Comparison of two techniques for quantitation of encysted cyathostome larvae in the horse

Haustral portions of intestine of 6 horses were isolated by excising the taeniae coli from the cecum and the ventral colon. Uniform 5-cm X 5-cm sections were cut from the haustra and were illuminated from the serosal side with a strong light source (mural transillumination). Cyathostome larvae encysted in the mucosa and submucosa were observed at 15 X magnification and counted. Two separate counts of the larvae in 80 replicates of tissue by the mural transillumination technique (MTT) revealed no significant (P less than 0.05) difference between sample means. Larvae in tissue sections were counted in situ by MTT, and the mucosal scrapings of the tissue sections were digested in pepsin and HCl to determine larval yields for comparison with the MTT counts. Numbers of larvae recovered by pepsin and HCl digestion for 3 and 6 hours were significantly (P less than 0.01) lower than were numbers originally determined by MTT. Larvae recovered by tissue digestion for 3 or 6 hours were examined individually and given objective scores for morphologic damage. Distribution of scores was time-dependent; increased damage to larvae was associated with a longer time of digestion. Individual 4th-stage cyathostome larvae were dissected from cysts in the large intestinal wall and were incubated in water, 0.9% saline solution, 1.1% HCl, or pepsin (7,000 U of activity/ml). Significantly fewer (P less than 0.05) larvae were recovered from all solutions after 3 and 6 hours. The proportion of dissected larvae that were given high scores after exposure to pepsin was significantly (P less than 0.01) greater than were those held in HCl, saline solution, or water for both periods.     

Review of the epidemiology and infection control aspects of nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalised horses

Outbreaks of nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalised horses can occur when surveillance and infection control protocols are not in place, or not well structured and enforced. The aim of this article is to present a review of published studies that have contributed to the literature of the epidemiology and infection control aspects of nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalised horses. The review highlights important elements that must be taken into consideration during the formulation, implementation and evaluation of a hospital surveillance and infection control programme designed to reduce the risk of an outbreak of nosocomial Salmonella infection in hospitalised horses.     

An investigation into the epidemiology of Strongylidae infections in the horse in the Netherlands

Summary

In a four‐year survey, the course of pasture infestation with infective larvae of Strongylidae and the pattern of development of the Strongylidae infection in the host were investigated. In this way it was hoped to obtain epidemiological data which might serve as a basis for the control of strongylidosis in the horse.     

Observations on the epidemiology and control of Strongylus vulgaris infections

The epidemiology and control of helminth infections in the horse were studied in four small grazing experiments between 1981 and 1984 at the University of Utrecht. At autopsy in November or December negligible Strongylus vulgaris burdens were found in the cranial mesenteric artery of four groups of ponies, which had been treated with an anthelmintic in July and subsequently transferred to a clean pasture. Considerable arterial S. vulgaris burdens were seen in three groups of ponies which were treated with an anthelmintic in July without a move to clean pasture, and in another group of ponies in 1984, which was set stocked on a pasture used for horses in 1983 and which was treated with an anthelmintic (albendazole) 2 days before turnout in April and subsequently in May, June and July. A tracer pony, grazed with this group between the middle of September and the middle of November, harboured an even higher burden of arterial S. vulgaris larvae. The arterial S. vulgaris in the latter group could not be the result of contamination of the pasture with S. vulgaris eggs before July, as in the three other groups with considerable arterial S. vulgaris burdens. Pasture larval counts showed that S. vulgaris larvae do not only overwinter, but are able to survive in considerable numbers until autumn, longer than most other gastrointestinal nematodes. There were some indications that translation of infective larvae, which overwintered on pasture in some free living stage, occurred between May and July.     

Control of cyathostome infections in mares treated at parturition with ivermectin

Six mares were treated on the day of parturition with an intramuscular injection of 0.2 mg kg-1 ivermectin and placed in a pasture free of equine parasites as soon as possible after foaling. The mares and their foals were compared with a similar group of untreated mares and foals on an adjoining pasture. The experimental data was derived from mare and foal fecal egg counts, foal necropsies and pasture larval counts. Ivermectin administered to mares on the day of parturition, when combined with movement to parasite-free pastures, significantly lowered the cyathostome (small strongyle) egg production for 4 months. This reduced cyathostome exposure was reflected in lower worm-burdens in their foals for 5 months. The results indicate that ivermectin will effectively control equine strongyles when mares and their foals are moved to parasite-free pastures.     

