To investigate the effect of 3 environmental situations (grass paddock, stall alone or stall with adjacent companion) on pH in the proximal and the ventral stomach.

Calcium regulating hormones and serum calcium and magnesium concentrations in septic and critically ill foals and their association with survival.

Hurcombe SD, Toribio RE, Slovis NM, Saville WJ, Mudge MC, Macgillivray K, Frazer ML.

J Vet Intern Med;(2009);23;2:335‑343.

 

BACKGROUND: Disorders of calcium regulation are frequently found in humans with critical illness, yet limited information exists in foals with similar conditions including septicemia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether disorders of calcium exist in septic foals, and to determine any association with survival. Hypothesis: Blood concentrations of ionized calcium (Ca(2+)) and magnesium (Mg(2+)) will be lower in septic foals with concomitant increases in parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT), and parathyroid‑related peptide (PTHrP) compared with healthy foals. The magnitude of these differences will be negatively associated with survival. ANIMALS: Eighty‑two septic, 40 sick nonseptic, and 24 healthy foals of <or=7 days were included. METHODS: Prospective, observational study. Blood was collected at initial examination for analysis. Foals with positive blood culture or sepsis score >or=14 were considered septic. Foals with disease other than sepsis and healthy foals were used as controls. Hormone concentrations were measured with validated immunoassays.

 

Hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal axis dysfunction in hospitalized neonatal foals.

Hart KA, Slovis NM, Barton MH. J Vet Intern Med;(2009);23;4:901‑912.

 

Background: Transient hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction occurs frequently in critically ill humans and impacts survival. The prevalence and impact of HPA axis dysfunction in critically ill neonatal foals are not well characterized. Hypotheses: (1) HPA axis dysfunction occurs in hospitalized neonatal foals, and is characterized by inappropriately low basal serum cortisol concentration or inadequate cortisol response to exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH); (2) hospitalized foals with HPA axis dysfunction have more severe disease and are less likely to survive than hospitalized foals with normal HPA axis function. Animals: Seventy‑two hospitalized foals and 23 healthy age‑matched foals. Methods: Basal ACTH and cortisol concentrations were measured and a paired low‑dose (10 mug)/high‑dose (100 mug) cosyntropin stimulation test was performed at admission in hospitalized foals. HPA axis dysfunction was defined as (1) an inappropriately low basal cortisol concentration or (2) an inadequate increase in cortisol concentration (delta cortisol) after administration of cosyntropin, with cut‑off values for appropriate basal and delta cortisol concentrations determined from results obtained in healthy age‑matched foals. Results: Forty‑six percent of hospitalized foals had an inappropriately low basal cortisol concentration and 52% had an inadequate delta cortisol concentration after administration of the 100 mug dose of cosyntropin. An inadequate delta cortisol response to the high (100 mug) dose of cosyntropin was significantly correlated with shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in hospitalized foals, and with decreased survival in a subgroup of septic foals. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: HPA axis dysfunction occurs frequently in hospitalized neonatal foals, and negatively impacts disease severity and survival.

 

 

Seizures in a 2‑Hour‑Old Thoroughbred Colt

 

Balazs Toth and Katherine C. MacGillivray

Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet Equine Edition;(2009);4;2:60‑60

 

Feature: Pleuropneumonia

Kim A. Sprayberry

Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet Equine Edition;(2009);4;4:166‑166

 

Learn what you need to know about the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prognosis of this important lung disease.

 

 

Tachycardia and Tachypnea in a 2‑Day‑Old Thoroughbred

Nora Nogradi and Michele Frazer

Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet Equine Edition;(2009);4;1:40‑40

 

 

Lawsonia intracellularis infection in horses: 2005‑2007.

Frazer ML.

J Vet Intern Med;(2008);22;5:1243‑1248.

 

BACKGROUND: Lawsonia intracellularis is an emerging equine pathogen that is a cause of equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). OBJECTIVE: To describe the signalment, month of presentation, common clinical signs, clinicopathologic values, diagnostic tests used, antimicrobial use, and survival status in horses affected with EPE; to evaluate how affected horses sold at public auction as yearlings; and to determine results of fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and  serum immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) results in age matched, clinically normal herdmates.

