Complete Avulsion of the Hoof Capsule and Subsequent Testicular Degeneration in a Criollo Stallion

Background: Complete avulsion of the hoof in horses, also known as exungulation, is not a commonly reported injury and usually leads to euthanasia due to the great amount of tissue loss, intense pain, secondary complications, expensive and lengthy treatment. It can involve deep structures and cause different complications leading to chronic lameness. In stallions affected by such injury, the reproductive tract and performance may also be affected. The aim of this study was to report a case of complete avulsion of the right front hoof in a Criollo stallion and subsequent bilateral testicular degeneration.Case: A 10-year-old Criollo stallion was referred to the Veterinary Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas (HCV- UFPel) with a complete avulsion of the left front hoof. At admission, the stallion had clinical parameters compatible with intense pain and blood loss. Evaluation of the wound demonstrated that the distal end of the third phalanx (P3) was exposed but no fracture was detected on radiological evaluation. No other structure was apparently affected. Initially, anti-inflammatory (phenylbutazone) and opioid (morphine) was given for pain control and supportive fluid therapy was started to restore hydration. Antibiotic (Sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim) were administered for 10 days. Continued therapy with phenylbutazone, pentoxifylline, omeprazole and supplementation with methionine, biotin and zinc was also given. Local treatment was carried out by cleaning the wound, applying an antimicrobial ointment and dressing it with a bandage. Wound management was adapted according to the evolution and healing process. The stallion was kept in stall rest during its hospitalization time. In the second month after the injury, accumulation of liquid in the scrotum was observed. Clinical and ultrasound evaluation lead to a presumptive diagnosis of testicular degeneration. The stallion was discharged after three months when the wound was almost healed and the hoof had started to grow. Six month later, a follow up by the referring vet showed that the hoof was almost completely grown and the x-ray assessment demonstrated a cranial rotation and resorption of the distal end of the third phalanx.Discussion: The stallion of this report had a complete avulsion of the hoof capsule caused by trauma. Conservative treatment was established including wound cleaning and dressing to avoid contamination, control of pain and inflammation, antimicrobial care and supplementation to support hoof growth. Time period for wound healing and hoof growth was in agreement with other cases described previously. Bone sequestrum of the distal end of the third phalanx, and detachment of a fragment were observed in this case, followed by bone resorption. The stallion was closely monitored to prevent laminitis in the contralateral limb and no alterations were detected during the treatment period. Testicular degeneration was observed, probably caused as a consequence of hoof avulsion and due to a long period of stall rest. Degenerative alterations in testicles interfere with thermoregulation and spermatogenesis, affecting semen quality and reproductive performance. Rotation of the third phalanx was also observed six months later caused by the hoof loss. In conclusion, the patient of this report had a complete regrowth of the hoof capsule although a long intensive treatment was necessary to achieve this result. As a consequence, testicles degeneration may happen impairing its function as a stallion.Keywords: exungulation,hoof trauma, degenerative changes

Gestation in a Mare with Facial Deviation (Wry Nose)