Epizootiological aspects of type 1 and type 4 equine herpesvirus infections among horse populations.

The dissemination of equine herpesvirus types 1 (EHV-1) and 4 (EHV-4) among various horse populations in Japan was investigated through the isolation and typing of virus strains from horses with respiratory diseases. Type specific monoclonal antibody pools were used for the typing of isolates. The 42 strains of EHV-1 and 64 strains of EHV-4 were isolated from 4593 nasal swabs and/or blood plasma samples collected from 3326 horses during a period from 1979 to 1990. All the strains of EHV-1 were isolated from racehorses only and during the winter season exclusively, when the epizootic of respiratory diseases occurred among racehorse populations at two Training Centers of the Japan Racing Association. In contrast, the strains of EHV-4 were isolated from horses irrespective of the season, facility, or horse population; foals and yearlings in breeding farms and our institute, rearing horses in rearing farms, and racehorses. Especially, 4 strains of EHV-4 were isolated from plasma samples containing buffy coat cells. We believe this is the first reported case of EHV-4 cell-associated viremia in the world. All 87 strains isolated from aborted fetuses were identified as EHV-1. The results suggest that EHV-1 is responsible for epizootic respiratory diseases in racehorses in the winter and abortion among mares at the late stage of gestation, and that EHV-4 causes respiratory diseases throughout the year among all horse populations.     

Some aspects of the epidemiology and control of Salmonella typhimurium infection in outwintered suckler cows.

Two outbreaks of Salmonella typhimurium infections affected outwintered, spring-calving suckler cows in late pregnancy. The infections spread rapidly both within and between groups of stock on the affected farms, with morbidity in the infected groups varying from 14.5 per cent to over 60 per cent, and mortality in adult cattle varying from 0 to 14.3 per cent. Prophylactic measures included the use of antibiotics and killed vaccines against Escherichia coli, Salmonella dublin, S typhimurium, and Pasteurella multocida. In one outbreak, use was also made of a polyvalent serovaccine and hyperimmune serum against E coli, S typhimurium, and S dublin. In both outbreaks no new cases were reported in the affected groups after the administration of the second dose of vaccine, and there was no resurgence of disease on the affected farms within 18 months of the primary outbreaks.     

Comparative efficiency of moxidectin gel or ivermectin paste for cyathostome control in young horses

Thirty-six young horses were allocated to three similar groups. Horses in Group 1 were treated with moxidectin gel on Days 0, 90, and 180, Group 2 horses received ivermectin paste on Days 0, 60, 120, and 180, and horses in Group 3 were untreated controls. All horses were maintained on a common pasture for the first 180 days. Immediately after the final scheduled deworming, each group was moved to a separate, clean pasture where it remained until Day 360. At monthly intervals, fecal egg counts, body weights, body condition scores, and pasture larval counts were measured. The cumulative costs of both deworming regimens were calculated. Young horses treated three times at 90-day intervals with moxidectin gel had significantly lower monthly fecal egg counts than untreated controls from Days 30 through 300. Horses given ivermectin paste four times at 60-day intervals had significantly lower egg counts than controls 30 days after each treatment and 60 days after the third dose. Average daily gains of treated horses were significantly greater than controls from Days 120 through 360 (moxidectin) and from Days 210 through 360 (ivermectin). Quarterly moxidectin treatments reduced egg counts more effectively and cost less than ivermectin given bimonthly.     

