Veterinary

Evidence-based treatment of severe equine asthma

Hay consumption, particularly from round bales, is associated with neutrophilic airway inflammation and mucus accumulation in healthy horses, and it can trigger asthma attacks in horses with severe...

The equine neonatal cardiovascular system

During intrauterine life, fetal circulation allows for oxygen and nutrient transport from the placenta through the umbilical vein (Figure 1) (Tan and Lewandowski, 2020). Oxygenated and nutrient-rich...

Prostaglandin use in broodmares: part 1: uses, physiology and safety

Prostaglandins are locally active lipid compounds with multiple hormone-like effects. Their name derives from the prostate gland, which was initially assumed to the be the source of prostaglandins...

Onchocerca cervicalis: an underestimated cause of equine skin disease?

O. cervicalis is a filarial nematode with an indirect lifecycle (Figure 1). Culicoides midges act as the dominant intermediate host, and Culicoides nubeculosus has been identified as the major...

Renal function in horses

The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron (Figure 1). Each equine kidney contains close to 10 million nephrons, which do not increase in number after birth (Beech et al, 2001). Nephrons can be...

Equine worming protocols: tackling the increasing problem of anthelmintic resistance

The most common equine helminths are the cyathostomins (small redworms, small strongyles) and, historically, Strongylus spp. (large redworms, large strongyles). Other pathogens include the pinworm,...

Imaging modalities for the equine distal limb

There are many computed tomography machines available from companies such as Siemens, Philips and Canon that have been adapted from use in humans for use in horses. These machines tend to be fan beam...

Equine metabolic syndrome: part 1

The relationship between obesity and insulin dysregulation (in which obesity promotes insulin dysregulation), as has been well documented in the human medical context (Wondmkun, 2020). This is less...

Strangles Awareness Week takes the BEST approach to tackling strangles

Since its launch in the UK in 2022, evidence is showing that the most recently developed strangles vaccine is as safe and effective as early trials indicated (Robinson et al, 2020). The vaccine offers...

Colitis in donkeys

The initial presentation of acute colitis or typhlocolitis in the donkey is usually vague. Owners may notice that the donkey's demeanour is less bright than usual, appetite may be reduced or...

Navicular bone oedema and sclerosis: current concepts on best management

In order to understand the concepts surrounding the management of horses with pathology of the navicular bone, veterinarians must first understand the pathology that these radiological abnormalities...

Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis

A number of theories exist underpinning the aetiology of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis. Mechanical strain on the periodontal ligament may be involved (Staszyk et al, 2008;...