Equine Medicine Flashcards
(126 cards)
1
Q
What is African horse sickness?
A
A viral disease affecting horses, caused by the African horse sickness virus (AHSV)
AHSV is transmitted by insects, primarily midges.
2
Q
What are the symptoms of African horse sickness?
A
Symptoms include fever, swelling, respiratory distress, and high mortality rates.
There are different forms of the disease, including the peracute, acute, subacute, and chronic forms.
3
Q
How is African horse sickness transmitted?
A
It is transmitted primarily by insect vectors, especially midges of the genus Culicoides.
The disease can also spread through contaminated feed, water, or equipment.
4
Q
What is the mortality rate of African horse sickness?
A
The mortality rate can be as high as 90% in susceptible horse populations.
The peracute form has the highest mortality rate.
5
Q
Fill in the blank: African horse sickness is caused by the _______.
A
[African horse sickness virus (AHSV)]
6
Q
True or False: African horse sickness only affects horses.
A
True
Other equids, such as donkeys and zebras, may show different levels of susceptibility.
7
Q
What measures can be taken to control African horse sickness?
A
Control measures include vaccination, insect control, and movement restrictions.
Vaccination is the most effective prevention method.
8
Q
What are the different forms of African horse sickness?
A
The forms include:
* Peracute
* Acute
* Subacute
* Chronic
Each form has distinct clinical signs and outcomes.
9
Q
Fill in the blank: The primary insect vector for African horse sickness is _______.
A
[Culicoides midges]
10
Q
What is the role of vaccination in African horse sickness prevention?
A
Vaccination helps to prevent outbreaks and reduce the severity of the disease.
Vaccines are available for horses in endemic areas.
11
Q
List differentials for African horse sickness
A
equine encephalosis
EIA
Strep equi equi
EVA
EHV-1
12
Q
For the pulmonary or paracute form, there is a 5% chance of survival
A
African horse sickness
13
Q
List the synonyms for recurrent airway obstruction
A
COPD,heaves, chronic bronchiolitis and bronchitis
14
Q
True or false: horses with recurrent airway obstruction are predisposed to pulmonary hypertension
A
True
15
Q
What is the normal alveolar macrophage to lymphocyte ratio?
A
60:40
16
Q
In recurrent airway obstruction, neutrophils comprise ___% to 100% of fluid cytology.
A
50%
17
Q
A horse presented with diarrhea and weakness within hours of exposure to a new pasture that has a pond and the weather has been warm recently.
A
Algea toxicosis.
18
Q
What are common clinical signs of algal toxicosis in horses?
A
Diarrhea and weakness
Muscle rigidity and trimmers
Salvation, diarrhea, tremors, and convulsions
19
Q
What is the toxin called in algae poisoning that causes rapid onset of excessive salvation, diarrhea, tremors, and convulsions?
A
Antitoxin a
20
Q
What are some differential diagnosis for antitoxin a poisoning?
A
Cyanide, yew, oleander, Hemlock, insecticides, ionophores, organophosphates, slafaramine
21
Q
True or false there is no specific antidote for algae toxicosis?
A
True
22
Q
What is the prognosis for algae toxicosis?
A
Poor
23
Q
What are common dental disorders in horses?
A
Common dental disorders include:
* Broken teeth
* Irregular dental arches
* Points
* Malocclusion
* Cribbing
* Retained premolar caps
These disorders are rare in cattle.
24
Q
What are the clinical signs (CS) of dental disorders in horses?
A
Clinical signs include:
* Loss of condition
* ‘Quid’
* Salivation
‘Quid’ refers to the horse’s ability to form a bolus of food and then drop it.
25
What is a wolf tooth in horses?
A wolf tooth is PM 1 (premolar 1), a small vestigial premolar that may or may not be present.
## Footnote
Usually, wolf teeth do not cause problems.
26
What are enamel points in equine dentistry?
Enamel points are sharp edges that can irritate soft tissues, formed on the inside of lower and outside of upper cheek teeth due to uneven wear.
## Footnote
They require floating (filing) to prevent discomfort.
27
What does it mean to float teeth in horses?
Floating teeth involves filing or rasping the sharp points on the teeth to prevent irritation of soft tissues.
