Can Horses 'Watch and Learn'?

Can Horses 'Watch and Learn'?: Watch and learn. It sure seems that horses can do it. One of them figures out how to open the gate to get to your not-so-well-hidden stock of carrots, and then before you know it, they're all getting orange in the muzzle. So can they really learn from each other? Maybe, according to a group of Danish equestrian scientists, but there's nothing cert...

Horse Health Lecture Series Schedule Announced

Horse Health Lecture Series Schedule Announced: The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (EMC) has announced the schedule of their "Tuesday Talks" lecture series, according to a statement on the center's website.
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An inconvenient truth: global worming and anthelmintic resistance

An inconvenient truth: global worming and anthelmintic resistance: Publication year: 2011
Source: Veterinary Parasitology, Available online 19 November 2011
R.M. Kaplan, A.N. Vidyashankar
Over the past 10-15 years, we have witnessed a rapid increase in both the prevalence and magnitude of anthelmintic resistance, and this increase appears to be a worldwide phenomenon. Reports of anthelmintic resistance to multiple drugs in individual parasite species, and in multiple parasite species across virtually all livestock hosts, are increasingly common. In addition, since the introduction of ivermectin in 1981, no novel anthelmintic classes were developed and introduced for use in livestock until recently with the launch of monepantel in New Zealand. Thus, livestock producers are often left with few options for effective treatment against many important parasite species. While new anthelmintic classes with novel mechanisms of action could potentially solve this problem, new drugs are extremely expensive to develop, and can be expected to be more expensive than older drugs. Thus, it seems clear that the “Global Worming” approach that has taken hold over the past 40-50 years must change, and livestock producers must develop a new vision for parasite control and sustainability of production. Furthermore, parasitologists must improve methods for study design and data analysis that are used for diagnosing anthelmintic resistance, especially for the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). Currently, standards for diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance using FECRT exist only for sheep. Lack of standards in horses and cattle and arbitrarily defined cutoffs for defining resistance, combined with inadequate analysis of the data, mean that errors in assigning resistance status are common. Similarly, the lack of standards makes it difficult to compare data among different studies. This problem needs to be addressed, because as new drugs are introduced now and in the future, the lack of alternative treatments will make early and accurate diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance increasingly important.

Assessing Lameness Severity in Horses with Chronic Laminitis

Assessing Lameness Severity in <b>Horses</b> with Chronic Laminitis: The pain and lameness horses with chronic laminitis experience are what make this disease a top concern in the equine veterinary community. Evaluating lameness severity, however, is largely subjective. At the 6th International Equine Conference on ...
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Purdue: Indiana's horse industry generates $2B a year from variety of horse ...

Purdue: Indiana's horse industry generates $2B a year from variety of horse <b>...</b>: Lead author Susan Conners, who directs Purdue Calumet's Equine Business Management program, says the data show that the horse industry's various facets are "a vital part of Indiana's economy." She says the study represents the first survey of the full ...
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UK-Led Kentucky Equine Survey launches

UK-Led Kentucky Equine Survey launches: A University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture-led study aims to accurately assess the number of horses in Kentucky and their economic impact--fundamental pieces of information currently unavailable to those who need it. ...
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New dressage app to help event riders remember their test

New dressage app to help event riders remember their test: A new app to help riders learn their dressage tests will be launched this December by Leeds-based brand Equinoxâ€"Apps

Animal success stories pave the way for human stem-cell therapy trials

Animal success stories pave the way for human stem-cell therapy trials:

The Houston Zoo's arthritic pot-bellied pig and an injured Bengal tiger in Mexico, among other animals, have benefited from -More-

Standing Laparoscopic Peritoneal Flap Hernioplasty Technique for Preventing Recurrence of Acquired Strangulating Inguinal Herniation in Stallions

Standing Laparoscopic Peritoneal Flap Hernioplasty Technique for Preventing Recurrence of Acquired Strangulating Inguinal Herniation in Stallions:

Objective

To describe a standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty (PFH) technique for closure of the vaginal ring, and to evaluate its effect on prevention of recurrent herniation in stallions, previously treated for acquired strangulating inguinal hernia (SIH).

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Stallions (n = 30) aged 3–15 that had previous acquired SIH.

Methods

Bilateral standing laparoscopic PFH was performed on 30 stallions that had previous acquired SIH treated without castration. The vaginal rings were approached from 3 portals, 2 in the paralumbar fossa and a 3rd between the 17th and 18th ribs on the ipsilateral side. A large inverted U-shaped peritoneal flap was dissected from the abdominal wall proximal and cranial to the vaginal ring, reflected caudally over the vaginal ring, and secured to the abdominal wall with laparoscopic staples. In the first 11 stallions, only the cranial and mid third of the vaginal ring was covered. For the next 19 stallions, complete closure of the vaginal ring including the entire caudal aspect of the vaginal ring was achieved.

Results

SIH recurrence occurred in 4 of 11 stallions with incomplete ring closure whereas no SIH recurrence occurred when the entire vaginal ring was closed. No major complications occurred and cosmetic outcome was excellent. All breeding stallions were successfully used for breeding.

Conclusion

Standing laparoscopic closure of the vaginal ring using a PFH is an effective way to prevent recurrence of SIH provided the entire vaginal ring, including the caudal aspect is covered by the flap. There seems to be no effect on subsequent fertility.

Attempted Medical Management of Suspected Ascending Colon Displacement in Horses

Attempted Medical Management of Suspected Ascending Colon Displacement in Horses:

Objective

To determine the success of medical management of suspected displacement of the ascending (large) colon in horses.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 127) with suspected large colon displacement.

Methods

Medical records (January 1998–September 2008) of horses admitted for colic were reviewed. Suspected large colon displacement was diagnosed from clinical examination and in some cases, subsequent surgical examination. Medically managed horses were exercised and administered intravenous fluids and analgesia. Horses with suspected left dorsal displacement (LDD) of the large colon were also administered phenylephrine.

Results

Medical management had a high success rate for treatment of suspected right dorsal displacement (RDD) (64%) and LDD (76%) of the large colon; 4 horses died (1) or were euthanatized (3) and 36 horses had surgery. Of 127 horses treated medically or surgically for a colon displacement, 94% survived to hospital discharge.

Conclusions

Horses with suspected RDD or LDD of the large colon may respond to medical management including exercise.

