bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equine motor neuron disease: findings in 28 horses and proposal of a pathophysiological mechanism for the disease
Authors: DIVERS T. J. , MOHAMMED H. O. , CUMMINGS J. F. , VALENTINE B. A. , DE LAHUNTA A. , JACKSON C. A. , SUMMERS B. A. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryOver a three and one‐half year period, 28 adult horses were diagnosed with equine motor neuron disease (EMND). The most commonly identified environmental risk factors for a horse having EMND were absence of grazing for more than a year and provision of poor quality hay. Quarter Horses were 5.4 times more at risk than other breeds but this was thought to be an epiphenomenon related to the frequency of Quarter Horses at boarding stables.Weight loss, excessive recumbency and/or trembling were the first signs noted. Other clinical diagnostic signs included: constant shifting of the weight in the rear limbs, abnormally low head carriage and muscle fasciculations. Excellent to ravenous appetites were present in all cases and marked coprophagia in some cases.Abnormally high serum concentration of muscle‐derived enzymes was the only consistent serum chemistry abnormality found. Abnormal glucose absorption, increased cerebrospinal fluid total protein and intrathecal production of IgG were identified in a number of cases.Euthanasia was performed on 5 horses within 4 days of hospital admission, because of inability to stand or respiratory distress, and on 18 horses after the diagnosis had been completed. Five affected horses were maintained for observational purposes for periods of 9 months to over 2 years after the onset of clinical signs. They were given access to pasture and 2 were given supplemental vitamin E as the only therapy. Marked clinical improvement occurred in the 4 more acutely affected horses.Pathological findings, preference of type 1 muscle fibre atrophy and lipopigment accumulation within the capillary endothelium of the spinal cord of all cases, supported the hypothesis of EMND being an oxidative disease. In addition, after the absence of pasture was identified as a possible risk factor, plasma vitamin E was measured in the last 10 cases and was found to be significantly (P = .0028) lower than controls. It was hypothesised that in EMND, motor neurons with the highest oxidative activity are made susceptible to an oxidative insult by a deficiency in dietary antioxidants and if enough motor neurons are diseased, clinical signs of EMND occur. The stabilisation of clinical signs in 9 cases and the marked improvement in 4 horses suggest that, if an oxidative insult(s) is responsible for initiating the motor neuron disease, its effect is not progressive in many cases.
Absorption and dosage of theophylline in the horse after single and repeated administration of a microencapsulated preparation
Authors: RONCADA P. , TOMASI L. , MONTESISSA C. , GROSSI G. , STRACCIARI G. L. , ANFOSSl P. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe kinetics of 2 formulations of theophylline were studied in horses. In an initial cross‐over study (Phase I) serum concentration‐time curves were determined for granulated and microencapsulated theophylline after a single oral administration (5 mg/kg bwt). In Phase II microencapsulated theophylline was administered at 5 mg/kg bwt/12 h for 10 days at feeding time, as in normal clinical practice. Although no significant differences between the 2 preparations were found with respect to the main kinetic parameters, the microencapsulated form was more evenly and completely absorbed from the digestive tract; furthermore, after the repeated treatment, its trough‐peak serum concentrations were always within the therapeutic window and no toxic effects were observed in treated animals.
How the horse moves: 1. Significance of graphical representations of equine forelimb kinematics
Authors: BACK W. , SCHAMHARDT H. C. , SAVELBERG H. H. C. M. , VAN DEN BOGERT A. J. , BRUIN G. , HARTMAN W. , BARNEVELD A. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe kinematics of 24 two‐year‐old Dutch Warmblood horses were recorded at the trot (4 m/s) on a high‐speed treadmill to study the coordination of joints within the equine forelimb. Joint angle‐time, angle‐angle, stick, and marker diagrams were used to show forelimb motion graphically. Because the kinematic data referred to the joint angles of the horse standing squarely and were time‐standardised to the duration of the stride cycle, mean joint curves could be calculated for the total group. The motion of each segment in the equine forelimb during a complete stride is described and its function in intralimb coordination evaluated. It appeared that the rotation of the scapula and the cranio‐caudal movement of the distal forelimb are synchronous and pendular. The carpal joint rapidly snaps into overextension at the beginning of the stance phase to enable the forelimb to work as a propulsive strut. The fetlock joint acts as an elastic spring, thereby conserving energy and, at the same time, absorbs oscillations generated by initial ground contact. Furthermore, the coordination between carpal and fetlock joints in the swing phase appears to be strongly influenced by inertia. Using the graphic tools evaluated in this paper, we were able to visualise the kinematics of the equine forelimb and relate these to specific functions of the forelimb in locomotion. This information can be used to select kinematic variables for clinical studies in which equine forelimb function has to be described and quantified.
