Search Results (117)

Salmonellosis in equine medicine is of clinical and public health significance. There are no published studies on nosocomial Salmonella outbreaks in South Africa. Electronic medical records of patients admitted to the equine veterinary academic hospital between October and December 2016 were reviewed. The SOPs for hospital infection, prevention and control measures pre-, during, and post-outbreak, and possible zoonotic transmission were collected using structured questionnaires. Salmonella was isolated from 25% of patients, including a white rhinoceros. Salmonella Typhimurium was the most common serotype isolated from patients (42%), stables (72.2%), and clinic areas (84%). Hospitalisation duration (p = 0.017) and repeated faecal samples (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with Salmonella infection, but there was no association between syndromic clinical presentation of salmonellosis and Salmonella infection. Four students reported symptoms of salmonellosis, and one was hospitalised with a positive faecal culture. The importance of heightened biosecurity around high-risk patients cannot be over-emphasised. A continuous surveillance programme of both patients and the environment is essential to identify early lapses in infection prevention and control measures, and patient care should be optimised to reduce the length of hospitalisation. Syndromic clinical signs of salmonellosis cannot always be used to identify Salmonella-positive patients as previously suggested, emphasising the importance of a surveillance programme. Full article

Lesions of the tendons and manica flexoria (MF) within the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) are a common cause for lameness in horses. This prospective study compared and quantified the agreement and disagreement of positive contrast computed tomographic tenography (CTT), positive contrast radiographic tenography (RXT), ultrasonography (US) and tenoscopy for diagnosing naturally occurring lesions within the DFTS, without application of a gold standard. Lesions affecting the deep (DDFT) and/or superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), and/or the MF and/or constriction of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL) were evaluated in eighteen horses with distention of the DFTS. For DDFT lesions, comparing CTT with tenoscopy, US, and the combined results of US and RXT (US+RXT) attained the highest agreements, with 83% matching results (κ: 0.65). For SDFT lesions, CTT and tenoscopy showed the highest agreement with 94% matching results (κ: 0.89), followed by tenoscopy with US+RXT (78%; κ: 0.56). The highest agreement for MF-tear detection was found comparing CTT with tenoscopy (83%; κ: 0.67), followed by CTT with RXT (78%; κ: 0.56). None of the modalities agreed on positive diagnoses of PAL constriction. CTT achieved the highest agreement with tenoscopy and US for the diagnosis of lesions within the DDFT and is, therefore, considered the most useful modality for preoperative evaluation. Full article

In horses, surgical site infections (SSIs) are multifactorial complications influenced by patient-related, procedural, and environmental factors. While perioperative contamination has been extensively studied in the operating theater, the anesthetic induction and recovery environment has received limited attention. The aim of this study was to characterize bacterial contamination within an equine anesthetic induction and recovery stall and to evaluate its spatial and temporal distribution. Environmental samples were collected from four predefined locations within the stall at three time points: before patient admission, after recovery from general anesthesia, and after routine cleaning and disinfection. Samples were analyzed using standard aerobic culture techniques, and bacterial species were identified. Bacterial contamination was detected at all sampling locations and time points. Contamination increased significantly after recovery from general anesthesia and was most pronounced in areas associated with moisture retention, such as the groove between floor tiles. The bacterial species identified were predominantly opportunistic environmental organisms. No direct association between environmental contamination and surgical site infections could be established. However, the constant presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria indicates that the anesthetic induction and recovery stall represents a relevant component of the perioperative environment. These findings support the inclusion of the recovery area in infection control strategies aimed at reducing perioperative risk in equine surgical patients. Full article

Accurate early prognostic assessment is a central aspect of clinical decision-making in horses presenting with colic. Despite the availability of multiple clinical and laboratory parameters, reliable biomarkers that provide useful information at the time of admission remain limited. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a non-specific indicator of systemic inflammation that has recently been validated for automated point-of-care use in horses. Its behaviour in equine colic has not been previously characterised. This study included 85 horses admitted for colic at two university referral hospitals. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was measured at admission in all horses and again approximately 24 h after surgery in a subset of surgical cases. Horses were classified as medically managed, surgical survivors or surgical non-survivors. Group comparisons were performed using non-parametric statistical methods, and associations with survival were evaluated. The admission erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly lower in surgical non-survivors compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate rose in surviving horses within 24 h, while it barely changed among non-survivors, and there were no significant changes among surgical values. Actually, these observations suggest that low erythrocyte sedimentation rates on admission are associated with low chances of survival for horses undergoing colic surgery and thus make these rates a feasible additional prognostic indicator for equine colic. Full article

