Atypical thymoma in a horse: Diagnostic approach and application of an alternative histological classification system

Thymoma is a rare condition in horses. This case of a 24-year-old Warmblood gelding that was presented with oedema and signs of vascular congestion of the left forelimb caused by a thoracic mass is described. The diagnostic work-up included blood chemistry, cytology of pleural effusion, ultrasonography, radiography and the visualisation and collection of a tissue sample by thoracoscopy. Finally, post-mortem findings and histopathology revealed thymic epithelial neoplasia with histomorphologic features previously unreported in horses. The unique mixture of spindle-shaped and epithelioid tumour cells in combination with clear features of malignancy suggested the application of the Moran and Suster histological classification system for thymomas in humans (Moran and Suster, 2008, Curr. Treat. Options Oncol., 9, 288), which has not been reported in an equine case before and fits well to the present case.     

Comparison of outcomes following treatment of septic calcaneal bursitis by needle or bursoscopic lavage: A retrospective study of 29 horses

Sepsis of the calcaneal bursae (CB) presents significant treatment challenges with limited clinical data available in the literature. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the clinical outcomes associated with CB lavage using either a through-and-through needle or bursoscopic technique. Clinical records of 29 horses treated for septic calcaneal bursitis using either technique between 2005 and 2019 were reviewed. Fisher’s exact test was used to assess statistical significance between first surgical technique and success at first surgery (i.e. not requiring >1 lavage), survival to discharge and return to work (RTW). Bursoscopy was performed in 13/29 (44.8%) cases, and needle lavage in 16/29 (55.2%). In the needle group, 12 (75%) horses were discharged following the first surgery. Four had repeat interventions; two (12.5%) had needle lavage and two (12.5%) had bursoscopy. Of the two horses to have repeat needle lavage, one was subjected to euthanasia and one discharged, and of the two that underwent bursoscopy, one was discharged and one received a third bursoscopy prior to discharge. In the bursoscopy group, seven (53.8%) were discharged and three (23.1%) were subjected to euthanasia following the first surgery. Three (23.1%) received a second bursoscopic lavage with one discharged, one subjected to euthanasia and one having a third bursoscopic lavage prior to discharge. Overall, 18/24 (75%) followed up cases RTW, 10 (55.5%) from the needle group, eight (44.4%) the bursoscopy group. No statistically significant differences between first surgical technique used and success at first surgery (no subsequent lavage(s) required), survival to discharge or return to work were detected. The main limitations of this study are that it is a retrospective study, has a small population with limited statistical power and potential selection bias. No statistically significant differences existed between the outcomes of the two techniques, contrary to the belief that bursoscopic lavage is superior. Larger, multicentred studies, with greater statistical power are required to further assess this relationship.     

The Use of a Metabolic Disorder Index as a Predictor for Metabolic Eliminations in Endurance Horses

The equine endurance race involves both aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms of the horse. The intense physical activity over an extended period often causes susceptible horses to develop metabolic signs or problems resulting in elimination from races. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a method for prediction and validation of a metabolic disorder index (MDI) to be used before endurance races. Three hundred seventy-five Arabian (n = 152) and Arabian cross (n = 223) endurance horses aged from 6 to 15 years and weighing between 350 and 450 kg were selected for the study in Malaysia. Blood samples were collected at pre- and post-race periods. The significant (P < .05) findings in horses with metabolic disorder were packed cell volume (0.50 ± 0.06 LL−1), creatine kinase (1,275.89 ± 121.45 UL−1), interleukin-6 (2.01 ± 0.89 ng/mL), decreased glutathione reductase (26.57 ± 3.95 ng/mL), and chloride (94.98 ± 8.12 mmol/L). A new method called MDI was developed as a predictor for horses with the potential to develop metabolic disorders in endurance races. The MDI indicated a higher value greater than 5.5 for those eliminated and lower value below 5.5 for those that completed the race successfully, this proved to be accurate in the prediction of metabolic disorder in endurance horses. The MDI is an innovative and simple method used as a prediction method that will assist the equine endurance society to reduce the rate of elimination and to safeguard against serious medical problems during endurance races in the tropics.     

农业信息：传统与现代的耦合

近年来，国家投资建设大量信息基础设施，以保证农业信息能更好的被农户采用。而现实中，农户并不通过网络、电视和报刊等现代信息手段获得农业信息，相反，基于地缘和血缘的熟人网络和以盈利为目的的商人成了农业信息传播的主要媒介。在这种传播方式下，农户的利益常遭侵害，农业科技难以广泛有效的传播，甚至一些假信息让农户失去了对“科技”的信赖。针对目前存在的种种问题，笔者兼顾现实与未来，提出了相关对策。     

BACTERIAL ENDOCARDITIS WITH THROMBUS FORMATION AND ABSCESSATION IN A HORSE

A 2.5 year old Appaloosa stallion with progressive weight loss and a heart murmur was diagnosed as having vegetative endocarditis of the right atrioventricular valves with a mass in the right atrium. The ultrasonographic appearance of the lesion was characterized by extreme reverberation. On postmortem examination, a 9 cm diameter thrombus was found within the right atrium and auricle, occupying approximately 80% of the chamber volume. Additionally, a lenticular abscess extended throughout the parietal cusp of the right atrioventricular valve. Histologic examination revealed that the lesions were septic with numerous gram positive cocci in short chains, suggestive of Streptococcus equi , and gram negative rods.     

兔病毒性出血症病毒高免血清的制备与应用效果

以兔病毒性出血症病毒组织灭活疫苗免疫家兔，经五次免疫之后，抗体效价可达12log2以上，采集兔血清，以此治疗攻毒兔，结果大部分兔都存活，临床应用效果表明：以此血清治疗自然感染兔病毒性出血症病毒的发病兔，治愈率达80％以上。     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF EQUINE NIGROPALLIDAL ENCEPHALOMALACIA

Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) was used to make a diagnosis of equine nigropallidal encephalomalacia in a horse. Equine nigropallidal encephalomalacia is a neurodegenerative disease that has many characteristics with Parkinson-like diseases in humans. Historically, horses were euthanized based on clinical signs and exposure to the toxic weed, yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Previously, the disease has only been confirmed on necropsy. MR imaging can provide accurate and sensitive visualization of typical lesions seen in the brain of horses affected with equine nigropallidal encephalomalacia. Lesions were seen on T1-weighted, T2-weighted and proton density images. There was no contrast enhancement following Gd-DTPA administration. Lesions seen on MR were confirmed at necropsy. Using MR to confirm a diagnosis of equine nigropallidal encephalomalacia will prevent unnecessary suffering of horses and expense to owners that would otherwise incur, while further diagnostics are performed.     

中国矮马运铁蛋白遗传多态性的初步研究

采用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳对中国矮马运铁蛋白多态性进行了测定。在运铁蛋白位点共发现5种表型，即F2F2，DF2，F2H2，F2O和F2R，由Tf^D,Tf^F2,Tf^F2,Tf^H2,Tf^O和Tf^R等5个等位基因控制，其基因频率分别为0.0312,0.7188,0.0625,0.0312和0.1563；基因的杂合度（H），个体鉴别概率（Dp)和亲仔关系排除概率（PE）分别为0.4530,0.6875和0.2586。     

伊维速克对普氏野马寄生虫的驱虫效果

使用伊维速克（伊维菌素制剂）对普氏野马进行驱虫，驱虫效果很好，与以前用的各种伊维菌素相比效果相近，但必需重复用药才能有明显效果。