Clinical

Figure 2. Definitive diagnosis of equine gastric ulcer syndrome requires gastroscopic examination.

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome in foals

The risk factors for equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in foals vary depending on foal age. In very young neonatal foals, excess exposure to acid is probably not a major risk factor as many foals...

Figure 2. A slanted incisor occlusal surface, often caused by unilateral chewing.

Managing trauma and disease of the incisors and canines

Developmental abnormalities of the incisors are relatively common and appear to be most frequently seen as brachygnathism (‘parrot mouth’) where the mandible is relatively shorter than the maxilla...

Figure 1. Two methods for visualising the cranial mediastinum. a. Through the triceps. b. The leg is pulled forward as far as possible (an assistant can make this easier) and the transducer is then placed as far cranial as possible, behind the elbow

Use of thoracic ultrasound to investigate respiratory disease

Ultrasound examination is indicated in the investigation of suspected respiratory disease in foals and horses. Clinical findings that might prompt ultrasound investigation include dull lung sounds...

Figure 1. Latero-lateral radiograph of the dorsal spinous processes (DSP) of the thoracic vertebrae T9–T16. In this radiograph, the DSP are touching at one site (arrowhead) leading to sclerosis and remodelling.

An introduction to back pathology in the horse

Once back pain is recognised, the next step in the diagnostic pathway is to identify the cause of the back pain and to ascertain whether it is a result of a primary condition of the back or whether it...

Figure 1. a) Ragwort Senecio jacobaea; b) Red clover.

Equine liver disease in the field. Part 2: causes and management

Despite an appropriate diagnostic approach, a causative agent is not identified in many cases of liver disease, and treatment must be guided by clinical signs and biopsy findings. Even biopsy changes...

Figure 6. Transrectal ultrasound examination demonstrating three cysts in ‘complex’ in the uterine horn (ultrasound depth 4.9 cm).

Examination of mares and fillies for breeding purposes

Accurate and detailed identification is essential and should be included in any report. Name, age, breed, colour/markings and microchip number should be checked against a valid passport. As detailed a...

Figure 1. Six-year-old miniature gelding presented for intermittent right forelimb lameness of 6 months duration, negative to distal limb analgesia. There is diffused intense increased radiopharmaceutical uptake involving the caudal aspect of the glenoid and humeral head (arrowheads). Radiology showed fragmentation of the caudal margin of the glenoid and severe periarticular remodelling consistent with osteoarthritis likely secondary to mild joint dysplasia.

Equine scintigraphy: basic principles and interpretation

Bone scintigraphy is a three-phase study that involves acquisition of images at different times after injection to evaluate different tissue types. Vascular or flow phase images are obtained...

Figure 7. Typically ‘dropped elbow’ appearance of an olecranon fracture, the horse is unable to extend the elbow and carpus. There is moderate soft tissue swelling of the elbow.

Diagnosis and management of traumatic equine fractures

Fractures of the distal phalanx (pedal bone) usually occur as a result of trauma such as kicking a solid object, standing on a stone or fast exercise on hard ground. Horses may present with similar...

Figure 3. A selection of treatments used in the management of the transitional mare.

Reproductive management of the transitional mare

Exposure of mares in deep anoestrus to a stimulatory photoperiod remains the most common method of advancing the first ovulation of the season. The duration from onset of adequate light exposure to...

Figure 3. Examples of sequential lavage fluids, showing improvement in gross appearance.

Breeding the ‘difficult mare’

For reproductive purposes, a mare can be classed as aged in her mid to late teens, typically 15 years or older, although fertility begins to decline in a linear fashion from approximately 12 years of...

Figure 1. It is critical for the foal to ingest colostrum from the dam.

Failure of passive transfer in foals

Although a large proportion of immune system development occurs during gestation, the foal is considered immunologically naive at birth. Both IgM and IgG proteins are evident in fetal serum prior to...

Figure 1. Equine mesenchymal stem cells in culture. These cells can be recovered from a variety of mesenchymal tissues, the most commonly used being bone marrow and fat, but blood, umbilical cord and teeth are other sources that have been developed for clinical use.

Regenerative medicine in equine orthopaedics: what and when?

Platelet-rich plasma/concentrate (PRP) has gained popularity in the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries and, more recently, joint disease. Platelet-rich plasma contains high levels of those...