LAM I

Overview of Common Equine Medical Topics

Medication Overview

  • Categories Covered:

    • Euthanasia

    • Antibiotics

    • Preventative medicine

    • Nutrition

    • Endotoxemia

    • Laminitis

    • Fluids

    • Neurology

    • Cardiology

    • Choke

    • Colic

    • Respiratory

    • Hematology

    • Myopathies

    • Dermatology

    • Uropathies

    • Hepatopathies

    • Neonatology

    • Ophthalmology

    • Endocrinopathies

    • Poor Performance

    • Weight Loss

Medication Administration

  • Oral Medication (PO)

    • Advantages:

      • Non-sterile, easier administration.

      • No needles required, owner involvement possible.

    • Disadvantages:

      • Dosing inaccuracies.

      • Potential refusal from the horse.

      • Limitations with the method of administration.

    • Methods:

      • Directly by mouth.

      • Top dressing in feed (must be mixed to prevent settling).

  • Rectal Administration (PR)

    • Used for difficult cases, may need dosage adjustments.

  • Injection Routes:

    • Intramuscular (IM):

      • Preferred needle size 18-20 G. Locations include:

        • Neck (10-15cc per site).

        • Pectoral mm (15-20cc).

        • Semimembranosus/semitendinosus (maximize restraint).

    • Subcutaneous (SC):

      • Limited volume but common at lateral neck.

    • Intravenous (IV):

      • Rapid action, however, it's technically more challenging and risk increases with improper placement.

Euthanasia Considerations

  • Methods to Ensure Humane Outcomes:

    • Immediate loss of consciousness and subsequent cardiac arrest is ideal.

    • Locale must be secure and safe for personnel.

    • Barbiturate euthanasia: Most common method but with environmental concerns due to residues.

    • Confirmation of death is based on loss of heartbeat and reflexes.

Antibiotics Overview

  • Key Concerns:

    • Antibiotic resistance is a rising concern.

    • Urgent threats include:

      • C. difficile, Carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae.

    • Management should include rational use based on indication, patient condition, and culture results.

Preventative Medicine

  • Core Vaccines:

    • Essential vaccinations include tetanus, EEE, WEE, WNV, and rabies.

    • Vaccination schedules should accommodate health status and breeding.

    • Risks must be managed, emphasizing pre-travel boosters.

Nutrition Insights

  • Diet Requirements:

    • Assess nutritional status with a body condition score (BCS) and modify diet accordingly.

    • Specific needs vary among ages and conditions. For instance,

      • Foals need a substantial milk intake.

      • Obese horses may require a specific ration balancer to achieve certain metabolic goals.

Endotoxemia Management

  • Pathophysiology:

    • E. coli antigens from Gram-negative bacteria can induce systemic conditions like SIRS and subsequent complications (laminitis).

    • Monitoring is critical regarding clinical signs and treatment success.

Neurology

  • Clinical Signs:

    • Look for signs like seizures, gait abnormalities, and cranial nerve deficits during assessments.

    • Diagnostic procedures may include neurologic exams to differentiate between peripheral and central nervous system issues.

Cardiology

  • Assessment Techniques:

    • Auscultation should include specific valve locations for identifying abnormal heart sounds or rhythm issues.

    • Diagnostics such as ECG or echocardiography provide valuable insights into the horse's cardiac health.

Choke Management

  • Symptoms and Treatment:

    • Choke can present as distress, persisting salivation, and nasal discharge. Treatment involves NG tube passage or lavage in more critical cases.

Colic Differentiation

  • Types and Treatment:

    • Colic can be categorized as strangulating, non-strangulating, or inflammatory.

    • Diagnosis depends on thorough history, physical examination and sometimes surgical intervention.

Respiratory Diseases Overview

  • Common Respiratory Disorders:

    • Diagnosis includes assessments of cough, nasal discharge, lung sounds, and possible diagnostic imaging.

    • Conditions may range from asthma to infectious agents requiring targeted therapeutic approaches.

Conclusion

  • Understanding complex health issues in horses involves a multifaceted approach relying on accurate prevention, diagnosis, and treatment protocols across various specialties including medication, preventative care, nutrition, and overall management of health risks.