Cranial mid-body fractures of the axis in horses result from hyperflexion of the neck and are most commonly associated with lateral bending falls over showjumping or steeple chase fences. In the authors' experience, conservative treatment of mild to moderately displaced cranial mid-body axis fractures has been unsuccessful. This case report describes surgical management of a cranial mid-body fracture of the axis in an eight-year-old warmblood gelding that sustained the injury during a showjumping course. Following reduction, a five hole 4.5mm equine compression T-plate was contoured to fit the ventral aspect of the axis and used as an internal fixator. The horse was turned out starting 2 months after surgery and training was gradually resumed. No lameness, ataxia or decrease in cervical range motion were reported after surgery. Check-up radiographs at 5 months post-op showed complete healing of the fracture. T-LCP fixation is a promising treatment option for cranial mid-body fractures of the axis with a good prognosis for athletic function.

A five-year-old Oldenburg maiden mare presented for reproductive evaluation following several months, where the owner noticed the mare exhibiting irregular behavioral estrus. After an initial attempt to manage the mare with an estrus suppression medication, a more thorough investigation was performed, ultimately leading to the identification of several reproductive anatomical abnormalities and sex chromosome karyotyping, which allowed for the diagnosis of sex chromosome mosaicism. Based on a recent literature search, this is the first report of 64,XX/64,XY/63,XO mosaicism in a mare, where abnormal and irregular behavioral issues were the primary presenting sign. This report describes the clinical signs and diagnostic investigation that led to the eventual diagnosis and further discusses how such a common and seemingly innocuous presenting problem, can have a complex underlying etiology, with significant implications for the horse’s future working, and reproductive potential.

This case report describes the successful treatment of a three-month-old lame foal. Radiographs confirmed a septic physitis of the right distal tibia, which was unresponsive to initial antibiotic therapy. Culture of the lesion grew Rhodococcus equi. Systemic antimicrobial therapy was changed to rifampin and clarithromycin, and intravenous regional limb perfusions with erythromycin were performed daily for four days. Within 24 hours the lameness was improved. Swelling around the lesion was reduced, and previously abnormal clinical parameters were returned to within normal limits. The filly continued to recover and was turned out without complications one-month post-discharge. This case discusses the use of erythromycin IVRP as a treatment for septic physitis caused by Rhodococcus equi.

Background: Antimicrobials essential for human health must be used judiciously. Objectives: Quantify current use and indications for critically important antibiotics (“protected antibiotics”) in general equine practice. Study Design: Prospective descriptive. Methods: Systemic use of 3 rd generation cephalosporins (ceftiofur), fluroquinolones (enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin), macrolides (clarithromycin), ansamycins (rifampin) and polymyxins (polymyxin B) (classified as “protected antibiotics”) were prospectively recorded in 19 equine practices over a six-month period (April - September 2023). Results: Protected antibiotics were prescribed to 200 horses with 10 horses prescribed two protected antibiotics concurrently. These included ceftiofur (48.2%), enrofloxacin (34.3%%), marbofloxacin (7.1%), polymyxin B (6.2%), rifampin (2.8%) and clarithromycin (1.4%). The mean number of protected antibiotics prescribed per practice was 10.5 (SD 12.4, range 0-41). The commonest clinical indications were respiratory disease (18.0%), foal septic diseases (16.5%), gastrointestinal diseases (15.0%), complicated wounds (13.5%), “dummy”/premature foals (7.5%) and cellulitis/lymphangitis (6.5%). Of 190 horses prescribed protected antibiotics, 76 (40.0%) were foals (less than 12 months of age). Horse age (foal or adult) was associated with specific antibiotic use (p < 0.001), with 73.7% of ceftiofur prescriptions for foals, and 97.0% and 100% of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin prescriptions respectively for adults. Horses less than one year of age were less likely to have culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) compared to adults (P < 0.001). Commonest justifications for protected antibiotic use were lack of alternative preparations suitable for foals (27.5%), AST results (24.9%) and failure to respond to previous antibiotic treatment (17.1%). Main Limitations: Convenience sampling with small number of cases. Aminoglycoside use not evaluated. Conclusions: Respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, complicated wounds and foal infections were the commonest reasons for protected antibiotic use. Lack of alternative drugs (for foals) and C&S results or failed previous treatments were commonest justifications.