 

Periparturient hemorrhage in mares: 73 cases (1998‑2005).

Arnold CE, Payne M, Thompson JA, Slovis NM, Bain FT.

J Am Vet Med Assoc;(2008);232;9:1345‑1351

 

OBJECTIVE: To determine signalment, physical examination and clinicopathologic abnormalities, outcome, and subsequent fertility of mares with periparturient hemorrhage (PPH) and identify factors associated with outcome (ie, survival vs death).

 

Poorly differentiated leiomyosarcoma of the urogenital tract in a horse.

Hurcombe SD, Slovis NM, Kohn CW, Oglesbee M.

J Am Vet Med Assoc;(2008);233;12:1908‑1912.

 

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2‑year‑old Thoroughbred filly was evaluated because of hemorrhage from the vulva and suspected hematuria of 5 days' duration.

 

 

Blood Arginine Vasopressin, Adrenocorticotropin Hormone, and Cortisol Concentrations at Admission in Septic and Critically Ill Foals and their Association with Survival.

Hurcombe SD, Toribio RE, Slovis N, Kohn CW, Refsal K, Saville W, Mudge MC.

J Vet Intern Med;(2008);22;3:639‑647

 

Background: Sepsis is an important cause for neonatal foal mortality. The hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal axis (HPAA) responses to sepsis are well documented in critically ill humans, but limited data exist in foals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the HPAA response to sepsis in foals, and to associate these endocrine changes with survival. Hypothesis: Blood concentrations of arginine vasopressin (AVP), adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), and cortisol will be higher in septic foals as compared with sick nonseptic and healthy foals. The magnitude of increase in hormone concentration will be negatively associated with survival.

Y:2008 J:162 S:60

 

Actinomyces species as a cause of abscesses in nine horses.

Fielding CL, Magdesian KG, Morgan RA, Ruby RE, Sprayberry KA.

Vet Rec;(2008);162;1:18‑20

 

The characteristics, history, clinical signs, treatment and outcome of nine horses with abscesses caused by Actinomyces species were reviewed. dna sequencing was used to determine the species of one of the isolates. The horses were one to 11 years of age, and the abscesses were most commonly located in the submandibular and retropharyngeal regions. The bacterium was usually cultured as the sole isolate and the horses were most often affected in the autumn. Most of the abscesses were treated with antimicrobials and drainage, but some of them recurred. The horses with submandibular abscesses had residual scar tissue that in some cases did not resolve.

 

Equine Laminitis: Practical Clinical Considerations

Robert J. Hunt, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS

Proc Annu Conv Am Assoc Equine Pract;(2008);54;0:347

 

In‑Depth: Laminitis For The Practitioner section.

 

 

Traumatic Ventral Herniation in Foals as a Complication of Dystocia

Stefan Witte, DVM, DACVS, DwayneRodgerson, DVM,MS,DACVS, Robert Hunt, Dm MS, DACVS, Michael Spirito, DVM

Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet Equine Edition;(2008);3;3:137‑137

 

ABSTRACT: Traumatic failure of the abdominal wall (ventral herniation) may occur in foals as a complication of assisted or controlled vaginal delivery. A diagnosis can be readily made based on clinical signs (abdominal discomfort, subcutaneously located intestine, a palpable defect in the abdominal wall). If surgical intervention will be pursued, it should take place immediately. The primary goal of surgery is to reinstate the integrity of the abdominal wall. Equal attention should be given to maximizing the strength of the repair and minimizing the likelihood of intraabdominal adhesion formation, Extensive defects may be repaired successfully, allowing athletic ability in affected horses. Four cases of traumatic ventral herniation in foals are described.

 

 

Surgical technique to repair grade IV rectal tears in post‑parturient mares.

Kay AT, Spirito MA, Rodgerson DH, Brown SE 2nd.

Vet Surg;(2008);37;4:345‑349

 

OBJECTIVE: To describe a surgical technique for repair of grade IV rectal tears after parturition in mares and to report outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report.

 

 

How to Repair Cranial Vaginal and Caudal Uterine Tears in Mares

Jorge H. Gomez, MVZ, MS, Diplomate ACVS

Proc Annu Conv Am Assoc Equine Pract;(2008);54;0:295

 

Theriogenology (Mare) section.