Saddle Up Safely Wins Safety Award

Saddle Up Safely Wins Safety Award: The Certified Horsemanship Association recently recognized Saddle Up Safely, a collaboration of more than 40 medical and equine organizations led by the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture Equine Initiative and UK HealthCare, ...
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Laminitis Treatment with Stem Cells

Laminitis Treatment with Stem Cells: Stem cell therapy is a regenerative approach that has gained much press recently as a potential method for treating equine injuries. While scientific studies on its efficacy are scarce, Scott Morrison, DVM, of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital's podiatry ...
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Vertical head and trunk movement adaptations of sound horses trotting in a circle on a hard surface

Vertical head and trunk movement adaptations of sound horses trotting in a circle on a hard surface: Publication year: 2011
Source: The Veterinary Journal, Available online 20 November 2011
Sandra D. Starke, Egbert Willems, Stephen A. May, Thilo Pfau
Trotting a horse in circles is a standard and important part of the subjective equine lameness examination, yet objective data on this form of locomotion are sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of trotting in a circle on head and trunk movement symmetry. Vertical movements of the head, withers, os sacrum and left and right tuber coxae were measured using inertial sensors as 12 sound horses were trotted on a hard surface in a straight line and in a circle on both reins. Seven asymmetry measures and hip hike were calculated for each horse for at least nine strides of comparable stride duration across the three conditions (deviation on horse level ⩽3.7% stride duration).Trotting in a circle introduced systematic changes to the movement pattern of all five body landmarks, affecting most asymmetry measures. On average the asymmetry magnitude was comparable for midline locations between reins and for the tuber coxae on opposite reins with few exceptions, although individual horses showed unsystematic differences between the two reins. The results from this study showed that the thresholds for objective discrimination between lame and non-lame horses will need adjustment on the circle due to the observed asymmetry bias.

Risk factors for equine laminitis: A systematic review with quality appraisal of published evidence

Risk factors for equine laminitis: A systematic review with quality appraisal of published evidence: Publication year: 2011
Source: The Veterinary Journal, Available online 20 November 2011
Claire E. Wylie, Simon N. Collins, Kristien L.P. Verheyen, J. Richard Newton
Epidemiological studies into the risk factors for naturally-occurring equine laminitis are limited. There are a small number of such studies, although the results are inconsistent and remain disputed. The reasons for the conflicting results remain unclear. The aim of this review was to critically evaluate previous research in order to identify publications which provide the best evidence of risk factors for naturally-occurring equine laminitis. A systematic review of English language publications was conducted using MEDLINE (1950–2010), CAB Direct (1910–2010) and IVIS (1997–2010). Additional publications were included by searching bibliographies. Search terms included laminitis, equine, risk factors and epidemiology. Publications which compared a case population to a control population and made inferences about parameters as risk factors for naturally-occurring equine laminitis were included. Information was extracted using predefined data fields, including 18 study quality indicators.In total, 17 publications were fully appraised. Six were considered to provide the most reliable information about risk factors for naturally-occurring laminitis. Information on signalment was well researched and there was good evidence for an association with chronic laminitis and increasing age. There remain inconsistent results for many other horse-level risk factors including gender, breed and bodyweight. Previous publications estimating risk factors for equine laminitis were of reasonable quality, although they were limited in the number and scope of the risk factors studied. High-quality, evidence-based studies are needed to identify further risk factors and to establish consensus over previously identified risk factors for different equine populations.

Comparison of Analgesic Effects of Caudal Epidural 0.25% Bupivacaine with Bupivacaine Plus Morphine or Bupivacaine Plus Ketamine for Analgesia in Conscious Horses

Comparison of Analgesic Effects of Caudal Epidural 0.25% Bupivacaine with Bupivacaine Plus Morphine or Bupivacaine Plus Ketamine for Analgesia in Conscious Horses: Publication year: 2011
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Available online 20 November 2011
Rafael DeRossi, Tiago J.C. Módolo, Ronaldo C. Pagliosa, Paulo H.A. Jardim, Felipe B. Maciel, ...
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of caudal epidural bupivacaine alone (BP), bupivacaine plus morphine (BPMP), and bupivacaine plus ketamine (BPKE) for perineal analgesia in horses. Each of the six saddle horses received a caudal epidural catheter and underwent 3 treatments: BP, 0.25% (0.04 mg/kg) bupivacaine hydrochloride without epinephrine; BPMP, 0.02 mg/kg of bupivacaine combined with 0.1 mg/kg of morphine-preservative free; and BPKE, 0.02 mg/kg of bupivacaine combined with 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine. The order of treatments was randomized. The cardiovascular system, respiratory rate, quality of analgesia, sedation, and motor blockade were assessed before drug administration (baseline), at 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes, and every 30 minutes thereafter until loss of analgesia. The median time to onset of analgesia was 5 minutes after BP treatment, faster than after BPKE or BPMP treatments, which were 10 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively (P< .05). The BPMP treatment produced analgesia (315 minutes) for a longer duration than BP treatment (210 minutes) or BPKE treatment (240 minutes), in the regions of the tail, perineum, and upper hind limb in horses. All treatments presented mild sedation or motor blockade. There were minimal effects on the cardiovascular system and respiratory rate. BPMP may be preferable to a high dose of BP or BPKE. Caudal epidural BPMP can be an appropriate choice for regional perineal analgesia in horses.

Various Circumstances Regarding Initial Allergen Exposure and Their Influence on Development of Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses

Various Circumstances Regarding Initial Allergen Exposure and Their Influence on Development of Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses: Publication year: 2011
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Available online 20 November 2011
Beatrix Sommer-Locher, Verena Endriss, Ella Fromm
Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), an allergic reaction to the saliva of Culicoides, occurs in all horse breeds and is a severe problem. In this study, we aimed at exploring whether exterior conditions, such as duration of allergenic exposure during the first summer and age of the horses at the time of import, influence the development of IBH. Additionally, data were analyzed regarding the period IBH started after birth and after import. Datasets for 582 horses were collected. The horses were locally born Icelandic horses and horses of other breeds with IBH, as well as imported Icelandic horses, both affected and nonaffected. For locally born horses, time of birth and duration of allergen exposure during the first summer had no influence on the prevalence of IBH. The disease started mostly in their third year of life. The majority of the imported horses affected caught IBH during their first year in Central Europe. Older imported horses seemed to develop IBH quicker than younger animals. Animals imported in their first winter are exposed to the allergen when they are at least 7 months old. They experienced approximately the same low risk of developing IBH as locally bred horses. The risk of IBH increased with the horses’ age at import. From our data, we conclude that the period to develop successful immune tolerance goes beyond the perinatal phase and is longer than formerly supposed.