Background : Recruitment and retention of veterinarians are major problems. Objectives : Investigate equine veterinary surgeons’ perceptions about working in the UK equine veterinary industry. Study design : On-line questionnaire of veterinary surgeon members of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). Methods : The questionnaire was distributed to equine veterinary surgeons via BEVA newsletters between May and December 2022. Results : There were 480 usable responses (180 males and 297 females; median age 39 years). 81% worked full-time. 86% worked in equine practice (13% in mixed practice). 41% thought there were sufficient staff numbers relative to the workload, with a significant association with age (p<0.001). The median average working week (excluding out of hours) was 52.5 hours. 70% reported “chasing their tail” all the time / frequently. Frequent discrimination from clients was reported by 10% and was statistically associated with age (P<0.001). Over 60% reported they were worried about having complaints lodged by clients with the RCVS, statistically associated with age (p=0.007). 43% felt they received adequate mental wellbeing support from their employer. 50% acquired their current job by personal recommendation. 34.5% said they would likely to be looking for a new job in the next two years. The most important reasons why respondents would consider leaving their current job included work life balance (13%), family (112%), salary (10%), working times (7%), career prospects (6%) and out of hours rota (6%). The most important reasons for staying in their current job were location (12%), team (10%), family (8%), salary (6%), work-life balance (5%), and case load (5%). Conclusions : Recruitment and retention are important problems facing the equine veterinary profession. Working times (including out of hours), work life balance, general and mental wellbeing support remain important factors affecting equine veterinarians’ perceptions about their jobs, especially for younger veterinarians.

Helminth infections remain highly prevalent among grazing equids worldwide, with cyathostomins and the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata representing the most widespread parasites. While most horses tolerate low helminth burdens without overt clinical signs, a minority develop higher burdens that can result in substantial intestinal pathology. Infection with A. perfoliata burdens exceeding 20 worms has been strongly associated with mucosal ulceration, ileocaecal valve dysfunction and various forms of colic. Consequently, mounting evidence of reduced anthelmintic efficacy against A. perfoliata represents a growing concern, particularly in light of the apparent absence of a drug development pipeline for equine anthelmintics. This situation highlights the need for sustainable, evidence-based control strategies that favour diagnostic-led treatments over routine blanket deworming. Traditional coprological methods, although integral to nematode control, lack sensitivity for detecting A. perfoliata due to the parasite’s intermittent egg shedding and typically low faecal egg output. In contrast, serological and salivary immunoassays targeting parasite-specific IgG(T) have been developed, providing a more sensitive means of assessing infection status, with antibody levels shown to correlate with tapeworm infection levels. Incorporation of these tests into helminth control programmes enables targeted treatment of infected horses while minimising unnecessary anthelmintic use in individuals with little or no infection. When combined with robust pasture management practices, including regular faecal removal, maintenance of low stocking densities, rotational grazing with non-equine species and adequate paddock rest periods, diagnostic-led approaches can substantially reduce reliance on anthelmintics. This not only helps preserve drug efficacy through the maintenance of refugia but also supports sustainable long-term control of equine tapeworm infections. However, there remains an urgent need to develop validated methods for assessing anthelmintic efficacy against A. perfoliata, which should be a key priority for future research.

Background: Strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi, is an endemic disease of horses throughout the world. A vaccine against strangles, Strangvac, is available in Europe, but there are no published serological data following the revaccination of Sport horses. Objectives: To measure the antibody response of Sport horses to the components of Strangvac before and after third vaccination. Study Design: Longitudinal cohort study. Methods: Adult Sport horses were administered their third vaccination with Strangvac at 5 months (group 1, n=20) or 12 months (group 2, n=15) after second vaccination. Horses were monitored closely for adverse signs. Blood samples were collected from both groups immediately before and 14 days after third vaccination to quantify antibody responses by ELISA. Results: Transient signs of mild injection site swelling in 8.5 % horses for 2 days, and a temperature rise of ~0.8 oC in most horses for 1 day, occurred post-vaccination. Health status returned to normal within 48 hours. The antibody titres to the vaccine components were 3.34±0.31 and 3.14±0.29 before third vaccination and increased significantly to 3.90±0.29 and 3.90±0.17 after third vaccination in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P<0.0001 for both groups). Main limitations: Data and samples from a matched unvaccinated control group were unavailable. Conclusions: Strangvac was safe and a revaccination program after 5 or 12 months was equally efficient for the vaccination of Sport horses.