## Footnote
This procedure is typically done twice a year during the development of permanent dentition, then annually.
28
What is the typical presentation of dental issues in horses?
Typical presentations include:
* Weight loss
* Poor breeding or nursing behavior
* Difficult and slow feeding
* Reluctance to drink cold water
* Head held to one side
* Excessive salivation
* Fetid breath
* Nasal discharge
* Facial or mandibular swelling
* Buccal ulceration
* Difficulty in mastication
## Footnote
These signs can lead to recurrent esophageal choke or intestinal impaction.
29
What diagnostic methods are used for dental disorders in horses?
Diagnostic methods include:
* Physical mouth exam
* History of gradual onset
* Whole grain in feces
* Radiographs (oblique views at 30-45°)
## Footnote
Radiographs help separate the dental arcades for better assessment.
30
What are the key components of a routine dental exam in horses?
Key components include:
* Handling the horse's head until relaxed
* Reaching into the interdental space
* Grabbing the tongue to prevent biting
* Using mouth gags (speculum)
* Feeling for points on teeth
* Traditional removal of short roots
## Footnote
Restraint and safety are essential during the exam.
31
Fill in the blank: The angle for floating teeth should be at _______.
[45°]
## Footnote
This angle is important to ensure effective filing of the teeth.
32
What are retained deciduous teeth?
Teeth that remain in the mouth when permanent teeth erupt behind them.
## Footnote
Examples include retained deciduous incisors and caps on permanent premolars.
33
What is 'quidding' in horses?
'Quidding' refers to the act of dropping feed out of the mouth while eating.
## Footnote
It often occurs due to dental issues.
34
What issues can retained deciduous teeth cause?
* Interference with normal eruption of permanent teeth
* Pain during eating
* Trapping of irritating food
* Malocclusions
## Footnote
Retained teeth can lead to eating disorders and weight loss.
35
What is a hook in dental terms?
A sharp projection on a tooth, typically seen on the first upper cheek tooth (PM2) or last lower cheek tooth (M3).
## Footnote
Hooks can contribute to malocclusions.
36
What is 'step mouth'?
An abnormal undulating surface of teeth due to wear, often seen in old horses and ponies.
## Footnote
It may cause feeding abnormalities and weight loss.
37
What is 'shear mouth'?
A dental condition characterized by an abrupt change in height of teeth, often due to missing opposite teeth or retained caps.
## Footnote
It can lead to inefficient eating and weight loss.
38
What is lampas?
Transient inflammation of the mucosa of the hard palate during tooth eruption.
## Footnote
Lampas is self-limiting and may require treatment if severe.
39
What is the treatment for retained incisors?
Remove the retained incisors.
## Footnote
This often requires dental intervention.
40
What can cause pain when eating in horses?
Long retained caps that hit the gum or interfere with normal chewing.
## Footnote
This can lead to head tossing and weight loss.
41
Fill in the blank: Caps on top of permanent PMs are known as _______.
retained deciduous teeth
42
What are the clinical signs (CS) of dental issues in horses?
* 'Quidding'
* Weight loss
* Feeding abnormalities
* Whole grain in feces
## Footnote
These signs indicate possible dental problems.
43
What is the treatment for 'step mouth'?
Floating the teeth to level them out.
## Footnote
This is crucial to prevent further dental issues.
44
What dental condition can cause a hook on the first cheek tooth?
Malocclusions.
## Footnote
Hooks can lead to feeding difficulties.
45
What is the recommended approach for severe dental issues?
Combine floating and cutting if necessary.
## Footnote
Proper restraint or tranquilization is crucial during dental procedures.
46
What are dental cysts?
Fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the jawbone or near teeth.
## Footnote
Includes dentigerous cysts and dental teratomas.
47
What is a dentigerous cyst?
A cyst that arises from tooth germ tissue, usually found in the ear or temporal region.
## Footnote
Can also occur in the cranial vault or maxillary sinus.
48
What are the common clinical signs of dentigerous cysts?
Fluxuant swelling at the base of the ear, often with a fistula opening.
## Footnote
May also include seromucous discharge.
49
Define brachygnathia.
