bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment for acute small intestinal obstruction caused byParascaris equoruminfection in 15 horses (2002–2011)
Authors: Tatz A. J. , Segev G. , Steinman A. , Berlin D. , Milgram J. , Kelmer G. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:There is a consensus in the veterinary literature thatParascaris equorum(ascarid) impaction carries a poor prognosis. Hence surgery is often delayed and foals are often subjected to euthanasia after diagnosis of ascarid impaction is established. Our clinical impression was that ascarid impaction carries a better prognosis than previously reported.Objectives:Our expectation was that manually evacuating the impaction into the caecum, thus refraining from opening the small intestine, would improve the prognosis for survival of horses with ascarid impaction. The aim of this study was to examine medical records of horses treated surgically for ascarid impaction, record their clinical findings and evaluate the association of outcome with the method of relieving the impaction.Methods:The medical records of all horses presented to our hospital between October 2002 and December 2011 that underwent exploratory celiotomy for ascarid impaction were reviewed. Information retrieved from the medical record included surgical findings, surgical technique, complications, short‐ and long‐term survival. The association between categorical variables was assessed using the Fisher's exact test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Fifteen horses fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Eighty percent of horses (12/15) survived to discharge and 60% (6/10) survived for at least one year. Five horses are doing well but are still in convalescence. Horses that underwent small intestinal enterotomy or resection and anastomosis (n = 5) were less likely to survive to discharge (P = 0.022).Conclusions:In our study, manual evacuation of ascarid impaction into the caecum, while refraining from opening the small intestine resulted in significantly improved survival in horses with ascarid impaction.Potential relevance:Refraining from opening the small intestine may be the key to improving surgical outcome in horses with ascarid impaction.
The use of maggot debridement therapy in 41 equids
Authors: Lepage O. M. , Doumbia A. , Perron‐Lepage M. F. , Gangl M. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study: Maggot debridement therapy is a long‐established tool to promote wound healing.Objectives: To describe and assess the results of this technique in equids with various lesions.Methods: Retrospective analysis performed on cases in which, depending on clinical case, type, size and location of the wound, maggots were applied either in direct or indirect contact with the wound.Results: Treated cases (n = 41) included horses with foot pathology (n = 9), laceration of the limbs (n = 15), other soft tissue abscesses or wounds (n = 6), fistulous withers (n = 5), other musculoskeletal infection (n = 2) and dehiscence of the linea alba (n = 4). In 5 cases, a second maggot application was necessary to reach the desired level of wound healing. In 38 cases a favourable outcome was reached in less than one week. In one individual with a sequestrum, healing was uneventful after its removal. In 2 other horses, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma were involved in chronic infected wounds and complete healing was not achieved because of recurrence of underlying tumours. Some discomfort was recorded in 7 individuals between 24 and 72 h of treatment.Conclusions: Maggot debridement therapy can be recommended in equids for debridement and enhanced healing and its potent antibacterial action. Maggot debridement therapy is not recommended on wounds invaded with a tumour and if bone sequestration is suspected.Potential relevance: Maggot debridement therapy can be an integral part of modern wound care in equids.