Background: Wry nose is a congenital deformity that causes respiratory obstruction and decreased oxygenation rate. Gestation in a wry nose mare may be considered a risk to the neonate since it depends on the maternal environment for development. Compromised oxygenation during pregnancy can lead to fetal distress and cause consequences on fetal development. However, depending on the degree of the impairment, the fetus may still be able to adapt. The aim of the present study was to report the gestation in a mare with facial deviation until term and to assess blood gases in the mare and neonate, and to evaluate the histomorphometry of the placenta.Case: A Criollo breed mare presenting facial deviation (Wry Nose) was donated to Equine Medicine Research Group (ClinEq) of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) due to the presence of the physical deformity. When the mare was five years old, it was inseminated and had a pregnancy confirmed. At the fifth month of gestation, evaluation of fetal aorta diameter, fetal orbital diameter and combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) started to be performed monthly to assess gestation health. The assessment of the fetal orbit and aorta diameter revealed a linear increase of both variables with the progress of gestation indicating a normal fetal development.  CTUP remained in the normal reference range, presenting no alterations during the gestational length. The mare foaled at 324 days of gestation a coat showing no congenital deformities. The foaling was monitored until the complete passage of fetal membranes. A complete clinical and hematological evaluation of the foal was carried out after birth. The foal showed normal adaptive behavior, clinical and hematological parameters during the first hours of life, although presenting physical signs of immaturity. Venous blood samples were collected from the mare at 315 days of gestation, immediately after foaling and 24 h post-partum for lactate and blood gas analysis.  Mild changes were observed in the mare’s blood gas analysis at foaling that were compensated within 24 h post-partum. Venous blood samples were collected from the umbilical cord and from the foal after birth, at 12 and 24 h post-partum to measure blood gases and lactate. The newborn foal presented respiratory acidosis immediately after birth, which was metabolically compensated at 24 h post-partum. Both mare’s and foal’s lactate evaluation were within the normal reference ranges. After expulsion of the placenta, samples from the gravid horn, uterine body and non-gravid horn were collected for histological and histomorphometric evaluation. In the histological evaluation, avillous areas were detected in the gravid horn and uterine body and mild hypoplasia was found in the uterine body. Placental histomorphometry revealed larger total microcotiledonary and capillary areas on the non-gravid horn when compared to the remaining areas of the placenta (gravid horn and uterine body). No abnormalities on the placental vasculature were detected.  Discussion: To date, there are no reports of a pregnancy in a mare with facial deviation in the literature. This report showed that the wry nose mare gave birth to a viable foal showing no congenital abnormalities, which suggests that wry nose animals can be bred normally. The mare presented a healthy pregnancy, with mild changes in the blood gas analysis at foaling that were compensated at 24 h postpartum. Similarly, despite the foal showed physical signs of immaturity and respiratory acidosis at birth, these changes were compensated in the later assessments. Furthermore, no abnormalities on the placental vasculature were detected

Changes in Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Body Composition in Pregnant Mares

Background: Mares are very different from other species during pregnancy, and studies on the physiological changes of this period are important. During late pregnancy, the distribution of weight and body fat are often used as indicators of adequate nutrition. This is a physiological period that results in an increase in metabolic demand. There is a tendency for the Criollo breed to have a higher body condition score that becomes more evident during pregnancy, a period when mares tend to gain more weight. The current study monitored serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in pregnant mares during late gestation to determine a possible correlation with the distribution of fat or body weight.Materials, Methods & Results: Four body parameters of thirty-four Criollo-type mares in late gestation were evaluated: body weight measured with a weight scale, body weight using a commercial weight tape, total body fat and fat thickness and the serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. The fat thickness was measured in an ultrasound device and the prediction of total body fat was calculated using an equation. According to the days prior foaling, biometric monitoring and blood collection were carried out in five periods: F-90 (± 90 days prior to foaling) n = 33; F-60 (± 60 days prior to foaling) n = 33; F-30 (± 30 days prior to foaling) n = 31; F-15 (± 15 days prior to foaling) n = 29 and Foaling (at day of foaling) n = 14. Mares were monitored daily and accompanied foaling was also performed, ensuring collection at the right time. Comparisons of means were performed between variables in addition to the Pearson correlation test. Statistical significance was established at P 0.05). A strong positive correlation was observed between the average weights (P 0.068). There was a strong positive correlation between weights (P 0.191). There was also no correlation with the body composition (P > 0.068).Discussion: The absence of difference between the periods in relation to the weight measures and the correlations existing in these measures is related to the period in which they were collected, since the maximum relative weight of the foal is reached in ten months, causing the mare's weight stability. Interestingly, an unexplained increase in total cholesterol levels was found on the day of foaling. As the same change in triglycerides was not observed and there was no change in the diet or feeding behavior of the mares, the effects of the diet can be excluded in this case, which requires further studies to explain this result. Our hypothesis is that this increase is linked to hormones that tend to change in this pre-delivery period and that have their metabolism strongly linked to cholesterol levels. Levels of body fat and mare weight can therefore be correlated in the late gestation, allowing for their use as indicators of adequate nutritional and energy reserves