Objective: The emergence and spread of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a growing threat in veterinary medicine, particularly in equine hospitals. This study investigated the colonization and infection dynamics of horses undergoing emergency laparotomy with two distinct antibiotic protocols (single-shot versus 5-day protocol) during hospitalization. Methods: Nasal swabs and fecal samples were collected from 67 horses undergoing emergency laparotomy at clinic admission as well as on postoperative days 3 and 10. These were screened for multi-drug-resistant indicator pathogens. As multi-drug-resistant indicator pathogens, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E), and bacteria belonging to the Acinetobacter baumannii complex were defined. Results: Preoperatively, 6.2% of horses tested positive for MRSA and 13% for ESBL-E. An increase in colonization was observed on day 3 postoperatively, with 62.1% of nasal swabs and 86.4% of fecal samples testing positive for MDR organisms. On day 10, 53.4% of nasal swabs and 62.5% of fecal samples tested positive for indicator pathogens. Surgical site infection developed in five horses, two of which tested positive for MRSA in both nasal and wound samples during hospitalization, supporting the potential role of nasal carriage as a source of infection. Furthermore, all horses tested positive for ESBL-E during at least one time-point during hospitalization, and Enterobacterales (MDR in two surgical site infections (SSI)) were involved in all surgical site infections. No significant differences were observed between the two antibiotic treatment groups regarding colonization rates with indicator pathogens during hospitalization. However, the results indicate that hospitalization itself contributes to increased colonization with resistant bacteria. A clear limitation of the study is the restricted number of sampled horses and the lack of environmental contamination data. Non-sampled hospitalized horses with and without antibiotic treatment may have acted as reservoirs for MDR bacteria. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for routine environmental monitoring and strict adherence to hygiene protocols in equine clinics to reduce the risk of nosocomial transmission. Ongoing surveillance and infection control strategies are essential to mitigate the spread of MDR pathogens in veterinary settings. Full article

(1) Context: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most prevalent ocular neoplasm in horses, with a reported 45% recurrence rate when managed by surgery alone. (2) Objective: To evaluate the effect of adjunctive cisplatin biodegradable beads (CBBs) on recurrence rates of equine corneolimbal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to document associated adverse effects. (3) Methods: Seventeen cases of histopathologically confirmed corneolimbal SCC in horses were retrospectively identified. Masses were surgically excised by keratectomy and/or conjunctivectomy under general anesthesia, followed by implantation of CBBs beneath conjunctival flaps at approximately 1 cm intervals around the excised area. Horses were monitored through owner follow-ups for up to five years postoperatively. (4) Results: Three horses (17.64%) experienced local mass recurrence within one year of treatment, and one horse (8.33%) relapsed approximately two years post-treatment. Minor local adverse effects—including chemosis (36%), hyperemia (64%), localized yellow discoloration (55%), and granular tissue formation (36%)—resolved within one to two months after surgery. Two horses developed bead-associated uveitis requiring closer ophthalmic monitoring. Vision was preserved in all but one relapsing case. (5) Conclusions: These findings suggest that adjunctive use of cisplatin biodegradable beads during surgical excision of equine corneolimbal SCC may significantly reduce recurrence rates and is generally well tolerated. Full article

