Oleander toxicosis in equids: 30 cases (1995–2010)

Oleander toxicosis in equids: 30 cases (1995–2010): Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 242, Issue 4, Page 540-549, February 15, 2013.

Use of ultrasound-guided autologous bone marrow transfer for treatment of suspensory ligament desmitis in 30 race horses (2003–2010)

Use of ultrasound-guided autologous bone marrow transfer for treatment of suspensory ligament desmitis in 30 race horses (2003–2010):

Objective

To evaluate the racing performance of horses that underwent ultrasound-guided intralesional injection of autologous bone marrow aspirate for treatment of selected forelimb suspensory ligament (body or branch) core lesions.

Design

Retrospective cohort study of 13 Standardbred and 17 Thoroughbred race horses.

Methods

Autologous bone marrow aspirated from the sternebrae was injected, under ultrasound guidance, into suspensory ligament core lesions (body or branch). Racing records were reviewed for a comparison of performance before and after surgery.

Results

Of the 13 Standardbreds, 9 (69%) had one or more starts within the follow-up period and 9 (69%) had five or more starts. Of the 17 Thoroughbreds, 15 (88%) had one or more starts within the follow-up period and 12 (71%) had five or more starts. Eight Standardbred horses had at least one start both before and after surgery. Earnings per start did not differ significantly between the three starts immediately after surgery compared with the three starts immediately prior to surgery. Thirteen Thoroughbred horses had at least one start both before and after surgery. Earnings per start were less for the three starts immediately after surgery compared with the three starts immediately prior to surgery.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

A horse with a core lesion in the branch or body of the suspensory ligament has a good prognosis for return to racing after treatment with intralesional injection of bone marrow aspirate.

Recognizing a Club Foot: Foals to Adults (AAEP 2012)

Recognizing a Club Foot: Foals to Adults (AAEP 2012): Not all horses have symmetrical feet, and one of the more common problems horses develop is a "club foot" appearance. Horse owners and veterinarians can identify a club foot based on classic signs and grades of severity.

Managing Weeds in Kentucky Horse Pastures

Managing Weeds in Kentucky Horse Pastures: What grows in your pasture? Ideally, forage that is nutritious to horses is abundant. However, a perusal of most Kentucky horse pastures will uncover about 20 plant species, many of which are weeds.

When is a Young Horse Ready to Ride?

When is a Young Horse Ready to Ride?: I have a fine-boned 3-year-old Welsh/Quarter Horse cross that I would like to start in regular work and training, but I'm reluctant for fear of placing too much stress on her young spine. When is it safe to start and ride her on a regular basis?

Weed of the Month: Eastern Poison Ivy

Weed of the Month: Eastern Poison Ivy: Animals such as cats, dogs, and horses are not sensitive to poison ivy, but can transfer the irritating urushiol oil to humans.

Rhodococcus equi

<i>Rhodococcus equi</i>: Rhodococcus equi is well known for its ability to cause severe pneumonia in young foals, but it can also cause septic arthritis (infection of joints), osteomyelitis (infection of bones), neonatal diarrhea (enterocolitis), and more.