Enterolitíase em equinos da raça crioula

Enteroliths are intestinal mineral calculi predominantly composed of struvite. In horses this material accumulates concentrically around a core, causing total or partial obstruction of the higher and lower colon, and can lead to death by rupture. The enterolithiasis has worldwide distribution, and occurs frequently in Rio Grande do Sul, especially in Crioulo Horses. The aim of this work is to report a sequence of cases of Crioulo Horses with enterolithiasis, linking risk factors through historical analysis, clinical presentation and management employed by the breeding farms. Case: Between the years 2012 and 2015, 16 Crioulo Horses with colic syndrome caused by enteroliths were treated at the Hospital de Clínicas Veterinária of Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), RS, Brazil and Clínica Hípica, in Porto Alegre, RS. The group was formed predominantly by males, weighted 430 kg in average and the average age was eight years old. All horses underwent general and specific clinical examination, laboratory tests and surgical procedure to remove the enterolith. After discharge, there was an epidemiological questionnaire seeking information about the history, food and environmental management that could be related to the development of enterolithiasis. In relationship to the history of previous episodes of colic, the results were: 4 horses (25%) had no previous episodes of colic, while 12 horses (75%) had experienced previous colic. Regarding the horses’ bedding, 70% use sawdust and 30% rice husk, and about behavior, ten (62.5%) of the 16 horses attended had no stereotypies. Related to food and water supply, it was observed that nine horses (56.25%) had alfalfa as the only roughage source in the diet, and all animals (100%) were fed commercial food and water ad libitum. According to the number of hours the patients remained stabled, the rearing system was classified as intensive (over 12 h/stable/day), extensive (0 h, at the field) or semi-extensive (up to 12 h/stable/day). The frequencies observed were: intensive (9 animals - 56.25%), semi-intensive (6 animals - 37.5%) and extensive (1 animal - 6.25%). The average time of stabling was 17.2 h/day. Discussion: The alfalfa consumption as the only forage observed in our study is the main risk factor described for the formation of enteroliths. This is because in digestion, alfalfa tends to alkalize the intestinal pH, hindering the metabolism of some minerals and thus forming the enterolith. Another important risk factor observed in this work is the intensive rearing, with long periods of stabling. This explains why confinement leads to decreased intestinal motility, due to reduced or absent grazing. Furthermore, reduced physical activity is another contributing factor to the reduction of motility, because the exercise influence the intestinal peristalsis. The rearing of horses intensively is usual with the Crioulo, especially in training and morphological preparation. Based on this case study, we can’t say that there is a racial predisposition to enterolithiasis of the Crioulo Horse, since it would require more studies on the physiology and a standard feeding of these horses. However, we can attribute the considerable volume of enteroliths observed in Crioulo Horses in Rio Grande do Sul to the increase in the number of referrals to the reference hospitals, feeding alfalfa as the only roughage source in the diet and to intensive management of the farms, with long periods of daily stabling