Consequences of Intrauterine Enrofloxacin Infusion on Mare Endometrium

Consequences of Intrauterine Enrofloxacin Infusion on Mare Endometrium: Publication year: 2011
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Available online 20 November 2011
Jacobo S. Rodriguez, Sushan Han, Samuel Nielsen, Lisa K. Pearson, John M. Gay, ...
Endometritis is an important cause of infertility in mares. Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic to which most equine endometritis pathogens are not resistant. The objective of this study was to determine whether enrofloxacin is safe to use as a conventional intrauterine infusion treatment. Nine healthy mares received intrauterine infusions of enrofloxacin (Baytril 100, 100 mg/mL, Bayer Health Care LLC, Animal Health Division) at 2.5 mg/kg daily for 3 days. Ultrasonographic examination and vaginal examinations were performed during the study. Endometrial biopsies were performed before treatment (S0) and 24 hours after the last treatment (S1) to evaluate acute effects. For evaluating chronic effects, biopsies were performed at 14 days (S2) and 60 days posttreatment (S3). Biopsies were graded histologically by the Kenny and Doig category scale. Difference in histological biopsy grade before and after treatment was compared between biopsies by using a repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance. and significant changes in grades were used to assess treatment effects. The vaginal and ultrasonographic examination after intrauterine infusion of enrofloxacin showed that all mares had severe purulent vaginitis and uterine fluid accumulation of ≥2 cm, with ≥1.5-cm thickening of the endometrial wall which persisted in most mares until the end of the study. Histologically, there was acute endometrial ulceration, necrosis, and hemorrhage in biopsy S1 in all mares, categorized as grade III. In biopsy S2, most mares developed fibrosis and inflammation graded as IIb (four of nine mares) or III (four of nine mares). In biopsy S3, fibrosis was extensive and had variable inflammation, graded as IIb (two of nine mares) or III (five of nine mares), with some mares healing to grade IIa (two of nine mares). There was an overall worsening of endometrial biopsy grade from I to III at S3 compared with S0 (P< .001). These results confirm that enrofloxacin is not suitable for conventional intrauterine infusion treatment in mares.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous medetomidine in the horse

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous medetomidine in the horse:

Abstract

Objective  To describe the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics following an intravenous (IV) bolus dose of medetomidine in the horse.

Study design  Prospective experimental trial.

Animals  Eight, mature healthy horses age 11.7 ± 4.6 (mean ± SD) years, weighing 557 ± 54 kg.

Methods  Medetomidine (10 μg kg⁻¹) was administered IV. Blood was sampled at fixed time points from before drug administration to 48 hours post administration. Behavioral, physiological and biochemical data were obtained at predetermined time points from 0 minutes to 24 hours post administration. An algometer was also used to measure threshold responses to noxious stimuli. Medetomidine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and used for calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters using noncompartmental and compartmental analysis.

Results  Pharmacokinetic analysis estimated that medetomidine peaked (8.86 ± 3.87 ng mL⁻¹) at 6.4 ± 2.7 minutes following administration and was last detected at 165 ± 77 minutes post administration. Medetomidine had a clearance of 39.6 ± 14.6 mL kg⁻¹ minute⁻¹ and a volume of distribution of 1854 ± 565 mL kg⁻¹. The elimination half-life was 29.1 ± 12.5 minutes. Glucose concentration reached a maximum of 176 ± 46 mg dL⁻¹ approximately 1 hour post administration. Decreased heart rate, respiratory rate, borborygmi, packed cell volume, and total protein concentration were observed following administration. Horses lowered their heads from 107 ± 12 to 20 ± 10 cm within 10 minutes of drug administration and gradually returned to normal. Horse mobility decreased after drug administration. An increased mechanical threshold was present from 10 to 45 minutes and horses were less responsive to sound.

Conclusion and clinical relevance  Behavioral and physiological effects following intravenous administration positively correlate with pharmacokinetic profiles from plasma medetomidine concentrations. Glucose concentration gradually transiently increased following medetomidine administration. The analgesic effect of the drug appeared to have a very short duration.

Development of a xylazine constant rate infusion with or without butorphanol for standing sedation of horses

Development of a xylazine constant rate infusion with or without butorphanol for standing sedation of horses:

Abstract

Objective  To elaborate constant rate infusion (CRI) protocols for xylazine (X) and xylazine/butorphanol (XB) which will result in constant sedation and steady xylazine plasma concentrations.

Study design  Blinded randomized experimental study.

Animals  Ten adult research horses.

Methods  Part I: After normal height of head above ground (HHAG = 100%) was determined, a loading dose of xylazine (1 mg kg⁻¹) with butorphanol (XB: 18 μg kg⁻¹) or saline (X: equal volume) was given slowly intravenously (IV). Immediately afterwards, a CRI of butorphanol (XB: 25 μg kg⁻¹ hour⁻¹) or saline (X) was administered for 2 hours. The HHAG was used as a marker of depth of sedation. Sedation was maintained for 2 hours by additional boluses of xylazine (0.3 mg kg⁻¹) whenever HHAG >50%. The dose of xylazine (mg kg⁻¹ hour⁻¹) required to maintain sedation was calculated for both groups. Part II: After the initial loading dose, the calculated xylazine infusion rates were administered in parallel to butorphanol (XB) or saline (X) and sedation evaluated. Xylazine plasma concentrations were measured by HPLC-MS-MS at time points 0, 5, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test and a 2-way anova for repeated measures (p < 0.05).

Results  There was no significant difference in xylazine requirements (X: 0.69, XB: 0.65 mg kg⁻¹ hour⁻¹) between groups. With treatment X, a CRI leading to prolonged sedation was developed. With XB, five horses (part I: two, part II: three) fell down and during part II four horses appeared insufficiently sedated. Xylazine plasma concentrations were constant after 45 minutes in both groups.

Conclusion  Xylazine bolus, followed by CRI, provided constant sedation. Additional butorphanol was ineffective in reducing xylazine requirements and increased ataxia and apparent early recovery from sedation in unstimulated horses.

Clinical relevance  Data were obtained on unstimulated healthy horses and extrapolation to clinical conditions requires caution.

Cryotherapy Methods to Treat Laminitis

Cryotherapy Methods to Treat Laminitis: Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, has been shown to prevent laminitis in the at-risk equine patient and is often recommended for relieving pain and inflammation in the acutely laminitic horse. In a workshop at the 6th International Equine Conference on ...
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Metabolic Causes of Encephalopathy in Horses

Metabolic Causes of Encephalopathy in Horses: Hyperammonemia secondary to intestinal disease or dysfunction appears to be more common in horses than in other species. The reason for the relatively high incidence of this disease in horses is unknown. The exact cause of the disorder is also unknown but is presumed to be a result of excessive ammonia production within the intestinal tract. The hypothesis is that this excessive production and absorption of ammonia would overwhelm normal liver metabolism causing ammonia toxicity and the encephalopathic signs. There is some possibility that intestinal overgrowth of hyperammonia-producing bacteria may be responsible for the disorder although no specific bacteria have been documented to be associated with the condition. Overgrowth of specific hyperammonia-producing bacteria and increases in intestinal pH are known to increase intestinal ammonia production in cattle, although neurologic signs were not reported in the cattle. Most horses with the hyperammonemia encephalopathy exhibit either colic and/or diarrhea during or preceding the neurologic signs. This provides circumstantial evidence of intestinal dysfunction or disease being associated with the presumed overgrowth of the hyperammonia-producing bacteria and/or increased absorption of ammonia. A recent epidemiologic investigation of 13 documented cases did not find any breed or gender predisposition to the disease; the average age was 12 years (range 4–24 years). Most cases presented between March and October, and most affected horses had access to pasture but no specific type of pasture, hay, or grain could be found in common to all cases. In cattle, there are more hyperammonia-producing bacteria in forage-fed cattle than in grain-fed cattle, which might be consistent with the evidence that most horses with hyperammonemia are not on a high grain diet. In most reports, only a single horse on the farm is affected, although in one report, 2 horses on a single small farm were affected on the same day. One recent report has also identified 10 foals with intestinal hyperammonemia.