Sensory innervation of the navicular bone and bursa in the foal
Authors: BOWKER R. M. , UNDER K. , SONEA I. M. , HOLLAND R. E. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe sensory innervation of the navicular bone (os sesamoideum distale) and its suspensory ligaments [ligamenta sesamoidea collateralia (CSL) and ligamentum sesamoideum distale impar or distal sesamoidean impar (DS‐impar) ligament] and the navicular bursa (podotrochlearis) was examined in the neonatal foal using immunocytochemistry. With antisera raised to substance P (SP) and human calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), immunoreactive nerves were demonstrated to innervate the CSL and navicular bursa. Within CSL, the SP‐ and CGRP‐like nerves were present in the synovial lining of the navicular bursa, appearing to reach the surface lining. These nerves appeared to enter the CSL and navicular bursa via the abaxial regions of the foot. Both peptides were present in the deep digital flexor tendon (DDf) along the palmar border of the navicular bursa, as well as in the DS‐impar ligament. More nerve fibres were present in the dorsal part of CSL bordering the distal interphalangeal joint than was observed palmarly in CSL along the navicular bursa. Both peptides were observed to innervate the cartilage canals within the navicular bone. In terms of relative densities of immunoreactive SP‐ and CGRP‐like peptides, the CSL dorsally and the DS‐impar ligament had the highest relative densities of nerve fibres followed by the navicular bone, the palmar aspect of CSL and the DDf tendon bordering the navicular bursa. These results are discussed in relationship to local anaesthetic injections into the navicular bursa.
Radiographic and endoscopic study of horses performing an oral based stereotypy
Authors: MCGREEVY P. D. , RICHARDSON JILL D. , NICOL CHRISTINE J. , LANE J. G. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThere is confusion in the veterinary literature concerning the definition of oral based stereotypies in the horse. This study reports the use of fluoroscopy and endoscopy during crib‐biting/wind‐sucking in afflicted horses. This permitted observations of movements of the pharyngeal and oesophageal tissues and of the air column within during the stereotypic behaviour. The findings reported show that the sequence of events during crib‐biting/wind‐sucking is not related to deglutition and that air is not swallowed to the stomach. Transient dilation of the upper oesophagus was recorded and the characteristic noise of wind‐sucking coincided with the in‐rush of air through the cricopharynx. The oesophageal distension was relieved when the air returned to the pharynx although small quantities passed caudally. It is proposed that the role of contraction of the strap muscles of the neck is to create a pressure gradient in the soft tissues surrounding the oesophagus which provokes movement of air from the pharynx into the oesophagus. The findings suggest that the definitions currently used in the sale of horses are in need of revision.
