Managing gastric ulcersAugust 27, 2019In the late 1980s, a rash of publications stated horses were prone to gastric ulcers. It was a bit curious, actually. Prior to that time, gastric ulceration was essentially unknown. Then, almost suddenly, gastric ulcers were being blamed for a whole host of problems, such as colic, loss of appetite, poor performance, anxiety, poor hair coat… you name it. It was perhaps also curious that, before all the published reports, no one had really noticed some mystery syndrome wreaking havoc on horses. Nevertheless, there it was in print: horses get ulcers. After the initial studies, there was further published research showing an alarming number of adult horses—the majority of them, actually—had gastric ulcers, especially racehorses and various show horses. Of course, adult horses do get gastric ulcers, as do foals, although the presentation can be somewhat different. This article focuses on gastric ulcers in adult horses. Gastric ulcer causes There are many possible reasons why horses develop gastric ulcers. Most of them are related to how people manage their horses. Here are a few: Diet: Those that are high in grain tend to give horses ulcers. While horses were meant to eat forage, many performance horses are fed diets …
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Soring bill passes in House of RepresentativesJuly 29, 2019A measure to end the practice of soring horses has passed by a vote of 333 to 96 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Horse deaths linked to compounded EPM drugsJuly 25, 2019An unapproved, compounded drug is believed to be linked to a recent string of horse deaths in the U.S.
Zoetis strengthens equine portfolio with acquisitionJuly 25, 2019Zoetis Inc., has entered into an agreement to purchase Platinum Performance. The acquisition aims to strengthen Zoetis’s nutritional offerings, particularly within the equine market.
AVMA welcomes passage of agriculture spending billJune 28, 2019AVMA is applauding the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of an agricultural spending bill, which increases annual funding for the veterinary medicine loan repayment program (VMLRP) to $9 million.
Is chemotherapy a viable treatment for lymphoma in horses?June 25, 2019 Lymphoma, which is cancer of the lymphatic system, is a rare medical condition of horses. However, it also is the most common malignant neoplastic condition of the horse system. Horses of any age can be affected, although it more commonly appears earlier in life (from four to 10 years of age). Lymphoma has several manifestations: multicentric, in the gastrointestinal tract, in the skin, and even in discrete settings. This disease can be difficult to recognize initially, and is typically diagnosed after it has progressed, with clinical signs relative to the affected organ or tissue. Routine hematological analysis is often not helpful, as complete blood counts and serum chemistry tests are usually normal. When hematological abnormalities do occur, they typically show as anemia, increased serum protein, and/or fibrinogen. Conversely, low serum protein levels may be seen, as well. A definitive diagnosis is made by identifying neoplastic lymphocytes, usually obtained by analysis of body fluid effusions (e.g. pleural or abdominal fluid, or by fine needle aspiration of affected tissue[s]). Depending on the form of lymphoma and how late in the disease process the horse is presented, the prognosis is usually poor. There are several treatment options, including surgical removal of isolated, …
Proposed race horse bill draws criticism, debateJune 18, 2019A proposed legislation that would establish a uniform national standard for drug restrictions, testing, and enforcement at horse racing venues is receiving pushback from veterinarians and national equine associations.
Norbrook Laboratories voluntarily recalls veterinary injectable drug productsMay 30, 2019Norbrook Laboratories is recalling 34 lots of veterinary injectable drug products over concerns related to sterility assurance. The U.K.-based company says products tested, released, and distributed within the U.S. were manufactured on an aseptic line, which did not pass process simulation tests. The recall was made as a precautionary measure, as according to Norbrook, no batches of product have been identified to contain microorganisms. The following products have been recalled: Carprieve Injection, CarproJect Injection, Levafen Injection, and OstiFen Injection (carprofen; 50 mg/mL). They are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the pain and inflammation relief associated with osteoarthritis and control of postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries in dogs Loxicom Injection, EloxiJect Injection, and OstiLox Injection (meloxicam; 5 mg/mL) are NSAIDs used for the relief of pain and inflammation connected with orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy, and castration in dogs and cats Enroflox Injection for Dogs 2.27% and EnroSite Injection for Dogs 2.27% (enrofloxacin; 22.7 mg/mL) are used for the management of diseases in dogs associated with bacteria susceptible to enrofloxacin Enroflox 100 Injection (enrofloxacin; 100 mg/mL) is an antimicrobial used for the treatment and control of bovine respiratory disease, for the treatment and control of swine respiratory disease, …
Joint inflammation: Corticosteroids and other management strategiesMay 23, 2019Working horses are commonly diagnosed with, and are treated for, acute or chronic joint inflammation. For many decades, intra-articular (IA) injections of corticosteroids have been used to treat these conditions. However, considering how popular these injections are and the fact other treatment options exist, there is little consensus on questions regarding the "best" corticosteroid, how often such injections can be used, and how ultimately deleterious they are to joint cartilage. Treatment rationale Corticosteroid injections are one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for joint pain and inflammation resulting from osteoarthritis. Arthritis, of course, is inflammation of a joint. Uncontrolled, osteoarthritis is thought to lead to chronic changes in the cartilage and underlying subchondral bone. The cycle of inflammation, cartilage and bone damage, pain, and further cartilage and/or bone damage from ongoing inflammation can result in horses that are unable to perform for their intended use, or worse, are chronically lame and in pain. Corticosteroids are injected into joints in an effort to decrease inflammation. While the drugs are not directly pain-relieving, reducing joint inflammation can help interrupt the joint-inflammation cycle, thereby reducing pain. By decreasing pain and inflammation, horses are able to move more normally. Commonly used corticosteroids Three …
Veterinarian develops platelet-rich fibrin kit for pets and equineMay 20, 2019There is now a new way to treat companion and equine animals with chronic and nonhealing wounds. Corey Orava, DVM, Enso Discoveries chief scientific officer, has developed a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) kit for veterinary use. The procedure can be completed in less than 30 minutes and can help treat cases such as: acute/chronic/nonhealing wounds; draining tracts; graft stabilization; burns; dental surgery; and bone regeneration. "There has long been a need in the regenerative medicine space for improved products, which are cost-effective and have a focus on what is best for the animal and the practice," says Enso Discoveries chief executive officer, Patrick Farley. "Thanks to such new developments as our PRF kit, which uses our proprietary Expressate system, we have been able to help veterinarians around the country save multiple animals that were scheduled for amputation or euthanasia." PRF can also be used as a second-generation autologous blood product, which would remove the risk of rejection.
