Equine Medicine

Critical appraisal of reports entails 3 fundamental steps: 1) determining if study results are valid; 2) assessing the clinical importance of study findings; and, 3) assessing if the results of valid, clinically important studies are relevant to our patients. A foundation for applying these 3 steps is a hierarchy of study types for EBM, which places a premium on those that are patient-based. Clinical importance has many interpretations, but in terms of quantification it is best assessed in reference to the magnitude of the observed association(s) in a study.

Early studies of shock waves (SWs) for ureteral stones resulted in radiographically evident remodeling of the pelvis.1 These findings sparked the initial studies investigating the use of SWs in orthopedic applications.

Generally, horse owners are astute at detecting signs of colic. These may include subtle not being enthusiastic about coming up from the field in the morning, not showing interest in other horses and people, or not finishing their feed. These signs should be taken seriously because in a number of occasions, these are the first signs of colic.

Anatomic and physiologic considerations are the basis for proper diagnostic techniques. We will discuss basic diagnostic procedures and relative pharmacological consideration to enhance the ophthalmic examination.

Among equids, R. equi infections occur almost exclusively among foaIs; infected adult horses generally have an underlying immunodeficiency, and human cases of R. equi are most commonly reported among persons infected with HIV or with other forms of immunosuppression such as that induced by drugs in transplant recipients and those receiving chemotherapy.

Equine ocular examination is very similar to small animal examination, with special considerations for the size and use of the animal being examined.

Exertional rhabdomyolysis is muscle necrosis precipitated by exercise or exertion, resulting in myoglobinuria, elevated serum CK (usually > 5,000 in acute cases) and/or elevated AST in animals with normal liver function.

There has been much published on gastric ulceration in horses in the last 10 years. In this hour we will discuss the diagnostics, risk factors and treatment of gastric ulcers. We will concentrate on current, clinically applicable information.

In horses with primary cecal impactions, there is a gradual onset of abdominal pain similar to the development of a large colon impaction. The typical time course is 5-7-days. During this time, veterinarians may use treatments for impactions, such as intravenous administration of analgesics and nasogastric administration of laxatives such as mineral oil, dioctyl sodium sulfocuccinae (DSS) or magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts).

Although there has been a substantial increase in our understanding of postoperative complications in recent years, the treatments remain very much the same. For ileus, these treatments include decompression of the stomach, replacement of fluid and electrolyte losses with parenteral fluids, and use of a variety of prokinetic agents. For adhesions, treatments include anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics, although some of the newer physical agents such as carboxymethylcellulose offer new modalities for combating this problem.

Triaging colic patients.

Pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi continues to be an important cause of disease and death in foals.1 Because case-fatality rates may be high and because treatment may be prolonged and expensive, controlling and preventing disease is more desirable than relying solely on treating affected cases.

The palmar digital nerves are blocked by injecting up to 2 ml of anesthetic over the nerves, along the edge of the DDFT. Much discussion has taken place regarding the proximal to distal level that the injection should occur. The PDN can be blocked anywhere from the proximal margin of the collateral cartilage to the mid pastern region.

A new study in top equine athletes brings nutritional deficiencies into the spotlight.

Could this common fracture eventually be a thing of the past?

Stay safe with these restraint tips for working around ill or injured horses.

The coordinated actions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems result in the transport of oxygen and energy products (glucose, fatty acids) to the muscle fibers, where they are used for aerobic energy production, and the removal of waste products (lactate, carbon dioxide, water) from them.

The cornea is the front layer of the fibrous tunic of the eye; it is composed of three distinct layers and one distinct membrane. The outer epithelial layer is approximately five to ten cells thick. The middle stromal layer comprises about 95% of the cornea, and the inside layer is the endothelial layer, and its basement membrane is Descemet's membrane.

What condition are these ocular changes consistent with?

Uteropexy can help mares that develop post-mating endometritis.

A look at how several antifungal agents and delivery vehicles affect equine keratocytes.

A plan eight years in development will finally come to fruition.

Each of these promising veterinary students attributes a personal passion for equine medicine to an early association with horses.

Which parasite is bugging this colt?

The use of a modified spirometric monitoring system for anesthetized equine patients was recently evaluated.