Equine veterinary journal
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Equine veterinary journal · Jul 2009
A glycogen synthase 1 mutation associated with equine polysaccharide storage myopathy and exertional rhabdomyolysis occurs in a variety of UK breeds.
A glycogen synthase (GYS1) mutation has been described in horses with histopathological evidence of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) in the USA. It is unknown whether the same mutation is present in horses from the UK. ⋯ Genotyping is recommended in cases of exertional rhabdomyolysis, prior to or in combination with, muscle biopsy. However a significant proportion of horses with histopathological evidence of PSSM and/or exertional rhabdomyolysis have different diseases.
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Equine veterinary journal · Apr 2009
Influence of subclinical inflammatory airway disease on equine respiratory function evaluated by impulse oscillometry.
Inflammatory airway disease (IAD) is a nonseptic condition of the lower respiratory tract. Its negative impact on respiratory function has previously been described using either forced expiration or forced oscillations techniques. However, sedation or drug-induced bronchoconstriction were usually required. The impulse oscillometry system (IOS) is a noninvasive and sensitive respiratory function test validated in horses, which could be useful to evaluate IAD-affected horses without further procedures. ⋯ Impulse oscillometry could be used in a routine clinical setting as a noninvasive method for early detection of subclinical respiratory disease and of the results of treatment in horses.
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Equine veterinary journal · Feb 2009
Short-term anaesthesia with xylazine, diazepam/ketamine for castration in horses under field conditions: use of intravenous lidocaine.
Lidocaine single boluses and/or constant rate infusions are commonly administered intraoperatively during inhalant anaesthesia to lower inhalant concentrations, promote or maintain gastrointestinal motility, and potentially supplement analgesia. The benefits of using lidocaine with injectable anaesthesia for field surgeries has not been fully explored to determine advantages and disadvantages of lidocaine as an anaesthetic and analgesic adjunct in these conditions and impact on recovery quality. ⋯ Further research is warranted to define the benefit of systemic lidocaine with field anaesthesia in horses by exploring the ideal dose and plasma level of lidocaine with injectable anaesthesia.
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Equine veterinary journal · Feb 2009
Caudal compression of the infraorbital nerve: a novel surgical technique for treatment of idiopathic headshaking and assessment of its efficacy in 24 horses.
REASONS FOR DESIGNING AND REPORTING TECHNIQUE: Idiopathic headshaking has remarkable similarities to human neuropathic facial pain syndromes associated with post herpetic and trigeminal neuralgia. These derive from abnormal sensory function within the peripheral or central pathways of the trigeminal nerve (TgN). Limiting input from the TgN can be helpful in controlling the perception of pain. Rhizotomy of the infraorbital branch of the TgN as it emerges from the infraorbital canal has been reported but has a poor efficacy. A novel technique involves compression of the nerve at a more caudal location within the infraorbital canal and the technique requires validation. ⋯ This surgical technique is likely to prevent input from the TgN at a more caudal location then the previously described infraorbital neurectomy. The technique requires refinement.
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Equine veterinary journal · Feb 2009
Osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar synovial intervertebral articulations: clinical and radiographic features in 77 horses with poor performance and back pain.
Back pain is well recognised as a cause of poor performance in horses, but the role of lesions of the thoracolumbar synovial intervertebral articulations (facet joints) has not been well documented. ⋯ Osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar facet joints probably contributes to back pain, but further investigation of the prevalence of osteoarthritis in horses without clinical signs of back pain is merited.