The case report by Vandecandelaere et al. (2025) describing two fatalities following administration of extended-release injectable omeprazole (ERIO) provides an important opportunity to reflect on the inherent risks associated with parenteral drug administration in horses. While these deaths are undoubtedly tragic, it is essential to contextualise this risk within the broader landscape of equine injectable therapeutics to provide balanced clinical guidance.

\received DD MMMM YYYY \acceptedDD MMMM YYYY Background : The diagnosis and management of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in horses is based on evaluating abnormal plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Treatment commonly includes the oral dopamine agonist pergolide mesylate, which suppresses the pathologic overproduction of ACTH. Cabergoline is a commercially available long-acting injectable dopamine agonist that may provide an alternative means of treating horses with PPID by producing similar effects on plasma ACTH concentrations. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of IM cabergoline administration on plasma ACTH concentrations in horses with PPID Study Design: Experimental study with multiple repeated measures Methods: Twelve adult horses with PPID were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group was administered a 0.01 mg/kg dose of intramuscular cabergoline at two time points, two weeks apart. Control horses received an intramuscular injection of sterile saline at the same time points. Horses were monitored for adverse effects. Blood samples were collected for endogenous ACTH concentration monitoring at serial time points. Results: Horses in the treatment group had a reduction in plasma ACTH concentration from a mean of 153.35 pg/mL to 24.117pg/mL following the initial administration of cabergoline. Their ACTH levels remained within the seasonally appropriate range until twelve days after the second cabergoline injection. Horses in the control group never achieved appropriate ACTH concentrations. The treated horses showed appetite suppression immediately following cabergoline administration, but no significant weight loss when compared to control horses. Main Limitations: The study group was small, and data collection overlapped with the natural fall rise in ACTH, which complicated interpretation of the results. Conclusions: Injectable cabergoline appeared effective in reducing plasma ACTH concentrations in the PPID horses to seasonally appropriate ranges. There appeared to be a transient reduction in appetite following cabergoline injection, but not a significant loss of weight in comparison to control horses.

Gastric outflow obstruction (GFO) occasionally requires surgical intervention in foals when medical management fails. Current literature lacks consensus on several surgical decisions, with most comprehensive reports dating back over a decade. Critical aspects—including jejunal loop orientation and necessity of jejunojejunostomy—remain debated among surgeons. Long-term data regarding complications, growth, and athletic performance are scarce. This case series documents the long-term outcomes of two Lusitano dressage foals that underwent bypass surgery for GFO, providing contemporary outcome data for specific surgical decisions where evidence remains limited. Two Lusitano foals underwent bypass procedures for GFO. Case 1: A 15-day-old orphan foal with pyloric stenosis underwent side-to-side gastrojejunostomy without jejunojejunostomy, with jejunal loop oriented left-to-right. Six years post-operatively, the horse performs dressage at a competitive level with normal growth and conformation. Case 2: A 12-hour-old foal underwent gastroduodenostomy; nearly three years later, it continues without complications. This series contributes recent outcome data for specific surgical decisions in bypass procedures. Both foals achieved favourable results. Left-to-right orientation gastrojejunostomy and without jejunojejunostomy worked perfectly. Importantly, extended follow-up documents the absence of long-term complications, normal growth, and athletic performance—critically needed information for surgical decision-making and owner communication regarding these uncommon, costly procedures.