Update on Infectious Diseases Affecting the Equine Nervous System

Update on Infectious Diseases Affecting the Equine Nervous System: EHV-1 infection has received a great deal of attention in the last decade due to several high-profile outbreaks, state-mandated quarantines, and recognition of a “neuropathogenic” strain. This alpha-herpesvirus is ubiquitous throughout the world, and most horses over the age of 2 years have been exposed. Latent infections involving the trigeminal ganglia and respiratory tract lymph nodes are common, and stressful events may trigger reactivation. Although primarily a respiratory pathogen, responsible for fever, inappetence, and nasal discharge in young horses, EHV-1 is also associated with abortions, neonatal death, and neurologic disease, known as EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Disease is spread via aerosolization of respiratory secretions or direct contact with infected horses or fomites. Virus moves from respiratory epithelial cells to regional lymph nodes to peripheral blood leukocytes, causing a cell-associated viremia. When virus crosses from leukocytes into endothelial cells of the central nervous system (CNS), it causes vasculitis with hemorrhage and thrombosis that result in hypoxia and ischemia in surrounding CNS tissue. Typical clinical signs include fever, paresis and ataxia (usually worse in pelvic limbs than thoracic limbs), urinary bladder paralysis with urine dribbling, and decreased tail and anal tone with fecal retention. Severely affected horses may become recumbent or show evidence of brainstem involvement.

Guttural Pouch Diseases Causing Neurologic Dysfunction in the Horse

Guttural Pouch Diseases Causing Neurologic Dysfunction in the Horse: Several diseases of the guttural pouches have been described in the literature, and the comprehensive evaluation of these structures is an important element of the clinical exam. Guttural pouch abnormalities form part of an important group of differential diagnoses for horses presenting dysphagia, cough, fever, nasal discharge, epistaxis, and cranial nerve abnormalities. Endoscopy of the guttural pouches provides a unique opportunity to visualize nervous structures. Moreover, this is probably the only place where we are able to observe so many nervous structures simultaneously. There is a close anatomic relationship between the guttural pouches, cranial nerves, and sympathetic structures; therefore, several guttural pouch diseases can lead to neurologic abnormalities. Guttural pouch examination also allows evaluation of the temporohyoid joint, which aids in the differential diagnosis of vestibular or facial nerve dysfunction associated with fractures. This text will address the descriptive anatomy of the guttural pouch, emphasizing the nervous structures in direct contact with it and the possible neurologic signs resulting from disease. We will also review the major literature regarding guttural pouch diseases associated with neurologic abnormalities.

Evaluation and Management of the Recumbent Adult Horse

Evaluation and Management of the Recumbent Adult Horse: Initial evaluation of a recumbent horse involves assessment of the entire situation, including the location of the horse and safety of the horse and all involved personnel. A recumbent horse often results in a stressed environment, for both the horse and client, and it is important for the veterinarian to be observant, directive and methodical during the evaluation. Obtaining a good history can provide critical information for reaching a diagnosis as to the cause of recumbency. Signalment and a history of recent health or performance problems should be obtained. Any treatments that the horse has received should also be recorded. Onset (acute vs chronic) of the recumbency, and activity prior to the onset of recumbency should be determined. Knowledge of diet and management practices may also provide clues as to the cause of recumbency. Travel and vaccination history, especially for rabies, should be determined. Until a diagnosis is reached, all recumbent horses should be treated as rabies suspects and barrier protection used.

Toxins and Adverse Drug Reactions Affecting the Equine Nervous System

Toxins and Adverse Drug Reactions Affecting the Equine Nervous System: This article provides an overview of the more common toxins and adverse drug reactions, along with more rare toxins and reactions that result in neurologic dysfunction in horses.

Miscellaneous Neurologic or Neuromuscular Disorders in Horses

Miscellaneous Neurologic or Neuromuscular Disorders in Horses: Successful locomotion depends on the initiation and coordination of movement controlled by the nervous system over skeletal muscles. The peripheral nervous system can be classified into 2 major functional systems: afferent or sensory and efferent or motor systems. The efferent system is comprised of somatic and visceral components. This chapter will focus on the general somatic efferent system, specifically the neuromuscular (NM) region. The NM system is composed of motor units. The motor unit is defined as one lower motor neuron (or motoneuron), its axon and axonal terminal(s) or telodendron, NM junction, and all the skeletal muscle fibers (myofibers or myocytes) innervated by it (). Briefly, there are 2 main types of motor neurons in the ventral horn of the spinal cord; A alpha (skeletomotor) and A gamma (fusimotor) motor neurons. The alpha or extrafusal skeletomotor neurons have large cell bodies in the ventral horn of the spinal cord and fast myelinated conducting axons of large diameter located in the ventral root and spinal nerves. Their axons terminate at the NM junction and only innervate extrafusal skeletal muscle fibers. The gamma or fusimotor neurons have smaller cell bodies and thinner, slower myelinated conducting axons that innervate intrafusal muscle fibers (muscle fibers contained within muscle spindle stretch receptors). One-third and two-thirds of the motor outflow from the ventral horn are from gamma and alpha motor neurons, respectively. There are also lower motor neurons within cranial nerve nuclei (III-VII, IX-XII) but will not be discussed here. Cranial nerve nuclei III, IV, and VI are discussed in the neuro-ophthalmic article.

Neuro-ophthalmology in Horses

Neuro-ophthalmology in Horses: A complete neuro-ophthalmologic assessment is part of every ophthalmic and neurologic examination. Cranial nerves II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII and a portion of the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation to the head can be evaluated on or near the eye by general observation, by vision assessment, by assessing the menace response, ocular reflexes (pupillary light, dazzle, and palpebral), and by observing globe and lid movement, positions and response to touch. Neuro-ophthalmic assessment of the equine patient begins with a routine general history that should also include questions related to use of the horse, performance, and visual acuity in bright and dim light situations. The neuro-ophthalmic examination should be performed, whenever possible, in a well-lit environment that can be darkened completely as required. Some patients require sedation before any portion of an ophthalmic examination can proceed but ideally the examination is completed without sedation and without the use of any topical or local anesthetic agents. Equipment needs are minimal: a focal halogen or other bright light source such as a Finhoff transilluminator or otoscope light (nonmagnified) and a towel to use, if needed, as a blindfold. The clinician is cautioned to never use an LED penlight or other LED light source unless its brightness has been previously assessed on a human, as some LED penlights are sufficiently bright as to create discomfort similar to that of looking at the sun and leave a retinal afterimage that may persist more than 24 hours.