 

 

Case Report: Splenic rupture and splenectomy in a foal

F. GARCIA‑SEEBER, S. B. MCAULIFFE, F. MCGOVERN AND J. DEFEO

Equine Vet Educ;(2008);20;7:367‑370

 

Summary: A 45‑day‑old foal was presented for abdominal pain. Examination revealed the presence of haemoabdomen. An exploratory celiotomy was performed that revealed a large tear on the visceral surface of the spleen. A splenectomy was performed without rib resection. An abdominal wall hernia and leucocytosis had developed by 6 weeks post surgery. A second celiotomy to repair the hernia and explore the cause of the leucocytosis was performed 10 weeks after the first surgery. A portion of the caecum and colon had become adhered to the body wall at the site of the hernia; these areas were resected and the hernia repaired with a polypropylene mesh. The filly made a good recovery and is currently in training. Splenic rupture should be considered in any horse showing signs of abdominal pain with ultrasonographic findings consistent with haemoabdomen.

 

 

Effect of paddock vs. stall housing on 24 hour gastric pH within the proximal and ventral equine stomach.

Husted L, Sanchez LC, Olsen SN, Baptiste KE, Merritt AM.

Equine Vet J;(2008);40;4:337‑341.

 

To investigate the effect of 3 environmental situations (grass paddock, stall alone or stall with adjacent companion) on pH in the proximal and the ventral stomach.

 

 

Long‑term prognosis of gastrojejunostomy in foals with gastric outflow obstruction: 16 cases (2001‑2006).

Coleman MC, Slovis NM, Hunt RJ.

Equine Vet J;(2009);41;7:653‑657.

 

It has been suggested that the success of gastric bypass surgery in foals for the treatment of gastric outflow obstruction is poor. However, few reports exist evaluating the long‑term prognosis of these cases. OBJECTIVES: To determine the long‑term success of foals, including racing records, surgically treated for gastric outflow obstruction secondary to gastroduodenal ulceration. METHODS: Medical records of foals undergoing surgical treatment of gastric outflow obstruction secondary to gastroduodenal ulceration were evaluated for clinical information. Owners, trainers and race records were evaluated regarding long‑term survival and racing success. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Sixteen foals were included in the study, all treated with a gastrojejunostomy. All foals survived to immediate discharge from the hospital; 8 survived to racing age, with 7 of those entering training and 3 actually racing. Foals that did not survive to racing age had various post operative complications. The success rate for these foals appears somewhat better than that previously reported. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Gastrojejunostomy for the treatment of gastric outflow obstruction, secondary to gastric ulceration, is a valid treatment option for foals.

Y:2009 J:140 S:60

 

Acute renal disease from Leptospira interrogans in three yearlings from the same farm

L. FRELLSTEDT and N. M. SLOVIS

SO: Equine Vet Educ;(2009);21;9:478

 

Renal dysfunction due to leptospirosis has been reported infrequently in the horse. The animals in this case presentation developed an acute and persistent febrile illness that could have been attributed to a number of infectious diseases. Upon numerous subsequent clinical evaluations, detection of renal dysfunction narrowed the list of differential diagnoses. Keywords: horse; leptospirosis; acute renal failure; renal disease

Y:2009 J:141 S:60

 

How to Use Thoracic Ultrasound to Screen Foals for Rhodococcus equi at Affected Farms

N.M. Slovis, J.L. McCracken and G. Mundy

Proc Annu Conv Am Assoc Equine Pract;(2005);51;0:274‑278

 

Single screw transphyseal bridging of the distal metacarpus and metatarsus for correction of angular limb deformity in the foal

A. T. Kay and R. J. Hunt

Equine Vet Educ;(2009);21;12:671

 