A condition characterized by a shortened lower jaw, often referred to as parrot mouth.
## Footnote
It is the most common deformity observed.
50
What is prognathia?
A condition where the lower jaw is elongated, known as sow mouth.
## Footnote
This condition is less common than brachygnathia.
51
What causes dental abscessation?
Causes include trauma, broken teeth, malocclusion, patent infundibulum, and caries.
## Footnote
Can lead to difficulty in mastication and 'quidding.'
52
What is 'quidding'?
Dropping half-chewed feed due to dental issues.
## Footnote
Results from difficulty in chewing.
53
What are the signs of maxillary sinusitis?
Unilateral purulent nasal discharge and swelling on the face or mandible.
## Footnote
Chronic cases may lead to facial distortion and tearing.
54
How is a dentigerous cyst diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes clinical examination, radiographs, and signs of discharge from the ear area.
## Footnote
Radiographs help visualize teeth attached to the temporal bone.
55
What is the treatment for a dentigerous cyst?
Surgical removal of the cyst, careful dissection around the capsule, and management of the temporal lobe.
56
What is the significance of lamina dura in dental health?
Lamina dura is the radiopaque line around the tooth roots and its destruction indicates periodontal disease.
## Footnote
Radiographs are essential for diagnosis.
57
Fill in the blank: Periodontal disease starts with _______.
gingivitis.
58
True or False: Teeth do not fall out because they are packed tightly together.
True.
59
What should be done for loose teeth in aged horses?
They should be removed to prevent discomfort and subsequent infection.
## Footnote
Loose teeth can lead to serious dental issues.
60
What is the primary cause of maxillary sinusitis related to dental health?
Dental abscessation of the first two cheek teeth.
## Footnote
It is the #1 cause of maxillary sinusitis.
61
What is an infundibulum in the context of teeth?
A normal indentation on the occlusal surfaces of teeth, often referred to as a cup or dark spot.
62
What radiographic technique is best for diagnosing periodontal disease?
Oblique radiographs at 30° to horizontal, centering the beam in the maxillary sinus.
63
What is the procedure for removing a tooth in older horses?
The tooth is pulled inside the mouth and packed with gauze.
## Footnote
This is to prevent complications during the extraction.
64
What is the term for when teeth are packed too tightly together?
Malocclusion.
65
What is the method for extracting an old, loose tooth?
Extracted by hand or with small molar forceps
66
What is the first step in removing a loose infected tooth?
Detach buccal & lingual gingiva from crown
67
How can a loose infected tooth be removed?
Rocking with a long-handled molar forceps or introducing a fulcrum and lever
68
What should be done if a young horse's tooth is too long to move straight out?
May push sideways by finger or cut off with tooth shears
69
What is the procedure for infected teeth that are not loose?
Must be repulsed
70
What are common clinical signs (CS) of tooth issues?
* Weight loss
* Odor
71
What is the first molar referred to in tooth repulsion?
Molar 1
72
Where are the maxillary cheek teeth PM2 & PM3 located?
In front of maxillary sinus
73
What is the purpose of trephining in tooth repulsion?
To create an opening above the occlusal surface of the tooth
74
Where should the trephine hole be placed for PM4, M1 & M2 in 5-8 year-olds?
Above the caudal edge of the tooth
75
For horses older than 8 years, where should the trephine hole be placed?
More towards the center of the table surface
76
Where is the third molar (M3) located in relation to the maxillary sinus?
Far back in the caudal maxillary sinus, below the orbit
77
What is the trephine location for mandibular cheek teeth P2?
Over the center of the table surface
78
Where should the trephine hole be placed for P3, P4, M1 & M2 in horses older than 8 years?
More over the center of the occlusal surface
79
What is the procedure for trephining the third molar (M3) in the mandible?
Close to the border of the mandible through masseter muscle
80
What is oligodontia?
Absence of teeth, rare
81
What is polydontia?
Supernumerary incisors & molars
82
What is a characteristic of a sand mouth?
Incisors worn down to gum line in area with a lot of sand
83
What should be done after pulling a tooth?
Pack alveolus with gauze or dental wax
84
What is the purpose of packing the alveolus with gauze after a tooth extraction?
