Acute diarrhea in horses: A multicenter Canadian retrospective study (2015 to 2019).

This study describes the clinicopathological findings, diagnostic approach, treatment, and factors associated with non-survival of diarrheic horses admitted to 4 Canadian university teaching hospitals between 2015 and 2019. A total of 300 horses, ≥1-year-old, with acute diarrhea were included and represented 1.6% (300/18 481; range: 0.7 to 3%) of admissions during that period, 70% of the horses survived to discharge. Testing for enteropathogens was limited to a single fecal culture for Salmonella spp. in most cases. An enteropathogen was identified in 14% (42/300) of the horses, but in the hospital with higher testing rates enteropathogens were detected in 29% (16/55) of cases. Neorickettsia risticii was the pathogen most frequently detected (31%, 32/102). Antimicrobial drugs and plasma were administered to 57 and 8% of the cases, respectively. Laminitis occurred in 24/298 (8%) of the horses. A multivariable regression model identified an association between non-survival of diarrheic horses and colic signs, increased heart rate, packed cell volume, creatinine concentration, and decreased total protein concentration. A standardized approach for pathogen detection in diarrheic horses is not consistent among Canadian veterinary teaching hospitals, and testing for known pathogens is limited. Signs of colic, severe dehydration, endotoxemia, and hypoproteinemia are associated with non-survival of diarrheic horses.

Diarrhée aiguë chez le cheval : une étude rétrospective canadienne multicentrique (2015 à 2019). Cette étude décrit les résultats clinicopathologiques, l'approche diagnostique, le traitement et les facteurs associés à la non-survie de chevaux diarrhéiques admis dans quatre hôpitaux universitaires canadiens entre 2015 et 2019. Un total de 300 chevaux, ≥1 an, atteints de diarrhée aiguë ont été inclus et représentaient 1,6 % (300/18 481; intervalle : 0,7 à 3 %) des admissions au cours de cette période. Soixante-dix pourcents des chevaux ont survécu jusqu'à leur congé. La recherche d'agents entéropathogènes était limitée à une seule culture fécale pour Salmonella spp. dans la plupart des cas. Un agent entéropathogène a été identifié chez 14 % (42/300) des chevaux, mais à l'hôpital avec des taux de dépistage plus élevés, des agents entéropathogènes ont été détectés dans 29 % (16/55) des cas. Neorickettsia risticii était l'agent pathogène le plus fréquemment détecté (31 %, 32/102). Des médicaments antimicrobiens et du plasma ont été administrés respectivement à 57 et 8 % des cas. Une fourbure est survenue chez 24/298 (8 %) des chevaux. Un modèle de régression multivarié a identifié une association entre la non-survie des chevaux diarrhéiques et les signes de coliques, l'augmentation de la fréquence cardiaque, l'hématocrite, la concentration de créatinine et la diminution de la concentration totale de protéines. Une approche normalisée pour la détection des agents pathogènes chez les chevaux diarrhéiques n'est pas uniforme dans les hôpitaux d'enseignement vétérinaires canadiens, et les tests pour les agents pathogènes connus sont limités. Des signes de coliques, de déshydratation sévère, d'endotoxémie et d'hypoprotéinémie sont associés à la non-survie des chevaux diarrhéiques.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Presumptive fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in a pot-bellied pig.

A case of presumptive fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in a pet pot-bellied pig is described in this report. This case, which was associated with a previous trauma, highlighted the importance of advanced diagnostic imaging in pigs with clinical signs consistent with a myelopathy.

Myélopathie à la suite d'une embolie fibrino-cartilagineuse présumée chez un cochon vietnamien. Ce rapport décrit un cas de myélopathie à la suite d'une embolie fibrino-cartilagineuse présumée chez un cochon vietnamien. Ce cas, qui était associé avec un traumatisme antérieur, met en évidence l'importance de l'imagerie diagnostique avancée chez les porcs avec des signes cliniques compatibles avec une myélopathie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Selected hematological, biochemical, and acid-base variables of Paso Fino horses living at different altitudes.