Thyroid diseases in horses are rare and pose challenges for veterinarians due to the complexity of clinical and diagnostic approaches. This retrospective case series describes cases of equine thyroid disease in a referral hospital population. Files of horses examined for suspected thyroid disease at an equine university clinic between 2009 and 2024 were reviewed. Data from nine horses examined for suspected thyroid disease, including signalment, clinical presentation, laboratory results, imaging findings, fine needle aspirates, biopsies, diagnoses, and treatments, were summarised. Diagnoses included thyroid adenoma (n = 6), multiple thyroid cysts (possibly thyroid adenoma (n = 1)), non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS, n = 1), and iodine deficiency goitre (n = 1). Diagnostic modalities varied, with, besides manual palpation performed in every patient, basal thyroid hormone measurement and ultrasonography being the most common. Low serum iodine concentrations were noted in four horses, yet iodine supplementation was inconsistently applied. Hemithyroidectomy was performed in four horses, enabling histopathological diagnosis (three out of four). Despite being rare, thyroid diseases in horses require consistent and thorough diagnostic approaches, including imaging, laboratory, and histopathological examinations. Improved screening tools and research could enhance the diagnostic accuracy and management of equine thyroid disorders. Full article

Background: Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are difficult to treat and increase the risk of death in animals. This report describes a fatal case of diarrhea in a horse that, despite intensive treatment including surgery and broad-spectrum antimicrobials (ceftiofur and amikacin), experienced a worsening of its condition and subsequent death. Methods: A fecal swab sample was subjected to microbiological culture for the identification of bacteria and assessment of their phenotypical antimicrobial susceptibility profiles using the disk-diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The double-disk synergy test, polymerase chain reactions for the detection of genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamases, and whole-genome sequence-based analysis were also performed. Results: Strains of Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli were isolated, with the E. coli strain DSL-HVUVV-2025 presenting resistance to a third-generation cephalosporin. Accordingly, the bla_CTX-M-2 gene was identified in the DSL-HVUVV-2025 strain, which was submitted to whole-genome sequencing. Genomic analysis showed several antimicrobial resistance determinants, as well as virulence genes, including those associated with the enteroaggregative pathotype. The bla_CTX-M-2 gene was surrounded by an ISCR1 element and embedded in a complex class 1 integron that is part of the Tn7337 transposon. Strain DSL-HVUVV-2025 belonged to a novel sequence type. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of monitoring antimicrobial resistance and performing genomic characterization of bacteria involved in equine diarrhea to guide effective clinical management in veterinary hospitals. It also reinforces the role of horses as potential carriers of WHO critical priority pathogens and the need for responsible antimicrobial use. Full article

This study examines seasonal changes in muscle and heart parameters in eventing horses over the course of a competition season. Blood levels of the enzymes creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as the heart muscle-specific concentration of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were measured before (pre), 30 min (p30) and 24 h (p24) after competitions. Creatine kinase (CK: median pre-competition = 175 U/L, 30 min post = 221 U/L, 24 h post = 140 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (AST: pre = 319 U/L, p30 = 335 U/L, p24 = 333 U/L), and cardiac troponin I concentration (cTnI: pre = 0.006 ng/mL, p30 = 0.011 ng/mL, p24 = 0.007 ng/mL) exhibited partial normalization by 24 h post-exercise but at the same time demonstrated significant seasonal variation (p < 0.001). Echocardiographic assessments revealed sustained high-level myocardial velocities, with occasional modest seasonal declines. A significant correlation was identified between cTnI levels and early diastolic myocardial velocity (Em) (Spearman’s Rho: pre-exercise 0.323, Rho p30: 0.357), whereas a negative correlation was manifest at 24 h (Spearman’s Rho = −0.300). These findings suggest a heightened sensitivity of diastolic myocardial velocity to myocardial injury. Given that diastolic dysfunction frequently constitutes an early manifestation of myocardial compromise, our results underscore the utility of biomarkers alongside myocardial velocity measures as valuable tools for the early detection of subclinical fatigue in high-performance sport horses. Full article

