Improvements in QOL assessment are relevant to all areas of equine veterinary practice, and several areas of research. Further research may develop QOL assessment in practice, but more important are the personal improvements that each practitioner may achieve.
Clinicians using local antibiotic administration should consider the potential for local toxicity as well as the need for effective concentrations of the antibiotic.
Clinical conditions of the cervical articular process joints (APJ) are well recognised as a cause of pain and loss of function in horses.Clinical presentation varies, depending upon the type, location and severity of APJ pathology. Signs of dysfunction may be localised to the musculoskeletal system, nervous system or affect a combination of the two. Musculoskeletal signs include reduced cervical range of motion, altered head carriage, pain on palpation and focal muscle atrophy. 1,2,3 Neurological signs due to cervical spinal cord compression include ataxia, paresis and proprioceptive deficits. 4 Injury to the cervical nerve roots at their exit from the intervertebral foraminae
Background: Rib fractures in adult horses are poorly documented.Objectives: To describe the presenting signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of horses diagnosed with rib fracture.
Study design:Retrospective case series.
Method:The clinical records and diagnostic images of all adult horses diagnosed with a rib fracture at three referral centres over a 15-year period were reviewed.Results: Seventy-three horses met the inclusion criteria. Horses presented due to either resistance to ridden work and poor performance (n = 41), lameness (n = 21) or trauma (n = 7). In four horses, the presenting complaint was not recorded. Clinical assessment and palpation localised the site of injury in 18/47 cases where recorded.Nuclear scintigraphic examination identified all fracture sites in which it was performed (59/59). In 10/24 horses, radiographic examination confirmed rib fracture.Ultrasonographic examination confirmed rib fracture in 58/59 horses (98%; 95% CI 92-100). Six horses underwent surgery due to ongoing clinical signs and non-healing fracture; all other horses were managed conservatively. Fifty-five horses were available for long-term follow up (>1 year), of which 28 (51%; 95% CI 38-64) returned to their previous level of exercise. Twelve horses did not return to their previous level of exercise due to lameness unrelated to the rib fracture and seven horses were subjected to euthanasia, of which three were as a result of the rib fracture. Eight horses did not return to their previous level of exercise for other reasons.Main limitations: Incomplete data set due to retrospective case series.
Conclusions:Although uncommon, rib fractures should be considered in cases of reduced performance or resistance during ridden exercise. Palpation may be unrewarding. Scintigraphy and ultrasonography are useful in identifying the fracture site. Rib fractures in horses carry a fair prognosis and can be managed conservatively in most cases.
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