Background Operating theatres are major generators of waste and greenhouse gases. Methods The weights / types of waste from equine orthopaedic, colic, soft tissue and arthroscopic surgeries (convenience sampling) were audited during three six months periods: period 1, prior to intervention; period 2, following training / education of teams about waste segregation; period 3, following introduction of reusable surgical textiles (drapes, gowns, instrument packaging). Results In all surgery types, the mean total waste mass in period 3 was lower than the other two time periods. For all surgery types, the mean percentage of the waste that was offensive reduced from period 1 to period 2, followed by a further reduction in period 3. In all surgery types, the mean percentage of domestic waste was higher in period 3 than in period 1. The mean percentage of recyclable waste was lower during period 3 than during period 2. Main limitations Low numbers of surgeries. Conclusions Education and training of surgical teams on appropriate waste segregation and introduction of reusable surgical textiles resulted in reduced total waste and offensive waste, and increased domestic waste generated in equine surgery. These changes have reduced the carbon footprint of equine surgery in this theatre.

A 14-year-old female miniature horse presented with mild colic signs. The owner reported a history of colic secondary to presumed gastric ulceration, treated with flunixin meglumine and omeprazole. On admission, physical examination demonstrated a normal TPR with reduced intestinal motility. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed distended, thickened small intestine loops (14 mm) in the right paralumbar fossa (Fig. [1](#fig-cap-0001)). Radiographs confirmed multiple enteroliths and sand accumulation. Routine bloodwork indicated dehydration (PCV 54%) and mild hyperlactatemia (3.79 mmol/L). As a results of abdominal ultrasound findings, an exploratory celiotomy was performed, revealing a strangulation obstruction of the distal jejunum and ileum due to epiploic foramen entrapment, along with multiple enteroliths. Approximately two feet of nonviable small intestine were resected, and a jejunocecostomy was created. Two enterotomies were performed to remove enteroliths and sand. Postoperatively, the miniature horse received IV fluids with lidocaine, NSAIDs, antibiotics, and omeprazole. By day seven, the miniature horse resumed a normal diet and was discharged on day ten. At an 18-month follow-up, the miniature horse remained healthy and fully active. This case represents the first reported instance of epiploic foramen entrapment in a miniature horse.

Summary: Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous, small, rod shaped, gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, saprophytic bacterium living in the plant-soil environment. Equine listeriosis is rarely reported and literature-based evidence is scarce. Horse presented at Equine Clinic of University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Slovakia, showed only limited neurological signs, but the illness was terminal. The duration of the disease was short and development of clinical signs after presentation to the clinic was fast. Patient succumbed to the infection within 12 hrs. after presentation; bacteria was diagnosed in the brain tissue using bacteriological culture method. Our brief paper describes the clinical signs on presentation, biochemistry and urine analysis findings, development of the clinical symptomatology and necropsy findings.

backend=biber, style=alphabetic, sorting=ynt ]biblatex A 4-year-old, 6-month pregnant, Welsh pony mare presented with severe acute clinical signs including depression, anorexia, pale mucous membranes, tachycardia with a grade 4/6 holosystolic murmur, and moderate expiratory dyspnoea with abnormal lung sounds. There was no evidence of placentitis or foetal distress. Electrocardiography showed sinus tachycardia. Echocardiography revealed hypertrophy of the atria and ventricles, dilatation of the pulmonary artery, and irregular hyperechoic thickening of the mitral valve leaflets, with moderate to severe regurgitation. Systolic function was severely impaired and pulmonary radiographs were consistent with pulmonary oedema. Congenital mitral valve dysplasia or early degenerative valve disease was suspected. Left heart failure did not respond to emergency treatment, and the pony developed severe jugular venous distension and a retrograde pulse. Due to the poor prognosis, euthanasia was elected. Post-mortem examination found thickening of the mitral valve leaflets and severe dilatation of all four cardiac chambers, with no other cardiac lesions. Histological examination showed myxoid valvular degeneration, but could not clearly differentiate congenital dysplasia from the development of early degenerative mitral valve disease. In this case, the physiological effect of gestation may have exacerbated the deleterious haemodynamic effect of mitral valve insufficiency.

A neonatal foal presenting with surgical site infection following internal fixation of a transverse, displaced fracture of the distal third left metatarsus was successfully managed using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Negative pressure wound therapy promoted rapid formation of healthy granulation tissue, resolution of infection and stability of the implant until bone healing was achieved while minimizing hospital personal exposure to multiple-drug-resistant pathogens.