To prevent the alveolus from becoming impacted with feed
85
How often should the gauze be changed after a tooth extraction?
Every other day
86
How long does it typically take for the socket to granulate in after a tooth extraction?
3-4 weeks
87
What material can be used to pack a repulsed tooth?
Methylmethacrylate or dental impression material
88
What is a common presentation of jaw fractures?
Difficulty eating
## Footnote
Jaw fractures often lead to malocclusion and trauma, particularly in the interdental area of the mandible.
89
How is the diagnosis of jaw fractures typically characterized?
Usually not difficult, malocclusion
## Footnote
Diagnosis may involve observing the alignment of the teeth and jaw.
90
What is the treatment for jaw fractures?
Immobilize
## Footnote
The prognosis depends on the stability of both sides of the jaw.
91
What are oral tumors in equines most commonly associated with?
Melanomas
## Footnote
Oral tumors are rare in horses.
92
What is palatoschisis?
Defect always at back of the palate
## Footnote
Palate closes from rostral to caudal and may have a genetic component.
93
What happens to a nursing foal with a cleft palate?
Milk comes out of nose when head is down
## Footnote
If not corrected, the foal may die of starvation.
94
What is a common differential diagnosis for cleft palate?
Choke
## Footnote
Clinical signs include milk coming out of the nose.
95
What are the primary causes of gingivitis and stomatitis?
Primary: vesicular stomatitis, horse pox, candidiasis, pseudomonas
## Footnote
Secondary causes may include periodontal disease and various toxicities.
96
What are common clinical signs of gingivitis and stomatitis?
Reluctance to eat, depression, salivation
## Footnote
These signs may be accompanied by ulceration, swelling, and redness.
97
What is a common treatment for gingivitis and stomatitis?
Lavage mouth with povidone-iodine, fluids, treat primary disease
## Footnote
Addressing the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment.
98
What is an esophageal stricture?
Constriction of esophagus
## Footnote
It can be caused by prolonged choke, trauma, reflux esophagitis, and more.
99
What are the clinical signs of an esophageal stricture?
Recurrent choke, dysphagia
## Footnote
This may lead to further complications if not managed.
100
What is the recommended dietary management for esophageal stricture?
Long-term slurry of pelleted feed and roughage
## Footnote
Complete pellets with no roughage are often advised.
101
What is bougienage?
Indirect method to dilate stenotic region
## Footnote
It is a non-surgical method that is safer and more effective if done early.
102
What surgical corrections may be performed for esophageal issues?
Esophagomyotomy, esophagoplasty, patch grafting
## Footnote
These procedures have a high potential for complications.
103
What is the prognosis for jaw fractures that are unstable on both sides?
Need a lot to stabilize the jaw
## Footnote
Prognosis depends on the mobility and stability of the fracture.
104
Fill in the blank: The defect in palatoschisis is always at the _______.
back
## Footnote
This condition can lead to significant feeding difficulties.
105
True or False: Oral tumors are common in equines.
False
## Footnote
Oral tumors are rare in horses, with melanomas being the most common type.
106
What is the most commonly diagnosed esophageal disorder of the horse?
Choke
## Footnote
Choke occurs due to various causes, primarily involving the obstruction of the esophagus.
107
What are the primary causes of choke in horses?
* Greedily eating dry grain or pelleted feed
* Improper mastication (defective teeth in older horses, erupting teeth in young horses)
* During recovery from anesthesia
* Exhausted animals
* Occasionally medicinal boluses, ears of corn, potatoes, or bolus of hay
## Footnote
These factors contribute to the risk of esophageal obstruction.
108
What are some clinical signs (CS) of choke in horses?
* Anxiety and distress (pawing, getting up and down)
* Arched neck
* Retching
* Profuse salivating
* Regurgitation of food or saliva through nostrils
* Coughing
* Anorexia and depression
## Footnote
These signs indicate significant discomfort and potential obstruction.
109
How can choke be diagnosed in horses?
* History (Hx)
* Clinical signs (CS)
* Palpation of a large, soft mass
* Nasogastric tube placement
* Survey radiographs
## Footnote
Diagnosis often requires multiple methods to confirm the presence of an obstruction.
