European outbreak of atypical myopathy in the autumn 2009.

in Journal of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care (2010)

Background: Atypical myopathy (AM) is an acute, severe rhabdomyolysis occurring in grazing horses. Since In the beginning of October 2009, a new outbreak affects started in several European countries ... [more ▼]

Background: Atypical myopathy (AM) is an acute, severe rhabdomyolysis occurring in grazing horses. Since In the beginning of October 2009, a new outbreak affects started in several European countries. Geographic, demographic and clinical data of the reported cases in the month October 2009 are described. Key Findings: The survival rate over the month October 2009 was 25%. The most frequently observed clinical signs were congestedive mucous membranes, dyspnea, tachycardia, depression, weakness, stiffness, recumbency, trembling, transpirationsweating, and myoglobinuria. Non-survivors were significantly more often likely to be recumbent than survivors. Prognostic factors, symptomatic treatment and preventive measures are discussed. Significance: Slight differences were encountered during the described outbreak of AM in October 2009 compared to previous studies. Equine practitioners should be alert aware that previous epidemiological studies have shown that after a high prevalence this autumn, for new cases are likely to occur in the upcoming spring 2010. [less ▲]

A case of a periarticular abscess and suppurative arthritis of the atlanto-occipital joint

in Equine Veterinary Education (2009), 21(7), 340-343

This case report describes a periarticular abscess and a suppurative arthritis of the atlanto-occipital joint in an adult horse. The horse showed a painful swelling localized on the atlanto-occipital ... [more ▼]

This case report describes a periarticular abscess and a suppurative arthritis of the atlanto-occipital joint in an adult horse. The horse showed a painful swelling localized on the atlanto-occipital region and ataxia in all four limbs. During his hospitalization the horse developed recumbency, dysphagia, facial paralysis and seizures. With the use of ultrasonography of the atlanto-occipital region a tentative diagnosis was made which was later confirmed by autopsy. Culture of the abscess revealed a Staphylococcus aureus. However, the horse had a history of recurrent fever, hypertrophy and abcessation of the submandibular lymph nodes, neck pain and dyspnoea for 2 months, suggestive for strangles. [less ▲]

Apport de l'épidémiologie clinique dans l'étude des endocardites végétantes chez les équidés (1994-2006)

in Epidémiologie et Santé Animale (2009), 55

Effect of breed on Doppler echocardiographic measurements in equids

in Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Congress of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) (2009)

Cardiac output measurement by pulse contour analysis, lithium dilution and Doppler echocardiography in horses

in Proccedings of the Xth WCVA (2009)

Epidemiology of trace elements deficiencies in Belgian beef and dairy cattle herds.

in Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology (2009), 23(2), 116-23

Selenium (Se), iodine (I), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) deficiencies in cattle have been reported in Europe. These deficiencies are often associated with diseases. The aim of the study was to assess trace ... [more ▼]

Selenium (Se), iodine (I), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) deficiencies in cattle have been reported in Europe. These deficiencies are often associated with diseases. The aim of the study was to assess trace element status in Belgian cattle herds showing pathologies and to compare them to healthy cattle herds. Eighty-two beef herds with pathologies, 11 healthy beef herds, 65 dairy herds with pathologies and 20 healthy dairy herds were studied during barn period. Blood and/or milk samples were taken in healthy animals. Plasma Zn, Cu, inorganic I (PII) and activity of glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes (GPX) were assayed. In milk, I concentration was measured. Data about pathologies and nutrition in the herds were collected. According to defined thresholds, it appeared that a large proportion of deficient herds belonged to "sick" group of herds. This conclusion was supported by the mean value of trace elements and by the fact that a majority of individual values of trace elements was below the threshold. Dairy herds had mean values of trace elements higher than beef herds. More concentrates and minerals were used in healthy herds versus "sick" herds. These feed supplements were also used more often in dairy herds, compared to beef herds. Trace elements deficiencies are present in cattle herds in Belgium and are linked to diseases. Nutrition plays a major role in the trace elements status. [less ▲]

Evaluation of sedation depth and quality of performed procedures following administration of α2-agonists combined or not with butorphanol in horses.

