Concurrent chronic lymphocytic leukemia and primary hyperparathyroidism in a mule.

A 26-year-old mule gelding was evaluated for chronic weight loss and decreased appetite. The mule had been losing weight and intermittently hypophagic for approximately 7 months. Laboratory analysis of whole blood and plasma identified severe total hypercalcemia, marked hypophosphatemia, markedly increased parathyroid hormone concentration, and marked lymphocytosis.

The Influence of Diet Change and Oral Metformin on Blood Glucose Regulation and the Fecal Microbiota of Healthy Horses.

Common treatments for Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and associated conditions include removal from pasture and adoption of an all-hay diet. Pharmacological treatments for EMS include metformin, a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent also administered to people to help improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Both treatments may work, at least partially, through the gut microbiota, yet little is known regarding these effects in the equine host.

Exodontia associated bacteremia in horses characterized by next generation sequencing.

Bacteremia resulting from dental surgery is increasingly recognized as a health risk, especially in older and immunocompromised patients. Dentistry-associated bacteremia can lead to remote infections, as exemplified by valvular endocarditis. Emerging evidence points to a novel role played by oral cavity commensals in the pathogenesis of diabetes, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Gastric and enteric phytobezoars caused by ingestion of persimmon in equids.

CASE DESCRIPTION-13 equids (10 horses, 2 donkeys, and 1 pony) were examined for signs of colic (n = 7), weight loss (6), anorexia (3), and diarrhea (2). Ten equids were evaluated in the fall (September to November). Seven equids had a history of persimmon ingestion.

Intracranial abscess caused by Rhodococcus equi infection in a foal.

Case Description: A 4-month-old Missouri Fox Trotter colt was examined for a 5-week history of head tilt after treatment for suspected pulmonary Rhodococcus equi infection.

Clinical Findings: Computed tomography revealed osteolysis of the occipital, temporal, and caudal portion of the parietal bones of the left side of the cranium. A soft tissue mass compressing the occipital region of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum was associated with the osteolytic bone.