Advanced Imaging of the Nervous System in the Horse

Advanced Imaging of the Nervous System in the Horse: Neuroimaging is a branch of medical imaging that includes all methods for obtaining structural and functional images of a patient's nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, and supporting soft and hard tissues. Structural imaging refers to the production of images that depict anatomy. Functional imaging refers to the production of images that depict physiologic activities such as changes in metabolism, blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, or regional chemical composition or diffusion of water protons. Neurologic disease may produce morphologic changes, physiologic changes, or both. In veterinary medicine, the majority of neuroimaging is based on identifying morphologic changes.

Lesions of the Equine Neck Resulting in Lameness or Poor Performance

Lesions of the Equine Neck Resulting in Lameness or Poor Performance: Lesions of the neck are uncommon causes of pain resulting in either lameness or poor performance. The neck consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, which articulate by both intercentral articulations, and articular process joints (APJs) (sometimes called synovial intervertebral articulations) that have large joint capsules to accommodate the degree of movement between adjacent vertebrae. Interposed between the vertebral bodies are intervertebral fibrocartilages to which is attached the dorsal longitudinal ligament, which lies on the floor of the vertebral canal. The ligamentum flavum connects the arches of adjacent vertebrae. The atlas (the first cervical vertebra) and the axis (the second cervical vertebra) have a unique shape and specialized joints. The atlantooccipital joint is a ginglymus joint, which permits flexion and extension and also a small amount of lateral oblique movement. The atlantoaxial joint is a trochoid or pivot joint; the atlas and head rotate on the axis. The ligament of the dens is strong and fan shaped and extends from the dorsal surface of the odontoid peg (dens) to the ventral arch of the axis. The ligamentum nuchae extends from the occiput to the withers and consists of funicular and lamellar parts. The lamellar part separates the 2 lateral muscle groups. The atlantal bursa is interposed between the funicular part of the ligamentum nuchae and the dorsal arch of the atlas; a second bursa may exist between the ligament and the spine of the axis. The muscles of the neck can be divided into lateral and ventral groups. The neck has 8 cervical nerves, the first of which emerges through the lateral foramen of the atlas, the second between the atlas and the axis, and the eighth between the seventh cervical vertebra and the first thoracic vertebra. The sixth to eighth cervical nerves contribute to the brachial plexus.

Differentiation of Ataxic and Orthopedic Gait Abnormalities in the Horse

Differentiation of Ataxic and Orthopedic Gait Abnormalities in the Horse: Movement and, to some degree, posture at stance or even in recumbency depends on the functionality, interaction, and integration of the passive and active musculoskeletal structures, with pattern generation, motor innervation, and proprioception as the relevant neurologic aspects. Any abnormality within this arrangement will lead to a gait or movement deficit, and complex interactions can be present, such as the reduction of proprioceptive input due to damage of sensory nerves associated with orthopedic disease. A possible explanation for the slapping hoof placement in horses with laminitis, which was described to be similar to the gait of some “wobblers,” could therefore be the damage to the sensory nerve fibers associated with pedal bone displacement and laminar disruption. An additional complicating factor is the increased incidence of orthopedic trauma and/or disease in neurologically impaired horses, as they are more prone to falling, stumbling, slipping, etc, than neurologically intact horses. In such cases, a degree of orthopedic pain may accompany ataxia.

Scientists Seek Antibiotic Adjuvants [Medical News & Perspectives]

Scientists Seek Antibiotic Adjuvants [Medical News & Perspectives]

The Pros and Cons of Horse Slaughter Part 2

The Pros and Cons of <b>Horse</b> Slaughter Part 2: By Ashlie Rodriguez Monday we took an in-depth look at a rising political issue --- should we bring horse slaughter plants back to the US? Tuesday NewsChannel 5's Ashlie Rodriguez presents part two of the debate and discusses the legislation behind it. ...
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Pulmonary inflammation due to exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbred colts during race training

Pulmonary inflammation due to exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbred colts during race training: Publication year: 2011
Source: The Veterinary Journal, Volume 190, Issue 2, November 2011, Pages e3-e6
Pedro V. Michelotto, Luis A. Muehlmann, Ana L. Zanatta, Eloyse W.R. Bieberbach, Marcelo Kryczyk, ...
This study investigated the putative roles of inflammation and platelet-activating factor (PAF) in exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Two-year-old Thoroughbred colts (n = 37) were exercised on a racetrack for 5 months before commencement of the study. Each colt was then exercised at 15–16 m/s over 800–1000 m and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected 24 h later. The colts were subsequently divided into two groups on the basis of BALF analysis; an EIPH-positive group (presence of haemosiderophages,n = 23) and an EIPH-negative group (absence of haemosiderophages,n = 14). BALF from the EIPH-positive group had a significantly higher protein concentration (0.39 ± 0.28 vs. 0.19 ± 0.12 mg/mL,P = 0.031), higher PAF bioactivity (0.18 ± 0.12 vs. 0.043 ± 0.05 340:380 nm ratio,P = 0.042) and a higher lipid hydroperoxide concentration compared to the EIPH-negative group. There was also a lower nitrite concentration and reduced production of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide by alveolar macrophages in the EIPH-positive group. There was evidence of pulmonary inflammation and a decreased innate immune response of alveolar macrophages in EIPH-positive colts compared with the EIPH-negative group.

A study of sub-occlusal secondary dentine thickness in overgrown equine cheek teeth

A study of sub-occlusal secondary dentine thickness in overgrown equine cheek teeth: Publication year: 2011
Source: The Veterinary Journal, Available online 21 November 2011
R. Marshall, D.J. Shaw, P.M. Dixon
The presence of cheek tooth loss or defects, with subsequent overgrowth of the opposing teeth, is common in horses. Little is known about the factors that control the deposition of sub-occlusal secondary dentine (SO2D) in normal equine teeth, but these are likely to include stimulation of the occlusal surface. There appears to be no information on the possible alterations to this process when teeth develop overgrowths and, consequently, of the net effect on SO2D thickness caused by reduced stimulation of the occlusal surface and of absent/reduced normal occlusal wear (attrition). Knowledge of the likely thickness of SO2D in overgrown teeth may help reduce the risks of pulp horn exposure or thermal damage during therapeutic reduction of overgrowths.This study utilised 24 permanent cheek teeth (CT) with overgrowths (mean overgrowth height: 9.5 mm; range, 3.4−17.9 mm), and 18 control CT obtained from 15 horses of different breeds and ages. The thickness of SO2D was measured above 94 matched pulp horns in control and overgrown CT and showed a mean value of 12.14 mm (range 1.87–36.02 mm) in overgrown teeth and of 10.25 mm (range 2.64–17.26 mm) in controls. There was no significant difference between SO2D thickness in overgrown (mean 11.38 mm) and control (11.41 mm) mandibular CT, but SO2D was significantly thicker in overgrown (mean 12.57 mm) as compared to control maxillary (9.41 mm) CT. A comparison of SO2D thickness above the 94 matched pulp horns in overgrown and control teeth showed that 49% (46/94) of pulps in overgrown teeth had less SO2D overlying them than had control teeth. Of major clinical relevance was that the height of dental overgrowths was greater than SO2D thickness over one or more pulp horns in 14/24 overgrown teeth. Consequently, reduction of these overgrown teeth to the level of adjacent normal-height teeth would cause occlusal pulp exposure in 58% of teeth, in addition to possible thermal damage to additional pulp horns. It was concluded that equine CT overgrowths should be gradually reduced, by a few millimetres at a time, over a prolonged period.

