bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tegaserod (HTF 919) stimulates gut motility in normal horses
Authors: LIPPOLD B. S. , HILDEBRAND J. , STRAUB R. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: It has been shown that the selective 5‐HT4 receptor agonist tegaserod induces an increase in frequency and amplitude of contractions in isolated muscle preparations of equine ileum and pelvic flexure.Objectives: To investigate the effects of tegaserod on gut motility and transit of spheres in normal horses.Methods: Six mature Freiberger horses were kept under standardised conditions. Effects of tegaserod (0.02 mg/kg bwt i.v. b.i.d. for 2 days) or vehicle on intestinal transit of barium‐filled spheres, defaecation and gut sounds were studied in a cross‐over design. Spheres were given via stomach tube prior to the first dosing of tegaserod or vehicle. Faeces were collected every 3 h and spheres eliminated were identified radiologically in the faeces.Results: Tegaserod significantly accelerated the gastrointestinal (GI) transit time of spheres and increased the frequency of defaecation and scores of gut sounds compared to vehicle. The compound was well tolerated; no effects on behaviour, body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and clinical laboratory data were observed.Conclusions: Tegaserod efficaciously stimulated motility and accelerate GI transit in healthy horses.Potential relevance: Tegaserod may offer therapeutic potential in horses suffering from impaction or paralytic ileus.
A prospective cohort study to investigate risk factors for horse falls in UK hurdle and steeplechase racing
Authors: PINCHBECK G. L. , CLEGG P. D. , PROUDMAN C. J. , MORGAN K. L. , FRENCH N. P. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Equine fatalities during racing continue to be a major welfare concern and falls at fences are responsible for a proportion of all equine fatalities recorded on racecourses.Objectives: To identify and quantify risk factors for horse falls in National Hunt (NH) racing and to report the frequency of falling and falling‐associated fatalities.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 2879 horse starts in hurdle and steeplechase races on 6 UK racecourses. Any horse that suffered a fall at a steeplechase or hurdle fence during the race was defined as a case. Data were obtained by interview and observations in the parade ring and from commercial databases. Multivariable logistic regression models, allowing for clustering at the level of the track, were used to identify the relationship between variables and the risk of falling.Results: There were 124 falling cases (32 in hurdling and 92 in steeplechasing) identified. The injury risk of fallers was 8.9% and fatality risk 6.5%. Duration of journey to the racecourse, behaviour in the parade ring and weather at the time of the race were associated with falling in both hurdle and steeplechase racing. Age, amount of rainfall and going were also associated with falling in steeplechase racing.Conclusions: Falls at fences are significant contributors to equine fatalities during NH racing. Potentially modifiable risk factors identified were the condition of track surfaces and journey time to the racecourse.Potential relevance: It is hoped that information from this study may be used in future interventions to improve horse and jockey safety in racing. The study has also identified areas requiring further research, such as equine behaviour and its effect on racing performance, and the effect of light conditions on jumping ability.
Surgical repair of rib fractures in 14 neonatal foals: case selection, surgical technique and results
Authors: BELLEZZO F. , HUNT R. J. , PROVOST P. , BAIN F. T. , KIRKER‐HEAD C. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Fractured ribs are encountered quite frequently in newborn Thoroughbred foals, often with fatal outcome. Surgical repair of fractures therefore requires consideration as a means of reducing mortality. Objectives: To evaluate the repair of rib fractures using internal fixation techniques in foals at 2 different equine hospitals following similar diagnostics and case selection. Methods: The records of 14 foals that underwent internal fixation of fracture ribs were reviewed. Subject details, clinical presentation, diagnosis, surgical technique, post operative care and complications were recorded. Follow‐up information was obtained in 7 foals. Results: The fractured ribs were reduced and stabilised using reconstruction plate(s), self‐tapping cortical screws and cerclage wire in 12 cases, Steinmann pins and cerclage wires in 1 case and both techniques in 1 case. Not every rib was reduced on each case. Surgical reduction was performed on an average of 2 ribs, range 1–3 ribs in each foal. At the time of writing, 4 foals had been sold, one age 2 years was in training and 2 others died from unrelated causes. Conclusions: Our data support the use of surgical stabilisation utilising reconstruction plates, self‐tapping cortical screws and cerclage wire for selected cases of thoracic trauma in neonatal foals. The use of Steinmann pins may be suboptimal due to cyclic failure, implant migration and the potential for iatrogenic internal thoracic trauma. Potential relevance: Foals with existing extensive internal thoracic trauma resulting from rib fracture(s), or the potential for such trauma, previously considered to have a guarded to poor prognosis for survival, may be successfully managed with internal fixation of selected fracture sites.
