Lidocaine (100mg 2%) injected into the carpal joint was used to evaluate the inflammatory response induced by injection (1.5ng) of intra-articular E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin. Seventeen male Mangalarga horses aged two to three years were divided into three groups and in all animals was injected 0.9% saline (SAL) in the left carpus (LC), and in the right carpus (RC) one of the following combinations were injected: group A (n=6) LPS plus SAL; group B (n=6) LPS plus lidocaine; group C (n=5) lidocaine plus SAL. Synovial fluid and blood samples were collected immediately before the injection of LPS (T0), and at 1.5 (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3), 12 (T4) and 36 hours (T5) after the injection. Clinical and physical variables and cellular and biochemical characteristics of the synovial fluid were evaluated at the same time. The local and systemic inflammatory response was evaluated by measurement of mean serum and synovial fluid TNF-alpha concentration. A rise in TNF-alpha concentration in LPS injected joints at 3h in group A and from 1.5h to 3h in group B was observed. It is concluded that LPS triggered an inflammatory process and that lidocaine did not inhibit or attenuate the LPS-induced synovitis nor the synthesis and release of TNF-alpha .

This study evaluates the wound-healing process in horses following the application of two treatment modalities: bacterial cellulose hydrogel with alginate (BCAW) and frog skin (FSW) dressings on experimentally induced skin wounds. Throughout the experiment, no clinical abnormalities were noted in the horses, although initial wound assessments indicated edema and sensitivity. Local hemorrhage was observed in some cases on Day 0, with granulation tissue formation evident by Day 14. Epithelialization began around Day 14 but did not reach complete healing in any group by Day 28. The analysis showed no significant differences in skin wound area or wound contraction rates among the treatment groups compared to control wounds (CWs) over the evaluation periods. Histopathological evaluations also indicated no significant differences in inflammatory responses or healing markers, such as fibroblast proliferation and neovascularization in skin wounds across groups. Despite expectations based on prior research in other species, the treatments with BCAW and FSW did not demonstrate substantial pro-healing effects in horses with induced skin wounds. These findings underscore the complexity of equine wound healing and suggest further investigation is needed to optimize treatment strategies in this species and enhance the translational potential for human clinical applications.

Due to the scarcity of information on Breton horses, the objective was to study hematobiochemical values of this breed. Blood samples were collected from 29 Bretons, males and females, of different ages, in Brasília-DF, distributed into groups, according to age, without distinction of sex (G1): animals from 4 to 9 years old (n=16) and (G2): from 10 to 26 years old (n=13). The horses were also distributed into males and females for comparisons between the sexes. Values for red blood cells, hemoglobin, creatinine, and urea were statistically higher in females. Fibrinogen was higher in males. Lymphocyte values were higher in G1, but mean corpuscular volume, monocytes, neutrophils, and GGT in G2 were higher than G1. The hematocrit value differed between the ages of the females and was higher than that of the males, while the older male animals showed higher values than the young animals. Females presented lower platelet values than males, with older females having higher platelet values than younger females, in the same way as males. G1 females had the highest leukocyte values. The leukocyte values in males of G2 were higher than those of G1. This same behavior occurred for lymphocytes, eosinophils, and creatine kinase. Considering the albumin and aspartate aminotransferase variables, females had the highest values in the group of animals aged 4 to 9 years. Bretons are considered cold-blooded animals, which is consistent with the observed blood count values. However, it is concluded that these horses have biochemical values similar to warm-blooded breeds. Devido à escassez de informações sobre equinos da raça Bretão, objetivou-se estudar valores hematobioquímicos da raça. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 29 Bretões, machos e fêmeas de diferentes idades, em Brasília-DF, distribuídos entre grupos, segundo idade, sem distinção de sexo (G1): animais de 4 a 9 anos (n=16) e (G2): de 10 a 26 anos (n=13). Os mesmos também foram distribuídos em machos e fêmeas para comparação entre os sexos. Valores para hemácia, hemoglobina, creatinina e ureia foram estatisticamente maiores nas fêmeas. Fibrinogênio foi maior nos machos. Valores de linfócitos do G1 foram maiores, mas o volume corpuscular médio, monócitos, neutrófilos e GGT do G1 foram menores que do G2. Valor do hematócrito difere entre idades das fêmeas e foi superior ao dos machos, os animais machos mais velhos apresentaram valores superiores aos jovens. As fêmeas apresentaram valores de plaquetas menores que os machos, sendo que as mais velhas apresentaram valores de plaqueta maiores que as mais jovens, da mesma forma que os machos. No G1, as fêmeas apresentaram os maiores valores de leucócitos. Os valores de leucócitos nos machos do G2 foram maiores que os do G1. Esse mesmo comportamento ocorreu para linfócitos, eosinófilos e creatinaquinase. Já para as variáveis albumina e aspartato aminotransferase, no grupo de animais de 4 a 9 anos, as fêmeas tiveram os maiores valores. Bretões são animais de sangue frio, o que condiz com os valores do hemograma observados. Porém, conclui-se que estes equinos apresentam valores bioquímicos similares aos de sangue quente.