This study aimed at describing selected hematological, biochemical, and acid-base variables of adult horses living at sea level and comparing them to those living at 5 different altitudes. One hundred and thirty-eight healthy Paso Fino horses > 2 years old were enrolled. Altitudes included the following: altitude A (0 to 50 m above sea level, masl; n = 23), B (1000 to 1050 masl; n = 25), C (1450 masl; n = 30), D (1950 to 2050 masl; n = 30), and E (2950 to 3100 masl; n = 30). A portable blood gas analyzer was used to determine selected biochemical and acid-base variables. Hematocrit (Htc) was measured by blood centrifugation and total plasma protein as total solids using a refractometer. A one-way ANOVA with Tukey's HSD post hoc test or a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, depending of the normality of the data, was conducted to compare groups. Horses at sea level had lower Htc (25% ± 2) and Hb (8 ± 0.8 mg/dL) concentration than those horses living ≥ 1000 masl (P < 0.05, for all comparisons). No differences in Htc and Hb were identified in horses living between 1000 and 3000 masl (P > 0.05, for all comparisons). The venous PvCO2 was significantly lower in horses living at altitudes ≥ 1000 masl than those living at 0 masl (42 ± 4.8 mmHg) (P = 0.001, for all comparisons). No differences in PvCO2 were identified in horses living between 1000 and 3000 masl. This study showed that the Htc, Hb, and PvCO2 of horses living at sea level were different compared to those in healthy horses living at altitudes ≥ 1000 masl. However, differences in TPP and electrolyte concentrations were not identified.

Clinical findings and outcome in goats with discospondylitis and vertebral osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral infections, including vertebral osteomyelitis, septic physitis, and discospondylitis, are rarely reported in goats, and when reported, have been largely limited to necropsy case reports. OBJECTIVE: Describe clinical findings and outcome in goats with vertebral infections evaluated by computed tomography (CT). ANIMALS: Five goats with vertebral osteomyelitis, septic physitis, and discospondylitis evaluated by CT. METHODS: Retrospective case series. RESULTS: The most common presenting complaints were progressive weakness, paresis and recumbency. Three goats were tetraparetic and 2 goats had pelvic limb paraparesis. Clinicopathologic findings included leukocytosis, mature neutrophilia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. The most common vertebrae affected were C7-T1. All 5 goats had discospondylitis with or without vertebral osteomyelitis and septic physitis. Computed tomographic evidence of spinal cord compression was present in 4/5 goats. Medical management (antimicrobials, physical therapy, analgesia, supportive care) was attempted in 4 goats, and 1 goat was euthanized at the time of diagnosis. All 4 goats that were treated regained ambulatory ability and survived to hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Despite severity of CT imaging findings, goats with discospondylitis, septic physitis, and vertebral osteomyelitis can successfully return to ambulatory function. Additional studies are required to determine ideal treatment regimens.

Plasma l-indospicine and 3-nitropropionic acid in ponies fed creeping indigo: Comparison with results from an episode of presumptive creeping indigo toxicosis.

BACKGROUND: Creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata) toxicosis is an emerging problem among horses in Florida and bordering states. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the putative toxins l-indospicine (IND) and 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA) in creeping indigo collected from multiple sites and to measure plasma toxin concentrations in ponies fed creeping indigo and horses with presumptive creeping indigo toxicosis. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental descriptive study with descriptive observational field investigation. METHODS: Air-dried creeping indigo was assayed for IND and NPA content. Five ponies were fed chopped creeping indigo containing 1 mg/kg/day of IND and trace amounts of NPA for 5 days, then observed for 28 days. Blood samples from these ponies and from horses involved in a presumptive creeping indigo toxicosis were assayed for IND and NPA. RESULTS: IND in creeping indigo plants was 0.4-3.5 mg/g dry matter whereas NPA was <0.01 to 0.03 mg/g. During creeping indigo feeding, clinical and laboratory signs were unchanged except for significant weight loss (median 6%, range 2%-9%; p = .04) and significant increase from baseline plasma protein concentration (median 16 g/L, range 8-25 g/L; p < .001). These changes could not definitively be ascribed to creeping indigo ingestion. Plasma IND rose to 3.9 ± 0.52 mg/L on day 6. Pharmacokinetic modelling indicated an elimination half-life of 25 days and a steady state plasma concentration of 22 mg/L. Plasma IND concentration in sick horses during an incident of creeping indigo toxicosis was approximately twice that of clinically normal pasture mates. Plasma NPA was <0.05 mg/L in all samples. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Creeping indigo used in the feeding trial may not be representative of plants involved in creeping indigo toxicosis. There was no control group without creeping indigo in the feeding trial. CONCLUSIONS: Indospicine can be detected in blood of horses consuming creeping indigo and the toxin accumulates in tissues and clears slowly. The role of NPA in the neurological signs of this syndrome is unclear.