Respiratory and metabolic effects of massive administration of isotonic saline solution in heaves‐affected and control horses
Authors: JEAN D. , VRINS A. , LAVOIE J.‐P. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: It has been suggested that rapid administration of isotonic saline solution relieves airway obstruction in heaves‐affected horses, but the efficacy and tolerability of this treatment is poorly documented.Objectives: To determine the respiratory and metabolic effects of a rapid administration of isotonic saline solution in control horses and those with heaves.Methods: Thirty litres isotonic saline solution were administered i.v. to 5 control (Group C) and 9 heaves‐affected horses (Group H). Pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gas analysis were performed prior to saline infusion, at 90 and 180 mins after starting the infusion, and 1, 3, 6 and 10 days later. PCV, plasma total solids, plasma electrolytes (Na+, Cl‐ and K+) and venous blood gas analysis were performed prior, during and after saline infusion.Results: Rapid saline administration was shown to have no beneficial effects on lung function during infusion inGroup H.On the contrary, they had significantly increased pulmonary resistance (RL) at 180 mins following the initiation of saline administration compared to baseline. InGroup C, saline administration resulted in a significant increase in RLat 180 mins and a significant decrease in PaO2at 90 mins. These results suggest a transient decrement in lung function caused by rapid saline administration.Group Hhad a metabolic alkalosis with hypochloraemia at baseline compared to control horses. This resolved following i.v. saline administration and returned to baseline within 6 h after treatment had been discontinued.Conclusion: The administration of saline toGroup Hdid not improve airway function significantly, but resulted in mild and transient side effects.Potential relevance: Rapid administration of isotonic saline alone is not an effective therapy for heaves in horses.
Total and partial ovariohysterectomy in seven mares
Authors: Rötting A. K. , Freeman D. E. , Doyle A. J. , Lock T. , Sauberli D. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Ovariohysterectomy appears to have a low mortality rate in mares, but the procedure needs to be reviewed because of the high risk of life‐threatening complications.Hypothesis: That ovariohysterectomy can be effective treatment for a variety of uterine diseases in mares and carries a good prognosis.Methods: Diagnosis, clinical data, surgical technique, post operative care, complications and outcome were recorded from medical records of 7 mares that underwent total (6) and partial (1) ovariohysterectomy at the University of Illinois from 1994 to 2001.Results: The indications for ovariohysterectomy were chronic pyometra (4 mares), chronic uterine torsion (n = 2) and chronic intramural haematoma (n = 1). Surgical exposure was difficult but was improved by traction on stay sutures and right‐angled clamps. In some cases, application of the TA‐90 autosuture instrument as a right‐angled clamp to the caudal part of the uterus improved access to the uterine stump. The most common post operative complications were decreased faecal output, decreased intestinal sounds (4 mares) and mild abdominal pain (2). Two mares had mild to moderate incisional infections. Other previously reported complications, such as haemorrhage, septic peritonitis, uterine stump infection or necrosis, and diarrhoea, did not occur. All mares survived over follow‐up periods of 6 months to 5 years and were used for riding (6 mares) and embryo transfer (1 mare, after partial ovariohysterectomy).Conclusions and potential relevance: According to this study, the prognosis for mares after ovariohysterectomy appears to be good, despite the technical difficulties of the procedure. The prevalence of life‐threatening complications can be lower than reported.