Indiana equine industry accounts for over $2-billion

Indiana <b>equine</b> industry accounts for over $2-billion: by Joe Nevills A study released by Purdue University concluded that horse racing makes up the bulk of the revenue in Indiana's $2-billion equine industry. The study, conducted in spring 2011, reviewed the state's equine industry in 2010, ...
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Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Counts a Miniature Horse Among His ...

Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Counts a Miniature <b>Horse</b> Among His <b>...</b>: When you think of Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, you probably don't immediately think of miniature horses and peanut M&Ms, but ironically enough, both.
Loudwire

Pfizer Donates $25000 to AAEP Foundation Memorial Program

<b>Pfizer</b> Donates $25000 to AAEP Foundation Memorial Program: Pfizer Animal Health has more than doubled a $25000 pledge to match donations to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation's Equine Memorial Program in 2011. In addition, Pfizer Animal Health will continue the Matching ...
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Treeless vs. Conventional Saddles: Back Pressure Evaluated

Treeless vs. Conventional Saddles: Back Pressure Evaluated: Treeless saddles are often said to be more more comfortable for riders and horses or more universally fitting for all equine back shapes. But according to a one researcher, the tree still seems to serve a purpose: regulating pressure distribution....

Race-Day Medication Pros and Cons Debated

Race-Day Medication Pros and Cons Debated: The pros and cons of race-day medication in racehorses were debated Nov. 14 during a lengthy meeting of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) Race Day Medication Committee at the state Capitol....

Researchers are testing virus-based osteoarthritis treatment in horses

Researchers are testing virus-based osteoarthritis treatment in horses:

Researchers at the University of Florida are using specially engineered viruses to deliver restorative proteins to the joints -More-

Internet pet pharmacies have improved over the years, but unscrupulous sites off...

Internet pet pharmacies have improved over the years, but unscrupulous sites off...: Internet pet pharmacies have improved over the years, but unscrupulous sites offer drugs without a prescription and too-good-to-be-true prices.




Buying pet medications online might save money but be aware of risks
www.pennlive.com
Comparing prices and pharmacies and shopping online for a pet's medications is a popular option, but being an informed shopper is the key to saving the family pet a world of trouble.

Conventional vs. Natural Training: Which is Less Stressful?

Conventional vs. Natural Training: Which is Less Stressful?: How to properly train a young horse to be a riding mount is a topic now being discussed in equestrian science circles, as researchers recently compared the emotional effects of "natural" versus "conventional" methods of early training. ...
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Treating Respiratory Diseases Horse Course Archived

Treating Respiratory Diseases Horse Course Archived: Laurent Couetil, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM of Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine, discussed evidence-based approaches to treating airway disease (such as heaves and inflammatory airway disease) in horses....

Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy in Lusitano Horses

Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy in Lusitano Horses:

Background

Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) is a neurodegenerative disorder that has been previously associated with low vitamin E concentrations.

Objective

To describe the clinical, electrophysiologic, and pathologic features of EDM in a group of related Lusitano horses.

Animals

Fifteen Lusitano horses.

Procedures

Neurologic examinations were conducted, and serum vitamin E concentrations were measured. Three neurologically abnormal horses were further evaluated by ophthalmologic examination, electroretinography, electroencephalography, muscle and nerve biopsies, and post-mortem examination.

Results

Six horses appeared neurologically normal, 6 were neurologically abnormal, and 3 had equivocal gait abnormalities. Abnormal horses demonstrated ataxia and paresis. An inconsistent menace response was noted in 4 neurologically abnormal horses and in 1 horse with equivocal findings. All horses had low serum vitamin E concentrations (<1.5 ppm). Ophthalmologic examinations, electroretinograms, electroencephalograms, and muscle and peripheral nerve biopsies were unremarkable in 3 neurologically abnormal horses. At necropsy, major neuropathological findings in these horses were bilaterally symmetric, severe, neuro axonal degeneration in the gracilis, cuneatus medialis, cuneatus lateralis, and thoracicus nuclei and bilaterally symmetric axonal loss and demyelination mainly in the dorsolateral and ventromedial tracts of the spinal cord. A diagnosis of EDM was made based on these findings. Pedigree analysis identified 2 sires among the affected horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes ataxia and, in severe cases, paresis, in young Lusitano horses. The disease appears to have a genetic basis, and although vitamin E deficiency is a common finding, low serum vitamin E concentrations also may occur in apparently unaffected related individuals.

Horses most likely to be injured in pasture - research

Horses most likely to be injured in pasture - research: Horses are far more likely to hurt themselves in their pasture than during riding, British research suggests.

Towards a new treatment for equine acute laminitis: The importance of signalling pathways

Towards a new treatment for equine acute laminitis: The importance of signalling pathways: Publication year: 2011
Source: The Veterinary Journal, Available online 16 November 2011
John D. Mitchell, Jonathan Elliott

DOJ challenges ruling in veterinary compounding case

DOJ challenges ruling in veterinary compounding case: Appeal sought of decision that restricted FDA's authority

Lecture on Causes of Collapse in the Horse Scheduled

Lecture on Causes of Collapse in the Horse Scheduled: On Dec. 6, the New Bolton Center will present "The Collapsing Horse: When it's the Heart and When it's Not," which will be presented by JoAnn Slack, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM....

Nutritional Support for Horse Hooves

Nutritional Support for Horse Hooves: The versatile equine athlete depends on strong hooves to be fleet of foot and agile in motion, to negotiate quick turns and abrupt stops, and to absorb impacts sustained by all maneuvers. And the equine hoof--with its complex arrangement of connective ...
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U.S. Equestrian Federation modifies veterinary rules on NSAID use in competition horses

U.S. Equestrian Federation modifies veterinary rules on NSAID use in competition horses: Lexington, Ky. -- The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) amended its therapeutic drug rule to
restrict use to a single non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

KY Meeting Shows Deep Divide Over Salix Use

KY Meeting Shows Deep Divide Over Salix Use: If testimony taken Nov. 14 in Kentucky, a major breeding and racing state, is any indication, the battle over use of furosemide on race day doesn't figure to end any time soon.