110
What is the recommended treatment for choke in horses?
* Stomach tube for lavage (pumping and siphoning)
* Heavy sedation (e.g., Rompun, Detomidine)
* Avoid using mineral oil or dioctyl Na sulfosuccinate (DSS)
* Allow healing by second intention
## Footnote
Treatment is critical to prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
111
What are potential sequelae of choke in horses?
* Aspiration pneumonia
* Necrosis of the esophagus
* Esophageal fistula
* Stricture
## Footnote
These complications can arise if choke is not effectively treated.
112
What is ptyalism?
Excessive saliva production, often caused by pain in the mouth, pharynx, or esophagus.
## Footnote
Ptyalism can also be related to heavy metals or slaframine.
113
What are some common issues associated with salivary glands?
* Wounds and infections usually heal well by second intention
* Blockage of salivary ducts may cause fistulae or mucoceles
* Salivary tumors are rare (benign adenomas or adenocarcinomas)
## Footnote
These conditions can lead to significant complications if not addressed.
114
What is a ranula?
Cystic dilatation in the mouth due to blockage of salivary glands.
## Footnote
Ranulas are a specific type of mucocele.
115
What is the recommended approach for managing choke in horses?
* Tranquilize the horse
* Confine and provide water, but no feed
* Allow for spontaneous recovery
* If necessary, lavage under general anesthesia
## Footnote
Management should be careful to avoid complications.
116
What should be done if esophageal mucosal damage is observed after choke is resolved?
* If minimal damage, return to normal feeding
* If irritation or ulceration is present, withhold food for 24-72 hours
* Provide nonirritating, moist feed after the initial recovery period
## Footnote
Careful evaluation post-recovery is essential for the horse's health.
117
What is gastritis?
Uncommon in the horse; manifestation of other diseases.
## Footnote
Gastritis can be a sign of underlying health issues rather than a primary condition.
118
What are the causes of gastric catarrh?
* Irritating substances
* Overeating, grain overload
* Sudden diet changes
* Ingestion of hot, frozen, moldy, or spoiled feed
* Ingestion of sand or foreign body
* Cribbing
* Parasites
* Reflux from small intestine
* Carcinoma
## Footnote
Reflux is associated with small intestinal obstruction, leading to gastritis due to inability to vomit.
119
What are the clinical signs of gastritis?
* Drooling, excess salivation
* Anorexia (don't eat)
* Colic (subacute)
* Dark or tarry feces if hemorrhage
* Gastric dilatation and pylorospasm
* Elevated temperature
* Severe colic
* Fast and weak pulse
* Profuse sweating
* Sitting dog stance
## Footnote
Chronic signs include weight loss, debilitation, and intermittent colic.
120
What are the sequelae of gastritis?
* Laminitis
* Gastric rupture
## Footnote
Laminitis can accompany or follow gastritis.
121
What is Trichostrongylus axei?
A small stomach worm causing chronic catarrhal gastritis infection in horses.
## Footnote
Similar symptoms to those seen in cattle.
122
What are the clinical signs of Trichostrongylus infection?
* Gastritis
* Weight loss
## Footnote
Clinical signs are rare; infections are more common.
123
What is the treatment for gastritis?
* Remove cause
* Restricted, easily digested diet
* Mineral oil
* Protectants (e.g., Pepto-Bismol®, Kaolin®)
* Stomach tube
* Gastric lavage
* H2 blockers
* Torbugesic® (butorphanol)
* Spasmolytics
* IV fluids for shock
* Gastrotomy for severe cases
## Footnote
Gradually reintroduce food once clinical signs abate.
124
Fill in the blank: Irritating substances include _______.
[Blister Beetles, coarse feed, lead paint, arsenic, mercury, DSS]
## Footnote
These substances can cause gastric irritation and lead to gastritis.
125
How often should horses be dewormed with ivermectin?
Every 8 weeks.
## Footnote
Routine deworming helps prevent infections that can lead to gastritis.
126
What diagnostic methods are used to identify gastric issues?
* History and clinical signs
* Endoscopy
* Fecal culture
* Post mortem examination
## Footnote
Identification of larvae and nodular areas of thickened mucosa can indicate gastric issues.
