Low MRSA prevalence in horses at farm level.

Background: In Europe, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) belonging to the clonal complex (CC) 398 has become an important pathogen in horses, circulating in equine clinics and causing both colonization and infection. Whether equine MRSA is bound to hospitals or can also circulate in the general horse population is currently unknown. This study, therefore, reports the nasal and perianal MRSA screening of 189 horses on 10 farms in a suspected high prevalence region (East- and West-Flanders, Belgium).

Effects of dobutamine on cardiovascular function and respiratory gas exchange after enoximone in isoflurane-anaesthetized ponies.

Objective: To evaluate the combined effects of enoximone and dobutamine on the cardiovascular system and respiratory gas exchange in isoflurane-anaesthetized ponies.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized, experimental study.

Animals: Six ponies (286 +/- 52 kg), aged 5.

Comparison between lithium dilution and pulse contour analysis techniques for cardiac output measurement in isoflurane anaesthetized ponies: influence of different inotropic drugs.

Objective: To compare cardiac output () measurements using lithium dilution (LiDCO) and pulse contour analysis (PulseCO) techniques in isoflurane-anaesthetized ponies before and during the administration of different inotropic/vasoactive drugs.

Study Design: Prospective randomized experimental cross-over trial.

Animals: Six ponies aged 5.

Influence of calcium chloride on the cardio-respiratory effects of a bolus of enoximone in isoflurane anaesthetized ponies.

Objective: To investigate the influence of calcium chloride (CaCl(2)) on the cardio-respiratory effects of enoximone in isoflurane anaesthetized ponies.

Study Design: Prospective consecutive experimental trial. Animals Six healthy ponies, weighing 287 +/- 55 kg were included in this study.

Cardiovascular effects of enoximone in isoflurane anaesthetized ponies.

Objective: Enoximone is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor frequently used to improve cardiac output (CO) in man. As the use of enoximone has not been reported in horses, the effects of this inodilator were examined in isoflurane anaesthetized ponies.

Study Design: Prospective, randomised, experimental study.