Iridium‐192 interstitial brachytherapy for equine periocular tumours: treatment results and prognostic factors in 115 horses
Authors: THÉON A. P. , PASCOE J. R. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryOne hundred and fifteen horses with periocular tumours were treated with iridium‐192 interstitial brachytherapy. Tumours included squamous cell carcinomas (n=52) and sarcoids (n=63). All horses were scheduled to receive 60 Gy (minimal tumour dose) given at a low dose rate (0.034 ± 0.010 Gy/h). The mean and median follow‐up times to last contact or death were 24 and 16 months, respectively. Chronic radiation reactions included palpebral fibrosis (10.4%), cataract (7.8%), keratitis and corneal ulceration (6.9%). Cosmetic changes included permanent epilation (21.7%) and hair dyspigmentation (78.3%). The one year progression‐free survival (PFS) rates for sarcoids and carcinomas were 86.6% and 81.8% and the 5 year PFS rates were 74.0% and 63.5%, respectively. The horse age and sex, histopathological type, anatomical subsite and classification (WHO T1‐3) were included in the analysis of prognostic factors. The only significant prognostic factor that independently affected PFS time was the WHO T‐classification (P=0.009, relative risk=0.85). When compared to horses with T1 lesions, horses with T2 and T3 lesions had 1.8‐fold and 3.4‐fold increased risks, respectively, for tumour recurrence (relative excess risk). The one year PFS rates for T1, T2 and T3 lesions were 95.2%, 89.5% and 66.2%, respectively. The 5 year PFS rates were 72.2%, 74.0% and 53.1%, respectively. The results of this study indicate that irradiation is an effective treatment option for horses with T1‐2 lesions and should be part of a combined treatment modality for horses with T3 lesions.
Experiences in treatment of epiglottal entrapment using a hook knifeper nasum
Authors: GREET T. R. C. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThirty eight horses with epiglottal entrapment were examined. In 29 the dorsally displaced mucosa was split axially with a curved hook knife,per nasum. The condition was also treated by subepiglottal mucosal resection (4 horses) and solely by the administration of an anti‐inflammatory throat spray (4 horses). All surgical cases were treated with an anti‐inflammatory throat spray and parenteral phenylbutazone. Those horses treated via a laryngotomy incision were box rested until the laryngotomy incision healed. The other horses were restricted to walking and trotting exercise for 10 days before endoscopic re‐assessment. If the condition had resolved by this stage the horse was then returned to full exercise. Epiglottal entrapment was alleviated in 22 horses treated by axial section but it recurred in 4 and 3 cases were lost to follow up. Two of 4 cases were treated successfully but mucosal resection and 2 of 4 cases by Nd:YAG laser. Three out of the 4 horses treated medically also recovered. Of the 38 horses, 6 required a second operation and 2 had a third surgical procedure. Of the horses treated by axial section of the displaced mucosa, 14 ran successfully without a respiratory sound or obstruction and 4 won races.In conclusion, using the hook knife inserted via the nasal passages offers a safe, relatively inexpensive and successful method of treating epiglottal entrapment.
Evaluation of Directigen Flu A assay for detection of influenza antigen in nasal secretions of horses
Authors: MORLEY P. S. , BOGDAN J. R. , TOWNSEND H. G. G. , HAINES DEBORAH M. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe Directigen Flu A assay (Becton Dickinson, Microbiology Systems, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) is a commercially available immunoassay designed for rapid in vitro recognition of influenza A nucleoprotein. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this assay for detection of influenza virus in nasal secretions of naturally infected horses. The assay was shown to react with representative strains of influenza virus which cause disease in horses and did not react with nasal secretions from uninfected horses kept in isolation. Between 33% and 45% of nasal secretions specimens obtained from clinically diseased horses during influenza epidemics reacted positively in the assay and 95% to 98% of horses not showing signs of disease during influenza epidemics tested negative. In contrast, influenza virus was isolated from only 7% of diseased horses using conventional techniques. Diseased horses which were positive in the Directigen assay had lower pre‐exposure influenza antibody concentrations and showed more clinical signs than diseased Directigen‐negative horses. This evaluation demonstrates that the Directigen Flu A assay detects influenza virus in nasal secretions of infected horses and is more sensitive than virus isolation.
