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The aim of this consensus statement is to summarize and appraise scientific evidence and combine this with the clinical experience of a panel of experts to optimize recommendations on how to recognize and manage kidney disease in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional immunomodulatory treatment is needed for the management of immune‐mediated disease in horses. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunomodulatory agent used in human and veterinary medicine for the prevention of graft rejection and the management of autoimmune diseases. Few studies exist investigating the pharmacokinetics of MMF in horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of MMF in healthy horses in the fed vs. fasted state. Six healthy Standardbred mares were administered MMF 10 mg/kg by a nasogastric (NG) tube in a fed and fasted state. A six‐day washout period was performed between the two doses. No statistically significant differences in mycophenolic acid (MPA) concentrations were seen at any time point apart from 8 h, when plasma metabolite concentrations were significantly higher in the fasted state compared to the fed state (p =.038). Evidence of enterohepatic recirculation was seen only in the fasted state; this did not yield clinical differences in horses administered a single‐dose administration but may be significant in horses receiving long‐term MMF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Equine coital exanthema (ECE) is a contagious, sexually transmitted disease affecting horses. It manifests itself as painful papules, vesicles, pustules and ulcers on the external genitalia in both mares and stallions. While widespread, the disease is generally not classified as reportable in most countries and is not considered a significant threat to the equine industry. ECE is endemic in horse breeding populations internationally. The absence of comprehensive epidemiological data can give a false sense of security, which increases the risk of local transmission. Lack of surveillance programmes or routine control in risk group (reproductive stallions and mares) leads to unawareness and lack of proper biosecurity measures. An outbreak in breeding facilities may result in significant economic consequences. Although ECE has not been officially confirmed in Poland, equine practitioners have noted isolated clinical cases resembling the disease in farm horses in the last decades. This study aims to confirm the presence of ECE in Poland. Clinical diagnosis has been made based on characteristic lesions. Positive diagnosis was confirmed in two out of four outbreaks by real‐time PCR on genital swabs. The presence of the disease has been confirmed in different regions in Poland in farm horses bred as meat animals. Confirming EHV‐3 infection in the Polish equine population through laboratory examinations marks a significant milestone. It is now crucial to raise awareness among owners, breeders and equine practitioners about the current epidemiological status of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV‐1) infection in horses is associated with respiratory and neurologic disease, abortion, and neonatal death. Hypothesis: Vaccines decrease the occurrence of clinical disease in EHV‐1‐infected horses. Methods: A systematic review was performed searching multiple databases to identify relevant studies. Selection criteria were original peer‐reviewed research reports that investigated the in vivo use of vaccines for the prevention of disease caused by EHV‐1 in domesticated horses. Main outcomes of interest included pyrexia, abortion, neurologic disease, viremia, and nasal shedding. We evaluated risk of bias, conducted exploratory meta‐analyses of incidence data for the main outcomes, and performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for each vaccine subtype. Results: A total of 1018 unique studies were identified, of which 35 met the inclusion criteria. Experimental studies accounted for 31/35 studies, with the remainder being observational studies. Eight vaccine subclasses were identified including commercial (modified‐live, inactivated, mixed) and experimental (modified‐live, inactivated, deletion mutant, DNA, recombinant). Risk of bias was generally moderate, often because of underreporting of research methods, and sample sizes were small leading to imprecision in the estimate of the effect size. Several studies reported either no benefit or minimal vaccine efficacy for the primary outcomes of interest. Meta‐analyses revealed significant heterogeneity was present, and our confidence in the quality of evidence for most outcomes was low to moderate. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Our review indicates that commercial and experimental vaccines minimally reduce the incidence of clinical disease associated with EHV‐1 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of vestibular disease in horses, explaining the anatomy of the vestibular system and discussing the clinical signs and common causes of the disease. It emphasizes the importance of diagnostic tests in reaching a diagnosis. The article titled "Ethics Statement" by Sarah F. Colmer and Amy L. Johnson discusses the absence of an ethics statement in a clinical commentary and explains the purpose and importance of an ethics statement in research articles. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Adult horses with proprioceptive ataxia and behavior changes that have histologic lesions consistent with neurodegenerative disease have been increasingly recognized. Hypothesis/Objectives: Describe the history, clinical findings and histopathologic features of horses presented to a referral institution with neuroaxonal degeneration. Animals: One hundred horses with a necropsy diagnosis of neuroaxonal degeneration compatible with neuroaxonal dystrophy/degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM). Methods: Retrospective study of horses presented to the University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, between 2017 and 2021 with a necropsy diagnosis of eNAD/EDM. Results: Affected horses had a median age of 8 years (range, 1‐22), and the majority were Warmbloods (72). Sixty‐eight horses had behavioral changes, and all 100 had proprioceptive ataxia (median grade, 2/5). Fifty‐seven horses had abnormal findings on cervical vertebral radiographs, and 14 had myelographic findings consistent with compressive myelopathy. No antemortem diagnostic test results were consistently associated with necropsy diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease. All 100 horses had degenerative lesions characteristic of eNAD in the brainstem gray matter, and 24 had concurrent degenerative features of EDM in the spinal cord white matter. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Clinical and histopathologic findings in this large group of horses with neurodegenerative disease were most consistent with eNAD/EDM, but with a different signalment and clinical presentation from earlier descriptions. The increasing occurrence of neurodegenerative disease in horses and the safety risk posed emphasize the importance of focused research in affected horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain recognition in hospitalized horses is challenging, and the utility of pain scoring systems in horses with ocular disease has not been well‐described. Hypothesis/Objectives: Evaluate the horse grimace scale (HGS) and behavior pain score (BPS) in hospitalized horses with ocular disease. We hypothesized that HGS and BPS would be associated with different clinical progressions. Animals: Privately owned horses hospitalized for ocular disease between September 2018 and September 2020. Methods: Retrospective observational study. The HGS and BPS were recorded daily throughout hospitalization. Clinical progressions were categorized as: (a) discharge from hospital after medical treatment, (b) ophthalmic surgery (eg, keratectomy, conjunctival flap, amniotic membrane transplantation, corneal transplant), or (c) enucleation. Temporal trends in HGS and BPS were assessed using linear regression. Correlations among slope, intercept, and progression were determined using the Kruskal‐Wallis test. Results: Of 65 horses that met inclusion criteria, 29 (45%) were discharged after exclusively medical management, 28 (43%) underwent ophthalmic surgery, and 8 (12%) underwent enucleation. Two horses (3%) had 2 ophthalmic surgeries performed. The BPS scores at admission were higher in horses that were managed medically than in those that underwent enucleation (P =.01). Horses requiring enucleation had higher increases in HGS (P =.02) and BPS (P =.01) during hospitalization than horses that were medically managed and a higher increase in BPS (P =.04) than horses that required ophthalmic surgery. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Pain scoring may represent a useful tool for monitoring progression and response to treatment in hospitalized horses with ocular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The natural progression of equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) in the absence of treatment has not yet been described in the literature, nor has the prevalence in a teaching herd population been reported. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of disease in a teaching population over the study period (2019–2021) and to observe the changes over time in disease severity of naturally occurring diseases (not experimentally induced) without medical intervention. Methods: Twenty‐one horses underwent an initial gastroscopy and a repeat gastroscopy between 14 and 731 days later. Gastroscopy data were graded quantitatively and described qualitatively. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The changes over time were determined by comparing initial and repeat gastroscopies. Results: The prevalence from initial, repeat and total number of gastroscopies was 62% (95% CI: 40.8–79.3), 71% (95% CI: 50.0–86.2) and 67% (95% CI: 51.6–79), respectively. The changes over time included worsening of disease in 29% of horses (95% CI: 13.8–50.0), improvement of disease to a lower grade in 24% (95% CI: 10.6–45.1), no change in grade in 38% (95% CI: 20.8–59.1), and complete resolution of disease to grade 0 in 10% (95% CI: 2.7–28.9). Main limitations: Limitations included a maximum of two gastroscopies per horse given COVID‐19 restrictions on data collection, and highly varied interval times between initial and repeat gastroscopies. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of disease in this teaching herd. The changes over time in naturally occurring diseases without medical intervention might include worsening, improvement, no change or resolution of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common performance limiting arrhythmia in racehorses. High dose exercise and airway disease promote AF in humans. Few studies have investigated epidemiological factors associated with AF in horses. Objectives: Explore variables relating to performance, exercise volume and postrace endoscopic findings in horses with AF. Animals: A total of 164 horses with poor race performance and postrace AF were compared to 321 horses with poor performance without AF (PP) and 314 horses performing to expectation (TE). Methods: Horse‐level and race‐level variables for horses racing in Australia and Hong Kong from 2009 to 2021 were compared using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Postrace endoscopic exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) and tracheal mucus accumulation (TMA) grades for AF and PP horses were compared using chi‐squared analysis. Results: Variables that were significant in the multivariable model of AF compared to TE were distance (lengths) behind the winner, (odds ratio [OR]; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.41 [1.32‐1.51], P <.0001), cumulative prize money per start before the event (OR [95% CI] 1.02 [1.01‐1.03], P =.01) and age (OR [95% CI] 0.72 [0.55‐0.92], P =.01). More AF horses had EIPH grade ≥3 (23/109; 21.1%) than PP horses (7/213; 3.3%; OR [95%CI] 7.9 [3.3‐20.2], P <.0001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Acute race performance was substantially impaired by AF but career earnings before the event were not inferior. Exercise volume did not promote AF. Higher grades of EIPH found in AF horses suggests a mechanistic relationship between these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This article describes three cases in which severe foot pathology was managed with surgery and the application of a wooden shoe. Although all three horses would have fulfilled the grounds for humane euthanasia, they were successfully managed and had a favourable outcome. This article supports current farriery concepts and shows how the wooden shoe can effectively redistribute the horse's weight on the solar surface of the foot, alleviate foot pain, enhance foot biomechanics and serve as a valuable tool for veterinarians and farriers in post‐surgical management of laminitis and other foot‐related injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Sarcocystis neurona remains an antemortem diagnostic challenge in some horses. Recent work suggested the use of real‐time PCR (rtPCR) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a promising diagnostic tool. Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of S. neurona rtPCR on CSF for EPM diagnosis using horses with EPM and S. neurona‐seropositive horses with other neurologic conditions. Animals: Ninety‐nine horses with neurologic disease that underwent complete neurologic examination, CSF collection, and, if euthanized, necropsy including the central nervous system (CNS). Methods: Retrospective case‐control study using banked CSF samples. Samples from horses with neurologic abnormalities and necropsy‐confirmed EPM diagnosis, presumptive EPM diagnosis using strict criteria (SnSAG2/4/3 ELISA serum:CSF titer ratios <50) and horses diagnosed with other neurologic diseases were used. Results: Fifty‐two horses had EPM; 23 were confirmed on necropsy, and 29 were presumptive clinical diagnoses. The other 47 horses all had necropsy‐confirmed diagnoses. Four of the 47 horses had normal neurologic findings on necropsy and the remaining 43 horses had neurologic diseases including equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM), cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy, trauma, and other miscellaneous conditions. One CSF sample was weakly positive for S. neurona by rtPCR, this sample was obtained from a horse with confirmed EDM. Samples from the other 98 horses were negative for S. neurona by rtPCR. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Our study contradicts previous conclusions that S. neurona rtPCR is potentially useful for EPM diagnosis, because our results indicate that the assay has a low sensitivity (0%) for EPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) is a common disease in adult horses, but clinical disease in foals is rarely reported. The relationship between equine maternal and neonatal antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum is unclear. Hypothesis/Objectives: That mares in an endemic region would be seropositive for A. phagocytophilum and that mare and foal serum IgG concentrations for A. phagocytophilum would correlate. Additionally, we hypothesized that foal IgG concentrations for A. phagocytophilum acquired by passive immunity would decline by 6 months of age. Animals: Twenty‐two healthy mare‐foal pairs. Methods: This prospective observational study investigated serum IgG concentrations specific for A. phagocytophilum in mares and foals using an immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA). The association between foal titer (as a binary variable) and age in months was assessed using a mixed‐effects logistic regression. Results: A positive correlation between newborn foal antibody titers and mare titers was identified at both the pre‐foaling (τa = 0.38, τb = 0.50, P =.009) and foaling timepoints (τa = 0.36, τb = 0.47, P =.01). In A. phagocytophilum seropositive neonates, it was unlikely that a positive titer would be detected by 3 months of age (OR = 0.002, P =.02, 95% CI: 0.00001‐0.38). Three out of 20 foals seroconverted between 3 and 6 months of age. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Transfer of specific passive immunity to A. phagocytophilum occurred in 80% of foals born to seropositive mares and declined by 3 months of age. A. phagocytophilum infection should be considered in foals displaying clinical signs consistent with EGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Additional efficacious immunomodulatory treatment is needed for the management of immune‐mediated disease in horses. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive drug that warrants assessment as a viable therapeutic agent for horses. Hypothesis/Objectives: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of multiple‐day oral dosing of MMF in healthy horses and to determine the tolerability of this dosing regimen. Animals: Six healthy Standardbred mares. Methods: Horses received MMF 10 mg/kg PO q12h for 7 days in the fed state. Serial sampling was performed over 12 hours on Days 1 and 7 with trough samples collected every 24 hours, immediately before morning drug administration. Noncompartmental PK analyses were performed to determine primary PK parameters, followed by calculation of geometric means and coefficients of variation. A CBC, serum biochemical profile, physical examination, and fecal scoring were used to assess dose tolerability. Results: Seven days of treatment resulted in a mycophenolic acid (MPA) area under the curve (AUC0‐12) of 12 594 h × ng/mL (8567‐19 488 h × ng/mL) and terminal half‐life (T1/2) of 11.3 hours (7.5‐15.9 hours), yielding minor metabolite accumulation in all horses treated. Salmonellosis was detected in the feces of 2 horses by Day 7, and all horses developed myelosuppression, hyperbilirubinemia, hyporexia, decreased gastrointestinal motility, and decreased fecal output by the seventh day of treatment. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Administration of MMF at 10 mg/kg PO q12h resulted in hematologic and clinical toxicity within 1 week of treatment. A decreased MMF dose, frequency, or both is needed to avoid colic. Drug monitoring should include frequent hemograms, serum biochemical profiles, and strict biosecurity protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis (EMPF) associated with herpesvirus‐5 infection (EHV‐5), is a severe, fibrosing interstitial lung disease of horses. Most common reported clinical signs are pyrexia, weight loss, depression, respiratory distress with tachypnoea and cough. Multiple tissue tropism of the EHV‐5 has been suggested. Treatment with valacyclovir and corticosteroids has been reported to be successful in a few cases, but the disease is usually associated with a poor prognosis because of progressive impairment of respiratory function. Corticosteroid administration can carry potential side effects, such as hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis suppression, laminitis and increased susceptibility to infections. This report described a case of an 11‐year‐old gelding diagnosed with EMPF. The horse was treated with valacyclovir and corticosteroids and, after a transient initial improvement, showed a rapid deterioration of clinical signs and multiple complications, including severe bacterial dermatitis, liver damage and pleural effusion of unknown origin. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay of liver biopsy sample was positive for EHV‐5, confirming the virus' multiple tissue tropism. A role of corticosteroids in exacerbating the disease progression and the increasing susceptibility to infections was strongly suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutritional factors are suggested to influence the incidence and severity of glandular gastric disease (GGD) in horses. Objectives: To retrospectively assess whether dietary fermentable carbohydrates increase the severity of GGD and to prospectively evaluate whether the partial substitution of concentrates by dehydrated alfalfa would decrease GGD severity scores. Animals: In total, 82 trotters from 4 training centers exercised ≥5 days/week. Methods: Multicenter retrospective observational study, and prospective 2‐arm randomized trial. Glandular mucosae were observed by gastroscopy and scored (0‐4 severity scale) at day 0 (D0). Biochemical composition of the diet fed was compared between ulcerated and nonulcerated groups. After D0, horses either received the same diet (control, n = 41) or pelleted dehydrated alfalfa substituting 50% concentrates (alfalfa, n = 41). Glandular scores were recorded in both groups after 21 (D21) and 42 days (D42). The first end point was a successful outcome, defined as a horse with a glandular score of 2 to 4 on D0, decreasing to a score of 0 to 1 on days 21 or 42. Results: Horses scored 0 to 1 at D0 ingested more (P =.01) soluble sugars from concentrates than those scored 2 to 4 before D0 (77.5 g/kg BW; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.1‐84.0, vs 59.1 g/kg BW; 95% CI: 48.0‐70.3), whereas starch intake did not differ between groups (P =.24). Among horses scored 2 to 4 at D0, fewer were scored 2 to 4 in the alfalfa group (1 out of 6) compared with the control group (6 out of 6) at D42 (P =.02). Clinical success was 47.7 times more likely in horses fed alfalfa compared with horses in the control group (95% CI: 1.6‐1422.8). Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Relationships were found between diet composition and integrity of the glandular mucosa. Feeding pelleted dehydrated alfalfa could help to reduce the incidence and severity of GGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) protocol for evaluation of the cardiac and respiratory systems in horses does not exist. Objectives: (a) Describe the windows of a POCUS protocol for cardiorespiratory assessment of horses (CRASH); (b) Estimate the number of acoustic windows that can be acquired by a sonographer‐in‐training; (c) Estimate the time required to complete the protocol for specific groups of horses; (d) Describe the sonographic abnormalities detected in horses presented with cardiovascular, respiratory, or systemic disease. Animals: Twenty‐seven healthy horses, 14 horses competing in athletic events, and 120 horses with clinical disease. Method: A pocket‐sized ultrasound device was used to acquire 7 sonographic cardiorespiratory windows in various clinical scenarios. The duration of the examination was timed, and images were evaluated for diagnostic quality. Abnormalities in horses with clinical disease were determined by an expert sonographer. Results: The CRASH protocol could be performed in healthy and diseased horses in hospital, barn, and competition settings between 5.5 ± 0.9 (athletic horses) and 6.9 ± 1.9 min (horses with clinical disease). Thoracic windows were obtained most consistently, followed by right parasternal long‐axis echocardiographic windows. Frequently detected abnormalities were pleural fluid, lung consolidation, B‐lines, and moderate‐to‐severe left‐sided heart disease. Conclusions: The CRASH protocol was feasible using a pocket‐sized ultrasound device in various groups of horses, could be completed rapidly in a variety of settings, and frequently identified sonographic abnormalities when evaluated by an expert sonographer. The diagnostic accuracy, observer agreement, and utility of the CRASH protocol merit further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides highlights of recent clinically relevant papers in the field of equine veterinary education. The first paper discusses the use of repulsion pins for cheek tooth extraction in horses, finding that this technique is effective with a 25% complication rate. The second paper examines the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. in hospitalised horses and humans, highlighting the need for biosecurity measures. The third paper reviews the use of trimethoprim-sulfonamide treatment in foals, suggesting alternative first-line therapies should be considered. The fourth paper investigates the association between vertical pelvic movement asymmetry and the location of primary lameness in horses. The final paper evaluates the feasibility and accuracy of using the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system in horses. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To determine the prevalence of ocular disease in draft horses in the United States. Animals: Draft horses of various breeds and ages. Procedure: Nondilated ophthalmic examination was performed using slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Intraocular pressures were measured when possible. Results: One hundred sixty‐five draft horses were examined. Age range: 10 days to 33 years (mean 10.8 years, median 10 years); 87 geldings (52.7%), 71 mares (43.0%), 7 stallions (4.2%); 64 Percherons (38.8%), 51 Belgians (30.9%), 29 Clydesdales (17.6%), 15 Shires (9%), and 6 other draft breed (3.6%). Intraocular pressure: mean 24.7 mmHg OD, range 13‐37 mmHg; mean 25.0 mmHg OS, range 11‐37 mmHg. Vision‐threatening disease was present in 9 horses (5.5%): complete cataracts 1, post‐traumatic optic nerve atrophy 1, uveitis and secondary glaucoma 1, retinal detachment 1, large chorioretinal scar 3, phthisis bulbi 2. Non‐vision‐threatening ocular disease was present in 56 horses (33.9%) involving one or more ocular structures: eyelid trauma/notch defect 14 (8.5%), SCC‐type adnexal lesions 12 (7.3%), corneal scars 16 (9.7%), keratitis 6 (3.6%), corpora nigra cyst 15 (9.1%), incipient/punctate cataract 50 (30.3%), vitreous degeneration 10 (6.1%), asteroid hyalosis 1, "bullethole" chorioretinal scars 3, RPE coloboma 1. Linear keratopathy was present in 28 horses (17%) with 2/28 having concurrent vision threatening ocular disease. Conclusions: Ocular abnormalities, in particular minor cataracts, were relatively common in this population, but not typically vision‐threatening. Additionally, this survey demonstrated a greater prevalence of linear keratopathy in draft horses compared with reports in other breeds; however, it does not appear to be associated with concurrent ocular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Supporting limb laminitis (SLL) is a complication of severe orthopedic disease in horses and is often life‐limiting, yet the pathophysiology remains obscure. Hypothesis/Objectives: To investigate the role of digital lamellar inflammatory signaling in the pathophysiology of SLL using a model of unilateral weight bearing, hypothesizing that there would be evidence of lamellar inflammation in limbs subjected to the model. Animals: Thirteen healthy adult Standardbred horses were used for this study (11 geldings, 2 mares; mean age 6.5 ± 2.5 years; mean body weight 458.3 ± 32.8 kg). Methods: Randomized controlled experimental study. A steel shoe with a custom insert was applied to a randomly selected front foot of 7 horses; 6 horses were unshod and served as controls. After 92 hours, all horses were humanely euthanized, and digital lamellar samples were collected. Lamellar protein and mRNA were isolated and used to perform western blot and PCR. Results: Lamellar concentrations of IL‐6 mRNA were higher in SL tissue than IL HIND tissue (median [25%‐75%] normalized copy number 191 [111‐3060] and 48 [25‐74], respectively; P=.003), and lamellar concentrations of COX‐2 mRNA were higher in SL tissue than CON tissue (normalized copy number 400 [168‐634] and 125 [74‐178], respectively; P=.007). Lamellar concentrations of IL‐1B, IL‐10, and COX‐1 mRNA were not significantly different between groups. The concentrations of phosphorylated (activated) STAT1 and STAT3 proteins were higher in SL (0.5 [0.35‐0.87] and 1.35 [1.1‐1.7], respectively) compared to CON (0.24 [0.09‐0.37] and 0.31 [0.16‐037]) and UL HIND (0.27 [0.19‐0.37] and 0.38 [0.24‐0.5]); P=0.01 and P<0.001. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Lamellar inflammatory signaling was higher in tissue from horses subjected to prolonged unilateral weight‐bearing, suggesting that these pathways could be relevant to the pathophysiology of SLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chorioptic mange is a common pruritic skin disease in horses and can cause chronic pastern dermatitis. Many to all horses in one stable can suffer simultaneously and transmit the disease to one another through contact or by using the same areas. Treatment often is challenging, and failure and relapses are common. This paper reviews the evidence comparing different types of treatment of chorioptic mange in horses and found that although some protocols are partially effective, further comparisons are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of clopidogrel, an antithrombotic drug, for the treatment of jugular vein thrombophlebitis (JVT) in horses with gastrointestinal disease. JVT is a common complication in horses with indwelling jugular vein catheters, and it can lead to pain, infection, and decreased performance. The study describes the use of clopidogrel in horses with JVT and provides information on the characteristics of the horses, the duration of clopidogrel therapy, and the outcomes of the treatment. The results suggest that clopidogrel is safe for use in clinical cases of JVT, but further studies are needed to compare its effectiveness to other treatments. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the successful treatment of two cases of lymphocytic-plasmacytic enterocolitis (LPE) in horses using non-pharmaceutical interventions. LPE is a rare and poorly understood intestinal disease in horses with a grave prognosis. The cases underwent thorough diagnostic evaluation and failed to respond to conventional therapy. The treatment involved addressing the gut microbiome-immune system axis using nutraceuticals, herbal medicine, dietary modifications, and management strategies. Both cases showed significant improvements in clinical signs and long-term outcomes. However, the study has limitations, including a small sample size and the lack of repeated biopsies after treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in Equine Veterinary Education investigated the impact of diet changes on gastric disease, behaviors, and pain in elite show jumping horses. The study found that a low-starch diet led to significant improvements in gastric disease scores, as well as reductions in ridden horse pain ethogram scores. However, the diet change did not affect the composition of the horses' fecal microbiome. The researchers concluded that dietary adjustments can help mitigate gastric ulcers and improve the comfort of working equine athletes without the need for medication. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the treatment of equine squamous and glandular gastric disease (ESGD and EGGD) in leisure horses in Western Australia. The study aimed to compare different treatment regimens and investigate the associations between clinical and gastroscopic responses to treatment. The data from 561 horses were analyzed, and it was found that there were marked differences in outcomes between different treatments. The study also supported the assertion that the outcome of EGGD treatment is influenced by lesion type rather than lesion severity. However, it is important to note that the data was collected retrospectively from a single practice population, treatment allocation was not randomized, and observers were not blinded to the treatment allocation. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the clinical presentation and gastroscopic findings in leisure horses in Western Australia. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical findings, gastroscopic evidence of disease, and the impact on health and welfare. The data from 846 horses showed that 25% had no gastric lesions, 35% had lesions consistent with equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) only, 16% had lesions consistent with equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) only, and 49% had lesions consistent with concurrent ESGD and EGGD. There was no association between clinical signs and the presence of gastric disease, and no association between parasites and gastric lesions. However, associations were found between breed and EGGD lesion type, as well as behavioral signs and EGGD. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Background: Salmonella is an important veterinary pathogen contributing to gastrointestinal disease in horses and foals. Hospital biosecurity is an important consideration in preventing transmission between cases and zoonotic transmission. The prevalence of salmonella in horses in equine hospitals has previously been reported in the United States and Australia. However, to date, it has not been reported in New Zealand. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of salmonella faecal shedding in at‐risk cases undergoing testing by repeated faecal culture or faecal PCR in an equine hospital in the North Island of New Zealand. Study design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Medical records from a 2‐year period (July 2018 to June 2020) were reviewed. Cases identified by the treating clinician as at‐risk of salmonella, and subsequently tested with repeated faecal culture (at least three samples) or faecal PCR were included for analysis. Descriptive analysis was used, and prevalence data reported with 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 28 horses were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of salmonella in the study population was 10.7% (n = 3/28, 95% CI 3.1–25.9%). Main limitations: Small sample size (n = 28) and retrospective study design provide support for further investigation. Conclusions: The prevalence of salmonella in the study population is comparable to previous reports in the United States. Further research into the prevalence and risk factors associated with faecal shedding of salmonella in hospitalised horses in New Zealand is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sand enteropathy is an important disease condition in the horse, particularly in geographically predisposed regions. The reasons why some horses eat sand, or why some horses accumulate sand when exposed and others do not are poorly understood. Weak evidence exists that deficiencies in iron or copper may play a role in geophagia, while factors such as the provision of supplemental feeding while at pasture, or the role of an individual animal within a herd hierarchy, may influence an individual animals' disease risk. Diagnosis in the field is challenging. Current evidence does not support the use of the faecal glove sedimentation test for screening horses at risk of sand accumulation as it lacks both the sensitivity and specificity to accurately diagnose sand accumulation under field conditions. Instead, ultrasound is a useful screening test under field conditions, especially in ruling out sand accumulation. In contrast, ultrasound appears to be of limited value in the assessment of sand accumulations in acute disease and radiography remains the reference standard for diagnosis. Current evidence does not support the feeding of psyllium for the removal of sand accumulation. Instead, daily administration of psyllium and MgSO4, both at 1 g/kg bwt once a day via nasogastric tube, has been reported to be effective in removing the majority of sand accumulations over a 3–7 day period in a number of studies. Prevention remains challenging in horses at risk due to ongoing exposure to sandy pastures but, based on epidemiological evidence, small management changes may be beneficial in reducing disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Many common nonlaminitic conditions of the equine digit can be diagnosed radiographically, although vascular disturbance cannot be evaluated without use of contrast venography. Digital venography is commonly used to assess vascular disturbance in horses with laminitis. Routine venography projections include the lateromedial (LM) and dorsopalmar/dorsoplantar (DP) projections, although these do not provide complete assessment of the digital vasculature. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe digital venography as a diagnostic tool for nonlaminitic disease of the digit of horses including the dorsal 60° proximal‐palmaro‐/plantaro‐distal oblique (60° DP) in addition to the standard LM and DP projections. Study design: Retrospective descriptive case series. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to identify patients with nonlaminitic disease that had digital venography including LM, DP and 60° DP projections. Horses free of disease of the digit were utilised for comparison. Images were reviewed, and presence or absence of radiographic and venographic abnormalities was determined individually. Results: Venography revealed vascular abnormalities in horses with digital keratoma, complex digital abscessation and simple digital abscessation. The inclusion of the 60° DP projection allowed for better determination of the location and extent of vascular disturbance of the distal phalanx. Main limitations: Limitations of the study include the small sample size and retrospective nature, as well as lack of literature describing vascular disturbances in nonlaminitic processes. Conclusions: Digital venography can be considered for evaluation of submural disease of the digit of horses. For more complete assessment of the distal phalangeal vasculature, the 60° DP projection should be included in all digital venographic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurological disorders are prevalent in horses, but their study is challenging due to anatomic constraints and the large body size; very few host‐specific in vitro models have been established to study these types of diseases, particularly from adult donor tissue. Here we report the generation of primary neuronal dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cultures from adult horses: the mixed, dissociated cultures, containing neurons and glial cells, remained viable for at least 90 days. Similar to DRG neurons in vivo, cultured neurons varied in size, and they developed long neurites. The mitochondrial movement was detected in cultured cells and was significantly slower in glial cells compared to DRG‐derived neurons. In addition, mitochondria were more elongated in glial cells than those in neurons. Our culture model will be a useful tool to study the contribution of axonal transport defects to specific neurodegenerative diseases in horses as well as comparative studies aimed at evaluating species‐specific differences in axonal transport and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furthermore, also vaccinations for even more deadly diseases than tetanus are not always used by horse owners. The report "Recurrent tetanus in a donkey" from G. Kay et al. (2022) in this issue of Equine Veterinary Education suggests, in line with reports in human medicine, that a clinical episode of naturally contracted tetanus does not elicit a strong enough immune response to protect against a second episode of clinical tetanus. In this report, also the reasons for the common non-vaccination in Morocco are briefly discussed by the authors, and vaccinating working equids against tetanus is stated to be challenging. Tetanus vaccination is often combined with equine influenza (EI) vaccination. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Equine multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease (EMEED) is a rare condition characterised by eosinophilic infiltration of multiple organs. The aim of the present work was to describe two clinical cases that occurred in Italy, where no previous EMEED cases have been reported. A 2‐year‐old Standardbred colt was referred for poor body condition, multiple oral ulcerations, ventral and limb oedema, nasal discharge and coughing. Relative eosinophilia, increased ALP, GGT, LDH and hypoalbuminaemia were detected. Abdominal ultrasonography showed hepatomegaly and hepatic biopsy revealed eosinophilic hepatitis. After euthanasia, post‐mortem examination revealed eosinophilic infiltration and fibrosis of intestinal wall, liver, pancreas and mesenteric lymph nodes. The second case was a 13‐year‐old pony hospitalised for acute respiratory distress, poor body condition, nasal discharge, cough and dyspnoea. Leucocytosis with relative eosinophilia was detected. Thoracic ultrasonography showed disseminated comet tail artefacts. Endoscopy of the airways revealed disseminated white nodules in the nasal cavities and nasopharynx; biopsy showed eosinophilic infiltrates. After euthanasia, post‐mortem examination revealed eosinophilic infiltration of intestinal wall, liver, mediastinal lymph nodes, lungs and kidneys. Both patients presented with poor body condition, which is the most common sign of EMEED. They also showed nasal discharge, and the second case showed respiratory distress and disseminated white nodules, which have not been reported previously. In both cases, liver involvement was observed. Post‐mortem examination provided the most specific findings, such as lymphadenomegaly and eosinophilic infiltration of multiple organs. Although weight loss remains the main sign of EMEED, liver and airway evaluation was extremely useful for the diagnosis in these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This retrospective study describes the clinical, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic data for 174 horses presented for a cardiac evaluation as part of their pre‐purchase examination (PPE). Follow‐up information regarding outcome and performance was obtained via interview and/or FEI records. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the abnormalities found on cardiac pre‐purchase examinations (PPE), (2) assess whether athletic prognosis generated by comprehensive cardiovascular examination at the time of the PPE was predictive of cardiac limitations to intended athletic activity and (3) evaluate whether signalment, murmur characteristics, presence of an arrhythmia or final diagnosis could predict either the prognosis or cardiac limitations to performance. The majority of horses had mild disease or physiological murmurs/arrhythmias (142 horses). However, performance‐limiting conditions were found in 29 horses, and this included moderate or severe mitral and aortic regurgitation, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, large ventricular septal defects, an aortocardiac fistula, atrial fibrillation, atrial tachycardia with second degree AV block and frequent ventricular premature complexes during exercise. Athletic prognosis was excellent in 142 horses (with 60 normal horses and 82 horses with mild disease and an excellent prognosis), fair in 18 horses and poor in 11 horses. Athletic outcome was analysed in 96 horses. Prognosis given at the time of the PPE was the only significant predictor of the athletic outcome. Signalment, auscultation findings and diagnosis were not significantly associated with prognosis or outcome. Comprehensive cardiac examinations in horses with murmurs and arrhythmias at the time of the pre‐purchase examination should be recommended and provide a unique opportunity to eliminate at‐risk horses from the sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equine grass sickness (EGS), also known as equine dysautonomia, is a commonly fatal disease of grazing horses. It has been reported predominantly in Northern Europe and South America, and the UK has the highest prevalence of the disease worldwide. It is a multisystemic neuropathy resulting in neuronal degeneration and loss, particularly from the autonomic and enteric nervous systems. The severity of clinical signs varies, but is proportional to the extent of neuronal damage. Due to the widespread and highly fatal nature of the disease, EGS has received much attention in the veterinary literature in recent years. Research has concentrated particularly on identifying the cause, improving antemortem diagnostic accuracy, prognostic indicators and the development and trial of a potential vaccine. Aim of the article: This article provides a clinical update on EGS, including recent advances in the identification of a causal agent, diagnostics, prognostic indicators and potential avenues for prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders described in both humans and animals, but unlike in other species, in horses they are poorly defined and there is a lack of standardisation of the method of diagnosis. Although there is an impellent need of consensus on the nomenclature, diagnostic work‐up, diet, treatment and management of horses with a suspected IBD, the aim of this review is to give initial guidelines for practitioners dealing with suspected cases. It provides a summary of the most relevant literature on the topic and presents the current knowledge on the clinical signs, diagnostic work‐up, treatment and prognosis of IBDs in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Outbreaks of liver disease in horses are common but the etiology of most remains unknown. Forage mycotoxins have been suspected to be a cause. Objectives: To examine the association between outbreaks of liver disease and the presence of mycotoxins in forage stored on the same premises. Animals: Premises were identified where ≥4 horses were contemporaneously affected by liver disease, and a control group was formed from premises where ≥4 horses had been examined and found to have no evidence of liver disease. Methods: Forage was collected from 29 case and 12 control premises. The forage was analyzed for mycotoxin content using a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method, targeting 54 mycotoxins. The presence and distribution of mycotoxins between case and control samples was compared. Results: Mycotoxins were found in 23/29 (79%) case samples and 10/12 (83%) control samples (P >.99; relative risk, 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64‐1.75). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) total mycotoxin concentration was similar in case and control samples (85.8 μg/kg [1.6‐268] vs. 315 μg/kg [6.3‐860]; P =.16). Ten mycotoxins were found exclusively in case premises comprising fumonisin B1, 15‐acetyldeoxynivalenol, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, aflatoxins B1 and G1, methylergonovine, nivalenol, verruculogen, and wortmannin. The median (IQR) concentration of fumonisin B1 was significantly higher in case versus control samples (0 μg/kg [0‐81.7] vs. 0 μg/kg [0‐0]; P =.04). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Several mycotoxins with known hepatotoxic potential were found, alone or in combination, exclusively at case premises, consistent with the hypothesis that forage‐associated mycotoxicosis may be a cause of outbreaks of liver disease in horses in the United Kingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Diagnostic testing is routinely performed by the equine clinician when dealing with suspected infectious disease cases and outbreaks. Optimal sample timing, choice and handling are fundamental to attain an accurate diagnosis, and a good understanding of laboratory‐based sample analysis techniques, and their validation is necessary for effective diagnostic test result interpretation. This two‐part series highlights the importance of interpreting results bearing testing limitations and specific clinical findings in mind, and on these foundations, the treating clinician should always be well placed to deal with equine infectious diseases. Part 1 in this series will provide a treating clinician with an overview of the importance of testing horses in infectious disease outbreaks and how this is achieved. The different laboratory testing options available for agent detection and their methods will also be discussed. Part 2 will summarise serological (antibody) testing techniques, sample processing (including how tests are performed and validated) and result interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the clinical use of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to evaluate equine corneal disease. Methods: Images were obtained using a 50‐MHz probe ultrasound biomicroscopy system (Quantel Aviso) and Clear Scan® probe cover. Six horses with corneal disease were evaluated via UBM for lesion size, lesion depth, and continuity of Descemet's membrane. Horses were sedated and received auriculopalpebral nerve blocks and application of topical anesthetic prior to UBM. Results: Ultrasound biomicroscopy was easily performed in all cases. UBM evaluation of three cases of corneo‐limbal squamous cell carcinoma yielded information regarding lesion depth for planning of keratectomies using fixed‐depth keratomes and subsequent β‐radiation therapy. Corneal depth and continuity of Descemet's membrane were determined in two horses with stromal abscesses and allowed for planning of therapeutic options. In one horse with a corneal foreign body, UBM contributed to accurate assessment of the foreign body's stromal depth, which could not be assessed during ophthalmic examination due to extensive corneal cellular infiltrate. The information regarding corneal depth allowed for more accurate pre‐surgical planning in patients with opaque corneal lesions. Conclusions: Ultrasound biomicroscopy was easily performed and provided useful information regarding lesion depth and continuity of Descemet's membrane for patients with corneo‐limbal squamous cell carcinoma, stromal abscesses, and a corneal foreign body, allowing for increased precision in pre‐surgical planning and development of therapeutic protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of enzyme rich malt extract (ERME) as a potential treatment for gastrointestinal disease in horses. ERME is a by-product of the malting process and contains active enzymes that can improve energy conversion and digestion. The study included 39 horses with various forms of gastrointestinal disease, such as recurrent colic and chronic diarrhea. The results showed that 79% of the horses showed improvement and 49% had their symptoms resolved after receiving ERME. The supplement was particularly effective for horses with recurrent abdominal pain, excessive fecal water, and refractory equine gastric glandular disease. However, further research is needed to fully understand the benefits of ERME in treating gastrointestinal disease in horses. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in Equine Veterinary Education, examines the peritoneal lactate concentrations in Shetland ponies with non-strangulating gastrointestinal lesions. The study, which was a retrospective cross-sectional study, analyzed the case records of Shetland ponies admitted to a UK referral hospital between 2009 and 2022. The results showed that Shetland ponies with non-strangulating intestinal lesions had higher peritoneal lactate concentrations. The study suggests that a high peritoneal lactate concentration may indicate the presence of a non-strangulating lesion in Shetland ponies, even in the absence of other signs consistent with a strangulating intestinal lesion. However, the study acknowledges the limitations of a small sample size and calls for further research with a larger sample size. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in Equine Veterinary Education, evaluates biomarkers of endothelial glycocalyx shedding in horses with small intestinal disease. The study aims to determine if blood and peritoneal fluid levels of syndecan-1, heparin sulfate, and hyaluronan are elevated in horses with small intestinal disease compared to healthy horses. The results show that hyaluronan levels were significantly increased in the blood and peritoneal fluid of horses with small intestinal disease. Additionally, elevated blood levels of hyaluronan were associated with non-survival. These findings suggest that endothelial glycocalyx components may have utility in differentiating horses with small intestinal inflammation and strangulating disease. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: The most widely used method of assessing the physical status of humans presented for anaesthesia is the American Society of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System (ASA‐PS). The ASA‐PS has been applied to animals including horses, but its use is problematic. The authors virtually convened a group of internationally recognised equine veterinary anaesthesiologists with the goal of developing a risk assessment tool for the evaluation of healthy and diseased horses presented for anaesthesia. With this survey and analysis, the authors aim to develop a simple rubric system to assess equine anaesthetic risk that augments the ASA‐PS system. The goal is to identify both diseased and healthy horses at increased anaesthetic risk prior to induction of anaesthesia so that measures might be implemented to potentially reduce morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a highly contagious infectious organism that causes disease in horses. SEZ is seldom isolated from humans; however, zoonotic infections are occasionally reported in individuals exposed to horses and other livestock. Herein, we report three human cases of SEZ in individuals, one with direct horse contact and two among individuals who had eaten raw horse meat. The phylogenetic tree showed that the genotypes of SEZ isolates from two of the cases on Jeju Island, South Korea, were similar to those of isolates from the United Kingdom and the United States of America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interpreting changes in peritoneal fluid helps clinicians manage colic and other diseases in horses. During abdominal problems in the horse, abdominal fluid characteristics such as color, turbidity, total nucleated and red blood cell counts, cytology, total protein, and l‐lactate change in predictable ways, helping the clinician characterize the disease. Description: Normal abdominal fluid in horses is odorless, clear to light yellow in color, and transparent. Peritoneal fluid becomes more turbid with increasing levels of protein, number of WBCs or RBCs, or with gross contamination following intestinal rupture. The color of abdominal fluid will also change with the type and quantity of cells or other elements present. The transformation of peritoneal fluid color from golden to orange to red represents increasing levels of RBCs, common with strangulating intestinal lesions. Serosanguinous defines fluid that is both turbid and orange to bloody because of increased total protein, WBCs, and RBCs, and is considered classic for diseases characterized by intestinal