Gait analysis using 3D accelerometry in horses sedated with xylazine

Gait analysis using 3D accelerometry in horses sedated with xylazine: Publication year: 2011
Source: The Veterinary Journal, Available online 13 November 2011
F.J. López-Sanromán, R. Holmbak-Petersen, I. Santiago, I.A. Gómez de Segura, E. Barrey
The aim of the present study was to verify the efficacy and sensitivity of an accelerometric device in detecting and quantifying the degree of movement alteration produced in horses sedated with xylazine. Horses (n = 6) were randomly administered either xylazine or a control by intravenous injection, with at least 1 week between each treatment. A triaxial accelerometric device was used for the accelerometric gait assessment 15 min before (baseline) and 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 min after each treatment. Eight different accelerometric parameters were calculated, including speed, stride frequency, stride length, regularity, dorsoventral power, propulsion power, mediolateral power and total power, with the force of acceleration and the dorsoventral, mediolateral and craniocaudal (propulsive) parts of the power then calculated.Administration of xylazine decreased many of the parameters investigated, with significant differences for speed, stride frequency, dorsoventral power, propulsion power and total power at 5, 15, 30 and 45 min after injection. There were no significant differences in stride length values at any time point. Decreases in regularity values were evident with significant differences at every time point from 5 to 120 min following xylazine injection. Force values were also significantly reduced from 5 to 30 min after treatment and a redistribution of the total power was observed 5 min after injection as the mediolateral power increased significantly, while the dorsoventral power decreased. Accelerometry offers a practical, accurate, easy to use, portable and low cost method of objectively monitoring gait abnormalities at the walk in horses after sedation with xylazine.

Iowa approves at-home horse bets

Iowa approves at-home <b>horse</b> bets: By Robynn Tysver Iowans soon will be able to sit at home and wager on horse races, but before they place their bets by telephone or the Internet, they will have to take a trip to Altoona in central Iowa. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved ...
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Joint Infection Risk and Other 2011 Sports Medicine Studies

Joint Infection Risk and Other 2011 Sports Medicine Studies: One of the most clinically relevant studies presented during the Dyson and Ross' news hour evaluated the effects of needle size, speed of needle insertion, and clipping hair on debris inside the joint following an injection....

Lots of Questions, Few Answers for Show Jumpers

Lots of Questions, Few Answers for Show Jumpers:

USEF President David O'Connor called for a 25-year-look at show jumping and what it should be going forward. While the continuing process also will be followed by the organization's other disciplines, show jumping appears to be the one that is in real ... See all stories on this topic »

The Star-Ledger - NJ.com

Five and 60-Second Flexion Tests Yield Similar Results

Five and 60-Second Flexion Tests Yield Similar Results: Every horse owner is familiar with the ubiquitous flexion test, which veterinarians regularly employ to exacerbate baseline lameness and reveal unknown internal issues in horses. No standard duration, however, dictates how long veterinarians should hold the limb in the flexed position. Researchers recently tested the results of comparative full hind limb ...

UHC Operation Gelding Continues with More Castration Clinics

UHC Operation Gelding Continues with More Castration Clinics: The program, which was first launched in late August 2010, is able to continue aiding in the castration of stallions thanks to the support and seed money provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation. ...
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Study finds Kentucky breeding industry responsible for $1.58-billion in spending

Study finds Kentucky breeding industry responsible for $1.58-billion in spending

Pfizer Animal Health Supports ... - Equine Resources International, LLJ

<b>Pfizer</b> Animal Health Supports <b>...</b> - <b>Equine</b> Resources International, LLJ: Madison, NY (November 4, 2011) – Pfizer Animal Health veterinarians helped promote health and wellness practices at the second annual NTRA Safety and ...
www.equineresources.com/.../322-pfizer-animal-health-suppor...

"Blood rule" to be discussed at FEI General Assembly

"Blood rule" to be discussed at FEI General Assembly: International dressage is steeling itself for discussion of the “blood rule†at the FEI General Assembly in Rio (11-14 November)

Inside a Lameness Exam

Inside a Lameness Exam: “All lameness exams start with obtaining a horse's history from the owner,” says Daniel B. Slovis, DVM, of Three Oaks Equine ambulatory veterinary practice ...

Pay Homage to War Horses This Veteran's Day

Pay Homage to War Horses This Veteran's Day: Like many of our own ancestors, horses had no choice when they were called upon to serve in the World Wars. Of the more than 8 million horses that served in World War I, only a fraction survived. ...

2011 Equine Affaire & Pfizer Fantasia

2011 <b>Equine</b> Affaire & <b>Pfizer</b> Fantasia: ... perform 'Head over Heels' on their Percherons Thursday night during the first night of the amazing show Pfizer Fantasia on day one of Equine Affaire. ...

Second FL Group Applies for Barrel Racing

Second FL Group Applies for Barrel Racing: Hamilton Downs Horsetrack in Jasper has asked the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering for permission to use its Quarter Horse racing permit to hold pari-mutuel barrel racing.

ASPCA veterinarian suspended without pay after clarifying comments on NYC carriage horse death

ASPCA veterinarian suspended without pay after clarifying comments on NYC carriage horse death: New York, N.Y. &mdash; The Teamsters Union came to the defense of a veterinarian who was
suspended by ASPCA after revising her statement about the death of a carriage horse.

Race-Day Drugs Focus of Kentucky Meeting

Race-Day Drugs Focus of Kentucky Meeting: A Kentucky Horse Racing Commission committee will hold what could be a six- to seven-hour meeting on race-day medication Nov. 14 in Frankfort, the state capital.

A prospective longitudinal study of naturally infected horses to evaluate the performance characteristics of rapid diagnostic tests for equine influenza virus

A prospective longitudinal study of naturally infected horses to evaluate the performance characteristics of rapid diagnostic tests for equine influenza virus: Publication year: 2011
Source: Veterinary Microbiology, Available online 6 November 2011
A.J. READ, K.E. ARZEY, D.S. FINLAISON, X. GU, R.J. DAVIS, ...
An outbreak of equine influenza (EI) occurred in Australia in 2007. During the laboratory support for this outbreak, real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays and a blocking enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) were used as testing methods to detect infection with the virus. The qRT-PCR and bELISA tests had not been used for EI diagnosis before, so it was not known how soon after infection these tests would yield positive results, nor for how long these results would remain positive. To answer these questions, nasal swabs and blood samples were collected daily from a group of 36 naturally infected horses. EI viral RNA was detected in all horses by qRT-PCR from the first to tenth day after clinical signs were evident, and was detected in some horses for up to 34 days. Antibody was detected in the bELISA in some horses by day 3, with a median time to seroconversion of 5 days. The results from this study indicate that viral RNA can be detected from nasal swabs for much longer than infectious virus is thought to be shed from horses. The bELISA detected antibodies against EI virus in all horses for 139 days following infection, but only detected approximately 50% of horses 12 months following infection. Haemagglutination inhibition testing detected antibodies against H3 antigens in all horses for 28 days following infection, but 2 were negative by 35 days following infection.