Angular limb deviations in the region of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or more infrequently the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint may be congenital or acquired. The point of deviation may originate from the distal metacarpus/metatarsus, the MCP/MTP joint or the proximal phalanx. The distal radial physis along with the distal metacarpal/metatarsal physis contribute some 75% and 5% respectively to limb length; therefore these areas are the most amenable to growth manipulation (Fretz ef at, 1984). As has been previously reported [Brauer et a/. 1999), physeal manipulation alone is sufficient to correct angular limb deformities observed clinically, although angulatlon at the level of the joint may appear abnormal radiographically. A significant decrease in rate of growth of the distal metacarpal/ metatarsal physis occurs after 90 days (Fretz ef a/. 1984), and apparent physeal closure is observed radiographically at around age 4 months, necessitating judicious monitoring and investigation of fetlock angular limb deformities, As remarked in the paper by Roberts el a/. (2009), the majority of deviations do respond to conservative management. Should the deviation fail to respond to conservative treatment, or be sufficiently severe from the outset, intervention surgically in the form of transphyseal bridging would be warranted.

Y:2009 J:141 S:60

 

Partial resection of the plica salpingopharyngeus for the treatment of three foals with bilateral tympany of the auditory tube diverticulum (guttural pouch).

Sparks HD, Stick JA, Brakenhoff JE, Cramp PA, Spirito MA.

 J Am Vet Med Assoc;(2009);235;6:731‑733.

 

3 foals were referred for treatment of tympany of the auditory tube diverticulum (guttural pouch). CLINICAL FINDINGS: Bilateral guttural pouch tympany was diagnosed in all 3 foals on the basis of clinical signs and results of radiographic and endoscopic evaluations and gutturocentesis. In each foal, previous medical or surgical interventions or both had failed to correct the problem. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Bilateral surgical resection of the plica salpingopharyngeus was performed. Follow‑up telephone interviews with owners 8 months to 3 years after surgery revealed that long‑term resolution of the tympany had been achieved in each foal, with few to no postsurgical complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical correction of refractory bilateral guttural pouch tympany can be accomplished by resection of the plica salpingopharyngeus within the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube. In the foals of this report, permanent resolution of tympany was apparently achieved without interfering with upper airway function, providing support for the use of surgical resection of the plica salpingopharyngeus in the treatment of bilateral guttural pouch tympany.

Y:2009 J:124 S:60

 

Activity of selected rostral and caudal hyoid muscles in clinically normal horses during strenuous exercise.

Morello SL, Ducharme NG, Hackett RP, Warnick LD, Mitchell LM, Soderholm LV.

Am J Vet Res;(2008);69;5:682‑689

 

To determine the phase and quantitate the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the genioglossus, geniohyoideus, hyoepiglotticus, omohyoideus, sternohyoideus, sternothyroideus, and thyrohyoideus muscles of clinically normal horses during strenuous exercise. ANIMALS: 7 clinically normal adult horses (2 Thoroughbreds and 5 Standardbreds). PROCEDURES: Bipolar electrodes were surgically implanted in the aforementioned muscles, and horses were subjected to an incremental exercise test on a high‑speed treadmill. The EMG, heart rate, respiratory rate, and static pharyngeal airway pressures were measured during exercise. The EMG was measured as mean electrical activity (MEA). The MEA values for maximal exercise intensity (13 or 14 m/s) were expressed as a percentage of the MEA measured at an exercise intensity of 6 m/s. RESULTS: MEA was detected during expiration in the genioglossus, geniohyoideus, sternohyoideus, and thyrohyoideus muscles and during inspiration in the hyoepiglotticus and sternothyroideus muscles. Intensity of the MEA increased significantly with exercise intensity in the genioglossus, geniohyoideus, and hyoepiglotticus muscles. Intensity of the MEA increased significantly in relation to expiratory pharyngeal pressure in the geniohyoideus and hyoepiglotticus muscles. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Once exercise intensity reached 6 m/s, no quantifiable additional increase in muscular activity was detected in the omohyoideus, sternohyoideus, sternothyroideus, and thyrohyoideus muscles. However, muscles that may affect the diameter of the oropharynx (genioglossus and geniohyoideus muscles) or rima glottis (hyoepiglotticus muscle) had activity correlated with the intensity of exercise or expiratory pharyngeal pressures. Activity of the muscles affecting the geometry of the oropharynx may be important in the pathophysiologic processes associated with nasopharyngeal patency.

Y:2008 J:120 S:60