ischemia. Peritoneal fluid may also be red or blood‐colored because of a hemoperitoneum, or secondary to blood contamination during sample collection. l‐Lactate measurement in the abdominal fluid has proven invaluable for the identification of strangulating intestinal injury. Cytology acts as an important supplement to cell counts in peritoneal fluid, and the normal ratio of non‐degenerate neutrophils:mononuclear cells of 2:1 changes during various gastrointestinal diseases. Culture of peritoneal fluid samples should be performed when septic peritonitis is suspected. Summary: Abdominal fluid is a sensitive indicator of intestinal injury and a useful tool to direct treatment. Peritoneal fluid evaluation includes gross visual and olfactory examination, nucleated cell count, total protein, RBC count, lactate levels, cytology, and culture. The changes noted in such variables are related to the type and duration of the abdominal problem. Key Points: Abdominal fluid interpretation has become central to the triage and management of challenging equine colic patients. The transformation of peritoneal fluid color from golden to orange to red represents increasing levels of RBCs, common with strangulating intestinal lesions. Contamination with RBCs at various concentrations may be secondary to vascular (eg, abdominal wall or mesenteric vessels) or splenic trauma during abdominal fluid collection; however, this must be distinguished from orange to red fluid associated with intestinal strangulating obstruction or hemoabdomen Peritoneal fluid analysis reveals abdominal pathology by recognizing specific changes that occur with disease processes affecting the tissues and organs within this cavity. Abdominal fluid examination should be used as a tool to direct treatment rather than the definitive test for diagnosis of the acute abdomen Septic peritonitis in horses most commonly originates secondary to intestinal compromise or accidents (vascular damage, perforation, or surgical manipulation), leading to bacterial translocation into the abdomen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bilateral sinus disease is relatively uncommon in horses, accounting for 3%–4.5% of horses with sinonasal disease, but may require bilateral paranasal surgery for complete resolution. Complications and recurrence following bilateral sinusotomy have not been reported or compared to those following unilateral procedures. Objective: To describe clinical features and outcomes in horses undergoing standing single, caudally based bilateral frontonasal sinusotomy compared to unilateral frontonasal surgery. Methods: Records of horses (n = 37) undergoing surgical treatment for sinus disease (five bilateral, 32 unilateral) were retrospectively reviewed (2010–2017) for signalment, presenting complaint, duration of signs preoperatively, diagnostic imaging, treatments administered, duration hospitalization, complications, and owner satisfaction with the procedure. Mann–Whitney testing was used to compare age, duration of hospitalization, and follow‐up time in horses undergoing unilateral or bilateral procedures. Fisher's exact testing was used to determine if sex predilection was present for unilateral or bilateral disease. Survival time and time to recurrence were compared by Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log‐rank curve comparison testing. Significance was assessed at p < 0.05. Results: Length of signs prior to admission did not differ between horses with unilateral and bilateral disease (p = 0.09), but there was a tendency for horses with bilateral disease to have clinical signs for longer. Age (p = 0.19) and hospitalization duration (p = 0.53) did not differ between horses undergoing unilateral versus bilateral procedures. Recurrence or failure to resolve signs was reported in 11/32 (34%) of unilateral and 0/5 bilateral cases (p = 0.07). Conclusions: The bilateral single, caudally based sinusotomy approach may be considered to effectively treat bilateral paranasal sinus disease without concern for increased risk of life‐threatening complications or longer hospitalization duration than would be typical for unilateral sinusotomy procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples were analysed for plasma endogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone (eACTH), serum cortisol, serum thyroid hormone and plasma histamine. I This study by i [1] I in the United States examined the incidence of abnormal behaviours and their association with concentrations of ovarian hormones associated with a granulosa cell tumour (GCT) i . ELECTROHYDRAULIC SHOCK WAVE THERAPY I In this study i [2] I in the United States examined the effect of the number of electrohydraulic shock wave therapy (ESWT) treatments in the management of superficial digital flexor tendinitis (SDFT) and proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) injuries and compared short- and long-term outcomes i . [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Navicular syndrome is a multifactorial disease process in horses with multiple structures in the foot contributing to lameness. Surgical debridement is a treatment option for lesions of the navicular bursa and deep digital flexor tendon. This retrospective case series describes the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the navicular bursa following bursoscopy. Seven horses (three being bilaterally affected) with forelimb lameness isolated to the foot, and pre‐ and post‐operative MRI were included. All limbs had concurrent lesions associated with the deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bone, impar ligament, collateral sesamoidean ligament and/or distal interphalangeal joint. All bursae developed or had progression of proliferative bursal tissue following surgery. At recheck MRI, following rehabilitation protocols, almost all horses had improved to resolved lameness with relatively unchanged concurrent lesions despite the navicular bursa appearance worsening. Outcomes for return to work were poor with only two horses going back to the previous level of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rates of detecting ≥1 potential enteric pathogens (PEP) or toxins (PEP‐T) in feces, blood, or both of horses ≥6 months of age with enteric disease and impact of multiple detections on outcome of horses with colitis has not been reported. Objective: To determine detection rates of PEP/PEP‐T in feces, blood, or both of horses with enteric disease and effect of detecting multiple agents on outcome of horses with colitis. Animals: Thirty‐seven hundred fifty‐three fecal samples submitted to IDEXX Laboratories and 239 fecal and blood samples submitted to Michigan State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSUVDL). Methods: Retrospective evaluation of PEP/PEP‐T testing results was performed to determine rates of detection of 1 or more PEP/PEP‐T. Impact of detecting multiple agents on outcome was assessed in 239 horses hospitalized for colitis. Results: One or more PEP/PEP‐T was detected in 1175/3753 (31.3%) and 145/239 (60.7%) of samples submitted to IDEXX Laboratories and MSUVDL, respectively. In a hospitalized cohort, survival to discharge was lower (76%) in horses with 1 agent, compared to horses with either no (88%) or multiple (89%) agents. There was no difference (P =.78) in days of hospitalization between horses with 0 (1–17), 1 (1–33), and > 1 positive (1–20) result. There was no difference in cost of hospitalization (P =.25) between horses with 0 ($2357, $1110‐15 553), 1 ($2742, $788‐11 005), and >1 positive ($2560, $1091‐10 895) result. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Detection rates of PEP/PEP‐T in horses with colitis vary with cohorts and tests performed. Detection of more than 1 PEP or PEP‐T did not affect outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]