Elective synovial endoscopy is most often performed to remove osteochondral fragments within joints but can also be used to diagnose and treat a variety of problems in joints and soft tissues. Perioperative protocols for the use of antibiotics in equine synovial endoscopy are highly variable, and may be affected by physician preference and previous training. As resistance to antibiotics continues to rise, it is wise to continue to evaluate the risks and benefits of these protocols. The...

In their role as sporting, leisure and performance animals, horses often require high levels of specific training. Due to their nature, horses can often be stressed by exposure to novel objects or experiences. For young or inexperienced horses, training is often combined with exposure to stress such as movement to a show or training facility. While studies on equine learning and stress have taken place, there are few that have studied the effects of exercise on learning in horses. Exercise has...

Does asymmetry, as measured by inertial measurement unit sensor system, decrease when horses are treated with oral anti-inflammatory medication? Lameness detection and treatment are cornerstones of equine practice. Previous studies in quantitative gait analysis have shown similar levels of asymmetry in horses perceived as free of lameness by their owners, as well as those exhibiting mild lameness. The prevalence of this type of asymmetry is high, with some studies showing between 47% and 73%...

The effect of a physiotherapy intervention on thoracolumbar posture in horses As veterinary knowledge and tools grow, we move toward not only treating lameness, but also toward preventing injuries and loss of performance. In horses, a lordotic posture has been associated with osteoarthritis, muscular pain and overriding dorsal processes. Equine physiotherapy targeting the thoracolumbar region aims to improve horses’ posture through exercises meant to strengthen targeted muscles and improve...

Atropine dosing for uveitis in horses: Study shows no deleterious effects when 1 drop is used topically every 6 hours in an experimental setting Uveitis is a common condition affecting horses. This inflammatory condition causes miosis and painful ciliary muscle spasms. Atropine is a nonselective muscarinic receptor-antagonist and a cornerstone of treatment of uveitis because it causes mydriasis, cycloplegia (inhibits the movement of ciliary muscles) and decreases the risk of synechia...

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...