Poster (2008, October)

Several molecules available in equine medicine provide profound sedation and good analgesia when performing diagnostic or surgical procedures. They differ slightly in degree of action, as well in time as ... [more ▼]

Several molecules available in equine medicine provide profound sedation and good analgesia when performing diagnostic or surgical procedures. They differ slightly in degree of action, as well in time as in depth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the depth of sedation and quality of performing a standardized procedure after injection of an 2-agonist alone or associated with butorphanol. Horses presented to the Equine Clinic of Liege University from December 2007 to June 2008 for an endoscopic, dental, radiological or ophthalmological examination of which owner and clinician agreed to include the horse in the study were retained. All horses (n=133) were sedated in a randomized double blind fashion using one of the six following protocols: detomidine (D) (0.01mg/kg IV), romifidine (R) (0.04mg/kg IV), or xylazine (X) (0.5mg/kg IV) alone or associated with butorphanol (B) (0.02mg/kg IV). Stability, head position and the reaction to a stimulus (auditive and visual) were evaluated before the start of the procedure. An overall subjective grade using a 10 cm line scale was given to evaluate sedation depth (ranging from no effect to maximal depth on line) and the quality of the performed procedure (ranging from not realised to ideal examination). For each specific procedure, the same clinician experienced in his particular field evaluated the parameters. Data were related by a variance analysis using SAS system and considered significant if P<0.01. The used protocols significantly influenced both sedation depth and examination quality. Sedation depth increased significantly when B was added in all the three 2-agonists used (mean ± SD): D: 6.46±0.33; D+B: 7.06±0.37; R: 4.93±0.46; R+B: 7.04±0.45; X: 4.94±0.43; X+B: 7.75±0.40. Detomidine provided a significantly better quality of the examination compared to romifidine and xylazine. The addiction of butorphanol significantly decreased the examination quality when added to detomidine and increased the quality when combined with romifidine and xylazine. Mean (± SD) of the quality of performed procedures: D: 8.41±0.54; D+B: 6.06±0.64; R: 6.68±0.71; R+B: 7.16±0.67; X: 4.47±0.67; X+B: 4.52±0.64. Comparison of sedation depth and quality of performed examination revealed an increase in quality of examination scores with increasing depth of sedation until a certain level. As from sedation depths with scores of 8 or more, a decrease in quality of examination was encountered. This report shows the important effect of butorphanol addition on sedation. However, increasing sedation depth was not necessarily linked to a better quality of procedure, notably due to difficulties in handling strongly sedated horses for the procedures performed in this study. [less ▲]

Serum cardiac troponin I concentrations as a diagnostic aid of pericarditis in cattle

Poster (2008, July 10)

The Composition of the Inflammatory Infiltrate in Three Cases of Polyneuritis Equi

in Equine Veterinary Journal (2008), 40(2), 185-8

Polyneuritis equi (PNE) is a rare neurological disease in the horse. Because of the suspicion in PNE of a T-lymphocyte mediated immune response against the myelin, the objective of this study was to ... [more ▼]

Polyneuritis equi (PNE) is a rare neurological disease in the horse. Because of the suspicion in PNE of a T-lymphocyte mediated immune response against the myelin, the objective of this study was to determine the composition of the inflammatory infiltrate in the involved nerves of 3 horses with PNE, studied retrospectively. T-lymphocytes were demonstrated in the lesions, which suggests a T-lymphocyte mediated immune response against myelin. In addition, the presence of B-lymphocytes indicated a local production of antibodies. More research, involving a prospective study, is needed to determine whether the T-lymphocytes are cytotoxic or T-helper lymphocytes. [less ▲]

Effects of intravenous lidocaïne in healthy adult horses.

Poster (2008, January)