Best practices for use of regional limb perfusion in a field setting

The principle of regional limb perfusion entails applying a tourniquet to the distal extremity and delivering antimicrobials locally to achieve a focally high concentration (Kilcoyne and Nieto, 2021).

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...

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;...

Anaesthesia for colic surgery in horses

A thorough but time efficient preoperative clinical examination is ideal in all horses presenting for colic; however, this may not always be possible or safe in some horses. It is important to first...

The horse's behavioural and welfare needs for optimal foraging opportunities

Horses have evolved to consume large amounts of forage and are therefore highly motivated to eat (Baumgartner et al, 2020). Naturally, horses would spend a large portion of their day engaged in the...

A review of radiographic interpretation of the navicular bone

The navicular bone, or distal sesamoid bone, is located on the palmar aspect of the distal interphalangeal joint suspended by the collateral sesamoidean ligament, which attaches to the distal abaxial...

Management of the older horse

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction is one of the most common diseases seen in older horses, and increasing age is the primary risk factor for this disease. Affected horses have a mean age of 21...

The role of the equine veterinarian in end-of-life phase of geriatric horses

If an animal is faced with severe illness or another problem that could result in death, the owner may turn to a veterinarian for advice. The veterinarian is requested to have a part in the...

A touch of glass: cryopreservation of equine embryos by vitrification

Mammalian embryos cryopreserve well when they are relatively small, contain a negligible blastocoele cavity and their structure allows for the passage of cryoprotectants into the cells. Equine embryos...

The potential impact of artificial intelligence in equine practice

Artificial intelligence has the potential to play a significant role in equine welfare, from disease prevention to early detection and individualised treatment. Some tools are already widely used by...

Nutritional management of equine gastric ulcers

Equine gastric ulcers are reported in all ages and breeds of horse. The incidence of equine squamous gastric disease in researched cohorts is reported to be between 11–92% (Murray et al, 1989;...

Radiographic examination of the equine thoracolumbar spine

As for all radiographic examinations, positioning and preparation is key. The horse should stand squarely on all four legs to avoid rotation of the spine. Furthermore, the head and neck position...

Failure of passive transfer of immunity

The mammary glands of the mare have a small cistern (storage area) from which the foal nurses throughout the day, with the ejection of milk requiring the release of oxytocin. Healthy foals should...