Effect of sample handling and storage time on the stability of total CO2 in equine plasma
Authors: Tinkler S. H. , Couëtil L. L. , Constable P. D. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study: The stability of total CO2 concentration (ctCO2) in plasma is influenced by storage temperature and handling during sample processing. Conflicting information exists regarding the stability of ctCO2 in equine plasma over time, and the effect of centrifugation on the measured value for plasma ctCO2 is unclear.Objectives: To determine plasma ctCO2 stability over 5 days when equine blood is collected into Vacutainer tubes, centrifuged within 30 min of collection, and stored at 4°C; and to determine whether a delay in centrifugation increases the rate at which plasma ctCO2 decreases over time.Methods: Blood was collected from 6 adult horses into 3 ml plastic Vacutainer tubes and randomly assigned to be centrifuged immediately, or after, storage. Plasma ctCO2 was measured in triplicate at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after collection using a NOVA‐4 analyser. Data were analysed using multivariable linear regression, with P<0.05 being defined as significant.Results: Plasma ctCO2 decreased linearly over time during storage at 4°C. The measured value for ctCO2 decreased at a faster rate (‐0.28 mmol/l/day; P<0.0001) when centrifugation was delayed, compared with immediate centrifugation (‐0.10 mmol/l/day). There was a significant effect of sequence of sample analysis on the ctCO2 value when measured in triplicate: the second and third measurements were 0.31 and 0.41 mmol/l lower than the first measurement, respectively.Conclusions: Blood samples collected from horses into Vacutainer tubes should be centrifuged immediately after collection and analysed as soon as possible to ensure accurate values for plasma ctCO2.Potential relevance: Failure to centrifuge, or excessive delay in measuring ctCO2 after centrifugation, produces values significantly lower than the true value.
Retrospective study investigating causes of abnormal respiratory noise in horses following prosthetic laryngoplasty
Authors: Compostella F. , Tremaine W. H. , Franklin S. H. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing the study:To investigate causes of respiratory noises in horses following prosthetic laryngoplasty (with or without a ventriculocordectomy) and to examine potential associations between degree of arytenoid abduction and the presence of other upper respiratory tract (URT) abnormalities, including right‐sided collapse.Methods:Clinical records and dynamic videoendoscopic recordings were examined from horses presented between 1995 and 2010 for investigation of respiratory noise during exercise, following a prosthetic laryngoplasty (+/− a ventriculocordectomy). Relationships between the degree of left arytenoid cartilage abduction and the presence of other URT disorders were investigated.Results:Thirty horses matched the inclusion criteria. All horses had previously undergone a prosthetic laryngoplasty in different hospitals and in 63% (19/30) of these horses a left‐sided ventriculocordectomy had also been performed. The majority of cases (87%) had multiple respiratory abnormalities and only 13% had a single URT disorder. Palatal dysfunction was the most common diagnosis (83%), followed by axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (60%) and vocal cord collapse (43%). The right arytenoid cartilage was fully abducted in all cases and no statistically significant correlation between the degree of left arytenoid abduction and any other URT disorders was detected.Conclusions:Multiple forms of dynamic URT disorders were diagnosed in horses that presented with abnormal respiratory noise following laryngoplasty. There was no association between degree of left arytenoid abduction and other URT abnormalities. Furthermore, horses with suboptimal left arytenoid cartilage abduction were not predisposed to right‐sided laryngeal collapse.Clinical relevance:Our results demonstrate the fundamental role of dynamic endoscopy in correctly diagnosing dynamic airway collapse in horses that have undergone surgical treatment of the upper respiratory tract.
Pathological evidence of pancreatitis in 43 horses (1986–2011)
Authors: Yamout S. Z. , Nieto J. E. , Anderson J. , de Cock H. E. V. , Vapniarsky N. , Aleman M. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyDefinitive ante mortem diagnosis of pancreatitis in horses is difficult. Reports summarising the most common clinical signs, clinicopathological features and concurrent disorders in horses with a definitive diagnosis of pancreatitis that may aid in the recognition of disease are lacking.ObjectivesTo describe case details, clinical signs, clinicopathological data and necropsy findings in horses with a definitive diagnosis of pancreatitis.MethodsThis was a retrospective study (1986–2011) and inclusion criteria consisted of horses with a definitive diagnosis of pancreatitis. A medical records database search was performed and data extracted included case details, clinical signs, clinical laboratory data and post mortem findings. Pancreatitis was defined as acute, active chronic or chronic and presumed primary or secondary, based on post mortem findings.ResultsPancreatitis was diagnosed in 43 horses (acute pancreatitis in 34, active chronic in 4 and chronic in 5). A presumed diagnosis of primary pancreatitis was made in 6 horses. Pancreatitis was associated with gastrointestinal disorders in 28 horses (14 large colon, 10 small intestine and 4 gastric ruptures) and primary hepatic disease in 3 horses. Six horses had pancreatitis associated with other disorders: multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (one horse), strychnine toxicosis (one horse) and compromised immune system (4 horses).ConclusionPancreatitis is an uncommon disorder that can occur as a primary problem or secondary to gastrointestinal, hepatic or immunocompromising disorders, and when it occurs it affects adult horses more commonly.Potential relevanceUnexplained abdominal pain, gastric dilation or rupture, peritonitis and/or the presence of white fibrinous plaques and fat necrosis in the peritoneum and mesentery or mass‐like structures in the root of the mesentery during an exploratory celiotomy should raise a suspicious of pancreatitis.