Evaluation of decision criteria for detection of spinal cord compression based on cervical myelography in horses: 38 cases (1981–2001)
Authors: Van Biervliet J. , Scrivani P. V. , Divers T. J. , Erb H. N. , De Lahunta A. , Nixon A. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Different criteria have been described based on height reduction of the total myelographic contrast column and components of it as tests for compression of the spinal cord due to cervical stenotic myelopathy (CSM). Fifty percent height reduction of the dorsal myelographic column (DMC), <2 mm empiric height of the DMC and a 40% reduction of the ratio of stenosis calculated based on the height reduction of the entire dural diameter (DD) have been described as decision criteria for considering the test result positive. The reasons for selecting these decision criteria or their accuracies have rarely been reported.Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic criteria based on reduced height of the total myelographic column and components of it for diagnosing extradural spinal cord compression using different decision criteria, and make recommendations for consistent myelographic interpretation in horses suspected of having CSM.Methods: Four measurements were obtained by 2 readers in a retrospective sample population of 38 horses in which both cervical myelography and histopathological examination of the cervical spinal cord were performed. The prevalence of CSM in the sample was 50%. At intervertebral sites, the minimum heights of the DD and DMC were measured. At intravertebral sites, the maximum heights of the entire DD and DMC were obtained. Percent height reductions of the DMC and DD were determined as the ratio of minimum intervertebral height to maximum intravertebral height within the next cranial vertebra. Histological examination was used as the gold standard for determining the actual site of spinal cord compression. Sensitivity and specificity for the diagnostic criteria were estimated at each site in neutral and flexed neck positions using several different decision criteria.Conclusions: At C6‐C7, in neutral or flexed neck position and using 20% reduction of DD, the test was highly sensitive and specific for CSM. At other sites, reduced height of the myelographic column generally was not accurate for diagnosing extradural spinal cord compression. Using 20% reduction of DD in neutral position at the mid‐cervical sites, the test had only low sensitivity and high specificity. Flexion of the neck appeared to increase detection of spinal cord compression in the mid‐cervical region, but also substantially increased the frequency of false‐positive diagnoses.Potential relevance: By using the reported sensitivity and specificity estimates, readers may decide on a decision criterion for diagnosis of extradural spinal cord compression due to CSM. However, in planning a surgical correction, it is difficult to define a decision criterion that combines acceptable sensitivity and specificity, especially at the mid‐cervical sites.
Efficacy of a live equine herpesvirus‐1 (EHV‐1) strain C147 vaccine in foals with maternally‐derived antibody: protection against EHV‐1 infection
Authors: PATEL J. R. , DIDLICK S. , BATEMAN H. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Currently, there is no recommended immunoprophylaxis against febrile respiratory diseases due to equine herpesvirus‐1 (EHV‐1) and ‐4 (EHV‐4) in horses below age 5–6 months. This is because of interference by maternally‐derived antibody (MDA) of vaccines. Objective: Unweaned equine foals are an important reservoir of EHV‐1 transmission; therefore, we experimentally assessed the efficacy of a live EHV‐1 vaccine in foals age 1.4‐3.5 months with MDA. Methods: Following vaccination and challenge, parameters assessed were virus shedding in nasal mucus, leucocyte‐associated viraemia, circulating virus neutralising antibody activity and clinical reactions. Results: Controlled challenge showed that a single intranasal dose of the vaccine afforded partial but significant protection against febrile respiratory disease, virus shedding and viraemia due to EHV‐1 infection, despite virus‐neutralising MDA. Conclusions and potential relevance: The prospective vaccine would be a significant step forward in reducing the incidence of the disease caused by EHV‐1 infection.
