Use of continuous-flow peritoneal dialysis for the treatment of acute renal failure in an adult horse.

A 15-year-old Paso Fino gelding was evaluated because of acute renal failure following an episode of exertional rhabdomyolysis. The horse was azotemic and treated conservatively at another referral practice with no improvement in the azotemia. With conservative treatment and intermittent peritoneal dialysis, the horse had minimal improvement.

Treatment of tracheal collapse with an intraluminal stent in a miniature horse.

A 7-month-old miniature horse was referred for respiratory distress. Tracheal collapse at the level of the thoracic inlet was diagnosed. An intraluminal nitinol stent was placed with endoscopic guidance.

Babesia odocoilei infection in elk.

Two male North American elk from a commercial herd were evaluated because of a sudden onset of lethargy, anorexia, and voiding of red urine. These 2 elk were kept in the same pen as 4 other male elk that had died during the preceding 2 months. Laboratory analyses revealed anemia and intraerythrocytic parasites, later confirmed as Babesia odocoilei (a protozoal hemoparasite of cervids).

Cardiorespiratory impact of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME in the exercising horse.

To investigate the role of nitric oxide, NO, in facilitating cardiorespiratory function during exercise, five horses ran on a treadmill at speeds that yielded 50, 80 and 100% of peak pulmonary oxygen uptake (V(O(2)) peak) as determined on a maximal incremental test. Each horse underwent one control (C) and one (NO-synthase inhibitor; N(G)-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 20 mg/kg) trial in randomized order. Pulmonary gas exchange (open flow system), arterial and mixed-venous blood gases, cardiac output (Fick Principle), and pulmonary and systemic conductances were determined.

A retrospective look at horses exhibiting unusual clinical signs after exercising on L-NAME.

Three of 5 horses exercising on L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) exhibited unusual clinical signs towards the end of exercise bouts and post-exercise. L-NAME is a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor which blocks synthesis of nitric oxide from L-arginine. The induced absence of nitric oxide may have lead to the clinical signs observed.