Latest News – The Horse

Purdue University biologists recently determined the viral structure of the West Nile virus (WNV), a development that could greatly augment our understanding of the virus’ life cycle.

Using cryoelectron microscopy and advanced imaging techniques, the Purdue team has determined the orientation of the major surface proteins in a West Nile viral particle. Because these proteins are

The USDA’s Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health announced to industry stakeholders Oct. 22, 2003, that Veterinary Services (VS) is working with six states on an electronic Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) project. This would allow state and federal animal health officials to have real-time access to information regarding livestock movements in and out of their

Abby L. Fowden, of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, discussed nutritive and endocrine functions of the placenta at the first Equine Placenta Workshop held at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center on Dec. 5-6, 2003. She said the functions of the placenta are as a barrier, for transport of nutrients and waste, nutrient production, and hormone production.

Cribbing, the oral stereotypic behavior in which the horse grabs an object with his teeth while flexing his neck and sometimes swallowing air, has long been suspected as a cause of colic. A study from the Universities of Illinois and Liverpool suggests that cribbing increases the risk for entrapment of the small intestine in the epiploic foramen (the passage between the liver and the

Colorado State University’s Ed Squires, PhD, an honorary Diplomate in the American College of Theriogenology (reproduction), presented several lectures at the 2003 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention. One presentation was on using a new commercially available product called equine follicle-stimulating hormone (eFSH, from Bioniche Animal Health) to have mares superovulate

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) reiterated its position on euthanasia and horse slaughter in the wake of an accusatory Blue Horse Charities letter that was disseminated to the racing industry in early November (see article #4801 online). In part, the AQHA position statement read:

“AQHA does not support (national

Laminitis was the primary focus of the Second International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, held Nov. 10-11 in West Palm Beach, Fla. This conference is held every other year and sponsored in large part by John K. and Marianne Castle, whose Appaloosa Spot had chronic laminitis secondary to Cushing’s disease and died from colic years ago. There are several other private

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, recently developed a new three-dimensional system for measuring various aspects of the horse’s sole. One day their work might help ascertain if hoof shape abnormalities can be predictors of impending injury. Additionally, the system might help researchers design new footwear and/or evaluate the foot during movement.

Susan Stover, DVM,

Riddle said that most mares are outside all of the time or are only brought up for feeding until they reach one month before their expected foaling date. Whatever is preferred, broodmares thrive on routine.

Incidence of dystocia is around 4%, although this varies by breed, Embertson said. While many dystocias are resolved on the farm, some cases need to be referred to a hospital. This decision should be made based on the position of the foal, duration of the dystocia, distance to and preparedness of the referral hospital, and the experience of the farm’s foaling personnel and veterinarian.

The term “dummy foal” is being used less and less. A more accurate term for the foal exhibiting behavioral or neurologic abnormalities that are not related to infectious or toxic conditions, congenital or developmental abnormalities, or metabolic disorders is hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Sometimes the term “neonatal maladjustment syndrome” is used.

Foal care from the first few hours of life to one month can be critical in the overall health and welfare of the newborn foal.

Abdominal pain in the foal can have many different causes, making it difficult to diagnose a cause. However, with knowledge of the different causes, a proper physical exam, the use of diagnostic tools, and common sense, a veterinarian can pinpoint a diagnosis from which decisions on treatment can be based

If your new foal develops a disease or medical problem that requires surgery, then time is of the essence. In his AAEP Convention presentation “Surgical Disease of the Neonate,” Rolf Embertson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., discussed a few abdominal and upper respiratory problems that might require surgery and gave veterinarians tips on how to perform some

Merritt’s presentation highlighted advances made over the last 40 years in the understanding of how the equine stomach functions and its related diseases. His presentation had a special emphasis on equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), and slides of his presentation helped attendees visualize the concepts.

Musculoskeletal pain associated with acute and chronic hind limb injuries is common in equine practice. Unabated pain can result in complications such as gastrointestinal disorders and supporting limb laminitis. Pain management is critical to decrease peri-surgical (before surgery) stress responses, to promote early ambulation (movement), and to minimize the devastating effects of contralateral