Background and Objectives: In vitro evaluation of macro and microscopic features of five resorbable barrier membranes used for Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) in oral hard tissue surgery. Materials and Methods: Five different resorbable barrier membranes were analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For each sample, surface appearance, the presence and size of ridges and depressions, number of layers, and the inner structure were recorded. Each membrane was cut into 1 × 1 cm squares to determine mass, density and thickness. In addition, an EDX microanalysis was performed. Results: Under optical microscopy, all membranes appeared rough, with ridges and depressions. In cross-section, only Sample 2 presented true stratification. On SEM, most membranes showed a three-dimensional collagen fiber architecture. Sample 3, a sheet of collagenated equine bone, differed accordingly. EDX spectra showed broadly overlapping elemental composition, characterized by N, O and C. The mass depends on the composition: bone-containing membranes weighed more; those composed predominantly of collagen weighed less. Conclusions: Pore size, surface density and roughness, and the type of cross-linking can influence cell interaction and may lead to different regenerative scenarios, potentially improving the quality and timing of tissue regeneration. Membrane selection should be dictated by the clinical scenario, prioritizing properties most advantageous for the defect. Full article

The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to assess surgical duration and surgical and post-operative complications associated with Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and lung biopsy in horses with severe Equine Pasture Asthma (EPA) and paired control horses. Twelve horses (6 EPA-affected, 6 control) were sex, age and breed matched. Twenty-four thoracic surgeries were performed. Surgery of each matched pair (EPA-affected and healthy) was performed during asthma exacerbation (summer) and remission (winter). Surgical times were shorter with uncomplicated thoracoscopy (85 min) and significantly longer (p < 0.001) when intra-operative complications necessitated conversion to thoracotomy (156 min). The overall surgical time of EPA-affected horses during asthma exacerbation was significantly longer than control horses at any time point, predicted mean difference of 78 min (p < 0.05). When comparing EPA-affected horses to themselves during asthma exacerbation and remission, surgical times were significantly longer (p < 0.01) with a predicted mean difference of 98 min; this effect of seasonality did not occur amongst control horses. Intra-operative surgical complications (6/24) were evenly divided between EPA and control horses, however, only severe EPA horses in exacerbation were noted to have lung hyperinflation. Post-operative complications: fever, colic, hemothorax, pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, surgical site infection, and/or laminitis occurred in 13/24 surgical procedures (54%). No fatalities resulted from these procedures. Full article

Bacterial contamination of the surgical site in horses is a major risk factor for the development of surgical site infections (SSIs), which increase morbidity, mortality, the hospitalisation period, antibiotic use, and management costs. While contamination is a prerequisite for infection, its progression to clinical infection depends on additional factors that compromise host defences. The present study, conducted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Perugia over an 11-month period, investigated bacterial contamination in 70 surgeries (53 clean and 17 clean-contaminated) at the end of the procedure. To exclude pre-existing contamination, a sterile swab was collected after surgical scrub, and only cases that entered surgery with a sterile operative field were considered. A swab, biopsy, and fine-needle aspiration from the wound margins were then performed at the end of the surgery to conduct a qualitative assessment of the bacterial contamination of the surgical sites. Risk factors for surgical field contamination were analysed separately for clean and clean-contaminated procedures. Specifically, for clean-contaminated surgeries, the presence of emergency conditions, surgery duration, and intra-operative complications were evaluated. For clean surgeries, risk factors included the type of operating room, surgical duration, tissue involved, use of local anaesthetics, and placement of surgical drapes. The results revealed bacterial contamination rates of 49.1% in clean surgeries and 41.2% in clean-contaminated surgeries. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most frequently isolated bacteria, followed by Burkholderia cepacia, Bacillus sp., and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. A statistical analysis showed no significant results on the predictive factors of the contamination evaluated. However, the observed trends suggest the importance of further investigating these risk factors in a larger sample size. These results emphasise the importance of effective prophylactic measures to limit surgical site contamination. Future research will focus on optimising pre-operative and intra-operative prophylaxis strategies to reduce bacterial contamination to sub-pathogenic levels, thereby enhancing post-operative outcomes. Full article