Comparison of two approaches to performing an inferior alveolar nerve block in the horse

Objectives To compare two approaches to performing the inferior alveolar nerve block in the horse and to evaluate the consistency of described topographical landmarks. Design Experimental cadaver model. Methods Eleven cadaver heads were positioned to mimic a standing sedated horse and the position of the mandibular foramen approximated. The vertical approach to the approximate location of the mandibular foramen was undertaken and red dye was deposited. The angled approach was then undertaken and blue ink was used to identify it. The heads were then dissected to determine the location of the dye. Placement was categorised as a hit or a miss for each technique for each side of the head. The distance of the dye from the nerve was recorded. Straight lateral radiographs of the sectioned heads were taken to evaluate the topographical landmarks for performing this nerve block. Results Each method was performed 22 times. A hit was achieved 16 times (73%) for the angled approach and 13 times (59%) for the vertical approach. There was no significant difference between the two approaches (P = 0.34). Radiographs revealed that the topographical landmarks used to approximate the mandibular foramen were relatively accurate. Conclusion Both methods were found to be equivalently accurate. The previously reported topographic landmarks for locating the approximate position of the mandibular foramen on the medial aspect of the mandible were found to be accurate, but currently recommended doses of local anaesthetic may be excessive.     

Clinical aspects of mycotic keratitis in the horse.

Several manifestations of equine corenal ulcers caused by mycotic agents are discussed. Antifungal therapy is reviewed. Mycotic keratitis should be suspected when routine corneal ulcer therapy is nonproductive.     

两种片形吸虫感染山羊的对比试验

片形吸虫病是在全球范围广泛流行，并对人有一定危害的寄生虫病。在大部分地区该病病原为肝片形吸虫（Fasciola hepatica），非洲、亚洲的热带地区是大片形吸虫（F．gigantica）。据本地的资料和以往的研究显示，广西主要是大片形吸虫。由于国内外对肝片形吸虫的研究较多，对大片形吸虫的研究较少，使得国内一些研究未能注意到这两个种的虫在对动物的致病性及其所引起的免疫反应等方面的差别。     

Pathophysiology of bit control in the horse

The use of one and often two bits, in traditional or normal horsemanship, constitutes a welfare problem, a hazard to health, and a handicap to performance.

• The bit method of control is invasive, physiologically contraindicated and counterproductive

• A bit often causes discomfort, pain and injury

• It can be responsible for a horse's poor attitude to exercise and many behavioral problems in all types of equitation from dressage (e.g., headshaking) to racing (e.g., dorsal displacement of the soft palate). Horses are happier in a bridle without a bit

• The bit can be the sole cause of abnormal inspiratory noise (stridor) at exercise

• To govern the speed of a racehorse using a bit and traction on both reins depends on poll flexion, which obstructs the airway and leads to premature fatigue, poor performance, and asphyxia-induced pulmonary edema (“bleeding”). Measurement of jowl angle is recommended as an indicator of upper airway patency

• A bit triggers digestive tract reflexes, which are physiologically opposed to rapid breathing. Horses are being expected to eat and exercise simultaneously, two activities that are mutually exclusive

• As the bit interferes with breathing and as breathing is coupled with locomotion, the bit also interferes with locomotion.

• A horse that leans on the bit loses self-carriage, and becomes heavier on the forehand. Its stride becomes shorter and, therefore, slower. In addition, greater stress is placed on the tendons, ligaments, joints and bones of the forelegs. In racing this factor, coupled with fatigue, renders breakdowns and fatal accidents more likely

• Resistance to the bit causes rigidity of the neck, which is incompatible with optimum performance, and also reduces the effectiveness of some important energy conservation mechanisms. Human athletes need complete freedom of their neck

• The horse is an obligatory nose-breather. At exercise, a horse's lips should be sealed and mouth closed so that no air enters the digestive tract. A bit breaks this seal and the mouth is often open

• “Nonacceptance of the bit” includes problems such as buccal ulcers, wolf tooth sensitivity, pain during eruption of cheek teeth, star fractures of the mandible, lacerations of the lip, tongue and gingiva, open mouth, tongue movement, tongue behind the bit, tongue over the bit, ‘swallowing the tongue,’ ‘flipping the palate,’, headshaking, fighting the bit, chewing on the bit, ‘bit between the teeth,’ boring, pulling and bolting

• The safety of rider and horse are imperiled when justifiable resentment of bit-induced pain leads a horse to take the bit between its teeth and bolt.

In the practice of natural horsemanship, horses can be controlled for early schooling without a bit, and for advanced schooling with a snaffle. In this way, the above problems can be either solved or minimized, respectively. A new design of bitless bridle, that is neither a hackamore nor a bosal, permits control by painless pressure on the skin behind the ear and facilitates the humane, non-invasive and natural approach, even for advanced schooling.