Endoscopic-guided Esophageal Foreign Body Removal in a Donkey.

Esophageal obstruction is a common disorder in equids usually caused by intraluminal impaction with roughage and/or other feed material. Esophageal obstructions can also be caused by foreign bodies, but they are rarely reported and information regarding diagnosis and management is lacking. This report describes an esophageal obstruction in a donkey caused by a metallic foreign body removed using endoscopic guidance. Recognition of the foreign body facilitated treatment and underscores the importance of imaging in such cases to prevent dislodgement of the object to more aboral sites where access would be limited, or gastrointestinal tract injury could be fatal.

Agreement of 2 electrolyte analyzers for identifying electrolyte and acid-base disorders in sick horses.

BACKGROUND: Use of different analyzers to measure electrolytes in the same horse can lead to different interpretation of acid-base balance when using the simplified strong ion difference (sSID) approach. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the level of agreement between 2 analyzers in determining electrolytes concentrations, sSID variables, and acid-base disorders in sick horses. ANIMALS: One hundred twenty-four hospitalized horses. METHODS: Retrospective study using paired samples. Electrolytes were measured using a Beckman Coulter AU480 Chemistry analyzer (PBMA) and a Nova Biomedical Stat Profile (WBGA), respectively. Calculated sSID variables included strong ion difference, SID4 ; unmeasured strong ions, USI; and total nonvolatile buffer ion concentration in plasma (Atot ). Agreement between analyzers was explored using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analysis. Kappa (κ) test evaluated the level of agreement between analyzers in detecting acid-base disorders. RESULTS: Methodologic differences were identified in measured Na+ and Cl- and calculated values of SID4 and USI. Mean bias (95% limits of agreement) for Na+ , Cl- , SID4 , and USI were: -1.2 mmol/L (-9.2 to 6.8), 4.4 mmol/L (-4.4 to 13), -5.4 mmol/L (-13 to 2), and -6.2 mmol/L (-14 to 1.7), respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient for SID4 and USI was .55 (95%CI: -0.2 to 0.8) and .2 (95%CI: -0.15 to 0.48), respectively. There was a poor agreement between analyzers for detection of SID4 (κ = 0.20, 95%CI, 0.1 to 0.31) or USI abnormalities (κ = -0.04, 95%CI, -0.11 to 0.02). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Differences between analyzer methodology in measuring electrolytes led to a poor agreement between the diagnosis of acid-base disorders in sick horses when using the sSID approach.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism in a Quarter Horse Mare Associated With a Chief Cell Adenoma.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is rare in large animal species, and little is known regarding its pathophysiology, endocrine and electrolyte derangements, diagnosis, medical management, and prognosis. This report describes the clinicopathologic diagnosis of a parathyroid (PT) gland chief cell adenoma in a 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare, including PT hormone (PTH) and electrolyte disarrangements associated with the neoplasia, the surgical removal of the adenoma, and medical management of the case. This report also describes for the first time the use PTH immunohistochemistry to confirm the nature of this neoplasia in a horse.

Acid-base disorders in sick goats and their association with mortality: A simplified strong ion difference approach.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the acid-base status of sick goats using the simplified strong ion difference (sSID) approach, to establish the quantitative contribution of sSID variables to changes in blood pH and HCO3 - and to determine whether clinical, acid-base, and biochemical variables on admission are associated with the mortality of sick goats. ANIMALS: One hundred forty-three sick goats. METHODS: Retrospective study. Calculated sSID variables included SID using 6 electrolytes unmeasured strong ions (USI) and the total nonvolatile buffer ion concentration in plasma (Atot ). The relationship between measured blood pH and HCO3 - , and the sSID variables was examined using forward stepwise linear regression. Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to assess associations between potential predictor variables and mortality of goats during hospitalization. RESULTS: Hypocapnia, hypokalemia, hyperchloremia, hyperlactatemia, and hyperproteinemia were common abnormalities identified in sick goats. Respiratory alkalosis, strong ion acidosis, and Atot acidosis were acid-base disorders frequently encountered in sick goats. In sick goats, the sSID variables explained 97% and 100% of the changes in blood pH and HCO3 - , respectively. The results indicated that changes in the respiratory rate (<16 respirations per minute), USI, and pH at admission were associated with increased hazard of hospital mortality in sick goats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The sSID approach is a useful methodology to quantify acid-base disorders in goats and to determine the mechanisms of their development. Clinicians should consider calculation of USI in sick goats as part of the battery of information required to establish prognosis.