Effects of repeated intra‐articular administration of amikacin on serum amyloid A, total protein and nucleated cell count in synovial fluid from healthy horses
Authors: Sanchez Teran A. F. , Rubio‐Martinez L. M. , Villarino N. F. , Sanz M. G. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studySerum amyloidA(SAA) in synovial fluid has recently been used as a marker for septic arthritis in horses but the effects of repeated intra‐articular (IA) administration of amikacin on synovialSAAconcentrations are unknown.ObjectivesTo report the effect of repeated IA administration of amikacin onSAA, total protein (TP), nucleated cell count (NCC) and differential NCC in synovial fluid of healthy equine joints.MethodsA controlled, 2 period crossover study was performed on 5 clinically healthy horses. Each intercarpal joint received one of 2 treatments every 48 h for 5 consecutive times: arthrocentesis alone (control group) or arthrocentesis combined withIAadministration of 500 mg of amikacin (treatment group). Clinical and lameness examinations were performed daily. SerumSAAand synovialSAA,TP,NCCand differentialNCCwere measured and statistically compared. Significance level was set atP<0.05.ResultsHorses remained healthy and nonlame throughout the study. Baseline values for all variables were not significantly different between groups. Values forTPin the treatment group were significantly higher than in the control group after the first sample (P<0.05). In both groupsNCCincreased significantly (P<0.05) after the first sample. No significant changes were identified in differentialNCC. In both groups, all synovial and most serumSAAconcentrations remained below the lower limit of quantification.ConclusionsRepeatedIAadministration of amikacin caused increased values ofTPandNCCin synovial fluid, with someTPconcentrations falling within the range reported for septic arthritis. In contrast, synovialSAAconcentrations did not increase in either group.Potential relevanceSynovialSAAcould serve as a more reliable marker thanTPandNCCwhen evaluating a joint previously sampled or treated with amikacin.
Effect of surgical technique for unilateral orchiectomy on subsequent testicular function inMiniatureHorse stallions
Authors: McCormick J. D. , Valdez R. , Rakestraw P. C. , Varner D. D. , Blanchard T. L. , Cavinder C. A. , Sudderth A. K. , Kiser A. , Love C. C. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyManagement decisions on unilateral orchiectomy are often influenced by the potential for post operative return to successful breeding. The effects of 2 surgical methods (first intention [FI] vs. second intention [SI] incision healing) for unilateral orchiectomy on resulting semen quality and scrotal temperature were evaluated.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of 2 surgical unilateral orchiectomy techniques on scrotal healing, size of the remaining testis and post operative sperm quality.Materials and methodsUnilateral orchiectomy was performed on mature Miniature Horse stallions. Semen was collected prior to and up to 60 days after, unilateral orchiectomy. Semen parameters, scrotal and body temperatures, testis volume and days to incision healing were evaluated.ResultsThere was no effect of treatment or time on percent total sperm motility. Total sperm numbers were higher (P<0.05) 60 days after unilateral orchiectomy compared with 14 and 30 days. Percent viable sperm were higher (P<0.05) 30 and 60 days compared with pre‐ and 14 day post unilateral orchiectomy. Scrotal temperatures were lower after unilateral orchiectomy compared with preoperative values (P≤0.003). Higher scrotal temperatures were recorded inGroupFI, as compared withGroup SI, during recovery from anaesthesia and at 1 and 2 h after surgery (P= 0.02). Mean time to incision healing was less inGroupFI(10.0 days) than inGroupSI(21.5 days;P= 0.05).ConclusionIn this study, total sperm motility was maintained and size of the remaining testis, total sperm numbers and percent viable sperm increased after unilateral orchiectomy. Incision healing time was shorter inGroupFI; however, surgical technique did not have an effect on semen quality at 30 and 60 days post unilateral orchiectomy.Potential relevanceThese data suggest that surgical technique for unilateral orchiectomy may not dramatically influence function of the remaining testis.