Background/Objectives: Skin injuries are common in the equine clinical practice, requiring effective treatment to support natural healing. Bacuri butter is gaining attention for its potential in wound healing and its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Natural polymers such as onion (Allium cepa) bioplastics have been investigated for their potential as occlusive dressings and for tissue regeneration. Methods: This study evaluated the healing process of experimentally induced skin wounds on horses treated with bacuri butter, washed onion film, and unwashed onion film. Clinical and histopathological analyses of the wounds were conducted in six clinically healthy horses over 28 days, with a control group receiving Ringer’s lactate solution. The onion films were produced and characterized for their chemical structure and properties, while the bacuri butter was sourced and prepared for application. Results: All treatments, including the control group, promoted wound healing without relevant differences in wound contraction rates, gross aspect, or histopathological parameters. Conclusions: Therefore, despite minor variations observed in the clinical evaluations between the treatment groups, the bacuri butter or onion biopolymer showed no significant healing effect on skin wounds in horses. Additionally, this study showed the potential of equine models in testing novel therapeutic approaches for wound healing, benefiting both veterinary and human medicine.

In this case report, the occurrence of thoracomelia in a female sheep is reported. Thoracomelia is acongenital malformation that can affect several animal species and is characterized by the presence ofa supernumerary limb in the thoracic region. Scientific studies regarding the etiology of changes of thisnature are limited in veterinary medicine, especially concerning sheep. So far, there is no consensusregarding if the origin of this congenital malformation is genetic or environmental. Here, we provide thehistorical and photographic record of thoracomelia in a female sheep, and relate the malformation to anenvironmental cause: physical aggression suffered during embryonic development. The sheep underwenta surgical procedure for removal of the accessory limb and subsequently remained in the breeding line,giving birth to healthy descendants without thoracomelia. Relata-se a ocorrência de toracomelia em ovelha, uma malformação congênita caracterizada pela presençade membro supranumerário na região torácica e que pode acometer diversas espécies animais. Estudoscientíficos a respeito da etiologia de alterações dessa natureza são limitados na Medicina Veterinária,especialmente em relação a ovinos, não havendo consenso se a origem é genética ou ambiental. Esserelato de caso disponibiliza o registro histórico e fotográfico da toracomelia, e relaciona a malformação aorigem ambiental, devido a agressão física sofrida durante o desenvolvimento embrionário. A ovelha foisubmetida a procedimento cirúrgico para exérese do membro acessório e, mantida na linha de reprodução,originando descendentes normais.

Background: Obstructive urolithiasis is a rare but potentially serious condition in equids. In the reviewed literature, there are several case reports of urolithiasis in horses and donkeys, but the only mention of this condition in mules occurred as incidental findings at a slaughterhouse. Therefore, this work aims to describe the first report and successful treatment of obstructive urethrolithiasis in a mule (Equus asinus x Equus caballus). Case: A 10-year-old castrated male mule weighing 380 kg was referred for hospital care. Tachycardia (64 beats per min), mild dehydration (7%), increased capillary filling time (3 s), slightly congested mucous membranes, and dysuria were observed. During its attempts to urinate, the mule was able to expose the penis, resulting in only dribbling of urine with reddish coloration. Urethral catheterization failed to reach the urinary bladder and revealed an obstruction at the ischial arch (7 x 4 cm), as confirmed by palpation and ultrasonography. Additionally, rectal ultrasound examination showed urine sedimentation and a single 2.36 mm vesical calculus. After sedation, local anesthesia, and surgical preparation, urethrotomy in the standing position was performed over the urethral obstruction at the ischial arch, reaching the urethrolith that fragmented during removal. Urethral catheterization from the urethrotomy site to flush the urinary bladder and urethra were performed, but the remaining vesical calculus was not retrieved. Considering the presence of a vesical calculus, severe urethral damage caused by the spiculated calculus and catheterization attempts, permanent perineal urethrostomy was performed. Laboratory tests revealed unremarkable hematological parameters, while serum biochemistry showed increased creatinine level. Urinalysis revealed cloudiness, amber appearance, countless red blood cells and bacteria, and calcium carbonate crystals. The urethrolith composition included ammonia, carbonate, and oxalate. Twelve months after surgery, the mule was healthy, the urethrostomy was viable, and no complications were recorded during this period. Discussion: Although uncommon, there are reports describing calculi of different sizes and weighing up to 803 g, causing mild to severe clinical signs according to the degree of obstruction in horses and donkeys. In the mule described here, the urethrolith did not completely obstruct the urethra, but the spiculated calculus caused dysuria and hematuria. In fact, most animals are usually referred for acute abdominal signs or hematuria and pollakiuria, but other unusual signs, such as rectal prolapse, may also be present. In the present report, the diagnosis of obstructive urethrolithiasis was established based on clinical signs and transcutaneous ultrasound of the subischial area, allowing visualization of the urethrolith. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of obstructive urethrolithiasis affecting a mule in Brazil. We reiterate that this condition must be included in the differential diagnosis of mules and hinnies with hematuria and dysuria, especially when associated with abdominal pain. Additionally, urethrostomy associated with urethrotomy performed on this mule in the standing position was a low-cost procedure with good results. Due to the lack of specificity regarding the food management of the mule on the previous farm, an assessment cannot be made regarding the effects of its food on urolith composition.