Occurrence of Gasterophilus spp. in Weanling Foals in Southern Brazil

Background: The occurrence of gastrointestinal myiasis caused by Gasterophilus spp. larvae (Diptera: Oestridae) in adult horses has been widely characterized, however data on natural infestation in young foals have been lacking. This observation may be related to the absence of conclusive diagnosis in these individuals, most likely due to logistical or financial constraints. Gastric ulceration is a problem and a significant cause of morbidity in foals, particularly during the weaning stage; therefore, gasterophilosis should be included in the differential diagnosis. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of gasterophilosis in 4- to 6-month-old weanling foals.Material, Methods & Results: Seventy-one healthy weanling foals were enrolled in the study. Physical assessment blood sampling and was completed in all foals before the commencement of the experiment. Gastroscopy examinations were performed under sedation (Detomidine 0.01 - 0.02 mg/kg) with a flexible endoscope inserted through nasogastric via. The lumen of the stomach was examined in order to search for botflies’ larvae. Following gastroscopy, foals were classified into 2 groups based on the presence of Gasterophilus spp. larvae in their stomachs: 1) Infected and 2) Not Infected. Infected foals received a single dose of commercial trichlorfon and albendazole equine oral gel and were stalled for 24 h. The passed feces were thoroughly examined, searching for elimination of larvae. A Total of 64% of the foals (n=45/71) harbored Gasterophilus spp. larvae in the stomach. Mild hyperemia in the gastric mucosa was observed in the attachment sites of the parasites. Physical assessment and hematological parameters’ data were analyzed with Shapiro-Wilk normality test. Comparison between groups for clinical signs, hematological parameters and Gasterophilus spp. infection rates were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test or Student's t-test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. There were no statistically significant variations in physical and hematological parameters between foals that were affected and those that were not infected. The larvae found in the feces were subjected to morphological examination, which confirmed the diagnosis of Gasterophilus intestinalis.Discussion: No systemic clinical indications compatible with Gasterophilus infestation were seen, as described in previous studies of horses infected with the parasite. No botfly eggs were observed in the hair of evaluated foals. During gastroscopy, mild hyperemic lesions in the gastric mucosa were observed in the larvae fixation sites. Although no changes in clinical or hematological parameters were noted, the confirmation of parasite presence is a cause for concern due to horses' tolerance for low infestation levels and poor diagnosis. Additionally, the presence of this myiasis in foals may be a significant stressor during the weaning period and should be included in the differential diagnosis of recurring abdominal pain. Furthermore, infected foals might be a reservoir for the parasite and, contribute to the elimination and spread of the larvae in the environment. Thus, inclusion of young horses in deworming protocols targeted to botfly larvae is needed. This is the first report of Gasterophilus intestinalis myiasis in foals in Brazil. Further research is necessary to fully understand the epidemiology and prevalence of this condition in young horses in Brazil, based on the findings of this study. Keywords: Gasterophilus intestinalis, cavity myiasis, gastroscopy, Oestridae

OCORRÊNCIA DE ZOONOSES EM EQUINOS DE TRAÇÃO ATENDIDOS NO AMBULATÓRIO DO HOSPITAL DE CLÍNICAS VETERINÁRIA DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE PELOTAS

Equinos submetidos ao trabalho relacionado à força, como a tração de charretes, ainda são muito utilizados no Brasil, principalmente por famílias consideradas de vulnerabilidade social. Esse tipo de atividade consiste, muitas vezes, na principal forma de renda dessas famílias. Visando proporcionar a melhora na saúde e bem-estar desses animais, foi criado o programa “Ação Interdisciplinar à Carroceiros e Charreteiros na Periferia de Pelotas” um projeto de extensão do Hospital de Clínicas Veterinária (HCV) – UFPel, contando hoje com cerca de 700 famílias em Pelotas. O objetivo do presente trabalho é demonstrar a casuística de animais atendidos no Ambulatório HCV e sua relação com doenças de caráter zoonótico. Os atendimentos são realizados duas vezes por semana no Ambulatório Veterinário do HCV, localizado no centro de Pelotas, próximo a comunidade Ceval, onde residem estas famílias. Realizou-se um levantamento retrospectivo onde foram consideradas as ocorrências de tétano, raiva, leptospirose e dermatoses durante os anos de 2013 a 2018. Durante esse período foram realizados 2378 atendimentos, desses 15 animais apresentaram suspeita de zoonoses, sendo confirmados 13 casos (5 dermatofitose e/ou dermatofilose, 1 leptospirose e 7 de tétano). Pode-se concluir que existe uma baixa prevalência (0,5%) de enfermidades de caráter zoonótico nessa população, o que pode estar relacionada ao atendimento contínuo aos equinos de tração e conscientização permanente da população. O projeto, além de melhorar a saúde dos animais e da população em geral, influencia diretamente na formação profissional e pessoal dos envolvidos, pois oferece aos acadêmicos o envolvimento social, o exercício da cidadania e da medicina equina, além da prática do bem-estar animal e o desenvolvimento de pesquisas a partir das ações de extensão

OCORRÊNCIA DE ZOONOSES EM EQUINOS DE TRAÇÃO ATENDIDOS NO AMBULATÓRIO DO HOSPITAL DE CLÍNICAS VETERINÁRIA DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE PELOTAS