Selenium deficiency associations with gender, breed, serum vitaminEand creatine kinase, clinical signs and diagnoses in horses of different age groups: A retrospective examination 1996–2011
Authors: Streeter R. M. , Divers T. J. , Mittel L. , Korn A. E. , Wakshlag J. J. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studySelenium and vitaminEdeficiency have been associated with nutritional myopathy, more commonly known as white muscle disease (WMD) in horses. However, correlations between selenium concentrations and presenting clinical signs, age, breed, gender, serum vitaminE, creatine kinase (CK) and final diagnosis, have not previously been evaluated.ObjectivesTo determine the number of hospitalised horses in 3 age groups that were selenium tested and the proportions of horses with categorised presenting clinical signs; the association/odds risk of final diagnosis with selenium deficiency and to examine the association between selenium status, vitaminEstatus and serumCKin adult horses.MethodsTwo hundred and seventy‐one hospitalised horses with a selenium concentration evaluated between 1996 and 2011 were examined retrospectively. Records were examined in order to ascertain selenium and vitaminEconcentrations, age, breed, gender,CKvalues, presenting clinical signs and final diagnosis. Data were analysed with proportions,Fisher's exactttest, odds ratios and multivariate linear regressions.ResultsWithin the <30 day old age group, 13/20 animals had low selenium concentrations. There were 18/42 horses in the 30 days to 2 years old age group with low selenium and 77/209 horses more than 2 years of age with low selenium. There was an association between low selenium and myopathy in the <30‐day‐old animals (P= 0.017), all of which were classified as havingWMD. No associations were identified between nutritional myopathy and selenium status in horses between 30 days and 2 years of age or in horses more than 2 years of age.Conclusions and potential relevanceThis study indicates thatWMDoccurs most commonly in foals <30 days old and is associated with low selenium concentrations (7 out of 8 affected foals had blood Selenium levels <1.26 μm/l). Low serum selenium concentrations are common in hospitalised adult horses while nutritional myopathy is rare in these animals.
Variability in particulate concentrations in a horse training barn over time
Authors: Ivester K. M. , Smith K. , Moore G. E. , Zimmerman N. J. , Couëtil L. L. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyExposure of horses to airborne particulates during stable confinement has been linked with airway inflammation in these animals. Understanding that link requires accurate measures of exposures and greater understanding of the sources of variability in these exposures.ObjectivesArea and breathing zone particulate concentrations were measured over time in order to determine the relative variability introduced by daily, monthly or between horse variations. Additionally, the relationship between area and breathing zone respirable particulate concentrations was examined.MethodsThe study was conducted in a Thoroughbred training stable. Breathing zone and area respirable particulate concentrations were measured over a 30‐month period. Mixed‐model analysis of variance was used to determine effect of month and year at the time of sampling and the daily variance upon area particulate concentrations. The effects of hay feeding method and horse variance on breathing zone measures were included in the model. Real‐time concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or smaller (PM10) were measured to determine the effect of barn door position. Significance was set at P<0.05.ResultsAverage area particulate concentration varied with month and year of sampling but daily variation was not significant. Maximum area respirable particulate concentrations were significantly affected by daily variation. Opening barn doors resulted in lower PM10 levels. Horses fed from hay nets were exposed to significantly higher concentrations of respirable particulates in their breathing zone than when fed hay on the ground. Horse‐to‐horse variability was significant. Breathing zone concentrations were significantly greater than area concentrations and the 2 measurements were not correlated.ConclusionsWhile area respirable particulate concentrations reflected seasonal changes, these measures are poor predictors of individual horse exposure. Instead, methods of feeding and individual horse behaviour are important determinants of exposure.Potential relevanceStudies investigating the effect of natural exposures on lung health in horses should consider the effects of individual behaviour and management practices on breathing zone exposure.
