Study evaluates the effect of additional prescriptive low-intensity exercise as part of a practical weight-loss program for equids Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the combination of obesity and insulin dysregulation, and can lead to laminitis. Treatment of metabolic syndrome generally focuses on weight loss via dietary restriction. Optimizing the health of horses affected by metabolic syndrome by improving insulin sensitivity would potentially decrease the risk of laminitis. Studies...

Distal sesamoidean ligament injuries can be consistently diagnosed by ultrasound, carrying a guarded prognosis for return to full use, study shows. Most equine veterinarians are familiar with soft tissue injuries in the metacarpal and metatarsal regions, however soft tissue injuries in the pastern region are less common. The distal sesamoidean ligaments are a continuation of the suspensory ligament at the level of the pastern; there are seven of these in total. These include one unpaired...

Hyperammonemia found as cause for neurologic signs in two endurance horses: Case report Endurance horses perform for long periods, often in heat stress conditions; exhaustion and decreased mentation are common in these horses. These signs have been attributed to dehydration or cerebral edema but the cause has not been demonstrated. This is the first confirmed report of hyperammonemia resulting in neurologic signs in endurance horses. Hyperammonemia had been suspected to cause neurologic signs...

You are examining a 19-year-old Draft cross gelding for lameness. You notice he has a body condition score of 5/9, a cresty neck and fat pads above the tailhead. Radiographs reveal 5 degrees rotation in the left front P3. He has a thick, long hair coat. His physical examination is otherwise within normal limits.

You evaluate a horse for swelling on the left forelimb. Using ultrasonography, this swelling is confirmed to be tenosynovitis within the common digital extensor tendon sheath. There are multiple sheaths that surround the extensor tendons at the level of the carpus. Tenosynovitis within the extensor tendon sheaths can occur secondary to trauma or a penetrating wound.

You are examining a 12-year-old Appendix gelding for lameness. He has a body condition score of 7/9; it is difficult to feel his ribs and he has fat pads behind the shoulder and above the tailhead. He is sensitive to hoof tester pressure at the toe of both front feet. He is kept outside on grass in the daytime and inside at night on hay. The owner declines further diagnostic testing.