Equinos submetidos ao trabalho relacionado à força, como a tração de charretes, ainda são muito utilizados no Brasil, principalmente por famílias consideradas de vulnerabilidade social. Esse tipo de atividade consiste, muitas vezes, na principal forma de renda dessas famílias. Visando proporcionar a melhora na saúde e bem-estar desses animais, foi criado o programa “Ação Interdisciplinar à Carroceiros e Charreteiros na Periferia de Pelotas” um projeto de extensão do Hospital de Clínicas Veterinária (HCV) – UFPel, contando hoje com cerca de 700 famílias em Pelotas. O objetivo do presente trabalho é demonstrar a casuística de animais atendidos no Ambulatório HCV e sua relação com doenças de caráter zoonótico. Os atendimentos são realizados duas vezes por semana no Ambulatório Veterinário do HCV, localizado no centro de Pelotas, próximo a comunidade Ceval, onde residem estas famílias. Realizou-se um levantamento retrospectivo onde foram consideradas as ocorrências de tétano, raiva, leptospirose e dermatoses durante os anos de 2013 a 2018. Durante esse período foram realizados 2378 atendimentos, desses 15 animais apresentaram suspeita de zoonoses, sendo confirmados 13 casos (5 dermatofitose e/ou dermatofilose, 1 leptospirose e 7 de tétano). Pode-se concluir que existe uma baixa prevalência (0,5%) de enfermidades de caráter zoonótico nessa população, o que pode estar relacionada ao atendimento contínuo aos equinos de tração e conscientização permanente da população. O projeto, além de melhorar a saúde dos animais e da população em geral, influencia diretamente na formação profissional e pessoal dos envolvidos, pois oferece aos acadêmicos o envolvimento social, o exercício da cidadania e da medicina equina, além da prática do bem-estar animal e o desenvolvimento de pesquisas a partir das ações de extensão

Post-partum Utero-ovarian Artery Rupture in Mare

Background: Arterial rupture associated with pregnancy is an important cause of fatal hemorrhage in pregnant mares, regardless breeds and age. Such hemorrhagic events lead to blood loss into the abdomen, broad ligament and uterus and the broad ligament hematoma occurs as a consequence of arterial rupture. Although the rupture of the uterine artery is commonly caused by hemorrhage, there are few studies regarding this condition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe a case of rupture of the utero-ovarian artery, with broad ligament hematoma and intramural uterine hematoma in a Thoroughbred mare, emphasizing the predisposing factors and the diagnosis process.Case: A 13-year-old Thoroughbred mare, with nine parturition, was attended with abdominal pain after foaling. The mare had an eutocic delivery, however the foal was a big one to the race, with high of 1,02 m and weight of 68 kg. The animal arrived at the Veterinary Clinical Hospital 48 h after delivery, with abdominal pain, pale mucous membranes, heart rate slightly increased. The trans-rectal palpation revealed the presence of a solid mass in the left horn region, and it was painful to the touch. The ultrasonography evaluation of the mass showed a heterogeneous texture with a hypoechoic central area, which reinforced the clinical suspicion of a hematoma in the broad ligament and a uterine intramural hematoma. The animal did not respond to analgesic therapy, which resulted in shock and consequently death. Necropsy revealed free blood in the abdominal cavity and the uterine wall with swollen hematoma extended to the left broad ligament. It also showed the presence of a hematoma along the uterine wall, from the uterine body region to the ovarian insertion. Histological evaluation did not show significant changes in the arterial wall, and it revealed the formation of intramural hematoma thorough all extension of the left uterine horn, confirming the suspicion of rupture in the utero-ovarian artery and hematoma on the broad ligament and uterine intramural hematoma in the left horn.Discussion: Rupture of uterine arteries can occur at any age, although it is often observe in old mares, possibly because of the vascular degenerative features observed in these animals. In addition, multiparous mares are more prone to it because multiple births can favour damages in vascular system. The clinical assessment showed characteristics compatible with postpartum hemorrhage. A thorough trans-rectal evaluation revealed a mass in the left horn. The ultrasonography evaluation from the mass showed echogenic characteristics consistent with those described for broad ligament hematoma and uterineintramural hematoma in the left horn. The clinical suspicion, rupture of the uterine artery, with formation of a hematoma in the broad ligament and uterine intramural hematoma, was based upon the history, clinical signs and laboratory tests, especially the characteristics revealed by the ultrasound from the mass in left horn. Necropsy showed the rupture of the utero-ovarian artery. Lesions are usually observed on the right uterine artery due to the displacement of the uterus to the left abdominal wall by the cecum, which results in an increased tension on the right broad ligament. However, in this case the rupture was associated to the gravid horn. The rupture of the utero-ovarian artery is a major cause of hemorrhage in the postpartum and this can form a hematoma in the broad ligament and uterine intramural hematoma. In conclusion, the mare from this study showed as the predisposing factors the age and the number of parturition. Clinical sings are very similar to others abdominal pain conditions, being the exams essential to diagnosis, especially ultrasonography. Rupture of the utero-ovarian artery is an emergency with unfavorable prognosis.Keywords: artery, utero-ovarian, mare, hemorrhage