Polymyxin B protects horses against induced endotoxaemiain vivo
Authors: BARTON M. H. , PARVIAINEN A. , NORTON N. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: A safe, affordable and effective treatment for endotoxaemia in horses is needed in order to reduce the incidence of this potentially fatal condition.Objective: To evaluate the effect of polymyxin B (PMB) on signs of experimentally‐induced endotoxaemia.Hypothesis: PMB ameliorates the adverse effects of endotoxaemia without causing nephrotoxicity.Methods: Four groups of 6 healthy mature horses each received 20 ng endotoxin/kg bwt i.v. over 30 mins. Additionally, each group received one of the following i.v.; 5000 u PMB/kg bwt 30 mins before endotoxin infusion; 5000 u PMB/kg bwt 30 mins after endotoxin infusion; 1000 u PMB/kg bwt 30 mins prior to endotoxin infusion; or saline. Clinical response data and samples were collected to determine neutrophil count, serum tumour necrosis factor (TNF) activity, plasma thromboxane B2concentration and urine gamma glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) to creatinine ratio.Results: Treatment with PMB before or after administration of endotoxin significantly reduced fever, tachycardia and serum TNF, compared to horses receiving saline. The differences in response to endotoxin were greatest between horses that received saline vs. those that received 5000 u PMB/kg bwt prior to endotoxin. Urine GGT:creatinine did not change significantly.Conclusions and potential relevance: This study indicates that PMB may be a safe and effective treatment of endotoxaemia, even when administered after onset. Although nephrotoxicity was not demonstrated with this model, caution should be exercised when using PMB in azotaemic patients.
Medical management of superficial digital flexor tendonitis: a comparative study in 219 horses (1992‐2000)
Authors: DYSON S. J. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: There is a lack of long‐term follow‐up data for outcome of medical treatment of superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis.Objectives: To determine whether intralesional injection of hyaluronan, beta aminoproprionitrile fumarate (BAPN) or polysulphated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAG) or systemic administration of PSGAG yielded better results than a controlled exercise programme alone in the management of SDF tendonitis, with a minimum follow‐up period of 2 years after resumption of full work; and to determine whether reinjury rate was related to sports discipline and whether fibre alignment score (FAS) at 4 months could predict outcome.Methods: In Study 1, 50 horses were managed by controlled exercise alone (Group A), 50 were treated with intralesional injection of hyaluronan (Group B), 20 received intralesional and systemic treatment with PSGAG (Group Ci) and 30 received systemic treatment with PSGAG (Group Cii). Horses inGroups B, CiandCiifollowed the same controlled exercise programme asGroup A.InStudy 2, 69 horses (Group D) were treated by intralesional injection of BAPN and followed a modified controlled exercise programme. Horses were re‐examined clinically and ultrasonographically at intervals. Follow‐up data were obtained for horses 2 years after resuming full work and for up to 6 years.Results: There was no significant difference in reinjury rate of the treated limb(s) betweenGroups A, B, CiandCii(42.5‐44.4%) (P>0.9). The reinjury rate (16%) in the treated limb(s) inGroup Dwas significantly lower than in the other groups (P<0.001). However, when injury rate of the uninjured limb was considered, the results were similar toStudy 1.InStudy 2, the FAS at 4 months after treatment was a good predictor of outcome (P<0.001). Reinjury rates for different disciplines were similar in the 2 studies, with the risk of reinjury ascending from showjumpers to event horses to National Hunt and flat racehorses.Conclusions: Treatment with BAPN reduced the risk of reinjury in the treated limb, although the overall rate of subsequent injury was not affected. FAS at 4 months after treatment is a good predictor of outcome in the treated limb(s).Potential relevance: This study provides long‐term follow‐up data in horses from a variety of sports disciplines that can be used to provide prognostic information.