Histological and physical assessment of poor hoof horn quality in Lipizzaner horses and a therapeutic trial with biotin and a placebo
Authors: ZENKER W. , JOSSECK H. , GEYER H. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThis paper represents the second part of a study searching for factors which could be responsible for an inferior hoof horn quality of the Lipizzaner horses of the Viennese Spanish Riding School (SRS) noticed in the late 1980s. It includes an evaluation of a treatment with biotin and 42 Lipizzaner horses were tested in a double blind study. The following parameters were evaluated: 1) the histology of the hoof horn in samples from the bearing border 2) the tensile strength of the coronary horn in bearing border samples and 3) the influence of biotin upon the histological changes and the tensile strength after application of 20 mg/day of biotin during 38 months. The histological alterations of bearing border specimens were assessed by use of a grading system (Grade 0= unchanged;Grade 1= slight changes;Grade 2= moderate changes;Grade 3= severe changes).Initially more than two thirds of the horses showed moderate to severe changes: microcracks visible in the transition from the middle to the inner zone of the coronary horn; separation of the sole from the coronary horn in the region within the white zone. The tensile strength of the coronary horn, with a mean of 39 N/mm2, was 13 N/mm2lower compared with the unchanged hooves of 10 Warmblood horses, which were investigated by Küng (1991). After 19 months of biotin treatment, the horn quality showed a small but significant improvement. This could be shown by comparing the histological tissue structure before and after treatment, as well as treated animals vs. a placebo group. However, all hooves still showed slight or middle grade changes at the time of the last examination. In tensile strength measurements made 33 and 38 months after the beginning of the trial, the biotin treated group had improved over the placebo group.
Variations in urinary gamma glutamyl transferase/urinary creatinine ratio in horses with or without pleuropneumonia treated with gentamicin
Authors: ROSSIER Y. , DIVERS T. J. , SWEENEY R. W. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe urinary GGT/urinary creatinine (uGGT/uCR) ratio was measured on Days 1, 3 and 10 in 4 adult, healthy horses; in 6 adult, healthy horses treated with gentamicin at recommended dosages and 9 adult horses treated for pleuropneumonia with gentamicin at recommended dosages. Plasma creatinine and gentamicin trough concentrations were measured on the same days. The uGGT/uCr ratio was higher in the normal horses (mean ± s.d. 22.85 ± 13.69) than previously reported normal values (10.5 ± 6.8) (Adams and McClure 1985). Analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to compare the ratio in the 3 groups while controlling for the effect of time. Sick horses had a significantly higher uGGT/uCr ratio than either of the 2 groups of normal horses. Both groups of horses that were treated with gentamicin had similar percentage increases in uGGT/uCr ratio over the treatment period with the most marked increases found between treatment Days 1 and 3. The increase in uGGT/Cr ratio was predominantly a result of an increase in uGGT activity rather than a decrease in uCr concentration. The increase in uGGT activity and uGGT/uCr ratio occurred without abnormalities in serum creatinine or gentamicin trough concentrations. These findings demonstrate that urine GGT activity and uGGT/uCr ratio should be expected to increase in response to gentamicin therapy at recommended dosages without measurable changes in serum creatinine. This suggests that an elevation of the uGGT/uCr ratio in horses being treated with gentamicin would not necessarily require changes in, or withdrawal of, the gentamicin treatment as long as increases in the plasma creatinine do not exceed 0.3 g/l and gentamicin trough concentrations are <2 μg/l.
Tendonitis of the deep digital flexor tendon in the distal metacarpal/metatarsal region associated with tenosynovitis of the digital sheath in the horse
Authors: BARR A. R. S. , DYSON SUE J. , BARR F. J. , O'BRIEN J. K. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryTwenty‐four horses with ultrasonographic evidence of tendonitis of the deep digital flexor tendon in the metacarpal/metatarsal region were seen over a 7 year period. Most horses had mild to moderate lameness and distension of the digital flexor tendon sheath in the affected limb. Intrasynovial analgesia of the digital flexor tendon sheath consistently improved the degree of lameness. Ultrasonography most commonly revealed small, distinct, often circular, focal hypoechoic areas within the deep digital flexor tendon which usually extended less than 1 cm proximodistally. The degree of lameness and swelling generally improved with box rest and controlled exercise, however, exacerbation of the clinical signs and ultrasonographic lesions was common when affected horses were returned to work or allowed free exercise at pasture. Of 24 cases, only 7 horses made a full recovery and returned to their intended athletic activity.