Atividade sérica da enzima paraoxonase (PON-1) em equinos submetidos a administração intramuscular de diferentes adjuvantes vacinais / Activity of the enzyme paraoxonase (PON-1) in horses submitted to intramuscular injection of vaccinal adjuvants

A PON-1 é uma proteína de fase aguda inflamatória e sua atividade plasmática tem sido utilizada para fins de diagnóstico e prognóstico. Objetivou-se avaliar a atividade de PON-1 em equinos submetidos a estímulo inflamatório agudo local através da administração de adjuvantes vacinais. Utilizou-se 12 equinos, 8 machos e 4 fêmeas com idades entre 2-4 anos, divididos em 3 grupos: controle (CONT), xantana (Xa) e hidróxido de alumínio (HA). Nos grupos Xa e HA administrou-se 2 mL do respectivo adjuvante vacinal por via intramuscular, e solução salina no grupo CONT. Amostras de sangue seriadas (1 a 72 horas após administração) foram coletadas para avaliação da atividade da PON-1 no soro por espectrofotometria. Clinicamente os animais dos grupos Xa e HA apresentaram edema e sensibilidade no sítio de aplicação do adjuvante. Os valores plasmáticos de PON-1 mínimos e máximos identificados estavam entre 38,5 a 76,5 U/mL, níveis esses semelhantes ao descrito como intervalo de referência para equinos saudáveis. Comparando os grupos, não foi observada diferença nas concentrações de PON-1, independente do momento avaliado (p>0,05). Conclui-se que a atividade da PON-1 não apresentou diminuição frente a processos inflamatórios agudos locais estimulados através da administração dos adjuvantes vacinais em equinos, não se concretizando um marcador de confiabilidade em alterações inflamatórias localizadas

Metabolic profile and body condition score of Crioulo horses finalists in the Freio de Ouro competition

The aim of this study was to assess the body condition score (BCS) and metabolic profile of finalists in the Freio de Ouro competition, stratified by sex. This study examined 84 Crioulo horses, comprising 43 non-pregnant mares and 41 stallions. Morphometric measurements, including BCS, cresty neck score (CNS), neck and heart girth, and assessments of fat depth at the neck and at the tail base, were conducted. Additional derived measurements such as the percentage of body fat (%BF), body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), heart girth:height ratio (HG:HW), and neck circumference:height ratio (NC:HW) were calculated. A subgroup of 53 animals was selected for the evaluation of metabolic parameters, including triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and adiponectin.In terms of BCS, 21% of participants were classified as overweight, with 49% having CNS≥3. Females exhibited greater fat deposition at the tail base and neck, along with higher %BF, FM, and HG:HW ratio, and lower NC:HWcompared to males. Among metabolic variables, females showed higher concentrations of LDH, LDL, CK, and lower concentrations of adiponectin than males. No differences were observed in morphometric measurements between participants that qualified for the final day of the competition and those which were disqualified. The study revealed that despite the rigorous physical demands and preparation required for the Freio de Ouro competition, a percentage of participants were overweight, displaying increased regional fat deposition in the neck. Although no metabolic changes related to increased adiposity were identified, the findings indicate a predisposition to the development of metabolic alterations. Additionally, females exhibited a greater accumulation of fat than males