Comparison of serum iohexol clearance and plasma creatinine clearance in clinically normal horses.

Objective-To determine whether a limited sampling time method based on serum iohexol clearance (Cl(iohexol)) would yield estimates of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in clinically normal horses similar to those for plasma creatinine clearance (Cl(creatinine)). Animals-10 clinically normal adult horses. Procedures-A bolus of iohexol (150 mg/kg) was administered IV, and serum samples were obtained 5, 20, 40, 60, 120, 240, and 360 minutes after injection.

Immunodeficiency disorders in horses.

Immunodeficiencies are characterized as primary (genetic) or secondary (acquired). Primary immunodeficiencies are relatively uncommon; however, clinically, they present a significant challenge to the practitioner, especially if the underlying disorder goes unrecognized. Secondary immunodeficiencies may present at any age, but failure of passive transfer in neonatal foals is most commonly encountered.

Blood proteins and inflammation in the horse.

Activation of the host response to infection, the "acute-phase response," is a highly organized physiologic reaction that includes changes in concentrations of plasma acute-phase proteins (APPs). The APPs are increasingly being used as markers for prognosis and monitoring response to therapy along with general determinants of equine health. Use of APPs in veterinary medicine is becoming more widespread as more commercial diagnostic kits are being validated.

Cerebellar disease and disease characterized by dysmetria or tremors.

Diseases of the cerebellum and diseases that cause signs of dysmetria or tremors occur infrequently in ruminants. A thorough neurologic examination should be performed to attempt to localize the lesion. A list of differential diagnoses can be organized in rank order based on the location of the lesion and the signalment, history,and results of physical examination.

Assessment of the accuracy of computed tomography for measurement of normal equine pituitary glands.

Objective: To describe the anatomic features of the pituitary gland region in horses via computed tomography (CT) and determine the accuracy of CT for estimating normal equine pituitary gland dimensions.

Animals: 25 adult horses with no clinical signs of pituitary disease.

Procedure: Transverse CT images and gross transverse tissue sections were compared in 2 horses.