Comparison of polysulphated glycosaminoglycan and sodium hyaluronate with placebo in treatment of traumatic arthritis in horses
Authors: GAUSTAD GUDRUN , LARSEN S. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryA randomised double blind and placebo controlled clinical study was carried out. Standardbred trotters (n=77, age 3–4 years) with moderate to severe lameness were grouped according to number of affected joints and, within each group, were randomised for treatment with polysulphated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG), sodium hyaluronate (SH) or placebo for 3 weeks. The horses were inspected weekly with a final examination 2–4 weeks after the end of treatment.Mean initial lameness score was significantly reduced during treatment and at the last examination in all 3 groups (P<0.01). Additionally, the prevalence of sound horses increased significantly from 1 to 3 weeks of treatment and to the last examination in all 3 groups (P≤0.03). Comparison of the 2 treatment groups with regard to development of the lameness curve and time until soundness indicated a small, non significant difference in favour of SH. No significant difference was detected between the 2 treatment groups in the prevalences or cumulative incidence of soundness. The study detected a superior effect of the 2 drugs compared with placebo for reduction in lameness score during the treatment period (P=0.03) and the total study period (P<0.01), time until soundness (P=0.04) and the prevalence of sound horses at the last examination (P<0.01). All 3 treatments affected traumatic arthritis in horses, but the SH and PSGAG gave better results Than the placebo.
Equine pulmonary disease: a case control study of 300 referred cases. Part 2: Details of animals and of historical and clinical findings
Authors: DIXON P. M. , RAILTON D. I. , McGORUM B. C. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryExamination of historical and clinical details of 270 adult horses suffering from a variety of mainly chronic pulmonary diseases showed that the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) group (median age 9 years) were the oldest, and that the COPD, chronic idiopathic hypoxaemia and exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) groups had the longest duration of disease (median durations 7, 12 and 9 months, respectively) with a median disease duration of 2 months for the remaining horses. A history of antecedent respiratory infection was present in 24.3% of all horses. Six out of 12 horses that grazed with donkeys suffered lungworm infection. Silage was fed to 11.3% of all horses, nonstraw beddings were utilised by 28.7% of horses and 8.7% of horses were maintained permanently outdoors. Environmental control had been unsuccessfully attempted in 47% of COPD cases prior to referral. Histories of poor athletic performance or of excessive post exercise dyspnoea were found to be less definitive indicators of pulmonary disease. Coughing was the most sensitive clinical indicator of pulmonary disease, being present in 71.1% of horses with pulmonary disorders. Nasal discharge was present in 50.4% of these horses and coughing or nasal discharge was present in 86.7% of horses with respiratory disorders. Unilateral nasal discharge was inexplicably present in 3.3% of horses with pulmonary disease. Other clinical findings, including the presence of increased breathing effort, abnormal thoracic or tracheal auscultatory findings were less sensitive diagnostic parameters with pulmonary diseases, and were frequently absent unless severe pulmonary disease was present.
Equine pulmonary disease: a case control study of 300 referred cases. Part 4: Treatments and re‐examination findings
Authors: DIXON P. M. , RAILTON D. I. , McGORUM B. C. , TOTHILL SARAH 
Published: April 2010

SummaryOne‐hundred and forty‐seven of 270 (54.4%) horses suffering from pulmonary disorders were given at least one reexamination including, clinical, bronchoscopic, pulmonary function and cytological examinations after treatment and a further 83 of these horses (30.7%) had their clinical progress assessed by verbal or written reports. These examinations and progress reports showed high levels of partial or total recovery for most pulmonary disease categories, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, infectious, S. zooepidemicus and undifferentiated pulmonary disease and lungworm infection groups but not for the miscellaneous pulmonary disease (40% of these cases died), idiopathic chronic hypoxaemic or exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage groups.