Ultrasonography of the medial palmar intercarpal ligament in the Thoroughbred: technique and normal appearance
Authors: DRIVER A. J. , BARR F. J. , FULLER C. J. , BARR A. R. S. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Tearing of the medial palmar intercarpal ligament (MPICL) has been recognised as a cause of lameness in the Thoroughbred, but diagnosis is difficult due to the nonspecific clinical signs, and can be achieved only by performing arthroscopy on the mid carpal joint (MCJ). It would be beneficial to be able to image the MPICL using ultrasonography to determine whether pathology is present in the ligament in order to aid diagnosis and prognosis.Objectives: To determine whether the MPICL could be imaged using ultrasound from the dorsal aspect of the MCJ, and to describe the technique and normal ultrasonographic appearance of the ligament.Methods: A pilot study was performed using 2 cadaver carpi. Each carpus in turn had the MPICL imaged simultaneously using arthroscopy and ultrasound, with a metallic probe positioned on the dorsal aspect of the ligament to highlight the position of the MPICL. Six further pairs of carpi had the MPICL imaged ultrasonographically followed by dissection of the carpus to evaluate the ligament and relate its anatomy to the ultrasound images. Finally, 15 Thoroughbreds with no history of lameness isolated to the carpus had their MPICLs assessed and measured ultrasonographically.Results: The MPICL could be imaged via the dorsal aspect of the MCJ using standard ultrasound equipment. The body and division into medial and lateral branches could be seen as a distinct, moderately dense granular echogenic structure in the palmar aspect of the joint, with clearly defined margins.Conclusions: The normal MPICL can be imaged reliably using ultrasound in the Thoroughbred from the dorsal aspect of the MCJ. There is a wide range in the normal width of the lateral aspect of the MPICL, but there is good symmetry between contralateral limbs.Potential relevance: This report of the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the ligament will be beneficial in acting as a reference for the detection of pathology using ultrasound.
Arthroscopic reattachment of osteochondritis dissecans lesions using resorbable polydioxanone pins
Authors: NIXON A. J. , FORTIER L. A. , GOODRICH L. R. , DUCHARME N. G. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Debridement of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) cartilage lesions results in fibrocartilage and imperfect hyaline repair tissue, and forms a permanent irregularity to the subchondral bone plate.Objective: To evaluate the clinical, radiographic and outcome effects of OCD cartilage flap reattachment for select lesions as an alternative to OCD debridement.Hypothesis: Separated cartilage flaps resulting from OCD lesions may be re‐incorporated into the hyaline cartilage surface by reattachment rather than debridement and removal.Methods: Resorbable polydioxanone pins were used to reattach OCD flap lesions in 16 joints of 12 horses. Criteria for attachment, rather than removal, included an unmineralised cartilage flap on preoperative radiographs and a relatively smooth surface with some residual perimeter attachment at surgery.Results: There were 12 subjects, 6 males and 6 females, 7 Thoroughbred or Standardbred weanlings, 3 Warmbloods, 1 Arabian and 1 Quarter Horse, mean age at surgery 6.8 months. All horses had effusion of the affected femoropatellar joint (n = 9), tarsocrural joint (n = 1) or fetlock (n = 2). Radiographic lesions varied in length between 1.8–6.3 cm; reattachment was used in 16 of 18 affected joints and the OCD cartilage was not satisfactory for salvage in 2 stifles. Number of pins required was 2–10. One horse was subjected to euthanasia due to a tendon laceration 8 weeks after surgery; of the remaining 11 horses, mean duration of follow‐up was 3.9 years (range 4 months‐8 years). Nine of these were sound and had entered work, while 2 were sound but remained unbroken 4 and 6 months post operatively, respectively. Radiographic resolution of the OCD lesion occurred in 14 of 16 pinned joints in the 9 horses with long‐term follow‐up. The 2 remaining joints had a 3 and a 5 mm mineralised flap in the original defect sites.Conclusions: This study indicated cartilage flap reattachment was an alternative to removal in selected OCD lesions.Potential relevance: Relatively smooth OCD cartilage flaps may be salvaged by reattachment and can result in normal radiographic subchondral contour and a high likelihood of athletic performance. Further case numbers are required to determine which lesions are too irregular or contain too much mineral for effective incorporation after reattachment.