Influence of head and neck position on radiographic measurement of intervertebral distances between thoracic dorsal spinous processes in clinically sound horses
Authors: Berner D. , Winter K. , Brehm W. , Gerlach K. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyReductions in distances between dorsal spinous processes on radiographs are used as criteria for the diagnosis of impingement of the thoracic dorsal spinous processes in horses but are potentially altered by spine motion and different head and neck positions.ObjectivesTo determine the influence of head and neck positions on intervertebral distances between dorsal spinous processes on radiographs of thoracic spines of clinically sound horses.MethodsLateral–lateral radiographs were obtained from 23 horses in 3 head and neck positions. The width of the thoracic dorsal spinous processes and intervertebral distances between adjacent thoracic dorsal spinous processes were measured at points perpendicular to a tangent between the dorsal spinous processes and the caudal extremity of the thoracic vertebrae.ResultsA low head and neck position increased intervertebral distances between adjacent thoracic dorsal spinous processes from the 8th to 15th dorsal spinous processes whereas a high head and neck position had the opposite effect (P<0.05). Overall, intervertebral distances between adjacent thoracic dorsal spinous processes decreased from cranial to caudal in intermediate head and neck positions (P<0.01). The 12th thoracic dorsal spinous process was readily identifiable due to its significant difference to the narrower cranial and broader caudal dorsal spinous process (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe head and neck position influences the distances between the dorsal spinous processes of the vertebrae of equine thoracic spine on radiography.Potential relevanceThe measuring system reported here offers potential to improve and standardise radiographic evaluation of thoracic dorsal spinous processes.
Acquired equine polyneuropathy in Norway and Sweden: A clinical and epidemiological study
Authors: Gröndahl G. , Hanche‐Olsen S. , Bröjer J. , Ihler C. F. , Hultin Jäderlund K. , Egenvall A. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyAcquired equine polyneuropathy (AEP, also known as ‘Scandinavian knuckling syndrome’), is a serious disease of unknown aetiology, which emerged clustering in horse farms in Sweden, Norway and Finland in the 1990s. Clinical and epidemiological data regarding the syndrome are scarce.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical and epidemiological findings and outcome in outbreaks of AEP and compare risk factors in affected and unaffected horses on affected farms in Norway and Sweden during 2007–2009.MethodsNeurological examinations were performed and data collected regarding demography, usage, turning‐out, feeding, prophylactic strategies and long‐term outcome.ResultsThirteen affected farms with 157 horses of various breeds, of which 42 were AEP cases, were studied. Typical digital extensor dysfunction and knuckling of pelvic limbs were noted in 34 definitive cases. Eight additional plausible cases had a severe, acute course of neurological disease. There were no signs of brain or cranial nerve dysfunction. Cases occurred from December to April, with new cases emerging within 100 days of the index case. Affected and unaffected horses were fed wrapped forage. Prevalence for AEP was 27% and case fatality 29%. The median duration of AEP in survivors was 4.4 months (1–17 months). Survivors returned to full work within 19 months (median 6.6 months). Acquired equine polyneuropathy was less prevalent in horses aged >12 years and young horses had a higher chance of survival than older horses. Management factors did not differ between affected and unaffected horses.ConclusionsAcquired equine polyneuropathy is a potentially fatal neurological disease characterised by pelvic limb knuckling. Surviving horses returned to normal function after a long period of rest. Cases were clustered in farms during the winter/spring season. Wrapped forage was used in all farms.Potential relevanceThe results provide valuable insights into the clinical examination, handling and prognosis of cases of AEP, an emerging neurological disease of unknown aetiology in horses.