Background: Sinus-lift (SL) is a pre-prosthetic procedure with the objective of increasing bone height to achieve implant insertion primary stability in implant-supported prostheses. The biomechanical properties of SL augmentation materials are influenced by their origin, manufacture, bioactive substances addition, receiver, and surgical procedure. This systematic review provides insights into state-of-the-art SL biomaterials, focusing on autologous bone grafting as the gold standard. Methods: The study followed the PRISMA flow diagram, searching WoS (Web of Science), Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed databases using the search terms «sinus lift» OR «sinus augmentation» OR «bone graft» OR «bovine» OR «porcine» OR «autologous» OR «allogenic» OR «xenogeneic» OR «alloplastic» OR «hydroxyapatite» OR «β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)» OR «equine» OR «PRF». Results: The highest bone gain was provided by Bioglass at 42%. Articles written between 2014 and 2024 in English or French, containing human studies and with full text available, were included. Participants were required to be in good general health, without acute, chronic, or congenital diseases, or substance abuse (drugs, alcohol, or nicotine). SL surgery was performed using the lateral approach, with no Schneiderian membrane perforation or postoperative complications. The network meta-analysis was conducted using the R statistical computing environment. To assess the inconsistency between direct and indirect evidence, we used a net heat plot. To evaluate heterogeneity across studies, we used the chi-squared-based Q-test and I² statistic. A significance level of 0.05 was applied throughout all analyses. Results: Allogeneic bovine bone and hydrox yapatite demonstrated the lowest resorption rates. Significant differences were found for residual graft and connective tissue between allogenous bovine bone (ABB) + AlB vs. β-TCP + PRF (p = 0.028); ABB + AlB vs. β-TCP (p = 0.034); ABB + AlB vs. BCP (p = 0.037). Meta-analysis showed that the overall heterogeneity was 51.8% (6.9–75%; p = 0.019), with significant heterogeneity within designs (p = 0.007) and no significant heterogeneity between designs (p = 0.39). AB had a better bone regeneration ratio compared to many of the other interventions, but only two passed the threshold of significance: A1B and B-TCP + AB. Conclusions: A grafting material’s superiority is determined by its new bone formation ratio, connective tissue integration, residual graft content, and bone resorptionratio. Although autologous bone grafting has exhibited superior bone regeneration compared to other biomaterials, it was not favored due to its unpredictable connective tissue concentration and bone resorption ratio. Additionally, autologous bone exhibited the fastest metabolic turnover among all grafting materials. Full article

Morphometric measurements of the toe serve as a reference for the objective assessment of the presence of a pathological condition and as a guide for the correct trimming of the hooves. Therefore, the anatomical differences between horses and donkeys oblige an autonomous database with reference values for the donkey. The aim of this study was therefore to provide readings of the distal hind limb on radiographs of donkeys. Radiographs of the distal hind limb in two projections of 41 generally sound donkeys without lameness in walk were taken after previous hoof trimming and preparation according to a standardized radiographic procedure. A total of 16 lengths and 9 angles were measured and statistically analyzed in each hoof. The dorsal hoof wall is on average 70 to 80 mm long and angled at 55°; the coffin bone runs parallel to the hoof wall. The average founder distance is 17 mm, and the mean sole thickness is 14 mm. The heel angle averages 52°, which is slightly flatter than the hoof wall angle. Correlations with weight and height are observed. Concluding, the morphometric measurements confirm the differences between horses’ reported normal anatomy and the presented donkeys. Disorders can be detected by applying the measurements. Full article

The use of Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) therapy during general anesthesia has not previously been reported in horses. This randomized, investigator-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluates equine cardiopulmonary function and recovery quality after BEMER therapy application for 15 min in 100 horses during general anesthesia using isoflurane for pars-plana vitrectomy surgery as treatment for recurrent uveitis. Visually identical blankets were used in the two groups (1:1 ratio), one with a functional BEMER module and the other with a placebo module. Arterial blood pressure, blood gas, lactate, and creatine kinase (CK) values were measured at different timepoints, and each timepoint was compared between the groups using paired t-tests. The quality of recovery from anesthesia was assessed by one blinded veterinary surgeon using a 10-category scoring system with scores ranging from 10 (best) to 72 (worst) and compared by an ordinary least squares regression analysis. The placebo group had a significantly better recovery (mean 16.1, standard deviation 7.15) than the BEMER-therapy group (mean 22.4, SD 13.0). Arterial blood pressure and blood lactate were lower in the BEMER-therapy group without reaching statistical significance, while CK and blood gas values were comparable. BEMER-horse therapy showed an effect on the recovery quality of horses undergoing general anesthesia. Full article