Ancient DNA provides new insights into cave paintings of horses

Ancient DNA provides new insights into cave paintings of horses: An international team of researchers has used ancient DNA to shed new light on the realism of horses depicted in prehistoric cave paintings. The team, which includes researchers from the University of York, has found that all the colour variations seen in Paleolithic cave paintings – including distinctive ‘leopard’ spotting - existed in pre-domestic horse populations, lending weight to the argument that the artists were reflecting their natural environment.

Ultrasonographic appearance of bony abnormalities at the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joint in geriatric cadaver horses

Ultrasonographic appearance of bony abnormalities at the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joint in geriatric cadaver horses: Publication year: 2011
Source: The Veterinary Journal, Available online 9 November 2011
K. Vanderperren, I. Gielen, A. Van Caelenberg, E. Van der Vekens, E.V. Raes, ...
This article describes the ultrasonographic (US) appearance of bony abnormalities on the dorsal aspect of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone of the equine fetlock in cadavers with radiographic signs of osteoarthrosis. After US, computed tomography was undertaken to better characterise the lesions. Twelve fetlock joints were collected and all had more than one bone abnormality on US. Normal subchondral bone appeared on US as a well-defined and regular hyperechoic line with distal acoustic shadowing.Bone abnormalities detected on US included (1) gaps in the proximal subchondral bone filled with material of heterogeneous echogenicity, (2) bone fragments represented as small straight smoothly delineated hyperechoic lines with distal shadowing located superficial to the surface of the adjacent bone, (3) proximal new bone formation visible as mild to severe cortical protrusions, (4) marginal osteophytoses seen as an elevation of the hyperechoic surface of the subchondral bone at the edges of the joint surfaces, (5) indentations in subchondral bone seen as a concave deviation of the hyperechoic line without interruption, (6) focal or diffuse irregularities of the subchondral bone seen as disruptions of the normal smooth bony contours, and (7) focal hyperechoic spikes originating from the subchondral plate and invading the articular cartilage. These findings are discussed.

Behavior of Horses With, Without Gastric Ulcers Compared

Behavior of Horses With, Without Gastric Ulcers Compared: After a study involving nearly 100 sport horses in a private Danish stud, it became clear that "ulcerated" horses didn't seem to look or act significantly different from healthy horses, and there was almost no difference in their eating habits....

Dental Health and the Performance Horse

Dental Health and the Performance Horse: When searching for answers as to why an equine athlete's performance has suddenly declined, one place owners and trainers sometimes neglect to check is the horse's mouth, where numerous issues can cause performance-limiting problems....

Pfizer Opens New Equine Research Center in Michigan

Pfizer Opens New Equine Research Center in Michigan: The center, the culmination of a $7 million investment, expands Pfizer Animal Health's global research and development network headquarters in Kalamazoo, Mich., and will serve as the worldwide hub for research and development....

AVMA supports new NSAID rule for competition horses

AVMA supports new NSAID rule for competition horses:

-More-

Earn CE Credits Online from an Industry Leader!

Colorado State University’s nationally-ranked College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences offers online CE for busy veterinarians, specialists, and technicians. We recommend you verify CSU courses with your state licensing agency prior to enrollment. Learn more about our programs today!

Pfizer's new equine research center opens

Pfizer's new equine research center opens:

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Winter Health Care

Winter Health Care:

Help your horse stay healthy in colder temperatures.

Horse owners and managers need to pay close attention to their horses’ body condition, particularly as temperatures drop. Journal photo.

From AQHA Corporate Partner Pfizer

Maintaining a healthy horse through rigorous show schedules and mosquito season can be difficult.

However, adding in winter elements such as cooler temperatures, snow and ice can present a whole new set of challenges.

Whether your American Quarter Horse is at a breeding facility, a show barn or pastured, there are steps horse owners and managers can take to manage their horses for optimal health this winter.

Wind and cooler temperatures often mean closed-up facilities. Making sure horses have enough ventilation is important to helping prevent disease. Practicing good barn hygiene, both at home and on the road, can also help protect horses. Whenever possible, avoid sharing water buckets, lip chains, halters or other items that might touch the horse’s mouth, nose and ears. If items have to be shared, be sure to follow proper sanitation and disinfection techniques first. There are a number of commercially available disinfectants, such as ROCCAL® D PLUS and NOLVASAN® SOLUTION that are effective for killing bacteria. Veterinarians also recommend that every barn offer a shallow basin full of properly prepared disinfectant for people to wash their boots before entering or leaving a facility.

Ensuring that a horse has enough water is also important. Horses sometimes tend to drink less when the weather is colder. If a water bucket or trough is frozen, be sure to break and dump out the ice. Keeping the water temperature above 45 degrees F will encourage horses to drink during cold weather.

AQHA’s FREE HYPP Survival Guide will teach you how to be prepared for and deal with a horse affected by HYPP.

Horse owners and managers need to pay close attention to their horses’ body condition all year, but particularly as temperatures drop. In the winter months, horses no longer have the nutrients in lush grass to supplement their diet. Therefore, making sure they have adequate, good-quality hay can help maintain an optimum body score. Depending on the horses’ work schedule, their grain intake may need to be gradually increased or decreased. Any changes in diet should be done gradually and in consultation with a veterinarian first, as sudden changes in diet may increase the risk of colic.

Keeping horses comfortable and body temperature regulated is critical in winter health care management. If a horse gets cold and/or wet, he may have to exert excess digestive energy to keep warm. Blanketing may offer a solution but may not be necessary in some circumstances. If the horse has established a natural winter coat, it acts as its own insulation. However, if it is a show horse who has been clipped or the hair kept shorter to reduce sweating, then blanketing is probably necessary. If a horse is outside and gets wet from snow or rain, it is imperative to put on a dry blanket and to make sure his coat is dry before putting on the blanket. Also, be sure the horse has been properly cooled and his coat is dry after a rigorous workout.

Learn all about this dominant genetic disease in AQHA’s FREE HYPP Survival Guide report.

Having every horse on a routine schedule makes it easier to maintain all year. Barn managers and owners should also work with their veterinarian to implement a strategic deworming program and make sure their horses are current on vaccinations.

Unfortunately, this can be the time of year when upper respiratory disease such as equine influenza virus can become a problem in facilities. The best method for helping protect horses against equine influenza is to have them vaccinated by a veterinarian. Pfizer Animal Health’s FLUVAC INNOVATOR® helps provide protection against equine influenza virus. In addition, FLUVAC INNOVATOR vaccines also contain equine herpesvirus, types 1 and 4, to help protect against rhinopneumonitis.

Maintaining healthy horses in the winter months can present challenges for equine caregivers. As basic as most precautionary measures may seem, they are critical to protecting the overall wellness of each horse and the barn as a whole. Preventative care and basic hygiene also protect a horse’s health when traveling to winter venues where he is exposed to other horses and potential disease. By working with a veterinarian to create a wellness program that incorporates parasite control, vaccinations, routine veterinary care, dental exams, nutritional counseling and barn hygiene, equine caregivers can provide their horses with the best opportunity to achieve optimal health even in the coldest temperatures.

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