Relationship between the Cycle Threshold Value (Ct) of a spp. qPCR Performed on Feces and Clinical Signs and Outcome in Horses.

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical significance of fecal quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results when taking the cycle threshold values (Ct) into account. The study included 120 qPCR-positive fecal samples obtained from 88 hospitalized horses over a 2-year period. The mean Ct of the qPCR test was evaluated in regard to (1) clinical outcome and (2) systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) status (no SIRS, moderate SIRS, or severe SIRS) of the sampled horses.

Analytical Performance Evaluation of the New GEM Premier™ 5000 in Comparison to the Epoc Blood Gas Analyzer in Horses.

Different blood gas analyzers are used in equine practice. Every machine needs to be validated, as they have not been designed for use in horses. The aim of this study was to compare the newly marketed GEM5000 machine to the formerly validated epoc machine for blood gas analysis in horses.

Evaluation of Bacterial Composition and Viability of Equine Feces after Processing for Transplantation.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used empirically for decades in equine medicine to treat intestinal dysbiosis but evidence-based information is scarce. This in vitro study aimed at assessing the effect of a commonly used pre-FMT processing method on the bacterial composition and viability of the fecal filtrate. Three samples of fresh equine manure (T) were processed identically: the initial manure was mixed with 1 L of lukewarm water and chopped using an immersion blender to obtain a mixture (T), which was left uncovered during 30 min (T) and percolated through a sieve to obtain a fecal filtrate (T).

Comparison of Fecal Microbiota of Horses Suffering from Atypical Myopathy and Healthy Co-Grazers.

Equine atypical myopathy (AM) is caused by hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG) intoxication resulting from the ingestion of seeds or seedlings of some tree species. Interestingly, not all horses pasturing in the same toxic environment develop signs of the disease. In other species, it has been shown that the intestinal microbiota has an impact on digestion, metabolism, immune stimulation and protection from disease.

High Seroprevalence Against Lawsonia intracellularis Among Adult Horses in Belgium.

Lawsonia intracellularis (LI) is an obligate intracellular gram-negative rod causing equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). Occasional cases of EPE have been reported in foals living in Belgium, but the seroprevalence of equine LI in this country is unknown. The target population included clinically healthy adult horses, whose blood samples were collected and analyzed for specific IgG antibodies against LI using a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test.

Effect of oral administration of omeprazole on the microbiota of the gastric glandular mucosa and feces of healthy horses.

Background: Omeprazole administration is associated with changes in gastric and fecal microbiota and increased incidence of Clostridioides difficile enterocolitis in humans and dogs.

Hypothesis/objectives: Study purpose was to assess the effect of omeprazole on gastric glandular and fecal microbiota in healthy adult horses.

Animals: Eight healthy horses stabled on straw and fed 100% haylage.

Evaluation of an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor anticoagulant in healthy adult horses.

Objective: To assess whether an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor (DiXaI) anticoagulant drug used at the low end of the recommended dose in people achieves presumed prophylactic plasma concentrations and does not induce bleeding in horses.

Design: Experimental study.

Setting: Field study.

Progression of plasma D-dimer concentration and coagulopathies during hospitalization in horses with colic.

Objective: To assess the progression of plasma D-dimer concentrations and coagulation status in horses with different types of colic.

Design: Prospective clinical observational study performed between March 2004 and September 2008.

Setting: Veterinary university teaching hospital.

Parallel testing of plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations to detect systemic inflammation in hospitalized horses.

Objectives: To determine if plasma iron concentration is different between horses with and without systemic inflammation (SI) and to assess the accuracy for the detection of SI by assaying plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations, individually or combined. To assess the prognostic value of plasma iron concentration and to describe the progression of plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations during hospital follow-up, and its relation to SI and survival.

Design: Prospective observational study evaluating plasma iron and fibrinogen.

Palatal sclerotherapy for the treatment of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate in 51 standardbred racehorses.

This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and side effects of palatal sclerotherapy in standardbred racehorses suspected to have intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (IDDSP). Fifty-one horses were treated with multiple endoscopically guided injections of 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate in the soft palate. Two groups were identified: those that had respiratory noises during exercise (n = 27) and those that did not (n = 24).

Costochondral junction osteomyelitis in 3 septic foals.

The costochondral junction constitutes a potential site of infection in septic foals and it could be favored by thoracic trauma. Standard radiographs and ultrasonography are useful tools for diagnosis of this condition and ultrasound-guided needle aspiration could permit the definitive confirmation of infection.

Coagulopathies in horses with colic.

The most common coagulopathy in horses with colic is a hypercoagulable state associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation. The intensity of this coagulopathy depends on the severity and duration of the gastrointestinal lesion, with the ischemic and inflammatory problems and peritonitis being the most frequently affected by coagulopathies. Early initiation of prophylactic therapy significantly reduces the severe hypercoagulable state in horses with intestinal conditions which are recognized to be at high risk for disseminated intravascular coagulation.