a very aggressive ulcerative keratitis with the capability to digest conjunctival graft tissue. Clinical signs are pronounced. Aggressive surgical and intensive medical therapy with topical antibiotics and protease inhibitors is indicated.     

Hindlimb hyperesthesia associated with rabies in two horses

Rabies was diagnosed in 2 adult Quarter Horses with hindlimb hyperesthesia and progressive weakness. Microscopic examination of the cord and brain of the first horse revealed nonsuppurative meningomyelitis and ganglioneuritis in the cord extending cranially to the 6th cervical segment. Fluorescent antibody test results of both horses were positive for rabies in hindlimb peripheral nerve specimens, but negative in sections of the upper lip. Salivary gland, cerebrum, cerebellum, hippocampus, musculocutaneous nerve, cornea, and optic nerve specimens were tested for rabies by fluorescent antibody technique to determine viral distribution in the body of the second horse.     

Head trauma in two horses

The initial clinical signs displayed by two horses with head trauma are described and related to the pathology and management of the condition, to illustrate the diversity of signs that may result from similar events. It is suggested that careful repeated neurological investigations are more reliable prognostic indicators in cases of equine head trauma than a reliance on the initial assessment.     

Chronic glomerulonephritis in two horses

Two middle-aged horses with chronic glomerulonephritis and renal insufficiency are described. Both horses had a history of dullness, inappetence, lethargy and weight loss during the monthprior to presentation. Physical examination revealed thin horses with pale mucus membranes and generalized subcutaneous edema. Routine hematology and serum biochemistry detected anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypercalcemia, hyperkalemia and profound azotemia in both horses. Urinalyses revealed low urine specific gravities and proteinuria. The diagnosis of chronic glomerulonephritis was confirmed by microscopic examination and both horses had kidneys with prominent glomeruli which wherethickened by an amorphous, eosinophilic material.     

Generalized sarcoidosis in two horses

Equine sarcoidosis is a rare disorder usually characterized by exfoliative dermatitis, moderate to severe wasting, and sarcoidal granulomatous inflammation of multiple organ systems. It has an unknown aetiopathogenesis. The condition is not related to equine sarcoid. This case report describes generalized cutaneous and systemic sarcoidosis in an 11-year-old Trakehner mare (case A) and in a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (case B). Case A was presented with cutaneous sarcoidosis on the head and body and was diagnosed on the basis of histological examination of skin. Case B presented with multiple subcutaneous nodules (2-15 cm in diameter) and the diagnosis was established at postmortem examination. Both horses showed distinctive histology of the skin with extensive lymphohistiocytic infiltration and Langhans-type multinucleated giant cells. Haematology and biochemistry revealed a normal total white blood cell count with a right shift in both horses. Case B was anaemic and had a slightly elevated total protein concentration with hyperglobulinaemia. Both horses were unresponsive to corticosteroids and were euthanized.